Therapeutic Thursday?

Epsom Salts

source: tranquilityisyours.com

souce photos: web

Epsom Salt is a natural stress reliever. Epsom Salt also

relieves muscle and joint pain. It can flush toxins out of

your body, and much more. Just add two cups of Epsom

Salts to warm bath water to take advantage of the

benefits of Epsom Salt.

• Improve heart and circulatory health by reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.

• Flush toxins, harmful substances, and heavy metals out of your system thereby easing muscle and joint pain.

• Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes, and help maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

Magnesium is a natural stress reliever. Excess adrenaline and stress are

believed to drain the body of magnesium. Proper amounts of magnesium

help the body bind adequate amounts of serotonin; a mood-elevating

chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well-being and relaxation.

While increasing your magnesium levels, Epsom Salt also delivers sulfates to the

body, which are difficult to get through food, but are readily absorbed through the

skin. Sulfates are also very important to our body’s functions, and are said to

benefit joint and digestive tract proteins, brain tissue, stimulate the pancreas to

generate digestive enzymes, and helps to detoxify the body of medicine residue

and environmental contaminants.

Magnesium:

• Reduces stress and improves sleep and concentration

• Reduces muscle inflammation, pain and cramps

• Improves muscle and nerve function

• Improves the bodies use of oxygen

• Regulates enzymes

• Prevents hardening of the arteries and blood clots

• Helps insulin perform more effectively

Sulfates:

• Flush toxins from the body

• Eases migraine headaches

• Improves the absorption of nutrients

• Improves the formation of joint and digestive tract proteins and brain

tissue.

Use of Epsom Salt for Stress Relief

The most effective way to receive the benefits of Epsom Salt is to absorb it

through your skin, and soaking in an Epsom Salt bath is said to be the most

effective means of delivering magnesium and sulfates to your body. Add two cups

of Epsom Salt to warm water in a standard-size bathtub, more if it’s larger.

Soaking in an Epsom Salt bath once a week for at least 15 minutes is good to

receive the stress relieving benefits from the magnesium and sulfates, but if you

are trying to ease muscle or joint pain, bathe in Epsom Salt at three times a week.

When magnesium sulfate is absorbed through the skin it sedates the nervous

system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, relieves stress, and is also a natural

emollient and defoliator.

Compresses:

Use 2 cups of Epsom Salt per gallon of water to relieve sore muscles, bruising,

swelling or bug bites.

Foot Baths:

Use a cup of Epsom Salt in a container of warm water to soothe aches, remove

odors, pull out toxins and soften rough skin.

Skin Exfoliation:

Massage a handful of Epsom Salt over wet skin on any area to exfoliate an area

of your skin. Rinse very with warm water.

Experience the wide-ranging benefits of Epsom Salt. It's been used as a home

remedy for years. The benefits of Epsom Salt are not folk lore, or just an old

wives tale. The benefits and uses of Epsom Salt is backed by scientific studies

and years of research. You can find more information on the benefits of Epsom

Salt at the Epsom Salt Industry Council.

Vampires....

Hello friends!

Today we will talk about.... vampires! We know! It has become a favorite subject. But what do men think about it?

Chris Illuminati, Relationship Correspondent from askmen.com writes:

Vampires are everywhere -- in books like Twilight, in magazines and newspapers and now on television in the second season of True Blood on HBO. Vampires are stealing our women, but not by the usual force and trickery. Woman love the stupid bloodsuckers!

There is something about these Gothic symbols of manhood that make every woman weak in the neck. Is it their style, their power or just their flair for the romantic? It might be a combination of all of the above that makes these thousand-year-old walking corpses so damn appealing to the opposite sex.

Here are 10 reasons why women love vampires, and how a single guy can use this knowledge to his advantage.


Vampires are loners

The average guy runs with a pack; a group of close drinking buddies who come over to watch the game, hit the links on the weekends and get into trouble together. This clan takes up quality time and attention that is usually reserved for a girlfriend. Vampires work alone. They don’t have many friends, and if they do, they are usually out doing their own thing. Women love vampires because they have all the time in the world. Literally.

Scuttlebutt: The guys that run with a pack, are called "Wolfs" or more specific "Shapeshifters" :) I don't really mind them you know. Cause they could tear the unwanted vamps (see the "bad" collage) in two *grins*

Prattle: Why are you bringing the wolf pack into this? In traditional lore, we don't know that wolves can take down bad vamps...just Buffy.

Scuttlebutt: Well... because... because... Just because OK! Sheeesh... *growls and looks at you sideways*

Prattle: *shows fangs and hisses*

What the single guy could learn: Don’t hang out with your friends so much. Make time for her and occasionally bag plans with the boys. The guys, the game, the golf, and the beers will always be there. Show her you are your own man.


Vampires require no commitment during the day

Even though women love to spend as much time as possible with the man they adore, they still want some alone time to do things with the girls or on their own. They feel bad if they don’t at least call and check in a few times during the day. Women love vampires because vampires can’t take up the entirety of a woman’s day. Hell, they can’t even stay that late into the night. Sleepovers only last until the sun is coming up and vampires are nowhere to be found until the sun goes down.

Scuttlebutt: Well, another reason we like this is that we are absolutely sure our man is in his coffin and not sneaking around with anybody else. *wink*

Prattle: What about in the middle of the night? He could be making another girl do his "bedding" while you are fast asleep!

Scuttlebutt: I don't thin I would be fast asleep with a vamp in my bed dear Prattle... I don't know about you though... *grins*

Prattle: What? Am I supposed to adjust my sleeping habits for him? I don't know about that...

Scuttlebutt: You are thinking about sleep while you have a vampire in your bed???

Prattle: Hey, I like my sleep...there is time where it's dark that I'm awake, but I don't know about the whole night thing... that's one of the great things about the sparkly ones....they CAN'T sleep..

What the single guy could learn: Sometimes a woman does just want to be alone. Give her time to do her own thing and be her own person. Give her space to be independent. It will make the time she spends with you even more special.


Vampires dress well

Ever seen a poorly dressed vampire? Never. Vampires are always impeccably dressed with perfect hair and a nice complexion (though a tad pale). Their fashionable (and usually dark) duds show off just the right amount of chest. A nice pair of skin-tight pants and an occasional ascot or medallion completes the look. Like a modern-day Tom Jones without the giant crucifix in his pants -- Goth but classy. They usually look better dressed than the living, not even taking into consideration the fact they can’t exactly run to Kenneth Cole at lunch to pick up a nice pair of dark chinos for tonight’s big date. They wear their clothes well and always with the perfect fit. Thankfully, most have dropped the cape.

Scuttlebutt: *cough* I don't think Chris has seen True Blood... what do you think Prattle? Or New Moon! *ducks*

Prattle: Hmmm *glaring at you* I don't know that I want to talk to you right now.... You're right, I don't think he's seen either True Blood or New Moon (or Eclipse) because they dress very well and look VERY hawt...

Scuttlebutt: Haven't you seen the vamps with the bellies and the uncombed hair in True Blood??? What about the ... costumes?? Come on... not all are so great! Or perfect in that matter! *remembers Edwards suit in New Moon and pulls a face*

Prattle: The MAIN characters.... and there is beauty in everything *sits in lotus position repeating ohm*

Scuttlebutt: Well, there aren't only the main characters in a movie or series! There are also those that surround them! And as pretty as you would be, if your surroundings look like shit... well.. it affects you too. *giggles*

Prattle: *rolls eyes* It's ENTERTAINMENT!!!! Geeesh...

Scuttlebutt: It definitely entertains me if one looks like a clown... *sniggers*

Prattle: *hides behind you* Did you say clown???

Scuttlebutt: OH MY GAWD!!! Run Prattle! Run!!! The gigantic clown with the sharp teeth is coming after you!!

Prattle: AAAAAAHHHH!!!! *runs in zig zag pattern home*...*punches you on the arm* Thats not nice!

Scuttlebutt: Owww!!! *giggles and kisses your cheek*

What the single guy could learn: Dress well for every occasion. Always be slightly overdressed. Find a style that works. Go to a store and ask the clerk for assistance. Pick clothing that fits your body type. Pick colors that go with your skin tone. When in doubt, dress like the mannequin. But never wear the cape, no matter how good it looks.

Scuttlebutt: I really like this guy! *giggles*

Prattle: Don't forget the hair product!!!!!!!

Vampires love necking

Woman love sex. Honestly. But what they love even more is all the fooling around that should be involved before sex. As we all know, men just like to get down to business -- but not vampires. They don’t even really care about sex. They want to mess around. Particularly around the neck area -- the “sweet spot” as it’s known around the coffins. They know how to start off tender and soft and then get a little rough. Rough enough to draw blood. Kinky.

What the single guy could learn: Start off slow with foreplay. Find out all her most erotic spots. Don’t know her erotic spots? Here’s a crazy notion: Ask her! Spend extra time on those areas; especially the neck. The vamps have that part down to a sweet science. If you draw blood you are definitely doing something wrong. The sex will happen. She won’t forget it’s the big payoff, and neither will you.

Scuttlebutt: I really really do like him... Yes! Necking is good! Listen to that guy dear male friends!

Prattle: Oh yeah......


Vampires are moody

Women beg to differ, but they honestly do like the occasional hint of drama in a relationship. It keeps things fresh and exciting. This is perfect for the vampire, whose mood is constantly changing. You’d be pissed too if people wanted you dead and all you’ve had to eat for a couple centuries is some blood and the occasional taste of plasma. It’s not the greatest life to lead. Good thing they’ve got all the female attention to keep things bearable.

Scuttlebutt: Bwaahahahahaaa!!

Prattle: I don't like my guy moody...that's my job! But spontaneity is a whole other beast!!!

What the single guy could learn: Don’t be a moody little baby, but occasionally keep her on her toes. As soon as a relationship becomes complacent and boring, the problems arise. Spontaneity is one of the reasons women love vampires, so be unpredictable yourself. Do things out of the ordinary like pop into her office for lunch, make her a surprise dinner or demand she skip work to spend the day together.


Vampires are persuasive

Vampires have a calming demeanor. They are suave, smooth and soft-spoken, and the women eat it up. They convince the smart and savvy women that their odd behavior is on the up-and-up. They even convince them it’s cool to suck blood. How hard is that? You can’t even convince her to try new sexual positions.

What the single guy could learn: Tell a woman what you want by being candid and straightforward, but not necessarily demanding. It will save a ton of time in arguing and fighting. Speak your mind. Don’t play games. Don’t let her have to figure you out.


Vampires search forever to find "her"

Woman love to think they were destined to be with one man for the rest of their lives. They love the romantic angle of a soul mate -- two people destined to meet, fall in love and be together forever. Now imagine that man is just as eager to find her and has been searching for untold centuries. It knocks a woman off her feet like a silver bullet through the heart. When a vampire sinks his teeth (figuratively) into a woman, he makes her feel like the only woman in the world. It’s no wonder women fall hard -- then again, it could also be the blood loss.

What the single guy could learn: Prove to her that she is the only woman in your life. Don’t check out other girls at a bar or ogle at the Top 99 Women on AskMen (at least not for as long as you usually do), and make her feel like the greatest thing that has ever happened to you.

Vampires are romantic

Give those dead, bloodsucking bastards credit: they know how to romance the pants off a woman. The setting is always dark and mysterious and the atmosphere is just right for doing something dirty. The full moon seems to follow them wherever they go. One of the reasons women love vampires is that they know how to pull all the tricks to make the setting perfect. Also working to their advantage is that they don’t do much talking to ruin the moment. They’ve also had years of practice.

Scuttlebutt: Yep. The years of practice certainly make a difference!

Prattle: Even just TRYING would be a good thing... *sigh*

What the single guy could learn: Set the mood and pick romantic spots for even the simplest activities. Remember places and little nuances for special occasions. Do the small things: special occasions, flowers for no reason, and tiny little "I love you" reminders to make her feel special. If you show her how much you care, you might end up involved in a different kind of sucking that doesn’t involve blood.

Scuttlebutt: *chokes and spits out coffee* Oh dear... LOL

Prattle: Very true!!!! That's when I'm..um... more obliging....


Vampires are powerful

Vampires exude two types of power. The first is the raw, physical power. The vampire is always in phenomenal shape; it must be the low carbs/high blood diet and tons of sleep. The second type of power is mental. He's usually a manipulative bastard who can match brains as much as brawn. This amazing one-two combo is a major reason women love vampires. Moreover, it’s almost impossible to kill a vampire. You think he’s dead? Nope. Still not dead.

What the single guy could learn: Every man knows he has to stay in top physical shape. More important, though, is being mentally powerful. Never stop learning; tackle a new language, do puzzles and games to keep your mind sharp and for ghoul’s sake read challenging and thought-provoking books instead of the sports page every morning. That’s another reason women love vampires; they can carry on a conversation about something other than baseball stats.


Vampires are the ultimate bad boys

Women love bad boys. Now mix in the fact that a vampire is searching for eternal love and needs a woman to survive; you’ve got yourself the ultimate bad boy. He answers to no one, lives by his own rules, wears nice clothes, and is hated by millions of living people. He is the man her mother warned her about except with more guy-liner and lip gloss than either of them could have ever predicted. He isn’t just bad, he’s dead. Beat that!

What the single guy could learn: It’s tough to pull off for some, but you could always give off the appearance of a bad boy. Try it like this: start sleeping all day, hang out late into the night, live by your own rules, piss off as many people as possible, and live off the blood of innocent women. Basically, pretend you’re back in college.

Scuttlebutt: Ok... Chris is amazing! LOL! And also he put all these reasons so well together with modern day relationship tips. Well done boy! LOL

Prattle: Yes Dear Scuttle, this human has correctly identified the parts of the Vampire world (not the Wolf world) that most women adore.... *grins*

Scuttlebutt: *sticks out tongue to Prattle* Dear Chris! You definitely should write an article about the Wolfs please!

Prattle: *makes a W with hands and whispers* Whatever....

Attack of the Nosy Neighbors!!

Hello there!

How are ya dear friends??

This week we are back with one of our favorite subjects! Other peoples lives. *giggles*

Let us introduce to you one of Scuttlebutt's faves...

CheekyTiggerBel aka Itty bit firestarter :)

Here we go....


1. We know what we call you... What would you like us to call you?

Errrr Anything Rob(z), cheeky all work

Scuttlebutt: Helloooooo my sweet bouncy cheeky!
Prattle: Cheeky Tigger! I always loved Tigger..


2. How old are you or how old do you want us to think you are?

Chronologically Im 19 but mentally people say im 4.

Scuttlebutt: *nods* ...and I think they are right *giggles*
Prattle: 4, really?


3. When is your Birthday & what is your star sign?

7th December and Sagittarius (was sposed to be a Xmas Day baby)

Scuttlebutt: But you couldn't wait till then, could you? You wanted to celebrate Xmas out of mommas womb! :)

Jupiter is the ruling planet while Fire is the element. The shade of purple, blue, red and orange are the lucky colors. The colors that promote harmony and love are yellow and orange. The numbers 1, 3, 5 and 9 are the lucky numbers. Thursday is the luckiest day of the week. The lucky stones are Amethyst, Turquoise and Carbuncle. "Horse" is the animal symbol. The strongest virtues of Sagittarius are innovative-ness, optimism and generosity. They make good administrators. The other qualities of this sun sign are self-reliance, practicality and straightforwardness. Aries and Leo are the most compatible signs. Gemini, Pisces and Virgo are incompatible with Sagittarius.

Scuttlebutt: Pffff... who says that you Sagi's aren't compatible with us Pisces? Thats just CRAP! *growls*
Prattle: I hear ya Scuttle! I have a cousin, Holly, that was born on the 25th! She is the sweetest thing...I forgot to feed her once when I was babysitting her.. (whoops!)
Scuttlebutt: Hahahaha! Oh poor poor baby! And don't forget your hubby too! He's a Sagi! And don't forget one of my ex's! But... hmm... well. He's an ex. And I guess thats the reason why. Hehe.


4. Do you like cats or dogs? And why?

Love both cats and dogs, always grown up around them ,reminds me of home

Scuttlebutt: And horses! Don't forget the horses :)
Prattle: Dogs the size of horses? hehe!
Scuttlebutt: *sticks out tongue* Cheeky even owns a horsie!


5. What is your favorite movie and/or book?

Favourite Movie: Invictus or Australia.
Favourite Book: The Chalet School Series

Scuttlebutt: I find this very interesting. Invictus or Australia, both movies with a deeper political and social meaning. I also didn't knew the Chalet School series and I googled it. It says that this series was written by Elinor M. Brent-Dyer and it was originally published in hardcover with dust jacket from 1925 through 1970. Many of the titles in the series have also been reprinted in softcover, but most of the softcover books are heavily edited. Thus, it is necessary to purchase the original hardcover books in order to guarantee that one acquires the original story.
The Chalet School Series is very popular with collectors in the United Kingdom, and many of the books are very hard to find and are very, very expensive. The series is practically unknown in the United States, as it has never been published here.
There are also more than 50 titles in this series! *whistles*
Prattle: *looks at Scuttlebutt* Uh.. *coughs* smartass.. I LOVE the movie Australia!! Yummy scruffy Hugh Jackman... Mmmm.....
Scuttlebutt: Why would YOU call ME a smartass? Oh and guess what... I know a mom that was always sayin' "Better a smartass than a dumbass" *whistles*


6. What countries have you visited?

Here we go: France, India, Poland, Greece, Germany. Stopped off in Belgium and other places I cant remember.

Scuttlebutt: Wow!! Greece too? How old have you been?? And why cant you remember the other places??
Prattle: A world traveler! Awesome! Which was your favorite?


7. Do you have any tattoos and/or piercings?

Only pierced ears :D

Scuttlebutt: Nice little girl :)
Prattle: Of course she is, she's 4 er..19!


8. What super-power would you most like to have, and why?

Something I could make a difference with

Scuttlebutt: Like?
Prattle: Healing? Growing food? Stopping oil "leaks" drilled by greedy Americans? (sorry, had to put that in there.. grrr @ bp...)
Scuttlebutt: What about... everything you can make a difference with? This gift could change from minute to minute! Depending on the current need!


9. Name one thing that not many people know about you.

Play several musical instruments. Dream of joining the Navy.

Scuttlebutt: This little lady is really intellectual.
Prattle: Which instruments? Why the Navy? I have a very prissy Sister-in-Law that when she was 19 joined the Marines!! That didn't last longer than 4 weeks!
Scuttlebutt: What is prissy and why didn't she last more than 4 weeks?
Prattle: Prissy is the worst kind of girly-girl! She doesn't like confrontation and they yelled at her a lot... she hurt her back on a run and got discharged!
Scuttlebutt: Oh me....


10. Whats the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?

Can I go back to sleep? Coffee? Plans for the day.

Prattle: Coffee....
Scuttlebutt: Lately I cant even think... I just wake up and do sounds like... "Ugghhhh....."


11. If you could go to one place in the world, where would it be?

New Zealand to be able to be with my boyfriend.

Scuttlebutt: Owie!
Prattle: Awww... Can you visit often?


12. Do you prefer shaven ... or unshaven?

Baby Fluff so in the middle.

Scuttlebutt: *giggles*
Prattle: *giggles too, unsure what to say!*


13. On a deserted island, what one thing would you bring?

Something musical. I cant live without music.

Scuttlebutt: Yup! Ditto!
Prattle: Yes, must have music! What do you listen to?


14. If you could see in black and white and one other color, what whould it be?

Yellow/Orangey

Scuttlebutt: What does this say about our lil' cheeky?
Prattle: Let me see.. *goes to squidoo.com*

Yellow: Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future, will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.

How the color yellow affects us mentally and physically
* Mentally stimulating
* Stimulates the nervous system
* Activates memory
* Encourages communication

Orange: Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger "love it" or "hate it" response than other colors. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.

How the color orange affects us mentally and physically
* Stimulates activity
* Stimulates appetite
* Encourages socialization

Scuttlebutt: I think that her true color is yellow :) Optimism and happiness. :)


15. Standing or on all fours?

Standing!

Scuttlebutt: I'd say that this one is REALLY talking about sweeping the floor!
Prattle: FINALLY! *giggles*
Scuttlebutt: *giggles too*


16. Hard and fast or soft and slow?

Soft and Slow

Prattle: A soft rain is soothing..
Scuttlebutt: And you can take my word for it that she's really talking about rain here... *grins*


17. What is your favorite food to bring to bed - strawberries, chocolate, whip cream?

Chocolate all the way.

Scuttlebutt: *giggles* I imagine how dirty your sheets are *grins*
Prattle: Maybe she means chocolate cookies?


18. Ever had sex at work??????

*waves V card*

Scuttlebutt: Ok... what about... OTHER stuff? *wiggles eyebrows*
Prattle: YAY CHEEKY!!!! *gives you a hug*


19. What is your favorite curse word?

Oooo errm……probably Fuck as you can have so many variations to it :D

Scuttlebutt: I think the word "FUCK" wins the "All time favorite curse word of ScuttlePrattle" :)


20. What is the funniest or the most awkward sexual experience you've had?

Lets just say too much Alcohol in students has a bad volatile mix thankfully common sense saved the day?

Scuttlebutt: Thankfully, indeed :) But you are not telling us much missy...
Prattle: Yes it is..even in non students!

Foodie Friday

Another week has gone, what's for dinner this weekend??

Enjoy!!

Grilled Salmon

By: tinamenina

"A simple soy sauce and brown sugar marinade, with hints of lemon and garlic, are the perfect salty-sweet complement to rich salmon fillets. Even my 9 year old loves this recipe!"

source: allrecipies.com

Prep Time:

15 Min Cook Time:

16 Min Ready In:

2 Hrs 31 Min

Original Recipe Yield 6 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets

lemon pepper to taste

garlic powder to taste

salt to taste

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions

Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.

In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat grill for medium heat.

Lightly oil grill grate. Place salmon on the preheated grill, and discard marinade. Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Footnotes

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 318 | Total Fat: 20.1g | Cholesterol: 56mg

Sidecar

source: esquire.com

Ingredients

3/4 ounce Cointreau

3/4 ounce lemon juice

1 1/2 ounces cognac

Glass Type: cocktail glass

Instructions

Shake well with cracked ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass that has had its outside rim rubbed with lemon juice and dipped in sugar.

Therapeutic Thursday?

Light Therapy

source: tranquilityisyours.com

source photos: web

Depression and stress have a tendency to intermingle, making it difficult to put your finger on the exact reason why you feel depressed or stressed. You may even feel that it’s

not one thing that’s getting you down. It’s everything, and you just can’t seem to kick a consistent feeling of gloom? You can probably categorize those feelings as depression.

For some people that feeling of gloom and depression is called SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a depression disorder associated with light deprivation during the winter

months. Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused by a melatonin imbalance initiated by a lack of exposure to sunlight. SAD sufferers are not the only ones feeling stress, depression and the negative health affects caused by a lack of appropriate sunlight. We are all feeling its impact. Our lifestyles limit our exposure to sunlight. You naturally get vitamin D from sunlight, and a lack of exposure to sunlight is the main cause of vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiencies can cause severe health issues. Osteoporosis is linked to a lack of vitamin D. Rickets is another bone-wasting disease that is linked to a vitamin D deficiency, and chronic vitamin D deficiency is often misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia, because the symptoms are so similar; muscle weakness, depression, and unexplained aches and pains.

You can get vitamin D through food and supplements, but sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in your body. Studies show that healthy levels of vitamin D inhibit prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, depression, and even schizophrenia.

People with dark skin tend to need 20 – 30 times as much exposure to sunlight as fair-skinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D. In fact, doctors have now discovered that vitamin D deficiency is causing high rates of prostate cancer in Black males. People who are over weight have been found to need twice as much vitamin D, because obesity tends to impair how the body utilizes vitamin D. In general, studies show that your risk of developing serious

diseases like diabetes and cancer can be reduced by 50% - 80% with simple and sensible exposure to natural sunlight on an average of two to three times each week.

When your exposure to natural sunlight is limited, you can combat the depression related to SAD or the health issues associated with sunlight deficiencies with light therapy or photo therapy. Light therapy is exposure to light through special light therapy lamps or light boxes that are brighter than indoor light, but not as bright as direct sunlight. Light therapy has been found to be effective against depression, and it can reset your biological clock, or circadian rhythms, which controls when you sleep and when you wake up. Exposure to this special light has been found to be close enough to natural sunlight to allow the body to produce needed vitamin D.

Light therapy can offer effective mood altering and physical health benefits for generally anyone, and it has already been clinically proven to reduce stress.

Light therapy may be most effective when used first thing in the morning when

you wake up. You and your doctor can determine when light therapy works best

for you. You usually sit approximately 12" from the light anywhere from 10 to 30

minutes per session. It is neither recommended nor necessary to stare directly

into the light. A positive response to light therapy usually occurs within 2 to 4

days, but it may take up to three weeks before symptoms of SAD or depression

are relieved, and it can take months to correct a vitamin D deficiency.

We can all benefit from the use of light therapy. More often than not, most

people usually do not get the kind of exposure to the sun that could be

beneficial. You tend to be stuck inside buildings all day long. You may go to

work before sunrise, and get out of work as the sun is going down, or has

already set. If that sounds like your lifestyle, you may be a good candidate for

light therapy.

Light therapy is a viable alternative to consider when stress or depression has

taken over, and you need more than aromatherapy, candles, or relaxation to get

results.