Jan 2, 2008

Homely Women Can Be Happy

There are many unfortunate people that have to carry a heavy burden in their lives. I am only going to speak about people that were cursed by nature and have had the difficulty of fitting into a pattern of normal living. Some were born with a severe disability and have had to learn to live with it. The lucky ones through medical science have been restored to normal health. The unrecognized disabilities sometimes can be the most severe. They are the ones that make the person physically unacceptable to those around them. Being either too tall or short can cause a person much pain. It can make their life miserable. But there is another group that is seldom discussed, they are the homely women. Having a good appearance is of paramount importance to a woman because the quality of her life depends on it. The homely woman has the burden of trying to make something out of her life, and it is a difficult task.

Homely women have been cornered in a culture that worships physical beauty. They have tried all paths in their search for an acceptable man and have not had a date in years. They have tried going out on blind dates, many of the guys were perfect for them, but their dates never returned. There is no hope for these homely women of ever finding a guy and they have no choice but to accept final rejection. There is no fury like a woman that is scorned. Many women take alcohol or drugs to quiet the pain of their loneliness, others have swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills and said goodbye to a cruel world. The brave woman does not tear herself apart but becomes a prime fighter against her loneliness and finds other interests

The homely woman that has found other interests is now no longer lonely. She has lots of girlfriends and spend quality time with them. The community center is not far from her home and is always open. The art classes have taught her how to paint in oils and she is there every evening. Board games are available and most women love them. After hearing all the heartbreaking stories from the divorced and sometimes battered women at the center the homely woman is happy that she never got involved with a man. It comes to her mind that her homeliness might have been a blessing.

Herbs For Women

The other day, I had a female customer bring in her bag of supplements. It was a rather large bag and we started to go through each bottle and what she was using it for. We came across one bottle that she wasn’t sure why she was taking it. I wasn’t really surprised when she said she didn’t know if it was doing her any good since the bottle was an herbal formula designed to support men’s prostate health. Without mentioning the purpose of the product, I asked why she decided to start taking it. She said it was because her uncle said how much good it was doing for him!

It can be difficult to wade through all the herbs that are out there. What ones are good for what and when are they beneficial. It becomes even more complex when we throw all the different herbal formulas and vitamins into the mix. If you are going to use more than one or two natural health products, it is important that you do your own research on each product and the individual ingredients or you consult a natural health coach that can guide you through the process of deciding what to take and how to take it. Of course, even if you do use the service of a trained guide, it is wise to never let anyone be your sole source of information. Whether herbs or drugs, be sure to have a clear understanding of why you are taking what you are and how it may help or hurt you.

For those that would like to learn more about the various natural health supplements, here is a beginner’s guide to herbs for women.

Bayberry – Bayberry may be beneficial to help ease excessive menstrual bleeding.

Black Cohosh – The estrogenic effects of black cohosh have given it a reputation as being beneficial for hot flashes and other pre-menopausal concerns. It may also be beneficial during childbirth to stimulate contractions, help control hemorrhaging and afterbirth pains. This herb should not be used except in the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy and only under the guidance of an experienced midwife or doctor as it may cause damage to the unborn fetus.

Blessed Thistle – This herb, similar to Milk Thistle, is generally used to strengthen the liver. However the benefits to women include balancing hormones, enriching breast milk, reducing breast inflammation and unclogging milk ducts.

Blue Cohosh – Blue Cohosh stimulates uterine contractions and relaxes muscle spasms making it beneficial during childbirth. This herb should not be used except in the last 6 weeks of pregnancy and only under the guidance of an experienced midwife or doctor as it may cause damage to the unborn fetus.

Dong Quai – This Chinese herb has been used extensively in Chinese medicine to treat female concerns. It is a general tonic, meaning that it is good for several different female conditions including PMS, regulation of menses and infertility.

False Unicorn – Historically, False Unicorn has been used to stop a pending miscarriage.

Ginger – This herb is commonly used for digestive disturbances and may be beneficial for morning sickness during pregnancy.

Maca – Beneficial for men and women, this herb has been used to increase sexual desire.

Parsley – When it is time to wean your little one from breast feeding, parsley can be used to dry up the breast milk.

Red Raspberry – Rich in manganese, this herb can be used to tone and strengthen the uterus and regulate the female organs. Extremely beneficial for teenage girls and their families during this rollercoaster phase of emotions.

Many of these herbs have been used for centuries to support female health. While there may not be scientific research to support their use, they are generally considered safe when used as directed. Due to the state of our health care system, it is now important to begin taking on the role of being our own.

Top 7 Things That a Woman Must Have in their Purse

There are certain things that a woman must have in their bags or purse. We women can't go anywhere without those certain things. I, myself have a list of my must have in my bag.

1. Powder or Press Powder

This my first must have in my bag. I can't stand having an oily face so I always bring a powder. It makes me feel fresh every time I use a powder like fresh out of shower. Of course, if you bump into someone and you don't want them to see your oily face because it makes you look like you didn't have your bath.

2. Lipstick or Lip Gloss

I put this in my must have because I want to have luscious, kissable lips. I always have 3 shades of lipstick in my bag and a neutral lip gloss. In that way, I can match my lipstick with my mood or with the clothes I am wearing. I have a shade of an innocent look pink lipstick, a red flirty one, and another one for almost everyday use that is in between red and pink.

3. Liquid blusher or Blush-on

Liquid blusher that I could use both on my cheeks and on my lips, if I wanted to have a natural looking lips I'd use this. And I use the liquid blusher on my cheeks to have a natural looking blush, which I wear almost everyday. I only use the powdered blush-on just to enhance the liquid blusher if I go to parties or work.

4. Cologne or Perfume

Everyone wants to be fragrant, don't we? It boosts up my confidence if I smell good. I love a sweet, mild smell. When someone walks up to you or if you pass by someone at least you leave them with you're the scent of your perfume.

5. Wallet with money

Of course all of us need our wallets with us certainly with money. I always have my wallet with me because I have my ID's in my wallet. If I get lost or if I get into an accident at least they will have an idea who I am or who to contact in cases of emergencies. I keep an identity card in my wallet and persons to call in these cases. I also have my credit cards, automated machine cards, pictures of my family and my boyfriend, my identification cards, and of course MONEY.

6. Cellular Phone

Maybe this isn't a must have for other woman, but for me it is. I love having to call the people I love. I always make sure that I have contact with everyone, my friends, family, and my boyfriend. This is one way that I do tell show them that I love them and I miss them.

7. Mirror and Comb or Hair Brush

Nobody wants to look like a witch with their hair. You can't prevent a windy day you know. I like to brush my hair to keep it neat and clean looking, and yes you use a mirror to see if you look fine.

So that's it, do we have the same must haves?

Kathy Summers is a nurse in Washington. She loves to read books of almost about anything, but she enjoys reading more on health or medical stuff. For her, gaining more knowledge about our health is a good way to go. You can visit her site at http://ktsummers563.vox.com.

Women Doing It Tough

Women fought for generations to get where they are today. Women have been striving for equality since the 12th century when Eleanor of Aquitaine believed that women were superior to men. Marie Dentiere (1495-1561), a Genevan protestant theologian called for the increased religious participation of women. Dorothea Cerulean (1715-1762) was the first female physician in Germany. Mary Wollstonecraft (1758-1797) wrote "A Vindication of the Rights of Women". The first wave of the feminist movement began with Jane Adams (1860-1935) when she wrote "A Serious Proposal to the Ladies".

The first country to give women the equal right to vote was New Zealand in 1893. Australia followed in 1902, England in 1928.

The women's movement spread throughout the world and includes Moslem Feminists, Latina, German and German Jewish, the list goes on. From women like Marie Dentiere we have now got women in the clergy but look how long it has taken.

Many modern women do not see women's rights as an issue because the feminists of the past have achieved so much. Women are now able to choose any profession. If they want to be a motor mechanic or a brickies laborer they can be. Women can now be found in every profession and this has been achieved by our activists. They can drink in bars and join many clubs that were once exclusive to men.

Even though women have come a long way to achieving equality they are still doing it tough. When women go out to work more often than not the child care and household chores remain her responsibility. Even though some men are willing to share the household chores and responsibilities many more see no reason why they should have to. Many women are postponing having children until their careers are established and some are leaving it too late, and as a result the fertility rate is dropping.

Because women have taken on the same jobs as men they are now finding they are also taking on the same health problems. Working women now have the same work related stress as men as well as the home related stress of caring for their family and their health is suffering for it. Women are drinking more and their diet has suffered because of the changes in their lives. The incidence of domestic violence has increased and so has drug use.

Women have come a long way and there are very few who would go back to the way things were but there is still a long way to go. Until men and women stand as true equals and share all roles the biggest burden will remain the woman's and the women's movement will continue.