Category: Health & Fitness

Most guys don’t jump out of the shower excited to moisturize, but the tide is turning for men’s grooming products.

Whether it’s showering, shaving, or brushing teeth, more and more men are starting to take more care with their grooming habits.

It’s just as important to take care of what’s on the outside as it is to take care of the inside. Taking good care of skin, hair, teeth, and nails can help you feel and look your best–and it fights off signs of early aging.

Whether you’re splurging on yourself or you’re looking for a gift for the special guy in your life, these are some of the most affordable, low commitment men’s grooming products. Try out some of these versatile products that you can get from just about anywhere.

Top 10 Affordable Men’s Grooming Products

You don’t have to spend a lot of time, effort, or money to keep your skin and teeth healthy. These bargain buys are the perfect way to keep your shopping trips short and sweet. They’re exactly what you need (and nothing more).

Check out our list of the top 10 most affordable products.

1. L’Oreal Paris Men’s Expert Charcoal Cream Cleanser

Not only is this cleanser cheap, but it packs a powerful punch too. Charcoal can absorb up to 200 times its weight in grime.

It clears your pores of all kinds of dirt and sweat, leaving your skin bright, clean, and free from blemishes.

This cleanser is designed to provide a deep clean, but it doesn’t strip your skin of all its moisture. It comes with a hydrating finish that keeps your skin feeling refreshed.

2. American Crew Shave Cream

This shave cream has a great smell and feel. It goes on easy, melts into the skin, and helps you achieve a closer, smoother shave.

It also helps to restore and protect your skin barrier–moisturizing your skin and reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs. For added comfort, you can use it with the Lubricating Shave Oil.

3. Marlowe Men’s Facial Scrub

Although a simple cleanser or facial soap is fine for day to day use, exfoliating two or three time a week can help keep your skin healthy.

An exfoliating wash uses small beads to gently scrub your skin. This helps clear away dead skin and allows your skin cells to regenerate faster, clearing up acne marks and sun spots quickly. Exfoliating right before you shave can also help prevent ingrown hairs.

Marlowe’s facial scrub has a nice scent along with super-fine beads to gently clean skin without drying it out.

4. Neutrogena Men Age Fighter Moisturizer

Healthy skin means protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, helping skin cell regeneration, and keeping skin well moisturized. This lotion does all of that–with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and SPF.

With daily use, you can improve the look and feel of your skin. You’ll also be making a great investment for the future–keeping those wrinkles at bay for a few more years.

5. Every Man Jack Beard Oil

If you have a full on beard or just love your facial hair, keep it lush and healthy with this beard oil.

If fancy beard oils aren’t your thing, this product is a simpler solution. It’s not overly fragrant and it’s only about $10.

It keeps your beard clean and conditioned–like you would your hair–and promotes healthy growth. Keeping your beard soft and healthy will help your hair look better. Another bonus: your partner probably won’t complain of beard burn next time they go for a kiss.

6. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

If you worry about dry, cracked, or painful lips during the hot summer months, this lip balm is perfect for you.

It’s simple and affordable, but it provides intense protection. It moisturizes with Shea butter and protects your lips from the sun with SPF. With a gentle mint fragrance, it feels smooth and moisturizing on the lips without being too greasy.

7. Dove Men + Care Deodorant

With this deodorant dry spray, you’ll never have to worry about drying your armpits again. The spray goes on without any wetness or clumping.

Plus, it goes on easily and has full coverage, no matter how much hair you have in there. Unlike the intense smell of Axe, this Dove deodorant has a subtle smell. It blocks sweat from coming in rather than just covering up the body odor.

8. LED Mirror

Makeup mirrors aren’t just for the ladies.

Having all these grooming products doesn’t mean much if you can’t see your own face while you use them. Especially when you’re doing more delicate grooming rituals–like shaving or flossing–you need to be able to see every detail.

With an LED mirror, you can see everything in full light and magnified up to three times. If you’re looking for a mirror that’s perfect for men, check out Your Mirror for their selection.

9. Luster NOW! Instant Whitening Rinse

Not all of us have time for whitening strips or gels. If you want a brighter, whiter smile without sacrificing any of your time, this whitening rinse is just for you. With just one rinse, you’ll already be able to see the effects on your teeth.

It’s great for whitening on the go–rinsing out your mouth in the morning so your smile stays white all day.

10. NIVEA for Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Calm your skin after shaving and prevent ingrown hairs or razor bumps with this soothing post shave balm.

It’s fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin. With a burst of chamomile and vitamin E, this balm is perfect for moisturizing and protecting your skin–leaving your face clean and refreshed.

The Bottom Line

Shopping for men isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to grooming products.

It’s more important than ever to keep your skin and teeth healthy, but most men don’t want to waste any time, money, or energy doing it. These affordable, easy to buy men’s grooming products could be just what the man in your life is looking for.

Looking for more tips and tricks? Check out our beauty and fashion page for more articles.

Ginseng is an herb that people have used for centuries for its many health benefits. It is very popular in the United States and worldwide for treating headaches, premature aging, stress, digestive problems, and more.

The plant can be used in a variety of ways. You can use the roots to make tea. Or You can buy it in powdered form or as a supplement.

Anecdotal evidence shows ginseng can help boost your immune system and help with chronic fatigue and insomnia. Researchers are studying the herb for its effect on cancer cells.

For centuries, people have used ginseng as a natural way to treat many health problems. Let’s take a look at 10 proven health benefits of using ginseng.

Increase Your Energy Level

People have long used ginseng to fight fatigue and boost their energy levels. It helps your body use oxygen efficiently during physical activity.

Many scientists believe it helps regulate metabolism which results in increased energy levels. It’s an energy amplifier.

Many people feel it enhances their mental activity and helps them think clearly. Instead of coffee, soft drinks, or energy drinks, try ginseng to get you through a long day at work.

Hsu’s Ginseng is a good choice. It will enhance your energy without the side effects of caffeine.

Enhances Cognitive Ability

The sharper your thinking, the better you perform in your daily life. Drinking coffee or energy drinks may offer a temporary boost, but the effects do not last.

The antioxidants in ginseng enhance cognitive function and improve focus and concentration. If you find yourself tiring mentally during the day, some ginseng tea or a supplement may be for you.

Helps With Type 2 Diabetes

Although there isn’t a cure for Type 2 Diabetes, studies show that the Ginseng plant is helpful in reducing the harmful effects of the disease. It helps lower blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.

This doesn’t mean you won’t need your diabetes medication. Ginseng, along with your medication, may prevent sudden fluctuations in your sugar levels.

If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about adding ginseng to your health routine.

Helps With Weight Control

Ginseng is a natural appetite suppressant. Taking it on a regular basis is good for your metabolism and will gradually help you eat less.

Going on starvation diets can damage your health and your metabolism over time. And diet pills are dangerous and have serious side effects.

Ginseng works naturally to let you lose weight at a gradual pace. If you are using it as an appetite suppressant, you still need to eat a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight.

You can add this herb to your tea, use it in salads, or incorporate it into your favorite healthy recipes.

Boosts the Immune System

For centuries, people have used ginseng to prevent and treat illnesses. It strengthens the immune system which protects you from viruses and infection.

Studies suggest that this herb may improve the effectiveness of the flu vaccine and help control flu symptoms. You can add two teaspoons of the crushed root to a liter of water to boil for 20 minutes.

Drink 1 glass in the morning and one at lunch for a boost. This is especially helpful when you are sick with the cold or flu.

Improves Sexual Performance

Many consider ginseng to be a strong aphrodisiac that can improve male sexual performance. Some men with erectile dysfunction choose to use the herb instead of prescription medication to treat the problem.

This is not a cure for the problem. You should not stop taking any prescriptions without talking to your doctor.

But if a ginseng supplement can help improve your libido or improve your symptoms, it may be worth a try.

Reduces Anxiety

Ginseng is a natural stress reliever. Many people suffer from anxiety on a daily basis but do not want to take addictive medications to control it.

For some, this herb offers a sense of calm and relief. It also enhances alertness which can help you get through the day with less stress and worry.

It’s a safe and natural herb, so if you suffer from anxiety, it may be what you’re looking for.

Good for Your Skin

Healthy blood flow is essential for healthy skin. Ginseng stimulates blood flow which is great for your skin.

It’s also good for dry skin. Regular use, along with a good skin care routine, helps keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated.

Many women want to use natural products to care for their skin. And using ginseng is an all natural way to improve the appearance and health of your skin.

Helps Lower Blood Pressure

A busy, stress-filled life combined with a poor diet is a recipe for high blood pressure and heart disease. Ginseng may help improve circulation and cardiovascular function.

Although this is a natural herb, if you have a heart condition, you should consult your doctor before taking it. If your doctor gives the okay, you may want to try a ginseng supplement in combination with your prescribed medications.

Possible Cancer Benefits

Ginseng contains natural compounds that may reduce the chances of developing certain cancers. These compounds interfere in the formation of blood vessels in some types of tumors.

This could be helpful in preventing cancer as well as treating it. This is not a cure for cancer.

But researchers are studying the effects of ginseng on prostate and other cancers, and the results are promising.

Live Your Best Life

A healthy lifestyle can enhance your life in many ways. Eating right, exercising, and taking natural supplements like ginseng can lead to better health over time.

Be sure to check out our website and other helpful blogs.

As our parents age, we need to look after them the way they once looked after us. This includes recognizing signs of illnesses that aren’t especially easy to spot.

Some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, like mood swings and forgetfulness are pretty easy to write off as mom or dad having a bad day. But the truth is, these things should make you watch them a little closer; especially if the disease runs in your family.

Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, patients with it worsen over time. However, an early diagnosis and treatment can help keep them stable.

If you’ve noticed some odd behaviors, you might already be asking yourself if there truly is something going on with your parent. Maybe you’ve even noticed that the topic agitates or causes them to shut you out.

We laid out some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s you should be on the lookout for. Continue reading and we’ll also show you how to deal.

Talking to Your Parent

Conversations with your parents about their health as they age are some of the scariest conversations for adult children to start. We never want to make our parents feel like they’re incapable or watch them become defensive.

Because of all the sensitivity around these topics, it can feel nearly impossible to have these talks. But they are necessary to have. First of all, this conversation will lead to your parent receiving a real diagnosis and treatment.

It also gives you an opportunity to establish a plan. If your parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, they will eventually lose their ability to take care of themselves.

Speaking with them early on allows them to share their wishes and concerns. Give them the opportunity to tell you where they’d like to live, how they want their finances handled, what to do with their prized possessions and many other things.

This open dialogue will make your parent feel safe which will become even more important down the road. Don’t wait until there’s a serious crisis or accident. Those circumstances will limit everyone’s choices and add to the stress.

10 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

In progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s, a patient’s brain structure and brain chemistry become more severely damaged over time. This is the reason you see people with Alzheimer’s slowly lose who they once were.

It’s important to note that while the early signs listed in this article are the most common symptoms patients will display, not all cases are the same. Meaning those with Alzheimer’s can possibly skip some of these symptoms or display some others early on.

You should also be mindful that some of these symptoms can present themselves in the later stages of the disease.

1. They’re Having Trouble Completing Typical Tasks and Chores

People with Alzheimer’s often experience difficulty completing tasks they didn’t have a problem with before. If your parent is usually pretty tidy and you realize they’ve stopped keeping a clean house, for example, this can be a sign that something is wrong.

The same can be said for a parent who has forgotten some of the steps to a recipe they’d cooked you your entire life, or the rules to a game they already know how to play.

2. Forgetting the Day, Month, Time or Location They’re In

If your parent has gotten lost in a familiar place like their favorite grocery store or their neighborhood, they could have a serious problem. They might call you in a panic over being lost or not knowing what day it is.

In some cases, your parent can even think they’re in a completely different decade. Bringing up old events like your little league soccer game as if it was happening today is a definite red flag.

3. Decreased Judgment

None of us make the right decisions all the time. Lapses in judgment happen to the best of us.

But we’re talking about those times where your parent does something irresponsible that seems to be coming from left field.

For instance, your mother might wear a summer dress on a cold winter’s day. Or your dad can give more money than he can afford to a telemarketer.

4. Losing Things

Has your parent started storing things in strange places? Have you found shoes in the fridge or car keys in the fish tank?

A person with normal cognitive function will misplace things, but they can usually retrace their steps to find them. If your parent is exhibiting more extreme versions of this otherwise normal behavior, it may end up being Alzheimer’s disease.

Patient’s with Alzheimer’s tend to blame others for stealing items they misplaced too.

5. Drastic Moodswings

Drastic mood swings without logical reasoning is an early sign of dementia that shouldn’t be ignored. Your parent can be mellow one minute and cry hysterically the next if they have this disease.

This can also come into play if they’ve suddenly become suspicious or moody around something they enjoyed spending time with before. Sometimes these mood swings stem from the person feeling uncomfortable, maybe being too hot or cold.

Changes in mood also including being calmer or less emotional than they typically would be.

6. Avoiding Social Situations

So, your parent used to be a social butterfly who enjoyed family gatherings and coffee dates with friends, but they’ve recently become withdrawn. This can happen because they’ve become uncomfortable being around people because they are frightened by their own strange behavior.

While becoming withdrawn, you parent can sleep more often than usual, develop passive personality traits, or take several naps throughout the day.

7. Problems with Written and Verbal Communication

People with dementia will forget common words. They may even replace them with words that don’t fit into their sentences, making their speech difficult to understand.

Furthermore, they can have a hard time reading; especially out loud. With dementia, your parent can fall into the reading level of a child during their early years of elementary school.

8. Forgetfulness

Most people classify Alzheimer’s disease with constant forgetfulness. It’s one of the most common symptoms.

Whether your parent is forgetting new information or thing they’ve already known, you should take the action seriously. Absent-minded behavior will also include repeatedly asking the same question.

9. Changes in Vision

Although it isn’t the most popular symptom, it does occur in some patients. Alzheimer’s disease can cause problems with processing colors, space, and reading.

This can weaken their ability to drive safely. If your parent had a recent fender bender where they ran into a nonmoving object like a tree or sign that they say “came out of nowhere” you should have their cognitive skills evaluated.

10. Trouble Thinking Critically

Has your parent recently began struggling to pay their bills without changes in income or commitments? Are invoices piling up and they don’t understand why?

People with dementia have trouble solving problems such as these. Sometimes the problems become so overwhelming that they just put them off instead of facing them.

An expense tracker can help you help your parent stay on top of their finances.

Talking to Your Parent’s Doctor

In the beginning, most patients with Alzheimer’s are uncooperative and display great levels of anger and denial. But if you are truly concerned that your parent has the disease, you should do everything you can to make sure they are correctly diagnosed and helped. This involves talking with their doctor.

HIPAA is set in place to protect patient privacy and information. Because of this, your parent’s doctor isn’t allowed to share things with you pertaining to their health. However, you are still fully able to share your concerns, even if your parent is against it.

Using the information you’ve learned about the early signs of Alzheimer’s, write a letter to their physician. In the letter, you should include your observations with timeframes.

Perhaps your parent called you three times in a single day asking what time your child’s birthday party will be. Maybe you watched them pour salt instead of sugar into a batch of lemonade.

These events should be noted and shared with the doctor. And although the doctor won’t be allowed to tell you specifics about their appointments with your parent, your letter will make them alert.

Your parent might even be more accepting of the conversation about Alzheimer’s or screening for the disease coming from their doctor instead of their child. Think about it, that role reversal can’t be fun for them.

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Although there has yet to be a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there is support available to those patients who are living with it. The treatments range from medication, memory care, and lifestyle changes that can include assisted living.

It’s important for the patient to have a loved one who understands all these options as their disease worsens. For example, a lot of people don’t know the difference between assisted living and memory care (compare here.)

Follow our blog for tips about budgeting, health, and family life that can still be implemented if your parent is showing early signs of Alzheimer’s.

If ever there was a conversation that felt awkward, it would be one that starts with the phrase ‘let’s talk about toe fungus’.

However, as awkward as it may be, it is a serious condition that impacts the lives of a lot of people.

Sure, there are numerous over the counter options you can choose, each more expensive than the last, but did you know there are also a number of home remedies for toenail fungus that you could try.

Treatments such as garlic for toenail fungus or even oregano oil. Keep reading to find out the best home remedies.

Tea Tree Oil

If you are looking for toenail fungus home remedies then one of the better-known options would be tea tree oil.

An essential oil it naturally contains a high quantity of both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

The treatment is simple. Just apply a small amount to your infected toenail twice a day and you will be as good as new in no time.

Listerine; One of the Secret Toenail Fungus Home Remedies

You probably know Listerine as a tool to keep your teeth clean and breath fresh, but you might not realize that when it comes to infected toenail home remedies, it is the secret weapon of many.

Not only does it contain thymol and menthol, but also eucalyptus. It’s a simple anti-fungal soak, and by bathing your feet for thirty minutes a day and keep toenail fungus at bay.

Using Garlic for Toenail Fungus Treatment

If you know that garlic was an anti-fungal agent would you still toast it on bread and eat it with spaghetti, or cook with it at all?

I would, but that’s beside the point.

If you want to successfully use garlic for toenail fungus treatment all you need to do is crush up a few cloves and apply them to the infected area for thirty minutes a day.

A Change of Diet Can Fight Nail Fungus

Food and diet play a big role in our overall health. If you put the right things in then you get the rewards in many ways. Fighting back nail fungus is just one of these benefits.

A diet rich in protein, iron, essential fatty acids and vitamin D is one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus you can find. One that treats the problem as well as providing a greater all-around benefit to your body.

Foot Fungus is Not a Life Sentence

Having foot fungus might be embarrassing, but it is not a life sentence. Buy the brand products if you want, but at least give some of the homeopathic foot fungus remedies a chance.

Try a bit of garlic for toenail fungus relief, just maybe try one of the other options if it is date night.

For more tips on how natural remedies can help you check out some of our other posts. Whether you want to save money, live green or just generally learn about alternative ways to approach life’s obstacles, we have the information for you.

“Keep calm…summer is coming!”

If you can feel your stress levels rising, the much-anticipated summer season is the perfect time to indulge in some much needed “me time”.

“Self-care, is vital to physical, emotional and mental well-being,” says Psychology Today. Yes, taking time to rejuvenate and refresh yourself is good for your body and state of mind.

Read on for 10 self-care tips that will help you to cool off and avoid a mental burn-out this summer.

1. Positive Perspective

One of the top tips for self care is to feel good about yourself. Throw out those trashy magazines that tell you that you’re not good enough – you ARE good enough!

Summer is a time of beach bodies and unrelated expectations. Stop comparing yourselves to others, especially distorted reality shown through the media. Make it your goal to enjoy your summer, just as you are.

Be grateful for what you have. Try to jot down a few things you are thankful for each day. This gratitude list can help you to start each day on a positive note.

And above all, be kind. It’s contagious. Helping others really can help yourself.

2. Go Somewhere

It doesn’t matter if it’s a staycation or vacation, taking time out for yourself is one of the best tips for self care.

Take a road trip off the beaten track, sightsee around the city, visit museums and art galleries, or just have a picnic in the park. These simple, fun activities can give you some time to relax and unwind in an interesting setting.

If you can, go off the grid. Whether you travel to a tropical island or deep into the mountains, just take time to re-energize.

3. Pamper Yourself

One of the key ways to self care is to take time to pamper yourself. Head to a spa, have some beauty treatments done, go shopping, or just take time to relax in a bubble bath at home.

Head out and buy a new outfit. Instead of following the latest unflattering fashion fads, try to choose clothes that make you look and feel confident.

If you’re not one for heading to the spa, there are many treatments you can do at home. For instance, adding essential oils to your bath can create a luxurious time-out session. Add a few candles and some relaxing music, and you’ll be totally chilled out.

Another way to use essential oils is to have an aromatherapy massage. Therapeutic massages are one of the best self care methods as they can help to ease a variety of aches and pains. Even if you ask your partner to give you a DIY massage from home, you’re guaranteed to feel like a million dollars.

We recommend Banyan Tree essential oils for all your aromatherapy needs. Their products will refresh your senses and restore your spirit.

4. Get Out There

Head outside and breathe in the warm fresh air of summer. Take advantage of the extra sunshine and spend time doing some outdoor activities.

Pick an activity that you know you will enjoy. For instance, hiking, gardening, swimming, biking, yoga, or outdoor fitness classes.

A really easy way to get outdoors is to take a casual stroll in natural surroundings. Give your mind a chance to relax and admire the surrounding beauty.

Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! Frolicking under the scorching sun might catch you off guard, and you’ll spend several days looking and feeling like a snappy lobster.

5. The Power of Water

Our everyday lives are flooded with overbearing technology and stressful situations. Spend time near water to give your mind a much-needed break. “Being around water gives our brains and our senses a rest from overstimulation,” says Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist.

Whether you head to the beach, a pool, or a bubbling stream, the sounds and sights of water can help to soothe your soul. Take long showers and hot baths. Or try a fun water activity, for instance, surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming or sailing.

One of the most important self care tips in the summer is to always keep hydrated. Drink more water than you usually would as it’s easy to become dehydrated without realizing in hot weather.

6. Let Them Eat Veggies

Eat well in the summertime by taking advantage of the large variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Make it your goal to try something new each week.

Try to learn about the benefits of eating certain foods. Fill your diet your researched superfoods your body and mind will both feel great.

Some fruits and veggies that are filled with antioxidants include tomatoes, zucchini, watermelon, oranges, celery, nectarines, peaches, cantaloupe, berries, figs, pears, and the ultimate avocado. Add some nuts, green tea and anything dark green and leafy into your diet – and your body will feel well looked after.

7. Tech Timeout

Summer is a great time to take a break from the online world. Give yourself a chance to unwind and reconnect with real life. Limiting your time on social media and avoiding endless browsing sessions will also help you to use your time more wisely during the precious summer months.

Try not to use your devices an hour before bed, or give yourself screen time limits. If you feel really addicted, go cold turkey and try to take a few days away from technology.

8. Rekindle Your Youth

Think back and recall what you loved doing as a child.

Was it biking to the park? Rollerblading around the block? Screaming on rollercoasters?

Whatever your inner child is telling you to do, why not use some of your summer rekindling those happy memories?

9. Lose Bad Habits

Some more self care tips include getting rid of those bad habits you’ve been holding onto. The longer days and positive vibes in the summer months can give you extra time and motivation to improve yourself.

For instance, get up 30 minutes earlier than normal. That extra half an hour can rejuvenate you and give you some quiet time to savor your morning cup of coffee instead of rushing to go out.

10. Think Outside the Box

One of the best self care techniques is to challenge yourself and do something outside of your comfort zone.

Try out a new hobby, go on a luxury vacation, go stargazing, experience the great outdoors, or do anything you wouldn’t normally do. Make a summer bucket list and check them off as you do each amazing thing.

Try These Self-Care Tips This Summer

This list of self-care tips can actually be used all year round, but why not try starting this summer? Go on, treat yourself, you deserve it!

For more lifestyle hacks and health advice, take a look at our blog!