Healthy Living


Bright neon eye-shadow
Bright neon shades are certainly making waves in 2019! From green eyeliner and hot-pink mascara to orange and blue eye-shadow – the brighter the better, it seems.
BRIGHT NEON EYE-SHADOW
Bright neon shades are certainly making waves in 2019! From green eyeliner and hot-pink mascara to orange and blue eye-shadow – the brighter the better, it seems.
NAIL JEWELS
Nail art will still be trending up a storm, with the added twist of nail jewellery.
ASHY-TONED HAIR COLOURS
Those grey and light pink washes are not going anywhere, but both are getting a bit of a smokey make-over – yay! Balayage techniques will also be seen with all sorts of colourful tips, so let your imagination run wild.
HEATWAVE BEAUTY
Think sun-kissed and glowing skin paired with wind-swept, just-showered hair being all the rage. The heatwave beauty trend is all about natural, warm tones, so get out that bronzer, sea-salt spray and shimmery bronze make-up and fake it.
GLITTERS
Glitter eye-shadow is still very much a thing, and for those who are brave enough, so is making a hair statement with glitter.
YES YELLOW
From nails to eyes, and even cheeks, yellow will certainly be around in a big way this year. Being a tricky make-up colour to master, be sure to play around with various shades to find the one that best suits your skin tone; you don’t want to look ill, but rather bright and beautiful.
10 GENIUS WAYS TO MAKE THIN HAIR LOOK THICK

1. Steer clear of shampoos containing ammonium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate.
These ingredients are added to make the shampoo feel thicker and richer in your hand, and also to create the foaming lather people have come to expect.
2. Don’t over-dry your hair
Over-stretching or straightening the hair shaft whilst drying it will take all the elasticity and natural volume out of your hair. Be gentle with it and don’t over-dry it.
3. Say good-bye to the super long hair
Medium to short haircut lengths are best for fine hair. The longer the hair gets, the more it weighs itself down.
4. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair, embrace the texture
If you have curly fine hair, take advantage of the beautiful texture and work more volume into it.
5. Make your braids look thicker with the pancaking technique
Once you’re done braiding your hair, gently pull each loop on one side out a little, using your fingertips.

6. Mousse will give you instant thickness
First of all, your hair needs to be damp. Distribute about a golf ball-size amount of mousse on to your hair. Comb through from the mid-lengths to the ends. This way, you won’t get that annoying crunchy feeling from too much product.
7. Choose a style without a defined parting
Sometimes, a parting in fine hair will expose a lot of scalp, so choose styles that don’t need a parting. You could also flip your parting and style your hair from the opposite side.
8. Rollers at the crown
While you’re getting ready to go out, use just two or three Velcro rollers at the crown of your head. Do this when your hair’s already dry.
9. Use dry shampoo at night, not in the morning
Put dry shampoo or baby powder in your hair at night. Tossing and turning on your pillow will help the product absorb oil and give you volume.
10. Ask for layers
Long hair that’s one length won’t do anything for you in terms of thickness.Layers will give you volume and movement.

KEEP YOUR HAIR CLEANER FOR LONGER BY GIVING YOUR BRUSHES AND COMBS SOME TLC:
• Perform daily maintenance by manually removing any hair build-up.
• Once a month, shampoo your brush to get rid of product residue, oil and dirt.
• Place the wet brush on a dry towel overnight with the bristles facing down.
• Pulling a worn-out brush through your hair can cause breakage, so be sure to ensure that the tips of ball-tipped brushes are intact, and always discard a brush as soon as the bristles bend.

WHAT IS A VAMPIRE FACIAL?
The facial uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, so your own blood is injected back into your face by using very small needles. This procedure is supposed to help the skin look more rejuvenated, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and more.
IS A VAMPIRE FACIAL SAFE?
The procedure should only be performed by medical doctors. Research reveals that it is a quick and fairly painless procedure which boosts the creation of new blood cells and collagen, and promises safe and effective skin rejuvenation.

HOW TO WEAR GLOSSY MAKE-UP
Matte is flat – here’s how to wear gloss on any part of your face …
On your face – If you’re after an all-over dewy glow, opt for an illuminating foundation (look for keywords like radiance, illuminating, glow) and skip the powder. Another way of achieving this look is to use your regular foundation and then apply a gold-toned liquid highlighter to about 50 per cent of your face with a dampened blending sponge – focus on the centre of the face, and don’t be too heavy-handed.
On your eyes – Glossy lashes became all the rage a couple of years ago – have your eyelashes tinted to ensure they’re a nice even colour, and then apply a nourishing oil (like Argan or Avocado) with a clean mascara brush. If you’d like to fake the glossy eyelids look, opt for the smoothest, most metallic cream eye shadow you can find – once they set they don’t budge. Pack it on tightly and blend away the edges. If you’re after a truly liquid look, opt for a shade that looks close to neutral on your skin tone.
4 CHEMICALS YOU SHOULD NEVER USE ON YOUR NATURAL HAIR
Petroleum and mineral oil products – Petroleum and mineral oil are so thick and long-lasting that they could suffocate your hair follicles and clog your pores, causing your hair and skin to suffer. Rather use lighter oils more regularly: coconut oil, Argan oil, castor oil and Jojoba oil to name a few, are better for both your natural hair and your scalp.
Say no to silicone – The truth is that silicone can prevent moisture and nourishment from reaching beyond your hair shaft. Many conditioners include silicone as an ingredient because it makes hair feel softer and conditioned, but silicone only conditions the hair on the outside. Silicone is also difficult to remove from the hair and contributes to build-up.
Isopropyl alcohol dries out your natural hair – Isopropyl alcohol is a great cleaning and stripping solution. This harsh alcohol solution is also often found in shampoos, even though it is too harsh for most hair and could easily strip hair of the oil and moisture it desperately needs.
Avoid polythene glycol
Polyethylene glycol is an oil-stripping agent that’s great for stripping tough grease and grime from your oven. This alone should be a sign that you don’t want this anywhere on your body. Natural hair is prone to dryness, so heavy-duty stripping can only damage it.

THE RIGHT HAIR PARTING FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE
Heart-shaped face
Heart-shaped faces tend to be wider at the cheeks. A middle parting complements this shape, but only if you have long hair. If you have short hair or too many layers around the face, it can have the reverse effect – because the cropped fringe will bring the focus to the wider area of your face. A side parting will work well, allowing hair to cover the larger forehead and cheek area and make the face look thinner.
Round face
Use a deep side parting to showcase your strongest side. Don’t know which side is your best? Use a blank piece of paper to cover half of your face while looking in a mirror. Then switch sides. Whichever half you prefer the most wins! Round faces need a curtain of hair to lengthen the shape and balance the features.
Square face
A deep side parting will soften the forehead and jawline. The long layers create a rounded oval by falling diagonally across the face and hiding harsher angles. The ideal place to start your deep parting is directly above the arch in your eyebrows.
Oval face
People with oval faces have it the easiest! They can pull off any parting, any side, any way, on any style. Experiment with sides and angles for a mini-makeover each day! Or try creating a youthful zigzag parting.

AUTUMN FOOD THAT’LL MAKE YOU LOOK AND FEEL GORGEOUS
Beetroot – Are a great source of anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and slows down the ageing process, helping to prevent wrinkles.
Sweet potatoes – Vitamins A and C, both abundant in sweet potatoes, work hard to prevent acne and to heal it when it strikes.
Apples – Vitamin C found in apples helps to firm and tone the skin. It protects your skin cells and slows down the appearance of ageing by preventing wrinkles.
Pumpkin seeds – These nutty-flavoured treats are packed with zinc, a mineral that’s essential in the creation of new skin cells and also aids in collagen formation.
Chard – Munching on this leafy green veggie that’s rich in vitamin E helps keep moisture in the skin and protect the oils in the skin’s moisture barrier from free radical damage.
Squash – Pumpkin, gem squash and butternut are all rich in beta carotene, which helps normalise oil production in the skin and fights acne and inflammation.

CHOOSE NATURAL CARE FOR LIPS
It can be tempting to reach for a tub of petroleum jelly to protect chapped lips from the chill; however, that innocent-looking tub may not be as helpful as you think. Slathering it on your lips is essentially wrapping your skin in cling film, preventing it from breathing and potentially making the area even more painful and more chapped. Instead, reach for a lip product that contains natural waxes, butter and oils to protect, nourish and repair damaged lips.


Although the cold weather tempts you to stay in your warm bed and to give up on any more dynamic activity, movement is essential for the health and shine of the skin (and the welfare of the whole organism). A workout in the gym, exercise at home or a walk in the park will maintain stable blood circulation, and thus will support the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells.

Prepare your skin for the colder months by getting into a regular moisturising routine. Now’s the time to switch to a richer, creamier moisturiser. Remember to exfoliate first so that your skin can easily absorb the moisture. Prevent dryness and flakiness by using a hydrating face mask or serum on a regular basis.
It is recommended to switch to a milder and more moisturising formula in the shower, to restore the hydro balance of the body skin. Shower cream is a great alternative, because it contains mostly natural ingredients (like aloe vera, grapefruit, cotton plant, strawberry, and fig), providing the necessary skin care, comfort and long-lasting fragrance.

WINTER FLU-ALLEVIATING REMEDIES:
Natural immune-boosters: Examples include oil of oregano and garlic. Both offer effective protection against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses and protozoa.
Curcumin:
Studies show that a promising new treatment for severe inflammation – which is at the heart of most chronic diseases – is found in curcumin, a natural ingredient in the common spice, turmeric.
Iron supplement:
Almost 80 per cent of the global population are iron deficient and up to 30 per cent are anaemic, contributing to mild cognitive impairment, according to research. Iron is poorly absorbed from conventional iron supplements, which may have negative side effects.
Zinc:
Zinc lozenges have also been shown in some studies to reduce the severity and duration of colds if taken within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. It’s for this reason primarily that zinc is found in many over the counter cold remedies.
Vitamin C:
This works as an antioxidant which boosts immune function and has long been known to alleviate common cold symptoms by shortening their duration and lessening the severity of symptoms, possibly due to the antihistamine effect of high-dose vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C. Some cereals are also fortified with vitamin C.

INDULGE IN MATCHA TEA
What is it? Matcha tea is unique because with any other tea, the leaves are steeped and some of the nutrients are drawn out, but the remaining good stuff is thrown out when you dispose of the leaves. The meaning of the word ‘matcha’ is literally ‘powdered tea’ because the rich, green leaves are ground to a fine powder and dissolved into each little cuppa. So, when you drink a cup of Matcha tea, you are getting every bit of good stuff you can.
Why you should drink it:
1. Fights free-radicals
2. Creates a calm yet alert state of mind
3. Stabilises blood sugar and cholesterol
4. Slows down the effects of ageing
5. Fights cancer
6. Curbs bad breath
TURN TO HERBAL REMEDIES
It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of the herb echinacea at home for when the inevitable winter sniffles set in. Known as one of the best immune stimulants in the herbal kingdom, echinacea fights both viral and bacterial infections. It has been shown to increase white blood cell production, reduce spreading infection and speed up recovery from colds and flu.
It is especially effective during the onset of illness.
EMOM WORKOUT IS THE NEW BUZZWORD RIGHT NOW … BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
In an EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) workout, you start a new move with a specific rep count every minute. Once you complete the reps, you get to recover for the rest of the minute. For example, if 10 push ups took you 17 seconds, you would have 43 seconds to rest until the next minute frame. EMOMs can be focused on cardio or strength and are usually anywhere from four to 45 minutes long.


Stuffy nose? Apply a wet, warm facecloth to your face as this can help ease sinus problems. The warmth from the cloth eases the pain from the sinus and thins out the mucus. Just make sure the cloth is not so hot that it burns your face.
HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT EASYBLIST?
Forgetting to take your chronic medication at the right time? Then Easyblist is just for you … It is a multimed blister card labelled with the days of the week and the time of the day. With this card, your pharmacy can organise all of your medications so that all the pills you need to take for a specific day and time are in one blister. How great is that!? We discovered it at Witpoortjie Pharmacy, but you can also visit www.easyblist.co.za or phone 0861 254 7837 for more info.

SORE THROAT HOME REMEDY
Cinnamon is a fragrant and delicious spice that’s high in antioxidants and provides antibacterial benefits. It’s a traditional remedy for colds and flu and is used in Chinese medicine to ease sore throat pain. Make your own cinnamon almond milk, which may be especially soothing on your throat.
Cinnamon almond milk
Ingredients:
• 250ml almond milk • 2,5ml ground cinnamon
• 0,6ml bicarb of soda • 15ml honey or sweetener of choice
Method:
1. Place cinnamon and bicarb in a saucepan and mix together.
2. Add almond milk and mix again until well combined.
Heat mixture until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in sweetener.


THE HEALTH TIPS YOU HAVEN'T HEARD
These tips seem to contradict everything we’ve ever thought we knew about health – but surprisingly they seem to work for many.
Drink coffee for a better nap – A 20-minute nap ends just as the caffeine kicks in and clears the brain of a molecule called adenosine, maximising alertness. Adenosine is a by-product of wakefulness and activity. As adenosine levels increase, we become more fatigued. Napping clears out the adenosine and, when combined with caffeine, an adenosine-blocker, further reduces its effects and amplifies the effects of the nap.
Don’t brush your teeth after eating – Don’t brush your teeth immediately after meals and drinks, especially if they were acidic. Acidic foods can soften tooth enamel, so brushing your teeth at this stage can speed up the acid’s effect on your enamel and erode the layer underneath. Waiting 30 to 60 minutes before brushing is advised.
To wear a smaller size, gain weight – Muscle weight, that is. If two women both weigh 70 kilograms and only one lifts weights, the lifter will more likely fit into a smaller pants size than her sedentary counterpart. The reason: Although fat weighs the same as muscle, muscle takes up less space. You can get bigger muscles and get smaller overall if you lose the fat. The bulk so many women fear only occurs if you don’t lose fat and develop muscle on top of it.
To eat less, eat more – Eating small amounts of carbohydrates does nothing but spike your blood sugar and leave you wanting more carbs. Choose a protein such as peanut butter or string cheese with an apple. They are higher in calories per serving, but the protein and fat helps you get full faster and stay full longer – and you end up eating fewer calories overall.

THE FLU VACCINE
Advantages:
*The vaccine not only shields you from getting flu, but it also protects those around you who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, lung disease and heart disease.
* Although flu vaccines do not always completely prevent contracting of this virus, they do make your illness much milder if you get sick.
The risk of hospitalisation and death from this virus is significantly reduced with flu vaccinations.
HOW DO FLU VACCINES WORK?
* Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection from the viruses that are contained in the vaccine.
* The vaccine increases a person’s defences against the influenza virus. It works by introducing very small amounts of viral components into the body. These components are enough to stimulate the production of antibodies (cells designed to attack that particular virus), which will remain in the body ready to attack that same virus in the future. The vaccine is used to prevent influenza and is developed for those who want to reduce their chances of contracting the flu.
* To get the most out of your vaccination, ensure you are feeling well when you have your shot – this will ensure you have the best immune response to the killed virus.
Enjoy the benefits of yoghurt
ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF YOGHURT
It’s creamy smooth, packed with flavour and just may be the wonder food you’ve been craving. Research suggests that that humble carton of yoghurt may help prevent osteoporosis, reduce your risk of high blood pressure and aid gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and constipation.
Ready to take home a few cartons of yummy yoghurt? When buying think low-fat, make sure the yoghurt contains active cultures and vitamin D, and keep tabs on sugar content.

Cold sore home remedy
Tea tree oil is anti-fungal, antiseptic, and antibiotic, and can help heal your cold sore. (Witch hazel can similarly help.) Apply tea tree essential oil directly on the cold sore three or four times a day.

MORE HEALTH TIPS YOU HAVEN'T HEARD
Skip energy drinks when you’re tired – Energy drinks contain up to five times more caffeine than coffee, but the boost they provide is fleeting and comes with unpleasant side effects like nervousness, irritability, and rapid heartbeat. These drinks often contain high levels of taurine, a central nervous system stimulant, and upwards of 50 grams of sugar per can (that’s 13 teaspoons!). The sweet stuff spikes blood sugar temporarily, only to crash soon after, leaving you sluggish and foggy-headed.
Drink water when you’re bloated – Drinking water when you feel bloated sounds as if it would only make matters worse, but it can often help. Water mixes with water-soluble fibre and turns it into a gel-like substance. This affects the motility of the gut and reduces the symptoms of bloating. Drinking more water also relieves bloating caused by dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your body clings to the water it does have, causing you to puff up.
Drink a hot drink to cool off – When you sip a hot beverage, your body senses the change in temperature and increases your sweat production. Then, as the sweat evaporates from your skin, you cool off naturally.
Exercise when you’re tired – After a long, exhausting workday, exercising sounds like the last thing you’d want to do, but getting your sweat on will actually energise you. Fatigue, along with mood and depression, improve after a single 30-minute moderate intensity exercise session.
Handwritten notes boost brainpower – Typing notes enables you to jot down more material, but you’re more likely to remember those notes if you hand-write them. To learn something means you have processed it. And when you take handwritten notes, you ‘process’ more information. Plus, since you look at the page on which you are writing, you naturally review the material and reinforce the information you’ve already processed.
Ditch antibacterial soap to prevent illness – Reaching for the soap bottle labelled “antibacterial” won’t necessarily reduce your risk of getting sick or passing illness to others – in fact, there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than regular ones.
Credit: Linda Melone (www.health.com)