Day Four A recent study indicates that a weekly talk with a friend can be as effective against moderate depression as counseling or antidepressants. Even if you're not feeling blue, call a friend who may be having a tough time. Meet her for coffee or a jog through park. Let her know how much she means to you.

Day Five Put aromatherapy to work for you. Try an energizing scent, such as orange - or a soothing scent, such as lavender. Combine two drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of safflower or canola oil, whatever's on hand. Massage blend onto your pulse points. Another affordable luxury: you can download aromatherapist Francoise Rapp's "Spa Recipes for All Seasons" for free here: http://www.momscape.com/aromalchemy

Day Six Treat yourself to a new magazine full of new recipes that are just right for season. Bon Appetit and Cooking Light (if you're watching your calories) are great choices. Get good deals and free gifts on these magazines here: http://www.momscape.com/a/bluedolphin.htm

Day Seven Brainstorm ways you can get away from it all in 15 minutes or less. Whether it's an indulgent bath, a phone call to a distant friend, or quiet time with a good novel, schedule one of these "escape tasks" for today. Then call a friend and encourage her to do same.

DON’T expose new scars to sun. UV rays are detrimental to healing process and actually cause skin discoloration, which highlights scar. Always cover a scar or healing wound or use a premium broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

IH Distribution LLC (www.ihdistribution.com) distributes a premium product called “Take Cover for Face and Body”. It’s water resistant, PBA free and protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is rated SPF 30+ and it formulated with antioxidant vitamins A, C, & E. It is both Pediatrician and Dermatologist tested, is guaranteed non-irritating and non-sensitizing.

DO gently massage scar once surface is healed. Gentle massage helps breakdown dense bands of skin that attach to underlying tissue, which is a common physiological reaction to cesarean sections, appendectomies, and hand wounds. Once skin has grown over site, gently massaging with a lotion such as Rejuvenating Cream by IH Distribution LLC (www.ihdistribution.com) is effective. Dr. Robert Bernard, M.D., Plastic Surgeon in New York, states gently massaging with an effective cream is one of most effective techniques, early on, to minimize scarring.

DON’T ignore a scar that becomes inflamed, reddened, raised, or itchy. These signs may indicate an infection or allergic reaction to antibacterial cream used or even bandage.

DO ask your physician to eliminate stitches before they leave “track marks”. Usually after a week’s time, skin is healed sufficient for stitch removal and this prevents little bumps that form on either side of incision and can become permanent reminders.

Cosmetics applied correctly can also be ver good at covering scars. Stick with all-natural products that do not contain animal product or by-products or petroleum based formulations.

© IH Distribution LLC, 2004 No material to be used without expressed permission of IH Distribution LLC