Tag Archives: Health

Toothpaste

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Toothpaste

These toothpaste facts are very hygienic.

  • Toothpaste is a paste solution or powder used primarily to clean one’s teeth and gums.
  • Toothpaste contains plaque and food removing chemicals; helps stop most mouth diseases; and helps to freshen one’s breath.
  • Toothpaste typically cleans with a toothbrush aid, which spreads and rubs the paste.
  • Toothpaste has a water content of 2o% to 42%, and generally contains fluoride that aids in preventing tooth decay; abrasives that help to remove plaque; and surfactants or detergents that help to clean the teeth.
  • Toothpaste is commonly flavoured, often with peppermint, wintergreen or spearmint oil, although unflavoured versions are available, and toothpaste for sensitive teeth is also manufactured.

Colgate, Toothpaste, Three, Spiderman, Tubes, Gel, Ten Random Facts,

  • Ancient Egyptians are said to have used powdered toothpaste as early as 5000 BC, and Ancient Romans and Greeks enhanced this formula with the addition of abrasives.
  • The fluoride content in toothpaste can be poisonous if consumed in large amounts.
  • A combination of a variety of ingredients have been used throughout the centuries to clean teeth, including a resin called ‘dragon’s blood’, burnt eggshells, hooves of an ox, pumice, oyster shells, earthenware, burnt snail shells, cuttlefish, brick, charcoal, chalk, burnt bread and honey.
  • Modern style toothpaste is based on powders and pastes that were developed in the 1800s and early 1900s, that included the addition of fluoride, baking soda, soap and hydrogen peroxide.
  • It is recommended that toothpaste and a toothbrush are used to clean teeth at least twice a day for maximum effect.

 

Bibliography:
The History of Teeth Cleaning, 2011, h2g2, http://h2g2.com/edited_entry/A2818686
Toothpaste, 2014, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toothpaste

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Talcum Powder

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Talcum Powder

Silky smooth talcum powder…

  • Talcum powder, also known as ‘talc’ or ‘talc powder’, is a personal hygiene item often used to prevent rashes, and the powder is typically used in baby powder and other cosmetic powders.
  • Talcum powder is typically ground talc, a mineral that has many uses, including use in some food products, chalks and lubricants, as well as some paper making processes.
  • The talc in talcum powder is found in soapstone and other rocks, and is the softest mineral ever.
  • To make talcum powder, talc is extracted from mines, ground, made pure and processed.
  • Talcum powder is used to absorb moisture on the body, so it is useful in infant care and in hot and humid climates to prevent chafing and rashes.

Talcum powder, white, cosmetics, talc, mineral, ground, baby powder, Ten Random Facts,

  • Talcum powder is generally soft, fine-grained, white, grey or pale green in colour, and has a pleasant smell often due to the perfume that is sometimes added.
  • With excessive exposure, it is said that talcum powder can cause cancer in some people, although this is strongly debated, and through inhalation of the powder, there is a small chance of lung damage.
  • Talcum powder can be substituted with cornstarch, which can be bought in the food section at retailers.
  • Talcum powder has been used to prevent the squeakiness of floorboards.
  • Talcum powder was first made into a baby powder to help with nappy rash in 1893, by Johnson & Johnson, and the powder was available to the public in 1894.
Bibliography:
Talcum Powder, 2013, The Facts About, http://www.thefactsabout.co.uk/content.asp?menuid=23&submenuid=100&pageid=100&menuname=Talcum+powder&menu=sub
What is Talcum Powder?, 2013, WiseGEEK, http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-talcum-powder.htm

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Sunscreen

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Sunscreen

“Slip on a shirt, Slop on the sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, Slide on some sunnies.”

  • ‘Sunscreen’ is also known as ‘sun screen’, ‘sunblock’, ‘sunburn cream’, ‘sun cream’, ‘suntan lotion’ and ‘block out’.
  • Sunscreen comes in various forms which include cream, gel or spray mixtures that repel or block the sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays.
  • Although sunscreen repels UV rays, they often do not block UVA, which are more damaging to the skin than UVB, so a broad spectrum solution that covers both UVA and UVB rays is highly recommended.
  • It has been proven that regular use of sunscreen can slow wrinkle formation and help prevent skin becoming saggy.
  • Most people do not apply adequate sunscreen, and a dose of one quarter to one third of a teaspoon, at least, should be applied to an adult’s face, and at least one teaspoon for each arm and leg.

Sunscreen, White, Blob, Bottle, tube, Homebrand, Squeeze, Ten Random Facts, Australia

  • There are various levels of  sun protection factors (SPF) in different sunscreen lotions, and the higher the number, generally the longer the time you can be in the sun without getting sun burnt, and the better protection it provides.
  • Ancient Egyptians used a sunscreen like formula that helped to block UV rays, and modern formulas were first invented in the 1930s, and over decades they have gradually improved to the broad spectrum formulas that we have today.
  • Sunscreen generally has zinc oxide or titanium oxide as an ingredient, although research concludes that zinc oxide is more effective ingredient.
  • Austrian scientist, Franz Greiter, made a number of significant contributions to the development of sunscreen in the 20th century, including introducing the sun protection factor (SPF).
  • Scientists have been working on edible sunscreen pills and have discovered substances in marine animals and plants, which are the most efficient sun blockers.
Bibliography:
The History of Sunscreen, 2009, Random History, <http://www.randomhistory.com/2009/04/28_sunscreen.html>
Sunscreen, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen>

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Common Cold

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Common Cold

Achoo! It’s the common cold.

  • The ‘common cold’ is also called ‘nasopharyngitis’, ‘rhinopharyngitis’, ‘cold’, ‘ upper respiratory tract infection’ and ‘acute coryza’ and was discovered in 1950s, in the United Kingdom.
  • Common colds are multiple viruses that infect the upper respiratory functions, from the throat and up to, and in particular, the nose.
  • The rhinovirus is the most frequent cause of common colds, however there are 200 viruses that can cause the same or similar symptoms.
  • Common colds have symptoms, that are generally a reaction of the human body immune system, that includes coughs, sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and fevers, which is similar to influenza, the flu.
  • Common colds are generally gone 7 to 10 days later, but sometime it can take up to three weeks to be rid of the symptoms.

Common Cold, Blowing Nose, Sick, Women, Tissue, Ten Random Facts, Free Digital Photos

Cold
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/Free Digital Photos
  • Although there is not any specific prevention against common colds, they can be avoided by thoroughly washing hands and staying away from others with the symptoms, and it is said that the common belief of consuming extra vitamins to prevent a cold is ineffective.
  • Common colds can not be treated, not even by antibiotics, although pain or symptom severity can be relieved by various means.
  • Common colds are the most common disease, as every year an adult has on average 2 to 5 colds and a child has 6 to 12 colds.
  • ‘Common colds’ are named ‘colds’ due to old folk theories that believed ‘colds are transferred in cold weather’, which is not true, although colds are most common in winter.
  • In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than $10.6 billion is spent on the treatment and health services for the common cold every year.
Bibliography:
Cold, 2011, Better Health Channel, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/colds_explained?open>
Common Cold, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold>

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Facial Tissue

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Facial Tissue

Achoo! At least I have a facial tissue.

  • ‘Facial tissues’ are also known as ‘paper handkerchiefs’, ‘tissues’, ‘paper tissues’ and ‘Kleenex’, after a popular brand name.
  • Facial tissues are soft, lightweight disposable paper used for the face, typically to blow one’s nose.
  • Facial tissues act as a replacement of a handkerchief and have the advantage of being disposable, rather than needing washing, and are said to be more hygienic as the used cloths are not left in pockets.
  • Facial tissues are usually made totally of pulp from wood chips and chemicals that break the chips down.
  • People of Japan have used facial tissues for centuries, although Europeans first discovered the practice on a 17th century voyage.

Facial Tissues, Small, Box, Closed, Soft, Panda, Blue, orange, Ten Random Facts, Australia

  • Kimberly-Clark Corporation invented modern facial tissues in 1924, calling them ‘Kleenex’, made for the purpose of removing makeup or cold cream.
  • Facial tissues can be printed, scented, covered with special lotions, and can be single, double or triple ply.
  • In 1926, a survey was conducted on the use of Kleenex facial tissue, and it was discovered that 60% of people were using the tissue to blow their nose, so Kimberly-Clark changed the way they marketed the product.
  • Facial tissues can be a flushable substitute of toilet paper or as a disposable substitute of a wiping cloth and can have various other uses around the home.
  • Facial tissues vary in size, from small to large, generally depending on the box the tissues are stored in, although a single tissue is generally palm or pocket sized.

 

Bibliography: Elizabeth J, Facial Tissue Facts, 2013, EHow, <http://www.ehow.com/about_5194620_facial-tissue.html>
Facial Tissue, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facial_tissue>

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Acne

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Acne

Acne is a nuisance and can be embarrassing.

  • ‘Acne’ is medically known as ‘acne vulgaris’, which is believed to be caused by hormones, and it occurs in approximately 80-90% of teenagers.
  • Acne is a skin disease that often occurs in the period when children become adults, known as puberty, and can last until the age of 25, but can continue on for many years beyond this for some people.
  • Acne occurs when skin pores are blocked due to excess skin and hair oil called ‘sebum’, as well as bacteria, and dead skin cells.
  • Acne causes black, white or red bumpy spots known as ‘blackheads’, ‘whiteheads’, and ‘pimples’, which are also known as ‘zits’.
  • Acne often appears on people’s faces, chests and backs.

Acne, Pimple, Disease, Teenager, Skin, Face, Ten Random Facts

  • Acne can cause scars, particularly when one scratches or picks at it, and can possibly cause inflammation and cysts.
  • Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not cause acne, but regularly drinking milk, having a diet high in glucose, and significant stress can all increase the chance of acne.
  • Special medication, lotions and creams can be used to treat acne, and in severe cases, antibiotics.
  • To help prevent acne, you should wash your face gently, at least one daily, but do not scrub it.
  • Acne can often cause mental side effects, typically due to embarrassment, including decreased self-esteem, and in some cases, depression and the urge to commit suicide.
Bibliography:
Acne, 2011, Kids Health, <http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/body_stuff/acne.html>
Acne Vulgaris, 2013, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acne_vulgaris>

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