Disinfect to Protect

 Bacteria are everywhere and affect us as humans in many ways. There are good and bad bacteria and some bacteria is essential to promote good health. In fact, when you do not have enough good bacteria in your body and bad bacteria builds up this causes infections and illness. At the same time you do need some bad bacteria. On surfaces and in the air bad bacteria are considered germs and should be avoided.

When cleaning our homes and various surfaces it is not enough to just clean things, but you must disinfect. When you simply just wipe things down you are removing dirt but not germs. We cannot view germs because they are microscopic, so when you remove dirt that does not mean that you have removed all harmful agents. After cleaning things you should go back and spray over surfaces with a disinfectant spray. After being on a surface for an average of 50 seconds, most bacteria and viruses such as the common cold and flu virus are removed. There are also several cleaners that clean and disinfect all in one; which is very convenient.

Lysol which is one of my favorite cleaning products has implemented their mission for health; which states: “Health matters. To all of us. That's why we've started the Lysol Mission for Health. With new mom programs, healthy habits initiatives in schools and disaster relief efforts, we are dedicated to doing more for health. Our mission is fueled by passion and backed by our expertise in killing germs. So when you use Lysol at home, you'll know you're a part of something bigger.” Lysol gives tips on how to properly clean and disinfects surfaces as well as how to stay healthy. For overall health and fighting off germs Lysol recommends:

□       Avoiding close contact and staying away from those who are sick

□       Following a strict proper hand washing routine

□       Covering your cough using a napkin or your sleeve

□       Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes (this is how germs enter your body)

□       Get rest

□       Get plenty of sleep

□       Be physically active

□       Manage your stress

□       Drink plenty of fluids

□       Eat nutritious foods

□       Don’t smoke/quit smoking

For these and other health tips please visit the Lysol website @ http://www.lysol.com/  

View this old Lysol commercial below featuring Kathy Lee Gifford

Hot Momma!!

Becoming a mother young has been a great experience for me. I had my daughter Paige when I was twenty one, and I do not regret having her young in any way. To begin with when you go through pregnancy and childbirth young, your body can easily snap right back into shape. At my six week checkup (after having Paige) I was three pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight.  My daughter is now one and I have lots of energy for her. I'm not so sure that I would be this way if I was an older mom. Having my daughter while in school has enabled me to basically be a stay at home mom. The only time I am away from her is when I'm in class. I am so excited about being a mommy and I can't wait to see what the future holds for my family and I.

Sisterhood

Being apart of a sorority has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. Even as a child I always knew that I wanted to join my organization, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. My dreams became a reality on April 15, 2007, when I crossed into the first African American sorority. I cannot even describe the bond that I have with my sorority sisters. We have gone through so much together and have been and will be there for all of life's major moments. Like real sisters we fuss and fight but at the end of the day we are always there for each other.

Joining a Greek lettered organization allows you to give back, through community service in a major way. Not only are you enabled to serve your community on large platforms, but the networking is great. Employers in every field imaginable recognize your Greek affiliation and it definitely helps. Being a member of my organization is an affiliation that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Evolve

Everyday is a priceless opportunity to evolve and be a better person. No one is perfect and there is always something that can be changed about everybody. Being complacent is such a bad state to be in. Life is so short and you do not want to waste precious moments in life, by doing absolutely nothing. With our society revolving around capitalism, so many people just go home after working a 9-5, and just sit and watch TV, and wake up and do it all over again. Time goes by so fast, you do not want to look back and feel like you accomplished nothing and never obtained true happiness. Live life to the fullest, and find great people to share life's precious moments with! So go ahead, be happy with life and evolve daily.

FACE ACTION

Ladies, we all know that it is very important to take care of our skin, but our faces need a little more attention. There are so many items on the market for skin/face care, that it can be quite frustrating finding the perfect products. It is very important to remember the basics when it comes to skin care. First, what you put into your body is very important in determining how your skin will be. When it comes to skin care remember, "garbage in = garbage out". In order to have radiant and beautiful skin you must drink plenty of water, and have an overall healthy diet. Excess sugar and alcohol are definitely bad for your skin.Getting enough sleep is also very important. Seven to eight hours of sleep nightly is essential, for your skin to replenish itself. 

When it comes to actually caring for your face there are three essential products. You must have face wash, toner and moisturizer. At least three times a day you should first wash your face with the face wash, then apply toner, and finish off with a moisturizer.  Make sure that your moisturizer has SPF of at least 15. I recommend Aveeno products. Aveeno products are all natural and great for your skin.

COCO me crazy

         Coconut milk is now considered one of the most healthy milks for a human to consume. Coconut milk has many uses, most of which build up the immune system and the body's defenses. Coconut milk contains many vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, including potassium, calcium and chloride.I usually drink vanilla soy milk but when I heard about substituting it for coconut milk, I immediately jumped on it. I have been overall pleased with my choice but the taste of it did have to grow on me. With coconut milk being completely animal free, soy-free, gluten-free, and a big immune system booster, I see it taking over other milk products. I was looking to an alternative for soy milk, because studies show that soy contains estrogen; which can contribute to breast cancer. One healthy decision at a time can lead to an overall better lifestyle and I encourage all to take one step at a time to reach health goals. I'm definitely on the right track!

Some fat is essential

         Omega 3 fatty acids are considered essential fat for our bodies. Although this fat is essential, our bodies do not produce these acids on its on own, so we must consume foods with omega 3 fatty acids in order to reap the benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. They have also become very popular because they may reduce the risk of heart disease.
         I personally enjoy salmon and try to have it for dinner at least twice a week. Salmon is very tasty and with all the omega 3 fatty acids that it is loaded with, salmon is a very healthy entree. I challenge everyone to add salmon to their diet to help their overall health.