Lifestyle Goals

ORAL HEALTH

A healthy smile is a beautiful smile.

For many of us, we became more conscious of our looks as we grew up. Some people have experienced some discomfort about certain features, only to learn later in life that those features were a result of exposure to some harmful substances at a very young age.

Today let us talk about Fluorosis

This is a condition caused by overexposure to fluoride during the first eight years of one’s life when most permanent teeth are formed.

Overexposure commonly manifest in discolouration of teeth. The teeth may have white lacy markings in mild cases. In more severe cases the teeth may have yellowish to dark brown stains.

CAUSES OF FLUOROSIS

One of the causes is inappropriate use of dental products that contain fluoride such as mouth wash and toothpaste/gel. Young kids tend to swallow toothpaste instead of spitting it out. In other instances they may just enjoy the fruity flavoured taste. Therefore parental vigilance would be very crucial in prevention measures.

Fluorosis can also occur in cases of fluoride supplements overdose during early childhood.

It can also arise from consumption of fluoridated drinking water, or fluoride fortified drinks, where the fluoride levels are above the recommended levels.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

Parental vigilance is very crucial in preventing fluorosis. You can be proactive in taking water from your water source for testing.

Keep all fluoride containing dental care products out of reach of the young children. Ingestion of large amounts of these products at a given time may also cause nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Supervise young children and ensure that they spit fluoride containing tooth paste that children may be likely to swallow.

A fluoride free tooth gel/paste will be a better option for kids to prevent the risk of fluorosis. Fluoride is a natural mineral which is already available in water and other food sources. Therefore a fluoride tooth gel will not cause any deficiency, rather minimise fluorosis risk.

FLUORIDE ALLERGY
Some people experience allergic reactions such as;
Cuts and sores in the mouth
Mild to severe headaches
Nausea, upset stomach

A fluoride free tooth paste/gel will be a better option. A good one will also contain essential oils, and other organic ingredients with healing properties supporting overall oral health

Treatment
Contact your dentist for any case that requires medical attention.

If you are interested in continuing the conversation or a recommendation of fluoride free toothpastes, let us chat more. Let’s engage on [email protected] or hit our inbox.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Majority of us lead very busy lifestyles that leave us wanting in many areas of our lives. One of the most compromised is our diet. Not by choice, but we end up serving ourselves and our loved ones a diet that is nothing close to ‘a balanced diet.’ It is not an easy admission to confess, but it’s true.

But there is something we can do to augment our diets. Have you ever considered dietary supplements?

WHAT ARE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

Dietary supplements are products that contain minerals, vitamins, herbal or botanical ingredients, amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, enzymes, and animal extracts. They are provided in different mediums such as liquid, tablets and powders.

Dietary supplements are designed to supplement your daily intake of nutrients.

It should be clear that dietary supplements are not medicines and do not cure disease.

BENEFITS OF SUPPLEMENTING

Taking supplements should not be taken to be an absolute solution to your nutritional deficiency. You stand to benefit a lot from altering your diet to ensure that you and your loved ones are taking enough nutrients with every meal you serve. A balanced diet should be able to provide many of the nutrients needed by the body.
However, given our busy lifestyles, and the buzz around lifestyle diets, it has become increasingly difficult to provide all the nutrients needed by our bodies through food.

Even our budgetary challenges put a limit on what food stuffs we can afford.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TAKE SUPPLEMENTS?

While dietary supplements cannot replace healthy eating habits, they can be a good source of essential nutrients. However they should be taken and used responsibly.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Let us limit our discussion to weight management.

Many people struggle with obesity and the health challenges that come with it. Some find it hard to shed off the extra kilograms that deny them the much needed release from disease, lack of confidence, increased risk of loss of life e.t.c.

However, one must be cautious about which weight loss supplements to choose. The good thing is that there are some safe, effective, tried and tested supplements that may help them get rid of the extra weight they are carrying right now.

EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Good supplements will contain ingredients that;
• Decrease the body’s ability to converge carbohydrates into fat. This will allow the body to burn the existing fats for energy, rather than storing the fats from burning carbohydrates.

• Help suppress appetite

• Relieve and protect the body from fatigue, which can cause the body to produce excess fat

• Helps limit the body’s ability to absorb some for the excess calories you have consumed

• Help the body speed up your metabolism

• Help the body metabolise fats, carbohydrates, and fats

Dietary supplements are safe and beneficial as long as they are taken properly, and extra care taken to purchase from reputable producers.

Start taking advantage of the good that dietary supplements offer for an improved quality of life for you and your loved ones. Always seek to know the quality of the products before purchase.

If you are interested in more information or recommendation, let us chat more and drop us your thoughts on messenger.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM HARMFUL COSMETIC INGREDIENTS

Self care is such an incredible journey to embark on; you owe yourself so much love. That includes taking measures to ensure that you and your loved ones are not on harm’s way. Today let’s engage on protecting our skin from harmful commercial products that we unknowingly purchase thinking are good products.

Let’s be mindful of what we apply on our skin. The beauty industry is full of toxic products that are very harmful to our skin.

Develop the habit of going through the Ingredients Section on every cosmetic product you purchase.

Experts advise us to avoid any product that contains the ingredients listed below:

Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)

Any product containing ingredients with the word ‘paraben’ should be avoided. They are used to preserve products that contain water to prevent them from growing bacteria. Studies have shown that they can imitate several actions of hormones in the body disrupting normal hormone functions. In extreme cases they can cause reproductive challenges and cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES)

These are powerful inexpensive detergents and foaming agents used in shower gels and shampoos. They can cause sebum overproduction in hair as well as cause inflammatory reactions on the skin. Sebum is an oily lubricant matter produced by the sebaceous glands, it helps moisturise and protect the skin.

Triclosan

It is a synthetic antibacterial agent that may disrupt thyroid function and can degrade into a form of dioxin (chemicals linked to cancer and other toxicities). It is commonly used in facial cleansers, deodorants, toothpaste, shaving creams.. I understand this ingredient has been banned from being used in health care, but it is still available in cosmetics. It is also reported to be harmful to the environment and wildlife.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

It is a petroleum derivative, popular in skin care products for its emulsifying and thickening properties. It also increases permeability of the skin enhancing absorption of the product into the skin. It is usually found in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. In addition to causing irritation, it is also not biodegradable which is harmful to the environment. It can also be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane (it is used as a solvent ), which is classified as a carcinogenic (having a potential to cause cancer).

Formaldehyde

It is used as a preservative in many products under the names quaternium -15, DMDM hydantoin, and imidazolidinyl urea. It has been catergorised as a human carcinogen. It has also been linked to asthma and neurotoxicity (disruption to the nervous system.

Benzophenone and related compounds

This is mainly in sunscreens, but also in lotions, lip balms, and makeup. It is absorbed at a faster rate than it can be broken down. These chemicals are linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, as well as toxic to the ecosystem.

Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine (Coal Tar)

This is a by-product of coal processing, used in skin care products, shampoos. It has also been categorised as a carcinogenic.

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluence (BHT)

These are antioxidants found in liquid soaps, shower gels, shampoos, made from animal or vegetable fat. In addition to being irritants, they are also categorised as carcinogens.

Mineral Oil

This is a petroleum by-product found in lotions. It clogs the pores interfering with the skins ability to eliminate toxins, therefore making the skin prone to acne and other disorders.

Siloxanes

All ingredients ending in ‘...siloxane’ or ‘-methicone’. These are used in a variety of products to soften, smoothen and moisten. They are found in toothpastes, deodorants. They are reported to be reproductive toxicant (cyclotetrasiloxane).

How to avoid products that contain these harmful products

To avoid these harmful products would be to always read the ingredient list, but in reality it is a lot harder than that.
A more simple and sustainable solution is to invest in products where emphasise is more on organic ingredients and proper technologies used to produce safe and effective products.

Self care is an incredible!

If you are interested in more information let’s talk more, hit our inbox.

The local job market has exerted tremendous pressure among employees, certain sectors and businesses have suffered more from the slow down economic activities than others.

As the economy stagnated and companies struggled, many employees suffered job losses; those who managed to survive the past three years still have the major concern: their job security. The sad truth is that now more than ever, job security can no longer be guaranteed.

Local businesses are also struggling to re-establish themselves. Many are still unable to re-employ the employees that were retrenched as they still have to recover from the losses the businesses suffered the previous years.

This is a great awakening that ‘We can no longer solely rely on formal employment’. Therefore we need to consider other income generation avenues that can keep us and our families afloat in these difficult times.

Today I would like to share with you an amazing opportunity that can make an amazing impact on your family and give you financial independence.

MULTI LEVEL MARKETING (MLM)

Multi-level marketing is a legitimate business; it can be very lucrative if you delve in it with intention to succeed. It gives you an opportunity to build your own business by buying and selling the products yourself from the MLM Company, and building your own down-line teams. You can work it fulltime or part-time.

Believe me, income possibilities are endless. Talking from experience!

LET ME TELL YOU WHY THIS IS A GREAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Very Minimal Risk

Since you can operate the business from home, you would not have to deal with facilities and salaries expenses.

No Capital Required

You do not need an investment capital to start the business. You can join by only paying a small fee for the start up combo pack that contains the products as your first stock. Depending on the company, it may also entitle you to get discounts on the products.

Huge Potential Income

There is no limit to the amount of money you can make; it depends on your commitment, dedication, and consistency. The sky is the limit, unlike in formal employment where your earning is limited to the employer’s salary structure.

You can make as much money as you want; as long as you are committed to the goals you have set for yourself.

No Employees to Hire

The business model is basically a business of people independently working together, supporting one another, building teams, and mentoring teams for growth and mutual benefit. Locally the reason why some of the businesses failed was because the upline did not understand and embrace building and mentoring teams for mutual gain.
Nowadays there is so much growth; now there are very successful individuals in network marketing in Botswana.

Now is the time to take up this great opportunity. Even if you had joined in the past and it didn’t work out for you, there are some individuals that have grasped the concept and are thriving, and willing to help you realise your dreams.

Time Freedom

For those who wish to take it on full time, it will give you freedom from the 0730 hrs – 1630 hrs or 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs work day, to a very independent way of making a living and tremendously transforming your family. It will give you time for other obligations.

Huge Demand for Quality Products

It is an opportunity to offer quality products to the people. Therefore, you have to choose wisely which MLM Company you wish to join. Do your own research and join an MLM Company that ascribes to certain quality standards, backed with studies and research, and have been proven overtime.

The market is full of commercial products that do not add any value to our people. It will be an opportunity for you to turn that around.

Commission

The primary benefit of the business model is that you gain commission when your prospects join, and more commission as they recruit more to join. That is what is called a ‘down-line’. By developing, mentoring, and supporting a down-line, you build a self sustaining earning network.

For maximum benefit you should have a strong focus on recruiting prospects that are enthusiastic about the products and the business model as you are.

Marketing and Training Material

Most of us do not have marketing expertise, which can be a grave impediment in any business. The most successful MLM companies that are continually impacting on people’s lives make a concerted effort to provide rigorous training and mentorship to their associates. The training covers mastering how to structure sale pitches, generate leads, and how to meet up with prospects, e.t.c.

They can also provide marketing materials.

Therefore you have to choose wisely.

Loss of employment, retrenchment, end of employment contract, can be very devastating. Any situation that you find yourself not able to live the life that you really want, not being able to provide adequately for your family, can really be disheartening.

However, all hope is not lost, let us assist.

You may want to contact us on [email protected] or hit our inbox.

AGING WITH GRACE
As we grow up and embrace our age, we also need to take conscious steps towards healthy living. Getting older means our internal processes get weaker and take longer to recharge or renew. Our skin is also not spared the toil.

As a result, signs of wrinkling, loss of skin elasticity, laxity, and rough textured appearance start to appear. If these appear earlier than anticipated, then it is premature aging.

Many things can cause skin aging, and some we cannot do anything about, while others we can. It is important to consult a dermatologist and rule out any other health conditions.

While we cannot change the natural process of skin aging, we can make environmental and lifestyle changes to slow down the premature aging process.

Let us look at the signs of premature aging and what we can do about it.

Fine lines, Wrinkles, and Sagging

The protein that gives your body its shape is called Collagen, it makes the skin stay plump and firm. Collagen production can start slowing down as early as age 30. Exactly, at age 30, though it may not be visible. That is why prevention should start earlier on in life.

Reduced levels of collagen results in visible wrinkles and sagging of skin. Exposure to the sun may also exacerbate the appearance of wrinkles.

What can we do?

Avoid sun exposure by all means.
Invest in a Sunscreen that offers SPF 30 broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. A good one will also contain ingredients that help lock in moisture, leaving your skin moisturised and supple. Avoid those that tend to dry the skin. There are many products in the market, choose wisely.

Drink water, the common rule is 8 glasses a day. My take is that it cannot be one size fits all, listen to your body and give it what it needs. Hydrate adequately.

Use deep hydrating moisturisers that are able to deliver the moisture deep within the skin. Moisturisers that contain natural organic ingredients with Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and antioxidants will greatly benefit your skin. Moisturise correctly for your skin type.

Dry or itchy skin

As the skin thins because of reduced levels of collagen, it becomes prone to dehydration, hence irritability and itching.

Skin cells like any other cells are made of water. When the skin is dehydrated in becomes less resilient and fine lines and wrinkles start to show earlier than expected.

What can we do?

Drink more water to maintain adequate hydration.

Moisturise properly for your skin type.

Consider taking dietary supplements to assist your body produce keratin. Keratin is a protein that occurs naturally in our skin, hair, and nails, however it starts dropping with aging, and sadly with premature aging.

However it can be managed by taking dietary supplements, especially with Biotin (B complex vitamin), and Omega 3 essential fats, as well as zinc supplements.
Biotin (produces fatty acids that nourish the skin, reduce the risk of rashes and cracking skin)
Omega 3 essential fats (help regulate skin oil production, improve balanced hydration, minimise signs of aging)
Zinc (supports immune system, speeds up wound healing, helps fight acne)

Inflammation or hyper pigmentation

This may manifest as a patchy discolouration that appear abnormally dark, resulting from damage to the cells caused by exposure to the sun.

What can we do?

A Sunscreen that offers SPF 30 broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays is highly recommended.

Moisturise frequently.
A lotion with Vitamin C or retinoids (a class of compounds that derive from Vitamin A) is highly recommended. Vitamin E as an ingredient is also highly beneficial in reducing UV damage to the skin.

Start supplementing
Vitamin C promotes collagen production and inhibits formation of spots
Vitamin B12 promotes collagen production and supports new skin cell growth
Vitamin A plays a part in exfoliating dead skin

Dark Circles (Eye Bags)

Lack of sleep and some environmental factors manifest in dark circles around the eye and under eye bags.
Stress is also a culprit in causing under the eye bags. As stress causes cortisol levels to skyrocket, in turn puffiness and under eye bags appear. In some people acne breakouts emerge.

What can we do?

Strive for the recommended 8 hour sleep, listen to your body and rest so that it can rejuvenate.

Manage stress, get professional help.

A good eye cream that contains hydrolysed collagen will help in reducing wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and hydration.

Prevention is better than cure.

If the signs of premature aging skin bother you, or you simply want to preserve your youthful looking skin, you might want to get in touch with us, [email protected] or whatsapp.

Oh how I love makeup, out with family, or with girlfriends, all dolled up looking stunning!!
Makeup can elevate your confidence; make you feel happy and less anxious. Without a doubt, makeup definitely accentuates our beauty.

However there is a lot to love about going makeup free regularly or occasionally, adorning our raw, natural beauty. Our skin would also thank us for the much needed break. It could also be fun and fulfilling to snap your own makeup free selfie.

Remember how Alicia Keys sometime back opted for a makeup free look while shooting for her new album, from thereon she enjoyed showing off her natural self. We have seen others like Kylie Jenner and Gwen Stefani snapping their own makeup free selfies. These ladies still enjoy their makeup, but are also happy to enjoy their makeup free look.

It all starts with focusing on taking good care of your skin, having good skin, and having the confidence to go bare.

Tips for a healthy, beautiful, radiant skin

1. Commit to a safe skin care routine

The more diligent and consistent you are with your self-care routine when it comes to your skin, the more confident you will be to go natural. There are safe beauty products with emphasis on organic ingredients and appropriate production technologies that you can incorporate in your regime.

Safe, effective products that do not contain harmful ingredients are available.

2. Eat healthy

Take care of your gut, it will radiate on your skin. Studies have shown that underlying gut health condition shows on the skin in many ways, from acne, blemishes, and premature aging. Food in their more natural status than processed is more beneficial to our bodies. Take more fruits and vegetables.

3. Start supplementing

The busy lifestyles we lead sometimes expose us to unhealthy food choices. Fortunately there are safe natural organic supplements at our disposal for use.

A very essential protein in your skin is collagen, it contains Amino Acids which support skin health, promoting a healthy, glowing, and firm complexion. Very helpful as you age and your skin starts to loose elasticity, or after a major weight loss.

Vitamin C is one of the best topical ingredients that works on all skin types and very good in promoting an even bright skin tone.

This list is not exhaustive.

The good thing is that very good, organic, and safe products from reputable companies are available. You need to choose carefully.

4. Stay hydrated

Staying adequately hydrated guarantees your skin to stay moisturised, healthy, and glowing. The general guideline is 8 glasses per day, my personal take is that it cannot be a one size fits all, listen to your body and hydrate adequately.

In addition there are good, safe, moisturising creams that are able to deliver moisture deep within the skin to retain skin elasticity and reduce the signs of premature aging. A very good hydrating moisturiser is a necessity given our very dry climatic conditions.

5. Protect your skin from the sun

Ultraviolet radiation is carcinogenic, meaning that it has the capacity to cause cancer.

Protection from the sun is essential; don’t be exposed without protection such as sun protective clothing, sun glasses with UV protection, or simply stay indoors or under a shaded area.

Safe, effective, sunscreen against UVA and UVB rays are available that do not contain harmful ingredients. If you haven’t started using a sunscreen, please start making it a habit, it is a health necessity.
However ensure to get a good one that offers SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB rays. A good one will also help moisturise your skin than leaving it dry.

6. Don’t compromise on your beauty sleep

Poor sleep habits can cause havoc on your skin; it can contribute to increased signs of premature aging. Listen to your body and rest.

If you are interested in continuing the conversation and learning about fantastic safe products available that can help you restore and preserve your natural beauty, let us chat more. Let’s engage on [email protected] or hit our inbox.

Self care is such an incredible journey to embark on, you owe yourself so much love. That includes taking measures to ensure that you and your loved ones are not on harm’s way.

Today lets engage on protecting our skin from harmful commercial products that we unknowingly purchase thinking are good products.

Lets be mindful of what we apply on our skin. The beauty industry is full of toxic products that are very harmful to our skin.

Develop the habit of going through the Ingredients section on every product that you purchase for use on your skin.

Experts advise us to avoid any product that contains the ingredients listed below:

PARABENS (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl)

Any product containing ingredients with the word ‘paraben’ should be avoided. They are used to preserve products that contain water to prevent them from growing bacteria. Studies have shown that they can imitate several actions of hormones in the body disrupting normal hormone functions. In extreme cases they can cause reproductive challenges and cancer.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES)

These are powerful inexpensive detergents and foaming agents used in shower gels and shampoos. They can cause sebum overproduction in hair as well as cause inflammatory reactions on the skin. Sebum is an oily lubricant matter produced by the sebaceous glands, it helps moisturize and protect the skin.

Triclosan

This is a synthetic antibacterial agent that may disrupt thyroid function and can degrade into a form of dioxin (chemicals linked to cancer and other toxicities). It is commonly used in facial cleansers, deodorants, toothpaste, shaving creams.. I understand this ingredient has been banned from being used in health care, but it is still available in cosmetics. It is also reported to be harmful to the environment and wildlife.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

It is a petroleum derivative, popular in skin care products for its emulsifying and thickening properties. It also increases permeability of the skin enhancing absorption of the product into the skin. It is usually found in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. In addition to causing irritation, it is also not biodegradable which is harmful to the environment. It can also be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane (it is used as a solvent ), which is classified as a carcinogenic (having a potential to cause cancer).

Formaldehyde

It is used as a preservative in many products under the names quaternium -15, DMDM hydantoin, and imidazolidinyl urea. It has been categorized as a human carcinogen (having a potential to cause cancer). It has also been linked to asthma and neurotoxicity (disruption to the nervous system).

Benzophenone and related compounds

This is mainly in sunscreens, but also in lotions, lip balms, and makeup. It is absorbed at a faster rate than it can be broken down. These chemicals are linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive toxicity, as well as toxic to the ecosystem.

Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine (Coal Tar)

This is a by-product of coal processing, used in skin care products, and shampoos. It has also been categorized as a carcinogenic (potential to cause cancer).

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluence (BHT)

These are antioxidants found in liquid soaps, shower gels, shampoos, made from animal or vegetable fat. In addition to being irritants, they are also categorised as carcinogens (potential to cause cancer).

Mineral Oil

This is a petroleum by-product found in lotions. It clogs the pores interfering with the skins ability to eliminate toxins, therefore making the skin prone to acne and other disorders. If your skin is prone to acne you better take extra care.

Siloxanes

All ingredients ending in ‘...siloxane’ or ‘-methicone’. These are used in a variety of products to soften, smoothen and moisten. They are found in toothpastes and deodorants. They are reported to be reproductive toxicant (cyclotetrasiloxane).

How to avoid products that contain these harmful products:

To avoid these harmful products would be to always read the ingredient list, but in reality it is a lot harder than that.

A more simple and sustainable solution is to invest in products where emphasis is more on organic ingredients and proper technologies used to produce safe and effective products.

Self care is an incredible journey, but requires a little effort in informing ourselves.

Invest in yourself, make it a habit to take care of yourself.

If you are interested in more information let’s talk on whatsapp.

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