Refresh and protect. Cucumbers contain vitamin C and caffeic acid, two antioxidants that, when applied to the skin, help fend off wrinkles, sun damage, and more. Vitamin C builds collagen and elastin, protein fibers that give skin its youthful plumpness. "Caffeic acid inhibits cancer cells and protects skin cells exposed to UV radiation," says New York dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. No wonder many spas offer hydrating face treatments made of crushed cucumber.

Home version for kitchen divas: In a blender, barely puree half a cucumber and 2 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt -- it should be thick, not drippy. Pat all over your face and neck, sit back for about 15 minutes, then rinse, and relish how good your skin feels.

Deflate puffy peepers. Chilled cucumber slices act like delicate mini ice packs, relieving puffy eyes. One reason: Cukes are 90% water, which helps them stay chilly even on hot spots. "Their cold minimizes the swelling by constricting the blood and lymph vessels that bring fluid to the eye area," says Dr. Wechsler.

Get the red out. Cucumbers' natural anti-inflammatories calm and soothe skin reddened by rosacea or sunburn. "Place thin, cold slices on the 'butterfly' region of your face, starting around your nose and spreading out onto your cheeks -- or anywhere there's redness," says Dr. Wechsler. After a 15-minute lie-down, remove, then apply a light moisturizer.

Pamper every inch. If you're feeling adventurous, try this super skin softener used in Korean bathhouses. Grate a whole cucumber -- including the dark green peel, which is rich in skin- friendly potassium, magnesium, and copper, says Dr. Wechsler. Stir in just enough milk and safflower oil -- two other skin wonders -- to make a thick soup, and warm it in the microwave. Then, using a loofah, scrub down your whole body with the mixture and shower off (make sure your drains got a good strainer). Your skin will feel satiny soft, and your bath and body will smell amazing.

Source: www.RealAge.com

Safe Sleeping Rules for Infants

- Do not sleep in the same bed with your baby. Use a crib, bassinet or playpen designed for babies. Do not allow your baby's older brothers or sisters to sleep with your baby.

- Do not fall asleep with your baby on a couch. Your baby may get wedged between the back of the couch and the larger person's body, or your baby's head may become buried in cushion crevices or soft cushions.

- Do not place your baby on a free-floating, wavy waterbed or similar surface in which the baby could suffocate.

- Do not place your sleeping baby on pillows, cushions, sofas or loose bedding.

- Keep excess bedding, toys, stuffed animals and pillows out of the crib while baby sleeps.

- Do not cover your baby's face with blankets while your baby is sleeping.

Pet Hazards in the Home --Harmful Foods

You should never let your dogs or cats eat any of these foods. Be sure to store them where your pets can't find them.

Avocados
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Onions & onion powder
Garlic
Grapes
Raisins
Macadamia nuts
Alcoholic beverages
Moldy/spoiled foods
Salt
Fatty foods
Gum, candies, or other foods
sweetened with xylitol
Tea leaves
Raw yeast dough

Drug companies: No cold medicines for kids under 4

WASHINGTON (AP) - Drug companies say children under 4 should not be given cough and cold medicines.

The industry has been criticized by pediatricians for marketing over-the- counter cough and cold remedies for children under 6 despite a lack of evidence that they work, and reports of safety problems.

A spokeswoman for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association said Tuesday the decision was voluntary and was being made "out of an abundance of caution."

The companies will also add a warning to their product labels saying parents should not give young children antihistamines to make them sleepy. Antihistamines are used to relieve allergies.

Government health officials said last week the issue needed additional study.

Health & Home Care/Staff & Services

Stanly County Home Health Agency
1000 N. First Street, Suite 3
Albemarle, NC 28001
704-982-1141

Home Health Care
Stanly County Home Health Agency
1000 N. First Street, Suite 3
Albemarle, NC 28001
704-982-1141

Clinics & Doctor Offices

Stanly County Health Department
1000 N. First St., Suite 3
Albemarle, NC 28001
704-982-9171

Community Health Center

Stanly County Health Department
1000 N. First St., Suite 3
Albemarle, NC 28001
704-982-9171

Obstetrics & Gynecology
Stanly County Health Department
1000 N. First St., Suite 3
Albemarle, NC 28001
704-982-9171

Pediatrics

Stanly County Health Department
1000 N. First St., Suite 3
Albemarle, NC 28001
704-982-9171

Grab a Bunch for Your Kidneys

Eating four of these a week can cut your kidney-cancer risk in half. Hint: You need to peel it.

Yep, we're talking bananas. They're bursting with phenolic compounds that appear to thwart renal- cancer cells. And that's not all the monkey's favorite fruit brings to your body . . . Phenols, Potassium, and More

Phenols -- plant-based substances linked to all sorts of health benefits, from cancer prevention to heart health -- aren't the only goodies that bananas have to offer. No doubt you already know about the super potassium stores in the yellow-skinned fruit (450 milligrams in one banana!). But they're also a good source of B vitamins like B6 and folate, plus calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Bananas Everywhere

A fresh, whole banana makes a great snack. But why stop there with this versatile fruit?

Skip the Frappuccino. Make this EatingWell smoothie instead: Blueberry-Banana Batido.
For a healthy (and satisfying) snack, top rice cakes with bananas and natural peanut butter. Here's how it looks. Add flavor to fish or pork with a Banana-Orange Relish. Go ahead: Enjoy this delicious, guilt-free dessert: Cocoa-Nut Bananas. Banana Hanger - Good or Bad?

Banana hangers aren't a gimmick. They protect against black spots and bruising from resting on hard surfaces. Definitely good!