8 Foods That Can Help Whiten Teeth

April 20, 2016April 15, 2016Editor

Having white teeth may not be important to other Singaporeans but if you constantly face different people, you will eventually wish you have white teeth. Having white teeth is no brainer these days. If you have lots of extra money, you can go directly to your dentist and demand it. However, if money is an issue, you can always rely on natural remedy.

getty_rf_photo_of_teeth_whitening_strip

Natural remedies include foods that can actually help white your teeth. Oh yes, you heard it right. You can munch your way to whiter and beautiful teeth. Here are some foods that you should consider:

Strawberries: Eating strawberries is inconvenient because its juice can stain however its powers in whitening your teeth can make a difference at the end of the day. Strawberries contain malic acid which is capable to whiten teeth. Malic acid can remove the stains in the surface. The stains will make your teeth look aged and dark.

Cauliflower: This food will inspire more chewing. Chewing is good for the production of saliva. Saliva is beneficial because it can wash away discoloration that accumulated on the enamel’s surface.

Broccoli: Broccoli can help by creating a protection for the tooth enamel. For best cleansing solution, you should consider raw broccoli.

Pineapple: Of all foods, pineapple is known as the only one that contains bromelain. Bromelain is famous because of its cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. If given by pina colada, you should not deny it.

UT8jYHaXmNaXXagOFbXY

Carrots: Carrots are famous for its water content. Body conscious people love carrots because they are perfect for the waistline. Apart from that, carrots can help whiten teeth by encouraging saliva production. Saliva can actually sweep away food debris as well as strengthening your gums.

Cheese: Another food to consider is cheese. Cheese is good for the teeth because it is rich in protein and calcium. These can protect the tooth enamel. Cheese also contains lactic acid that can prevent decaying of tooth.

Apples: It is true than an apple a day keeps the doctor away (including dentists). If you chew apples for a whole, it will stimulate saliva. You know the importance of saliva as it can wash away food debris on your teeth.

Yoghurt: Yoghurt works similarly with cheese but it is your healthy choice. If you do not want to get fat, yoghurt is the best food to eat. It contains phosphorus and calcium that can neutralize acid and re-mineralize enamel.

There is nothing wrong aspiring for white and beautiful teeth. If your teeth are already white and beautiful, you should take care of it.

jars-of-yogurt-on-a-wooden-table

Tips for a Better Sleep

April 15, 2016Editor

To you, sleep is elusive not love. About half of Singaporeans struggle to get some sleep every day. We all know the importance of good sleep for better health, mood and productivity. If you are the type that struggles going to sleep, everything is done from hot milk, warm bath, counting sheep and many more. These things are meant to help you drift and eventually bring you to slumber but unfortunately, these tactics are passé.

get-better-sleep

You are not alone and you should not fret. According to Great British Sleep Survey, women suffer lack of sleep three times than men. Experts highly recommend that adults sleep for about 7-8 hours every night. Sometimes this is not the case. In fact, many people have sleeping pills prescription.

You already know how lack of sleep affects your health from decreased cognitive function to reduced concentration and attention. It is time that you employ some tactics to help you get through the night:

Easy on the caffeine: If coffee is already deeply rooted in your system, it is time that you go easy on them. You should know that caffeine has an impact on reducing your sleep quality. Research said that it will take ten hours for the body to completely remove the caffeine. Instead of drinking coffee, why not drink more water, fruit juices or teas? That’ll do well for your body.

Workout: There was a study conducted by the Northwestern University last 2010 revealing that people who exercised regularly testified that the quality of their sleep improved. Exercise is the most effective way to reduce stress thereby enabling you to sleep deeply. 20 to 30 minutes of exercise every week can make a difference.

2abd4e7a72f8b9ec_shutterstock_307030634.xxxlarge_2x

Stick to your schedule: Whether it is the weekend or weekdays, you should stick with the same sleeping schedule. It is important that you keep your body clock on time. This is your natural way of promoting sleep. If you want nap, limit it to at least twenty minutes.

Eat right: There are particular foods that can promote good sleep. You can consider chicken, tofu, cheese, nuts, eggs and milk as it can release melatonin and serotonin in your system.

Stop trying: Sometimes, it is good to stop trying and let nature takes its course. Overly trying will put stress to the body. The important thing here is to let take come and not constantly chase after it. You can however commit to doing small actions everyday so sleep will come.

Hopefully the tips mentioned above can help you drift and eventually go to slumber. Share it to other friends who are suffering from the same dilemma too.

Get-Better-Sleep (1)

How to Bring Out the Best in Children

March 27, 2016March 23, 2016Editor

There is no such thing as a perfect parent however you can be the greatest parent if you really want to. It is important that you take parenthood seriously. Being a parent does not only involve feeding the children, sending them to school and giving what they need. Being a parent also involves bringing up motivated, as well as responsible and successful children.

Happy kids

This is a challenge but with tips on bringing out the best in your children, you will be successful. At the end of the day, seeing how your children behave takes all other unpleasant things form day’s work away. Rearing a child is not easy with frustrations and disappointments along the way. Being a parent is indeed the hardest job in the world.

There will come a time that you get confused and lost. When this day comes, do not give up on your child. Just remember that you are not alone. There are many parents here in Singapore that can share some insights and there’s your partner and parents to turn to. As a start, here are some things that you can consider to bring out the best in your children:

Catching children when they are being good: Good deeds need to be commended. Children need affirmation that what they are doing is good so as a parent, you have to catch your children when they are being goof and make an effort to acknowledge their efforts and behaviours. Remember that children react well to positive feedback.
Teaching children that the world doesn’t orbit around them: Children think that they can get what they want. These children believe that their wants and needs only matter. They have this self-centred attitude because some parents blindly made them the centre of universe. If your children ask too much, make them understand their place in the scheme of things.

0e1fed836e662d69e86f3350e895407f_how-to-raise-your-adult-children_featuredImage

Allowing children to be independent: Independent doesn’t mean throwing them out and see how they can fetch themselves. Allowing children to be independent means not doing things for them. For example, allowing your teenager child to go along to a dentist’s appointment. This will allow children to take accountability. This will surely help them mature and grow.
Creating family rituals and traditions: If you want your children to grow family-oriented, it is time to create family rituals and traditions. For example, every year, consider camping outside or traveling out of town. If that is not enough, think of things to do every weekend like cooking together or going out together.
Teaching children about feelings: Teaching children about feelings is difficult. Explaining something inside is difficult but letting them understand should be the key. Let them understand that all feelings are natural and okay but actions after feeling it are not natural and okay. If children know how to handle their feelings, they will not lash out leading to violence.
Treating all people with respect: Children should learn the value of respect. As a parent, you need to treat all people with respect and that is being a good role model. Show to your kids that everyone deserves respect no matter their stature in life.

good-manners

How to Inspire Young People to Read Books

March 23, 2016Editor

The world will be so much fun and creative if all people love reading. Unfortunately, reading is not a thing for most and that should be improved. Parents can improve reading of their kids if they are serious about it. This article will teach parents on how to inspire young people to read books. Remember that knowledge is power.

YoungReaders

Reading has different benefits in the overall well-being of the person. There is this new study that revealed people who love to read are healthier and more empathetic. The research was conducted by The Reading Agency. The Agency conducted the study on behalf of BOP Consulting. The researchers studied readers and non-readers from different age.

The study found out that readers, regardless of the age, are healthier and more empathetic than their counterparts. This is enough to encourage and inspire young people to read books. Furthermore, apart from being empathetic, reading can also help children to socialize at that it can keep depression away. For adults, reading is important as it can fend off dementia.

Here are some ways on how to inspire young people to read books:

Be a good model: If your children see you enjoy reading, they will get curious. It is important that you are a good model to your children. Reading a book gives a different experience and sharing those experiences with your children is the best feeling in the world.
Make reading a habit: If your children see you have established reading in your routine, they will follow your lead and see what good it makes.
Let the children pick a book: To inspire and motivate them, you just don’t pick a book and throw it at their table and offer for reward after finishing. We have different tastes when it comes to books and letting the children choose their own book is a good strategy. They are already fed up with scholarly books demanded by schools. It is time that you give them the freedom to pick a book. On Sundays for example, bring your children to bookstores and let them choose a book they like.

reading_news

Process output: Sometimes kids do not understand some books that is why it is preferred to choose books that is especially made for them. But if they chose a more mature book, you have to process the output so they will not misunderstand the book and the morals. If the children do not understand a word or sentence, give them your valuable insights.

Now that you know reading can make a difference, you have to force your kids. That is not good. Only those who read for pleasure and not forced will enjoy the benefits. If you are forced, you will be stressed out. You do not want to stress your child so much because they will find reasons not to read and dread every moment of it.

If the tips mentioned above proved to be futile, it is time to talk to the child and ask determine where the distaste comes from. Remember that to correlate all the benefits, one must love reading. Do not however expect that doctors will prescribe reading books.

children_reading

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite

February 8, 2016February 4, 2016Editor

Cellulite affects more than 80 percent of women – from all shapes and sizes – in Singapore. It’s most common in the thighs, but is also present on the buttocks, legs and stomach area. Luckily, this beauty problem can now be solved. To manage your cellulite problems, use these simple and easy home remedies.

How-to-Get-Rid-of-Cellulite-Naturally

Cayenne Powder. Not only will cayenne powder assist you in eliminating cellulite, it’ll also help you lose some weight. It increases the blood circulation and metabolism, removes the toxins and naturally heats the body from the inside.

To make this natural remedy, simply add the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon, a teaspoon of finely grated ginger, two teaspoons of cayenne powder and a glass of warm water. Mix everything well and enjoy the drink twice a day. Use this remedy for a month or two, then take a one month breather before continuing the treatment. When you finally reach your ideal skin tone and weight, just drink it once or twice a week.

Ground coffee has long been proven to be healthy. More than just increasing the blood circulation to keep the body and skin healthy, ground coffee can also be used as an exfoliating scrub to remove the dead skin cells.

To do this, you’ll need three tablespoons of sugar, two tablespoons of coconut oil and 1/4 cup of ground coffee beans. Mix the ingredients together to create a paste, and with a small amount, massage it into the affected area for several minutes then rinse it off with warm water. Perform this twice or thrice a week, or daily if desired.

Apple Cider Vinegar. Cider vinegar has long been known as a great cellulite fighter. It is rich in calcium, magnesium, minerals and potassium, which assists in fighting cellulite while getting rid of the toxins in the body. You can use it as a drink or as a body scrub.

To use it as a drink, simply mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey. Drink it twice a day, daily. For the apple cider scrub, mix one part of the vinegar with two parts of water then add some honey (optional), and apply to the area to be treated. Leave it on for thirty minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use the scrub twice a day or until you reach the result that you want.

Dry Brushing and Coconut Oil. One of the popular and widely used combination among the home remedies for cellulite is dry skin brushing and moisturizing with virgin coconut oil. This method is so effective since it tightens the epidermis and helps in breaking up the toxic materials that cellulite is made of.

Omega-3 Rich Foods. It is believed that the consumption of wrong kinds of fats is what causes cellulite to appear – and that consuming enough amounts of omega-3 fatty acids will aid in reducing appearance of cellulites over time. Either way, fat soluble vitamins and omega-3 are essential for the body, so it won’t hurt to try it out. Add some fermented cod liver oil into your daily diet for healthier skin.

7.-poso-na-faw

Vegetables and Fruits. Another easy way to eliminate cellulite is by eating healthy foods. Fill your diet with fruits and vegetables not only to stay healthy, but also to lose some weight and keep your body well hydrated. Just make sure that you shed off weight steadily since losing weight too quickly could result to loss of muscles instead of cellulite.

Workout Activities. Yes, time may not be always on your side, but if you want to get rid of cellulite – and want to achieve your dream body – you’ll have to learn to make some time for exercising. Find an exercise routine or an activity that’ll target the area of your body affected by cellulite.

If you have cellulite on your stomach, then body twists, crunches and leg raises are the ideal exercise routines for you. For cellulites in the thigh area, leg exercises are ideal. For the arms, try swimming, push ups, pull ups and more.

Getting rid of your cellulite problem is quite easy. Just be disciplined enough to eat healthy foods and perform your exercise routine, and you’ll surely be rewarded with a fit and cellulite-free body.

01-back-line-shear

How to Stick With Your Healthy Eating Resolution

February 4, 2016Editor

So your New Year’s resolution is to start eating healthier. Yay! But let’s be real here, changing your eating habits to a healthier one can be quite challenging. Never fear though, since we’re determined to help you make 2016 a year that you stick with your resolution. Here, we’ve listed down some of the easy ways on how to commit to your healthy eating resolution while still having fun along the way.

healthy-eating-264023310

Choose a healthy eating method that’s enjoyable, sustainable and fits your lifestyle.

I just can’t stress this enough: The reason why most diet plans fail is because they aren’t sustainable and enjoyable. When we try quick dieting fixes like juice cleanses or eating cabbage soup all day long, we only end up feeling deprived, tired and hungrier, and this is what leads us back to the unhealthy eating habits we’re trying to fix.

So how can you avoid this trap? Simply find a healthy eating method that’s sustainable and fits your lifestyle. For some, it may mean following a dietary framework like Paleo diet. For others, it may mean skipping the diet label and eating real food. Remember that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet, and different methods work for different people. Just make sure that whatever method you use is one that you’ll enjoy and be able to maintain over time.

Identify the reason why you need to change your eating habits.

Changing eating habits can be difficult, but you’ll be able to get over that hurdle by identifying the reason why you feel like you need to change your eating habits. Is it to have clearer skin? More self-confidence? More energy? Whatever your reason is, write it down in a piece of paper and look back to it when you feel like giving up on your resolution.

Educate yourself about the right foods to eat and eating habits to practise.

When we understand how food impacts every aspect of our life, making healthy food choices will be a lot easier for us. To properly educate yourself about such matters, simply check out books like Salt Sugar Fat and Grain Brain. Watching documentaries like GMO OMG and Food Matters is also great way to learn about food. If possible, consulting a fitness expert in Singapore is also a great way to get all the information you need and educate yourself.

healthyeating1

Plan out each of your meals.

Meal planning is another excellent way of setting your healthy eating resolution up for success. Set aside an hour or two each week to plan your meals, your grocery shopping list and your food preparations techniques. When you invest enough money and time into this plan, you’re much more likely to stick and be successful with it.

Cook enough dinner so you’ll have leftovers for lunch.

This trick goes hand-in-hand with the meal planning strategy. When planning out your dinner meals for the week, make sure that you stick with recipes that’ll create enough leftovers for lunch the following day. By doing this, you’ll be able to stick with your resolution and save some time in the kitchen as well.

Get rid of junk foods.

A sure way for you to stick with your healthy eating resolution is to make your environment work for you, not against you. This simply means getting rid of all the junk food that’ll tempt and derail your good intentions in your house. Seeing and eating no junk means better chances of sticking with your New Year’s resolution after all. man-eating-salmon-dinner-350

Find and eat healthy foods that you actually love.

Eating healthy doesn’t really mean eating salad all day long. Sticking with your healthy resolution can actually be done in a more delicious way. Do this by focusing on foods that you actually enjoy, such as brown rice tortilla pizzas, chocolate banana ice cream, and avocado toast with poached egg.

Get your family’s and friends’ support for your resolution.

Sticking with this kind of resolution becomes a lot easier when you have the support of your family and friends, so try inviting them to join you on your journey to eating healthy. You can share your recipes with one another, take turns on making meals for each other, organize a crock pot party, and conduct weekly check-ins to hold each other accountable for their resolution.

Sure, changing your eating habits into a healthier one will be challenging, but by following these tips in mind, you’ll surely be able to stick with your healthy eating resolution throughout the whole year.

healthy-meal

What Students do to Occupy Themselves during School Holidays

January 11, 2016January 7, 2016Editor

Depending on the country we are in, school days have different appeal to students. For others, they are glad that school is over – at least in the meantime but there are others who wish holidays will never arrive because it means more work and less play. Regardless of the country, school holidays are an integral part of the lives of students.

Five young friends with bicycles scooters and skateboard outdoor

So, how do you spend your school days? If you are curious of what students do when they are on holidays, here is a quick reference on what students do to occupy themselves during school holidays:

Singapore: Here in Singapore, not all students are happy during school holidays because they are still expected to fulfil or accomplish schoolwork. For those who are used to it, they automatically assume that all students from all over the world have the same tasks like them. The schoolwork during school holidays is not that bad, after all we boast of the best education in the world.
Philippines: In the Philippines, school holidays mean bumming. There, school holidays are called semester break and students are looking forward to it. The break typically falls on the third or fourth week of October and usually lasts two weeks. Classes will resume first or second week of November. In two weeks, students are not expected to accomplish schoolwork or any projects.
China: In China, school break means additional classes. It is a norm in China that students take additional classes to further their learnings. This is more productive than staying in the house and bum around. If there are no additional classes, students study for their upcoming exams.

b083fe955a741709775462

United States: In United States, summer camp is famous. When it is school holidays, no one is left in the house without the supervision of parents. As a result, American parents send their kids to summer camp. Summer camp offers varied programs and kids will surely find their interests and enrol.
Australia: In Australia, school holidays are different depending on the Department of Education of each state. Typically it is from December to February. Students there enjoy the outdoors. Instead of bumming inside the house or do schoolwork, they prefer to enjoy the great outdoors. They consider camping, mountain climbing and surfing.
United Kingdom: United Kingdom is a prosperous country and some affluent families send their kids to help out less fortunate people either abroad or locally. Parents in United Kingdom hope that helping out can enrich the learning of their children.

Students spend their school holidays differently and regardless of what country you are in, you have to occupy yourself with better things for the advancement of your learning.

charity-day-kids-give11