Tuesday, October 6, 2020

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Make a Foot Scrub

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 09:00 AM PDT

Have you ever wanted to treat yourself to a refreshing foot scrub, but didn't like how expensive some of the scrubs were in the store? Making your own foot scrub can sound like a lot of work, but most of them involve 2 to 3 ingredients and a little bit of stirring. You can pick out which foot scrub sounds the most refreshing to you, or you can make a couple different kinds to give out as gifts to your friends and family.

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Peppermint Foot Scrub

  • 1 cup (201 g) of sea salt
  • of olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 to 2 drops of peppermint essential oil

[Edit]Lemon Foot Scrub

  • 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar
  • of almond oil or coconut oil
  • 10 to 20 drops of lemon essential oil

[Edit]Coffee Foot Scrub

  • 1/4 cup (32 g) of coffee grounds
  • of olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1.5 tbsp (22.5 g) of cinnamon

[Edit]Brown Sugar Foot Scrub

  • 1/2 cup (64 g) of brown sugar
  • of canola oil
  • of vanilla extract or lemon juice

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Peppermint Foot Scrub

  1. Pour 1 cup (201 g) of sea salt into a bowl. In this scrub, salt is the main ingredient. Grab a bowl that's large enough to hold all your ingredients, then pour in 1 cup (201 g) of sea salt. If there's any lumps, go in with a fork and sift them out before you add your next ingredients.[1]
    Make a Foot Scrub Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • You can also use pink Himalayan salt instead of sea salt for a cute, pink color.
  2. Add in of olive oil or coconut oil. The carrier oil is an unscented oil that will bind all of your ingredients together. Add in this oil to your sugar, then use a wooden spoon to stir it all together.[2]

    • If you're using coconut oil, melt it in the microwave before you add it to your scrub.
    • As you mix, you'll notice your scrub getting thick and paste-like.
  3. Drop in 3 drops of peppermint essential oil. Use the dropper on your bottle of essential oils to carefully add 3 drops of peppermint. Stir the peppermint in evenly with your wooden spoon to spread it throughout the foot scrub.[3]

    • Peppermint essential oil is very strong, which is why you only need a little bit.
    • Never use essential oils without diluting them first, as they can cause skin irritation in concentrated quantities.
  4. Use this scrub for a refreshing exfoliant. Spread about 1 tbsp (14 g) of the foot scrub onto your feet and up your legs slightly. Massage it into your skin, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. When you use it, you'll feel a slight cooling sensation from the peppermint that will refresh and rejuvenate your skin. It's great for a pick me up after you've worked out or walked a lot during the day.[4]
    Make a Foot Scrub Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • If you have any open sores on your feet, the peppermint might make them sting. Use caution.
  5. Store the foot scrub in an airtight container. If you have any scrub left over, seal it in a glass jar with a lid. You can store the scrub in a cool, dry place, like your kitchen cabinet or pantry. Try to use your scrub as soon as possible so the oil doesn't break down.[5]

    • Depending on which oil you used, the ingredients may start to break down after a few weeks or a few months. Try to use your foot scrub right away so the ingredients stay fresh.

[Edit]Lemon Foot Scrub

  1. Add 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar to a bowl. Grab a large bowl and pour in your granulated sugar. If you see any lumps, use a fork or a whisk to smooth them out before you add your next ingredients.[6]

    • Sugar is a great natural exfoliant since it's slightly coarse.
    • For a lemon salt scrub, use sea salt instead of sugar.
  2. Mix in of almond oil or coconut oil. Your carrier oil will spread throughout your foot scrub and bind all of the ingredients together. Add in your almond oil or liquid coconut oil, then stir your mixture together with a wooden spoon.[7]

    • You can also use olive oil or canola oil from your kitchen.
    • To make your scrub yellow colored to match the theme, add in mustard oil instead.
  3. Add in 10 to 20 drops of lemon essential oil. Grab a bottle of lemon essential oil and use the dropper on the lid. Add in 10 to 20 drops of lemon essential oil, then stir the mixture to spread the lemon scent out evenly.[8]

    • Lemon is a refreshing citrus scent that will perk up your skin and soothe it at the same time.
  4. Try this scrub to refresh your feet with a citrus zest. Wet your feet and scoop up about 1 tbsp (14 g) of the scrub. Rub it onto your feet and legs, focusing on any dry, cracked parts. Let your feet soak in the scrub for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cool water.[9]
    Make a Foot Scrub Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Citrus is a light scent that's mildly refreshing. It's great for starting your day with a refresher or treating yourself after a hike.
  5. Keep your foot scrub in an airtight container. For your leftover foot scrub, store it in a glass jar with a lid. Write the date that you made the scrub on the jar, then store it in a cool, dry place. Try to use your scrub as soon as you can for the most benefit.[10]
    Make a Foot Scrub Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • You can also give your foot scrub out as gifts! Decorate the jar with a fun ribbon or a piece of twine to make it special.

[Edit]Coffee Foot Scrub

  1. Spoon about 1/4 cup (32 g) of coffee grounds into a bowl. Take your old coffee grounds from when you made coffee earlier and spoon them into a large bowl. It's okay if they're a little wet, since that will help bind your mixture together.[11]

    • Coffee grounds have caffeine in them, which can actually help to "wake up," or brighten, your skin.
    • To make this even more exfoliating, add in the same amount of granulated or brown sugar with your coffee grounds.
  2. Add in of olive oil or coconut oil. Pour in olive oil or liquid coconut oil to your mixture, then use your spoon to combine all of your ingredients. The mixture will start to form a thick paste that's easy to spread with your spoon.[12]

    • Since coffee grounds are already a little sticky, you don't need as much oil.
  3. Mix in 1.5 tbsp (22.5 g) of cinnamon. Take a spoonful of cinnamon and pour it into your coffee ground mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix up the ingredients until they form a thick paste that smells great![13]

    • Cinnamon is slightly spicy, so it will help to bring blood flow to the area and wake up your skin even more.
  4. Use this scrub to wake up your skin. Since coffee has caffeine in it, it can actually bring blood flow to your feet and "wake up," or refresh, your skin. You can use this any time you feel like your feet need a little pick me up, or you can use it as an exfoliant to get the dead skin off your toes.[14]
    Make a Foot Scrub Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • Coffee grounds also smell delicious, so they'll scent your skin, too!
  5. Store the mixture in an airtight container. If you don't want to use your coffee scrub right away, pour it into a glass jar and seal it with a lid. Try to use your foot scrub as soon as you can to get the most benefit out of your ingredients.[15]

    Make a Foot Scrub Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • The sooner you use your scrub, the fresher it will be.

[Edit]Brown Sugar Foot Scrub

  1. Mix 1/2 cup (64 g) of brown sugar with of canola oil. In a large bowl, pour your brown sugar and canola oil together. Use a wooden spoon to mix up your ingredients until they form a lumpy paste that's easy to spread.[16]

    • Brown sugar is mildly exfoliating, but it also smells great.
  2. Add in of vanilla extract. To give your foot scrub a delicious scent, pour in about of pure vanilla extract. Then, use a wooden spoon to mix it into your ingredients until they form a thick paste.[17]

    • For a fresher citrus scent, add in of lemon juice instead.
  3. Use this scrub for a naturally scented exfoliant. Brown sugar is a mild exfoliant, and the natural scent of the vanilla or lemon juice is a great way to scent your skin without using a concentrate. You can try out this foot scrub anytime your feet feel dry or cracked to give them a refresh and start again.[18]
    Make a Foot Scrub Step 18.jpg
    • Try using this scrub during the holidays when sugar and spices are prevalent.
  4. Store the scrub in an airtight container. If you have any left over, put it into an airtight glass jar with a lid. Try to use your scrub as soon as possible so your ingredients stay fresh.[19]
    Make a Foot Scrub Step 19.jpg
    • Your scrub won't go bad, but the ingredients won't stay fresh for long.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

  • Try keeping a few jars of foot scrub in your home so you can grab them whenever you need a little bit of TLC.
  • Foot scrubs make great gifts, especially around the holidays.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Peppermint Foot Scrub

  • Bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Glass jar

[Edit]Lemon Foot Scrub

  • Bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Glass jar

[Edit]Coffee Foot Scrub

  • Bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Glass jar

[Edit]Brown Sugar Foot Scrub

  • Bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Glass jar

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

How to Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID

Posted: 06 Oct 2020 01:00 AM PDT

For better or for worse, children tend to have active imaginations. With COVID-19 being everywhere on the news and a hot conversation topic, your child may have some misconceptions about the virus and may be feeling on edge. There's no need to stress—there are plenty of parents and caregivers who are in the exact same position as you. Even if you're feeling a little uncertain about the future, you can take a few extra precautions to help your kids really understand what's going on as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Talking about COVID-19

  1. Speak to your children in a calm and relaxed tone. Children are really sensitive to what you say and do. If you sound stressed or concerned while talking about the virus, your children may pick up on this concern and feel stressed out themselves. Instead, make an effort to sound relaxed as you prepare to explain what's going on in the world.[1]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 01 Version 2.jpg
    • You can say extra things to help calm your children down, like "There's a lot of really smart people who are working to stop this virus," or "You can stay extra safe and healthy by washing your hands a lot."
    • For instance, you can start off by saying something like this: "You're a smart cookie, and I'm sure you've heard a lot about the virus that's going around. It may seem scary, but there are lots of things we can do to stay healthy."
  2. Employ simple language when you talk with your child. A lot of news reports and technical articles use a lot of technical jargon to describe the most recent data and tests. While this information may be useful for adults, it'll only be confusing and off-putting to your children. Instead, try to water down the situation into easy, conversational language that your child can understand completely.[2]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 02 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, instead of saying "Symptomatic people need to stay home," you can say something like: "If you're feeling sick, you should stay home until you feel all better."
  3. Answer any questions your kids may have about the virus. Encourage your child to share any and all questions they have about the virus, so you can ease their worries while keeping them informed.[3] Maintain a calm, relaxed tone while you talk with your kids, doing your best to answer each question to the best of your ability. If you don't know an answer, don't feel the need to make something up—just let your kids know that you'll look it up and have an answer for them soon.[4]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 03 Version 2.jpg
    • You can always start a conversation with something like: "What have you heard about the virus so far?" or "Has anyone from school told you anything about the virus?"
    • You may need to filter some of your language so it's more age-appropriate for your kids.
    • For instance, you can say something like: "The virus is an icky germ that gets spread around when people sneeze and cough."
  4. Avoid watching the news when your kids are around. Children have really wild imaginations, and there's no telling what or how they'll react to different news reports. With this in mind, keep your TV off the news channel while your kids are in the room so they aren't barraged with unpleasant, scary information. Instead, let your children watch age-appropriate TV and movies that aren't related to plagues, pandemics, or illness in general.[5]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 04 Version 2.jpg
    • If you choose to show your children a video about COVID-19, watch it ahead of time to make sure it's appropriate and not too complex.
    • Avoid games like Plague, Inc., along with movies like Train to Busan, Contagion, or World War Z.
  5. Double-check that everything you're saying is accurate. Take a few minutes to cross-check your information with reputable sources, like the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While it's important to keep your children informed, you don't want to spread false information by mistake. You can stop misinformation in its tracks by telling your kids the facts instead of sharing any speculation.[6]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 05 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, you can explain that "COVID-19" stands for "coronavirus 2019," or that washing your hands can prevent the spread of germs.
  6. Watch what you say and discuss around your children. It's perfectly understandable if you're feeling nervous and uncertain during these stressful times. With this in mind, try to be aware of where your children are. Above all else, do your best to stay calm and collected instead of reacting unpleasantly to any news updates.[7]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 06 Version 2.jpg
    • Go easy on yourself. Many parents and caregivers are in the same boat as you. Don't be afraid to reach out for help and support if you need it!
  7. Remind your kids that they're perfectly safe. Try to view the pandemic from a child's perspective. They've likely seen or heard reports about a lot of people dying, which is anxiety-inducing for any person to hear. Tell your kids that they're safe and out of harm's way, however many times they need to hear it.[8]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 07 Version 2.jpg
    • You can say something like: "There's no need to worry. I'll do my very best to keep us all safe and healthy."

[Edit]Reaffirming the Facts

  1. Address some rumors that your children may have heard. Your children are likely talking about the virus with their friends in one form or another. Correct any misinformation your children are hearing then and there to stop them in their tracks. Instead, share factual information supported by experts, so your children can feel more at ease.[9]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 08 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, your child may say something like: "John told me we don't really have to wear masks, and that the virus goes directly into your brain." In response, you can say something like: "The virus is really similar to the flu, or having a bad cold. Wearing masks helps you stay healthy."
  2. Explain that the virus spreads without anyone noticing. Young kids may not understand what a virus is or how it spreads so quickly. Help break the concept down into bite-sized pieces by explaining that a virus is something tiny and invisible that causes people to feel less than their best. Explain that the virus spreads whenever you sneeze or cough, which is why it's important to wear masks and stand at a distance from other people. Mention that some people may feel sore, or feel like they have a bad cold.[10]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 09 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, you can say something like, "You may feel icky for a few days, like your nose is really stuffy. If this happens, you just need to drink lots of water and get lots of sleep."
  3. Reassure your child that COVID-19 is usually just a bad cold. With all the doom and gloom on the news, it may help to paint a more accurate picture for your kids of what the virus looks like. Keep stressing that the virus is similar to a cold, and that you'll feel a little achy, warm, and less than your best if you catch it. Additionally, gently explain that some people may get a little sicker than others since their bodies aren't as strong and healthy.[11]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • For example, you can say something like: "There's nothing to worry about. If you get the virus, you may get some sniffles and feel a little achy. It's nothing a bit of bed rest and TLC can't handle!"
  4. Remind your child that it's easy to practice healthy habits. While you shouldn't downplay the virus, let your kids know that's very easy to stay healthy at home by washing your hands often and wearing a mask when you go outside. Additionally, teach your kids how to sneeze and cough into their elbows, so they aren't as likely to spread germs.[12]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • You can make or purchase a mask for your kid that features some of their favorite cartoon characters or other interests, which may make them more willing to wear a mask.
  5. Let your children know that many people are working to keep everyone safe. Remind your kids that there are lots of really smart people all over the world looking for a way to cure the virus. These smart people are getting closer and closer to a solution, and are working around-the-clock to keep everyone safe and healthy.[13]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, you can show your kids how to wash their hands properly by washing and rinsing for 20 seconds.
  6. Explain to your children how staying at home can help others. Your kids are probably getting a lot of cabin fever from being cooped up at home for so long. Do your best to sympathize with their frustrations, while reminding them that social distancing is an important part of helping others. Explain that staying at home prevents you from sharing or receiving invisible, nasty germs that can make you sick.[14]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • Your child may complain about how their friend is allowed to go to the beach, while they have to stay at home. You can say something like: "I know it seems really unfair, but staying at home helps keep everyone safe and healthy. Once everything calms down, we'll be able to go to the beach together!"
  7. Emphasize that any person can get the virus. Kids can hear a lot of different rumors and opinions from a lot of different sources. If you hear your kids saying something harmful or incorrect, take some time to correct them. Remind your children that anyone from any background can get COVID-19, no matter what the color of their skin is.[15]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • For instance, you can say something like: "The virus spreads really easily, and anyone can catch it. It isn't fair to say that some people are more likely to spread the sickness than others."
  8. Help your children practice empathy towards people who are sick. Remind your kids that there's nothing wrong with being sick and that people who tested positive for COVID-19 need a lot of love and support as they continue to get better. Encourage your child to express concern and good wishes for all sick individuals, and not just people they know.[16]
    Help Children Understand Misinformation About COVID Step 15 Version 2.jpg

[Edit]Tips

  • Continue modeling healthy behavior around your home, like washing your hands and sneezing into a tissue. Additionally, remind your children not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth.[17]
  • Coping with the COVID-19 crisis as an adult can be incredibly overwhelming. If you feel like you're at the end of your rope, you can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990. This hotline can offer on-the-spot counseling, and also give you some tips for dealing with your stress.[18]

[Edit]References

  1. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/mentalhealth/children
  2. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51734855
  3. https://www.familyequality.org/2020/03/16/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-and-what-to-do-at-home/
  4. https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/Helping%20children%20understand%20COVID19.pdf?ver=2020-03-13-152919-143
  5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/screen-play/202003/don-t-let-your-kids-watch-tv-about-the-coronavirus-pandemic
  6. https://www.familyequality.org/2020/03/16/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-talk-to-your-kids-and-what-to-do-at-home/
  7. https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Portals/0/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/Helping%20children%20understand%20COVID19.pdf?ver=2020-03-13-152919-143
  8. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/20/03/helping-children-cope-coronavirus-and-uncertainty
  9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/kids-covid-19/art-20482508
  10. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/kids-covid-19/art-20482508
  11. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/mentalhealth/children
  12. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
  13. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/kids-covid-19/art-20482508
  14. https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/mentalhealth/children
  15. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/share-facts.html
  16. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/20/03/helping-children-cope-coronavirus-and-uncertainty
  17. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/share-facts.html
  18. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

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