Is It Strep?

Problem: I have a really sore throat and I'm afraid that it's strep, but I don't want to go to the doctor if its just a cold. So how do I tell the difference?

Solution: Look for the symptoms. If you have strep, it's normally accompanied by extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes (I'll talk about those later), an earache, and a fever of over 101 degrees. It tends to feel a lot like the flu except that your throat is so raw that you can hardly speak or even swallow. Your hearing will be all wacky and things probably won't taste the same. To see if you have swollen lymph nodes, gently rub your neck all the way from your shoulders to up under your chin. They will feel like little peas under your skin, and will probably be pretty sore. An earache is a sign of drainage in your throat and nasal passages, but it can also be a sign of a serious infection. Also look for white spots to appear in the back of your throat.. I'm not sure what they are exactly, but I know they're bad! 

If you have any of these signs, I would highly suggest seeing the doctor! Letting strep set in uninhibited can be very dangerous. The worst (or best) thing that can happen is that he will tell you it's just a cold. 

So what if it's just a cold... what now? I still feel miserable! 

I would encourage rest, a hot cup of tea, and some soup. Get some sleep and your body will fight off the sickness itself. The best things to soothe a sore throat are lemon and honey (I'll post the recipe for my world-famous hot lemonade soon;) ) Take care of yourself!

Don't Look Back

Remember what it was like to be a kid? As I progressed through high school, I found myself missing the innocence and simplicity of being a child more and more. However, I know it had its pros and cons. When I tell people I miss my childhood, they usually say that age is just a number and you can act any age you want, but do I really want to be as immature as I was then?
I once heard a quote that said you can't finish your book if you keep re-reading the previous chapter, and I find that to be very true. Instead of looking back to what you don't have any more, look forward. Besides, I'd rather people say that I'm mature for my age instead of immature. Everyday I try to be kind, be gentle, be loving, to listen when someone needs to talk, to make a hurting person laugh, to give a smile to the hardest of people. I don't really care if I know what  joke means anymore, and if I'm the only one in the room who hasn't seen some dirty movie, I'm okay with that too.
Age is just a number... it doesn't define your maturity, and it certainly never limits you from doing something great :)

Let Your Light Shine

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand and it gives light to all who are in the house."
-Matthew 5:14

Here, Jesus is talking to a huge crowd on the top of a mountain. Most of these people were Jews, but whatever nationality they were, they were followers of Jesus, just like we are today (isn't it crazy how people can be connected over thousands of years?). The passage is pretty self-explanatory. When you witness, you are being a light to the world. When you are a light, people wake up and start listening. Sure there will be people who will try to 'put your light out', per say, but Jesus says in the verses right before that, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My name sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matt. 5:11)
And being a witness doesn't always mean that you are running around telling everyone about Jesus (though, it is important to tell people why Christ came and died. Who would want their best friends to spend eternity in hell?!). It means that you are keeping yourself pure and just, and reading your bible and praying which produce a joy that unbelievers don't have. It means that you are optimistic, that you set your standards high; that you take care of the temple that the Lord has given to you (aka your body). When you do that, other people will notice.
So go let your light shine!

Dry Scalp Quick Fix

The Problem: It's January and everything is dry, and there is nothing I dislike worse than dry skin. Thankfully, there's lotion for my hands and face, but what to do about the scalp? I get tired of wearing hats all the time, but often it's necessary when I start getting that disgusting dandruff junk >.< Moisturizing conditioners and shampoos don't seem to work for me, so what do I do?
Remedy: Olive Oil
Why: It's a natural oil and moisturizer and its oily consistency is perfect for getting down to the scalp!
How: Just grab some Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a tablespoon (and maybe a friend). Pull your hair away like you're going to part it and pour small amounts on as much of the scalp as you can (usually two full tablespoons cover it well). Any that leaks down to your face or neck just rub on your skin, it helps that too! Leave that on for an hour or so then get a warm (NOT hot) shower. If you don't have time to look like a hobo during the day, just soak your scalp right before bed and wrap your head in a towel over night (if you have a sensitive neck, just cover your pillow with a towel instead of putting it around your head). You'll see an immediate difference!
Depending on how dry your scalp is, you'll probably want to do this once a week. If you're not too worried about it, though, just wait till it starts itching then apply. Personally, I live in Denver (aka VERY dry) so I like to do it pretty often.
Be healthy... Spirit, Mind, and Body!