Angela's Advice - June 2011

Your Invisible Enemies

Inhalants
Pollens:	These tiny particles are the male seed of plant reproduction, wafted in the air to seek the female flower. Deciduous trees begin the hay fever cycle in the spring; usually pecan, walnut, oak and elm. Grasses take over in early summer, followed by weeds in late summer and fall. Weeds are the most common problem, followed by grass and trees.
What To Do:	Leave for the seashore or the arctic. Filter air coming into the house, or use filters inside to clear air. Effective drugs are antihistamines and decongestants. Allergy injections are usually effective also.
Molds:	Molds are found in decaying vegetation but also in moist areas of a home, including air conditioners and swamp coolers. Old foam pillows and mattresses also breed molds.
What To Do:	Clear out sources of molds. Use anti mildew sprays. Shots and drugs, effective against pollen, also alleviate mold allergies.
Animal, Dander and Saliva:	Cat saliva is the worst offender. The cat deposits it on its fur when it preens itself, and then sheds the hairs. Dander, shed skin particles, of other mammals and birds are allergenic.
What To Do:	Avoid the animal, or try symptomatic drugs. of dried skin we shed every day.
House Dust:	House dust is a combination of countless particles. It's made up of dried dead insect and insect excrement, including roaches, and particles of fabric, food and plants. The main offender seems to be the dead house dust mite, which feeds of the microscopic sheets.
What To Do:	Vacuum frequently, encase mattresses in plastic. Use newer foam pillows and wash frequently. Wipe walls clean every few months.
Ingestants
Foods:	The Big Five are eggs, wheat, milk, soybean and nuts. Also common are seafood, pork and food additives. Food dyes can be dangerous to some; these include yellow dyes and FD&C No. 5. Ironically FD&C No. 5 is used in some allergy medicine.
What To Do:	A week to ten days of an elimination diet is usually enough. If symptoms go away, avoid that food.
Drugs:	Aspirin is the most common oral drug allergen. Also (oral)common are barbiturates, laxatives and tranquilizers.
What To Do:	Carefully read and usage and warning information on drug container Wear a warning ID, where applicable.
Injectants
Drugs:	Penicillin is the most common and kills several hundred (Injected)people a year. Other antibiotics, vaccines and insulin are also allergenic.
What To Do:	Same as for oral drugs. Carefully read and usage and warning information on drug container Wear a warning ID, where applicable.
Insect Stings:	Bee, wasp, yellow jacket and hornet stings are common allergens. Fire ants stings are also dangerous to some.
What To Do:	Avoid these insects. Carry Adrenalin and antihistamines. If you have had severe reactions, shots are recommended.
Contactants
Plants:	"Leaflets three, let them be, it's poison oak or ivy." Or Sumac. The resin in these and other plants including limes and celery is the allergen.
What To Do:	Take a very thorough shower if exposed. If rash develops, cortisone is available by prescription.
Chemicals:	Rashes arise from antiperspirants and cosmetics. Formalin, used to process wash and wear clothing, is an allergen. So is nickel, used in jewelry and brassiere clips.
What To Do:	Use hypo allergenic cosmetics. Wash new clothing before wearing it.

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Angela's Advice - May 2011

Healthful Eating: A Matter Of Habit

We prefer certain foods over others due to habit. Adults who yearn for fatty foods were probably raised on high fat diets. Adults who prefer a piece of fruit rather than a candy bar probably grew up in an environment where snacks that had high levels of sugar and saturated fat were taboo. A habit is a habit, good ones are as easy to create as bad ones. Young children learn mostly by imitation. If parents, older brothers and sisters have healthy eating habits, the younger ones will probably adopt them. By teaching your children, by example, to adapt a low saturated fat diet rather than a diet high in saturated fats, sugar and salt, you can help them establish lifelong habits that could decrease their risk of heart disease, strokes and obesity. Parents should avoid serving foods with high amounts of sugar or salt as well as fried items. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends that a child’s upper limit of saturated fat intake should be 10% of total calories.

Saturated fat levels of Americans who eat a typical Western diet high in fat, cholesterol and low in fiber are much higher than in people who live in other countries. Add to this the fact that studies show 10 to 24% of American children have elevated total saturated fat values. It's clear American children need to reduce their intake. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “heart disease continues to be the number one cause of deaths in America. About 12 % of the population, more than 26 million Americans, were diagnosed with heart disease in 2006.” The facts are as follows*:

• In 2006, 631,636 people died of heart disease. Heart disease caused 26% of deaths—more than one in every four—in the United States.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2006 were women.
• Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease. In 2005, 445,687 people died from coronary heart disease.
• Every year about 785,000 Americans have a first heart attack. Another 470,000 who have already had one or more heart attacks have another attack
• In 2010, heart disease will cost the United States $316.4 billion. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

According to the CDC*, the vast majority of all cases are lifestyle-related. The leading factors contributing to heart disease are poor eating habits, weight problems, lack of physical exercise, stress, anxiety and sleep deprivation. All of these derive from our behavior, not our nature. The good news is that we can make changes and turn this dismal situation around, if we choose to. Here are some choices to consider:

1. Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol by cutting down on red meat intake and alternate with fish, skinless chicken and veal;
2. Choose low-fat protein sources by substituting low fat milk for whole milk;
3. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits;
4. Select whole grains and introduce seed oils into your eating regime, e.g. flax oil and hemp oil;
5. Reduce the salt in your food by avoiding processed foods;
6. Control your portion size;
7. Plan ahead: Create daily menus;
8. Allow yourself an occasional treat by substituting fresh fruits and yogurt for sugary desserts and snacks.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA

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Angela's Advice - April 2011

Figs

Description

Figs are a culinary delicacy par excellence. Part of the wonder of the fig comes from its unique taste and texture. Figs are lusciously sweet and feature a complex texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh, the smoothness of their skin, and the crunchiness of their seeds. In addition, since fresh figs are so delicate and perishable, some of their mystique comes from their relative rarity. Because of this, the majority of figs are dried, either by exposure to sunlight or through an artificial process, creating a sweet and nutritious dried fruit that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Figs grow on the ficus tree which is a member of the Mulberry family. They are unique in that they have an small opening, called the “ostiole” or “eye”, not connected to the tree. The ostiole but aids the fig’s growth by helping it to interoperate within its environment.

There are more than 150 varieties of figs. They range in color and in texture depending upon the variety, of which there are more than one hundred and fifty. Some of the most popular varieties are:

• Adriatic: the variety most often used to make fig bars, which has a light green skin and pink-tan flesh
• Black Mission: blackish-purple skin and pink colored flesh
• Brown Turkey: purple skin and red flesh
• Calimyrna: greenish-yellow skin and amber flesh
• Kadota: green skin and purplish flesh

Health Benefits

Help Lower High Blood Pressure: Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure. Low intake of potassium-rich foods, especially when coupled with a high intake of sodium, can lead to hypertension. “In the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) study, one group ate servings of fruits and vegetables in place of snacks and sweets, and also ate low-fat dairy food. This diet delivered more potassium, magnesium and calcium. Another group ate a “usual” diet low in fruits and vegetables with a fat content like that found in the average American Diet. After eight weeks, the group that ate the enhanced diet lowered their blood pressure by an average of 5.5 points (systolic) over 3.0 points (diastolic)”.

A Sweet Way to Lose Weight: Figs are a really good source of dietary fiber. Fiber and fiber-rich foods may have a positive effect on weight management. Figs, like other high fiber foods, may be helpful in a weight management program.

An Insulin-Lowering Leaf in Diabetes: You probably do not think about the leaves of the fig tree as one of fig's edible parts. But in some cultures, fig leaves are a common part of the menu, and for good reason. The leaves of the fig have repeatedly been shown to have anti-diabetic properties and can actually reduce the amount of insulin needed by persons with diabetes who require insulin injections. In one study, a liquid extract made from fig leaves was simply added to the breakfast of insulin-dependent diabetic subjects in order to produce this insulin-lowering effect.

Bone Density Promoter: Figs are a fruit source of calcium, a mineral that has many functions including promoting bone density. Additionally, figs' potassium may also counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by the high-salt diets typical of most Americans, thus helping to further prevent bones from thinning out at a fast rate.

Cardiovascular and Cancer-Protective Effects: In addition to their blood sugar-stabilizing properties, in animal studies, fig leaves have been shown to lower levels of triglycerides (a form in which fats circulate in the bloodstream), while in vitro studies, fig leaves inhibited the growth of certain types of cancer cells. Researchers have not yet determined exactly which substances in fig leaves are responsible for these remarkable healing effects. Besides their potassium and fiber content, figs emerged from our food ranking system as a good source of the trace mineral manganese.

The George Mateljan Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation with no commercial interests, is a new force for change to help make a healthier you and a healthier world.

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Angela's Advice - March 2011

Child Pleasing Snacks

Most children want a snack when they're shopping in the supermarket with their parents. Luckily, you're in the right place most supermarkets stock a wide variety of ready to eat, high nutrient and fairly low fat snack foods. We've listed some.

BAKERY: Low fat bran muffins (watch out for cake in disguise) or any 100% whole grain bread or roll (try one with a low-fat, goat cheese).
For more information about goat milk click on the link below: http://www.crohns.net/Miva/education/aboutgoatsmilk.shtml

PRODUCE: Fresh fruit, French carrots (sweet and child sized), Chinese pea pods, cherry tomatoes, fresh mushrooms (rinse them off with a sink hose), dried fruit (a good nutritional choice of 100% fruit, but their stickiness can lead to tooth decay, so make sure your kids brush their teeth when they get home).

DELICATESSEN: String cheese/farmer’s cheese (low-fat), baked turkey, canned tuna or salmon, baked chicken breast, fruit salad.

DRY SNACKS: Dry roasted or raw nuts (avoid giving nuts to children under four, who may choke on them), rice cakes, teriyaki rice cakes. Try a tasty ready made bean dip. Read the label for those with natural ingredients.

DAIRY PRODUCTS: Individual carton of low fat or skim milk even chocolate milk yogurt (try goat milk - Goat's milk is believed to be more easily digestible and less allergenic than cow's milk.), individual container of 100% fruit juice, sparkling water.

SEAFOOD: Cooked shrimp (children might turn up their noses, but it's great snack for parents, especially teamed with a can of V 8 juice).

CEREAL: Nature’s Path Foods Pumpkin Flax Plus® Granola; For more information go to: http://www.naturespath.com/products/granola?tid=88&brand=All&nutri=All

NOTE: a few fruit filled cereals contain sulfites avoid them, if your child is sensitive).

CRACKERS: Most crackers contain added coconut oil, palm oil or lard which you should avoid for a healthy heart. Try the following low fat or fat free crackers. Ak Mak, Lavosh, Matzo, RyKrisp, Wasa Crips Bread in Lite or Golden Rye, Kavli, Ideal Extra Thin Crisp Bread, Fiber Crisp Bread with sesame seeds or Whole Grain Crisp Bread, Cracklebred, Rytak Crisp Bread and Hol Grain Brown Rice Lite Snack Thins.

Skim ricotta cheese with jam or part skim milk mozzarella cheese are all good cracker spreads.

COOKIES: Most have added coconut oil, palm oil or lard. So read the label to avoid these entirely.

FROZEN FOODS: 100% juice bars, , Low fat frozen yogurt bars.

GOAT MILK: Goat milk casein and goat milk fat are more easy to digest than cows milk. Goat milk is valued for use with the elderly, sick, babies, children and those with a cows milk allergy. It is also a preferred milk used to give to orphan foals, puppies and other animals. Fat globules are smaller in goats milk than in cows milk and therefore remain dispersed longer giving it a more digestible texture. Goats milk is also higher in Vitamin A, Niacin, Choline and Inositol than cows milk, however, it is lower in Vitamin B6, B12, C and Carotenoids.

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Angela's Advice - February 2011

Does Your Salon Pass The Stress Test?

Health conscious and environmentally aware men and women today deserve a few basics from their salon a non smoking policy and an aerosol free environment, observes salon owner Angela Guido of the Daryl Christopher Ltd salons. Beyond that, how do you go about rating your salon? "The individual personality of the salon and your own style has to be complementary," shares Angela. "Ambiance is something intangible. You'll just feel it when you're in a salon where you feel comfortable."

We have tried to make a high art form of creating stress free salons, with numerous awards to our credit. So, take a minute and rate your salon with our helpful checklist!

• When you walk in, are you immediately greeted with a warm smile at the reception desk?
• Does someone politely take your coat and guide you to the waiting area or changing room?
• Are you offered herbal tea, coffee or mineral water?
• Is the music relaxing to you?
• Is the shampoo thoroughly relaxing?
• Do you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your appointment?
• Are other staff people not just your personal salon or spa service provider friendly and helpful?
• Does the salon recycle?
• Does the salon use all natural products that haven't been tested on animals?
• Is the environment clean?
• Does the air feel fresh and pleasantly aromatic?
• Do you learn something new during each of your visits about looking and feeling better?
• Do you leave the salon confident that you can will be able to maintain your look at home?

Scoring!

If you are satisfied with how your salon scored, that's what counts. And, if your salon does pass the Stress Test, relax and enjoy your visit next time!

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Angela's Advice - January 2011

The Daryl Christopher Six Minute Stress Test

Good for you! You're here at the salon taking care of yourself. Right now, are you feeling a little tension, or are you all the way stressed out? Award winning salon owner Angela Guido is recognized by the beauty industry and the American Cancer Society for her dedication to helping clients relieve stress. Here's Angela's checklist for Real Life Stress Points and Stress Reducing Activities. It may not take a salon stress test to find out that those extra five pounds bother you. But, seeing all the problem areas objectively on one sheet of paper can be powerfully illuminating.

So, simply check off the ones that apply and calculate your score on the back! And relax... this is a private exercise that no one but you will see, and this is one test you can't fail!

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A. Real Life Stress Points

• Don't ponder long. Go with your first impulse about your life right now and check off areas that the voices inside are worried about.

Stress in Basic Lifestyle...

• Inadequate sleep/sleep disorders.
• Poor eating habits (skip meals and suffer loss of energy, or overeating binges).
• Inconsistent exercise routine (not enough time or discipline).
• Bad habits! (smoking, excessive drinking, other).
• Too busy! Overcommitted on the job and/or after work.
• Neglected or unchangeable health problems.
• Problems with living situation/home life.

Dissatisfaction With Appearance...

• Discontent with weight.
• Discontent with hair style, hair color and/or suffering from hair dryness.
• Discontent with skin condition (T zone oiliness, blemishes, dry lips).
• Struggle with wardrobe (boredom, too high maintenance).
• Nail biting or chipping polish off.
• Displaying any of the Big Three physical signs of stress: clenched fists tight, tense brow or, raised shoulders and tightness in neck.

Big Picture Malaise...

• Money problems.
• Loneliness.
• Family problems (excessive commitments, parents' health...).
• Frustration with mate.
• Problems with friends, boredom with social circle.
• Holidays are over-anticipated with stress.
• Unbearable mood swings or prolonged depressions.
• Sex life leaves more to be desired.
• Dissatisfaction with job, co workers, boss, etc.
• Discontent with yourself. Lack of acceptance of your strengths and weaknesses.

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B. Stress Relieving Activities

• Mostly all relaxing activities involve taking time for yourself. Choose "Yes" for each of these positive steps you take and "No" for each step you're missing.

• YesNoFocused time alone or with trusted confidante to visualize goals and future plans.
• YesNoTime for positive self image building.
• YesNoRegular massage of favorite part(s) of your body.
• YesNoSatisfying time with good friends/family.
• YesNoSuccessful, enjoyable daily beauty regime (easy, natural hair & skin care products).
• YesNoBalanced exercise regime.
• YesNoVacation time that fills your personal needs.
• YesNoListening to good music, reading or other personal interests.
• YesNoSleeping late on the weekends and freely procrastinating chores without feeling guilty!
• YesNoTen minute health break! Just take a walk outside and breathe deeply any time of day.
• YesNoA few more of the right wrong things... A little indulgence that doesn't hurt anyone!

Scoring!

This is a stress free scoring system. The scoring is up to you! You have to decide for yourself how much something that isn't working perfectly in your life bothers you. You may have checked off only one item and be at the breaking point, or have learned to live with ten Stress Points at one time. We all know stress is damaging to our appearance, not to mention health and well-being. If stress is interfering with your peace of mind, you'll be amazed at how much a professional salon service that promotes relaxation can help. When you finish the test, feel free to ask your stylist about any of the wonderful services available to help you relax.

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Angela's Advice - December 2010

The Secret of Taking the Salon Experience Home

Most of us only can afford to go to the salon once every five or six weeks, so how do we sustain the sense of relaxation and natural beauty on our own time? Angela offers a few ideas of healthy, beautifying habits to try at home. "We have to learn to give ourselves more time for just ourselves", says Angela. "In order to fully appreciate the services available at the salon, a client must be in the right mindset. She must understand what it means to treat herself well every day!"

So, read on and choose one of Angela's quick and easy health breaks to try today at home or even on the job!

Easy Deep Breathing!
There are lots of techniques for deep breathing, many that take years to master! Angela offers a basic place to start: "Find a quiet area, sit down with your legs in front of you, grab your ankles and slowly bring your feet toward you by bending your knees into a lotus position, keep your back straight, and close your eyes. Start breathing in deeply while rubbing your hands quickly together until they get warm."

"Place your hands over your eyes and count to twenty slowly. Then put your hands on your knees and count to twenty again. Next, place your middle finger over your right nostril and inhale through your left nostril, counting to ten slowly. Then repeat, changing sides. All the while, inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. You'll be amazed at how much a simple exercise like this can clear your mind."

Positive Self Talk!
Self talk is another quiet activity Angela encourages. Again, find a quiet place and create your own relaxing atmosphere with soft light and quiet music. "Think of places you like to visit that are relaxing and beautiful. Imagine being there as fully as you can. Let go of the negative, nagging voices inside telling you to do the laundry or make that phone call!"

"Just talk in positive tones to yourself and tell yourself, 'I deserve this quiet, relaxing time for myself.'"

Note: If you have trouble doing this at first, you're not alone! A salon facial or massage can help you access that state of mind so you can then find it on your own.

Pampering Tools That Feel Good
Try a naturally textured sponge for cleansing your face. It gently massages and soothes the skin while lifting away debris. And, experimenting with a new face cleansing regime will give you a pleasurable lift every day.

Deep Conditioning Hair Wrap
Between salon visits, there's nothing like giving your hair a deep conditioning treatment. It's easy! "On the weekends or during an evening of dull household tasks, give yourself a mini break... After shampooing, apply your favorite conditioner with a fragrance you love, then don't rinse. Fix yourself a hot towel (soak towel in steamy water, then squeeze dry) then wrap your hair in it."

"Place a clear plastic bag (vegetable size baggies from the supermarket work great!) on top of the towel and leave this beauty headdress on for ten minutes. The wrap helps the conditioner penetrate and relaxes the scalp. An added benefit shiny hair!"

Easy Eye Soother
Here's a five minute secret to try before bedtime, or before an important, stressful engagement: Place cotton pads dampened with cool water over closed eyes, and lie on your back for just five minutes. The cool pads will relax and soothe your eyes, and remove puffiness. (Applying cool or cold water always helps contract.)

Remember, the skin around the eye area is paper thin, fragile, extra sensitive, and particularly wrinkle prone. (Even the finest facial creams can be too strong for the eye area!) So, pampering the eye area is a very special way to treat yourself nicely.

Angela's Final Advice
"The world we live in is terribly stressful. It's hard not to feel stress every day. Most of us don't have time at home to properly relieve our stress. That's why the effort to make a salon and/or spa appointment is so important."

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Angela's Advice - November 2010

Stress Reducing Salon Services...
In Sixty Minutes or Less!

Maximize rejuvenation and minimize stress! This is the intelligent, sophisticated approach more and more women (and men!) should be taking toward their salons.

"Hair salons are where we go for keratin treatments, color and great cuts. But today, more than ever before, there are wonderful services to take time out for at the salon to help relieve stress," Angela urges. "Each time you go for your regular color, keratin treatment or cut, treat yourself to a service designed to relieve stress. The next visit, try something else! It's a great way to give yourself a relaxing treat and stay within your budget."

Angela's Sampler of Stress Reducing Services...

Stress Releasing Chair!
Stay dressed for success while receiving a fabulous massage there's no need to disrobe while you're massaged in a chair designed to release stress! For just fifteen minutes, sit in this chair custom designed to maximize your massage, and let go! Perfectly designed to ensure your head is in alignment with your neck and spine and that your shoulders and arms are in a relaxing position while you receive a thorough, gentle massage of your scalp, neck, shoulders, arms and upper back all the key areas where tension builds up.

Neck and Scalp Massage!
Lay your head back in the shampoo sink, close your eyes, and prepare for the dreamiest shampoo! A firm, gentle massaging motion helps thoroughly cleanse the hair, stimulates blood flow to the scalp and does wonders for your sense of relaxation. You may not have even known how stressed you were until you feel all the tension and worries dissipating! Special bonus! Activating the scalp helps the conditioners penetrate. And, with a conditioner derived from aromatic, herbal ingredients, you'll experience a wonderful rush the natural fragrances travel directly to the brain for immediate relaxation!

Facials!
Our skin is constantly changing with the seasons, our environment and with our busy lifestyles. It's easy to spend a little extra time and money on your wardrobe, your hair and keeping your bodies fit, but what about the part of your body people look at most?! Your face deserves the most professional attention on a consistent basis which only a highly trained esthetician can give. The beauty of a facial is how relaxing the experience is. Lay back in your chair the lights will go dim and drift away to your favorite place in the universe while your face is purified, soothed and massaged with exquisite natural products that feel delicious!

Paraffin Treatments!
You'll simply love this tactile experience! This hand care service is the perfect extra touch of relaxation while your hair is being styled. We know that neglected hands can give our age away, so why reveal all? To begin, you dip your hands in a natural paraffin wax that has a lovely fragrance and lots of Vitamin E. Your hands are then wrapped in plastic and a Turkish towel to help the added Vitamin E absorb into your skin. Just sit quietly, or have your hair styled while a warm soothing feeling takes over your hands and the rest of you! When the paraffin is peeled off, your hands look and feel wonderful for weeks!

Pedicure with Whirlpool and Foot Massage!
Don't neglect your feet. Ancient massage practices centered on the feet because of the concentration of nerve endings and pressure points that send waves of relaxation through the entire body. Sound tempting?

Herbal Body Wrap!
This is a special massage treatment that's perfect after a festive night that turned into a slight overindulgence of food and wine! Herbal body wraps remove excess toxins from the body and help that post party bloated feeling subside. It's all a simple process of lymph drainage. Here's what to expect: While lying on a massage bed in dim light with soft music in the background, you receive the divine shiatsu body massage with aromatic oils gently rubbed into your skin. Then, your body is wrapped in treated plastic and a blanket to help you sweat the toxins out. The final step is the cool down massage, wiping away the perspiration and excess fluid. "Aaaah," sighs your body from head to toe!

Body Massage!
Whether a Swedish or Sports Massage, the sense of release and relaxation is the same. Most all of us have experienced a backrub at one point or another. Too few of us go all the way for the total experience of a deeply relaxing massage by a professional. "Body massage only sounds like a luxury to the uninitiated," explains Angela. "Once you experience a professional massage, you'll understand massage therapy."

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Angela's Advice - October 2010

Introducing
Award Winning Salon Owner Angela Guido's
Salon Stress Kit!

Daryl Christopher Corporate Center, Wayland, MA – August 1, 2010 -- Angela Guido, owner of the exclusive Daryl Christopher Ltd. Salon at Healthpoint Wellness and Fitness Center in Waltham, Massachusetts has developed an informative Salon Stress Kit for her clients that all salon goers can benefit from to maximize the rejuvenation they get at their own salons!

Included in her Salon Stress Kit are:

The Six Minute Stress Test!
Go with your first impulse and check off your Stress Points all the areas in your life causing stress. Also, see how many Stress Reducing Activities you allow yourself. Looking at the categories of your complex life objectively can be a powerfully motivating tool to make some changes, and maybe just take a little more time for yourself!

Stress Reducing Salon Services... In Sixty Minutes or Less!
Here's Angela's advice for maximizing rejuvenation and minimizing stress at the salon. For women who just come to the salon for a color, cut, perm, and manicure, Angela explains what to expect from other invaluable salon services ready made for relaxation. Angela observes, "It's the intelligent, sophisticated approach more and more women and men are taking toward their salons today."

Taking the Salon Experience Home!
"In order to fully appreciate the services available at the salon, a client must be in the right mindset. She must understand what it means to treat herself well everyday!" observes Angela. From breathing exercises to an easy deep conditioning hair wrap to self talk, Angela shares tips for sustaining the sense of relaxation and beauty between salon visits.

Does Your Salon Pass the Test?
Angela's advice on what to look for in your salon if you're health conscious, environmentally aware, and just like to be treated nicely!

So relax, and read on... !

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Angela's Advice - September 2010

Exercise

Many women frequently exercise at their minimum capacity just enough to break a sweat, then shower and run. The attitude: Exercise is a colossal time waster. These women feel that they have to do it. Most women want to be a size 4 forever but does it ever eat up the hours that they think it does?

Well, I'm here to tell you different. Exercise doesn't eat up the hours. Exercise isn't a time waster. Any anyone who exercises at their minimum capacity just enough to get by is actually wasting precious minutes and hours.

First of all, exercise is energy. For several years, researchers have been investigating endorphins, the painkiller in our brains that's secreted every time we exercise. Scientists don't know everything yet about this complex process, but most researchers believe that intense exercise causes the brain to secrete endorphins in order to deaden the pain of exercise.

And endorphins not only deaden the pain, but leave us feeling happy and calm for several hours after exercise. Some people call it "runner's high" or "the exercise high." It’s really just energy. After an exercise session I have seemingly boundless energy, and I work faster and better as a result. And that saves me time.

Not only that, but exercise is a wonder drug. Look at the latest research: Aerobic exercise has been proved to strengthen bones, muscles, internal organs and improve the efficiency of certain brain functions. Longevity studies have established that exercise adds at least two years, and perhaps even more, to your life. And recent research indicates that exercisers produce their own internal protein interleukin 1 that helps strengthen the immune system

All this means that exercisers get fewer colds (not to mention fewer of more serious types of illness) and suffer fewer sprains, strains and accidents. These health benefits mean fewer trips to the doctor and a greater sense of general well being. And that saves me time.

Finally, exercise makes movement easier. If you jog, it becomes easier to climb stairs, run for the bus, or even walk from the bedroom to the kitchen. If you perform aerobic dance, you derive all those benefits plus added strength in twisting and turning motions more mobility when lifting a bag of groceries, say, or sliding a file box across a supply room floor. And weight training will strengthen you for anything involving lifting or movement. And that saves us all time.

In this rush rush world of the twenty first century, it's essential to be time efficient. But skimping on exercise No way. It only wastes your time and energy.

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Angela's Advice - August, 2010

Banish the Bags!

That puffy skin under the eyes, accompanied by dark, dramatic circles, can be dreadfully embarrassing. Circles are not necessarily a sign of aging, but may just as easily be the result of allergies, a head cold, lack of sleep or too much sleep. Bags, on the other hand, are nearly always hereditary. Still, there are a few tricks you should know that can camouflage the problem while drawing attention to more flattering parts of your face. These simple yet effective steps will banish those bags while creating a more beautiful you.

1. Remove all makeup. Look at your skin in as natural a light as possible. Note your eyes.
2. If puffiness under the eyes is your problem, try placing a couple of cucumber slices over each closed lid. This will minimize swelling and soothe tired eyes. Leave cucumber slices in place for about 20 minutes, then follow up the procedure by using the appropriately colored concealer. When applying foundation, use a color that's half a shade darker than your normal skin tone. This will camouflage the puffiness and your skin will appear taut and firm.
3. If your circles have a blush hue, use an orange colored concealer under your foundation, If your circles appear as a dark, muddy brown, use a pink colored concealer before applying foundation. By using contrasting colors in this way, you can help balance your skin tone and create a more attractive picture.
4. Whether your problem is circles or bags, always use loose powder to set your concealer and foundation. If you darken your eyebrows using a quick stroke of your mascara, you'll draw attention to the upper eye and away from the problem area.

With a few simple fixes, you can have a refreshed, perky look!

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