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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
 Ahhh! Spring is finally here! After a long and cold winter, everyone is in their glory with the sunshine and warm weather. But with spring also comes seasonal allergies complete with the miserable sneezing, itching and sniffling.
 Ahhh! Spring is finally here! After a long and cold winter, everyone is in their glory with the sunshine and warm weather. But with spring also comes seasonal allergies complete with the miserable sneezing, itching and sniffling.
So what are seasonal allergies exactly? Well, according to Allergies.about.com, a seasonal allergy is an allergic reaction to a trigger that is only around for certain seasons of the year. Such triggers can include pollen from trees, weeds and grasses. There are also perennial allergies that include triggers such as pet dander or molds.
More specifically, spring allergies are the result of pollen from trees that usually starts anywhere from January to April. Trees that commonly cause allergies include oak, olive, elm, birch, ash, sycamore, maple and walnut. These pollens are tiny egg-shaped powdery grains released from flowering plants and are carried by wind or insects. When pollen is in the air it can land in a person's eyes, nose, lungs and skin causing allergic reactions.
 Pollens that are spread by the wind are usually the main cause of season allergies. This pollen travels long distances and the levels that are in the air vary from day to day. Pollen levels can also vary between different geographic regions and depending on what time of day it is. Pollen is considered highest in the morning from 5 to 10 a.m.
Pollens that are spread by the wind are usually the main cause of season allergies. This pollen travels long distances and the levels that are in the air vary from day to day. Pollen levels can also vary between different geographic regions and depending on what time of day it is. Pollen is considered highest in the morning from 5 to 10 a.m.
Anybody who suffers from allergies probably knows immediately when their allergies have kicked it into high gear in the spring. However, most seasonal allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and an itchy nose.
There are ways to avoid pollen exposure, however, including:
Keeping windows closed to prevent pollen from drifting into your home
Minimizing early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted -- between 5-10 a.m.
Keeping car windows closed when traveling.
Staying indoors when the pollen count is reported to be high, and on windy days when pollen may be present in higher amounts in the air.
Traveling to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea.
Avoiding mowing the lawn and freshly cut grass.
Machine-dry your bedding and clothing. Pollen may collect in laundry if it is hung outside to dry.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
 Millions of people suffer from the pain and discomfort of headaches; in fact more than 45 million people get repeat headaches, day after day. Headaches are one of the most common complaints and the most widely treated with home remedies. Physical and emotional stress and lack of sleep are common triggers for headaches but there can be an array of reasons why you're constantly getting headaches. Oftentimes, simple lifestyle changes and relaxation can often remedy these pains. But if you have consistent headaches that do not respond to treatment you may want to get in touch with your health care provider.
 Millions of people suffer from the pain and discomfort of headaches; in fact more than 45 million people get repeat headaches, day after day. Headaches are one of the most common complaints and the most widely treated with home remedies. Physical and emotional stress and lack of sleep are common triggers for headaches but there can be an array of reasons why you're constantly getting headaches. Oftentimes, simple lifestyle changes and relaxation can often remedy these pains. But if you have consistent headaches that do not respond to treatment you may want to get in touch with your health care provider.
There is also an assortment of home remedies that may help your headache pain go away that is as easy as a quick trip to your pantry. Here are some ideas from Home-remedies-for-you.com:
Lemon- Useful as a remedy for various types of headaches. The juice of three or four slices of lemon squeezed in a cup of tea often causes immediate relief. You can also take the crust of a lemon, pound it into a fine paste and applied to the forehead or temples.
Apple- Also a remedy for all sorts of types of headaches. Remove the upper rind and inner core of a ripe apple and eat with a little salt on an empty stomach.
Henna- Useful for headaches resulting from exposure to hot sun. Rub henna flowers in vinegar and apply to the forehead.
Cinnamon- Useful for cold air headaches. Mix cinnamon with water to create a fine paste and apply over the temples and forehead.
 Marjoram- If you have a nervous headache, an infusion of marjoram leaves in tea often helps. 
Rosemary- This herb can be helpful in curing headaches resulting from cold. Take a handful of the herb, boil it in a liter of water and put it in a mug. Cover the head with a towel and inhale the steam until the headache is relieved.
Hot foot bath- Keep legs in a tub or bucket filled with hot water for fifteen minutes.
Proper nutrition, exercise and positive thinking- The best way to prevent headaches is to build up a resistance through proper nutrition, physical exercise and positive thinking. And drink lots of water!
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
 Just as soon as the ice and snow begin melting after a long winter there is a startling realization that swimsuit season is around the corner,proceed with the panic. Once the mercury starts to rise, getting back in shape for the spring and summer is on everyone's mind. But instead of hitting the exercise hard, experts suggest easing back into your springtime routine.
 Just as soon as the ice and snow begin melting after a long winter there is a startling realization that swimsuit season is around the corner,proceed with the panic. Once the mercury starts to rise, getting back in shape for the spring and summer is on everyone's mind. But instead of hitting the exercise hard, experts suggest easing back into your springtime routine.
Here are some tips to get you started from WebMD:
Start Slow- Take the necessary time before jumping into your spring diet and exercise plan. If you haven't worked out much all winter then it's important to start slowly. By easing into your regimen you will be more successful in keeping with your diet and exercise plan. Commit to regular exercise and slowly increase the intensity as your fitness level improves.
Take it Outside- You've more than likely taken your regular exercise routine to the treadmill during the winter months. But now that it's getting nicer outside try walking or jogging in the park or around a track. Both your body and soul will love the fresh air.
Plan a New Menu- You need to really look at your diet and the amount of calories you are consuming on a daily basis. Choose foods that are low in calories but are filling to help you fight off the hunger throughout the day.
Take Up a Sport- It's a new season, so why not try a new activity or sport? Playing a sport can break up the monotony of your typical workout routine and can provide fun as well as connection with others. Try tennis or golf this spring.
Protect Your Skin- If you're spending more time outside then it's essential to wear sunscreen in order to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and choose a waterproof kind that doesn't run off when you sweat.
By keeping these five tips in mind you'll go from winter weight to bikini body safely and happily and in no time!
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
 The acai berry represents a new trend in weight loss. It has been highly hyped by marketers who refer to it as an elite super food with anti-aging and weight loss ingredients. It's even used in cosmetic and beauty products. But are all these claims true?
 The acai berry represents a new trend in weight loss. It has been highly hyped by marketers who refer to it as an elite super food with anti-aging and weight loss ingredients. It's even used in cosmetic and beauty products. But are all these claims true?
According to WebMD, the acai berry is a reddish, purple fruit and usually about an inch long. It comes from the acai palm tree native to Central and South America and contain several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids. These are both powerful antioxidants that can help defend the body against free radicals. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can interfere with aging and protect against disease such as heart disease and cancer by neutralizing free radicals.
However, few studies can actually confirm that acai berry juice can actually stimulate weight loss. Studies do show that acai fruit pulp contains a higher antioxidant capacity than cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. But so far acai berries show no known health benefit that's any different that other similar fruits.
There's no doubt that fruits and berries are a crucial aspect to any healthy diet and weight loss regimen. And although the acai berry may not actually help you lose weight, it is beneficial to you, like other berries in the same family.
Those with allergies to pollen, however, should be cautious. Some allergy sufferers have been sensitive to this berry and should avoid it.
In conclusion, should you incorporate the acai berry into your diet? Of course! It has a place in a healthy diet, just like all fruits. Should you base your weight loss regimen solely on this fruit? Probably not.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
 It's that time of year again! The sun is starting to shine,.and shedding light on your dirty house. Spring cleaning season is in full swing. Sure, you would be hard-pressed to find a woman or a man who says that they actually enjoy the thoughts of spring cleaning. But, if you just take into consideration how many calories are burned while you are doing your spring cleaning, then you may be a little more excited when spring rolls around this year.
 It's that time of year again! The sun is starting to shine,.and shedding light on your dirty house. Spring cleaning season is in full swing. Sure, you would be hard-pressed to find a woman or a man who says that they actually enjoy the thoughts of spring cleaning. But, if you just take into consideration how many calories are burned while you are doing your spring cleaning, then you may be a little more excited when spring rolls around this year.
As with any physical activity, cleaning up around the house and garden can actually burn calories as well as stretch and tone muscles. Some sort of moderate activity for at least 30 minutes a day can bring tremendous health benefits, even if it's just using a little elbow grease around the house.
However, when it comes to losing weigh while cleaning, intensity and speed are vital so here are some tips from WebMD for making your next cleaning session a workout session:
Listen to fast music in order to pick up speed and enjoy yourself while you're at it.
Tighten your abs during chores to make it more of a workout, plus it prevents you from slouching.
Strive for large up and down movements like when cleaning the shower door. Make big pronounced movements and move those arms!
Carry heavy baskets of laundry up and down some stairs to get your heart pumping.
Climb on a stepladder to reach high dusty spots, keep it up and it's almost like being in a step class.
Do lunges while vacuuming, just remember to keep toes pointed ahead and to not bend your knees further than 90 degrees. You'll feel these burning your thighs in no time.
The actual amount of calories burned while cleaning will depend on your weight, gender and age, but there calculators that you can find online (FitDay or NutriStrategy) that will help you to calculate your actual calories burned. But here's a general idea of how many calories you can burn by just taking care of a few things around the house.
Gardening: 226 calories
Window washing: 226 calories
Scrubbing floors (on hands and knees): 291 calories
Laundry, ironing: 84 calories
Sewing repairs: 36 calories
Dusting: 97 calories
Scrubbing toilets, tub: 246 calories
Vacuuming: 317 calories
Cleaning gutters: 258 calories
Moving furniture, household items: 387 calories
Painting, papering, plastering: 317 calories
Sweeping: 194 calories
Mopping: 153 calories
Mowing the lawn: 148 calories
Washing dishes: 77 calories
So dust off your mops, break out the cleaner and begin to sweat off the weight!
Editor's Note: The calories burned estimates listed here are based on one hour of cleaning for a 155 pound woman.

