Lifestyle
6 Natural Ways to Protect Your Health
Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Natural and plant-based remedies have been around for centuries, and for everyday treatments like minor cuts, scrapes and rashes, they can have real benefits. In fact, the global herbal medicine market is expected to reach $342 billion by 2030, according to a forecast by Research and Markets.
In North America, a green movement is spurring a large share of this growth, with consumers more inclined toward natural and plant-based medicines. Concerns about side effects, long-term impact and safety also affect the choices people are making when it comes to treating their medical concerns.
“Natural and plant-based remedies have been around for centuries, treating everything from common cold symptoms to dressing wounds and caring for injuries,” said Dr. Billy Goldberg, a New York Times’ bestselling author and emergency room physician. “As people increasingly turn to more natural tried-and-true ingredients, some companies are taking note and beginning to incorporate them into products that provide the healing power of nature.”
Goldberg and the first-aid experts at CURAD, which have made adhesive bandages since 1951, offer these suggestions for natural common ingredients that can help protect your health:
Vitamin E – Studies by the National Institute on Health have shown that vitamin E helps soothe and support skin during the healing process. Vitamin E may also help promote immunity and prevent arterial blood clots.
Aloe Vera – Few things soothe sunburn like aloe vera. With analgesic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, aloe vera gel helps reduce pain and inflammation. Also helpful in the healing process of cuts and scrapes, the CURAD Naturals line of adhesive bandages are infused with aloe vera in the wound pad and surface of the bandage, which is enriched with the antioxidant vitamin E to help soothe and moisturize skin.
Garlic – Used for centuries for wound healing, garlic extract has been found to improve healing time and decrease rate of infection. Ingesting garlic may also head off symptoms of the common cold and help reduce blood pressure.
Baking Soda – Bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda, can be used for more than baking. From removing stains to cleaning teeth and more, it can also be used to help treat a variety of wounds. In addition to being an odor absorber, it can be applied to insect stings and bites, such as those from bees or mosquitoes.
Whether making a paste using baking soda and water then applying to the bite or using an option like CURAD Naturals adhesive bandages featuring baking soda, the chemical compound can help soothe skin. In addition to absorbing wound odor, the bandages provide skin-friendly comfort and stretch with a four-sided seal to keep dirt and germs out.
Honey – Sweet and highly acidic, honey’s antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a good choice for dressing wounds since it encourages healing and prevents infections. Honey may also help soothe coughs.
Charcoal – Activated charcoal may have an antibacterial effect by absorbing harmful microbes from wounds. Similarly, it can be used to treat poisoning or drug overdose and may help with digestive problems. It’s also thought to play a role in lowering cholesterol and improving kidney function, and some dental care products use it as a whitening agent.
Learn more about natural health care and first-aid products at CURAD.com.
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Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by Daily News Staff
NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY
On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day. This holiday focuses on giving extra attention to our pets. The day encourages pampering our pets and focusing on the special relationship pets hold in our lives.
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(Feature Impact) To add charm to your yard, encourage local wildlife and give you a front-row seat to nature, building a birdhouse is a simple weekend project that checks all of those boxes.
Building a Birdhouse
Seasoned DIYers and first-timers alike can follow this step-by-step guide to create a functional, welcoming birdhouse.
Step 1: Choose the Right Design
Start by deciding what type of birds you’d like to attract. Different birds prefer different house sizes and entrance types. A simple, classic birdhouse design makes the project beginner-friendly and works well for common backyard birds like wrens, chickadees and bluebirds. In general, plan for at least a 1-1 2/2-inch entrance hole, a 5-by-5-inch interior space and 2 inches or more of roof overhang.
Step 2: Gather Materials and Tools
Most DIY birdhouses can be built with basic materials and tools you may already have at home, including untreated cedar or pine wood, screws or nails, wood glue, sandpaper and exterior-safe paint as well as a measuring tape, pencil, saw and drill.
Step 3: Measure and Cut Wood
Measure and cut wood to make the front panel, back panel, two side panels, floor and roof. Then sand all edges for smooth assembly.
Step 4: Drill Holes
Using a hole-saw bit, drill the entrance hole into the front panel. Position it a few inches below the roofline to keep predators out. Next, drill 2-3 small drainage holes in the floor piece to prevent water buildup and help keep the birdhouse dry.
Step 5: Assemble the Birdhouse
Attach the side panels to the back panel using screws or nails. Add the front panel then secure the floor piece, slightly recessed, so rainwater can drain. Attach the roof last, making sure it slopes slightly to allow water to run off.
Step 6: Paint the Exterior
If you plan to paint your birdhouse, stick to neutral, nature-inspired colors. Light browns, soft greens or white help regulate temperature and blend into the environment.
Step 7: Mount Your Birdhouse
Once dry, place your birdhouse in a quiet, sheltered spot away from heavy foot traffic. Mount or hang it 5-10 feet off the ground, facing away from prevailing winds.
Visit eLivingtoday.com for more DIY project inspiration.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Study Links Agent Orange Exposure to Higher Risk of Rare Melanoma
A study revealed that U.S. veterans exposed to Agent Orange are at increased risk of developing acral melanoma, a rare skin cancer located in areas not typically exposed to sunlight. With higher odds of diagnosis and poorer prognosis, early detection in veterans is vital for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
(Feature Impact) A new study found U.S. veterans exposed to Agent Orange face a higher risk of developing a rare and often overlooked form of melanoma that appears on the hands and feet, and under the nails.
Researchers reported in “JAMA Dermatology” that veterans with documented exposure to the herbicide had significantly higher odds of developing acral melanoma, a subtype of skin cancer that forms on the palms, soles and nail beds.
Unlike most melanomas, which are associated with ultraviolet radiation, acral melanoma develops in areas not typically exposed to the sun. It can resemble a bruise under a toenail or a dark patch on the bottom of a foot – locations that are easily missed and not commonly associated with skin cancer.
Because of its unusual appearance and location, acral melanoma is often diagnosed at later stages, when treatment is more difficult and survival rates are lower.
The researchers analyzed 20 years of Veterans Health Administration data, comparing more than 1,200 veterans diagnosed with acral melanoma with more than 5,000 veterans without melanoma. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange had about 30% higher odds of developing the disease.
The findings suggest Agent Orange may be an underrecognized risk factor for acral melanoma, particularly for veterans who may not view themselves as at risk for skin cancer because of limited sun exposure or darker skin tones.
“Identifying exposures that may increase risk can help inform earlier recognition and, ultimately, earlier diagnosis when treatment is most effective,” said Marc Hurlbert, chief executive officer of the Melanoma Research Alliance and a principal investigator on the study.
Senior author Dr. Rebecca I. Hartman of Brigham and Women’s Hospital said acral melanoma behaves differently from other melanomas and often responds less well to current therapies.
“Acral melanoma has a poorer prognosis than the more common cutaneous melanoma because it is often diagnosed at later stages,” Hartman said. “Identifying risk factors is critical to improving detection and outcomes.”
Agent Orange was used extensively during the Vietnam War and exposure has been linked to several cancers and chronic illnesses. These findings add to evidence the herbicide may also affect the skin in ways not reflected in traditional melanoma awareness efforts.
Acral melanoma has also been associated with sex, race and ethnicity, and prior skin lesions. Researchers said the study supports treating the disease as distinct from sun-driven melanomas that dominate public education campaigns.
For veterans, the research highlights the importance of examining less visible areas of the body, including the bottoms of the feet, between the toes and under the nails. Changes in nail color, dark streaks or unexplained spots on the palms or soles should be evaluated by a health care provider, especially for those with known Agent Orange exposure.
Researchers said the findings could help guide future screening strategies for higher-risk populations and encourage further study of why acral melanoma differs biologically from other skin cancers.
Find more information at curemelanoma.org.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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