NON-TOXIC AND HEALTHY CANDLES
Patty Avey

Upon retiring to bed each evening for weeks, Mark was repeatedly alarmed as he experienced shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme weakness, and pressure in his chest. One evening, he was so concerned that he went to the emergency room of the local hospital where he was diagnosed as having panic attacks. Mark could not understand the diagnosis because he did not sense any anxiety or concerns that would precipitate in panic attacks. He left the hospital continuing to question why he was experiencing these symptoms.

One evening as Mark retired to bed, he noticed the four wick scented candle burning on his night stand as it normally did, he wondered if there might be any connection between the scented candle and his symptoms. At that point, he put his head closer to the candle and inhaled the smoke to see if he would have a reaction and immediately the symptoms manifested very strongly. Mark and his wife immediately proceeded to rid their home of the candle in their bedroom and others around the house. Mark’s alarming physical symptoms disappeared.

As you festively decorate your home during any Season, bring ambiance, tradition and warmth to your family with the natural glow of candles. When choosing candles to burn in your home, carefully take into consideration that not all candles are made the same and some candles may be exposing your family to a toxic and unhealthy environment. According to the American EPA, certain candles when burned release carcinogens (cancer causing agents) such as benzene and toluene into the air and are toxic when inhaled. These toxins will also settle on surfaces in your home. Candles made from paraffin, which is a derivative of petroleum wastes, create both smoke and soot which carry toxic substances. One air quality researcher has stated that soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. Some paraffin candles also have lead core wicks which upon burning emit small particles of lead into the atmosphere.

There is also concern that some scented candles when burned may cause health challenges. Toxic chemicals such as acetone, benzene, carbon disulfide, carbon monoxide and many others have been cited as toxins emitted as some fragrances mix with the burning wax. If you desire to burn scented candles, make sure the candles are authentic aromatherapy candles which are scented with real essential oils.

But be of good cheer, candles can still be enjoyed without concern for toxic elements. Candles made from beeswax or soy provide a healthy alternative to potentially harmful candles made from paraffin. Beeswax does not produce toxins or soot when burned. Soy is a new substance used in the manufacturing of candles with the benefits of clean burning with little soot, made from a renewable resource, and uses no petroleum products. Soy candles are also available in many wonderful scents. Also, look for aromatherapy candles that are scented with real essential oils. Read labels carefully on candles before purchasing or ask the sales clerk for information on the ingredients. Unfortunately, candle manufacturers are not required to list hazardous, toxic or carcinogenic compounds used in their ingredients but you can call the manufacturer with your questions if the label is unclear.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR FOR IN A NON-TOXIC CANDLE:

– candles made with beeswax or wax with vegetable derivatives, with no animal products

– candles that burn with zinc-core or cotton wicks – NOT LEAD

– check to see if candles are authentically aromatic

HELPFUL SAFETY REMINDERS:

– Always keep a burning candle within sight
– Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.
– Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
– Trim wicks to inch prior to each use
– Keep candles away from drafts and vents.
– Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat resistant surface
– Never touch or move a votive or container candle when the wax is liquid

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About the Author

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Stress is a condition that makes us jittery, unrefreshed, and unable to sleep at night. Stress also tends to allow us to make necessitous, unhealthy food choices. However, healthy eating can actually reduce stress, and make you feel so much more fitting. Here are a number of helpful hints for fighting stress, through healthy eating.

Skip The Coffee And Other Caffeinated Drinks

Coffee, caffeinated drinks and beverages can exacerbate your stress levels. While some only provide brief relief, these disturb your body in the long run, because too much sugar and caffeine increases your blood sugar levels, and also heightens your stress levels. Instead of coffee, drink green tea, since green tea contains high levels of antioxidants, and and soothes the senses.

Carry Healthy Snacks At All Times

Replace chips and other unhealthy, sodium – filled snacks with natural snack food items, and go for sunflower seeds, celery sticks and carrot sticks instead. Also bring along with you protein – rich snacks in your bag or car, to reduce fatigue and to help avoid mood swings or anxiety attacks.

Eat Breakfast, And Bring your Lunch To Work

Never go to obligation or school on an empty stomach. Calm if you estimate you’re not hungry, you’ll need to eat something later on. Eating a healthy breakfast helps to maintain the proper blood sugar levels during the rest of the day. Authentic would also be nice if you bring your lunch to work or school. You’ll actually save a lot of money by bringing your lunch to work, and you’ll again be able to eat healthier food, instead of munch on the usual fried stuff found at the swiftly food joint or cafeteria.

Eat Lots of Fruits And Vegetables

Eating large amounts of fruits and vegetables can help fight stress. Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of antioxidants and minerals that help ward off base free radical damage, which is believed to increase during stress or panic attacks. Keep forever to choose brightly – colored fruits and veggies.

Drink More Water

To reduce stress, drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Drinking more fluids helps flush right now stress – producing toxins from the body, and also helps to keep you energized. If you drink less water, your figure gets thrown out of balance, and you may suffer unexplained ropes gain, fluid retention, or loss of thirst, which can exacerbate any stressful situation.

Diet plays a major role in the fight against stress, so it’s important that you take everything you eat into consideration. Always father sure that you eat a balanced and healthy diet, and stay away from cholesterol – rich foods and saturated fats, since these tend to block the arteries with plaque. Regular exercise also helps to relieve stress. Exertion actually releases endorphins that raise the mood, and provides an instant energy boost. Exercise also allows the body, and the mind, to relax and repair itself.

24 Hour Fitness
http://www.www.24-hr-fitness.com

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