DID YOU KNOW?
- The evergreen eucalyptus tree bears long, narrow, yellowish-green leaves.
- Several of the 700 species of eucalyptus are used to distill medicinal-quality oil.
- Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves and young twigs.
PROPERTIES AND USES
- Eucalyptus is a powerful antiseptic and decongestant, used mostly for coughs, colds, chest infections and sinusitis.
- The oil is used to treat muscle aches and pains.
It is a diuretic and deodorant, with strong antiviral properties.
EATING DISORDERS
While women especially teenage girls are at highest risk for anorexia and bulimia, research now indicates that as much as 2% of the male population also suffers from eating disorders.
Anorexia is characterized by under eating (and maybe over-exercising), and an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though the individual is underweight (less than 85% of the ideal weight).
Bulimia is characterized by binge eating and then using unhealthy methods (vomiting, using laxatives) to compensate for binging
EXERCISE
In this increasingly mechanized, automated and computerized world, we need to make a determined effort to be active. Regular exercise reduces the risk of disease and illness by as much as 20% to 50%. To keep our bodies fit, tuned and functioning efficiently we need to fit in exercise into our busy lives.
A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY
How much exercise is necessary to improve health?
As little as 30 minutes of exercise five days week can make a big difference to your well-being.
WHAT EXERCISE DOES
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Lowers blood pressure levels
- Improves cholesterol levels
- Reduces the risk of osteoporosis
- Promotes weight loss
- Helps de-stress
- Improves circulation
- Improves posture
- Improves agility, balance and flexibility
EXERCISE EXCUSES: BEAT THEM
EXCUSE 1. I AM TOO TIRED TO EXERCISE
Fatigue can actually be caused by a sedentary life style. Exercise can increase your energy levels and decrease fatigue. It will refresh, energize and invigorate you.
EXCUSE 2. I NEVER SEE RESULTS
Muscles are smart; they adjust and conform to repetitive movements. To challenge your body, alternate your activities – you can try cross training or a sport. Slight changes are all that you probably need to get results.
Exercise and eating right go hand in hand. Re-evaluate your exercise regime and food habits. Figure out where you are falling short.
Everyone has their trouble spots — that is why it is important to workout. And most people are more concerned with their own workout and achieving their objectives. Focus on your goals and don’t waste precious energy worrying about others.
EXCUSE 4. I CAN’T DO WHAT I USED TO DO, I’VE BECOME TOO OLD
Exercise has nothing to do with age. You are never too old to exercise. Evaluate your current fitness level, exercise preferences and plan a workout that you enjoy and are comfortable with.
EYE CARE
Eyestrain causes tension as the eye muscles start to lose their elasticity resulting in weak eyesight. Eye tension produces a general feeling of tension and fatigue because of the eye’s connection with the brain via the optic nerve.
EYES AND RELAXATION
Take time to relax the eyes and their surrounding tissues. The vision improves as the ophthalmic (eye) nerves receive a richer supply of blood resulting in better circulation. Regular relaxation techniques help relax the eyes and de-stress the mind.
SIMPLE METHODS TO RELAX THE EYES
Palming
Briskly rub your palms together charging them with energy and heat, place the cupped palms over your eyes.
Blinking
Remind yourself to blink your eyes once or twice every 10 seconds, especially when you are on the computer or reading. This prevents the eyes from strain and fatigue.
Tensing and relaxing
Shut your eyes tense and tighten your eyes for a few seconds, so that the eye muscles contract then let go quickly and allow the eyes to relax. Blink the eyes a few times after you finish with this exercise. This exercise deeply relaxes the eyes.
Cold water
With your cupped palms, splash cold water on your closed eyes. Cold water refreshes and strengthens the eyes.
ENERGY CENTERS: WHAT ARE THEY?
There are seven energy centres in the astral body, known as chakras
Six of them are found along the spine and the seventh is located at the crown of the head.
Invisible to the eye, these spinning wheels of spiritual energy keep our bodies and spirits in balance.
The practice of yoga – asanas, pranayama and meditation play an important role in awakening this energy. When awakened this energy can be chanellised for self-development, healing the body and mind, and attaining attunement with the soul.