Archives for 2019

November 18, 2019

5 Tips For A Beautiful Smile

 

 

When it comes to looking and feeling great, our smiles beat any fashion accessory! Whether you’re a real lipstick-lover or prefer to go natural, let’s take a look at five simple tips for keeping that smile beautiful. 

1 . Perfect your oral hygiene

Rule number one for those gorgeous smiles is of course- perfecting your oral hygiene. Ensure that you are flossing as well as brushing, and that you’ve got yourself an excellent toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush every three months to make sure that your oral routine is always effective. Ensure that you don’t brush too hard because doing so can lead to receding gums. Your brush should be at a 45-degree angle toward your gums, and you should brush in little strokes as wide as your teeth, back and forth. Get yourself a nice mouthwash while you’re at it to keep pesky bacteria at bay.

2. Get your routine dental checks 

Even if your teeth look and feel perfect, you shouldn’t skip your regular check-ups. Often, problems can go unnoticed and then flare up at a later date. A dentist can spot signs of trouble early and give you advice or treatments if need be. Have a professional cleaning often to remove the plaque and stains that can build up on your teeth over time. Ongoing check-ups will leave you with the brighter smile that you seek in no time.

3. Braces for straighter teeth

If your teeth are crooked and you’re insecure about it, why not try braces? Now the traditional metal kind doesn’t have to be your only option. Most dentists now offer braces which are clear and barely visible on your teeth. While you’re at your dentist, they can also talk to you about teeth whitening options. Many people choose to get teeth whitening after braces to ensure that their teeth are not discolored. Of course, certain foods and drinks are notorious for staining your teeth. If you’re a red wine fan, for example, it’s a good plan to carry a toothbrush around for a little extra brushing after your drink! 

4. Banish dry lips

During the wintertime, our lips have a tendency to become cracked and dry. The key is to give your lips a treat with some DIY all-natural moisturizing practices. Get yourself some Coconut oil and rub it onto your lips to get them feeling soft and smelling delicious too. Another tasty treat to try is rose water and honey; mix them both together and apply to your lips for a lovely boost of hydration.

5. New lipstick time 

If you’re a lipstick-loving girl, you won’t need much excuse to invest in a new one! Why not try a shade from the ‘100% Pure’ brand? These lipsticks are eco-friendly, vegan and made with packaging that’s easy to reuse or recycle. Each lipstick is totally natural and free of paraben, sulfate, and all toxins. There’s a range of gorgeous colours made from fruit pigments, shea butter, cocoa butter, and vitamin E too. If you’re not usually a lipstick fan, these lovelies might just change your mind. 

 

(Image pexels.com)

 

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November 18, 2019

Buying stylish eyeglasses without breaking the bank

If you wear glasses, it may surprise you to learn that you are in the majority, rather than the minority. Around 64% of Americans wear prescription eyeglasses. So, there really is no need to feel self-conscious about wearing them.

In fact, if you buy the right type they can be a great way to enhance your look. The only problem is that eyewear is not cheap. On average, people spend $196 on their glasses. But, now people have the option to order online, prices are starting to drop.

 

 

Fewer fixed overheads mean lower prices

Retailers who sell in this way are able to offer high-quality frames and lenses at a substantial discount. This is largely because they do not have the same overheads that a physical opticians’ shop does. They use just in time ordering methods, so have very little money tied up in stock. Plus, an online retailer does not have to pay rates or maintain a shop.  As a result, they can sell to consumers at a lower price.

Shop around

However, you should not just assume that because they are an online eyewear retailer their prices will be cheaper across the board. It is always wise to shop around. That includes seeing what your local optician has to offer. If they are holding a sale, you may even be able to pick up designer frames for the same price you would pay for non-branded ones.

Keep your prescription up to date

Having an up to date prescription to hand, means that as soon as you see the glasses you really want available at a good price you can order them immediately. Signing up to receive promotion notifications will help you to be one of the first people to know about an upcoming sale. This enables you to quickly sign in and grab yourself a bargain.

How to ensure that you buy the right pair of glasses

But, there is no point in doing all of that to get yourself a bargain if you end up buying a pair of glasses that you do not like. If they just sit in the case, you will have wasted your money. Worse, you will also have to buy another pair.

Be wary of always following the trends

Eyewear fashions change really fast, nearly as quickly as clothing trends do. But, even when you shop online, glasses are still too expensive to just throw away after a few weeks of wear.

So, it is wise to think before you buy. Those bright pink frames may be great for the summer or for wearing at the weekends. But, ask yourself if they will fit in with your workplace style guidance and your winter wardrobe. It the answer is that you are not sure, it is usually best to choose something else.

Fortunately, there are some classic frame styles that never really go out of fashion. They are a particularly good place to start when you are deciding what to buy. If you are in the market for a new pair of sunglasses take a look at this list of classic frame shapes that have remained in vogue for decades.

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November 18, 2019

Skin Actives introduces the new “limited edition” Rose Gold Serum

 

For those seeking to nourish dull, tired skin with maximum moisture, Skin Actives introduces the brand-new “limited edition” Rose Gold Serum. This lightweight, oil-based serum moisturizes skin in style with a formula instilled with powerful antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and flecks of quick-absorbing gold particles that leave your skin luminous and radiant. Acting as an effective daily moisturizer, this potent formula delves deep to minimize the appearance of fine lines and blur wrinkles while giving your skin a 24-kt. glow.

This serum is specially formulated with Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Rosehip seed oil; quickly absorbing into the skin to produce a visibly brighter complexion and even skin tone. Made without parabens, sulfates or phthalates, this no-fluff Rose Gold Serum uses the highest caliber of ingredients to treat you to gorgeous, hydrated skin you will want to show off to the world.

Features & Benefits:

  • Intensely moisturizes dry skin
  • Enriched with 24 kt. gold flakes
  • Light-weight, quick absorbing formula
  • Can be used on skin, neck, and lips
  • Brightens & improves skin’s texture with powerful antioxidants
  • Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Vegan friendly & cruelty free

Directions for Use:

Shake well before each application. Apply a few drops to the palm of your hands and gently apply to face, neck and lips.  Apply once or twice daily before makeup for a daily moisturizer.  To achieve a radiant glow, apply after makeup with a beauty sponge.

 

Available on Amazon

Made in the USA , No Animal Testing

www.skinactives.com

@skin_actives

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November 18, 2019

NYC Hair Stylist, Lucy Garcia Planck Shares Some Key Hair Tips

NYC Hair Stylist, Lucy Garcia Planck, from John Barrett Salon at Bergdorf Goodman, shares some key tips on how to make sure your hair stands out this holiday season:

  • Moisturizing is a Must: When you hair is moisturized it will help all of your holiday hairstyles look great. Dry winter air zaps hair of any moisture it has. Washing your hair too often in the winter will also deplete moisture out of your hair. If you have oily hair wash it every other day, and if you have dry hair, aim at washing it one to two times a week maximum.
  • Treat Yourself to a Hair Mask : Hair masks also help keeping hair hydrated. Depending on the texture of your hair, aim for a mask 1-2 times a week. Making your own hair mask out of household items is super easy. I like to use 1 tsp of coconut oil directly on your hair, starting on the ends of the hair and working it up towards the scalp. Go to work out or run an errand and leave in for 30-60 min then shampoo with the treatment still in the head and then rinse. This locks in the natural oils in the hair and keeps it looking shiny.
  • Keeping Insides Healthy Will Make the Outside Shine: Whatever you put into your body reflects your outsides. Drinking plenty of water, and eating proper foods such as fish, nuts and eggs helps to keep hair shiny. Biotin is a natural supplement that many people don’t get enough of and that could be a contributing factor to dry, brittle hair. I always tell my clients to take biotin year round to maintain a strong, healthy glow to their hair and it also helps with split ends. I love using and always recommend vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin and Nails is a great-tasting gummy multivitamin containing 12 key nutrients, including Biotin and Vitamins C and E to help nourish beautiful hair, skin, and nails from the inside out.
  • Static Stay Away:  Dry winter months always create lots of hair static, which can ruin a great hairstyle. I always sleep on a silk pillowcase, which can help to eliminate this issue. Unlike cotton, the silk pillowcase doesn’t have any wrinkles in it and won’t mess up our hair. To maintain your hair or hairstyle (a fresh salon blowout), sleeping on silk helps with the static as well during the winter when your hair is depleted of moisture. Argan oil moisturizes the ends of your hair without leaving your hair oily. Use only a very tiny amount (pea-sized). If your hair is fine, stay away from the oils, instead use static guard sprayed in your hairbrush and brush your hair. For those with thicker hair, the argan oil will help keep your hair moisturized and reduce static and flyways.

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November 18, 2019

Shanti Wellness Launches CBD Self-Care Kit

Shanti Wellness Launches CBD Self-Care Kit, just in time for the holidays

Shanti Wellness, a CBD and herbal wellness brand, announced today the launch of its Self-Care Kit. Upon opening the kit, patrons will find the Relax CBD Bath Bomb, Balance Premium CBD Tincture and the Restore Body Butter. All Shanti Wellness products are crafted from only plant-sourced ingredients, are free of THC (the psychoactive component found in cannabis) and utilize Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certified hemp.

“The Self-Care Kit is designed to instill a strong sense of wellbeing and peace. Shanti is the Sanskrit word for ‘peace and tranquility,’ which we try to bring to people with all of our products,” says founder Mohnia Patel. “We wanted to develop something that feels luxurious. A present for yourself or for someone else.”

The self-care ritual begins with the Balance Premium CBD tincture. At ~10mg of CBD per full dropper, one dropper can promote gentle relaxation to the body and mind. Next is the Relax CBD Bath Bomb with peppermint and pine extracts, and chamomile flowers. Adding this calming, rejuvenating blend of essential oils, bath salts, CBD and herbs to a warm bath helps the body relax while soothing aches and easing tension.

The ritual of self-care is completed with the Restore CBD Body Butter, an emollient blend of natural oils and essential oils of eucalyptus and peppermint with CBD to moisturize dry skin, promote circulation and ease any remaining muscle tension. Through its plant-sourced, non-psychoactive products, Shanti’s herbal blends provide potent plant solutions to everyday aches, pains, stress and more.

“I used all of these ingredients and supplements to ease my own stress and anxiety,” says Patel. “Not only CBD, but the combination of CBD with other botanicals is what allows these products to deliver such positive effects. I developed each Shanti Wellness product to bring people a sense of peace and serenity and to gently relieve physical and mental tension. With the Self-Care kit, we really are delivering a gift of wellness and relaxation to people.”

All Shanti Wellness CBD is tested for potency, efficacy and is derived from sun-grown hemp. Sustainably farmed in the USA, all Shanti products are pesticide-free and organically grown in Colorado. Shanti maintains full traceability from clone to extract in order to ensure the highest level of quality. All products are formulated in a state of the art Good Manufacturing Practices facility.

Shanti Wellness products range from $40 to $79. The Shanti Wellness Self-Care kit is a $94-value bundled into a beautiful box for $79.

https://www.shopshanti.com/

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November 18, 2019

HOW TO AVOID HOLIDAY HEARTBURN AS EXPLAINED BY AN INTERNIST AND GASTROENTEROLOGIST

 www.niketsonpal.com

Even if you’re not a “foodie” most people look forward to indulging in the culinary delights of holiday time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. This  means that even people who are typically disciplined eat too much in one evening, eat rapidly, imbibe amounts of alcohol they are unaccustomed to, and consume foods that may not be part of their regular diet because “tis the season.”  While nobody likes a medical grinch, there are ways to have gastronomic fun without paying the price with holiday heartburn. Dr. Niket Sonpal is an internist and gastroenterologist at Touro College of Medicine.  He shares his tips for having your holiday cake and eating it too.

Heartburn happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. It can also go by two names: GER (gastroesophageal reflux) or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). GER is also known as acid indigestion, happening only once in a while. GERD is chronic heartburn that can lead to esophageal cancer if left untreated.

Here are some tips for avoiding holiday heartburn

Eat light turkey, not dark

High-fat food can spell trouble if you’re prone to heartburn, so do yourself a favor and skip the skin when it comes to turkey time. Your best bet is to eat turkey breast and avoid oilier dark meat. The same goes for gravy. If it’s not fat free, it may be smarter to skip this dish.

Choose baked, not mashed

If you have chronic heartburn, you don’t have to give up your favorite foods. You just have to choose wisely to save yourself some pain later on. For example, mashed potatoes can trigger heartburn, but baked potatoes may not. When it comes to dairy products, the less fat the better.  Limit butter and avoid sour cream.

Choose multigrain rolls or bread

When choosing grain-based food for the holiday, you can’t go wrong with multigrain bread or rolls. Corn bread and white bread are good choices too,if you want to avoid heartburn.

One side dish that should be strictly for the kids, however, is macaroni and cheese. This is one of those dishes known to trigger acid reflux, according to the National Heartburn Alliance.

Selecting a salad

Salads are good news for those with chronic heartburn or GERD—if you have the right salad dressing and ingredients, that is. High-fat foods are a known trigger for acid reflux, so the National Heartburn Alliance recommends avoiding creamy salad dressings, as well as oil and vinegar. Your best bet is a low-fat salad dressing, and avoid tomatoes, raw onions, and other acid-aggravating ingredients. (Want fruit in your salad? Choose apples, not oranges, if you want to avoid heartburn.)

Avoid foods that cause heartburn.

People who suffer from heartburn often know the trigger foods that cause symptoms. Common foods include chocolates, caffeine and greasy foods. These foods relax the lower esophagus sphincter muscle, when this muscle is relaxed, the food will go back up and cause heartburn. Other foods that can trigger heartburn include acidic foods such as citrus fruits or carbonated beverages. This means avoid Champagne!

Skip Mint Desserts

Candy canes and chocolate mint desserts are best left for others. These dangerous holiday delectables are notorious for helping acid reflux on its way.

Eat more ginger

Ginger is one ingredient that can help ease heartburn, if you don’t get too much of it. (More than 2 to 4 grams per day can actually cause heartburn.)

Ginger is a natural match for root vegetable dishes commonly served during the holidays. Heartburn-friendly vegetables include carrots, cabbage, peas, broccoli, and green beans

Linger Over Your Food

Take the time to eat slowly and enjoy your food. Rushing through your meal or chewing with your mouth open can increase your chances of indigestion or heartburn. Linger over your food and allow yourself to feel full by giving your food time to digest.

 Limit Alcoholic Beverages

Have to have that holiday egg nog? Limit it to one glass. This festive beverage can do double the damage. Not only does it contain alcohol that irritates your stomach but it contains the added dose of diary that can cause bloating and gas.

Cut yourself off.

After-hours holiday parties can keep you snacking all night, but eating too close to bedtime can make acid reflux worse. Stop eating and drinking (water included) three hours before bedtime.

Ditch the post-meal nap:

Sleeping right after eating can increase GERD symptoms. Instead of falling asleep, try going for a walk.

Dr. Niket Sonpal

is a native of Long Island NY and a graduate of Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in gastroenterology at Lenox Hill Hospital and will continue his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation.

Dr Sonpal has spoken and presented at over 25 national and regional conferences on his research and is a regular participant in national courses, as well as offering presentations to medical students, graduates, and residents on the match process. Recently Dr. Sonpal was chosen as one of top ten national residents for the Medelita–‐Dupont Honoring Excellent Resident Observations also known as the H.E.R.O. Campaign. He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.

Dr. Sonpal is also on the board of the NY‐ American College Of Physicians (NYACP), and AAPI–‐NYC–‐METRO as the MSRF liaison. He has recently become a board member for NYCMS (New York County Medical Society).

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November 18, 2019

4 Pro Tips to Achieve the Best Holiday-Season Look

Have you ever wondered where the ugly Christmas sweater craze originated and why everyone chooses to look, well, rather silly?

According to the aptly named Ugly Christmas Sweater Book, the rise of ugly sweaters started in the late 1980s, around the same time when Chevy Chase played the iconic role of Clark Griswold in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. But the ugly sweater party craze saw its rapid climb around 2001 and hasn’t slowed down since.

Then again, depending on who you ask, the ugly sweater Christmas craze should be put to rest in favor of gorgeous seasonal fashion that people are proud to wear. If you want to retire those ugly sweaters and reach for something more flattering, follow these pro tips for a fashion-forward holiday.

1. Reach for That Little Black Dress

The classic little black dress is always a must-have for any seasonal wardrobe. It’s versatile, flattering and offers plenty of flexibility throughout the holiday season. Dress it up with stunning jewelry and fabulous shoes, or keep it simple with an essential bangle bracelet and earrings. And if you secretly love all the holiday fanfare and ugly Christmas sweater, add a fun scarf or wrap depicting a festive seasonal motif.

2. Go Glam with Velvet

There may be no better excuse to pull out the velvet and drape yourself in luxury than the holiday season. Choose from black or dark blue, or go bold with bright red and grab some shoes to match. Wearing velvet is also a fun way to make a big entrance at your next holiday party, where all eyes are bound to be on you. But if you’re not feeling head-to-toe velvet, opt for velvet shoes and a handbag to add some style to your holiday outfit.

3. Drape Yourself in Jewelry

If you’re not sure what to wear or don’t want to invest in a new dress, celebrate the season with your best jewelry for a glittery evening on the town. The holidays are the time to shine, and you can use this season as an excuse to invest in new signature pieces for your collection.

Look for long, draping necklaces that can jazz up the little black dress, sparkling earrings to grab some attention from friends and family, and oversized cocktail rings for a festive touch. The best part about jewelry is that you can add more to make a statement or tone it down to keep the focus on simple elegance.

4. Layer for Warmth and Style

With a mix of soft, cashmere scarves and cardigans, wearing layers is an easy way to create a stunning look for the holidays. Plus, you simultaneously end up looking great and staying warm without compromising your signature look. Then again, if you live in a more temperate climate, you can still layer your way to achieve that upscale holiday look.

Just add a lightweight sweater or wrap to dress up your outfit. Layers also let you course correct your wardrobe as the night wears on. After an upscale dinner, you can hop over to a party and quickly shed your layers for a more basic look to join a casual crowd.

Be as Creative as You Want

With the right pieces, from the little black dress to the right jewelry, holiday fashion can be fun and flexible for just about anyone. This holiday season, let your creativity dictate your signature fashion. Just make sure to donate those ugly holiday sweaters to make room for your new style.

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November 17, 2019

Life Lessons From Mr. Tater Tot

Books that preach or teach can be so boring that you would put them down after just a few
paragraphs of reading. However, that is not the case if you are reading life lessons from a
Tater Tot life lesson book. Drawing you into his world of fun, Tater Tot and his friends take
you on a fun-filled trip and then something goes haywire. This is where the life lesson comes
in. There are no books that give us advice about what to do and make us aware of potential
problems and pitfalls before they take place.

Frankly, even if there was, we would not pay heed to them, would we? Tater Tot, however,
is too cute to be ignored and his stories are interesting and take you to the crux rather
quickly. As a fall guy, Tater Tot allows us the luxury of practicing empathy for those who
make mistakes and did not have a life lesson book to either guide them or did not
comprehend what was being said in the life lesson book. Tater Tot allows us to do this and
not be on the defensive about the issue.

Why do we Need Life Lesson Books?

Life lesson books should be interesting and should make its readers reflect on the situation
and learn the life lesson therein. We must understand why we act the way we do. However,
it is equally important that we also understand how our attitude, words, and actions are
perceived by others around us. This understanding will bring about a difference in how we
communicate and act with others to achieve the best outcome in the situation. Sounds
simple, doesn’t it, and yet we see people around us creating problems for others with their
speech or actions.

While it is great fun to watch television sitcoms, where misunderstandings make for
humorous situations, in real life such situations can generate a tremendous amount of
stress for those involved. Life lessons books at MrTaterTot.com, offer us the chance to
reflect and ask if we truly understand what another is trying to convey to us.

Tater Tot Life Lessons

Life would have been so easy if we had a book to open each morning that would tell us what
we need to learn to pass that day. It would have been easier if we could remember
everything we read in that book by heart. However, the reality is different and that is why
Tater Tot decided to write these life lessons books in such a way that people would want to
read them over and over again resulting in a better understanding and newer learning each
time. Life lessons are multiple and deal with every aspect of our lives.

Tater Tot shows us how although he loves to help people, he ends up causing problems and
issues for them. Not wanting you to feel as miserable as he does after realizing the problems
he has caused, Tater Tot hopes that his life lesson s books will help you in understanding
and realizing how to avoid similar situations.

Happy reading!

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November 17, 2019

An Intro About Mimosa Pudica

 

Mimosa pudica is called by different names in different parts of the world. It is called the sleepy plant, touch-me-not, sensitive plant, Chui Mui, Makahiya plant, etc. This plant is available in many South Asian countries but it is native to Central and South America. It is found largely in wastelands under the shade of trees or in other areas where there is shade. 

The plant is a perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family and genus Mimosa. It is spiny and grows up to a height of about 30 cm. It has flower puffs that are small and globular and has compound leaves. The leaves respond to touch by rapid closing and slowly reopening after a few minutes. 

 

Why do the leaves close upon touch?

There are many species in the plant kingdom that experience structural changes rapidly and is known as rapid plant movement. The receptors that are present in the body of the plant is activated due to which there are modifications in the shape of the plant. Among the plants that show rapid plant movement Mimosa Pudica is one nad hence called a sensitive plant. That is the reason people grow it as an ornamental plant. When the plant is touched there are specific regions in the plant which release potassium ions and many other chemicals in the body. These chemicals result in loss of pressure in cells as the water gets diffused out of it. That causes the leaves to shut when there is an external stimulus like the human touch. This is then transferred to the neighboring leaves too and even that closes. 

 

What is the purpose of the closing of the leaves?

Though there is no proof of why the Mimosa Pudica developed the trick of closing the leaves on external stimulus many researchers believe that it as a sort of defense mechanism. It can be to prevent a herbivorous insect or animal from eating it by scaring them away from a plant that folds or droops when touched. It can also help in dislodging an insect that can harm the plant. 

As exciting as it looks to the human eye this process of recoiling and opening consumes a lot of energy and hence the plant has to work extra hard to regain it back. Moreover, it is also found that rapid movement interferes with photosynthesis. Though it is great to watch the recoiling and refurling of leaves it is not in the best interest of the plant and hence should be avoided. 

 

Chemical composition of Mimosa Pudica

As per the phytochemical screening of this plant, its leaves have many alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids, glycosides, etc. The root extracts contain essential oils, fatty acids, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterol, and glycosides. It also contains a few phytochemical compounds like betulinic acid, jasmonic acid, mimosine and Mimopudine which are essential for health. An intro to Mimosa Pudica from Microbe Formulas shows that it contains antibacterial and antivenom properties that can be used to treat many general health issues like a sinus infection, healing of wounds, inflammation, fungus related issues and can even treat venomous snake bite. Using this plant extract daily as a supplement has many health benefits that make it a highly beneficial herb to have.  

Health benefits of Mimosa Pudica

Treats small cuts and wounds: The leaves of the Mimosa Pudica plant have antibacterial properties that not only help in reducing pain but also heals the small cuts and wounds effectively leaving no scars behind. Apply the juice of the leaves on the affected area directly and repeat the process until it gets cured. 

 

Reduces joint pain and arthritis: The shy plant has many anti-inflammatory properties that aid in relieving joint pain and also arthritis. A paste should be made from the leaves of this plant and should be applied to the joints. Repeated application of this paste every night helps in reducing swelling and also pain. 

 

Reduces itching: The anti-inflammatory properties of the leaves help in reducing itching and the anti-bacterial properties ensure that the root cause is eliminated. The condition which can worsen due to constant scratching can be brought under control by mixing the paste made of leaves with sesame oil. 

 

Reduces menstrual bleeding: The leaves extract has properties that can balance the hormones in the body and also bring instant pain relief from cramps during menstruation. The juice got from the leaves can be mixed with honey and pepper to treat excessive bleeding. 

 

Acts as an anti-venom: Mimosa pudica has antivenom properties which can reduce the venom of even a cobra attack as per a study. The water obtained from boiling the dried root is said to have this property. But this treatment has to be done under the supervision of a specialist healer. 

 

Cures piles: Mimosa Pudica is useful to reduce the bleeding piles. The leaves of the plant have to be powdered and mixed with a glass of milk. This mixture has to consume twice a day in order to get rid of piles. 

 

Helps in diabetes and blood pressure control: High blood sugar levels in the body can lead to other complications. This can be controlled by the use of Mimosa Pudica as it releases insulin to the blood and thus regulates the sugar levels. The juice of the plant should be consumed for a week to 10 days to see the blood sugar levels reducing.

Along with diabetes, high blood sugar can lead to many cardiovascular diseases and by drinking the juice extract of this plant’s leaves the high blood pressure gets regulated. 

 

Protects the liver: The plant extract is said to be useful in reducing toxins and protecting the liver. It also has anthelmintic properties that aid in killing and expelling worms from the intestinal tract.

 

Treats jaundice: It is a disease that happens when there is excessive bilirubin in the system, by consuming the juice of Mimosa Pudica for 2 to 3 weeks it can help in treating jaundice. 

 

Mimosa Pudica is a traditional herb that has been used by practitioners as natural medicine. The health benefits that are mentioned above are also acknowledged by health experts and hence safe to use.  

 

 

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November 14, 2019

Using Teledentistry To Keep You Looking Glamorous!

By definition Teledentistry is the use of information technology and telecommunications for dental care, consultation, education, and public awareness. And here in Hollywood, the biggest company is BYTE, whose made-to-order aligners are six times faster than braces and guaranteed for life! Behind the marketing for this great company is Sarah McDonald. After years of working at Fortune 500 companies (BD Medical, YouTube) Sarah took her talents to early stage start-ups in the Direct-to-Consumer marketplace such as byte. I sat down with Sarah to find out more about herself, why social media is important in today’s marketplace for companies, the ‘Don’t Tell Me To Smile‘ campaign that her brand has made gone viral, and all about byte and why celebrities are using the products of byte to look fabulous!

NICK NORTHSTAR: Let’s kick things off with a fun fashion question: How would you describe your own personal style – both while at home and while working?

SARAH MCDONALD: Typically I go for minimalist and timeless looks both at home and at the office. I try not to buy super trendy pieces that will only last a season but instead look for neutral colors I can wear throughout time that fit me well. When it comes to work, I choose my outfits based on comfort and ease. Vintage Levis, a white tee and gold jewelry is my go-to uniform!

NN: Why did you decide to leave your job working for big fortune 500 companies and concentrate more on start-ups in the direct-to-consumer marketplace? What’s your day-to-day like now?

SM: Working at fortune 500 companies was a great start to building my career foundation and of course was impressive on paper, but I hit a point where I realized I wasn’t truly passionate about what I was doing. It started to feel like I was just another number, and I wanted to make a larger impact when it came to my day to day. I was in my mid-20s and made the decision to change industries completely. This change was terrifying as I am a calculated risk persona and felt that I’d have to start over to do so. I figured if I was potentially going to take a couple of steps backwards, I wanted to grow as quickly as possible and thought a start-up would be my best bet. I figured I’d get the chance to take a lot on and gave myself one year to “just try it out.” I happened to land at a start up in the direct-to-consumer wine and tech industry and haven’t looked back at larger companies since. My day-to-day now is fast paced, exciting, and while it feels like it’s never-ending, is so worth it! As Head of Brand Marketing at byte, I wear dozens of hats, and I’ve had to master the skill of prioritizing. I typically start my week off identifying any deadlines and organizing my many to-dos in order of urgency. The week usually speeds by with meetings, brainstorms and content creation sessions. I have an amazing team that I work with every day and it’s been a very exciting experience so far.

NN: What makes byte stand out from other teledentistry companies?

SM: byte stand out in many ways! We’re able to straighten your teeth in half the time of any other invisible aligner company in the marketplace thanks to our exclusive accelerator device, the HyperByte. Not only can we get you done faster but we’re also a fraction of the cost and can be done without leaving home, which is major. Another way we stand out is our Smile Science technology, created by our co-founder Dr. Marashi, who is the celebrity dentist of every A-lister out there. We design a smile that is all your own by analyzing your selfie and considering the proportions of your face, unlike other brands that use generic software.

NN: What first attracted you to them (byte) to work for?

SM: I was attracted to the idea that I would be able to change lives through a product I believed in. I loved the thought of providing something meaningful to people who may have not previously been able to afford or access the tools to achieve a smile they were proud of. I joined byte pre-launch, and while the idea of starting a company was scary in some ways, I was eager to have a real say in how we would build an authentic and meaningful brand.

NN: How important is social media these days for beauty and lifestyle companies to get the word out?

SM: Social media is extremely important especially when it comes to beauty and lifestyle companies. A brand like ours that is altering the way you look and requires a lot of trust relies heavily on our customers to share their experience, and social media is where that takes place. Our product is something people spend lots of time researching before deciding to purchase so I always want to make sure that we have a one stop shop on social for them to get educated, see byte results, ask questions and feel inspired to go after the smile they’ve dreamed of with byte. It’s a great place to tell your brand story and reach new audiences.

NN: What has the feedback been from people who have used the various products byte offers?

SM: The feedback has been beyond amazing. Since day one, we’ve been obsessed with our customers’ experience and do everything we can to make sure that each and every person feels valued and gets the results we promised them. If you look at byte reviews, you’ll often see people calling out how much they love our customer service, are in awe of the HyperByte and love the brand itself in terms of design, look and feel. Our entire byte team takes great pride in what we do, and we love to celebrate our customers as they finish their treatment and achieve their new smiles.

NN: What is the process for those wanting that “perfect smile”?

SM: The process is all about convenience and ease. You start off by finding out if you’re a byte candidate by ordering our Impression Kit and taking molds of your teeth at home. An orthodontist reviews your smile and creates a custom treatment plan so you can see what your smile journey will look like. At this point, you’ll order your byte aligner system which comes with all of your aligners, teeth whitener and our exclusive HyperByte tool, and you’re on your way to a straighter, whiter smile. Our team is with you every step of the way, and we make it work with your budget whether that’s through our 100% credit approval financing that’s under $100 per month, using your insurance or utilizing your FSA/HSA benefits! byte takes an average of 3 months to give you the smile you’ve dreamt of!

NN: byte also recently launched the “Don’t Tell Me To Smile” campaign. Tell us more about this initiative and why it’s so important to you?

SM: This campaign is very important to me, and I’ve been in awe of the heartfelt response we’ve gotten since launch. I’ve always admired brands that are not afraid to use their voice and reach to get real messages across. It’s powerful when done right and allows a brand to stand for more than just their product. “Don’t Tell Me To Smile” campaign was all around empowering people to own their smiles. Unfortunately, most women can think of one if not dozens of times someone on the street, at a bar or even at work has told them they need to smile more, and we wanted to start a conversation around this. Smiling is great (and we’re clearly in the business of making smiles), but we also want to build the confidence around a beautiful smile and it being for you to show off when you so choose. Upon launch, we received thousands of shares and comments from women sharing their stories around being told to smile more and how much our video meant to them. We hoped that men would jump into the conversation as this was a learning moment for everyone to get something out of.

NN: As we ask everyone here, on a personal note, what is your definition of “Glam”?

SM: Glam is being the best version of yourself and finding the confidence to live in your truth. I love when I see people doing what makes them feel beautiful and fabulous.

NN: What can we expect from byte moving forward this year and next?

SM: 2020 is going to be a great one. We just entered into an exclusive partnership with FabFitFun, the #1 beauty and lifestyle subscription box and have other surprises in the works. We will continue to put our customers first and find ways to help people achieve smiles they’re proud of and confidence to get after their dreams.

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