Tag Archive for: mani pedi aurora

,

6 Foods That Resemble the Body Parts They’re Good For  

woman drinking red wine a perfect pinky aurora spa

Check out these 6 foods that remarkably look like different parts of the human body – giving us clues regarding their health benefits.  

Interestingly, many of the healthy foods we eat physically resemble different parts of our bodies. And even though they are beneficial to our overall health, they do seem to directly benefit the body parts they mirror. Cut up carrots, for instance, look like our eyes! And brain boosting walnuts even look like our brains! Perhaps it’s just a coincidence but regardless, this is a fun way to look at the food we eat. Below is a short list of 6 superfoods we consume that target different body parts. 

Tomatoes 

Not only do tomatoes resemble the human heart, they are quite important for our vascular health. Tomatoes are chock-full of important nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C & E, potassium, folate and lycopene. They are low in calories and high in fiber. Incidentally, lycopene specifically has shown to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) which is super important to keep your blood from clotting – thus lowering your risk of stroke. So, add tomatoes to your salads and top your turkey burger with them and enjoy! 

Walnuts 

Walnuts (in smaller quantities to keep calories low) are a great addition to many dishes like summery salads or a warming bowl of oatmeal. Walnuts also look very similar to our brain – and for good reason. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which lowers cholesterol levels. They are also known to have positive effects on our mood since research has shown that they boost serotonin levels. If you enjoy an added crunch to your salads, try replacing croutons with walnuts. Your brain will thank you! 

Celery 

Celery juice is the latest craze, and for good reason. This vegetable has an astounding similarity to the shape of our bones. Celery is a wonderful addition to any diet as it is low in calories and provides an excellent source of fiber. It also contains vitamin K which is crucial for bone building and repairing. A few other vitamins and nutrients for bone health include vitamin C (essential for collagen), vitamins B2 and B5, magnesium, and boron. Scoop up a couple tablespoons of peanut butter with a stalk of celery and you have yourself a delicious and bone-strengthening afternoon snack! 

Ginger 

Eating ginger when you have a sore tummy can sometimes be a lifesaver. In many cultures, the root of the ginger plant is known as a remedy for an upset stomach. Not to mention the incredible flavour it adds to a dish is simply unmatched. The active ingredient in ginger is called gingerol. Not only does it provide your immune system with a ton of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s also delicious with sushi! Furthermore, ginger can be an excellent addition to teas, soups, and curries.  

Avocados 

Avocados are an excellent and healthy source of fat. If you cut it in two, the shape of each half of the avocado is very similar to the silhouette of a woman’s uterus. This is quite interesting since healthy fats are an integral part of a woman’s fertility. Avocados help the cervix and uterus to function at their best. Not to mention that avocados are extremely versatile. They can be consumed in fruity smoothies, as a dip, spread on top of toast, tossed into salads, and the list goes on!  

Red Wine 

Researchers suggest that red wine can be healthy for our blood and our bodies (in moderation of course). It is high in Resveratrol, which is a compound found in certain plants as well as red wine that has many antioxidant properties. Although grapes and berries are a better source of Resveratrol, it is known to possibly boost our health and protect us against some types of cancer. So, a glass of red wine a day really can be beneficial to our overall health! 

There is no doubt that a well-balanced diet, paired with daily exercise, will always be our best choice for optimal health. We recommend eating a varied diet of whole grains, protein, healthy fats/oils, and a broad range of fruits and vegetables – to keep our organs and bodies working at their finest. 

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

/0 Comments/by
, ,

New Year, New Habits

good habits a perfect pinky aurora spa

Another year is upon us. And for some, we are facing the “new year, new you” mentality with trepidation. Getting back into a routine after the crazy schedule of the holiday season can definitely be daunting. We, as humans, are naturally creatures of habit. If we can form some good ones then we can hopefully maintain them for the duration of our life. Let’s form some good habits together by learning what steps we need to take to achieve our best self!

Exercise

Lack of exercise can contribute to many diseases and issues. So it’s extremely important to get active everyday. Not only does regular exercise improve brain function and help our mood, it allows us to stave off many chronic illnesses. Something as simple as a 30-minute brisk walk can hugely reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer. Partnered with a healthy diet, exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity, which is dramatically affecting our world today. So get moving!

Healthy Diet

We all know that a balanced diet includes a good amount of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein like lean meats and nuts. But it’s hard to be good all the time, especially over the holidays. Now that the holidays have wrapped up for another year, it’s time to create a good diet for ourselves, limiting refined sugars and saturated fats. Minimizing these types of foods is necessary to maintain optimal health and keep excess calories at bay.

Sleep

Your body needs rest just as much as it needs good food and exercise. A solid 7 to 9 hours per night should keep you mentally alert and ready to exercise. Rest can also be achieved through other methods throughout the day. Take a few minutes and do some deep breathing, meditate, or even take a hot bath with an essential oil like lavender to promote relaxation. Poor sleep is linked to weight gain, hormone fluctuation, poor mood, and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. So unplug those devices, turn off the TV and head to bed.

Hydration

Put down that soda, and grab a bottle of water instead. Water contributes to the proper function of our organs and tissues and maintenance of bodily functions. Our muscles receive essential nutrients from water, helping us to move efficiently. Water aids in digestion, especially helping those suffering from constipation, IBS, or other abdominal issues. Water flushes toxins from our body, and is the best defense against wrinkles and the aging process of our skin. Seriously, it’s literally a life-saver!

Joy

Honestly, enjoy your life! Surround yourself with positivity. We all need and enjoy the support of friends and family. Contentment gives you a good night sleep, which in turn gives you a positive outlook on your day and attracts people to you. Socialization helps with depression, anxiety and stress. For some, it can be difficult to find joy, but you must remember that your mind and emotional state are so tremendously important in helping you achieve your goals and feeling good.

Hopefully these steps will guide you to be your best you. In addition to these tips, an annual physical with your doctor is always a good idea to make sure you are at your most optimal performance. Remember to spend time with those you love, those who make you laugh, and those who support you and your life! Happiest of New Year’s to you!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And don’t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

 

/0 Comments/by
, , , ,

The Fragrance of Good Health

Essential Oils the Fragrance of Good Health, A Perfect Pinky, Aurora, Newmarket, York Region

Aromatherapy has been practiced by humanity for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used many fragrant plants, such as lavender, in many of their cosmetics and ceremonial rituals, like the embalming process. The ancient Greeks used cypress oil to ease diarrhea, while people in India in 500 CE used sandalwood for their exorcism rites, as well as for healing arrow wounds. The word divided means; fragrance (aroma) and encouragement of good health (therapy).

Many scents, or essential oils, appear in our cosmetics, cleaning products and in our salons today. The oils are extracted from various parts of plants (i.e. roots, leaves, flowers), predominantly through a process called distillation. Steam passes over the parts of the plant through a still, then into a condenser where the oil produced is separated from the water. Finally, the oil, or essence of the plant, is poured into a small bottle.

One of the beneficial and most relaxing ways to experience the wonderful scents in our salon is by having an aromatic pedicure. Adding an essential oil to the pedicure bath waters is a perfect way to create a calming or invigorating experience, depending on which scent is chosen.

Just Some of the Aromatics We Use

Tea Tree

An extremely medicinal oil, tea tree oil, carries loads of benefits, and falls under the category of an invigorating aroma. Tea tree helps fight bacterial and fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and nail bed infections, and can ease mild inflammatory condition, such as sinusitis. It also is useful for chronic anxiety, and poor concentration. Tea tree oil is added to many soaps, shampoos and cosmetics for this reason.

Peppermint

Ingesting peppermint candy or drinking peppermint tea can be useful for various digestive system ailments. Breathing this essential oil in is just as helpful. Peppermint can relieve nausea, stress-triggered diarrhea and vomiting. It has also proven to be an effective stimulant, able to improve memory, poor concentration and mental fatigue. And it helps with hangovers!

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is yet another “anti-everything” essential oil. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. It is highly effective for treating various types of wounds like cuts, acne or boils. And breathing it in can relieve congestion, mental exhaustion and boost energy.

Citrus

Lemongrass and orange are both uplifting, fresh scents. Lemongrass oil not only increases mental awareness and concentration, it also relieves anxiety, irritability and feelings of stress. And as a natural detoxifier, when used in teas, lemongrass can flush toxins throughout your digestive tract. Sweet orange is not only uplifting, it simultaneously calms and relaxes as well. A natural mood enhancer, orange is used as an anti-depressant, because of its worry-reducing properties. It is also beneficial in relaxing muscular and nervous spasms, relieving inflammation and easing pain.

Aromatherapy, as you can see, is beneficial in various forms. From relieving stress, to promoting mental clarity, or calming physical inflammation, essential oils are just that, essential. Here at Perfect Pinky we welcome you to experience these essential oils during your pedicure pampering time with us!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

/0 Comments/by
,

Common Skin Growths and What To Do About Them

Common Skin Growths and What To Do About Them

What is that spot?! Growths on our skin can develop for numerous reasons. They could be the result of a virus or bacterial infection, or simply something you’ve inherited from your mother.  Although some are harmless, others are not and need attention from you and your doctor.  Let’s explore some common growths and what to do about them.

Nevi (Moles)

Moles are usually round or oval growths that can sprout anywhere on the body. They range in colour from brown to black, or even pink.  They are usually slightly raised from the skin.  It is always best to have them checked regularly by your doctor for any changes to their appearance (i.e. shape, colour or size).

Cherry Angioma

These growths are cherry red clusters made up of tiny capillaries at the surface of the skin. They can show up anywhere on the body, but usually appear on the torso and upper thigh.  Cherry angiomas are generally harmless and usually appear in adults over the age of 30.

Warts

While they are ugly and annoying little pests, warts are non-cancerous growths that are caused by a viral infection, known as Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, in the top layer of skin. Usually occurring in children and young adults, warts can appear all over the body but are most common on the feet and hands.  They are usually rough and raised, however the plantar wart is flat, occurring on the soles of the feet. They can be treated by your doctor.

Lentigo

The dreaded age spot! There are 3 types of lentigo.  The first is called lentigo simplex.  This is a small spot, usually harmless and tan in colour.  Second are those called liver or age/sun spots.  They are medically referred to as solar lentigo, usually brought on by sun exposure.  And lastly, lentigo malignas.  These spots are dark and irregular shaped, most common in people over 60, and can develop onto skin cancer.

Skin Cancer

There are 3 types of skin cancer to look out for.  The most common is basal cell carcinoma.  Usually appearing as a waxy, flesh-coloured bump, this type is most commonly found on the face, head, neck and hands.  Second is squamous cell carcinoma.  These growths are rough and scaly and often bleed and crust over.  Also commonly found on the head, neck and hands, squamous cell carcinoma can really sprout anywhere on the body.

And the most serious of these is melanoma.  Melanoma often occurs through moles.  Common warning signs of melanoma are moles or legions that get darker, grow larger, and change shape.  All of these cancer types require monitoring and treatment by a doctor.

Your skin is your largest organ. Protect it. Nourish it. Wear sunscreen everyday and limit prolonged sun exposure. Your life may depend on it.

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone.  Don`t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

/0 Comments/by