At this time the American Cancer Society estimates that 21% of the population are now smokers. Approximately 46 million adults smoke cigarettes and of those there are more men than women who smoke. Interestingly, education appears to be linked with smoking rates in those who have higher levels of education have low or rates of smoking. These numbers have declined significantly, almost in half since 1965 when 42% of the population smoked.

Despite the education about the risks of smoking and the decline in recent years nearly 1 in every three male high school students and one in every five female high school students have used some type of tobacco. Cigar smoking appears to be common among high school students. The American Cancer Society also reports on studies which link students who smoke as being more likely to use other drugs, get into fights, carry weapons, commit suicide or take part in high risk sexual behaviors.  Read more...

Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of a multitude of illnesses, diseases and conditions that are known to scientists and doctors today. Cigarette smoking will account for more than 440,000 deaths of the more than 2.4 million who die every single year. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many different chronic disorders that are a result of the chemicals and nicotine ingested into the body during smoking.

While the drug nicotine may be primarily responsible for the addiction to cigarettes there are over 2000 other chemicals that affect the body during smoking. The most hazardous substances included in cigarettes are tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide. Smoking will decrease the levels of oxygen which reached the tissues because of the carbon monoxide which also increases susceptibility at the cellular level for damage to be done by the over 40 different known carcinogens inhaled with each cigarette.  Read more...

Here is some info on a few herbal essential oils that are a very helpful addition to your family’s first aid kit

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

* Clary Sage is used in aromatherapy in preference to Sage (Salvia Officinalis) because Sage can be quite toxic. Clary possesses the positive effects of Sage without the danger. One should avoid the use of alcohol while using Clary Sage because the combination can bring on severe nightmares. Clary produces a heightened state akin to euphoria and relaxation. It is used in treating asthma, and during convalescence of the flu. It is used in abdominal massage for digestive problems. (Source: A-Z Aromatherapy by Patricia Davis)
* Most valuable uses: Muscular fatigue, menstrual problems, PMS, fertility, exhaustion, insomnia, menopausal problems, calming, stress, depression, cramps, excessive perspiration.
* Therapeutic properties: Antiseptic, calmative, tonic, emmenagogue, anti-infectious, anti-spasmodic, anti-sudorific, aphrodisiac, nerve tonic, nervine, estrogen-like
* Main chemical components: Linalol, Linalyl Acetate, Germacrene, Ceranyl acetate
* Contraindication: Avoid during pregnancy.

(Source: Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Susan Worwood Valerie Worwood)  Read more...

There are hundreds of different cold and flu viruses, most of them which routinely alter themselves on an annual basis in response to their own environment. This means that any thought of the traditional medical cure is nowhere in sight. This is because of the way in which current antibiotics and medications are developed. For this reason many of these same cure words which were used by our ancestors continue to be used today in order to cure the flu. The flu will typically affect between 10 and 35% of the population each year, depending upon the virulence of seasonal flu variety and how well protected individuals keep themselves.

In close quarters, conditions are always right for the spread of the virus which explains why the highest incidence of the flu is in children between the ages of five to 18 who spend most of their time in school. However, the most serious complications occur in older adults and those whose immune system is compromised from underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or AIDS.  Read more...

An invigorating blend that is refreshing and energizing. May be helpful for the respiratory system, colds and flu.

* 6 drops fir needle
* 6 drops cedarwood
* 2 drops clary sage
* 4 drops cypress
* 2 drops pine needle

Optional:

* 100ml of bath, body & massage oil (20 drops of essential oils in 100 ml of unscented carrier oil)
* 100ml of foaming bath (20 drops of essential oils in 100 ml of unscented shampoo)

Daily Aromatherapy Tip brought to you by AromaThyme

While the flu is caused by influenza virus the common cold is caused by another virus, the rhinovirus. Symptoms often include feeling bad, headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, itchy eyes, coughing and sometimes a low grade fever. The rhinovirus is spread in the same way that the flu virus is, through the nasal and respiratory secretions. This means that when an individual coughs into their hands or sneezes on an object the virus can be spread to the next person when it is transmitted to their hands in the person and touches their nose, mouth or eyes. Sometimes the virus is spread directly when an individual sneezes in the area of another person’s face.  Read more...

When kids are small, we want to protect them in any way that we can. Older parents recommend that you keep a newborn in and away from outsiders for the first few weeks of life. It may seem like an old wives’ tale, but is there merit?

No one wants their baby to catch any sort of infection. Newborns are still vulnerable, being only a few days out of the womb. If you want to prevent problems, here are a few suggestions.

1. Wash your hands. Hand washing is very important. We change diapers, feed babies, rub their faces and wipe their mouths with the same two hands. If our hands carry germs, they can be easily transferred to baby. Reduce the risk of germs by washing your hands after diapering and feeding, and before handling baby.

2. Disinfect surfaces that come in contact with baby. Using something like Lysol, let it sit on the surface for a few minutes before wiping. Baby changing tables, playpens, baby baths, plastic changing pads, counters and other surfaces are fair game.  Read more...