The downside of manicures and pedicures

It’s healthy to treat ourselves to something special on a regular basis as a reward for all of the hard work we do in life.  Many people like to indulge themselves by having a professional manicure and, or, pedicure.  While the result is usually a great looking set of nails, the downside is the risk of possibly exposing oneself to infectious materials that may be lurking in the footbath (basin), on the tools (sharp and dull), on the hands of the nail tech or in the polish bottles that are repeatedly used on each customer.

While many salons may try to follow the appropriate infection control practices mandated by their state; many do not.  When they don’t practice safely, you are putting yourself at risk of getting that skin or blood infection from the last customer(s) that may still be on the tools or in the foot spa that are now being used on you.  Items may not be thoroughly disinfected , or worse, not be disinfected at all after each customer as they should. Proper disinfection of all items is necessary to prevent the transmission of infections to customers.

There have been various reported and, or, documented cases of transmission of lethal (and potentially lethal) infections at nail salons such as MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and Hepatitis B and C; not to mention non lethal types of infections such as nail fungus, for example. (This is not a comprehensive list; these are only a few of the possible infections that can be spread, there are more). *Please see your health care provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding your risks, possible exposures or any symptoms you may be experiencing of any possible infection(s).

• Protect yourself by finding a salon/manicurist that is willing to use your own foot basin, tools and polish.  This is most important. Also, do not allow them to shave your skin to remove calluses nor cut your cuticles (or any make any cuts in your skin for that matter). Breaks in the skin make you even more susceptible to acquiring an infection from dirty hands, tools, polishes, water and foot basins etc.
• Do it yourself with your own supplies for a quick and easy French Manicure: One can achieve a pristine look to their nails on their own by gently pushing back their cuticles occasionally after a shower (when they are soft and easy to move), a quick and gentle filing to the tips, then applying a clear base coat. You can either follow with a color or use a whitening pencil under your nail tips (available at most drug stores) for a quick way to achieve a “French manicure” look with less hassle. 
• Try to reduce your exposure dangerous chemicals by placing yourself in an area with ample air ventilation while using all polishes and removers to reduce your exposure (and also for those people around you) to irritating chemicals. You can also look for brands of nail polish without Formaldehyde, Toluene and Dibutyl Phthalate ((DBP); also known as “3 free”, as there are concerns about their general safety and they can cause irritation in some people.

Carole’s Italian Zucchini Sauté

2 Tablespoons of Virgin Olive Oil

1 teaspoon of Oregano

A pinch of salt and pepper

¼ teaspoon of Garlic Powder

¼ teaspoon of Basil

2 Medium Zucchini (green) (cut to 1/8 inch size slices)

1 Small Squash (yellow) (cut to 1/8 inch size slices)

1 Small Onion (chopped to small pieces)

12 Grape or Cherry Tomatoes (halved)

2 Cloves of garlic (chopped to small pieces)

Place zucchini, squash, onion, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper in a non-stick cooking pan.  Cook on a medium heat for 5 minutes stirring frequently, then a low heat for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.  Stir in the tomatoes, cover with a lid and cook at a low heat for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook on a low heat another 1-2 minutes with the lid on. Remove all from the pan and place in a serving bowl.  Add the Basil and toss. 

This is a tasty and easy recipe that contains Vitamins A and C, Potassium, Lycopene, Quercetin and Fiber. It is also a great way to get some olive oil in your diet. (Try not to overcook as there is some loss of Vitamins A and C from the zucchini with cooking). This is great as a side dish to serve with a lean meat, chicken or fish.  It can also be used to toss with freshly cooked pasta, couscous or basmati rice and used as a main vegetarian meal. Try this dish for its great flavor and a health promoting/disease prevention boost to your diet. Look for organic vegetables whenever you can to reduce your overall exposure to pesticides. Remember to rinse all produce well before cooking and consuming.

Stay Positive: Positive Thinking vs. Negative and how it affects your success in weight management

What works best in motivating you or anyone to change your eating habits; posting pictures of pigs on your refrigerator or posting a sketch or photo of a thinner you or slim hard body?  By far, posting the latter; a sketch or photo of how you “want” to look is a great motivator.  Seeing the picture of your end goal will help you find the willpower to resist eating those cookies or chips, taking that second helping of pasta or eating that large steak. Focus on what you want to become; it can help to change your behavior to remind you to eat less, choose healthier food and start incorporating exercise in your life.

If you think "fat", it is self defeating; in the background, the thought process goes like this; "I’m fat (or overweight) and always will be, so why not just keep overeating, this is a losing battle.  I might as well enjoy this, eat it and be miserable. I’ll never lose this weight.” 

Instead; think "fit", think "slim" and "stay positive"; believe that you can succeed, to help remind you that regular exercise and healthy eating, over time, and for the rest of your life, are the best ways to becoming a healthier you. Remember, if you can't resist to have that treat, have, "just a taste". *Always contact your health care provider before beginning any exercise program and for any questions regarding diet/nutrition.

The Wonders of Olive Oil

Who says you have to use butter or margarine on your toast or baked potato?  Use first cold pressed Organic Olive oil instead of butter or margarine as a healthy and tasty substitute for butter or margarine.  Olive oil contains Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (aka MUFA’s). Research has show that a diet containing this fatty acid may help to reduce inflammation in the human body and help brain and heart function. Many of us have heard of the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet, which includes consumption of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits (buy organic when you can to limit your exposure to pesticides), fish and garlic; olive oil is one of the components of this diet.  (Limit your consumption of fats such as meats, sweets and processed snacks and desserts).

One can use olive oil in so many ways, drizzle it on chicken breasts then bake, use it to saute vegetables, it can even be used in baking for many recipes. (It may change the taste a bit, but you can try different brands to find a taste that suits your baking needs). Olive oil has a lower smoke point  than other oils so use care if sauteing on the stove; using a non stick type of pan on a low to medium heat works the best (high heat on the stove top should not be used). Try to incorporate a little olive oil in your diet each day as one small way to work towards a goal of healthier living.

Healthy Travel Tips - # 6 - Review the U.S. State Department's Travel Alerts

      Check out the U.S. Government's  State Department for Travel Alerts on their website if you will be going out of the country at: www.state.gov/  - This brings you to their main page. Look for the "Travel Alert" Section.  Once there, a list of countries appears that have current travel alerts. One can obtain general info, alerts and advisories that the U.S. State Department feels U.S. Citizens should have prior to travel to that specific location.  These include local crime patterns as well as the terrorism concerns for US Citizens.  You will want to learn what areas within a country to avoid as well as what countries to completely avoid and not to travel to at all. Do your homework and research what countries you plan on visiting to to raise your chances of a experiencing a safe trip.     

Health Travel Tips # 5 - Verify your Medical Insurance before your Trip

     Call you medical insurance company in advance to find out if you are covered if you travel. Whether traveling within the same state, out of state, or out of the country; check to make sure you are covered and for what types of illnesses/visits. Some plans may only cover life threatening emergencies and all other care may need to be preauthorized.  Some plans may not cover you at all if your are out of your country of residence. If you are not covered, you may need to purchase an travel medical insurance plan.  (Some plans, in particular HMO's also known as Health Maintenance Organizations, may not even cover care outside of your local area without calling for a preauthorization). Check with your medical insurance carrier regarding their coverage and rules for all travel; within the same state, out of state within the US and especially for foreign travel.


Find out what procedure you need to follow if you need to see a doctor or go to an emergency room in a different area. If you have to purchase additional insurance, see what your insurance carrier recommends. You can also check with the airline you are flying to see what plans they may offer, and, or, your travel agent that are booking your trip with. They can serve as a resource for possible company names, rates and coverage/plan info. Do this research well in advance to give you time in case you need to make an additional purchase. By doing so, you can leave with the peace of mind knowing your are covered and enjoy your trip. 

Healthy Travel Tips # 4 - Learn the Basics; Take a First Aid, CPR and AED class

      Take a CPR, AED and First Aid Class.  Learn how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and how to operate an AED machine (Automated External Defibrillator) which are now located in many public places such as airports. These skills are essential for rendering assistance if someone near you has a Cardiac Arrest. Learning how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver on someone who is choking is usually included in this class. The Heimlich Maneuver is an another critical lifesaving skill.  Learn First Aid so you know the basics about self care (or caring for others) for cuts (lacerations), sprains and heat exhaustion, to name a few. A good place to start in looking for classes is to contact your local Red Cross or American Heart Association.  You can also contact hospitals in your area as some offer these classes for the community on a rotating schedule.  If they don't have them, they may serve as a resource for you as to where to go. *The life you save could be your own, a cherished loved one or a stranger needing your help.

      Call 911 go to an Emergency Room for any Urgent Symptoms. Severe pain of any kind, bleeding, injuries, dehydration (to include diarrhea and vomiting), altered mental status, vision problems, difficulty speaking or moving or symptoms of any type of infection should be treated by a Physician; if you are not sure if you should get help, err on the side of caution and go to a Licensed Medical Professional for care without delay. These tips are useful anytime, while at home, in your local neighborhood and area or while traveling.  

Healthy Travel Tips # 3 - Vaccines and Prophylactic Prescriptions

Planning a trip is the perfect time to ascertain if your vaccines are up to date, and, if they are not, to begin the process of catching up. Check out the CDC (The U.S. Centers for Disease Control) website at: www.cdc.gov/  They have an informative section on "Traveler's Health" along with a vaccine section regarding recommended vaccines and intervals. The next step is to review your personal vaccine records. Always keep a copy at home for review.  If you don't have a copy at home, contact your health care provider (s) to see if they have any of your vaccine records. If not, you can contact previous schools or colleges (depending on when you attended, they may still have your records, or they may not, if too much time has elapsed). Make an appointment with your health care provider, a local clinic or a travel medicine clinic if you need vaccines (or are not sure if you need any, they can give you guidance on this).  Always call in advance regarding appointments/scheduling and to see if they have the vaccines on hand that you think you may need.  If you have vaccines records, bring them to your appointment for the health care professional to review.

Viewing the CDC website is especially important when preparing for travel outside of the country to educate yourself on any local diseases that are prevalent at your travel destination (s) and what medicines, and, or special vaccines you should have prior to travel. For example, if you are going to an area where Malaria is prevalent, you will need to take a Prescription medication for prevention (prophylaxis). Also, there may be vaccines that are recommended that are not part of routine health care (certain ones for a specific part of the world only). The CDC website also offers a map of the world that lists info regarding disease prevalence by country along with vaccine recommendations; all good info to be aware of  before your visit to you health care provider. 


You can discuss the info you obtain with your HCP (Health Care Provider); Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Registered Nurse that is seeing you. If the vaccine(s) for your destination are one of the more obscure ones, you may need to go to a travel clinic as not all doctors offices and clinics carry all vaccines. Your health care provider can guide you on this.  


Start this process well in advance before you travel, so you can follow the recommended schedules for Prophylactic Medications and Vaccines with the goal of being covered by the time you begin your trip.