BUZZ OFF, MOSQUITOES
AUGUST 2010

Buzz Off, Mosquitoes You’re enjoying a nice summer evening outside, when all of a sudden the attack begins. Mosquitoes emerge to begin their hunt…and they’ve set their sights on you and your family. Not only are these little pests annoying, they may also carry potentially harmful diseases. DEET, an active ingredient in many repellants is effective, but also carries health risks. Studies published in Experimental Neurology (2001, vol. 172) and the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health (2001, vol. 64). Found prolonged exposure, equal to about 2 months of typical use, caused nerve cells in the brain to die leading to memory and coordination problems. The researcher involved in the studies noted children are at an increased risk to the effects of DEET because their young nervous systems are still developing. You know you must protect yourself and your family but are wary of these chemical-laden bug repellants. Fortunately there are natural bug repellents available that are effective; they just may need to be applied more frequently. Most are made with essential oils that bugs find unappealing. Lemongrass oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, cedar oil, neem oil and catnip oil are some of the effective ingredients in many of these natural repellants. In June of this year, the University of Florida reported that they have identified 23 compounds that work as well or even better than DEET.

Seven of these promising compounds are related to piperidine-a compound found in the common spice black pepper. Black pepper can already be found as an ingredient in many natural repellants. Besides applying bug repellent, you can make your backyard less hospitable to mosquitoes by doing the following: • Plant the herbs that yield those bug-repelling essential oils such as catnip, lemongrass and rosemary in your yard. Their presence may deter flying pests. • Don’t let standing water accumulate. After it rains, empty out any buckets or pots that collect water. • You can sprinkle neem oil in areas that naturally collect water to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs. • Use citronella candles to burn around your patio and yard area. • Use a fan outside. Mosquitoes will have a hard time flying against the breeze. How to Soothe an Itch, Naturally If you've ever had a serious case of itching you know how uncomfortable it can be. Whether it was from a mosquito bite or skin irritation from poison ivy, itching skin can deprive you of sleep and even your sanity. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to stop itching and help you get a good night's sleep. Certain nerves in your body are responsible for sensing touch, heat or cold. However, other nerves send you a prickly or itchy sensation. But the problem is that the nerves, which are triggered in your skin and your brain, are what causes you the itch sensation are the very same ones that cause you the pain sensation when you get hurt. These itch nerves send signals up and down your spine. It is difficult to ignore an itch sensation. After all, can you tell your body not to react to pain? Ignoring an itch sensation would require a very determined mind. But alas, most of us succumb to the itch sensation. It can be so overwhelming that it is virtually impossible to stop. It's important that you identify what's causing the itching first. A variety of serious medical conditions can present with the symptom of itching. If you don't know the cause of the itch, or if the itching is severe and associated with a rash, see your health care provider before attempting to treat yourself. Once you know why you're itching, you can try some of these simple itch relief tips: Ice Pack: Ice not only has a numbing effect, it also helps to reduce the uncomfortable swelling associated with the itch. You can use a professional ice pack sold in your local drugstore or simply apply a pack of vegetables from your freezer to the areas that are itching. You'll quickly experience welcome relief from your skin itch. Oatmeal or Cornstarch Bath: Add some oatmeal or cornstarch to your bath water for quick itch relief. Aloe Vera: This is gel-like substance from cut Aloe is widely known for treating skin burns and sunburns. Aloe vera also helps in healing wounds and minor skin irritations such as an itchy skin rash. The best way to get the benefits of aloe vera is to use the fresh gel from the plant. At the time of application, slice off a portion of the leaf and directly apply the gel to the affected area. St Johns Wort: This yellow flower native to Europe has been used for thousands of years, from the Greeks to Native Americans It is well known for it use in treating depression and anxiety, though because of its astringent properties it can also be used to to moisturize and refresh the skin, particularly an itchy skin rash. Witch Hazel: Acts as an astringent that relieves an itchy skin rash as well as more serious skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Because of its anti-oxidant properties it is also used for treating sunburn. For maximum benefit, use fresh witch hazel bark. Simmer one ounce of the bark with one pint of water and leave for ten minutes. Strain and cool. Apply with a clean cloth and leave it on for 30 minutes. Calendula Essential Oil: Calendula is widely used for reducing inflammation and treating diaper rash. You can also use the actual herb by mixing it with boiling water, one cup of the boiling water to two teaspoons of the herb. Let it simmer for about ten minutes. After the mixture has cooled, apply to the affected area by using a clean cloth. Chamomile Essential Oil: Has anti inflammatory (anti-microbial) properties that soothes and eliminates an itchy skin rash and irritations. Chamomile is also used in treating eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. Jewelweed: Provides relief from poison oak, poison ivy rash, insect bites and bee stings. To use, crush the fresh leaves into a ball and rub over the rash as quickly as possible. Wild Pansy: This is a European wild flower that soothes and relieves itching and skin irritations associated with eczema. This is also used for soothing acne problem. Bug Bites If your itch is caused by a bug bite, you can take a bar of soap and gently rub it over the bite, there is absolutely no scientific justification for why this works, but it does seem to sooth the itch. Take an ice cube and place it on the skin, this will basically numb the itch. Next you can apply a paste made of baking soda and water to the skin. Take a fairly fresh banana peel and apply it to the skin, skin side up. Bananas contain polysaccharides, which work to soothe the skin.

One of the most effective treatments is tea tree oil and lavender. The tea tree oil disinfects the area while the lavender is a natural anti-inflammatory. Stop Scratching It can be easier said than done but the more you scratch, the more likely the area is to itch due to excessive irritation. Try one of the above itch relief remedies and then try to keep your hands away from the affected areas. Don't perpetuate the itch-scratch cycle. Relief, if at all, is temporary and can even send satisfactory signals up your spine. But after a while, you will find yourself itching again and the desire to once again scratch. Using mind over matter and the natural remedies suggested, your skin will be at ease, and so will you. Light Summer Menus Summer rules! Time to wind down, wear shorts on weekdays, dine outside and declare a free zone away from all the fuss. Foods lighten up, too. Summer issues a new crop of restaurant menus featuring more salads, grilled entrees, cold soups, frozen drinks and fruit for dessert. The problem is that "light and fresh" don't always mean light in fat and calories. Easy on the toppings Beware of the summer salad "blockbusters." Many huge entree salads aren't a slam dunk for summer dieters, so check Web site nutrition information for the big chain restaurants. Many weigh in around 1,000 calories.

Anywhere you dine, stop and do the mental math: High-fat ingredients add about 100 calories per ounce. So chances are when you pile on the cheese, fried chicken, croutons, bacon bits and salad dressing, you've probably eaten more calories than a large burger and fries. Remember that the principal ingredients in a salad are supposed to be fresh, raw vegetables, which are low in calories and a good source of fiber to keep you feeling full. Pick veggies in lots of different colors to contribute a wide variety of nutrients to your diet. Add a total of three to four ounces of lean proteins such as hard-cooked egg, grilled chicken or steak, steamed shrimp, seared tuna or deli-sliced roast beef, turkey or ham. Accessorize with a few nuts or a small amount of grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese. Summer menu savvy Look for menus that take advantage of summer's bountiful harvest of low-calorie, nutrient-rich produce, including tomatoes, cucumbers, field peas, peaches, basil and all kinds of berries. Did you know that the vitamin C in produce is essential for building collagen for healthy skin? Summer soups. Avoid cream-based cold soups, and go for choices chock-full of vegetables such as gazpacho. Fruit soups, from melon to strawberry, are delicious and nutritious. Cool calories. Instead of ice cream or gelato, you'll save hundreds of calories per serving by choosing fresh fruit sorbets. Many of those trendy frozen yogurt outlets make versions with fat-free milk, but watch the toppings.

Choose fresh fruit when possible, and skip the crushed candies. Grill More Produce A U.S. nutrition expert suggests grilling some vegetables and fruits for Fourth of July family barbecues. Dietitian Vicki Piper of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston encourages those doing cookouts to grill plenty of fruits and vegetables -- and less meat. Diets high in plant foods can lower the chances of developing several cancers, including breast and colon cancers, Piper says. "You can still have a barbecue without letting your health go up in flames," Piper said in a statement. "Aim for a meal made up of two-thirds vegetables, fruits, whole grains or beans, and one-third animal protein." A light brushing of canola or olive oil on vegetables and fruits helps prevent sticking to the grill and sprinkle vegetables with pepper, a small amount of salt and vinegar to bring out their taste, Piper advises. Non-stick grates, foil packets, or a grilling basket lightly coated with oil can be helpful when grilling plant-based foods, Piper says. "As a general rule, don't peel vegetables before grilling. You'll get more nutrients and enjoy a smokier flavor if they aren't peeled," Piper says. "Try a new vegetable every week, one that you have not tried in many years. My family favorites are grilled onions, zucchini, asparagus and pineapple."