How to Find Personal Care Products for Non-Toxic Living

How to Find Personal Care Products for Non-Toxic Living



Non-toxic living requires a major investment in replacing harmful household products with ones made of natural ingredients. People committed to living a healthy, non-toxic lifestyle need to replace virtually everything, down to their usual lip balm. These non-toxic products prevent the exacerbation of skin ailments and allergic reactions to certain dyes. Follow these steps to find them.







Things You'll Need:





Checklist of personal care products you use on a regular basis




Computer with Internet capability







Locate Personal Care Products Providers




1


Network with your friends and family to find new avenues to natural products. Your green-living best friend or sister may be able to recommend natural personal care products.





2


Attend nearby farmers markets or bazaars to find new products. Farmers' markets often feature booths for all-natural products, including soaps and toothpastes. Bazaars highlight new or unique vendors, including organic product makers. If the market or bazaar you're attending doesn't offer these products, look for an organic food booth, and talk to the proprietor. Chances are, an organic farmer will be able recommend specific stores or products.





3


Delve into online resources that teach you how to make your own personal care products. There are many guides available through organic information Web sites on how to use natural oils and materials to make your everyday products. Learn more at the "Organic Consumers Association" Web site (see Resources below).





4


Stop into your local health food store to find non toxic personal products. Health food stores have personal care sections, just like regular grocers. Consult with your health food grocer on the different virtues of individual products.





5


Consult your local farm cooperative to learn about natural personal care products. Natural oils and other ingredients are often purchased by organic producers from local farmers.





6


Research online organic and natural product shops. There are a long list of small producers in Australia and Europe where natural products are in high demand. For a long list of organic product retailers, visit EcoMall.com (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Realize that natural personal products cost a little more than their traditional rivals. The difference between all-natural and traditional toothpastes, deodorants and lip balms is small per item; but these costs add up.








Carefully check the label of any personal care products that claim to be organic. Most products mix in organic or natural elements with synthetic ingredients to make their "organic" label legitimate. Find out more about labeling at the "Organic Consumers Association" Web site (see Resources below).








Non toxic personal care products can lead to skin irritation and swelling if overused or eaten. See your doctor immediately.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033087_personal-care-products.html

How to Find Out If Your Insurance Covers Physical Therapy

How to Find Out If Your Insurance Covers Physical Therapy



Physical therapy procedures help your recovery from surgical procedures. Physical therapy is aimed at providing pain relief through stretching and exercise to strengthen weak or damaged areas of the body. Because of it, some insurance agencies are now seeing the lower overall treatment costs and long term benefits of therapy. Follow these steps to find out how much your insurance will cover of your proposed treatment plan before beginning therapy.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Review Your Insurance Policy




1


Go to the Web site of your insurance carrier to see what treatment options may be covered. Find out if alternative methods of treatments are included in your specific policy.





2


Call a member services representative if you are unable to find information about physical therapy coverage. You may find the customer service number on the back of your health card.





3


Visit your human resource department to find out the specifics about your insurance coverage options. You may need to pay a higher premium or switch insurance plans to find one that covers associated therapy costs.





4


Compare a variety of plans to find one that will cover physical therapy at eHealthInsurance.com (see Resources below).



Ask Your Therapist About Their Rates




1


Talk to your doctor to see if your insurance plan covers their procedures.





2


Arrange to speak to the billing department to find out if your plan covers supplemental treatments or suggested medical equipment.





3


Request a schedule of rates from your doctor to prepare financially for a full course of treatment. An 8-session treatment plan will be far more expensive than 2 or 3 individual sessions; but it may save you money if you need extensive therapy.



Know What Physical Therapy Entails




1


Learn simple physical therapy exercises you can perform at home. These exercises may shorten your therapy program and save some costs.





2


Expect massage, stretching and strengthening to be part of your regimen. Physical therapy is a process--not a quick fix--in nearly all cases.





3


Commit to changing unhealthy habits to increase the effectiveness of physical therapy. Quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and getting the proper amount of rest are all key components of a rehabilitation program.








Tips & Warnings










Consult your medical doctor before beginning physical therapy.








If you experience increased pain or additional limitation of movement, alert your physical therapist immediately.








Don't attempt to treat medical emergencies, like severe pain or elevated blood pressure, with physical therapy. Seek treatment at a proper medical facility.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033116_out-insurance-covers.html

How to Find Natural Clothing for Non-Toxic Living

How to Find Natural Clothing for Non-Toxic Living



Non toxic living is a way of life that requires an individual to select products devoid of manufactured scents, chemicals or materials. One of the hottest trends in non-toxic living these days is purchasing natural clothing, which is made from only all-natural materials like cotton, jute or wool. This breathable, wearable clothing can help prevent the symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and asthma caused by artificial materials. Follow these steps to find natural clothing for you.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet capability




Your measurements







Shop Around for Natural Clothing




1


Research mail order and online-only companies via the Internet. There are dozens of companies in Europe and North America that offer natural clothing and non toxic products by mail. Ask for a print catalog or consult with representatives by phone. A good starting point is EcoMall's "Clothing" Web page (see Resources below). You'll find a list of organic clothing vendors.





2


Attend local markets and festivals, especially during the summer season. These events often feature booths and stands featuring non-toxic living products. Hemp, jute and wool clothing are particularly popular products sold at these public events.





3


Consult with your local farmer's cooperative or speak with a farmer who produces natural clothing materials. These farmers often sell small portions of their yield to clothing producers and organic clothing stores. You can request the names of these stores, and visit their Web sites or stores.





4


Speak with your local natural foods grocer. Natural foods stores often have bulletin boards or information on other companies selling non toxic goods.





5


Head to major cities in your region to find natural clothing stores. Larger urban areas tend to have more stores devoted to organic and fair trade clothing and accessories.





6


Read through your local alternative newspaper. Alternative newspapers often have extensive listings for community events and companies that promote sustainable living.





7


Perform an Internet search for "online green clothing providers." There are a number of individual clothiers and small companies that offer natural clothing to niche markets, like
children
or young adults.








Tips & Warnings










Shop around to as many natural clothing outlets as possible. Pricing is variable. It will depend on region, the amount of products offered, and the whim of individual companies. Find stores and companies that sell natural clothing at EcoMall's "Clothing" Web page (See Resources Below).








Prepare to invest seriously in natural clothing as a part of your non-toxic lifestyle. While natural clothing stores are becoming more abundant, their prices are often 2 to 3 times more than retail outlets for similar clothing.








Address skin irritation due to natural-fiber clothing immediately. Some natural fibers can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes. Seek help from your physician or visit the emergency room.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033086_natural-clothing-non.html

How to Find Imbalances Using Iridology

How to Find Imbalances Using Iridology



Iridoloogy is a form of alternative medicine that can find imbalances in the body by examining the iris of the eye. Iridology is used to ascertain general problems rather than diagnose specific conditions. It can be used to find imbalances in all organs of the body, including the heart, lungs, brain and spine. Follow these steps to find out how.







Things You'll Need:





Iridoscope




Computer with Internet access




Iridology chart




Iridology camera




Certified Iridology Practitioner







Find Imbalances With an Iridology Examination




1


Magnify the iris for examination using an iridoscope.





2


Take a picture of the iris using an iridology camera. The best ones are digital. You can upload the iris picture onto a computer screen immediately for faster results.





3


Look for yellow, brown or reddish markings on the iris. These may indicate imbalances in the metabolism or blood circulation.





4


Look for an Archus or a Sodium ring around the edge of the iris. It might appear as a small circle that's whitish-gray. It's indicative of a slow metabolism, which may be the result of high cholesterol. Depending on where on the iris your find either an Archus or a Sodium ring, the mark may indicate imbalances in the heart, brain or digestive system.





5


Compare the iris pictures with a professional iridology chart to determine which sectors of the iris the markings fall into and what problems the markings may indicate. Be sure to employ the help of a certified iridology practitioner in reading the chart and drawing conclusions.





6


Use the results of the iridology examination to seek medical help when appropriate. If your reading reveals serious imbalances, a visit to your physician is in order.





7


Learn more about iridology and iridology examinations at the "Iridology Now" Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Professional iridology equipment can be very expensive.








In a pinch, a rudimentary iridoscope can be made out of a flashlight and a magnifying glass.








A regular digital camera probably shouldn't be used in place of a professional iridology camera. A high-quality iridology camera ensures crisp, detailed pictures and enhanced sensitivity to light.








Using iridology equipment and practicing iridology should only be attempted under the supervision of a certified iridology practitioner.








For chronic pain, skin irritation, nausea or vomiting, acute anxiety or other serious symptoms, consult a medical doctor immediately.








Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try iridology, keep your doctor informed about the treatment you undertake.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033054_imbalances-using-iridology.html

How to Find Foods to Eat for Non-Toxic Living

How to Find Foods to Eat for Non-Toxic Living



Non-toxic foods are not treated with artificial sweeteners or colors when they're made. People who eat organically and follow an all-natural diet can often reduce indigestion and lower cholesterol. Anyone who wants to avoid eating toxins needs to understand where to find healthy foods in his or her neighborhood. Follow these steps to find out how.







Things You'll Need:





Phone book for your city and region




Computer with Internet capability







Locate Places To Boy Non-Toxic Foods




1


Start your search for non-toxic foods to eat with your local phone book. Look under headings like "natural/organic grocery," "health food stores," or "organic foods." Check out these providers. If you don't find the foods you're looking for, ask the service staff if they can recommend similar stores for you to visit.





2


Attend local farmers markets to eat the freshest produce, raised locally. Purchasing locally-made food ensures that your food hasn't been on a truck or refrigerated for days as it makes its way to you from across the country or across the globe. Farmers' markets typically take place in the summer and early fall months, when crop harvesting takes place.





3


Look for a local food cooperative. Farm cooperatives are common in rural areas, which offer locally-produced foods at inexpensive bulk prices. The benefit of a farm co-op is that food is fresh, reasonably priced and generally comes from an individual's farm, not a corporation.





4


Frequent health food stores to improve your commitment to non-toxic living. There are a number of health food chains that operate in major urban areas around the United States. However, consumers should look at smaller health food shops for a wider variety of products.





5


Locate the organic food section of your favorite chain food store. These sections can range from a display case to an entire aisle devoted to non-toxic and organic food.





6


Increase your non-toxic living options by keeping track of roadside produce vendors. These vendors are typically local farmers who offer fresh fruits and vegetables. Not all of these will be organic; but they will likely lack the preservatives of produce found at a major chain retailer.





7


Visit the "National Organic Program" Web site for more information (see Resources below). Find out what's required to be able to label a food "organic."








Tips & Warnings










Budget wisely for monthly food expenses. Non-toxic and organic foods are more expensive than processed and mass-produced products. Prepare to spend at least 150 percent of your current food budget on foods that are better for your health.








Organic foods have a shorter shelf life than traditional fruits, vegetables and perishable items. Organic and non-toxic food products don't have preservatives or chemicals that allow them to stay fresh longer. Research the longevity of organic foods at the "World's Healthiest Foods" Web site (see Resources below).








When consuming organic food products, you'll react to existing food allergies in the same way you would with processed foods. Food allergies to peanuts and milk products, for example, will still cause reactions such as swelling and wheezing. These symptoms should be attended to by a physician.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033083_foods-eat-non.html

How to tie strappy shoes

How to tie strappy shoes



Strappy gladiator-type

sandals


and ballet dress shoes are all the rage right now, but they can be tricky to tie. Here is how to get that runway look without all of the frustration.









Step
1



First, take a strap in each hand on opposite sides of your foot.




Step
2



Bring the straps around the front of the ankle and crisscross them.




Step
3



Now, bring the straps around the back of the calf and crisscross them.




Step
4



Keep doing this until you get to the end of the straps. Tie the ends in a small bow.







Tips & Warnings









Double stick tape can be used to keep the straps from slipping down your leg as you walk.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2284026_tie-strappy-shoes.html

How to Tie Shoes

How to Tie Shoes



If you've mastered the Internet, it's safe to assume that you've mastered your shoe-tying skills. But here's how to explain the task to your kids.







Things You'll Need:





Shoe Shining/cleaning Kits



Shoelaces









Step
1



Hold one end of each shoelace in each hand.




Step
2



Cross them, making an X.




Step
3



Pass one end of the shoelace under the other.




Step
4



Pull tight.




Step
5



Fold one shoelace in half while holding laces taut.




Step
6



Wrap the other end around the folded end.




Step
7



Grasp it in the middle after pulling it around the folded end.




Step
8



Bend it into a flat loop and pull through, making a bow.




Step
9



Repeat with other shoe.







Tips & Warnings









To make a double knot, wrap one loop over the other and pull through.








Riding a bicycle with untied shoes can be disastrous.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2625_tie-shoes.html