Page 33 - Florida Sentinel 1-20-17 Edition

Health
Peppermint. Just the word itself can conjure up visions and sensations of a cooling, revitalizing taste, fragrance or experience. In fact, peppermint has been a favorite herb since ancient times due to its distinct effects on the senses and for its beneficial prop- erties.† Its well-regarded effects and long history have earned it a designation or title of being viewed as among “the world’s oldest
health supporters. Some uses and benefits of Peppermint Essential oil include:
* Commonly found in oral health products * Promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing† * Helps reduce bloating, gas and occasional indigestion† * For a morning energy boost, rub peppermint oil on your tem-
ples after you wake up. * Diffuse when feeling fatigued or low on energy. * Add to shampoo or conditioner for a stimulating hair mas-
sage. * Natural bug repellent * Spritz around windows and doors. * Diffuse during study time. * Use topically to relieve feelings of tension.† * Take one or two drops in a veggie capsule to alleviate occasional stomach upset.† * Promotes digestive health† * Add two or three drops to your favorite smoothie recipe for
a refreshing twist. * Place one drop in your mouth to help freshen breath. * Add to a cold-water compress or foot bath to cool off when
overheated. * Inhale for a non-stimulant, invigorating pick-me-up during
long drives. * Blends well with lavender for a soothing massage blend * Place one drop in palm of hand with one drop of orange es-
sential oil and one drop of frankincense oil and inhale for a mid- day pick-me-up.
Overall, peppermint oil blends well with a variety of other es- sential oils, including lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary and marjoram. Many aromatherapists and herbalists routinely use peppermint oil in their aromatic combinations.
ACANTHAMOEBA
If you wear con-
tact lenses, don’t wash them in tap water. You might pick up this bug, which can burrow into your eye and cause an infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis. Symptoms include redness, a feeling that something’s in your eye, and sensitivity to light. If it isn’t treated, you could lose your sight. It’s most common among contact lens wearers, but anyone can get the bug. It lives in bodies of water like lakes and oceans, and in soil and air.
This worm is a
them. You can get them if you have close con- tact or sleep in the same bed with someone who has them. They’re too small to see, though. They prefer the skin between fingers, arm and leg folds, the penis, breasts, and shoulder blades. It can take up to a month for you to feel the itch. Your doctor will give you something to get rid of them.
When you think of critters that dig
in, chig- gers may be the first things that come to mind. But they don’t burrow. They attach to your outer layer of skin and feast on the cells. Once the bug is full, it lets go. This usually takes 3 days. In the meantime, the bites itch. A lot. Chiggers live in shady, grassy areas or on leaves close to the ground. They like areas under the tight parts of clothing, like waistbands or sock cuffs.
scalp. They tend to hang out on tall grass and shrubs, and they hook onto you when you brush against them. Ticks cut into your skin so they can stick in a tube and suck out blood. The ones that carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other conditions in- fect you as they feed.
These crit- ters get their name from where they like to bite -
- around your mouth and eyes. They usually attack while you’re asleep. They often hang out in woodpiles or rats’ nests. They’re also drawn to the lights and carbon dioxide in your house. They feed on both pets and people. Their bite can cause an allergic reaction. They also spread Chagas disease, which can be life-threatening.
KISSING BUGS
CHIGGERS
LOA LOA
parasite that spreads through deer-fly bites. It bur- rows into your skin and causes itchy areas around your joints called Calabar swellings. It also leads to an infection called loia- sis, or African eye worm. You may even see the worm as it These sesame
LICE
Three kinds of them live on peo- ple: body, head, and pubic lice.
TICKS
crawls across the surface of your eye or under your skin. But you probably won’t get it unless you spend time in the rain forests of West and Central Africa.
These mites dig tunnels under your skin and lay eggs in
These pests can dig into any part
of your body, but they really like folds, creases, or hairy areas like your
seed-sized bugs grab onto hair and feed on blood through your skin. Mostly they make you itch, but they can spread dis- ease. You get them from direct contact with a person who has them. Pubic lice can be spread through sex. Lice are very com- mon. Treat them with over-the- counter and prescription medications.
SCABIES
PAGE 10-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017