SIMPLE REMEDIES FOR OILY SKIN

Regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or geographic location, oily skin can strike anyone. 

A myriad of factors contribute to or exacerbate oily skin, including humidity, a poor face cleansing regimen and even exposure to cigarette smoke.

While some are genetically predisposed to oily skin, several others experience a hike in oil production at certain stages in their life, such as during the teenage years. Additionally, women who are pregnant, experiencing menopause or taking birth control pills are especially susceptible to oily skin.

What are the effects of having oily skin? 

People who suffer from it might feel greasy a few hours after a shower. Women with oily complexions often realize that their makeup wear off quite easily, requiring them to reapply it multiple times per day. Oily skin is also a magnet for dirt and dust, which quickly accrue and clog pores. Clogged pores lead to acne, blackheads and other skin imperfections.

You imagine all hope is lost? 

Whether it’s genetics or stress, to prevent you from shining like a disco ball, here’s how to manage oily skin in a natural, effective way.

We have put together a list of tips for cleansing oily skin, debunking some well-known skin care myths along the way. And there is some good news for oily skin sufferers. Oil-slicked complexions tend to stand the test of time better than dry ones, resulting in a younger-looking appearance with fewer lines and wrinkles.

1. Take it easy on Facial washing

While single wash or twice a day with an oil-free and gel-based cleanser can do wonders to combat dirt and oil build up, excessive cleaning can produce opposite effect! Repeated stripping off those natural oils through washing stimulates the body to produce even MORE oil.

It can be hugely tempting to wash your face every chance you get when battling oily skin. Harsh scrubbing can result in negative effect, stripping the skin of necessary oils and causing burns and rashes [source: Web MD]. Dermatologists also advise cleansing the facial area a maximum of two or three times per day. 

2. Keep Hands off the Face

Instinctively, whether drifting off to sleep or listening to a dull lecture, we rest our heads on our hands. However, curbing this seemingly harmless habit will instantly help to banish breakouts and oily skin. 

Throughout the day, our hands are constantly into contact with dirt, oils and bacteria. And when you touch your face, you’re transferring all that grime on a one-way trip directly onto your pores where it’ll cause acne and exacerbate breakouts

3. Carefully Choose Your Cosmetics 

Generally, oil-free products are the best face makeups for oily skin, so carefully scan and keep off  foundations that promise to be non- comedogenic (a fancy way of saying they won’t block your pores). It is therefore essential to be aware of what you’re applying on your face, especially when dealing with an oily complexion. You can try swapping to a mineral-based cosmetic if you are currently on an oil-rich product. 

4. Give yourself a “Face Mask Treat''

Favourite pocket friendly and easy face mask for oily skin is banana, honey, and lemon mask. The vitamin C in the banana inhibits oil production while the acidic lemon juice synthesizes existing oils. Honey on the other hand ensures anti-bacterial advantages and binds the mask together.

Ingredients:

• 1 overripe banana
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

Method: mix all your ingredients together to form a semi-smooth paste; then apply on your face and neck. Until dry or approximately fifteen minutes, let it stay, then wash it away. It should leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and squeaky clean.

5. Don not Ditch your Moisturizer 

You run the risk of stripping sebum off your skin if you frequently cleanse, tone, and wash your face to combat the shine. This not only encourage the body to produce more oil (see tip 1), but can result in dry and flaky areas around your 

T-zone (T-Zone — forehead, nose, and chin). Therefore keep your skin hydrated with moisturizer formulations for oily skin. Talc based formulations can help absorb excess oils from your skin.

It is absolute myth that ditching your moisturizer will help to treat oily skin. 

6. Do not forget to Exfoliate

To improve oily skin complexion exfoliation is necessary. Thoroughly cleanse to help prevent sebum build up and acne establishment. Exfoliators formulated with a mild astringent, such as tea tree oil, have a beneficial tightening and antibacterial effect. Salicylic acid (BHA) based formulations are fabulous for exfoliation. Salicylic acid boasts anti-inflammatory properties and promotes effective pore function.

Try Aloe Vera: 

Now available in many drugstores as well as health-food stores, aloe Vera helps to absorb oil and clear out pores. Dab the gel onto your face two to three times a day (especially after washing), and then let it dry. 

The gel will feel more refreshing if it’s cool, so keep it in the refrigerator.

Remember to exfoliate at least once or twice a week to clear skin pores of dirt, dead skill cells and other impurities.

7. Re-evaluate Your Diet

The phrase, “you are what you eat.” is now a familiar one on your lips. True – a few simple adjustments in your diet could be the key to beating that oily skin once and for all!

Begin by making sure your diet is packed with antioxidants like spinach and blueberries. Antioxidants protect your skin from aging, free-radicals and sun damage. 

Also essentials are omega-3 fatty acids rich foods such as salmon and almonds. Omega-3 fatty acids superfoods promote smooth, supple skin and combat inflammation for a more even complexion.

Fatty foods and simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and starch cause body’s insulin levels to pike and induce inflammation, which wreaks havoc on your poor acne-prone skin, - so avoid binging on them. 

Finally, remember to hydrate well by drinking plenty of water!

8. Take it Easy and Relax!

It is a fact, stress hugely exacerbate skin break outs and other nasty flare ups because body’s natural response to stress is to overproduce cortisol (stress hormone which enhances oily skin and inflammation).

Even as you go through a stressful moments in life, remember to always tone down your stress levels, especially when working on an oily skin. Anti- skin stress formulations containing anti-inflammatory ingredients like camomile and green tea can beneficial during such occasions.

9. Tone Up

The toner (also known as astringent) helps to lower your skin pH and eradicate any dirt and oil that regular cleansing cannot eliminate. For vast majority of people, however certain alcohols based toners may dry the skin out too much, especially if used frequently. A salicylic alcohol-based astringent is preferable acid to people with oily skin. 

Silica based products provide super effective toner that you can apply in addition to natural oil-free products and keep your make-up in place all day long, while simultaneously fighting off the shine.

10. Try Blotted Paper

Blotting paper or oil-blotting sheets are perfect for fixing the unpleasant effects of a humid climate or a lunch-break work out on your face. Gently dab oil-blot sheets against your skin, especially around the T-zone to leave blissfully matte for few hours.

Press the paper where you’re oily and then roll it off, instead of rubbing it on your skin to prevent ripping off all of your make-up.

Now that you know how to treat oily skin, all that’s left is that you apply these 10 tricks and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a perfect complexion!

VERICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS: HOW TO AVOID THEM IN NURSES

What Causes Spider Veins and Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins 

Varicose veins are widened, twisting, bulging, discolored veins that are very close to the surface of the skin. The widened and bulging veins are filled with blood and the pressure in these veins is high. 
The valves in the veins that help the blood return to the heart are damaged. They tend to be hereditary, most commonly occur in women, and worsen during pregnancy. 

VV may cause no symptoms or cause a dull, heavy ache, itching, burning, fatigue, and cramping; particularly after standing for a long period of time.
Some widened veins may be tender to touch and occasionally, ankle swelling may develop as the day progresses. Some persons are most concerned about the negative cosmetic appearance of varicose veins.

Varicose veins often result from sedentary lifestyles, although heredity can play a large role as well. 
Valves in the vein become damaged over time, causing blood to pool in these veins. This results in the veins becoming larger over time, until you have the appearance of “varicose veins.”

Spider veins look different from varicose veins. Spider veins are very small looking veins that are usually purple, red, or blue. These also result from blood pooling and leaking around the vein, and trauma can also cause this.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins – 8 Tips for Nurses

1. Take breaks

Varicose veins appear because of prolonged standing and leg fatigue. Make sure to take breaks at work. Sit down whenever you can and rest your legs while you’re at it.

2. Elevate your legs

Do this by lying down or by using a footstool when sitting. This will help relieve fatigue in your lower extremities, and therefore, prevent the veins from losing their elasticity. Elevate your legs at the end of the day everyday and your legs will feel so much better.

3. Avoid wearing tight clothes

Choose clothes that are comfortable enough for you to move around freely even while you work. Clothes that are too tight for your legs like girdles or skinny jeans can block the movement of blood up your legs. This may cause pooling of the blood, and in a short period of time, varicose veins may appear.

4. Avoid wearing high heels

It has been found that the muscles in your calves contract less when you’re wearing high-heeled shoes. This will cause the venous blood pressure to increase, thus, straining the valves in the veins. As much as possible, choose comfortable shoes, especially for your nursing clinicals.

5. Avoid crossing your legs

Although it has not been scientifically proven yet, crossing your legs may cause them, especially if varicose veins run in your family. Avoid crossing your legs whenever you’re sitting, so as to keep a good circulation in your legs and prevent your legs’ venous blood pressure from increasing.

6. Wear compression stockings

Choose the best compression stockings for you by knowing your leg measurements and the best level of tightness for you, usually around the range of 15 to 20 mmHg only. The stockings will help relieve leg fatigue and prevent varicose veins by applying pressure to your lower extremities.

7. Eat right

The heavier you are, the more undue pressure you put on your legs, especially when you have to stand for long periods of time. Maintain healthy eating habits and make sure that you keep a daily exercise routine.

 

 

 

 

8. Stay fit

Moving around often will improve the circulation in your legs, thus, fending off the development and the probable worsening of varicose veins. Exercise also helps you stay fit and keeps your circulatory system healthy.

About the Author:

By Mary Elizabeth Velarmino Francisco
Adopted from nursebuff.com

10 tips for Job Search Success

By

  Alison Doyle

Sometimes, it can seem that you've done all the right things when it comes to your job search, but you still aren't successful.
Although this can be a frustrating situation, the fact of the matter is that there is a large number of unemployed people on the hunt for a job, so competition is high.
These days, you need to do more than send in a decent cover letter and arrive on time for the interview. You need to stand out from the crowd.
Here are ten tips that will jump start your job search.

Step 1: Quality Trumps Quantity

It seems that everyone has a friend of a friend who scrupulously applied online to over 300 jobs, tracked them all in a spreadsheet, and only heard back from a few employers.
Unfortunately, this isn't an uncommon occurrence, but the solution is straightforward: quality trumps quantity.

After all, your time is money, so be discriminating about where you apply. It's okay to take a few risks now and then, but limit the number of "reach" jobs you apply for.
Instead, focus your energy on writing personalized cover letters, targeted resumes, and sending them out to companies hiring for position that you are qualified for. The closer a match, the better your chances of getting hired.

Step 2: Personalize to Perfection

The majority of recruiters won't even look at your resume if your cover letter is vague and generalized, so be as specific as possible with your job application.
Write a personalized cover letter, and if possible, avoid the "To whom it may concern" opening and find the name of a recruiter, hiring manager, or human resources director at the organization you're applying to. 
This can be a key way to fast-track your application.Browsing LinkedIn is a useful way of identifying employees in a company.

If you're applying for different types of positions, create targeted resumes to match, highlighting the employment history that is most relevant to the job that you're after.
And, it's just as important to make sure your cover letter and resume are free of grammatical errors or typos. When employers are reading dozens of resumes a day, a typo or mistake can quickly get your application thrown in the reject pile.

Step 3:Capitalize on Connections

It sounds cliché, but being able to "name drop" in your cover letter or email inquiry will send your application straight to the top of the pile, or close to it. When you're looking for a job, you should take advantage of your personal and professional network as much as possible.
Reach out to former co-workers, managers, bosses and other connections to see if their current workplace is hiring. You may also ask friends or family, and if you've maintained a good relationship with any of your professors from college or graduate school, you might ask if they can recommend any companies to which you should apply.

Step 4 : Optimize Your Online Persona

What will your potential employer see when they Google your name? Hopefully, it's your LinkedIn, personal webpage, or online portfolio that comes up.
Before you start your job search, do a "cyber cleanse" protecting your privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media accounts you might not want an interviewer to see. Do a thorough check to make sure you are using social media correctly in your job search.
Then, update your LinkedIn, or Google Plus profile, with your latest employment information.

Step 5: Impress With a Portfolio

The average person will bring a business card or a copy of their resume to an interview; a stand-out candidate will bring a portfolio folder that includes their cover letter, resume, printed recommendations, and examples of past work, if relevant.
Although it takes some extra time to print and organize these materials, you might be surprised at how far it can get you in the interview process.

Step 6: Practice Makes Interview Perfect

"Winging it" during an interviewer is not only disrespectful to the company you're applying to, but, it's also extremely disadvantageous to your own job search prospects.Take the time to practice sample interview questions and answers, research the company, and rehearse your personal statement and citations listed on your resume. Enlist your spouse, roommate, or friend to help out.

Step 7: Anecdotes = Advantages

When you're writing your cover letter, citing your experience on a resume, or answering questions in an interview, try to be as specific as possible. Even the most articulate person will be brought down by vague comments like, "I'm a hard worker," or "I'm a people person."
Don't just talk about what you're good at - but hit on the where, when, why, and how. Have a handful of specific anecdotes that you can discuss naturally and with ease in order to back up the professional and personal qualities that make you a good candidate for the job.

Step 8: Job Search Secret: Leaving a Last Impression

You already know that first impressions are key, meaning that it's imperative to put together a professional outfit, iron your shirt, polish your shoes, and so on, but did you know that leaving a good last impression is just as important?
Although you should say goodbye to your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile, it doesn't end there. Ask for a business card, too, and then go home, log-on to your email, and send a thank you note to the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you.

Step 9: Informational Interview to Job Interview

Perhaps a former colleague works at a new company that you're interested in, but maybe this company isn't hiring at the moment. Maybe an old boss has retired but still has valuable connections in your field.
Maybe a friend has recently gotten a job in an area of work you'd like to take on, but aren't familiar with.
These are just a few examples of when it'd be appropriate to reach out to your professional network and ask about the possibility of arranging an informational interview.
Informational interviews are great ways to connect with other people and with an organization, getting your name out there and obtaining a sense of company culture.

Step 10: Give to Receive

We've already established that reaching out to your professional network can be the trick to getting a job. But what can you do to reel that network in and solidify those connections?
Of course, it's important to maintain those relationships, even on a personal level. Send a holiday card, reach out on birthdays, go out to lunch, or grab a cup of coffee.
You can also offer to help others, too. There are many ways you can do this: proofread a friend's cover letter or resume, share insight about past companies you've worked for, offer advice about transitioning into your field.

Source:
About careers.com

SIMPLE WAYS TO HAVE EXCITING SOCIAL LIFE WHILE WORKING NIGHT SHIFT

By Collins Onyango

 
How can you maintain a healthy social life when your work schedule is exactly the opposite of most people around you?
At some point in his or her career every nurse will have to encounter night shift challenges.

While some enjoy the more patient-based shift with its lack of administrators and clerical work, others find it hard to get into the rhythm of being a night owl.
Even as you do night duties, chances are that you have plenty of non-medical professional friends who won’t keep the same schedule as you. So how do you sustain a normal social life while you work the night shift?

Check out these six helpful tips

1. Plan ahead. Know your schedule in advance, so you can realistically plan ahead with your friends  for anight out at your free conviniet hour. You can for example have an early dinner before if your shift  stars at 7:30 PM.
2. Plan your diet and eat adequately. You are what you eat. During night shift activity of your digestive system is significantly limited. You may have indigestion, heartburn and constipation. Try having two meals at the regular times and a light meal in the middle of the night shift. Consider having the largest meal of the day after the day-sleep. Avoid meals heavy in calories or with a high fat content because they take longer to digest and may make you feel drowsy. Limit the amount of coffee intake towards the end of your shift, as coffee can keep you awake when you are trying to sleep at home. 
3. Control your caffeine intake. For coffee lovers, it can be tempting to consume cup to get through heavy and long night shifts, but it may distort your sleep rhythm even more and make you lose out on social functions with friends and family during days off.
4. Manage your sleeping hours like jet lag. When coming from night shifts into days off,  try having a short sleep on reaching home, and go to bed earlier that night. A good sleep at night quickens your body back to normal clock. Get short naps at first to build up some energy and then keep  awake during rest of day until bed time. This will hasten your transition back to a normal sleep schedule.
5. Accumulate your night shift offs together. This will ensure that you can have longer stretches of days off or daytime shifts and provides plenty recreation time, fun hours, errands sessions with friends and family. This also guarantees you a better overall health!
6. Know your coworkers well! Ty to create trust, rapport and friendship with like minded professional colleagues. Bond with them socially and professionally. If for example you enjoy swimming, invite and schedule a convenient time for it during your offs. You can also bond professionally by trying to coordinate procedural training, or going to conferences and professional development events together.

The night shift doesn’t need to be boring, routine or unhealthy. With right plannng, you can still have fun and socialize effectively.
Even with shifts you can maintan a positive outlook and have normal socail life while keeping up with colleagues and those beyond your professional circle!

Adopted from fortus healh care resources