Friday, May 23, 2008

Natural Remedies For Ear Infections

Infections of the ear most often occur after swimming, specifically when polluted water enters the ear canal. Also scratching inside the ear to alleviate itching or trying to remove ear wax are other ways in which you can develop an ear infection. If the onset of the symptoms begins with itching followed by pain, these are signs the ear may be infected. Here are some natural remedies for ear infections which may help.

Apply a heating pad over the ear or a clean cotton pad. Keep the ear clean and dry, and remove any pus with a cotton ball. When taking a shower, wear a shower cap to prevent any water from entering the ear. Remove any water from the ear with a blow dryer.

Other natural remedies include:

1. Add a few drops of garlic juice into the ear.
2. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a ¼ cup of warm olive oil.
3. Add a few drops of warm olive oil into the infected ear.
4. Add a drop of hydrogen peroxide in the ear.
5. Heat up some baby oil and place a few drops in the ear.
6. For wax buildup which results in an infection, place a few drops of mineral oil into the infected ear and remove the loosened wax with a suction bulb.

While these are tried and true natural remedies for ear infections, you can prevent them from occurring by using a remedy that has worked for generations – take a teaspoon of cod liver oil every day. According to research, this old but familiar remedy has been proven effective.

Experts suggest taking a teaspoon of the new lemon-flavored cod liver oil followed by a multi-vitamin tablet with selenium. They assert this may also prevent ear infections in children.
Of course, if the ear infection persists after you’ve applied these natural remedies, it would be advisable to see a doctor. However, the general consensus among those who have used these natural remedies for ear infections agree that any one of the above methods do indeed work.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Choosing The Right Walking Shoe

Take an inventory of your shoes and determine how many pairs are most comfortable for walking. How many did you choose? One? Two? Choosing the right walking shoe is essential in preventing foot injuries and other problems.

Sure, buying a pair of the latest styles might be fashionable, but can you honestly wear them all day without grimacing in pain? Years ago, a good pair of walking shoes consisted of one style which was not at all flattering. Today, however, you have a wide variety of good walking shoes to choose from, and it is in your best interest to keep your feet healthy by selecting the appropriate walking shoe.

Some of the types of shoes which you can choose are those that are shaped like your feet and provide more toe room. With tight shoes, you run the risk of bunions, blisters, calluses, and a host of other conditions which can make your life miserable.

According to leading podiatrists, shoes should be comfortable. You should be able to wiggle your toes, and the shoes should have a sole that flexes at the ball of your foot.Also, it is important to wear the proper size. More often than not, if there is a pair of shoes we have to have, but are a bit smaller, we make the sacrifice. The end result, however, is more pain.

Have your feet sized when you go to the shoe store. As you get older, changes occur to the feet in that their size and shape become more pronounced.

The next time you are sitting at your desk or at home, and you suddenly find you’ve taken off your shoes because they are causing pain, this may be a good time to visit a good shoe store. They will not only measure your feet, but provide you with a variety of shoes more comfortable for wearing.