Q: These products will absorb moisture from the surface of your feet, preventing the continued growth of odor-causing bacteria. Place 5-10 tablespoons of whichever powder product you choose into a dry container with a lid. Other natural powders which could be substituted for baking soda or cornstarch include talcum powder, baby powder, or arrowroot powder. You can use a single absorbent powder, or a combination of two or several if you prefer. Lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils are all popular choices. Essential oils provide a lovely fragrance, and contain natural chemicals called tannins which kill bacteria. Start with 3 or 4 drops of whichever oil or oils you choose, and add more if you'd like the powder to have a stronger smell. This will mix the essential oils with your chosen absorbent powder. After you've shaken it, remove the lid and take a whiff to determine if you'd like to add more drops of essential oil. You might want to stand on a towel, or set your feet in the bath tub to avoid a mess. Sprinkle over the top and bottom of your foot, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes, where bacteria tend to thrive. If your feet are already sweaty or dirty, wash them first with warm water and soap. Consider applying your powder at the start of your day, before putting on clean socks and shoes, after a shower or bath, or just before bed. You can also use your foot powder as a shoe deodorizer. Just sprinkle the foot powder into your shoe, making sure the shoe is dry first, then leave overnight. Don't make too much powder at once, since essential oils evaporate over time, losing some of their potency.
A: Start with an absorbent powder, like baking soda or cornstarch. Add a few drops of a fragrant essential oil. Close the lid of the container, and shake vigorously. Apply the powder to your feet. Store your powder in its lidded container in a cool, dry place.

Q: Learn how to be a good listener and let your friend know that you are there for them if they want to vent about their condition or if they'd rather talk about something else. Either way, having someone to talk to can be a huge relief to someone who is ill. Be honest with your friend if you don't know what to say. Illness often makes people uncomfortable, and that's ok. What is important is for you to be present for your friend and offer your support. Tell your friend that you are there for her no matter what. If you can't be physically present with your friend, send a card or make a phone call. It's easy to send a text or make a Facebook post, but mail and phone calls feel more personal and will feel more thoughtful to the recipient. Consider writing a thoughtful letter. This can be easier if you are someone who doesn't know what to say around people who are in difficult situations. You can write a letter, and then take time to edit it and rewrite it if you feel like you haven't conveyed your feelings well. Focus on kind wishes, prayers for recovery, and good news that is unrelated to their illness. While its important to respect your friend's privacy, if your friend is open to questions they can be a great way to learn more about her condition and to find out more ways that you can support her. You can research her illness online, but asking her questions is the only way to know how her condition affects her as an individual, and just as importantly, how she feels about what she is experiencing. If your friend has kids, they are probably feeling isolated, lonely, and confused. Depending on the severity of her illness, they may also be feeling scared, angry, and worried. They need someone to talk to, and if they know and trust you, you can serve as a mentor and friend to them during this time. Take them out for ice cream and let them talk to you. Don't force them to say more than they seem comfortable. Some children just need you there as a reassuring force in their lives, while others may want to pour out all their feelings to you. Be open to their lead, and follow up with them every few days or weeks, depending on how close you are.
A: Talk to your friend. Send a card or make a phone call. Ask questions. Talk to her children.

Q: Apply a hair mask at least once a month to provide deep conditioning and to encourage softness and shine. Use a hair mask that's specially designed for your hair type, whether your hair is dry, oily or colored. Good hair masks can be found in pharmacies and hair salons. Alternatively, you can make your own hair mask, using ingredients from your kitchen. For all hair types: avocado and honey: Cut and scoop out the flesh from a ripened avocado and mix in a tablespoon of organic honey. Apply to hair and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off in the shower. For dry hair: olive oil and egg: Combine three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with two eggs and apply the mixture to your hair and let the mixture sit for 20 minutes before rinsing in the shower with cool water (so the egg doesn't cook!). If you do not like the smell of raw eggs, you can use a ready egg oil (eyova) instead. For oily hair: apple cider vinegar and lemon: Combine 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar with the grated peel of an entire lemon and allow it to set for 15 minutes to absorb the excess oil from your scalp, and then rinse in the shower. For flaky scalp: banana, honey and almond: Mash together 1/2 a ripe banana and add two tablespoons of honey and a few drops of almond oil and allow it to set with a shower cap on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Apply to serum to wet hair before drying, or to freshly blow-dried hair. It will help keep your hair soft and shiny, while minimizing frizz. Usually only a very small amount of serum is required (dime-sized amount). Apply serum to ends and mid lengths of hair, but avoid the roots, otherwise your hair will look greasy. It is crucial to apply some sort of heat protection product before subjecting your hair to high temperatures from irons and dryers. Heat is your hair's worst enemy, so use a heat-protection spray to lock in moisture and minimize burning and breakage. Heat protection products come in many forms, including sprays, serums, mousses and creams. Always apply heat protection to wet or damp hair to ensure it absorbs fully. If you apply to dry hair, it will sit on top of the hair and will not provide adequate heat protection. You know how important it is to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but what about your hair? The sun can be drying and damaging to your hair, so it's important to use products that are specifically designed to minimize of sun damage. These products can help prevent highlighted hair from lightening too quickly and looking fried, and they can keep dark hair from turning brassy or red. Most UV shields are finishing products such as UV-based hairsprays or leave-in conditioners. Keep in mind that UV shielding products always need to be applied to damp hair. Otherwise, they'll sit on the surface and won't sink into the hair. Avoid shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products that contain harsh sulfates, parabens or sodium chlorine. These ingredients will build up in hair over time, causing damage and weighing down your locks.
A:
Apply a hair mask. Use serum. Use heat protection. Use UV shielding products. Avoid chemical-laden products.