Chemical free sun protection

While sunscreens block the UV rays, they also reduce your body's ability to produce vitamin D by as much as 97.5%, which can cause it's own health problems. Vitamin D is needed for such things as:
* cardiovascular health
* to maintain optimal cholesterol levels
* to enhance muscular strength
* to maintain optimal blood pressure levels
* to maintain a healthy immune system
* to support healthy kidney function
* to support healthy teeth
* keeps your bones strong

Sunlight is the best way to get vitamin D3. There are natural food sources, but it is minimal. Supplementation, such as cod liver oil is helpful but can take up to 6 months to normalize your vitamin D level. Sunblock is necessary if you are not able to limit your sun exposure and to avoid burning. Studies have shown people who spend more time outdoors without getting sunburned decrease their risk of melanoma.

Most commercial sunscreens contain chemicals which in themselves can cause serious health problems. These chemicals are absorbed through your skin and end up in your bloodstream. Harmful chemicals in sunscreens:
* para amino benzoic acid
* octyl salicyclate
* avobenzone
* oxybenzoine
* cinoxate
* padimate o
* dioxybenzone
* phenylbenzimidazole
* homosalate
* sulisobenzone
* menthyl anthranilate
* tromamine salicyclate
* octocrylene
Oxybenzone and Dioxybenzone are two of the most powerful free radical generators known to man.

So what can you use as a sunscreen and be safe? I've read that coconut oil works well as long as you don't eat polyunsaturated fat (which you shouldn't be eating anyway). Also Mercola.com has a 100% all-natural sunscreen called Natural Sunscreen that we use in our household and it works very well. It contains green tea, lecithin, coconut oil, glycerine, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, vitamin e, shea butter and eucalyptus oil.

I am not an affiliate for Mercola.com, nor was I paid to write about this product. I truly believe in natural products and avoiding chemical sunscreen products, and wanted to pass along something that works.

The many uses of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is often used as an antiseptic on cuts and scrapes, as mouthwash, and to whiten teeth. But there are many other uses for this inexpensive germ killer around your home and outside as well. Here are some suggestions:

Personal hygiene: good for acne, as a gargle, and to soak your toothbrush.

Bathroom: to disinfect cleaning sponges, countertops and to clean jewelry. Also spray the shower to kill viruses, mold and mildew.

Kitchen: to disinfect countertops, cleaning sponges, and cutting boards. Also mix 1/4 peroxide with some salt in a sink full of cold water to kill salmonella and viruses on fruits and vegetables.

Laundry: removes blood, wine, mildew, and grass stains, and is a good alternative to bleach. Just remember it may lighten a colored fabric, so do a test in an inconspicuous area first.

Pet accessories: good for cleaning litterboxes, small animal cages, fish tanks, bird baths, and bird feeders.

Stains:  A representative from a company that specializes in clean-up after a disaster told me that hydrogen peroxide is excellent for any carbon-based stain.  I've used it to clean upholstery and it works great when other products failed.

When using hydrogen peroxide, never swallow it, don't use it on metal surfaces, and keep it in it's dark container until you use it, as it will lose it's strength if exposed to light.

What to consider when choosing a pet

Owning a pet can be a welcome addition to your family, whether you have young children and want to teach them about caring for an animal, or whether you are becoming older, or are on your own and wish to have the company of a pet, there are many factors to consider before buying a pet.

Pets can bring joy, love and happiness into a household, but also mess, chaos and smells! Be aware of these things and your tolerance level, before you decide on which kind of pet is best suited to you.

Suitable pets for young children
If your children are pestering you for a pet, consider taking them to petting zoos or farms where they can see animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals that they might like to get as a pet. Many children will say they want a dog or a pony, but being more realistic and getting them to consider a hamster or a guinea pig may be a good idea. Whilst children will often promise to look after their new pet, sadly the novelty will often wear off so be prepared to be left walking the dog yourself or cleaning out the hamsters cage, as it is important the pet is well looked after, even if you have given up nagging your children to take responsibility.

Consider space, and what you will need for a pet such as a hamster. They will need a cage, bedding, food, water and things to keep them occupied such as a wheel. It may not be a good idea to keep the hamster in a child’s bedroom as they can be quite noisy at night and may keep your child awake. 

Suitable pets for adults
Pretty much any pet you can think of that is legal to own in the UK can be a suitable pet for someone, depending on the type of pet you think you would like to own.

Exotic animals such as lizards and reptiles are more unusual choices, and require a certain level of knowledge in order to be able to care for them properly. They will need specialist equipment such as housing and heat lamps and these can be expensive. 

Cats and dogs remain some of the most popular pets, and a companion dog as you reach your old age can be a lovely idea. The type of dog and personality of the dog can vary a lot though so think about whether you are likely to be active and wanting to take a dog on long walks, therefore a bigger dog such as a Labrador or Golden Retriever would be a good choice, or whether you are less active or unable to get out of the house as much as you used to, in which case a smaller dog or lap dog would be a better choice. 
Cats are more independent than dogs, as they can get their own exercise in the garden, and are generally self-sufficient as long as they are fed well and have some love and attention. 

Cost
Cats and dogs in particular, can live for many years, so it is worth thinking about the cost of owning a pet before buying one or getting one from a rescue centre. A particular expense is vets bills if they are unexpectedly taken ill. Pet insurance can help with this expense and it is worth checking out trustable companies such as RSPCA pet insurance for a peace of mind. While hopefully your pet would never be in an accident, it is a possibility and the bill for treatment and a stay in a pet hospital can reach into the hundreds of pounds quite easily. By buying pet insurance you know that you can give your pet the best care if it is sadly taken ill or in an accident.

Another expense to bear in mind is the cost of food. If you happen to own a very fussy cat that will only eat roast chicken and not touch supermarket cat food, you will find the bills mount up! Similarly a large dog can go through many tins of dog food in comparison to a small lap dog, so make sure you have budgeted for the cost of whichever pet you choose.