Here are 5 lessons I learned from my dad.

Nugget 1: The Details Matter

My father is a meticulous man, he always proves that the details matter. When it comes to landing a job or focusing on a new health recipe the details will make a difference. Pay attention to details and you will enjoy life more.

Nugget 2 : Always Do Your Best

Working hard can produce great results. My father showed me that people who work hard and smart are always rewarded.  Having goals and working toward them will help you be more successful.

Nugget 3: Less is More

Whether you are packing for a trip, listening to a friend vent or cleaning out your closet, less is always more! My dad showed me that clearing out clutter can create mental and physical space for your dreams to come true. The more “stuff” that we have the more we are bogged down. Remember the answer to everything is less is always more!

Nugget 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Whether you are trying to make your dreams come true, change careers or move to a new home, asking for help is priceless. Dads are always willing to help, but you have to ask. My dad never assumes anything but when I ask for help he is always open and willing to lend a hand.

 Nugget 5: Smile

My dad is a smart guys with great teeth. He always practices good health. He would smile bright and tell me the best feeling in the world is a clean smile. He always said, when you smile you are happy and good thinkgs happen to those people that smile.

Dr. Prashant Gagneja a Pediatric Dentist Vancouver WA, often tells his patients that clean teeth can be fun, the same advice I got from my dad.

How about you what has your dad taught you? Leave your comments or Facebook us. Happy fathers day.

We know how nice it is to treat your body right with healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. One of our favorite ways is a morning smoothie with fruit and green vegetables. Of course adding a smoothie into your daily routine can be healthy but what about the improvements to your life.

People who juice and drink smoothies often report feeling more energy, weighing less and having clearer skin. But we dug a little deeper to discover the health benefits of each ingredient. Can I smoothie make you look younger? What about jet lag, can a smoothie recipe improve your frequent flyer migraines? We think so and these recipes will prove it.

Whipping up the right smoothie ingredients can help heal the body in multiple ways. Here are some of my favorite smoothies to get me out of any bind and help heal any situation.

Jet Lag Gone  Smoothie

As a travel writer for Healing Lifestyles & Spas, I find myself getting creative with ingredients from new countries. Traveling across multiple time zones will often add more stress to the body including your digestive system. If you’re a frequent flyer, taking care of your adrenal glands and digestion and will make for super smooth sailing. This recipe can help.

• 1 cucumber
• 2 stalk celery (juiced)
• 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 orange

Fountain of Youth  Smoothie

Research shows that the higher amounts of sucrose can speed up the aging process. Try to satisfy your sweet tooth with all-natural sugars that are from these powerful fruits. These picks are packed with age-defying antioxidant.

• 1/4 pineapple (juiced)
• 1/2 lime (fresh-squeezed juice)
• 1 cup pear
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk
• 5 ice cubes

Bye Bye Cravings Smoothie

You can lose weight and feel super great with this tasty smoothie. It is packed with vitamin E and healthy carbohydrates, that means it will fill you up but not out.

• 1/2 apple (Fuji is my favorite)
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 2 Celery stalks
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 banana
• 5 ice cubes

Digestion Issues Be Gone Smoothie

All the ingredients in this powerful blend combined together can help ease your belly troubles.

• 1 cup grapes
• 1 pear
• 1-2 kiwi fruit, peeled
• 5 mint leaves
• 5 ice cubes

Stress Be Less Smoothie

Who doesn’t want to stress less. Well this smoothie can help you stay grounded. Carrots are packed with magnesium (the best way to fight off stress) and selenium (which can help fight against infection). Chamomile and lavender can help ease your body and mind to aid in instant relaxation. Plus the magnesium and calcium can improve your smile. When you stress less you will want to smile more says Dr. Bailey, a dentist in Portland Oregon.

• 1/2 cup of chamomile herbal tea
• 1/4 cup pineapple
• 4 carrots (juiced)
• 1 cup of pear
• 3-4 drops of lavender tincture
• 5 ice cubes

Brushing and flossing your teeth everyday is a great way to take care of your smile. But where you store your toothbrush may make a difference in how clean your teeth are really getting. Here are the worst places to store your toothbrush.

By the toilet

Many people store their toothbrush in a cup on the sink, but if your sink counter is close to your toilet than watch out for bad bacteria. The place around your toilet is isolated with germs and bacteria. Leaving a toothbrush anywhere out in the open is bad news for your brush.

Poo particles and bacteria build up can leak into the air, which will find its way onto your toothbrush. And then into your mouth. YUCK!

 Close to young children

Many new parents don’t think about putting their toothbrush out of the reach of young children. This is understandable because new parents are busy learning how to be a parent, but making sure the toothbrush is out of reach will save a lot of energy and time. Young children are curious and will reach for anything. A toothbrush could go into their mouth and choke them.

Next to the sink and disposal

Sinks carry a lot of germs and bacteria. When you run the water down the drain, the particles circle in the air. They could find there way onto your toothbrush if you aren’t carful.

The best place to put a toothbrush is in a cool dry place, like a medicine cabinet. People who brush everyday will see an improvement in their oral health, especially if they put their toothbrush in a covered area. Sometimes dentist will recommend putting the toothbrush in a drawer.

The most important thing to remember is that storing your toothbrush in a place that is away from germs, and free radicals floating in the air will help you be more healthy says Dr. Derek Conklin, a dentist in Portland. 

Photo Thinkstock.com

Written by Shannon Kaiser

Sugar is an ingredient found in many packaged foods and soda. The average child consumes 32 teaspoons of sugar a day! For most people sugar is part of their everyday diet. But sugar can ruin your body, health and teeth.

By decreasing your intake you also decrease your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and you can prevent weight gain. There are many alternative sweeteners out there, but many of them are not created equal.

All artificial sweeteners — like aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium and saccharin — should be eliminated due to evidence linking these sweeteners to a possible increased risk of cancer.

Natural sweeteners can be a better solution for the sweet tooth cravings.

Here are our top natural sweeteners:

Molasses

Molasses is the thick residue of refining of sugar cane into white sugar. Molasses is the most nutrient rich of all sweeteners, because it provides a significant amount of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B6.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup is better for you than pancake syrup. Regular maple syrup that is in pancake houses is loaded with high fructose corn syrup and caramel coloring which means it is not natural, real maple syrup is made by boiling the sap of maple trees into a concentrated and sweet syrup.

Maple syrup is more than just a topper for French toast and waffles; it is a delicious sweetener for many dishes. Use it instead of refined sugar. Maple syrup has small amounts of calcium and zinc in it which means it is essential for helping you derive energy from the food you eat.

Dates

Dates are a fruit that naturally taste very sweet and therefore you can sweeten desserts. Dates contain vitamin B6, vitamin A, potassium and calcium. Popular recipes include dates in puddings, health bars and yummy date balls with nuts and coconut.

Honey

Honey is a great substitute in yogurt, oatmeal and desserts. Note that the darker honeys always have higher antioxidant power. It’s best to use raw or unprocessed honey for higher nutrient and antioxidant content.

Doctor Randy Morgan, a dentist in Newberg Oregon says to ”Use honey instead of refined sugar in all your favorite recipes. It can improve your health and smile.”

~Written by Shannon Kaiser

Photo thinkstock.com

Artificial sweeteners are terrible for you.

A recent study performed by Yanina Pepino of the Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis discovered that consuming sucralose — such as “Splenda” — can increase insulin production in the body by 20% when taken with sugar.

The study confirmed that over long periods of time, elevated insulin levels will cause insulin resistance in the body, which will lead to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can lead to multiple other health problems, which can ultimately lead to death.

The study found that

• Sugar substitute sucralose had an effect on blood sugar levels
• insulin production increased by 20% when consumed

Scientists aren’t sure what implications are, but said that regularly elevated insulin levels could eventually cause insulin resistance and even diabetes

The study focused on people who are obese and people who didn’t already use artificial sweeteners.

The researchers cautioned that the results need to be examined further and do not necessarily imply a link between Splenda and diabetes.

What we can learn, though, is that the notion of Splenda’s guilt-free marketing efforts, it affects the human body in serious and dangerous ways.

Hear are some tips from our editors at Healing Lifestyles & Spas, to help you have a clean, healthy lifestyle.

Use Natural Products

You may be earth friendly but are your beauty products?

Here are are favorite all natural products you can make at home.

All Natural Berry Facemask

• In a blender, combine 2 tablespoons plain yogurt plus 2 tablespoons honey, and pulse or blend until fully combined.

• Add 1/4 cup mixed berries, pureeing until smoothcombined with 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

• Apply mixture to your clean, dry face. Let the mask sit 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse face thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

DIY Vegan Toothpaste

Most commercial toothpastes have glycerin in them which can help maintain the product’s texture, but unless it is listed specifically as vegetable glycerin, it is from animal origin. If you are in search of a vegan toothpaste just make your own, that contains glycerin, try this.

2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin

4 tablespoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon guar gum

8 tablespoons water

5 drops peppermint, clove, or citrus pure essential oil

Dr. Scott R. Walker, a Dentist in Beaverton tells his patients to avoid sugar and try to use all natural products. It will help you feel better and you will smile more.

Written by Shannon Kaiser 

I decided to clean up my act, I went back to basics on all fronts, my diet, my living environment and my grooming routine.

Cosmetic powders, lotions, sprays, and fragrances can be hard on the body if there are chemicals in them. Beatifying yourself can be easy and toxic free when you know what to avoid.

Many cosmetic companies are not regulated by the FDA, so looking into the ingredients is a good first step.

How you approach your personal care routine can make a big difference. It begins with purchasing clean products. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

The most important knowledge you can possess is understanding of your ingredients!

Avoid the majority of drug store products. 

Many mainstream cosmetic companies and products are fill their products with petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals are bad and could potentially be harmful to your reproductive organs, endocrine system, and overall health. 60% of what you put on your body gets into your body, then stores itself in your tissues.

Don’t buy into “greenwashing.” 

Because the FDA allows cosmetic companies to regulate themselves, companies that only care about making money can use marketing as to convince you that their product contains all natural ingredients, but most of the time it has petrochemicals in them.

Look at Mission Statements

Look online at the companies mission statement, if you agree with their vision and if about their product’s ingredients, then you can feel good about supporting their business.

Organic & Healthy Food Stores For Beauty

Your beauty regimen can start with your local whole food store. Natural organic stores carry beauty products that are natural and good for the environment. The grocery store is also a great place to get local fruits and vegetables.

Travis Magelsen, a Dentist in Monroe WA says, ”Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to have glowing skin and teeth.”

Color can bring up alot of different memories for many people. When you think back to a time in your life, colors often pop and stay with you.

Color has a natural way of making us feel better when we are anxious or frustrated. But if you pick the wrong color for an area of your home, or car you could feel more tense. For example a red bedroom often hinders people’s sleep patterns, and they can feel more stressed. Color therapy is a long standing ancient art that we can all lean on when remodeling our home, car or wardrobe.

The colors you choose say a lot about you and your desires and personality.

Do you ever say “I love this color” or “I can’t stand this color?” The colors you like and dislike can stem from a  memory. Let’s say you went out with Mr. Wonderful and he was wearing a red sweater on your first date. Then later in the relationship you had a big fight and he was wearing the same red sweater, your brain would remember this and each time you see that sweater you would feel anxious based on the fight.

This is really true in our cultures love affair with team sports, such as high school, college and professional. There are alot of homes such as bedrooms that have been painted their team colors. People go as far as repainting their car to their favorite color.

A recent study shows that the color car you drive can say a lot about you.

Black: Powerful, Elegant, , Classic,

Black is always a go to power color. People who own black cars are not easily swayed or manipulated. They appreciate elegant classic details. People who own black cars also have a lot of black cloths because black = empowerment.

White: Pure, Direct, Pristine

People who own white cars are difficult to please and make happy. “These are people who generally like things to be very pure and pristine and clear and direct. There’s nothing you can hide under the color white. A person who owns a white car is super clean in all areas of their life.

Red: Sensual, Dynamic, Outgoing

Red is bold exciting and in your face. Whether your red car is bright red or has a hint of blue, red speaks to the high energy level of the person. They call attention to themselves and a person who owns a red car is not shy. It has also been said that people who own red cars are nursing a broken heart.

The color experts at O’Dell Auto Body, a Portland, OR Auto Body Repair shop say “The color of your car represent you and how you want the world to see you.”

Summer is near which means eating healthy on the go can be challenging. Even more so challenging is finding foods that are good for your teeth, but we have something to make your smile.

These items are perfect for any busy lifestyle! Snacks that are good for your and your teeth are a great option to grab on your way out the door to your next beach trip, ball game or hike. We love CVS Gold Emblem because they are natural and easy to grab on the go. Here are more healthy benefits of eating nuts.

Cashews

They’re salty and crunchy and oh so satisfying. Who doesn’t enjoy a handful of warm cashews?

There are many health benefits of eating these crunchy clusters, including heart healthy fat. Although all nuts are relatively high in fat, they’re rich in heart healthy monounsaturated fats. Cashews can lower your blood pressure.

A quarter cup of cashews supplies almost twenty-five percent of the daily requirement for magnesium. Which plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Many studies have also shown that people who have low magnesium levels are at higher risk of heart disease. Like calcium, magnesium plays an important role in building and maintaining bone health. You can strengthen your teeth by eating more cashews.

Almonds

According to research nuts are rich in magnesium, calcium, and phosphate – all important nutrients for dental health. Eat more nuts and almonds and add them to your regular diet for a healthy, beautiful smile and well-protected teeth and gums. Almonds are an excellent source of calcium. There are numerous Studies that have proven that the consumption of 12-15 almonds on a regular basis helps your body with around 40-50 mg of calcium. Almonds promote good healthy teeth and the calcium helps nourish and support healthy gum tissue.

Peanuts

Peanuts have calcium and vitamin D. Together these two vitamins promote good healthy teeth. Peanut butter sandwiches, salted shelled peanuts, mixed nuts, unshelled or unsalted, however you like to eat them, dig in for a healthy smile. There’s no denying that these tasty little nuts will make you go nuts.

Dr. Derek Conklin, a Portland Oregon dentist says that, “Eating foods like nuts can help improve your smile and give you energy to enjoy your day.” In order to keep your pearly whites their brightest, go nuts with these super foods.

You can grab these delicious items at your neighborhood CVS/pharmacy on the way to your next activity.

Maybe you have considered whitening your teeth, or you have a big event coming up. Weddings, conferences and anniversary’s are great occasions to whiten your teeth.

Teeth naturally yellow over time, and as you age they yellow faster. A 2008 Columbia University study proven women who have whiter teeth earn more money and have more confidence. What more reasons do you need?

There are bleaching trays and peroxide applicators, it is easy to get lost in the sea of whitening information, gels, foam, strips which is best, what is a girl to do? Well look no further we consulted with industry leading dentists to uncover the best teeth whitening strategies for the girl on the go.

Before you bleach

As a first-timer bleaching, prepare your pretty teeth. You should consult your dentist. Even if you plan to do it at home, make sure you have the professional in your corner.

There are some types of dental work (such as caps, crowns, and veneers) that don’t take to lightening because peroxide can’t penetrate them.

Stains that are caused by antibiotics, like tetracycline, are also tough, because they will dig into the layers inside the tooth, which most brighteners can’t reach. Your dentist will help you make the best choice.

The Pro Knows

The whitening agents that your dentist will use is up to three times more powerful than the take and bake home versions, you will see results much faster than if you go solo. If you’re looking for a dramatic, easy, fast solution, consider power whitening:

If you stick with the pros they will put a protective rubber guard or barrier gel on your gums, this will help avoid possible sensitivity to peroxide.

The teeth are covered with a bleaching agent and a light is aimed at them to activate the ingredients. These whole procedure will take about an hour, and costs $500 to $700.

Switch Your Shades

Maybe you can’t spring for a teeth whitening kit, no problem, you can make over your mouth by switching your shades. Choose a nlue-based red and pink lipsticks and outfit this will help your teeth pop.

Avoid warm colors (yellow, brown, orange, warm shades of red) that worn close to your mouth will only bring out the yellow in your teeth. Yuck avoide at all costs.

Munch and Crunch

“Foods that have a high cellulosel compound like  celery, carrots, and apples–act as natural abrasives almost like a toothbrush, cleansing your teeth and removing surface stains naturally,” says Dr. Kirchmeier, a cosmetic dentist Eugene Oregon.

And greens such as spinach, broccoli, and lettuce can help strengthen your teeth and prevent yellowing.

http://eugeneordental.com/

cosmetic dentistry eugene