Your Time to Shine

Nothing celebrates your inner beauty more than a beautiful smile.
As we've said, the first thing that most of us notice, when having a conversation with someone, is their smile. Healthy, bright white teeth and a nice smile always catch the attention of onlookers.
To make your teeth white and healthy, eat a healthy diet. Brushing your teeth after every meal is also a good idea. There are whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes and strips available at your local store that you can try as well. If you are facing any problems or difficulties with your teeth, don't wait too long to see your dentist. And, be sure to visit your dentist twice a year for healthy teeth and gums.
Your smile is your gift to the world.

Speaking of Women's Health dental expert, Jordan Pelchovitz, DDS, suggests the following tips:

• Switch to an electric toothbrush. These newer brushes do a great job of cleaning your teeth, gums and tongue, and some have timer to allow for adequate cleaning time.
• Floss at least once daily. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the proper way to make sure you are getting your gums and teeth as clean as possible.
• If you can't brush after a meal or snack, chew gum that contains the sugar-substitute xylitol. It helps fight decay by producing saliva, your body's natural tooth cleanser.
• Avoid tobacco products in any form. They can cause staining of the teeth, gum disease and cancer of the mouth and throat.
• Eat a balanced diet. The Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables help promote healthy gums by maintaining collagen levels. Foods like milk, yogurt and cottage cheese bathe the teeth in calcium, which helps fight tooth decay.
• Consider protecting against bone loss with dental implants when you lose a tooth. An implant maintains the bones that support your other teeth, lips and cheeks.
• Straight teeth are the easiest to keep clean and free of decay and gum disease. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for invisible braces, so you will not have traditional metal braces.
• Do not ignore gums that bleed during brushing and flossing. Bleeding may be a sign of gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes.
• Hormones affect your mouth just as they do the rest of your body. Estrogen levels during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause fluctuate, which can cause gum disease.
• Preventive care is the best care. See your dentist every 6 months for a thorough cleaning, oral cancer screening and x-rays to detect problems early, when they are the easiest (and least costly) to fix.

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Pretty Is As Pretty Does

And it comes from the inside. My last blog was talking about our outer appearance, now, let's focus on your inner sense of beauty. Your self-esteem can be make up of how you see life, as well as how you see yourself. According to Nancy Coey, Speaking of Women's Health presenter, a good start is "Finding Gifts in Everyday Life".

• Know that gifts always surround you. From the joy of waking up every morning, to the small ways your loved ones show they care.
• "You have to be present to win" is true for door prizes... and for life. Being an active participant in your life is the only way to live it fully and most enjoyably.
• The vast majority of what we worry about never happens. Concentrate on the parts of your life that you can change, in a positive way... and make that change stick!
• Look for the good, and train your eyes, by keeping a "Best Thing of the Day" journal. This will help you see the positive... and the gifts that life brings... in any situation!
• If you train your eyes, you can change your life. When you teach your eyes to look for good, they inevitably find it!
• Let go of what doesn't matter. Dwelling on the past is ineffective... so start thinking about the positive things in your future!
• It truly is better to give... try and experience its power!
• Open yourself to lessons from unlikely teachers.
• Find teachers... even in unlikely places.
• Harness the power inherent in small things.
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Time to Restart the Clock With a Mini-Makeover

Take a Break! You know that a high stress level is bad for your mood... did you know it also affects your skin? Treat yourself to at least one relaxing, pampering activity per week, be it a bubble bath surrounded by glowing candles, a facial or a movie rental marathon at home.

Some of us have had the same hairstyle and worn the same makeup for years because we're afraid to try something new. We can't part with our long hair or we're intimidated by a change in color. Give yourself a makeover this weekend! Here's how...

• Find out what haircut best suits your face shape.
• Look in magazines for styles you like.
• Always take pictures with you to the salon.
• Show and tell. Sit down with the stylist before you get your hair wet, and show him or her exactly how short you're comfortable going. Pointing out with your hands says much more than stating, "a couple inches". If you are feeling brave, then tell your stylist you're comfortable with change and willing to let her work her magic. Be sure to discuss your lifestyle with your stylist. If you're not willing to spend more than 15 minutes per day styling your hair, be sure to point this out before you get a cut that may require more.
• Consider color. If you have dark hair, try going a shade lighter or try out a deep auburn. If you have lighter hair, go for highlights.
• Stop by your local store and get new makeup. Treat yourself to a new blush, a new eye shadow shade or a new lipstick to make your cheeks, eyes or lips fabulous! As the seasons change, experiment with new shades or colors. Spend a little time on yourself.... you're worth it!
• Don't forget your nails... an at-home manicure and/or pedicure can really make you feel special. Soak your feet while you work on your nails, or read a good book! Relax, enjoy...PAMPER!!!
• Go out for dinner with friends or your family and celebrate your new look!
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Time..."Hair's" the Long and Short of It!

Just as dry winter air can wreak havoc on your hair, so does your summer air conditioner. Counteract the drying effects with a humidifier, which puts water back into the air and helps your hair (and skin) stay moisturized, and look more youthful.

Shopping for (and trying out) the right shampoo, condition3er and styling products can be a day of fun. Shiny, healthy and well-groomed hair will ensure your sense of vitality. Also, consider using a good hair stylist. There is nothing liker a new haircut to make a difference. A cut with diagonal lines that "lift" and draw attention away from the jaw line can do wonders for your new look. Whatever style you choose, get it trimmed regularly to maintain its health. And, just as your skin needs proper care - so does your hair. Choose a shampoo that meet your needs, your lifestyle and is formulated for your hair type.

In this day and age of soft hair color choices and highlights or lowlights, a woman does not have to live with gray hair unless it is flattering. The good news is ... there are many choices you can try at home to update your look. Try highlights to your existing color to lift and focus attention above the brow line. Use lowlights to tone down your existing color, which makes for a natural look. Many of today's products for home are enriched with natural ingredients to protect and nurture your hair while you color.

Pay close attention to your hair and listen to its needs. If you notice a change in texture or condition, take time to evaluate what may be happening and make adjustments. Your hair, like your body, sends you signals about what it needs. Is it drier, oilier or frizzier? Get to know your hair and look for products that meet its needs.

Pamper your hair at least once a week. This can be as simple as giving yourself a hot oil treatment, a relaxing scalp massage or applying a special deep conditioning pack. Do something for your hair that makes it feel special. Your hair will respond in kind.
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