A Woman's Summertime Guide to Healthy Living From Head-to-Toe

OAKLAND, Calif., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- While the pleasures of summer abound, warm weather also brings health and beauty issues that many women aren't prepared for.

Feel your best with these healthy living tips from Nature's Cure for avoiding some elusive summertime pitfalls.

From The Top -- The sun can be as damaging to hair as to skin! After just one hour of exposure, hair begins shedding its outer layer, resulting in dullness and drying.

    * Prevent: Keep locks lustrous by investing in a fun, lightweight hat for
      beach, hikes and gardening. Natural fibers are best for ventilation, and
      a wide brim can double as protection for your face and neck. When a hat
      just won't do, use hair products formulated to shield UV rays, like
      Frederic Fekkai or Phyto Plage's summer line. In a pinch, pull hair back
      and smooth on a bit of regular sunscreen (SPF 15 +).
    * Fight back: If your mane is fried, restore moisture by combing
      conditioner through wet hair -- we like Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep
      Recovery Hair Mask for its antioxidant oils -- and covering with a
      shower cap and towel for 15-20 minutes. Trapped body heat will help the
      moisturizers penetrate. Regain shine with a vinegar and water rinse to
      seal cuticles, and try gloss-enhancing pomades or silicone sprays.

The Nether Region -- Though rarely discussed, 75 percent of women get a yeast infection at some point. Wet swimwear, sweat and tight clothes in warm weather provide the perfect environment for candida yeast to proliferate, triggering a yeast infection.

    * Prevent: Avoid damp clothes or tight garments made from non-ventilating
      synthetic materials, like leggings, skinny jeans, or thong underwear. If
      you're a water-baby or slave to fashion, you may need to be more
      proactive. L. acidophilus probiotics, found in yogurt or supplements,
      can help keep a yeast infection at bay. Nature's Cure Yeast Control
      Capsules include L. acidophilus and use homeopathic principles to
      stimulate your body's natural defenses to maintain a healthy balance
      (http://www.ncyeast.com/capsules.asp).
    * Fight back: Most yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter
      medicines. Nature's Cure makes unique 1-Day and 3-Day Yeast Infection
      Packs that include a vaginal treatment to relieve symptoms and
      homeopathic tablets to treat the infection at its source per historical
      homeopathic evidence (http://www.ncyeast.com/products.asp). See a doctor
      if an over-the-counter treatment doesn't work -- you may have a
      bacterial infection or some other ailment.

On Your Toes -- Shoes that show off your tootsies are fun, unless you have a nail fungus making your feet look funky. Infected toenails are characterized by discoloration, thickening and brittle, crumbling edges -- not pretty! Like athlete's foot, nail fungus is contagious, often spread through communal showers or locker rooms. It thrives in warm, moist, dark environments (like your shoes).

    * Prevent: In addition to not going barefoot in public facilities, dry
      feet thoroughly after showering and use foot powder, like ZeaSorb, to
      absorb moisture. Keep toenails trimmed and bring your own pedicure tools
      when visiting a salon.
    * Fight back: Some successfully treat nail fungus with daily water and
      vinegar foot baths or twice daily applications of tea tree oil or Vicks
      VapoRub. There are also prescriptions available that can be applied
      topically for more superficial infections, or taken orally for deeper
      infections. Though it may be tempting to hide discolored nails with
      polish, acrylic can both trap moisture and prevent a treatment from
      reaching the infection.

Keep these strategies in mind and enjoy your fun in the sun without unwanted side effects.