Fitness Beauties

The Real Rain Man Kim Peek Mega Savant

2009-01-02T08:04:00.001-08:00

Tell Kim Peek any address in the United States and he?ll recite the local highways and byways, area and zip codes, television stations and interesting historical events ? oh, he?ll also tell you where you can go to pay your telephone bill. Ask Kim to button his shirt and he?ll return nothing more than a blank stare. Such is the genius, and disability, of the Real Rain Man.

Kim was diagnosed as severely mentally retarded at the age of nine months and the doctor, in a hurry to make a tee time, recommended Kim be institutionalized ? and forgotten. Undeterred, Kim?s parents took him home and have spent the following five decades as eyewitnesses to a sometimes wonderful, and always curious, medical mystery.

Consider the frustration of Kim?s mother when he did not walk until age four. Consider her amazement when he completed memorizing the first eight volumes of the encyclopedia a scant six months later. Consider that at the age of fifty-four he is incapable of dressing himself. Consider that he can instantly recall the exact content of more than 12,000 books. Consider?

Kim reads both pages of a book simultaneously, one with the left eye and one with the right, devoting a mere ten seconds to each standard page of text. Unbowed by brevity, Kim recalls the details of his furious forays at a 98.7% accuracy rate. Consider?

Give Kim your birth date and he will tell you on which day of the week you were born, on which day your birthday will fall this year and, in anticipation of the proverbial gold-watch-moment, on which day of the week your sixty-fifth birthday will fall. Consider...

Unlike most savants, who exhibit a single area of extreme expertise, Kim is a Mega Savant, exhibiting genius in more than a dozen areas, including History, Geography, World Leaders, Space, Sports, Math, Movies, Shakespeare and the Bible. Consider...

Kim is a complex tangle of ?skills and ills? ? a truly dichotomous representation of the genius to which we all aspire and the childlike simplicity fr! om which we each evolve.

Virtually unknown prior to Dustin Hoffman's portrayal, Kim has since delighted over a million seminar attendees who have come, clutching arcane facts in eager hands, in vain attempts to take the master to task. He lives in Salt Lake City with his octogenarian father, Fran, who to this day tends to those everyday dilemmas of undone shoelaces and unbuttoned shirts that exist beyond the realm of Kim?s genius.

Says Kim of his relationship with his constant companion, caregiver and friend, ?Dad and I share the same shadow.?

Tim Anderson is a freelance writer who has a special interest in medical topics. Visit his blog at http://medicalmigrant.blogspot.com/

What Happened to the Flu Vaccine Shortage?

2009-01-01T21:02:00.001-08:00

What Happened to the Flu Vaccine Shortage?

Back in October 2004, the United States lost almost half of its expected 100 million doses of the flu vaccine, which prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to encourage recommendations to each state, suggesting that doses of the vaccine be restricted to high-risk groups only. However, it is becoming apparent that perhaps this panic attack was a little too dramatic.

It seems that, due to a mild flu season, the demand for the country's limited doses of the vaccine was less than anticipated. In fact, the demand was so low that some states are actually loosening restrictions regarding who gets a shot.

Those states that have taken such action include:

* Michigan and Utah: Lifted all restrictions; Michigan has about 170,000 available doses

* Minnesota: Opened up the flu vaccine to those 50 and older, among others

* Massachusetts: Dropped the lowest receiving age limit from 75 to 65, as well as lightened a few other restrictions

* Nebraska: Traded 4,000 flu-shot doses with Missouri for measles, mumps and rubella vaccine

Further, only weeks ago a Washington-based company that holds immunization clinics vaccinated 100 clients a day at its office -- now it vaccinates only 20 people on a daily basis.

USA Today December 13, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

All of this news doesn't surprise me at all, considering public health officials were reassuring Americans that getting a flu shot is not a life-or-death matter. Fact is, the flu shot does NOT prevent illness in most people but actually does just the opposite -- it weakens the immune system and makes you more predisposed to the illness.

Also, it is important to understand that people are dying from the flu because they are already sick and have compromised immune systems. Thus, the ultimate treatment for the flu is PROACTIVE PREVENTION.

I have compiled a list of seven guidelines to help you prevent and fight the flu this winter. I! suggest printing this list off and posting it somewhere in your home where you and your family will see it on a daily basis. By doing so, everyone in your family will be aware of the healthy alternatives and preventatives to the flu.

Dr. Mercola's Guidelines to Preventing the Flu

1. Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugar

2. Get enough rest

3. Eat fresh garlic regularly

4. Use an effective tool to help you address the stress in your life

5. Wash your hands regularly

6. Take fish oil/cod liver oil

7. Exercise regularly

The bottom line: Lead a healthy lifestyle year round. To help you get on the right track to doing so, I suggest reading my book, TOTAL HEALTH Program, and implementing my diet in your life. If you do, chances are you'll never have to worry about coming down with the flu again!

Also, I highly recommend the simple five-step Clenzology Advanced Hygiene System, which focuses on superior cleaning of the areas of your body that are most susceptible to the flu -- your hands, face, ears, nose and mouth. This hygiene kit is simple to use and only takes a matter of minutes, which makes it ideal for families with young children.

Most importantly, the Clenzology soap is not antibacterial and it is capable of reaching the tens of thousands of germs on the backs and palms of the hands, on the fingers and under the fingernails.

PLEASE NOTE: The facial solutions in this kit must be diluted as directed before use. If you are pregnant or have a history of thyroid problems consult a physician before using this product.

-------------------
Dr. Joseph Mercola
Author of Total Health Program
Founder of the renowned Optimal Wellness Center
http://www.Mercola.com - The #1 Natural Health Site on the Internet!

Arthritis Exercise One Way to Relieve Pain & Stiffness in Your Joints (part 2)

2009-01-01T08:03:00.001-08:00

Even when you cannot make it out to walk or to an aquatics or yoga class, there are exercises you can do daily to improve flexibility, strength and conditioning when you suffer from arthritis. You can flex your legs while sitting in a chair facing forward, simply by moving your leg outward while keeping your foot on the floor and holding it there for a few seconds, then retracting it until your foot is behind you, then alternating to the other leg. Interlocking your fingers and slowly flexing your wrists to the left and the right for a few minutes a day can help tremendously to increase flexibility and reduce pain in the wrist area.

For your upper back, you can stand upright in front of a table, then lean over and place your hands on the table and tuck your chin back toward your collarbone. Once positioned as such, lift your upper back upward and simultaneously take a deep breath. Hold that position for 5-10 seconds and then relax while exhaling. While doing this, lower your spine slowly as you move both shoulder blades forward as if toward each other. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 repetitions.

For the shoulders and middle back, start again from an upright position standing as straight as you can, reach back and lock the fingers of both hands together. Breathe slowly and deeply and lift upward with your shoulders while at the same time, exhaling. Be sure to keep your chest up and your chin in. Repeat this for about 10-15 sets.

For the shoulders and upper chest, choose a free corner of the room to stand in and place your hands on the opposite sides of the corner. Take a step back about 18 inches from the corner. You now should be facing the corner directly with your hands on both of the walls with your body some distance from the wall itself. Keeping your chest up after inhaling, lean in toward the corner while exhaling. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 sets.

Whatever exercise program you choose, be sure to breathe properly when exercising. Oxygenation is important to any exercis! e regime n as it promotes a healthy heart rate and reduces fatigue; additionally oxygenation helps circulation, which is vital to achieving the flexibility and strength that you are trying to achieve in battling arthritis. Also, listen to your body. It is natural to feel a little fatigue and soreness when starting a new exercise regimen, However if the pain of soreness persists for more than one hour, or you have a decrease in mobility that lasts longer than an hour, then the regimen should be reduced until the soreness desists. Also, look for signs of increased swelling of joints or any persistent increase of weakness; these are signs of activities that are too strenuous and a reduction in activity will be necessary. Just remember to take all new exercise regimens slowly at the start. The idea is to increase flexibility not train for the Olympics.

Written by Shelley Hitz, Licensed Physical Therapist and Certified NASM Personal Trainer. If you have arthritis, she can design an online exercise program for you! Contact her today at http://www.onlinefitnesscoach.com or sign up for her FREE Exercise Advice Journal at http://www.abs-exercise-advice.com/journal.html.

7 Healthy Habits

2008-12-31T21:02:00.001-08:00

There has never been a better time to take stock of your life than right now. This moment is the beginning of the New Year. It is the beginning of resolutions to lose fat and get fit. However, 2006 promises to be another year that we grow fatter and unhealthier. Use these 7 healthy habits to go against the tide and create a vibrant year.

Habit 1- Eat Regularly. Eat small meals every 3-4 hours. Skipping meals can lead to unstable blood sugar levels which can cause fatigue or restlessness. Eating throughout the day causes stable moods and a healthier metabolism.

Habit 2- Eat Lightly. Each meal should contain a complex carbohydrate and a lean protein. Keep high fat foods or salty snacks out of the pantry. Once sugar and salt are kept to a minimum, the body begins to heal and crave fresh, healthy foods.

Habit 3- Do Not Smoke. There is not one positive fact on smoking. Cigarettes cause the human body to deteriorate at ridiculous levels. Quitting smoking is the number one way to improve health drastically. Also be aware of second hand smoke. It can be just as harmful.

Habit 4- Consume Alcohol in Moderation. A bottle of beer or glass of wine each day is realistic. However, drinking more than three servings daily is a bit much and puts the body at risk. Moderation is certainly important.

Habit 5- Sleep 7-9 Hours Each Night. Deep, peaceful sleep rejuvenates the body. It relaxes the mind and replenishes the soul. Irregular sleeping patterns can lead to mood swings and poor nutrition. The trick is to receive 7-9 hours of sleep each night as opposed to a few nights out of the week.

Habit 6- Exercise Regularly. Get active and promote health and fitness by participating in a fitness program. Combine cardio, strength training and stretching for a balanced approach. Learning how to strengthen the body will improve mood and sleep patterns.

Habit 7- Consult With the Professionals. Tackling each of the above habits can be a nightmare. That is why habit ! 7 is the most important habit of all. Consulting with a nutritionist or personal trainer can be motivating as well as insightful. The best way to trim the fat and get in shape is to follow the advice of industry professionals.

2006 does not have to be the same as last year. The promise of a better life is in reach. Fueling the body with healthy habits will create a happier and healthier world. Eat regularly and lightly, do not smoke or drink a lot of alcohol, sleep and exercise consistently and ask your personal trainer or nutritionist the best way to stay fit.

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Melt the Fat & Gain a Life is a viable alternative for those without the income or desire to meet with a trainer or nutritionist. This interactive guide comes complete with over 200 exercise photos, over 160 daily meal by meal menus, over 60 secrets to motivation and tons more. It provides a jump start for weight loss seekers and those looking to get healthy and fit in 2006.

To learn more about the Melt the Fat Program, please visit http://melt-the-fat.com. Lynn VanDyke is an elite fitness trainer and sports nutritionist dedicated to helping you achieve your fat loss goals in 2006.

Is Vitamin E Lethal?

2008-12-31T08:03:00.001-08:00

Recently the news carried the story that a researcher had discovered that taking vitamin E at a level of 400IU or more increases the risk of death. (Jan 2005, Annals of Internal Medicine) I was immediately suspicious because I have studied the scientific literature on vitamin E for over two decades and have come to the exact opposite conclusion. Hundreds of studies have shown the beneficial effects of vitamin E on numerous modern diseases including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer?s, claudication, arthritis, fibrocystic breast disease, epilepsy, infertility, intelligence?you name it. This evidence comes from carefully controlled clinical trials and meta-nalyses and is published in peer-reviewed publications. So what gives with this new ?scoop?? Why did it receive the headlines while all the other studies aren?t?

Actually this new information is not new at all. The researcher merely investigated mortality statistics from existing studies and came to a conclusion that people should not take 400IUs of vitamin E (exactly what I have been taking for years and recommending to others) or they may die. In effect he wrote an editorial on other people?s work. That is not science.

Although the writer conceded his conclusions may only apply to those who are already seriously ill and not to healthy people, that is the only balance given in the article. He examined 19 different vitamin E studies performed by others including almost 140,000 people. Surely it would seem statistical meaning would emerge out of that. But as science (and life) always goes, the truth is in the details?details too often left out.

For example in one of the 19 studies, large doses of zinc were also given and this can create a copper deficiency which can lead to heart and other diseases. Although a copper supplement was given, it was in the form of cupric oxide, which is poorly absorbed in the gut.

In another of the studies the group being given the vitamin E were much sicker to begin with, including larger numbers of! smokers and higher numbers of those with coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Of course there will be greater mortality in such a group, but it would have nothing to do with the vitamin E they were taking.

Another study was skewed by the fact that participants were also taking a synthetic form of beta-carotene, which has been linked to increased lung cancer and liver damage. You can?t give vitamin E and synthetic beta-carotene to a group and blame mortality on vitamin E!

Finally, not one of the studies used the natural form of vitamin E. Vitamin E is a mixture of tocopherols: alpha, beta, gamma and delta. But only alpha- tocopheral was used. Not only that, but the synthetic isomeric form, D, L-alpha tocopherol was used in many of the studies. Natural vitamin E exists in only the D isomeric form. The synthetic L form is not produced in nature and may even interfere with the benefits of the natural D form.

The gamma-tocopherol has many proven life-lengthening and disease preventing benefits but when high levels of alpha-tocopherol are consumed these benefits may be cancelled by a kind of biochemical interference. Therefore, whatever gamma-tocopherol was being consumed in the diet may have been cancelled out by the supplements in the study.

When one is done looking at the details behind the headlines there remains no basis for suggesting that high levels of natural vitamin E are dangerous, but rather, when considering the entire body of scientific evidence, there is significant reason for believing exactly the opposite! So much for headlines.

Perhaps more important than the misleading nature of the story is the reason why it would receive top billing. News organizations seem to be fiendishly rubbing their hands together just waiting for any little tidbit that could debunk the value of supplements or a natural approach to health. (They receive huge advertising dollars from the pharmaceutical and other medical industries.) Of course the medical community is right there ready! to pile on as well. They have a vested interest in maintaining the popular mindset that disease is just one of those things that happen, that people are victims of disease, and doctors are needed for repair. The notion that supplements, food, and lifestyle can prevent or cure disease threatens their grip and profitability.

Never mind that modern health care is the greatest threat to life and health, killing more people than any other cause. (Wysong e-Health Letter: June 19, 2002) That?s not worthy of news, but scaring people away from supplements based upon a flawed study is. We do not live in a rational world.

Is vitamin E supplementation necessary? No, not if you are eating a varied diet of raw, organic, natural foods, living out of doors, exercising daily and are not subject to any workplace or other environmental pollutants. If that is not how you are living, then 400IU of a natural vitamin E tocopherol mix is a very good idea. It is logical since it replaces what would be present in a natural raw diet and helps offset modern toxins, pollutants and stresses. It is also supported by a mountain of good scientific research.

Dr. Wysong is a former veterinary clinician and surgeon, college instructor in human anatomy, physiology and the origin of life, inventor of numerous medical, surgical, nutritional, athletic and fitness products and devices, research director for the present company by his name and founder of the philanthropic Wysong Institute. He is author of The Creation-Evolution Controversy now in its eleventh printing, a new two volume set on philosophy for living, several books on nutrition, prevention and health for people and animals and over 15 years of monthly health newsletters. He may be contacted at Wysong@Wysong.net and a free subscription to his e-Health Letter is available at http://www.wysong.net

Dilantin: Know Its Side Effects

2008-12-30T21:02:00.001-08:00

I've noticed that doctors on TV medical dramas, when faced with a seizing patient, cry out for the reliable standby drug Dilantin.

Also known as phenytoin, Dilantin has relieved seizures in patients for the past sixty years and counting.

But, like most prescription medications, Dilantin has its share of nasty side effects.

If you have recently been prescribed this drug then you need to read on to know what you're in for.

I'm not knocking Dilantin. I've been using it for nearly twenty years to control my seizures. But, like the Boy Scouts say, be prepared.

Common side effects of this seizure medication include clumsiness, double vision, slurred speech, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting (ironically the same side effects felt after a seizure).

These side effects occur mostly when you begin taking the drug. Your body needs time to adjust to the medication.

Even now I have bouts of dizziness, clumsiness, double vision, and slurred speech.

Occasionally, Dilantin causes a liver disorder. If your skin appears yellow, you have a rash, your appetite no longer exists, and you frequently feel tired then see your doctor immediately.

If you have ever had liver disease be sure to tell your doctor before you start taking Dilantin. You may not be able to use this seizure medication.

Low blood pressure is another possible side effect. I mean 'the feeling ice cold while shaking uncontrollably until you pass out' kind of low blood pressure.

This happened to me once. I actually felt my blood pressure drop. I should have gone to a hospital. But, like most people, I stubbornly refused. But I suffered a long hellish two hours before my blood pressure rose again. I was lucky.

Dilantin can also cause excessive facial hair growth, which is not great if you happen to be a woman.

Be prepared to improve your dental hygiene. Dilantin often causes the gums to swell and bleed. Break out the dental floss and start using it every day. Your dentist will insis! t on it.

If you are a woman planning to have children, and you're using Dilantin, then be aware there is a small chance for congenital malformations. This risk increases if you are taking more than one anti-seizure drug.

Now, the FDA has rated Dilantin a category 'C' drug, which means the FDA isn't sure whether or not this drug causes birth defects.

But why take a chance? Talk to your doctor.

For you diabetics, Dilantin may increase your blood sugar. Be extra careful while monitoring your blood sugar levels.

You cannot drink alcohol while using this medication. No 'But what if's'! The beers you chug with your best buddy will react with the medication by either putting you into a deep sedation or it will cause you to have a seizure.

I found this out the hard way, only I was awake during the seizure. You don't want to be awake during a grand mal seizure! Being unconscious is the epileptic's friend, believe me.

Avoid sleeping pills, aspirin, and heartburn medications. These drugs combined with Dilantin can bring on a seizure.

I drink a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime. I use ibuprofren for headaches. I don't need to use any heartburn medications (knock on wood).

These are only a few of the medications you need to avoid while on Dilantin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take any medications, including herbal supplements.

You will need to increase your intake of vitamin 'D', vitamins 'B6'and 'B12', your calcium intake, as well as iron and folic acid. Dilantin decreases all of these supplements in your body.

Don't let this information scare you. You hear scarier side effects caused by other prescription drugs on those TV commercials.

Dilantin is cheap and it works. The side effects are regrettable, but nothing in life is perfect.

I can function normally because Dilantin has tamed my rebellious brain. Its side effects have become a minor inconvenience easily lived with.

Talk to your doctor if you have questions concern! ing this or any other epilepsy medication. If your doctor speaks in 'medicalese'insist he or she speak in plain English.

For more information on this and other epilepsy medications visit the American Epilepsy Society online.

Epilepsy can be frightening. But Dilantin can tame the beast.

Jenny Harker is an experienced writer, gardener, and seasoned epileptic.

Sea Silver for Health

2008-12-29T21:02:00.001-08:00

Sea Silver is a completely natural, plant-based supplement, which undergoes proprietary processing techniques to ensure optimal absorption at the cellular level. As you probably know, a supplement is only good if it can be assimilated by the body and put to good use. Sea Silver is designed based on this premise, and therefore the body readily absorbs all the nutrients in this supplement.

Sea Silver is a supplement that was created to balance the body chemistry, cleanse vital organs, purify blood and the lymphatic system, as well as nourish the body at the cellular level, protect tissues and cells from toxins, and boost the immune system. This amazing supplement also brings more oxygen to the cells, which is a necessity for good health. As you can see, this one supplement has a lot of tasks to accomplish, which it manages to do quite well.

Sea Silver is taken in liquid form, which means that the body does not have to work as hard to break down the nutrients. This means that roughly 95-98 percent of the nutrients in Sea Silver are readily absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can immediately go to work at cleansing and protecting the cells and tissues throughout the body. This natural supplement is safe to take with other medications and/or vitamins, and it does not have any known reported side effects.

Sea Silver Ingredients

Sea Silver contains many beneficial ingredients, such as aloe vera, various sea vegetables, Pau D?arco, which is an herb from South America, and a juice concentrate blend.

Robert owns and operates Online-Sea-Silver.com and Health-Drinks.net.

What Is Cellulite?

2008-12-28T21:02:00.001-08:00

Cellulite is that substance that is lurking on your thighs and on your rear. It is the substance that drives you mad trying to hide it. But, what is it really and is there a possibility that you can get rid of it? Cellulite has been described as having the texture of an orange peel. It is dimples that form on the skin. This is caused by the protrusion of subcutaneous fat into the dermis of the skin.

The fact: up to 98% of post pubertal females have to deal with cellulite of some form or another. Caucasian women will experience it the most between races. And, because mostly women get it (it is rare for a man to experience it) it is thought to be caused by hormones. On a good note, though, cellulite is not necessarily a condition of being overweight but is found on people of all shapes and weights. There are no health risks from cellulite itself.

For those men that suffer from this condition, it is often due to the males being androgen deficient. Individuals that suffer from Klinefelter?s syndrome, post castration, and hyprogonadism are likely to experience cellulite. Men who have to receive estrogen to help with prostate cancer may also have the condition affecting them.

Treatments For It?Are They Out There?

Try as you might, for most people, cellulite is not something that will go away without a lot of work. But, there is help available. In the cosmetic world, there are some solutions that can help you. For example, liposuction is said to help to a certain degree. And, there are those that offer other treatments to hide the dimples as well.

The most beneficial way to get rid of cellulite, like it or not, is through eating a balanced diet including plenty of water as well as getting the exercise that to keep muscles lean. A balanced diet will consist of good sources for vitamins and minerals that come from vegetables and fruits.

Although cellulite, also known as orange peel syndrome, hail damage and mattress phenomenon is not something that effects yo! u health wise, it can do damage to your self esteem if extreme and definitely isn?t something you?ll brag about. But, rest assured that through a good regimen of diet and exercise, you can, hopefully, see some results.

This article was written by T.Potter. You can visit Cellulite Relief for further information and cellulite resources.

Adult Acne Skin Reactions from External Sources

2008-12-28T08:02:00.001-08:00

Its been mentioned before that people may have a certain sensitivities to types of foods or products in the foods that they eat and can cause adult acne skin reactions. However it?s far more likely that an external cause may be aggravating or partially responsible for the acne.

The skin is the body?s largest organ and it?s on the outside of the body so it?s exposed to a variety of external factors which can cause irritation, infections, and even acne. Some people have more sensitive skin than others. You may be washing your face regularly with an acne cleanser but this may be too strong. Many people complain that the traditional cleansers with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are too strong, leading to redness and dry skin.

In this case you can go off of the over the counter cleanser that is bothering you and irritating your acne skin or you can look for a different cleanser with different formula. In the case of cleansers the formula is the most important thing for your skin. If you do have irritation look for a cleanser with less of the active medication, for example .5% benzoyl peroxide instead of the 1 or 2%, and try to get a cleanser that doesn?t have alcohol in it. Alcohol is very drying.

When rinsing off your face you normally use tap water, but this tap water may contain chemicals or minerals that are too harsh for your skin leaving it with red splotches of color and irritating the all ready sensitive skin with acne on it. You may wish to test your water to make sure it isn?t too hard or soft and test the pH level to make sure it isn?t too alkaline or base for your skin. You can easily correct the water by picking up a simple water purification system that attaches to your faucets.

Other typical acne skin irritants can be pollution, excess sunshine, pore clogging skin creams, lotions and make ups and greasy work environments.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet's leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquet! te and m anners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free info. on Adult Acne with skin care treatments.

Are You Controlled by the Urge to Splurge

2008-12-27T21:02:00.001-08:00

I gotta confess: I'm completely addicted to crisps. Any kind is fine. Don't mind the flavor - they all taste fine. My resolve weakens every time I think about chomping into one. Feeling the crunch, hearing the crackle, and getting that first taste of its tangy flavor. Bliss - and if you are into crisps then you probably wish you had a packet right now - probably a big one.

But maybe crisps aren?t your thing. Probably there's another food that lures you into the refrigerator or the pantry cabinet. I can think of a few more that do it for me. Milk chocolate, do-nuts, crispy pies....and the list goes on. I have no doubt that you probably have a list of your own - right. According to one study, 97% of women (compared to 68% of men) experience cravings on food.

So how do you control these urges that pull you away from your diet plan and down the temporary joy of self-indulgence? I researched on the topic to give you what some experts advise on how to enjoy that art called eating without it turning into a feeding frenzy. Read on - and never again feel guilty about eating a chocolate chip cookie.

This is what they say:

Take Charge of Your Eating Habits.

Try to control the number of food cravings you experience. It appears to be impossible for humans like us, but if you psyche yourself and develop fewer cravings, then slowly you'll submit to fewer cravings.(I'm not sure how to do this - maybe imagine that hamburger as a large lump on your butt or that chocolate as a shiny red bulge on your forehead)

According to one study of nearly 500 women, researchers found that women who received a daily 1, 200 milligram calcium supplement reduced their number of premenstrual food cravings by 54%. To reach the same result by getting the needed calcium intake from food, rely on skim milk and yogurt. Sounds a bit difficult for all lactose intolerant? Try some calcium-fortified foods or juices like cheese and calcium-filled orange juices. If you don't feel you can get sufficient calcium! from fo od, make up the difference using a supplement of calcium carbonate or calcium citrate.

How about something relaxing? When you're anxious, the body produces more of the hormone cortisol, which may increase the amount of carbohydrates you want to eat. Sweets or carbohydrates temporarily increase our levels of serotonin, making us feel calm and relaxed.

Thus, one way of helping curb your sweet tooth, rent some videos, text your funniest friends, or schedule a spa weekend. Why not have a bit of chocolate once in a while? When you begin including small amounts of these forbidden foods into your diet, a funny thing happens: You don't crave them anymore.

Distinguish specific cravings from hunger. Suppose you drive by a fast food outlet and all of a sudden, you develop a deep craving for French fries. Rather than rushing down the drive thru section, reassess your urge. Turn on your favorite music and switch your attention away from the fries idea. Suppose, on the other hand, you feel the need to satisfy not the urge but your hunger, select an apple pie or salad as a substitute.

Cut Hundreds of Calories.

Sure you can cut on hundreds of calories on what you eat every day! How? By making the appropriate choices on replacing high-calorie to low-calorie foods, such as cheese, creams, whole milk, butter, etc. Here are easy tricks to keep you cooking and eating minus the calories.

? When cooking, use nonstick pan to eliminate the use of butter and/or oil.

? Remove the fat from the meat.

? Remove the skin of chicken before serving.

? Use butter-flavored seasoning on vegetables instead of sprinkling butter.

? For casseroles, desserts and sauces, use evaporated skim milk (12 cal./tbsp.) instead of heavy cream (51 cal./tbsp.)

? Cook stews and other casseroles ahead of time. Refrigerate. Remove congealed fat before serving.

? Choose real orange (71 cal.) over an orange juice (90 cal./6 oz).

? For snacks, low-calorie fruits (cucumbers, asparagus, c! arrots, apples, pickles) are good replacements for crackers and breads.

? Use bottled chocolate extract for milk shakes instead of sweetened cocoa.

? Use two egg whites (34 cal.) for cakes instead of one egg (82 cal.).

? Choose diet margarine (50 cal.) instead of the regular margarine (100 cal.).

? Choose cereals with the least calories then add fresh fruits to be more nutritious.

? In parties, good substitutes for snacks are carrot strips, pickle slices, and raw mushroom caps.

? Drip away fats by cooking hamburgers on the rack.

? Avoid chips with dips.

Staying in healthy shape depends on the right behaviors. So how strong is your will power to control the urge?

Prepared by Kevin Bauer
http://www.lose-weight-quickly.info

You may reprint this article on your website or in your ezine provided the resource box is included and the link to my website remains live

The http://www.lose-weight-quickly.info is dedicated to all those who are frustrated because they are overweight or obese and want to take back their life. This dynamic website will provide ongoing information to all those with the courage to change their life. Published by Kevin Bauer

Laser Hair Removal: Know the Provider Qualifications

2008-12-26T21:03:00.001-08:00

Laser hair removal is a fast-growing procedure that's helping thousands of people get rid of unwanted hair. The latest procedure uses intensed pulsed light (IPL) to destroy hair follicles and prevent the growth of follicles and hair for an extended period of time. Laser hair removal has been so popular because of its preciseness and success rates. If you're considering laser hair removal, your first step is to find someone who's qualified to perform the procedure. It's important that they be qualified and experienced to provide a high-quality procedure.

Finding Laser Hair Removal Specialists

Locating your laser hair removal specialist is not difficult. Make sure he or she is Board Certified in Dermatology. If more than one specialist is working at the office, find out if each is certified. If another member of the doctor's staff will be performing the procedure, that person should be a registered nurse or licensed physician to ensure proper care and use of the laser equipment. The facility where your procedure will be performed should be clean and professional. Ask for a tour of the facility and where your procedure will take place if possible. Take special care in choosing your specialist because laser hair removal is a medical procedure, and should be treated as such.

State Requirements for Laser Hair Removal

Each state varies in how laser hair removal can be performed. You'll need to know what your state requires and make sure your specialist understands this as well. The state requirements are broken down into four categories. Each category specifies how and by whom the procedure can be performed within that particular state. A brief explanation of each category is below.

1) Physician Only: A medical doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) must actually fire the laser. Then, the doctor may ask a PA, RN or other licensed professional to use laser during the hair removal procedure.

2) Direct: The laser can be fired by a medical or non! -medical professional (according to the state's requirements), but the professional must remain under the direct supervision of the MD or DO, and also use the license and practice of the doctor.

3) Supervision: A medical or non-medical professional can fire the laser and perform the procedure under the supervision of a MD or DO. Depending on the state, the physician might or might not be present when the laser hair removal procedure is performed.

4) N/A: The state has no official requirements for laser hair removal procedures.

*Below is a list of states and their general requirements for based on the four above definitions. Check within your own state, however, to obtain more detailed requirements.

Alabama: Direct
Alaska: Supervision
Arizona: Supervision
Arkansas: Supervision
California: Direct
Colorado: Supervision
Connecticut: Direct
Delaware: Physician Only
Florida: Supervision
Georgia: Supervision
Hawaii: Physician Only
Idaho: Supervision
Illinois: Supervision
Indiana: Physician Only
Iowa: Supervision
Kansas: Supervision
Kentucky: Supervision
Louisiana: Supervision
Maine: Physician Only
Maryland: Physician Only
Massachusetts: Direct
Michigan: Supervision
Minnesota: Supervision
Mississippi: Supervision
Missouri: Supervision
Montana: Physician Only
Nebraska: Direct
Nevada: Supervision
New Hampshire: Physician Only
New Jersey: Physician Only
New Mexico: Physician Only
New York: N/A
North Carolina: Supervision
North Dakota: Direct
Ohio: Supervision
Oklahoma: Direct
Oregon: Supervision
Pennsylvania: Direct
Rhode Island: Supervision
South Carolina: Direct
South Dakota: Supervision
Tennessee: N/A
Texas: Supervision
Utah: Direct
Vermont: Supervision
Virginia: Direct
Washington: Supervision
West Virginia: Supervision
! Wisconsi n: Supervision
Wyoming: Supervision

*State requirements as shown at the Web site of Rocky Mountain Laser College of Denver, Colorado.

Laser hair removal can be a simple, pleasant process if you find the right doctor. You can usually locate professionals in your local telephone directory, online or by consulting with your own family doctor. If you take the time to locate a doctor that's right for you, you'll be more satisfied with your results. You can see that unwanted hair disappear in no time!

Written by Kelly Jensen for LaserRemoval.net, an extensive information site regarding laser hair removal, cosmetic procedures, and skin beauty tips. For answers to other general questions you may want to review this Laser Hair Treatmet article.

Top 10 Gym Mistakes

2008-12-26T08:03:00.001-08:00

For someone who just started exercising, the right guidance is critical. If you are a newcomer, the first thing you want to do is exercise in a safe and effective fashion. Many individuals avoid the gym due to the fear of making a mistake in public. For the weight room rookie, there is nothing more demoralizing than the disheartening smirks of veteran trainees. Mistakes start to happen, and these prevent you from getting optimal results. In fact, it increases the chances of injury!

If you are considering joining a gym / are a gym rookie, then you must avoid the most common mistakes. Try these tips - before you know it, you could be teaching a thing or two to uncompromising ?experts? in your local gym or fitness center.

Presenting the most common mistakes made by rookie trainees.

1. Incorrect technique.(dumbbell or barbell).

Always speak to a gym instructor / experienced weight trainee to guide you and demonstrate the correct manner to perform exercises. If you have difficulty in lifting a particular weight, then don?t. Just practice with a light weight for the first 1-2 weeks.

2. Exercising on an empty stomach.

When exercising to shape muscles, it is a bad idea to enter the gym in a fasting state. The body needs energy to lift weights and this energy comes from food, specifically the food you eat prior to the training session. Some light carbohydrates (rice, bread, fruits) is a good idea prior to the training session.

3. Insufficient gear.

Always carry a bag containing a spare set of clothes, a towel, bathroom accessories and a water bottle for an effective workout.

4. Lifting weights too quickly.

When in the gym, the best way to lift weights is in a slow and controlled fashion. Avoid fast, jerky movements since they can cause injuries.

5. Holding your breath.

The breathing pattern for lifting is to exhale on the positive phase (pushing or pulling the weight) and inhale on the negative (lowering the weight). H! olding y our breath can raise your blood pressure and, if you hold it long enough, cause fainting.

6. Being too proud to ask for assistance.

Work with a friend / ask for assistance when using heavy weights. In gym parlance, this individual is called a ?spotter?. Gym trainees are always more than willing, and it's much better to ask quietly for a spot than to scream loudly for help once you're in trouble.

7. Trying to ?spot reduce? certain muscles, such as the abdominals.

The best gadgets and hundreds of crunches won't transform your legendary flab into equally fabulous abs. For best results, incorporate aerobics exercises and sensible nutrition into your daily plan.

8. Overdoing it.

Resist the temptation to lift as much as you can or overdo the treadmill the first few times in the gym. Gradually work your way up.

9. Not drinking enough water.

Drink at least 20 ounces of water for every hour of working out, and sip water continuously, before you're thirsty. By the time you're conscious of thirst; the body is already partially dehydrated. This can adversely affect stamina and concentration.

10. Relying on the 'best looking' people for advice.

Just because someone is fit does not mean that they have used the best methods, but it does mean that have been exercising the longest. Consult a professional personal trainer for best results

Nitin Chhoda is a professional fitness consultant with an MS in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention and a BS in Physical Therapy. Professionaly certified by the National Association of Sports Medicine as a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), Nitin has over 8 years of experience training the general population, hospital patients and athletes. He provides online personal training to clients to clients in 8 countries for a low monthly fee at http://www.phonefitnesstrainer.com.

He also provides free training routines, diet plans, grocery lists and fitness books for women on his websi! te http: //www.toningforwomen.com

Sign up to receive updates about Nitin's new articles, fitness books and other exciting promotions at http://www.toningforwomen.com/friends.html

Home Tanning Beds

2008-12-25T21:02:00.001-08:00

These are the most popular and best selling home, non-commercial tanning beds that can be found on the market with prices ranging between $1500 to $5000.

ETS SunVision ZX30 Tanning Bed: This tanning bed features a computer-designed Bio-Tech Tunnel Design for consistency. It has 30, 100 watt lamps, and is built with heavy-duty extruded aluminum and steel mainframe with a DuraMax 2000 exterior. Other features include Quick Clip acrylic removal system, digital timer with built in hour meter, glossed aluminum reflectors, 7 foot tanning surface, staggered lamp design, and acrylic sheet. The product costs around $4500 to $5000.

Sunquest Pro 24RSP (120V) Tanning Bed: This Bio-Tech Tunnel Design tanning bed has 24 tanning lamps is designed with a steel mainframe, curved acrylic sheets, DuraMax 2000 exterior housing, Superflow internal cooling system and 20 minute session time. It features a control key lock, backup timer, and Quick Clip acrylic removal system; and requires a 20 Amp Circuit Breaker, 120 Volt Dedicated Circuit, and 20 Amp NEMA #5-20R Receptacle. The tanning bed costs around $1500 to $2000.

Supreme Tan Pearl 16 Plus Tanning Bed: This is one of the smaller and cheaper entry level tanning beds. It is 76 inch long, features 12 Philips Performance lamps, 4 integrated facial tanning lamps, dial timer, canopy with grids, a base reflector system, adjustable gas spring lifts, and a 30 minute tanning session, and costs around $1900.

SOLTECH 16: This tanning bed uses 16 High Powered Phillips 100 Watt tanning lamps and features frosted acrylics for even UV disbursement, 30 minute tanning session time, easy acrylic removal system, Internal fan cooling system, and a 30 minute on board timer. Optional components include a spring timer, front panel base body fan, DualSun Facials, frosted Acrylic, and a free starter Kit. SOLTECH 16 costs around $2000 to $3000.

Wolff Tanning Bed: This product is also manufactured with a Bio-Tech Tunnel Design with heavy-duty extruded aluminum and st! eel main frame, with DuraMax 2000 exterior housing. It features 24 high-output 100-watt lamps, glossed aluminum, Quick Clip acrylic removal system, wide curved tanning surface, and acrylic sheets. The SolarMax IFT face tanner is an optional component. You can get this tanning bed for about $2500 to $3500.

Ruby Tanning Bed: The Ruby Tanning Bed comes with 24 lamps of only 120 volts. It has 6 face tan enhancing lamps and 8 arm tan enhancing lamps, and features a 30 minute tanning session, adjustable Gas spring lifts, acrylic click strips, canopy acrylic, matching base skirt, and a dial timer. The product costs somewhere between $2400 to $3900.

SOLSMART 20: This tanning bed uses 20 High Powered Phillips 100 Watt tanning lamps and features frosted acrylics for even UV disbursement, 20 minute tanning session time, easy acrylic removal system, Internal fan cooling system, and a 20 minute on board timer. Optional components include a spring timer, leg base, and free starter Kit. The standard color is silver but you can choose between silver/charcoal, silver/black, silver/blue, and silver/red. The SOLSMART 20 costs around $2000 to $3000.

http://tanninghq.com/ Tanning HQ: articles and information about the tanning and keeping your body looking beautiful.

Don't Spend Money on Acne Remedies Fight Acne Naturally

2008-12-25T08:02:00.001-08:00

Acne is commonly a skin condition that is seen as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules or infected and inflamed nodules. Acne often is found on a persons face, chest, neck, and back. While many acne types usually affect the teenagers, various acne conditions are not restricted to a particular age group; even adults in their late 20s or even well into their 40s ? have the possibility to also suffer from acne. Though acne is not life threatening, it can cause unwanted permanent scarring and cause emotional distress if it is not treated properly. People with Acne problems often tend to be more self-conscious about their appearances when having outbreaks or blemishes.

Instead of having you dig deeper into your pocket for various types of expensive Acne Treatment remedies, you should attempt to fight acne naturally by avoiding your pores to get clogged. For many people with acne outbreaks, it is about avoiding the common acne outbreak. Just by following some of the simply steps listed below, people that often have outbreaks can dramatically decrease their chance of another acne outbreaks:

By not touching your face with your hands, including popping the zits.
By washing your skin with a mild soap, acne cleanser such as Proactiv Solutions
By avoiding stressful situations
By allowing your skin to breath; wear loose clothing

Scott Green has extensive experience in the Dermatology field and shares his knowledge openly on his very resourceful site Your Acne Treatment Solution at http://www.youracnetreatment.com

Cause and Solution to Obesity

2008-12-24T21:02:00.001-08:00

Obesity

Today, 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are categorized as being overweight or obese. Each year, obesity causes at least 300,000 excess deaths in the U.S., and healthcare costs of American adults with obesity amount to approximately $100 billion. Apart from the obvious physical symptoms of being very large in size and unable to partake in normal activities such as sport, obesity increases one's risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes (type 2), heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease and cancer of the breast, prostate and colon.

Child obesity is also becoming is large problem facing America. The amount of overweight children has risen significantly in the past ten years, and is expected to grow at an even greater rate in the future.

Not only does our society frown upon obesity on those who have it, but more importantly, it serves as a major health risk to those who have it. Thus, we should be concerned about teaching our children to eat well and stay active. Child obesity is not only a problem because they may get teased at school, it's a problem that could carry into adulthood where several health risks will coincide.

Not only are children eating more junk food than they ever have before, but they are considerably less active as well. Children have always loved watching TV and playing video games, but it seems to have gotten out of control. With the introduction of a variety of games consoles and now the internet, children spend more time staring at electronic screens than playing outside. It is this sedentary lifestyle that is hurting our young. So, it is important to encourage your child to get involved in out door activities. Organized sports are great for this. Riding bikes, hiking, or building tree houses and forts are typical things that children love and should be encouraged to consider instead of playing video games.

Soline Dibez is the owner of Alt Obesity which is ! a premie r resource for Obesity information. for more information, go to http://www.altobesity.com

Testosterone and Prostate Cancer

2008-12-24T08:03:00.001-08:00

Everyone should know that when testosterone is metabolized, it produces DHT as one of the by-products, which is what allows your muscles and erections to grow. That is a good thing! However, DHT that doesn't get burned up during sex or working out is also what is at the root of your prostate problems to begin with.

The fact of the matter is that DHT is always being produced, and a lot of us simply cannot burn it off fast enough--no matter how much we work out in the gym or how much sex we have.

In the case of prostate problems, one camp blames a lack of testosterone while the other camp blames too much of it. I have even heard of a doctor suggesting castration as a means of preventing the spread of prostate cancer because he believed it was the only way to prevent testosterone from acting as fuel for the cancer.

Talk about a case of throwing away both the baby and the bathwater!

I'm sure that we've all heard at some point or another the notion that more sex is the solution to prostate problems, citing as evidence the high incidence of prostate cancer in celibate priests. Let's think about this for a moment: If more sex was really the solution, how come a certain rock-star died from prostate cancer? Also, if prostate cancer is the number one cancer killer of males, were all these murdered males celibate? Not likely...

While plain common sense would indicate that utter sexual abstinence may be harmful over the course of a lifetime, prostate cancer remains the number one cancer-killer of males DESPITE the fact that very few males are either rock stars or priests!

So, prostate cancer has little to do with sexual activity or the testosterone that fuels it. Rather, it is an issue of how we handle the excessive DHT in our bodies. With today's meat and hormone-filled diets it should be no wonder that our current report card is so poor.

This is why pro-hormone supplementation is replete with warnings that people with prostate problems should not be taking their prod! ucts. ( Bodybuilders love excess DHT which they can direct into their muscle tissue.)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, often referred to as simply BPH, is an enlargement of the prostate gland that usually occurs in men who are over the age of 50. This enlargement in the prostate gland can cause a gradual squeezing of the urethra, which makes urinating difficult and painful. Many men who experience this prostate problem do not have any symptoms at all and it may not be detected until an annual rectal exam. Men with this prostate problem who do experience symptoms are likely to notice difficulty in starting urination, frequent urination as well as an increased frequency in awakening at night to urinate.

Prostate cancer, another prostate problem, is perhaps the most severe and is one of the leading types of cancers diagnosed in American men. Each year almost a quarter of a million new cases are diagnosed. It is estimated that prostate cancer will affect one out of every ten men. Each year more than 30,000 men die from prostate cancer. Because of the seriousness of this prostate problem, prostate cancer is perhaps the most serious of all the different types of prostate disease. Prostate cancer generally occurs in men who are over the age of 65, although cases in younger men have been reported. There is a high incidence of prostate cancer occurring in men who are shown to have a family history of this type of prostate disease. African-American men are considered to be particularly at risk for prostate cancer and suffer from the highest death rates related to this disease.

Plato Rosinke is a practicing Taoist herbalist since 1991 who specializes in the male reproductive system. If you've got prostate problems, then we've got solutions that work. Even if you're wearing a catheter that thing will be out in no time flat. Cutting-edge Chinese herbal formulation available at:

http://www.prostatesecrets.com

Silica Supplementation For Healthy Bones

2008-12-23T21:02:00.001-08:00

Osteoporosis is an indicator of the aging process. As the calcium in our body structure leeches, our bones become brittle and weak. Using only a calcium supplement cannot remedy or stop this threatening and crippling disease because the body cannot absorb and make use of the calcium without the presence of Silica. Data suggests that, instead of affecting healing, supplemental mineral calcium, in contrast, speeds up the leeching away of bone calcium and thus accelerates the degenerative process of osteoporosis and similar diseases that affect the connective tissues in the human body.

In the case of osteoporosis, Silica can alleviate the pain and may restore the body?s self repair process. Osteoporosis indicators attack women primarily after menopause, but the deterioration process starts much earlier in their younger days. Countless women are dying of fractures caused by osteoporosis compared with cancer of the breast, cervix and uterus combined.

It is important to know that in osteoporosis, thinning of the bones takes place due to the insufficient manufacturing of the surrounding protein medium in which calcium salts first deposit. An insufficient amount of calcium in the bone matrix causes an enlargement of canals and spaces in the bones, giving the bones a porous, thinned look. The weakened bone develops into a fragile state and can be broken by a minor injury. The bones may even fracture from ordinary pressure or stress. For objectives of re-mineralization in damaged bones, it is advised that a sufficient Silica supplement be taken daily.

Bones are composed of mainly phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, but they also include Silica. Silica deposits minerals into the bones, especially calcium. It hastens the healing of fractures and also diminishes scarring at the location of a fracture. A good deal of research evidence indicates that through a transmutation process, Silica is turned into calcium when it is needed. It is for that reason that some scientists mention Silica as a precur! sor to c alcium. Even when calcium is insufficient, the body can turn Silica into calcium that the bones need.

Judy Phillips is the founder of Jash Botanicals, a manufacturer of physicians grade herbal extracts and medicinals. A naturopath and herbalist with over 25 years of experience, her passion for producing herbal formulas of exceptional purity and strength grew from a dissatisfaction with mainstream herbal products. She is an author of various natural health topics, from detoxification to dietary modification, and works to assist the expansion of knowledge to individuals in search of natural treatments. JashBotanicals.com offers a wide range of informative articles, including a monthly newsletter and a natural health blog.

"Beauty Foods" Can Help Slow Down the Aging Process

2008-12-22T21:02:00.001-08:00

Anti-aging has been a very hot topic over the last 15 years, and we?ve made great discoveries about how to turn back the clock with natural hormones and cosmetic procedures. But who would have guessed that the most powerful way of prolonging your youth and enhancing your health was with ?Beauty Cuisine??

Beauty Cuisine is food which not only nourishes but strengthens the body, slows and reverses the aging process (entropy), and rejuvenates our cells allowing for a beautiful body inside and out. Beauty food was a natural part of our evolutionary diet as Paleolithic humans, but has become rare with our quest for fast foods with a long shelf life. The foundation of true youth, health, and beauty lies within consuming the right foods daily. Ideally, we need to pick foods which are fresh, unrefined, nutrient dense, organic, pH balanced, as well as high in enzymatic value, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Here are seven important qualities found in ?beauty foods?: 1) A low glycemic index rating. Those with high ratings promote insulin secretion, a hormone which when in excess is known to age and destroy the body. For example, high fiber and low sugar foods are lower on the glycemic index and are more desirable.

2) Anti-inflammatory properties. Our most common ailments such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and bowel disease are caused by inflammation. Consuming spices such as ginger, tumeric, cayenne, and oregano, as well as foods including salmon, garlic, and blueberries, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

3) An alkaline or neutral pH. Fast foods and processed, refined foods are acidic and promote deterioration and aging. Yet, foods such as green vegetables, salads, sprouts, watercress, mustard greens, seaweed, sesame seeds, and berries are alkaline and rejuvenating.

4) High enzymatic content. Many illnesses occur as a result of lacking enzymes. They are critical in our food for digestion and assimilation of nutrients, yet they are sorely la! cking in our packaged and microwave prepared foods. High enzyme foods are energizing and invigorating, allowing the body to heal and recover significantly faster from injury or aging skin cells and organs. Foods high in enzymes include fresh raw vegetables and berries, as well as raw cheeses, yogurt, and wild game.

5) High mineral content. Foods such as arugula, hemp seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, broccoli sprouts, raw honey, aloe vera, papaya, berries, and burdock root are rich in minerals including silicon, biotin, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, and manganese, all known for their importance for strong hair, skin, and nails.

6) High Syntropy value. Stress, toxins, unhealthy food, and lack of fresh air and sun increase the aging process. They create destruction and disorder or entropy in our bodies, and few things actually work in direct opposition. Syntropy is an order-enhancing energy force stored in food which actually neutralizes entropy and releases the beautifying power in food from the sun. Thus, eating ?beauty? foods results in a more youthful energy, body, and mind.

7) Naturally colorful. The vibrant colors of natural foods indicate their wide spectrum of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and nutrients which protect, nourish, and heal the body from disease and aging. From the deep blue blueberries, to the red sockeye salmon, choose a variety of colors each day to optimize your intake of beautifying foods.

?Beauty Cuisine? similar to Paleolithic nutrition, is undeniably the most important new trend for healthy living. It will first stimulate your taste buds and then support your body to eliminate toxins, rejuvenate skin cells, strengthen organs, and increase overall vitality, health, and appearance. Humans evolved on these highly energetic restorative foods for the last two million years, and in order to continue thriving, we must make it a priority to keep consuming the right foods.

Annika owns a professional nutritional supplements website called http://www.RockwellNutrit! ion.com. She is a Certified Nutritionist, who completed her B.A. at Swarthmore College, PA, in a Psychology Pre-Medical curriculum. She later attained her Nutrition Certification (CN?) through American Health Sciences University, CO. Since 1995, she has been working in the nutritional supplement industry.

Accutane and Proactive Solution Acne Cures That Really Work

2008-12-21T21:02:00.001-08:00

Acne cures that work are hard to find and that is a problenm, especially since acne can be a serious skin disorder not just a few pimples. that can be unsightly and embarrassing to the individuals it afflicts.

Two of the best acne cures that work are on the market and include a drug called isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, and the other, a system in three parts called Proactive Solution.

Accutane is one of the well known acne cures that work although it is a drug that has many serious side effects so it is prescribed for only those with serious cases of acne.

This acne cures that work begins to rid one of severe acne in a permanent manner after only one application.

Accutane is the best acne treatment to hit the market in well over twenty years and is highly thought of as one of the acne cares that works.

It falls into the category of drugs by the name of retinoids and as a rule one course of treatment must be taken to cure acne for a period of five months.

This treatment has been shown to help the great majority of acne sufferers (approximately 85 percent).

Occasionally patients require more than one course of the drug in order for it to cure their acne however most do not.

The Proactive Solution is another of the acne cures that work

This is not as high-risk and as far as acne cures go, Proactive can help people who have mild to serious cases of acne.

Combining all three parts of the Proactive Solution's system together can help cure acne in a timely fashion.

It is a topical solution that is applied directly to the affected areas of skin.

The system includes Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner and Repairing Lotion.

The items need to all be used in concert to do their job correctly and treat your acne the way you want.

Discover more articles and information regarding acne and skin treatments. Find some Acne Treatments that Work

What is Spray Tanning?

2008-12-21T08:02:00.001-08:00

Spray tanning is a relatively new method of sunless tanning. Technically spray tanning method is something between self-tanning cosmetics and tanning beds. You go into the spray-tanning booth where you are sprayed by a special mist. After a few minutes the process is over and in a short time you?ll the kind of suntan you want.

How does it work?

The mist used in spray tanning contains DHA, a chemical reacting with the outer layer of skin and dyeing it brown. Technically it works just like tanning lotions, but the booth and sprays assure that all the body will be equally covered with DHA. Spray tanning does not require any additional sessions ? one visit is enough to get a suntan you need.

How long does it last?

Because spray tanning works only in the outer layer of the skin (the ?dead? one), the effects can last only as long as a week, and they usually disappear in four or five days. As you see spray tanning is an excellent method to look very good for a short time. But of course, you can visit a spray tanning saloon once a week and retain your skin color almost indefinitely.

Can I make it last a little longer?

Well, the skin replacement process is unavoidable, but you can increase the lifespan of you tan if you do a few things before beginning the spray tanning process. Here are they:

(1) Moisture your skin with some water-based moisturizer prior to spray tanning. It will help DHA to propagate itself into your skin and will add to tan?s lifespan.

(2) Exfoliate - clear your skin?s outermost layer from those dead cells that are already about to fall off. The mist will dye only those cells that are supposed to last longer than a few hours.

What about the tan color?

Due to the chemical processes caused by DHA, it is impossible to get an improper tan color ? it will be always a shade of brown. Of course, spray tanning lets you choose the right shade ? by spraying the right kind of mist, you can acquire all the palette of browns ? from very light b! rown to almost black ones. It does not change the session time.

Can spray tanning be dangerous for my health?

Spray tanning eliminates most health hazards typical for UV-tanning methods, so skin aging and cancer are no longer problems. The only possible hazard of spray tanning is an allergy for DHA, but as with kinds of allergy, this does not usually threats your life, like cancer does.

Is spray tanning dangerous for my clothes?

No, it isn?t. Spray tanning method rely on chemical reactions in your skin and DHA isn?t by any means paint! Even if mist has been used in excess, spray tanning does not create any stains and remains perfectly safe for your clothes (and people you shake hands with J).

Does it leave any odor?

It depends. While most waterborne sprays are odorless, many spray tanning saloons use oil-based mist and it leave some starchy odor, so it is not recommended to go to spray tanning saloon right before a date. The scent vanishes completely after a few hours.

Linda Smith owns Luxury Tanning.com, a site devoted to the latest in tanning

Your Eye Surgery Report Is Laser Surgery Right for You?

2008-12-20T21:02:00.001-08:00

LASIK - stands for Laser in-Situ Keratomileusis

The Ideal Candidate

In general, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over 18 years of age and has healthy corneas. Candidates must not have had a significant increase in their prescription in the last 12 months. People with certain medical conditions or women who are pregnant may not be good candidates for LASIK

Realistic Expectations

The decision to have LASIK is an important one that ultimately, only you can make. It is important that you have realistic expectations and that your decision is based on facts, not hopes or misconceptions. The goal of LASIK is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. LASIK does not always create 20/20 or even 20/40 vision. It cannot correct a condition known as presbyopia, or aging of the eye which normally occurs around age 40 and which requires the use of reading glasses. In fact, people over 40 who have their distance vision improved may find they need reading glasses after the procedure.

What Are The Outcomes of LASIK?

Long term data as well as our recent findings reveal very positive results. LASIK has proven very effective in correcting a broad range of myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia. It has been reported that 92% of patients were corrected to 20/40 or better, and 88% were 20/20 for mild myopia. For moderate and high myopia, 92% were still correctable to 20/40 or better, of which 39% were correctable to 20/20. Results with excimer laser have been consistent with these reports.

The procedure is designed to reduce nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness but it cannot stop the aging process and almost all participants will, in all likelihood, need reading glasses as they age.

What Are The Risks?

As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. These are very rare. However, they may include:

1. Improper Correction: The desired correction may not be achieved, or astigmatism may be induced.

2. Decrease in Best Corrected Visual Acuity: T! his is t he best vision you can achieve with glasses or contact lenses.

3. Glare: In the first few months you may experience problems with glare at night.

4. Halos: You may experience halos or hazy rings around bright lights at night.

6. Corneal Scaring: This is extremely rare. A corneal scar may block your vision.

7. Dislocated Corneal Cap: This may have to be sutured or even replaced resulting in a slower recovery of best corrected vision. This is extremely rare.

8. Epithelial Ingrowth: During the healing process some surface cells may migrate under the hinged flap. Often times this requires no attention; however, in some instances they must be removed.

What Are The Benefits Of LASIK?

1. Reduction of large amounts of nearsightedness and astigmatism and farsightedness. Immediate restoration of uncorrected vision.

2. Minimal (usually less than 24 hours) visual recovery time.

3. Permancy of correction. Once the refractive error has been corrected the result is stable.

4. Ability to engage in outdoor activities in which corrective lenses may be cumbersome or restrictive.

5. Elimination of the time, expense and effort involved in maintaining and updating contact lenses.

It's not for everyone, but when it works, it's great. Talk it over with your eyecare professional. Good luck.

FramesDirect.com Better Vision Team View over 10,000 frames online: Eyeglasses, Sunglasses and Frames Online

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Dr. Dhavid Cooper and Dr. Guy Hodgson are the founders of FramesDirect.com which has been recognized for outstanding customer service and satisfaction. FramesDirect.com is fast becoming the global leader of prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses sales online.

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Estrogen and Breast Cancer The Evolving Mystery

2008-12-20T08:03:00.001-08:00

As many women begin the transition through menopause a lot of consideration goes into the idea of taking Hormone Replacements - whether it is just Estrogen (Estrogen Therapy or ET) or a combination of Estrogen and Progesterone (Hormone Therapy or HT). For the purpose of this article Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) will refer to both HT and ET.

Replacing your hormones with either natural or synthetic (laboratory made) forms of hormones may offer some benefit by helping to reduce many of the symptoms of early menopause - such as, hot flashes, insomnia, moodiness, and vaginal dryness. As well as more serious problems that may result from menopause like weakened bones, and osteoporosis.

But as with EVERY pharmaceutical product made to help relieve pain or discomfort there are risks, and hormone therapy is not without them. What's important is that your unique health history and risk factors are discussed with your doctor to best determine whether or not HT or ET is the best option for you.

Estrogens Impact on the Breast

What you have to recognize is that the scientific community is just beginning to realize the uniqueness of every woman's hormone profile. The effect of HRT on one of your female friends may be vastly different from the effect they have on you. This is why there is such a large amount of variation in what each woman experiences as they transition through menopause. This is also one of the greatest challenges that Doctor's and Scientist face in their effort to understand the affects HRT has on the female breast.

Probably the biggest concern women have about HRT is the increased risk of that dreaded disease - Breast Cancer! Breast cancer risk, like many diseases, increases with age for women, but it is not specifically affected by menopause. Unfortunately, recent studies have generated a lot of conflicting data between HRT and breast cancer risk.

But, before I go into the risk of developing breast cancers from HRT, it is important that you understand how ! Estrogen and Progesterone hormones affect your body, or more particularly, your breasts.

There are two primary thoughts on how cancer develops in the breast. One is that cancer tends to appear in fast growing tissue - Estrogen (and Progesterone) can cause breast tissue to grow at a faster rate - therefore this may be one way Estrogen is related to developing breast cancer. A second theory is that when estrogen is broken down in breast tissue the resultant compounds may bind to genetic material (DNA) and damage it. Damaged DNA is a common cause of cancers. For the moment - these are two primary theories on how HRT may increase the development of breast cancer.

Understand that the scientific community is hard at work trying to unravel the link between Estrogen and Breast Cancer -- or if there is even really a link -- but good science takes time. There are so many variables (like medical history and diet) in every study that it is impossible to blame ET or HT alone for breast cancer. Although the results of many clinical trials does show that HRT MAY increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

The Risk Factors

As a result of the various studies and clinical trials done, one thing is for sure, many more studies will need to be done before we unravel the mystery of HRT and breast cancer. In the mean time be aware of the fact that: Breast cancer risk is increased with the use of ET, and to a greater extent with HT, use beyond 5 years. And observational data suggest a slight potential increase for breast cancer with HRT use for less than five years.

By how much the risk is increased is not exactly clear at this point and will likely vary depending on each woman's unique genetic makeup, diet and exposure to various environmental factors. Obviously, the risk factor of taking HRT has a much greater impact if you are already at risk of developing breast cancer. If you fit into any of the categories below - then most physicians would probably agree that you should avoid HRT.

! If you a re a breast cancer survivor: The concern is that HRT may stimulate the growth of small or hidden tumors, it is nearly impossible to determine how many women harbor these hidden cells known as micrometastases.

If you have a family history of breast cancer: It is not clear whether women with a family history are at increased risk of developing breast cancer when taking HRT and therefore the medical community is cautious about recommending it.

If you have a history of: Uterine cancer, Liver disease, Blood clots, Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or Heart disease.

One major consideration when contemplating HRT should be whether or not you are at a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer. Some other minor factors that may increase your cancer risk are weight gain and women who experience menopause later in life than average.

HRT - A Personal Decision

HRT is really a personal choice - there is no right or wrong answer. While some women may not want to accept the risks associated with HRT others may want to. Each woman must decide for herself, with input from her doctor, the best course of action. Both patient and doctor should be comfortable with the decision to take HRT or to pursue other treatments.

If you do decide to try HRT make sure you work closely with your doctor - prescribing the right dosage may sometimes turn into a bit of a guessing game. Keep your doctor informed as to how you are feeling and whether or not you think it is helping. The best thing you can do is actually keep a journal and track the symptoms that you're hoping HRT will help with. The lower the dosages and the shorter the duration is best if you are worried about increased breast cancer risk. But again your personal situation should be discussed in detail with your doctor, if you have another medical condition where the benefits HRT provide outweigh the increased breast cancer risk, then HRT should be considered.

If HRT is not for you - you are not witho! ut help. Thanks to all the ongoing research, new therapies and alternatives are being investigated every day and have proven successful for many women. But a word of warning - since this is a very new field, don't necessarily believe every thing you hear and read. There are a lot of companies trying to take advantage of this relatively new market. And since a lot of the herbal remedies are not regulated by the FDA some companies will package almost anything with no regard for scientific data to back up their claims. Look for resources that are impartial and companies that provide actual data to support what they are claiming.

Lastly, I personally am an advocate of a healthy diet and active lifestyle to beat menopausal symptoms and weight gain -- you should know that every clinical study I have read has shown that these two factors are proven to ease the menopause transition by regulating hormones naturally. And with no increased risk of breast cancer -- actually eating the right foods will help prevent breast cancer as well as many other types of cancer and disease. So regardless of your HRT decision -- the first step you should take when it comes to helping yourself is to eat a proper macronutrient profile and get that body of yours moving!

Jenny May and Health Thru Fitness, LLC focus on researching, developing, and implementing fitness and health strategies that the menopausal woman, as well as women of all ages, can apply to their current physical status. To learn more about the Jenny May Principles check out http://www.menopause-weight-gain.com and http://www.healththrufitness.com. You are welcome to use this article for your website or newsletter provided that you include the above stated bio and website links. Copyright ? Health Thru Fitness, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Hair Care Tips by Nadeem

2008-12-19T21:02:00.001-08:00

It's surprising the way some people treat their hair. Instead of giving it the respect it deserves, they tug at it with their hair brush, secure it with plain elastic bands that stick to the hair, lick it, chew it, clean their inky hands with it, stick their pens in it, wipe that excess eye-liner off on it, and while shampooing, rub it, scrub it, pull it and generally bash it around before stuffing it under the full blast of a hair dryer. Phew! It's shameful. Just because they're not going bald in a hurry, they take it for granted. And then they wonder why their hair isn't a shiny, swinging, sexy mane like in the ads, in spite of using the same shampoo! Well, understand the facts of life. Hair is delicate, growing stuff which need to be handled with care. A lot of care.

First, identify your hair type. Is it normal, oily or dry?

So, who's normal? Well, if your hair isn't a constant maze of split ends, doesn't become oily quickly and is fairly well behaved, you could say it is normal. Wash your hair twice a week with a mild shampoo and conditioner for normal hair. Towel dry lightly. Blow dry from at least five inches away, whether your hair is normal, dry or oily.

Stress, hormonal activity (puberty, childbirth), thyroid problems and eating too much fatty food and chocolates are what usually cause oily hair. Oily hair needs to be washed more often but don't scrub too hard while washing. It won't get your hair any cleaner or less oilier. What it will do is further aggravate the already overactive sebaceous glands on your scalp, not to mention cause damage to the delicate follicles. And don't pile hair on the head while shampooing, even though it may look great in the ads. It causes tangling, leading to further breakage. You could add lemon to the final rinse for a great shine. If you don't have time to shampoo every few days or feel lazy and leave it oily, your hair won't just look terrible, but dirt will get lodged under its surface causing breakage and damage not to mention dandruff. T! his will lead to skin problems such as acne on your chest, back and face. So you need to be careful about washing hair regularly, though you could condition it just twice a month. However, if your hair has been chemically treated, you should condition hair after every wash as chemical strips hair of its natural oils.

If your hair is dry, wash it twice a week with a shampoo for dry hair, followed by a conditioner. If your scalp feels very dry and flaky, use an anti-dandruff shampoo. Be very gentle with the ends of the hair, which are the driest parts and tend to split easily. You may be tempted to use styling products to tame the frizz, but avoid it. Frizz is usually caused by the inadequate flow of sebum from the roots, as it is being blocked by the flaky scalp. Give your hair a good oil massage before washing, to loosen the flakes, and rinse hair extra thoroughly.

Beautiful Hair is an asset for any woman. Some are gifted with naturally beautiful hair while others have to really work hard on it. But essentially everybody has to work on hair either for improving or for maintaining them. Here are some tips to manage your Crowning Glory.

Hair Wash

The best way of washing hair is with Aritha and Shikakai Powder. It does not have any chemicals or any other side effects. Aritha and Shikakai powder is available at any General stores or even a banyan shop.

Shampoos

Dry Hair - Egg, Herbal shampoo or any shampoo for dry hair. Normal Hair - For normal hair fruit shampoos or henna shampoo is good.

Oily Hair - Lemon Shampoo

Hair Oil

Oil your hair at least once in a week. If you have dry hair then oil it twice a week. Hair oil gives the necessary moisturizers to your hair. Herbal hair oil provides you the necessary nourishment along with the moisturizers. Hair Conditioners

Henna

Henna conditions and colours your hair.

Dry hair - Add some milk, water and 1-2egg yolks in henna. This mixture will not dry your hair and will make it soft and manageable. Apply ! it month ly.

Normal to Oily Hair ? Add water, lemon, egg yolks in henna. You can apply Henna fortnightly.

Home made conditioners

Add ? cup of vinegar in ? bucket of water. This will give a good shine to your hair. Mix curds and egg yolks together and apply it for 1hour.

Hair Tonics Try tonic Hair Oil?s powder - Put 4 tsp of this powder in water, boil it and after cooling down apply it on hair. This will stop hair loss, rejuvenate and nourish your hair.

Quick- fix hair tips

If you want instant luster just before a big night, beat an egg without the yolk, squeeze half a lemon into it and apply to hair avoiding the scalp than rinse and wash in another half an hour. Be sure to give your hair a last rinse with some rose water because we don't want you going out smelling like an egg.

Henna soaked in water of used tea bags, coffee powder, amla powder and onion peels can make for a excellent conditioner giving your hair the much needed boost.

There are a dozen of hair accessories available in the market today. Use clips, pins and bands to give your hair a different style and an added touch of color.

Nadeem, holds the national record (limca book of record holder) in Candle hair cut, blindfolded hair cut, hair cut with glass and papercutter. He had featured in various TV channels, Newspapers and he was also appreciated by Guiness Book of world records. He works as a hair stylist at REX Salon, Chandigarh (INDIA). Recently he conducted a seminar on hair styling and Japanese rebonding, It was very successful various hair dressers & beauticians from the region participated and appreciated his work.

free lance writer

Acupuncture Weight Loss Does it Work?

2008-12-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture for weight loss is a modern application of this ancient medical practice. This article reports on the conclusion of it's safety and effectiveness following an extensive examination of the published evidence. For the complete report, please visit the URL displayed in the author bio.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- Safety

Acupuncture for losing weight is a safe practice when a dieter undergoes 1-3 sessions within 3 to 4 weeks of starting a traditional method of weight loss.

Common side effects, rarely reported by dieters, include headache, nausea, and vertigo (losing balance). Severe adverse events, like neurological damage or death, have never occurred within 3 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Unfortunetly, no conclusions can be made beyond 4 weeks because of a lack of safety data. The studies found to examine acupuncture's safety do not follow subjects past 4 weeks. The ones that did attempt to follow subjects past 4 weeks, show many inconsistancies.

Until more data becomes available on acupuncture's safety beyond 4 weeks, no final conclusion can be made.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- Does it Work?

After examining several published studies, acupuncture for weight loss, when combined with traditional methods of dieting like caloric restriction and exercise, does increase the amount of weight loss experienced by dieters.

In some studies, the difference between those using acupuncture and those not, was statistically significant. However, like the safety data, the conclusion that acupuncture does increase the amount of weight loss can only be made up to 4 weeks.

After 4 weeks, the data becomes inconsistant and incomplete. To make a conclusion beyond 4 weeks will require more data.

Acupuncture as a sole method to help dieters lose weight has not been studied enough to make a conclusion. The studies that are available are not designed properly and do not include enough subjects.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- The Final Verdict

By under! going 1- 3 sessions within 3-4 weeks and when combined with tradtional methods of weight loss, acupuncture does work to increase the amount of weight lost by dieters.

No conclusion can be made on the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture beyond 4 weeks because of a lack of data.

To Healthy Living!

Michael A. Smith, MD
Chief Medical Consultant
Diet Basics Website

Dr. Smith is the Chief Medical Consultant for Diet Basics, a content rich weight loss web site dedicated to all dieters. For the complete report on acupuncture, please visit Acupuncture for Weight Loss.

Walking For Weight Loss

2008-12-18T21:02:00.001-08:00

It is generally well accepted that exercise burns calories and can increase the overall health of body and mind. Most of us also recognize that walking is one of the simplest and most effective exercises for weight loss and health. What many people don't realize is that they might not be getting the most effective returns on their efforts. It actually requires just a little tweaking of a simple walking program to make it more effective as a weight loss program.

Many experts will recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of sustained physical activity every day for health. However, 30 minutes of walking a day, while it may initially cause some welcome and valuable weight loss for an overweight individual, the weight loss results will probably not be sustained as the body makes adjustments and learns to accept the new demands made on it.

Rest assured, walking (or participating in other activities) for a sustained 30 minutes a day WILL result in better health, a greater level of energy and well-being, as well as producing SOME weight loss. However, anyone seriously overweight will probably not create the sustained, permanent weight loss they seek with only 30 minutes a day.

Because of the manner in which the body draws on fat stores vs. other stored energy sources, the first, and most valuable step, will be to increase the amount of time the activity is performed. Forty-five minutes is better than 30, and 60 is better than 45 minutes.

Admittedly, walking an hour a day, six or seven times a week may be difficult for some to fit into their schedules. However, simply increasing the time to 45 or 60 minutes of activity two or three times a week will produce more weight loss than keeping all walks at 30 minutes.

Another technique is to increase the speed with which you walk on the days that you do not walk more than 30 minutes. This also has the benefit of conditioning the body in a slightly different manner than the slower paced, longer walks. Remember, no walk should introduce! extreme difficulty in breathing. A rule of thumb is that if you cannot talk and walk, you are attempting to either go too fast or too far. Always build up slowly to new levels of exertion.

You may also want to consider adding resistance training, such as with free weights, or equipment such as a Bowflex or Total Gym, or similar exercise apparatus. This builds muscle tissue which will burn more calories even in a resting state. Additionally, walking exercises only certain muscles and muscle groups. A resistance training program can be used to train muscle groups generally not included in walking.

Although the extended 45 and 60 minute walks will be somewhat more effective if done at one time, two 30 minute walks in a day will be more beneficial for fitness and weight loss than only one.

I would like to take a moment to address walking vs. running as a weight loss program.

Certainly, if you train to the point where you can run certain distances in certain times, you will almost certainly experience a major weight loss if that is what your body needs. However, you can get just as fit as a runner by walking with a great deal less danger of injury. A beginning walker in particular is more likely to experience less discomfort during and after an exercise period than a beginning runner. Once you have build muscles and stamina, you may wish to move into a running program. Also, in the beginning of any exercise program, whether for weight loss or physical fitness, extreme demands on the body and one's physical, mental, and motivational resources may result in the program being dropped. It is generally easier to slip into a permanent walking program from a sedentary lifestyle than a running program.

One last argument for at least beginning with a walking program is that you can sneak into a walking program without any special equipment or preparation, and no one but you needs to know that the shopping trip to the mall was actually your secret walk for the day.

There's an old ! saying t hat the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step...so does a successful weight loss program.

The author is retired from the Army after 21 years of service, has worked as an accountant, optical lab manager, restaurant manager, and instructor. He has been a member of Mensa for several years, and has written and published poetry, essays, and articles on various subjects for the last 40 years. He developed an interest in health and fitness in the '70s after reading numerous books, including Dr. Kenneth Cooper's Aerobics. This has led him to continue his personal research into health and fitness for over 30 years, and to pursue course work on the subjects of health and fitness, including yoga, which he practices regularly. Learn more about Yoga and Weight Loss.

Skin Cancer Prevention Sunscreens

2008-12-18T08:02:00.001-08:00

Covering up is your best defense against skin cancer but for those days you're going to be exposed to the sun, make sure you grab some sunscreen.

Have you noticed how many well known people are having surgery to remove cancer from their face? How about people you know? It is reported that there will be over a million new skin cancer cases this year alone. It doesn't have to be that way if people would just take the time to apply a generous amount of sunscreen on their exposed skin.

Let's take a look at the types of sunscreens that are available on the market today.

Types of Sunscreens

The most common and basic is clothing. A tightly woven, lightly colored material is best.

Next would be chemical sunscreens that are available in a variety of forms. They contain one or more of UV radiation-absorbing chemicals. A few of the most common chemical groups that block UVB radiation are known as PABA (p-aminobenzoic acid), PABA esters (padimate O), cinnamates (cinoxate, ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate), salicylates (octylsalicylate, homosalate), and anthranilates (methyl anthranilate). That goodness for acronyms. While these all block UVB radiation, the chemical group known as benzophenone (oxybenzone and dioxybenzone) provides the best protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Protection

All sunscreens are assigned Sun Protection Factor (SPF) numbers by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This number refers to the sunscreen ability to block UVB radiation. Sunscreen products with SPFs of 2 to 50 are available on the market. Now here is the interesting part, a sunscreen product with a SPF of 15 will protect your skin 15 times longer from UVB than if you did not have sunscreen applied at all but a SPF 30 does not work twice as well. A sunscreen with SPF 30 will only provide another 3%. So think twice before you fork out more money expecting a lot greater protection.

It is also important that the product stand-up to the stress of prolonged exercise, sweat! ing, and swimming. Look for the following three labeling recommendations to help you determine the the most effective sunscreen for your activity:

- Sweat-resistant: gives protection up to 30 minutes during continuous heavy perspiration - Water-resistant: gives protection up to 40 minutes during continuous water exposure - Waterproof: gives protection up to 80 minutes of during continuous water exposure

Remember to reapplied sunscreen after prolonged swimming or perspiring. Also remember that reapplication of a sunscreen does not further the period of protection.

In Conclusion:

I'll say it again, cover up if you plan on spending long periods of time in the sun, if at the beach or swimming make sure you use the appropriate sunscreen and reapply as needed.

Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.

Zeoh.com Free Classifieds Web Site =>http://www.zeoh.com/

Good Health, Nutrition and Exercise Web Blog =>http://www.keeping-fit.blogspot.com

Internet Marketing and Advertising Tips Web Blog =>http://www.zeoh.com/blog.com

How the Season's of God Helped Me Overcome Having Breast Cancer

2008-12-17T21:02:00.001-08:00

Heal Cancer!!!!! Pray for a Breast Cancer Healing Prayer

Overcoming Breast Cancer with the Season?s of God

How I accepted the feelings and emotions of having Breast Cancer

My husband and I go to a wonderful church. Our pastor is like no other. He is a great teacher. He teaches us how the Bible can help us with our daily lives. This book the Bible has everything for a Christian life. It deals with every situation and it gives everything we will ever need to know. The answers are in the word of God.

Pastors teachings has helped me to get through one of the most difficult times in my life. This particular Sunday he preached on the seasons of the year. Our lives are ruled by the seasons. Each season has a purpose in our lives. Mans seasons are changeable and negotiable. Gods seasons are fixed consistent, reliable and not negotiable. Everyone has a different time span for their season. My season may be long and yours may be short. It is just what God has planned for us. All of your seasons follow in order just like they do each year. There are seasons of love, marriage, death, sickness, prosperity and success. Do you know what season you are in?

I was in my Winter. It is the coldest season of the year. It is a time when you are tested. Winter is a time to grow through and not go through, Your winter may be long or short. It may be filled with the problems of snow and rain, and things just are not easy, emotional stresses, death, sickness and the pains of divorce. Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own. Do you know what season you are in?

Then long came Springa time to take advantage of opportunities. It is a season for expansion. This is a time to plant seeds a time to grow. Spring is a time to give birth to new ideas and relationships. Your spring may be long or short. This is a time of great favor in your life. Too, forget the harshness of winter and start a new beginning. All doors are open to you now! . The op portunity of college is opened and a new job or home. It is the time to buy a new car or even marriage. The sky is the limit for opportunities. Do not wish for less of a challenge pray for more wisdom. Do you know what season you are in?

A long came Summer the hottest season of the year. It is a time to nourish and protect. This is the time for the seeds you have planted in the spring to blossom. As soon as you plant the seeds the insects and weeds of the world come to destroy. This is a time to protect all good things. A time to protect yourself from sickness, poverty and enjoy the harvest of prosperity and success. All good things will be attacked. Satan will try robbing you of your God given harvest. Successes are to be protected and celebrated. Do not wish for fewer problems pray for more skills. Do you know what season you are in?

Next and last Fall this is a time to take responsibility and reap the activities of spring. Your fall may be long or short. Get rid of excuses of not succeeding, bad childhood, bad relationships and bad choices that you made in life. This is a new beginning to start to make the best of your life. Fall is a time to achieve Gods plans and his true purpose for your life. Do not say I wish it was easier just pray to make yourself better. Do you know what season you are in?

I learned a great lesson from all of this. This was the greatest test of my life. Pastor's helped me to understand why this was happening to me. This was a part of my destiny, my journey with the Lord. This journey gave me my own testimony. I put all my trust and faith in the Lord that he would bring me through. It was written before I was born that I would have breast cancer. No one can change their destiny. Breast cancer was to be my destiny and my journey. I knew in my heart one day I would have a spring, summer and fall again. Then one day that spring came that I had been praying for. God had healed m.!. I know now that God does things in my life according to the seasons. Each season h! as a key lesson to be learned to bring you closer to God. Thank your God. Do you know what season you are in?

Many heartfelt thanks and love to all, my Husband, Family, Neighbors, and Friends. Much appreciation and admiration to my Pastor, our First Lady and Church Family. Thankfulness, praise and worship to God, thank you Jesus for sparing my life.

By Yvonne Lee Brown November 1, 2005

About Author: Retired Verzion Telephone Company employee. I am a entrepreneur at heart and Network Marketer. A new web site owner of http://www.MyHealingPrayer.com
This website is about cancer and how Prayer Heals. This is a exciting new site with lots of cancer information and products. Stop bye and visit with us soon. !!!

HEAL CANCER!!!! PRAY FOR A BREAST CANCER HEALING PRAYER

Not Tonight...I Have a Headache! (Book)

2008-12-16T21:02:00.001-08:00

I've suffered from headaches for a good part of my life, so I decided to write a book about my wrestling match and experiences with headache pain, and I hope it will help others in their struggle. And, I have suffered from headache pain since I was eleven years old, after an accident at a picnic.

And, now 60 years young, it was a roller-coaster ride or the highest order...feeling good one day...and scraping the bottom of the barrel the next day! Everyone suffers from headaches in their own way, and my situation was a little different, as my problem with headaches all started at a picnic in the mountains, in a fall, and my evil father never took me to the doctor to get fixed, and I got worse as the years went by.

This article is an outline or summary of the book I'm writing on headaches, and I would like to share some of the things that happened to me over that long period of time in my life.

* After the accident at the picnic grounds, I would never be the same, as I suffered from a variety of headaches for the next 40 years! With the headaches, came the nosebleeds and the high blood pressure, and so bad was the blood pressure, that I almost didn't get into the Air Force when I was only 19 years old. Cluster headaches; nervous headaches I suffered and the most terrible and unforgiving...the migraine headache!

* For those of you who are not familiar with the migraine headache, I'l try to describe what they're like! Over the years, I have suffered from bleeding ulcers; an ear ache; a toothache; and I have passed a kidney stone. All painful for sure! But, the migraine is different, because the pain is connected to the beat of the heart...the faster the heart rate...the more the throbbing pain! The lowering of the heart-rate...the less pain and so forth. I don't know if there is anyone that can stay on their feet with the pain of a migraine...and move around and suffer from it!*

* Because of the headaches, I was never a good student, and I struggled for every grade I! got. I was not dumb...I just had a headache problem at a young age. But, despite everything, I went on to graduate from high school and finished two years of college

* I didn't start getting migraine headaches until my last year in the Air Force, when I was about 23 years old. And, a migraine is called an attack...because that's what it is...an attack! In my case, I could get a migraine that could last anywhere from 8 hours for the mild variety...the the vicious which could last for 16 to 20 hours and is pure HELL! The best remedy for the migraine attach, is to lie perfectly still, to keep the heart rate down! The migraine sufferer's worst nightmare is to get up to go to the bathroom or to answer the telephone! If this happens, the throbbing pain is very difficult to get rid of!

* There were times, when I would get an attack, and the pain would always move over to the left side of the head in the temple area, and pound away into the early morning hours! The left eye would be drained of all water, and remain shut! It would take hours to get the eye re-opened. And, it would take a least 2-3 days to recover from a migraine attack!

* It was my last year in the Air Force (24 years old), when I started getting the attacks, and over the next decade, I was in no-mans land, as I struggled to hold a job and to survive! I worked for an entire decade as a temporary employee; I had no vehicle for over seven years; I was hospitalized twice with bleeding ulcers because of so much medication in-take; contracted TB and other illnesses.

*The search for a cure was never-ending for me, as I got worse, and at my worst, I was down to 118 pounds and frail, and my skin a a yellow tint to it, like I had some kind of contagious disease. My eyes were always blood-shot from the pain behind the eyes, and I know there were some people who thought I was on the drunk all the time!

* The VA allowed the veteran eight years for the G.I. Education Bill, but I was not able to complete my education because ! of the h eadaches. I appealed their decision and lost, and so what education I have, I had to pay for it myself.

* In the 1970's, there were few chiropractors around, and I was desperate, that I would do anything to get better! So, I had to try it! Chiropractic made sense to me, because my problem stemmed from the neck and upper spine injury!

* The visits and treatments were slow-going, and I kept a journal, as to how I was coming along. Year after year, I went to a chiropractor, and it took discipline and determination on my part. But, as I maintained the journal, it kept telling me that I was getting better and better. Over five years, I was on the table in the doctor's office 125+ times, and when all the dust settled, I went from a paltry 118 pound weakling...to over 180 pounds...and I felt like the six million dollar man!

* The change for my was incredible, and some people didn't even recognize me! I had color back in my skin; I looked healthy; I worked out pumping aluminum...and it all took a very long time but it was worth it.

* All in all, a decade went by through all this, and in the year 2006, I'm 60 years young, but I feel like I'm 50 years old, because I feel like I lost a decade in there someplace. What will always be amazing to me, is how I could create anything during this time in my life. Creativity...me? After this dreadful time in my life...why aren't I brain-dead? (you ARE brain dead, Jer!)

As a woodcarver in the art and craft world, where I created over 200 original pieces and participated in over 40 shows where I sold my work; building an award-winning website...and, now the challenge of writing articles, in which I hope people read...and if so, I am always appreciative and thankful!

My Authors Den; Here, you can get additional information on where my articles have been published; the joke of the week; My Two Cents and the latest information on my work, etc. http://www.authorsden.com/humordoctormd - Website name: humordoctormd - Over 200 colorful! ; pages; over 500 graphics http://humordoctormd.homestead.com email; humordoctormd@aol.com - humordoctor@aol.com

Accutane Alternatives

2008-12-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

I remember both my cousin and I, who were only two years apart in age, each suffering through adolescence with fairly severe acne problems, dreamt of a day when we'd find a miracle cure for a smooth and beautiful complexion. I, on one hand, had been on everything from Retin-A to Tetracycline and Erythromycin for my acne. She had also been prescribed these drugs and even additional topical treatments which would work for a little while, but then become ineffective.

That was fifteen years ago. At this time, there were no serious and effective alternatives to agressive acne treatment. Accutane was pretty much it.

I remember feeling envious when she was allowed to go on Accutane, which at the time was practically a miracle treatment for those with stubborn and persistent breakouts. The drug was not without it's warnings back then though. I remember the biggest warning was to not get pregnant while on the medication. It was actually mandatory to be on birth control if you were being treated with Accutane, since the medication drastically increases the likelihood of birth defects.

Other than that, I was oblivious to any other warnings and I didn't care about them quite frankly. When you're fifteen and you have severe acne, you would do almost anything to have a clear complexion, especially when your peers can be cruel about physical imperfections!

Green with envy, I tracked my cousin's progress eagerly, and hoped to talk my parents into allowing me to go on this agressive medical treatment. Her skin did break out much worse at first - to the point where she did not want to go out in public due to the large and painful inflammations. This was a known drawback, so I took heart in knowing she would clear up later. Then, as promised, her skin did clear very nicely, and all that was left was the old scarring.

Looking back, I am glad I never took this serious drug. Especially now, hearing about the new allegations of serious depression and even suicidal tendencies that so! me Accut ane patients have experienced. You can't search the net for Accutane without coming across stories of litigation, and advertisements for lawyers who exclusively represent Accutane patients.

Not only are the potential side effects scary, the drug also permanently dries up your primary oil-producing glands, which are the mechanism responsible for acne. While this is good in acne prone adolescents, what about when your skin starts aging? You WILL need that oil as your skin ages, to replenish and protect the moisture in your skin, and help prevent the signs of aging and progression of wrinkles.

My cousin now has some regrets too, since her skin seems to be chronically dry and flaky. She blames the medication for some of her premature aging signs as well, and hypothesizes that had she not undergone Accutane therapy, her skin may have maintained more of it's elasticity in later years.

You should know, there are some excellent natural alternatives on the market today that will prevent and fight acne internally just as well as Accutane can, for a fraction of the cost, with no adverse side effects and excellent, long-lasting results. You just need to know where to look!

Visit Acuzine Acne Pill for information on the effective natural acne remedy talkeed about in this article. Danna Schneider is the founder of Accutane Alternatives

Adult Incontinence Diapers

2008-12-15T21:02:00.001-08:00

It is estimated that more than 19 million Americans suffer from varying degrees of incontinence. We have traditionally and incorrectly assumed incontinence to be a normal side effect of childbirth or that it is something to be expected as we grow older. Doctors now know that incontinence can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. A physician should examine all cases of incontinence. Some may treat the underlying disorder, while others may choose to prescribe a medicinal treatment.

Although we have always assumed that getting older was the cause of incontinence, we now understand that there are many causes for the disorder. It is estimated that nearly 86% of those suffering can seek medical treatment and expect to see results. Results may vary from a much lesser degree of incontinence to fully regaining bladder control. While some cases of incontinence are caused by aging, most cases are signals of underlying medical issues, such as enlargement of the prostate in men and loss of estrogen in post-menopausal women. These examples highlight the importance of seeking guidance, evaluation and treatment from your physician.

You can also look into the various other methods that can help to treat incontinence. Kegal exercises, which help to strengthen the pelvic muscles, are often an effective method of controlling incontinence. More serious cases may require medication, or even surgery. It all depends on the severity and your level of discomfort. Adult incontinence diapers are a good way to ease the discomfort from loss of bladder control.

While you are in the process of seeking treatment, whether it is medication, exercise or surgery, you will need to decide what kind of adult diaper to choose. Your doctor can assist you in finding the best brand of adult incontinence diapers for you. Fortunately, for most suffers of this disorder, many products are available to make their lives more comfortable.

Adult Diapers Info provides comprehensive information about adult incontinence di! apers, a dult cloth diapers, adult disposable diapers, and adult diaper rash, as well as where to buy adult diapers and discount adult diapers. Adult Diapers Info is affiliated with Original Content.

Is Laser Surgery Recommended For Your Acne?

2008-12-15T08:03:00.001-08:00

Acne laser surgery has gained in popularity, as many suffers are prepared to take drastic action to fight back against acne. Even though it can work wonders acne laser surgery should only be considered for use in extreme cases, when it is really necessary as a last resort. While it is often considered a beauty treatment, it is real, serious surgery and, as such, should not be used without careful consideration.

How does it work?

The procedure must only be administered by a trained doctor. A dermatologist may use acne laser surgery in the most severe acne cases to dig to the very core of a pimple and clear it completely. The laser device is designed so that it is weak enough not to cause any additional damage beyond the area being treated. Most experts consider this laser surgery very safe, but as with any surgery there is always at least a small opportunity for unexpected consequences.

Are there any problems with acne laser surgery?

Every responsible doctor will council that acne laser surgery is by no means a perfect and universal solution. There are several important factors that limit the surgery's usefulness.

1. The causes of acne

Laser surgery concentrates only on one aspect of the disease - its visible effects. While the surgery can surely get rid of acne's visible symptoms, it can not really heal. The laser surgery should be only a part of more complex acne treatment program that will consist of a change of diet, reducing stress levels and possibly even hormonal treatment. Otherwise the symptoms will sooner or later appear once again.

2. Doctors' only

Another possible problem is the surgeon's skill (or lack of it. Be sure you're going to get your acne laser surgery from a trained and experienced doctor. There have been reports of cosmetologists giving an acne light treatment without the proper training. Laser surgery is not the place to try and save money. You will get the best chance for success with an experienced dermatologists doing the w! ork.

3. The cost

Acne laser surgery is in a mid-point between cosmetics and health care. Some health insurance policies may cover it, some may not. Most insurance companies pay for acne laser surgery only in most extreme cases. Whatever you might think about the severity of your acne, it is wise to make sure that you insurance company agrees with you. Otherwise you may find laser surgery costing more than you planned.

4. Preparations

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that you have to seriously prepare for the treatment. In some cases laser surgery is serious enough that you must spend a few days in a bed after the procedure. Can you afford to be away from work for those days? and will you employer agree to your absence?

If course you should consider laser surgery if your acne is severe and has not responded to other treatment. Just don't rush in to it without careful thought and preparation.

Mark Walters advises those suffering from acne and other skin conditions online at http://www.AcneRescue.com

Natural Hair Care The Best Treatment For Hair Loss

2008-12-14T21:02:00.001-08:00

There are several Causes of Hair Loss in Women and men and as there are a number of causes, there are also a number of Hair Loss Medications for Males and females available.

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia (males) which can also be called DHT Hair Loss. When testosterone, the male hormone, gets converted to DHT, it results in hair loss. Besides Anti-Androgen Medication, there are a number of Herbal Nutritional Supplements available which contain natural substances for blocking this transformation into DHT by the human body and are able to take care of hair loss. The active ingredients of these supplements are all-natural herbal, vitamin, and mineral DHT inhibitors. These natural hair care products contain no harsh chemicals and do not have sexual side effects which are very much evident in Hair Loss Medication.

The common hair care treatments available for females for normal hair care include shampoos, conditioners, whereas hair Re-growth treatment with Anti-Androgens and topical treatment with Rogaine are the only available options for female balding. There are many limitations of the anti androgen therapy, and the topical medication Rogaine which is more effective in preventing further hair loss rather than stimulating hair growth, is quite expensive and requires a long period of treatment (from 6 months to a year). Besides, the results obtained after a long period of use disappear after the treatment is stopped. In such situations it is best to explore the natural hair care secrets offered by many Natural Herbal Supplements and the Nutritional Health Vitamin Supplements.

Nutrition plays a very important role for hair care. The hair follicles which are in an active growth phase are strong and healthy compared to those which are in the resting stage. A steady flow of proper nutritional building blocks is essential for hair follicles to grow and produce healthy hair fiber. The follicles derive their nutrition from the blood. A balanced diet which ha! s the na tural vitamin supplements, proteins and mineral and health supplements is able to provide natural nutritional supplements to the hair follicles. If the already weak hair follicles do not get proper nutrition they become more prone to shedding.

These natural health supplements create an atmosphere where the tiny follicles beneath your scalp receive exactly what they need to create beautiful, full-bodied hair and also the power they need to sustain themselves when old.

Preventive care is the best form of treatment for any type of illness and hair loss is no exception. By providing the advantage of best nutritional and natural hair care you are sure to have a better control of hair loss.

Natural food supplements are the key to good health, and using natural hair care products and supplements are the best hair loss treatments for hair care.

Natural hair care secrets lie in taking a scientifically balanced mixture of Vitamins, Minerals and other Health Supplements which have long been regarded as effective for providing the right nourishment to the hair follicles and retain their vitality, natural color and the their potential for re-growth which can be lost due to both the internal and external causes.

Science has now unraveled the natural care secrets of phytonutrients, or phytochemicals, many of these chemicals have antioxidant capabilities greater than vitamin A, C, or E and the vitamins which have also been shown to be related with hair care. Many of these chemicals have anti-cancer benefits, and the good news is that there are thousands of such chemicals found in each fruit or vegetable.

Besides fruits and vegetables, nature has many herbs and plants which are able to provide natural hair care. Hormonal imbalance resulting from menopause is an important cause of hair loss in women. Besides menopause, hormonal imbalance is also caused during pregnancy, child birth, and is the cause of poly cystic ovarian syndrome in women, hormonal imbalance is also one of the main cau! ses of h air loss in women.

Many of the herbs have the required natural supplements in them which are able to take care of most of the problems women face, so much so that they can be labeled as Women Health Supplements. These natural women health supplements are able to prevent hair loss due to menopause and are especially useful for women?s health during the difficult phases of their life.

Harry john is involved with the hair growth research, he has also researched on topics like natural hair care, fast hair growth tips, hair loss medication and hair mineral analysis which actually are the gateway to healthy growth and maintenance.

The Symptoms of Mesothelioma

2008-12-14T08:02:00.001-08:00

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is being discovered more and more frequently in elderly men. The most common cause of mesothelioma is from asbestos exposure and affects the membrane of many of the most vital internal organs such as the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is particularly hard to diagnose because it shows similar symptoms to many other more common diseases.

The most common form of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma accounts for 75% of all mesothelioma cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and has symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, breathing and swallowing difficulties, shortness of breath, wheezing and weight loss. These symptoms apply to many less serious diseases but anyone with signs of these symptoms are strongly advised to consult their doctor as soon as possible.

A less common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma and this form of the cancer affects the abdomen. The tissue lining the abdomen is called the peritoneum and this is what is affected. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 20% of all mesothelioma cases. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are weight loss, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, and abdominal swelling. These symptoms become more and more severe as the cancer develops. To learn more about these symptoms go to http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

Those who are exposed to asbestos or have been exposed have a risk of obtaining mesothelioma. It is important that mesothelioma is diagnosed in its early stages so that it can be treated quickly and aggressively. The earlier it is discovered, the more likely the treatment will be successful.

All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about mesothelioma can be found at: http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

Be sure to visit to learn more about this deadly cancer and how you can prevent it.

Boxing Combinations for Cardio Kickboxing

2008-12-13T21:02:00.001-08:00

One of the differences between a trained martial artist and a streetfighter is the time spent practicing sequences or combinations of moves. The idea being to not just hit, but to reflexively hit in sequences of three or four moves. It is far more effective to barrage an opponent with a rapid sequence of blows than to just punch them once. That way if they block the first, or the first two, there is still something coming in to get them. Makes a big difference.

This reflexive reaction of hitting in sequences is only learned through lots of repetition and drills, performing the sequence over and over until it is an automatic reflex. Cardio kickboxing is an ideal way to do this. In fact many of the patterns in cardio kickboxing come from such drills.

Offered as food for thought, here are a variety of real-world combinations from boxing. All are oriented around smooth rotation around the spine, swinging the shoulders so that each punch winds up for the next. If you are a student, look for them in your class. If you are an instructor, perhaps they will provide food for thought in developing new choreography.

- One of the most basic, and effective, combinations is the Jab-Cross-Jab. To make it a four count, add a knee so it becomes Jab-Cross-Jab-Knee. This is a usually a staple in cardio kickboxing classes.

- An interesting variation is to change it up to a Jab-Cross-Hook-Duck.

- On of my favorites (I rarely teach a class without it) is a four punch sequence ? Jab-Cross-Hook-Uppercut. A good variation is Jab-Uppercut-Hook-Cross.

- Another very effective combo is Hook-Cross-Hook. Add a duck or a front kick to make it a four-count.

- Hook-Uppercut-Hook: Very much like the Hook-Cross-Hook. Try intermixing the two combo's.

A cycle I use is to start at a slow pace on one side, then double-up the count, then switch sides and go back to a slow pace, then double-up. Looks like:

Jab-and-cross-and-hook-and-up, Jab-and-cross-and-hook-and-up, , then ! double-u p to Jab-cross-hook-up, jab-cross-hook-up, and so on?

After you get some basic combinations down, start doubling up the jabs, or stringing the different combinations together. You will start to find what works and will be able to modify them to work for you

John Harker is a cardio kickboxing teacher in Santa Cruz, California. He teaches at Westside Aerobics and Martial Arts. More information on cardio kickboxing and martial arts can be found on their website at http://www.wama-club.com and in his personal blog at http://www.myspace.com/johnharker

Health Benefits Of Cucumber

2008-12-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

When the cucumber became important as a health food in the eighteenth century, it did not take long for people to forget those medical properties which had been well-known first of all to the Greeks and Romans and then later to the Arab physicians.

Today we see the cucumber as a provider of a very healthy juice beneficial for its properties as an increaser of the flow of urine and as a complement to the effects of celery and carrot juice for rheumatic conditions, while at the same time being a soothing skin lotion.

Japanese research in the first half of this century indicated that there was a valuable substance present in the cucumber juice for the treatment of the whole intestinal tract. Sad to say this work has not been pursued and the active factor still retains the secret of its identity.

Other health benefits of cucumber is derived from the fact that it is very low in calories, about 4 per ounce (54KJ per 100g) being an average figure. Very high potassium contents have been claimed for the plant which from the most up-to-date analyses available would seem to be an exaggeration. The vitamin content is also generally to be found between low and average for the edible vegetable.

Nevertheless, cucumber juice is certainly beneficial the treatment of rheumatic conditions. It does not matter too much that the reason for this effect is not clear. What is important is that it helps many sufferers.

Although the whole juice is the best skin lotion it is worth remembering that the peel itself, like lemon peel, should always be retained and used on the hands especially after they have been in a strong detergent or in very hot water. It is not necessary to rub hard - indeed skin care with cucumber should be a gentle, fragrant art.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and some guidelines on the benefits of different fruit and vegetables.

Pubic Hair Cuts: Shaving For Good Measure

2008-12-12T08:03:00.001-08:00

Pubic hair can be known to be scent traps. In other words, pubic hair such as underarm hair and pubic region hair can cause someone to have B.O. or body odor.

If you like to wear European-style bikinis which tend to show off more skin, then clearly pubic hair cuts are as much as a personal consideration as well as a public courtesy.

Some men and women simply remove their pubic hair because they feel it is a lot more comfortable. Comfortable behind their clothes, vacuuming naked around the house, etc.

There is a perception that less hair will result in more of a man's package being shown. For women, it may provide a cleaner look to the man. So yes, people do it for sexual as well as sensual reasons.

When applicable, removing hair from the pubic region will also remove things like lice, louse, and other things one would prefer not to have basically.

For men and women who have colored their pubic region, they may have second thoughts on the rainbow colors and decide they want to remove it in a hurry or be forever branded as an odd person.

Pubic hair has become part of the fabric of fashion consciousness. People do it simply as another way amongst the myriad ways to express one's individuality in fun ways.

Pubic hair styles for men related products and value-added services are available at our web site.

http://www.hairremovalcare.com

Listening Deeply: Feeling a Connection with Sound

2008-12-11T21:02:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things to do when I was younger was go to air shows. There, I could feel the planes flying over me, even before I could see them. Having been born with a hearing impairment made me particularly sensitive to sound, and I had to figure out a way to do more with sound than just listen, because that was difficult. With this challenge, I discovered early on that sound could be felt, as well as heard. It was always clear to me that others didn?t have this same relationship with sound; they were almost oblivious to it. Most people respond to music, and can dance to a beat, but beyond that hearing tends to be a lost art.

All people can relate to music; sound can soothe the soul. There seems to be something about the rhythm and beat that makes people stop and take notice ? they can focus on the sound for a period of minutes, which is usually very hard to accomplish! Music may remind people of a time in their lives, or inspire a particular memory, or mark an occasion. Most people understand the power of music, at least on a superficial level. So what is it about sound that people are missing?

The missing piece is the feeling, the understanding of how ingrained sound is in all of us. Western society has become so dependent on sight that it?s almost impossible to get people to look away from the TV, or a car crash, or the computer screen. Many people wear glasses to correct their vision, but only 1 in 10 people who needs a hearing aid will wear it. Why have our eyes taken over and left us unable to really listen?

I have a theory ? it?s one that I?ve been developing for a long time, but I think it?s a sound one: The eyes disconnect us, while the ears connect us. Why is this important? The eyes see and filter information, and then the brain has to interpret it. The ears, however, have no filter, so although the brain is given all the data, it can interpret the information however it wants. No matter what we do, our eyes will distort and mask what is really possible, and our ! brains c an mask and distort. This distortion makes us see things as apart from us; everything is ?out there.? Our ears, however, are open. Our ears give us an experience; we even can feel sound internally, if we practice, just as I did as a kid.

It?s important to re-train our interpreter ? the brain ? to hear sounds more clearly and not rely so heavily on our eyes. Nada yoga, the yoga of deep listening, is a practice that can help us to hear and feel sound. Nada yoga encourages us to tune in to our world and to stop interpreting so much with our brains. When we take time to focus on a sound ?a song, for instance ? it can soothe our brains. When we tune into ambient noise and stop labeling everything as ?good? sound or ?bad? sound, our brains become trained to accept all sounds. When we listen to the people with whom we are in relationships, we also become more tuned in to our inter-connectedness, because they often say similar things to what we would say in a given situation.

Science tells us that all of us are vibration; the entire universe is composed most fundamentally of vibration ? sound. If that?s the case, it is clearly important to listen to the vibrations you can hear. That first crucial step eventually will lead you down a path of understanding everything as vibration. When you can feel that vibration, then you are connected with everything, because it?s all vibration, including you. This vibration cannot be seen with the eyes; in fact, the eyes mask it and make us see things as different, separate, and not connected. Only the ears can allow us to hear, and eventually feel, our similarities ? if we listen deeply enough.

Alanna Kaivalya is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti instructor who specializes in nada yoga and deep inner listening. Born with a hearing impairment, listening closely has allowed her to create a deep sense of connectedness with her world. To invite her to teach a workshop, download her podcasts or to invite her to teach, contact her! via her website: http://www.jivadiva.com.

The Benefits of Sunlight

2008-12-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Despite what we have been led to believe about sunlight, the right amount of responsible sun bathing can make you happier and healthier. Considering the sun as a friend by using it responsibly can be very beneficial as long as we avoid the damaging effects of chronic exposure.

Make sure you understand the risks of skin cancer verses your sunlight needs. Of course we should not get burned or look directly into the sun, but a small amount of daily sunshine on our skin and in our eyes (indirectly) is essential for good health.

New research suggests that sunshine may reduce the risk of many forms of cancer such as prostrate, breast, colon and ovarian cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is our main source of Vitamin D. The major biological function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. And as we know calcium is essential for good bone health.

Researchers have found that Vitamin D from sunlight also plays a role in increasing the amount of oxygen your blood can transport around the body, which in turn, will boost your energy levels, sharpen your mental faculties and give you an improved feeling of well-being.

Chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis have also been shown to improve during safe sunbathing.

The fear of skin cancer is one of the main reasons given for staying out of the sun. During our research we have found that the imbalance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids as well as the lack of essential nutrients such as anti oxidants from a balanced diet, may also play a role in the development of skin cancer.

The research is beginning to bear out the need for safe sun exposure. By limiting sun exposure, changing our diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 to a diet similar to that of our ancestors, (one more closely reflecting a diet ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids) and making other dietary improvements we may start to see a decrease in the incidence of skin cancer.

The best source o! f Vitami n D is of course UV-B from sunlight or from natural food sources like Cod Liver Oil. Those who can not for whatever reason obtain a healthy amount of sun exposure can satisfy the bodies vitamin D requirements by taking a daily dose equivalent to 1000 IU?s of vitamin D from Cod Liver Oil. Remember, Vitamin D in milk and in most vitamins is synthetic and is not nearly as good as getting this important nutrient from the sun.

So why not reap the benefits of sunlight and begin your journey to True Healthy Living Now!

Due to personal health issues we have been researching health & fitness for the last five years. The information we have obtained has helped us and our family members get off pharmaceutical drugs and regain a level of health we had never known.

Please visit us at: http://www.myrevive.com/darleneanddoug, http://www.truehealthylivingnow.blogspot.com, http://survivingdepression101.blogspot.com

3 Steps To Great Abs!

2008-12-10T21:02:00.001-08:00

Myth: You need to work your abs everyday.

Truth: The best way to develop abdominal strength and tone is to work your abs to exhaustion. You need to allow your abdominal muscles to recover..this equates to 24-48 hours of rest time between workouts. Increase the intensity of your workouts gradually. If you overdo it, not only will you be excessively sore (a little soreness is a good thing, it signifies that you have worked the muscle enough for it to repair itself and become stronger in the process), but you may discourage yourself because you will need more rest time than normal and it will be harder to do your ab exercises.

Myth: The more situps you do, the better.

Truth: Doing hundreds of situps will not help you lose abdominal fat! Situps actually do little to increase strength because they focus on edurance and are inefficient; it is hard to overload the abdominal muscles doing situps. Thus, you will be wasting your time. Crunches (yes, crunches) are the best way to overload the abs and work the entire midsection, whether you do them on the floor or on a Swiss Ball (my personal favorite!). There are many variations of crunches, and each targets different parts of the abdominal muscles. While doing crunches, it is imperative that you focus on proper technique and gradually increasing resistance. Using this method, you can fatigue your abdominal muscles using fewer reps.

Myth: Situps are the key to getting cut ab muscles.

Truth: If you have layers of abdominal fat covering your abs, situps, or any other exercise, for that matter, won't do you much good. For a strong, cut midsection, keep in mind these tips:

1. Train your abs with resistance. If you are a beginner, try crunches without resistance first. As you get stronger, then move to more challenging moves or crunches using a Swiss Ball.

2. You need consistent cardiovascular exercise (helps to burn fat faster, performed at 80% of your maximum heart rate).

3. ! Cut the fat in your diet to shed body fat and create definition. This is the only way your abs will show through! Remember, great abs are made in the kitchen!

Learn the essential keys to building a strong core from the experts! To sculpt your abs now, visit our Abdominal Exercise website.

Marie Borges is a motivational writer, author and healthcare consultant. She specializes in educating and motivating clients on good nutrition, healthy eating and exercise to improve overall health and happiness. To change your body for the better, receive free tips, recipes, articles and more, visit:

http://www.burn-your-fat.com

Does Diet Causes Asthma?

2008-12-10T08:02:00.001-08:00

Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system, where the airways get obstructed due to muscle spasm and swelling within the airways which may be with or without secretions. Ayurvedic texts have it that wrong and unsuitable diet and subsequent digestive impurities are a potent cause for respiratory allergy leading to asthma. A combination of other allergic or non-allergic factors, including air pollution, vagaries of the weather, emotional stress and heredity predispositions, can also be responsible for the genesis of asthma in susceptible persons.

In recent years a number of scientific studies have come to the conclusion that certain foods and nutrients exacerbate asthmatic inflammation and bronchial hyperactivity while others reduce such pathology and promote easier breathing. Due to the advanced and effective emergency management of asthma available these days its reasons are often overlooked. But it is a fact that an asthmatic attack in the case of young patients is mostly precipitated by wrong food.

According to ayurveda, asthmatic reactions to food can vary widely as both the whole and the processed foods are known to precipitate such attack. Diet, the chemicals added to food items these days and individual susceptibility supported by seasonal discrepancies and other environmental factors are found to set off allergic reactions in the body. It is widely documented that several commonly used food items like milk, yoghurt, ice-cream and other dairy products cause coughing and wheezing in many asthmatics.

Any unsuitable food can lead to a respiratory spasm, or cause irritation or inflammation that will then overreact with environmental triggers like virus, pollens, smoke and dust. Apart from any ordinary fruit and vegetable, this may include even common foods like cereals such as wheat, rice and maize, poultry products and bakery items or eatables made of yeast.

Many modern foods consumed occasionally or as part of our daily diet have preservatives, flavors and colors which a! re consi dered as potential prompters of respiratory or other allergies.

It is seen that in some patients even an attack of hyperacidity sets into motion an episode of asthma. This factor highlights the ayurvedic dictum of maintenance of post- digestive purity also. Asthmatics are advised to choose a food that suits their digestion in perfect order. It is better to scan one?s diet and evolve a food plan carefully as many times the reactions occur hours after a particular food has been eaten.

Lucy Nicholas also writes on Natural Acne Remedies. More info: Natural-Acne-Treatments-Reviews.com

Exercise The Right Way The Decline Dumbbell Bench Press

2008-12-09T21:02:00.001-08:00

Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders' training regimes.

It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.

In this article we'll take a close look at the decline dumbbell bench press.

MUSCLES TARGETED: pectoralis major, anterior deltoids

STARTING POSITION

Sitting at the high end of a decline bench, make sure that ankles and feet are secured under the pads.

Grasp two dumbbells using an overhand grip.

Set the dumbbells in an upright position on your knees.

Lie on the decline bench whilst simultaneously bringing the dumbbells to the side of your chest on either side.

Raise the dumbbells to arm's length with the palms facing forward. Do not lock out the elbows.

This starting position sees the dumbbells touching each other, directly above the chest.

EXERCISE TECHNIQUE

Slowly bend the arms to lower the dumbbells to a postion on either side of the chest. You should achieve a maximum stretch at this point.

Raise the dumbbells slowly to the starting position.

Repeat this movement until you complete the intended number of reps.

OTHER EXERCISES WORTH CONSIDERING

The Decline Barbell Bench Press places a similar emphasis on the lower part of the pectoralis major and the anterior deltoids. Other useful chest exercises have a slightly different emphasis and these include Push-Ups (mid chest), Flat Dumbbell Bench Press (mid chest), Flat Barbell Ben! ch Press (mid chest),Flat Dumbbell Flys (mid chest), Incline Dumbbell Bench Press (upper chest), Incline Barbell Bench Press (upper chest), Incline Dumbbell Flys (upper chest) and Cable Crossovers (lower and mid chest).

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

The Get Lean Stay Powerful Workout

2008-12-09T08:03:00.000-08:00

This is a nice little workout for those who want to maintain or increase strength, while knocking some excess fat off the body. It combines power exercises and sprinting with minimal rest between exercises.

Diet is very important here. You can't be trying to lean up and eat McDonald's at the same time. Clean it up with fruits and veggies, chicken, fish, lean meat and whole grains.

Forget the whole no-carb crap. The brain needs carbohydrates for nourishment and you need them for the energy that hard workouts demand. It's the cheap carbs like white bread, candy, soda and chips that you don't need. Fruits and veggies will never hurt anyone, period.

The Get Lean, Stay Powerful Workout

Overhead Press 2 x 6-12
Pulldowns 2 x 6-12
Squats 1 x 15-20
Pullovers 1 x 20
Bench Press 2 x 6-12
Sit-ups 1 x 25
Interval Sprints: 10-12 minutes with one minute sprinting and one minute at an easy pace

Notes: Workout 2-3 days per week. Start out and do as many intervals as you can working up to the 10-12 minute range. If this feels like too much, drop down to one hard set to failure for each exercise. If you decide to do one hard set and don't have a squat rack or a partner, DO NOT go to failure on the squats or bench press!

Understand that to be successful in any weight training program - hard work is a must! Half-hearted effort does nothing for you. If you're new to weight training or grossly out of shape, consult a physician first. End of disclaimer.

Brian Carson is a writer and workout enthusiast who write and edits the Workout Routine blog, the site devoted to workout routines by bodybuilders, powerlifters, strength trainers and strongmen from the past to the present. Visit us at http://workout-routines.blogspot.com/

ADD Treatment Through Nutrition

2008-12-08T21:02:00.001-08:00

In previous articles we covered what ADD is and how to diagnose it. In this third instalment we're going to begin a series on how to treat ADD.

ADD can actually be battled from many directions. There are drugs, behavior modification, nutrition, exercise, and a number of other things that can be done to combat ADD in both children and adults.

In this article we are going to choose the natural route first and discuss proper nutrition which can have a huge effect on the behavior of someone suffering from ADD.

One of the main contributing factors to children who suffer from ADD is when their blood sugar level, or glucose level becomes too low. This causes them to become sleepy in class and then ultimately restless because they are bored. Glucose is extremely important in determining a child's attention span. This may sound clich?d but the most important meal of the day is breakfast and glucose should be a part of every child's breakfast. This will ensure that the child's blood sugar level is maintained throughout the day. Kids who skip breakfast tend to have a shorter attention span and a harder time remembering things.

Next is vitamin B. Vitamin B is needed because it helps to release the energy in glucose. Without the proper amount of vitamin B in the diet a child can become aggressive and depressed. There are 12 essential parts to vitamin B so it may be difficult for a child to get all the vitamin B he or she needs just from eating, even though cereal is a good source of vitamin B. To supplement the rest a good multi vitamin capsule will do the trick.

Also very important is iron. Iron aids in transporting oxygen to the blood system and the individual cells, most importantly, brain cells. Not enough iron in the diet results in anaemia, which is very common in children who don't have a balanced diet. Anaemic children, as well as adults, are very tired and don't have the energy to do the things that want to or need to do. Good sources of iron are red meat, tuna! , chicke n and vegetables like broccoli.

Folic acid is also essential as this helps in the formation of red and white blood cells. Not enough folic acid will also make a child feel tired, irritable and forgetful. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of folic acid.

Zinc is needed to maintain communication between the brain cells and the nerve cells. Zinc deficiencies can cause your child to have difficulty in solving academic problems, which can lead to frustration for the child, therefore bringing on ADD symptoms. Zinc can be found in cereals and peanuts.

Vitamin A is important for the nervous system. Vitamin A also helps to strengthen vision. Many times a child will have problems in school because of impaired eye sight. Vitamin A can help to improve the eye sight which in turn will lessen the child's frustration. Vitamin A can be found in carrots and many orange or yellow fruits like bananas.

Proper nutrition is an essential part of a child's health whether he or she has ADD or not. But in children with ADD, proper nutrition is critical.

In the next article we'll cover other treatments for those suffering from ADD.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Attention Deficit Disorder
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Don't Throw Your Tea Bags Away! Learn The Healing Benefits Of Tea Bags

2008-12-08T08:02:00.001-08:00

Studies have proven the healing powers of plants. Although hundreds, maybe even thousands, of plants show medicinal properties, only a handful are tasty enough to be brewed to make tea. And the healing effect of drinking herbal teas is sometimes even more potent than taking herbs in pill form. Best of all, if taken in tranquility or in good company, tea can even ease your troubled soul.

Besides enjoying the healing benefits of tea beverage, here are other creative ways to use your tea bags:

?Soothe a sunburn or radiation treatment with aloe tea applied topically on the affected area for faster healing and more comfort while sleeping. Just brew two to four bags of aloe tea and pour it into cool bath. Soak in the bath to allow healing and prevent moisture loss from the skin. Burns can also be washed with cooled aloe tea used in a mist-maker.

?For a quick cold and flu fix, spice up your bath with ginger. Just brew two bags of ginger tea in a pot of hot water, let it steep then add it to a prepared bath. The warm and stimulating effect of ginger is perfect for those who normally experience cold hands and feet, or for those who are recovering from a chill after suffering from a cold, flu or other illness.

?For instant relaxation and skin rejuvenation, make your own handy facial mist by letting two bags of lavender or chamomile tea steep until cool, then pour in a spray-mist bottle.

?Stir up some potpourri and soothe your senses at home with two tea bags (jasmine, orange or ginger works well) allowed to slightly simmer in a pan of water. Add a slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a few slices of apple for a more potent aroma. If you are planning to sell your house, this could be just the trick you need to inspire that prospective buyer.

The author is a big fan of cooking recipes. Visit the following website for more info about health and cooking recipes.

http://www.101vegetarianrecipes.com http://www.desserts-recipes.com http://www.101cookingrecipes.com

Weight Loss I Lost 40 Pounds

2008-12-07T21:02:00.001-08:00

I did it without starving myself or taking pills. How did I do it you ask?

Well, over a year ago a friend of mine told me about the South Beach Diet. First thing I did was come online to research it. I found a great site http://www.southbeachdietguide.com/tips.html that offered some great tips,helping me to get started.

I have attempted other diet programs but it was too much to think about, worrying about how much of this or that I need to eat at each meal etc.

I just wanted something simple, was that too much to ask for?

I followed the torturous 2 week no sugar no carb theory and I lost 8 pounds. I continued following the program and then started to create my own way of healthy eating while incorporating an exercise routine.

I also fit in my pms binging of good ole sugar and salt.

I jumped on the pilate ban wagon and I have to say, it completely changed the shape of my body. I toned in places I never thought would tone up again.

Here's a easy recipe I used/use:

*Lettuce Wraps*

2 or 3 romain or green leaf lettuce leaves

1 slice of part skim mozzarella cheese

2 slices of low fat turkey breast or lean ham

1 slice of turkey bacon (optional)

mustard or low fat mayo

Spread the lettuce leaves forming a small circle. Then layer the lunch meat, cheese, mustard and turkey bacon. Roll it up and enjoy (I would make 2 lettuce wraps)

Forget about dieting, learn to eat that is a way of life.

Cori Sachais Swidorsky
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Editor and publisher of Informing Women Newsletter, a FREE publication, and owner of InformingWomen.com. Providing information on women's issues and self improvement advice on a variety of topics such as: weight loss and fitness, relationships, health and beauty, home based business, parenting and inspirational,motivational topics. For more information on self improvement and women's issues go to: http://www.informingwomen.com

The Shocking Truth About What's Preventing Us from Developing Healthy Lifestyle Habits

2008-12-07T08:02:00.001-08:00

The air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the foods we eat, contain substances that may be damaging to our cells, according to Public Health scientists who have found new evidence of the threats that our toxic environment pose on our cellular health. Apparently, any tissue that is exposed to the environment, including the skin and gastrointestinal passages, is especially vulnerable.

While government agencies and industry are taking steps to control additional releases into the environment, many toxic substances become concentrated in fatty tissues through a process called bioaccumulation. Animal fats in the diet present health problems in other ways. Dr. Myron Wentz, Ph.D., immunologist and microbiologist, hypothesizes that foods with high peroxide values, especially processed, fatty foods, generate free radicals that in turn damage healthy cells. Researchers believe that supplementary antioxidants are necessary for combating these free radicals in addition to the body?s normal defense systems.

In addition to the health threats posed by toxic substances today, many nutritional scientists point out that much of our food has been over processed and preservatives have been added for packaging, affecting its vitamin and mineral content. In fact many of us are undernourished because our diet lacks many of the important vitamins and minerals necessary for health.

One recent study found that nearly one-third of the calories in the typical American diet come from nutrient-deficient junk food. In contrast, healthy foods, such as vegetables and fruits, make up only about ten percent of the caloric intake. Furthermore, poor diet, coupled with physical inactivity, is now recognized by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the leading causes of death in the U. S. today because without proper nutrition, the cells of the body are less able to prevent and repair cellular damage.

The human body is made of cells, and those cells work together to sustain your life, says D! r. Wentz . Taking antioxidants with food may help reduce the formation of oxidized lipids. Other medical professionals concur on the importance of taking supplementation.

* One way to effectively maintain health is to supplement our diets with a full range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so explains Dr. Ladd McNamara, an obstetrician/gynecologist in Atlanta, Georgia.

* Dr. Ray Strand, M.D., a family practitioner in South Dakota, states, The concerns for my patients? health has led me to recommend a complete nutritional system to my patients.

Remember: When you are maximizing your body?s health potential, we everyone wins. When you don?t, we all lose.

? Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW

PERMISSION TO REPUBLISH: This article may be republished in ezines, newsletters, and on web sites provided attribution is provided to the author, and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live web site link. Email notice of intent to publish is appreciated but not required. Email: eagibbs@ureach.com

Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Management Consultant and Trainer, conducts seminars, lectures, and writes articles on his theme: ... helping you maximize your potential. Get a free health assessment at http://eagibbs.usana.com or other resources at http://www.maximizingyourpotential.blogspot.com. Email: eagibbs@ureach.com.

Moving to a Waterbed

2008-12-06T21:02:00.001-08:00

The vast majority of us still sleep on a regular spring mattress at home, despite the wealth of choice now on the markets relating to mattresses, new materials, ergonomic and orthopaedic sleeping solutions. The waterbed is perhaps the most recognised of those alternatives, but also the one that raises the most doubt in prospective buyers minds. This article aims to work through the potential worries and benefits of replacing your regular mattress with a waterbed.

What are the risks?

It is natural to assume, because of the very nature of a waterbed, that using one is going to be slightly risky. After all, keeping a large plastic vessel filled with water in our bedrooms is not normally something you?d recommend. In this case however, it?s far safer than you would think. Even a violent puncture with a sharp instrument will not lead to a leak, as all waterbeds have a built in vinyl safety liner which captures any leaks within the liner. The water stays captive within the plastic, and holes can be easily repaired using kits available at waterbed stockists. Waterbeds are, in fact, constructed so that they are free from any internal pressure. This means that you could open the ?fill valve? and sit on the waterbed, and still no water would escape.

The other main worry that tends to come to mind is the amount of weight a waterbed might be putting onto your bedroom floor. Weight is rarely, if ever, a problem. The weight of the water is spread evenly over the floor, and any doubts you may have can be assuaged by the professional installation that most waterbed suppliers can offer.

The final thing worth noting is that a waterbed is not like a fish-tank ? you do not have to clean it out every week! The only maintenance a waterbed requires is the addition of a special water conditioner every six months, to help treat and condition the water and the vinyl interior for maximum performance.

What are the benefits?

For asthma and allergy sufferers: While of course waterbeds cannot off! er a cur e for these problems, it can often go quite some way towards reducing suffering. Dust mites and their droppings (which cause many problems for asthma and allergy sufferers) collect in regular mattresses and are impossible to remove. With a waterbed, it is very easy to remove bedding and wipe over the plastic surface with a cloth every now and then, effectively sanitising the bed completely. Water mattress covers can be removed and washed at 60 degrees C, the temperature at which mites are killed. Used in conjunction with allergy-safe bedding, a waterbed can provide even more superior levels of hygiene.

For backache relief: Backache is a common problem in modern society, with people making uninformed decisions on mattresses and cutting costs in areas where they really should be putting more attention. Many lower and upper back problems can be tracked back to an improper sleeping position, and even those who do not suffer from back problems would see considerable back health benefits and posture improvement when moving to a bed that is kinder on their spine. A waterbed acts as a naturally orthopaedic bed, forming around your spine and offering support where it's needed. Floatation systems remove pressure from the spine allowing the spinal muscles to fully relax. Doctors have also found that the addition of heat speeds up the relaxation process and increases circulation to rejuvenate problem areas.

For bedsore sufferers: Any person immobilised and confined to bed for a prolonged period is susceptible to bedsores (decubitus ulcers). The tissue being pinned between hard underlying bone and the surface of the bed for a long period of time causes these. The blood tissues are squeezed, making circulation to the tissues difficult. If cells are deprived of blood for a long period of time they eventually die, causing bedsores. Therefore, treatment relies on reducing these pressure points. A water mattress spreads the body weight evenly, so blood can circulate freely right through the body. A regular ma! ttress p uts uneven pressure on certain areas, whereas a waterbed moulds to the shape of your spine and joints to relieve pressure and support your posture gently throughout the night. The constant warmth of a waterbed further enhances blood circulation, keeping your skin healthy and vastly reducing the likelihood of sores developing. For those in convalescence, or those with circulation problems, a waterbed can significantly increase their quality of sleep and skin health.

For arthritis sufferers: Waterbeds are thermostatically heated. The warmth of the water helps your muscles to relax resulting in improved blood circulation while alleviating sore or stiff muscles and joints. Better circulation means you toss and turn less and get a better nights sleep as your sub-consciousness is allowed to unwind. The improved blood circulation also increases your body's ability to heal, meaning it can concentrate on rejuvenating damaged joints - leaving the waterbed to do the job of supporting your joints and looking after your posture.

For insomnia relief: This common sleep problem is caused by stress, discomfort, pain, light, noise etc. It is the inability to fall asleep quickly due to mental or physical problems. So how can a waterbed help? The short answer is: relaxation. A waterbed is not a cure but it can provide an environment that helps the problem cure itself. Waterbeds conform perfectly to our bodies, which are themselves 75% water. We literally 'float' on it so are effectively semi-weightless: So we relax! Our body's temperature is regulated by the bed's heater so it remains constant, again leading to relaxation and a better chance of overcoming sleep problems.

Overall, the benefits of a waterbed vastly outweigh the potential worries (which can mostly be discounted anyway), and offer a strong case for the waterbed as the best alternative to a regular spring mattress. While it certainly cannot claim to be a cure for any of the ailments mentioned above, it goes a long way to making recovery and reg! eneratio n easier and kinder on the body.

There are a range of different kinds of waterbeds available, and you?ll find professional advice and the chance to test different models in your local waterbed store. Be sure to choose the best type for yourself, and make the most of this move to a waterbed.

About The Author: The British Waterbed Association aims to support both their members and the buying public to ensure waterbeds are promoted in a manner that accurately reflects the significant benefits that a well-made waterbed provides. You can find more information, and a list of BWA members on their website: http://www.waterbed.org

Get Rid Of All Those Expensive Skin Creams They Could Be Causing You To Look Older Than You Are!

2008-12-06T08:02:00.001-08:00

To drastically improve your skin tone simply add two to three tablespoons of - and this is a long one -

Mediterranean...cold-pressed...extra-virgin...olive oil to your diet. That?s oil from the Mediterranean parts of the world; Spain and Italy are two of the best sources of extra-virgin olive oil because they have the highest polyphenol content or anti-oxidant content.

Cold-pressed and extra virgin, that?s the extraction process for getting the oil out of the olives. That process has the lowest acidity.

So your goal should be to get two to three tablespoons of Mediterranean cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil into your diet every single day. Olive oil promotes a whole host of health benefits. But, again, we?re only here today to focus on how we can best leverage this nutrient to help us...look and feel younger now.

And here?s the top two ways to use this oil to help you do just that: Number one, by ingesting it. Consuming two to three tablespoons of oil can reduce inflammation in every area of your body, internally and externally, including your skin. And inflammation in your skin is the primary cause of wrinkles. So by ingesting oil we?re helping to reduce the signs of aging from the inside out.

Number two, the second way to use this oil to your benefit is to use it as a skin lotion all over your body one or two times per day and, again, as often as you need on any of the wrinkled or dry areas that you?ve got. What that?s going to do is it?s going to be evening out your skin color, it?s also going to increase the radiancy of your skin, and it?s going to add elasticity to all the dry areas.

This oil will reduces inflammation whether you put it on your skin topically or you ingest it internally. It?s an amazing nutrient that has a myriad of benefits. I highly suggest that you begin using it in your normal diet.

After you've added this oil to your diet you're going to want to focus on the next technique which is all about the best (and worst) supplemen! ts to he lp you look and feel years younger - but that's next week...

Until then, I wish you the absolute best of health. If you need to contact me, please do so through www.AskChristopherGuerriero.com For a ton of f.ree, valuable tips, tricks, and secrets visit: www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

? 2002-2004 Wisdom Books, LLC & Christopher Guerriero WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning 'Maximize Your Metabolism' system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FR*EE how-to articles and F.REE teleseminars, visit www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

For a ton of f.ree, valuable tips, tricks, and secrets visit: http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

? 2002-2005 Wisdom Books, LLC & Christopher Guerriero WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this blurb with it: Christopher Guerriero, is the founder of the National Metabolic & Longevity Research Center and a best-selling author, speaker, and coach to millions. He is creator of the award-winning 'Maximize Your Metabolism' system. To learn more about this step-by-step program, and to sign up for FR*EE how-to articles and F.REE teleseminars, visit http://www.MaximizeYourMetabolism.com

Bum Glue How Refined Foods Stick Up Your Health

2008-12-05T21:02:00.001-08:00

Bum Glue is the term I give to describe refined and processed grains. Do you remember at school, we used to make glue out of white flour and water? Remember how it smelled after a few hours and how it set like cement when you used it? Well, that same cement-like action is happening inside your body every time you eat white breads, pasta and rice. And after it has been in there for a while, it becomes foul, sticking to the walls of your bowel and sucking the life out of you. I call it ?bum glue?.

Ideally, you should avoid grains that have had the wheatgerm removed, which is what white bread is. The germ is where most of the nutrients live. Refined and processed grains are acid-forming (high in phosphorous) and when consumed as flour, tend to cause problems in the gut (such as bloating), the brain and the joint capsules. Refined grains are also very high in phytates, which latch onto water-soluble nutrients including vitamins B and C and minerals such as calcium, chromium and magnesium. So while you could be eating what appears to be a healthy sandwich containing meat and salad on white bread, the reality is that you are not going to absorb the essential nutrients because the refined grains leech the goodness away. If you did nothing other than replace white grains with brown in your diet, your basic level of health would increase dramatically.

Most commercial wholegrain breads are made with a white wheat base and most of the supermarket rye breads, in particular light rye, are made with only about nine per cent rye flour, the remainder is primarily refined white flour. Learn to read the packaging of the foods you buy, and learn to look for hidden ingredients. Biscuits are a classic food, which is based on white flour 99 per cent of the time. There are some brands nowadays that are making wholemeal varieties, which are a much better alternative. Anything that you bake or buy that contains white flour can be also made using wholemeal flour, which cooks just the same, tastes great and won?t gl! ue up yo ur body as much as white flour will.

Psyllium Husks ? The unclogger

So what do you do when you realise that you have may have a little ?bum glue? stuck from years of eating refined white grains? The solution is easy. There is a grain called psyllium, it is the size of a sesame seed and you can buy the husks in the health food section of the supermarket or from the health food store. It is a wonderful raw fibre that has no taste. Psyllium makes poo bulkier, so that you can scratch off some of that gluey residue that has built up. The easiest way to take psyllium is to add two dessertspoons of the husks to a glass of juice in the morning, stir it in quickly and drink. If you let it sit in the glass it will get very thick and be very unpleasant to drink, so drink it down immediately. It has the consistency of a glass of orange juice with the pulp in it and no added taste.

In my clinic I would often see parents with kids and poo challenges as well. One of the suggestions I would give them was to make jelly for the kids by adding some psyllium husks to a cup of their favourite fruit juice and setting it in the fridge. When the kids then eat the jelly it helps to keep them regular and to clean their digestive system at the same time. Check with your naturopath before giving psyllium to your child.

Important note: When adding psyllium husks to your diet always make sure you are drinking your daily quota of water, the psyllium needs water to help create bulk and move the gluey bits.

Today?s people are eating hundreds of kilograms of refined white flour, white rice and sucrose every year, and that?s enough processed high-glycemic carbohydrate to destroy anyone?s insulin metabolism. High-glycemic carbohydrates are refined and processed foods that cause the body?s blood sugar to rise too fast, resulting in the body over reacting. It stimulates excess insulin causing energy levels and moods to ride a roller coaster. By middle age, or even earlier, this can lead to the development of ad! ult onse t diabetes and obesity.

Kids don?t miss out either. Don?t think that because kids are young the quality of the food they eat doesn?t matter; it is vital. Over time, processed foods such as hamburgers, soft drinks and ice cream damage them on the inside. And with the sedentary lifestyle many kids now lead, instead of burning it off, it burns them out. The quality of the food kids eat today particularly when it comes to proteins, carbohydrates and good fats, will determine the outcome of their health and body weight later in life.

Jennifer Jefferies is one of Australia?s best-known authors and speakers and she has a prescription for modern living. Her powerful message is of work, life and balance ? and how to have it all through the 7 Steps to Sanity. Jennifer shows us how to achieve more success and happiness by learning how to manage ourselves, our time and our lives. With uncommon common sense Jennifer will show you or your team how to incorporate simple lifestyle changes into every day life that will help you to feel better and achieve more than you ever thought possible. Find out more at http://www.jenniferjefferies.com

Finding the Elusive CompleteProtein Source

2008-12-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

Images of ?protein powder? containers with accomplished bodybuilders on their labels help inform consumers that protein is a critical macronutrient in strength training success. Yet what is sometimes lost in this protein-bodybuilding link is that protein is an essential component for everyone, regardless of physical activity. Even those who live sedentary lives must ensure that their protein intake is complete and balanced.

The importance of protein in diet is undeniable. Protein creates digestive enzymes, transports other vitamins and nutrients, builds and repairs body tissue, and helps keep harmful bacteria at bay[i. These are bodily system function that all people need ? not just bodybuilders and other athletes.

Eating the appropriate composition of protein in meals is, however, proving to be an unusually difficult challenge for many Americans. To begin with, many protein sources are not considered ?complete? because they do not provide all of the required amino acids necessary in order to build newer proteins. These incomplete proteins are often derived from fruit, grain, vegetable, and nut sources[ii. However, the alternative to these incomplete protein sources ? such as meats and dairy ? present their own unique dietary challenges.

The first challenge with respect to these meat-based sources of complete protein is that they are not an option for vegetarians. While the number of US vegetarians is difficult to pinpoint, educated estimates suggest that there are about 6 million adult vegetarians in the US, and the number is growing annually[iii. Therefore, 6 million adult Americans cannot access complete protein through meat sources.

The second challenge is that many meat- and dairy-based meals in the US are excessively high in saturated fat, calories, sodium, and other unhealthy elements. As such, while those who frequent fast food restaurants for their source of complete protein may not suffer from protein deficiency, a disconcerting number of these people will suffer from! poor he alth. This includes: obesity, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and other adverse consequences what medical experts call the ?social irresponsibility? of the fast food industry[iv.

The clear challenge for nutritional experts is to identify a protein source that is both healthy and complete. The consequences of not finding a suitable protein source range from underperforming digestive systems and chemical imbalances to the ill effects of a condition called ?Kwashiorkor?. More frequent in developing countries but with reported incidinces in the US, Kwashiorkor occurs in extreme protein-deficiency situations when when the body cannibalizes itself in a desperate attempt to find a source of protein.

Several attempts have been made to find the ideal complete protein source: one that is healthy, accessible to all eaters, and convenient. Indeed, this last criterion of convenience is of particular importance, because many Americans in the 21st century evidently have less time to eat than ever before.

Some of these attempts to find the ideal complete protein source hearken back a few generations. The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich has been adopted as a complete protein source by some, but rejected by many more. While peanut butter does provide a good source of protein, the sodium content of most grocery store peanut butter brands, and the high carbohydrate and fat levels of the average ?PB&J on white? keep it from being an ideal choice[v.

Other proposed solutions are more recent inventions. These include the range of nutritional powders and ?energy? bars available in most health food stores, and in a growing number of grocery stores. With respect to protein powders, while some of them do provide a decent source of protein, it is simply not a convenient source for most people. With respect to energy bars, many of them have been criticized for their high calorie and carbohydrate levels.

Another solution ? and one that is garnering some serious acclaim from within the heal! th commu nity ? is fluid nutritional supplements that are easy to transport, and offer a complete protein source suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike[1. At the same time, these products are specifically designed to be low-calorie (and therefore diet-friendly), and offer additional nutrients and vitamins that the body needs in addition to complete protein.

These innovative, complete protein products are a positive sign in a nutritional sector that has struggled with misinformation. Regrettably, many so-called energy bars and protein powders are laden with calories and carbohydrates. Some of them ? in particular many energy bars ? hardly offer any protein, which is a curious omission that most consumers do not realize as they ingest these products.

Fortunately, as noted above, there are scientifically engineered products on the market that deliver the complete protein and nutrition that consumers expect when they purchase something with the words ?nutritional supplement? on the container.

About Protica

Founded in 2001, Protica, Inc. is a nutritional research firm with offices in Lafayette Hill and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Protica manufactures capsulized foods, including Profect, a compact, hypoallergenic, ready-to-drink protein beverage containing zero carbohydrates and zero fat. Information on Protica is available at www.protica.com. You can also learn about Profect at www.profect.com.

[1 These products use ?Actinase?? protein, which is derived from isolated animal sources that do not contain the lactose and fat normally associated with animal-based proteins.

References

[i Source: ?The Importance of Protein?. OhioHealth. http://www.ohiohealth.com/facilities/mcconnell/weightmanage/ details/protein.htm

[ii Source: ?Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage?. Harvard School of Public Health. http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/protein.html

[iii Source: ?How Many Vegetarians are There? A 2003 National Harris Interactive Survey Question ! Sponsore d by The Vegetarian Resource Group?. Vegetarian Journal. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mim0FDE/is322/ai106422316

[iv Source: ?Supersized Nation: Bigger Burgers Still Rule?. WebMD. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/98/104952.htm?action=relatedlink

[v Source: ?How Nutritious is a PB&J??. About. http://nutrition.about.com/od/nutritionforchildren/a/pbj.htm

Strength Training Tips

2008-12-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

For a complete healthy lifestyle, you must include strength training into your weekly schedule.

There are many benefits to strength training, including increased muscle mass, bone strength, and fat burning ability.

However, these are only side benefits. The main objective to strength training is to keep your body strong and able as long as possible throughout your lifespan.

Below are some strength training tips that you should follow.

Strength training tip 1 - strength train often
Maintaining your strength requires that you perform strength training sessions often, and to be consistent. You don't have to strength train everyday, but don't go weeks between sessions. Performing each session 1 or 2 days apart is sufficient.

Strength training tip 2 - warm up before your each session
Before you put your body into action, you need to prep your muscles and joints properly. Perform a light warm up session to deliver nutrients and oxygen to your muscles and loosen your joints. This helps increase performance and prevent injuries. To warm up, do some light cardio exercise for five to ten minutes. Alternatively, using very light weights, you can perform 3 sets of 10 reps with primary muscles that are going to be used.

Strength training tip 3 - stretch
To further enhance performance and prevent injury, you should stretch your muscles before, during, and after your strength training sessions. Lifting is only one part of strength training. The other part of strength training is flexibility. Many people ignore the flexibility aspect of strength training because it is not as apparent as hoisting up weights. However, if you only concentrate on the lifting aspect, you only strengthen the muscles in one direction. By not strengthening your muscles in the other direction by stretching, you can pull or tear them, causing a lot of damage. After your warm up, stretch your primary muscles until you feel loose enough to begin your session. Stretch in between sets to stay lose, a! nd stret ch after your session for proper recovery.

Strength training tip 4 - perform multi-muscle, multi-joint exercises first
The best way to start your workout is to start with the core lifts. These lifts, such as the bench press, pull up, and squat, involve the movement of many muscles and joints in the same routine. Because of this, and the fact that you can actually lift more weight with these routines, they provide the most muscle building potential. Doing these lifts first also prevents injury because it ensures that all muscles involved are fresh and are able to balance the weight properly. Doing tricep extensions before bench presses for example, is extremely dangerous. Your shoulders and chest may be able to bear the weight, but your triceps may be too weak, causing you to drop the bar on your chest (This is exactly what happened to me when I first started out). So remember, do core lifts first and isolation lifts after.

Strength training tip 5 - take a total body approach and shun spot training
Balance is key. This is probably the golden rule of strength training. Many people make the mistake of over emphasizing one part of the body. They say things like, all I want to do is work on my abs. This not only can lead to having a body that looks out of proportion, but can also lead to serious injury. For example, if you strength train your abs but ignore your back, you can eventually pull or tear your back muscles on one of your ab sessions, or when picking something up. Another common mistake people make is do leg extensions to strengthen the quadriceps (front of the leg), but not do leg curls to strengthen the hamstrings (back of the leg). This often leads to a pulled or torn hamstring when they run, or simply overstrides when walking. If you're going to strength train, you must take the total body approach. The muscle groups that you have to be concerned with are the neck, chest, back, abs, and legs. You can do a total body workout every other day, or concentrate on one or two muscle! groups each day.

Strength training tip 6 - perform 3 sets of 10 reps
This means that you'll lift a weight 10 times, which will equal 1 set, rest for a minute or two, then repeat the process until you complete 3 sets. This is a general rule of course, as it provides your muscles with a balance between strength training, endurance training, toning, and sizing. Some people like to concentrate on building strength and size by adding more weight and performing less reps, 5 for example. Some people like to concentrate on toning and endurance training by lifting less weight and performing many reps, 15-20 for example. If you're just starting out, use the 3 x 10 rule. There's no need to get fancy at this time.

Strength training tip 7 - use proper breathing techniques
When strength training, your body has an increased need for oxygen. This is especially true during a set, when the muscles are being fatigued with each rep. To provide your body with a fresh supply oxygen, breathe in on the way down (the lengthening part), and out on the way up (the shortening part). Don't ever hold your breath, as it may cause you to faint, or it may cause a hernia from the pressure.

Strength training tip 8 - quality is better than quantity
To train your muscles properly, you need to perform high quality reps. Many people think that the more reps they do the better. However, this may not be necessarily true. Take the people who do hundreds of sit ups, say 250 for example, to get that six pack. Many times, they just want to get the set over with, so they do fast, incomplete, out of form, poor quality reps. After a couple weeks of this approach they see little or no results. They could have saved themselves lots of time and energy by doing 25 high quality reps instead. When strength training, perform your reps slowly. Go all the way up on a 3 second count, squeeze at the top, and all the way down on another 3 second count. Don't swing, and concentrate on using only the muscles that the lift was intended for. Fi! nally, r emember to use proper breathing techniques.

Strength training tip 9 - get enough rest and replenish
Some experts say that strength training is not so much a matter of lifting a ton of weight as it is a matter of the body's ability to recover. In a way, this may be true. Here's what I mean: when you strength train, you create micro-tears in your muscles. Also, lactic acid builds up in the muscles, which causes the normal soreness and tightness after a workout. When the body is allowed to repair itself after each workout, it in essence becomes stronger by repairing and building over micro-tears with more muscle, and increasing its ability to remove lactic acid from the body. To allow your body to recover, you must give yourself enough time to rest and replenish. Take a day off in between sessions. Get some sleep, drink plenty of water, and eat plenty of complex carbs and protein.

Ark Agpalza has dedicated more than 10 years to the cause of healthy living, and is the author of the online publication Free Health and Fitness Tips.

For more health and fitness resources, visit Free-Health-and-Fitness-Tips.com

You may republish this article in its entirety and without changes to the original content on your own website as long as you provide a link to Free-Health-and-Fitness-Tips.com

Problems with your feet?

2008-12-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Before anything we can take better care of our feet by wearing shoes that don`t pinch. It's also advisable to change your shoes at work. Be sure to keep a spare pair at work and change before you leave. To go bare foot is also something our feet love!

If you don`t have any other problems than dry skin on your feet, you can take a weekly foot bath. Or even better, 2-3 times a week.

Start the pedicure by filing the hard skin and then place your feet in luke warm water. Dissolve bath salt in the water or buy a germicidal cure form your pedicurist. Germicidal herbs are effective for cracked heels, nail fungus(Candida), restless feet and legs.

Keep your feet in the foot bath for at least 15 minutes until the skin softens.

If your skin is still hard and dry, use the file softly. Don`t be too rough. It`s better to file your feet more often.

Dry your feet with a soft towel.

Finish the pedicure by giving yourself a foot massage. Or exchange footmassage with your partner! Apply a good lotion and let it absorb thoroughly. The foot massage will increase your blood circulation.

If you have more serious problems like ingrowing toenails, you should see a pedicurist.

Edna Solem
http://www.houseofedna.no

Reduce Your Depression With These Free Tips

2008-12-03T21:02:00.001-08:00

In this article, I am going to explain methods on how to reduce depression. There are ever increasing daily pressures facing people and it is very easy to become down and depressed. I am a person who was often feeling low, sorry for myself and basically was very unhappy, however I have now managed to pull my life around and am now able to cope and enjoy what life brings. I hope you enjoy reading the article and if you are one of the many people who suffer from depression, I hope the advice is beneficial.

My name is Stephen Hill and I am from England. Looking back on my life, as I often do, I now find it hard to believe the way in which I used to think and approach life. I was a very negative person, I would stress about seemingly everything and believed that I was so unfortunate compared to other people.

I would always be comparing my life with those of my friends and family. These people seemed to really enjoy life and did not seem to have a care in the world. I, on the other hand had many issues to deal, with which made life one big struggle. I was unable to talk fluently due to a stammering problem, this stammer caused me many traumas and made me into a very quiet and shy person. This issue alone made me very depressed and made socialising very difficult. I am sure you can imagine the effect it had on my self-confidence and self-esteem.

These were the other issues I had to contend with:

A constant battle with my weight, I was far to over-weight most of the time, this I believe was because I sought comfort in the way of food.

My height, I was the shortest male in my class in high school, this for whatever reason made me feel less of a man and less attractive to members of the opposite sex.

My bald patch, this seems so trivial now, however this area of my scalp where hair does not grow caused me many anxieties, especially when I was a teenager.

Enough is enough.

In my early twenties, I decided that I had had enough of being miserable and depressed. I wa! nted to be happy and content. I then made a decision to attempt to improve my life, I was going to hopefully achieve this by reading about successful people, and by learning more about depression, positive thinking and ways to improve self-confidence. I spent many months doing this and the results have changed my whole life.

What I needed to do, was not to compare my life to people just in my circle, but to compare it to everyone in the world. I started to read and find out about how people lived in different parts of the world. Watching the news each day would keep me abreast of current affairs. Some of the stories and the way in which people live came not so much as a shock, but as a wake up call to me. I would not want to swap my life with theirs, that is for sure.

The problems that I had or thought I had, were now so small compared to what other people have to cope with, and it actually made me feel quite grateful. I have a weight problem, this is something of my own doing and something which I can change, if I am determined enough. Even though I stammer, I can still converse, I may even be able to cure the stammer, which I now have. I was now suddenly feeling more positive and was now able to seek solutions to my issues.

I have now achieved fluency and am now at a weight that I am happy with, however I could not do anything about my lack of height or about the bald patch. This is not a worry to me, as I am now happy with my height and I show everybody who I meet my bald patch, like I am proud of it.

In conclusion, it is time to pull ourselves out of our depression by becoming stronger, by thinking in a more positive manner, by trying to find solutions to our problems and by realising that in fact we are one of the lucky ones.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

stop smoking cigarettes

anti aging tips

stuttering information

Exercise Helps Reduce Severe Acne

2008-12-03T08:02:00.001-08:00

Daily exercise can be extremely beneficial to your overall skin health and can also help clear it of acne too.

Regular exercise increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the skin cells. When you sweat, your body expells toxins through the skin with ease from the opened pores. Sweating effectively cleans the pores from dirt, dead skin cells and excess sebum.

When you exercise, your kidneys and liver work more effectively in removing toxins from the body. Stress is also reduced from exercise and both of these are known causes of acne.

It is a good idea after exercising to take a shower. This washes away the sweat and any other waste material ejected from the body. It also prevents the growth of bacteria which is attracted to sweat.

After exercise be sure to drink plenty of water. Water is essential for ridding the body of toxins and to replace all the water lost from sweating. Acne has been shown to occur in people who aren't drinking enough water.

Almost all exercises are great and the more you sweat the better. Walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and team sports are all suitable. If you can, try to exercise outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine.

Swimming is excellent due to being in water which helps to fully cleanse the pores. It is important to rinse yourself after swimming to clean off the chlorine on your body which can leave your skin really dry.

One of the best exercises for acne is using a mini-trampoline. Jumping on a mini-tramp is beneficial for your lymphatic system. Your lymph is controlled by movement and operates best when exercising.

The lymph provides the cells with the nutrients it needs and is also responsible for removing and eliminating cell waste and toxins. If the lymph is insufficienty activated, the cells swim in their own waste which can block pores and when bacteria starts to grow in blocked pores it causes acne.

It has been reported that rebounding can increase the flow of your lymph by up to 30 times. It has also been st! ated tha t rebounding is possibly the best exercise ever invented because it has so many benefits.

Not only does exercise benefit the skin, it also has emotional and mental benefits. It is good for stress relief as stated earlier but also good for keeping the mind focused and active. Apart from exercise, proper sleep and relaxation are also good for reducing stress.

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To effectively treat your acne, you need to fix the problems in your body that are causing your acne. Acuzine is a great product that attacks the main, internal causes of acne.

Complementary and Alternative Acne Treatments

2008-12-02T21:02:00.001-08:00

While over-the-counter acne treatments and traditional prescription medications are effective for acne, there are other less traditional ways to treat acne. The following provides a broad overview of 7 complementary and alternative acne treatments.

1. Acupuncture.

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practised for several thousand years. In acupuncture, certain points on the body along the channels of energy (called meridian) are stimulated by the insertion of fine needles. Acupuncture apparently helps to restore health by removing blockages in the energy flow in your body. If you have a blockage in the energy flow, you get disease and illness. The use of acupuncture in the treatment of acne has not been scientifically evaluated. There are however, reports that two acupuncture procedures have reduced the symptoms of acne: auricular acupuncture (acupuncture applied to the ear) and electro-acupuncture (acupuncture using a mild electrical current).

2. Herbal medicine.

Some herbs are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and, for that reason, they may be helpful in the treatment of acne. They include Calendula (Calendula officinalis), German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and flaxseed oil and tea tree oil.

The herbs that help reduce acne inflammation do so by reducing the amount of the P.acnes bacteria produced by the body as a reaction to clogged pores. Tea Tree oil has been favorably compared to benzoyl peroxide in the reduction of P.acnes and is said to have fewer side effects (stinging, itchiness and dry skin).

3. Homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathy refers to a system for treating disease based on the administration of minute doses of a drug. In massive doses, the drug is expected to produce symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the disease itself. Homeopathic professionals evaluate the individual (th! eir phys ical, emotional and intellectual makeup) before prescribing a treatment. While homeopathy has not had the benefit of many scientific studies, professional homeopaths have found that certain homeopathic treatments reduce certain symptoms of acne. Homeopathic remedies include:

Belladonna works best for people who are experiencing ?hot? areas on their face or those who have pus-filled acne blemishes.

Calendula is used to treat pus-filled blemishes or blisters.

Hepar sulphur is useful for pus-filled blemishes that are painful.

Kali bromatum is used for deep acne blemishes, especially those on the forehead.

Silicea is used for deep, pus-filled acne blemishes.

4. Biofeedback and Cognitive Imagery.

Biofeedback and cognitive imagery are relaxation therapies used because emotional stress can have an impact on an acne outbreak. Biofeedback techniques train the individual to control some internal processes such as heart rate and muscle tension. Cognitive imagery (also called guided imagery) involves the use of mental pictures to relax and evoke helpful physical and emotional conditions. Together, when used properly by a person who has mastered the techniques, these methods have been shown to lessen the severity of acne breakouts.

5. Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine originated in India. Ayurveda focuses primarily on diet and lifestyle. Each person, as we all know, is unique and Ayurveda treatments recognize this by tailoring recommendations to the individual.

Ayurvedistic remedies tend to be herbal. In particular, the one Ayurvedic preparation that has proven best for acne relief is a herbal remedy that is called ?Sunder Vati?. This consists of Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Holarrhena antidysenterica and Embelia ribes.

6. Kampo.

Kampo is a Japanese version of traditional, ancient Chinese medicine. A Kampo treatment for acne, the treatment called: Keigai-rengyo-to (TJ-50), has proven effective in some cases. TJ-50 consists o! f sevent een herbs that have combined anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Among there herbs are: Skullcap root (Scutellaria lateriflora), Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Mint (Mentha arvensis), Angelica root (Angelica archangelica), Peony root (Paeonia lactiflora).

7. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements.

It has been shown that at least as a general proposition, diet has no effect on acne. However, there are many reports from individual acne sufferers that certain drinks or foods (it seems that nuts are particularly suspect) make their acne worse. To be absolutely sure, pay attention to what you eat and try to see if your diet plays an important factor in your acne.

Kathelene Capelle is a writer for beauty tips and advice. Her blog includes useful information on acne remedy, natural skin care, natural remedies for skin care and anti-aging. She also provides step-by-step recipes for skin care that you can easily prepare from ingredients right out from your kitchen. Get updated on tips and resources for your acne treatment.

Acne Treatment With Oral Antibiotics

2008-12-02T08:02:00.001-08:00

Oral antibiotics work by removing the p.acne bacteria and decreasing inflammation. However there is a big challenge today in using modern antibiotic ? that is, over-prescription of antibiotic. The result is a growing resistance to these drugs which means that diseases that once could have been wiped out with a course of antibiotics may now have dire potential.

We are not suggesting not to use antibiotics. In fact, they should be used as long as they are prescribed for the right reason. For example, antibiotic should be used on patients with moderate to severe acne. Two of antibiotic that we feel are safe and effective are doxycycline and minocycline. They are easily absorbed form of tetracycline which has been used for decades to reduce acne inflammation. Tetracycline has very few side effects however there is an emerging resistance to this drug.

Another effective antibiotic for patient with moderate to severe acne is erythromyclin. Unfortunately it has been overly prescribed which resulted in 50 percent of the people are resistance to it. Still erythromycin and eteracycline are very useful because of their anti-inflammatory potential. Other oral antibiotics include sulfa drugs such as Bactrim and Septra. They are effective orally but can cause worrisome reactions such as skin allergies and bone marrow suppression.

Clindamycin taken orally has been use for over forty years and is a second-line antibiotic, prescribed when the tetracyclines or erythromycin medications fail. The most significant, though rare adverse reaction associated with clindamycin is pseudomembranous colitis, which is a bloody diarrhea that required treatment by a gastroenterologist.

When prescribing antibiotics to patient, it is important that the dermatologist set a timetable to its use. The average course of antibiotic treatment is about one to six months.

After the end of the course, the dermatologist should schedule an appointment with the patient to assess the acne condition. If the ! conditio n improves and there is no side effect, the treatment is to be continued until the skin is clear. Usually topical medication is to be used concurrently and some time Differin or Retin-A is prescribed to aid in further improvement or addresses other problem such as post-inflammatory pigmentation.

A second appointment is to be arranged with the patient after six to either weeks into the treatment. If the acne condition improves, then the dermatologist is likely to lower to stop the oral antibiotic dose and just continue with the topical treatment.

There is no miracle antibiotic cure for acne. Just like you don?t get acne over night, neither will it goes away over night. Sometime if the condition does not improve with the use of one type of antibiotic, another type may have to be prescribed.

For female patients, they can use birth control pills and spironolactone (Aldactone) for acne treatment. However if the condition does not improve and the acne is severe enough and likely to create scar, then the dermatologist may even issue Accutane as the next remedies. In our opinion, it is better to have five months of Accutane treatment than months or years on antibiotic that does not help in solving the acne problem.

Alvin Poh shares more ideas and articles like this on the very popular website Ask About Acne at http://www.askaboutacne.com

Knock Out Your Cold in 24 Hours or Less

2008-12-01T21:02:00.001-08:00

With the impending cold and flu season on the horizon, many of us will experience that all too familiar tingle in the back of our throat; whether or not you choose to do something about it though, is entirely up to you. Some of you may find yourself seeking relief through the use of over-the-counter medications, while others may employ the use of antibiotics (a big no-no). But as is the case with the vast majority of synthetic medications, they may offer one step forward in temporary relief, yet ultimately result with two steps back in your progression back to health. While it may be tempting to reach for immediate relief through the use of synthetic medications, you are only slowing your body?s natural immune response. Remember folks, our body is incredibly adept at overcoming health obstacles?provided you supply it with adequate means to do so.

A common misconception among many attempting to battle a common cold through alternative means, is the level of dosage necessary to invoke the proper response from your body. In contrast to synthetic medications, alternative and complementary medicines require a much different plan of attack. Quite literally, it is necessary to flood your body with a constant supply of nutrients in order to achieve the desired response. Many individuals assume, that by swallowing a couple of low-quality Echinacea capsules and eating a bowl of chicken soup that their body will miraculously return to health. This is an incorrect assumption. Lacking the desired results from such an ineffective approach is quite common, and by no means should equate to a lack of faith in alternative medicine.

The method I will share with you is virtually guaranteed to knock out your oncoming cold in less than 24 hours. That?s right, I said 24 hours. However, keep in mind that this method is not for everyone. If you do not follow the regimen 100%, do not expect 100% success. If there is one thing that is frustrating, it is when someone attempts to discredit a natural remedy! when on ly a half-cocked effort was made.

Step One:
Take 1 ounce of ?Super Tonic? (recipe below) combined with 4 dropperfulls of Echinacea every two hours. Combine the formulas in a shot glass, gargle with it for few seconds, and then swallow. Some people may not be accustomed to the intense taste of Super Tonic, but in the end it will all be worth it, I promise. If the taste is too much for you too handle, you can combine the recipe with 1-2 ounces fruit juice.

**Super Tonic Recipe: Ideally, this would be prepared ahead of time so that the apple cider vinegar would have adequate time to pull out the botanical properties of the ingredients. However, while advanced preparation is the most effective choice, you may also liquefy the ingredients in a blender and then strain the formula through 2-3 layers of cheese cloth if you have not planned ahead.

Take 1 part - Fresh chopped organic garlic cloves, 1 part ? fresh organic chopped onions (hottest available - similar to garlic), 1 part - fresh grated organic ginger root, 1 part - fresh grated organic horseradish root, and 1 part - fresh chopped organic cayenne peppers. Note: Part equals volume, not weight in this tincture method. Use a blender to chop up each of the ingredients until they are very fine!

Find a glass jar large enough and fill it ? full with these ingredients.

Fill the glass jar to the top with raw unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar (We use Bragg's)

Let it sit at least (15-16 Days) or (28-29 Days ? for optimal strength).

Shake it as many times during the day as possible.

Strain this Mixture through an unbleached coffee filter or four layers of cheese cloth if you have it.

Step Two
Do not eat solid or heavy foods. Instead, drink 2-3 liters of fresh, organic vegetable juices over the course of t! he day. Because you will want to get as much rest as possible, and to make it a bit more convenient, you can juice the entire 2-3 liters at one time and store it in the refrigerator for later use that day. However, make sure that when you bottle the remaining juice, leave as little air as possible in the top of the bottle to avoid unnecessary oxidation, as oxidation can damage the delicate nutrients and phytochemicals which are essential to your recovery. Juice vegetables such as kale, carrots, parsley, cilantro, red cabbage, fennel, celery, beets, and for a bit of sweetness you can add an apple or two.

For those of you who do not own a juicer, simply limit your intake for the day to fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this (and juicing) is to give your body the necessary nutrition it needs to build a powerful immune system, while simultaneously placing a minimal load on your digestive system. Digestion of solid foods (especially meats and carbohydrates) requires a lot of energy from your body. Your body is already working overtime to fight off your cold, so by avoiding solid foods, you can provide all the necessary energy required to fight off intruders.

Also, some of you might be tempted to substitute store-bought vegetable juices for your own homemade fresh juices. This is not the same. Store bought juices are pasteurized (heated to high temperatures) which destroys the bulk of the nutritional value they were aimed to provide.

Judy Phillips is the founder of Jash Botanicals, a manufacturer of physicians grade herbal extracts and medicinals. A naturopath and herbalist with over 25 years of experience, her passion for producing herbal formulas of exceptional purity and strength grew from a dissatisfaction with mainstream herbal products. She is an author of various natural health topics, from detoxification to dietary modification, and works to assist the expansion of knowledge to individuals in search of natural treatments. JashBotanicals.com offers a wide r! ange of informative articles, including a monthly newsletter and a natural health blog.

How Eyes Work?

2008-12-01T08:02:00.001-08:00

Eyes work in a similar way to a camera so in order to see clearly objects need to brought to a focus point on the back surface of the eye which is the retina, just like an object is focussed onto film. The light enters through the pupil and passes through the lens which is clear and flexible and acts just like a camera lens.

As light is passed through the lens it changes shape and makes delicate adjustments so the light rays come into focus as a clear picture on the back of the eye and just like a camera the image is backwards and upside down.

The rays of light are captured by the Retina (it acts in a similar way to film) which contains light sensitive cells that convert light rays into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain via the Optic nerve.

The brain develops these impulses and turns the image the right way up, this is the process of seeing. If you have normal vision the images are focussed exactly onto the Retina giving clear vision at all distances.

Why do we wear glasses?

We become accustomed to eyesight that has degenerated over time and it's only after an eye test that we realize how much more we can see with better eyesight.

Just like a camera, if one of the components is not working correctly the result is a poor image or in the case of the eye, blurred vision.

The usual cause is that the eye is slightly out of shape, more like a rugby ball than a football and this causes the the rays of light to focus incorrectly on the Retina. This causes eye conditions such as long sight, short sight or Astigmatism.

These reasons and the changes in our eyes as we age are the most common reasons why people wear glasses or contact lenses.

An eye test will determine just what the problems are and from that investigation an Optician is able to make a lens that is perfectly suited to each eye.

About The Author

The author, John Buckle was lucky enough to discover he had Glaucoma before serious damage had occurred and now has an interes! t in eye care Better Eyesight

Motivation for Rookies

2008-11-30T08:02:00.001-08:00

For some people motivation comes easy, but for others, it is what separates the true bodybuilders from the posers. Bodybuilding is a sport that requires 110 percent of your focus, if one part is lacking then your whole plan will become a failure If you are wanting to improve your motivation or would just like to learn why it is important, then keep reading.

Being motivate is very important in bodybuilding, only the motivated will survive and that is no lie. How do you keep from eating junk food while preapring for a contest? How do you keep training day after day while only seeing little to no improvement with your body? If you are serious about achieving your fitness goals, being motivated is the only way of obtaining them.

You`ve all heard the story about the mom lifting up a car to rescue her baby as it is trapped underneath. Why do you think she was able to lift up the car when on a normal day she wouldn`t have been able to lift up a tire? It is the same way when you are at a job or getting ready for a big test at school. You have a motive of doing something and will achieve what you want at all cost.

So how do you improve your motivation? Well first, set a goal. This will give you an outside source to look at and as you review it everyday, you will become more and more motivated as you come closer to achieving it. Having to look in the mirror everyday is enough motivation for me and seeing a big fat roll hanging out of my shirt would make me feel ashamed. You also need to give yourself treats like buying a new supplement or having a small cheat meal when the weekend comes around. I always know that after I get done training that I get lots of simple carbs which keeps me motivated to finish the workout.

You have to love the feeling when friends or a member of the opposite sex compliments your body. It is a feeling of satisfaction and makes you want to keep going. On the flip side, you also hear the complainers and people with sorry excuses to why they are fat and out of sh! ape. The se people put everyone else down because of their jealousy, and it makes me sick. So now you must decide, which one of these people do you want to be. The one receiving the compliments or the ones doing the complaining. It`s your choice.

21 years old. check out my website for all of my articles http://www.geocities.com/bashore69/bodybuildingarticles.html

Secrets of Gastric Bypass Surgery: Lose Weight Without Surgery

2008-11-29T21:02:00.001-08:00

There?s more to gastric bypass than surgery and rapid massive weight loss. Patients who undergo weight loss surgery (WLS) sign-up for a lifetime of rigid behaviors to guarantee their long-term success.

Just imagine: If you knew what those behaviors were, could you lose the weight and keep it off without surgery? Take a look at the four rules WLS patients live by:

Rule 1: Protein First:
The first rule for living after Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is Protein First ? that means eating protein for three daily meals, and protein must be 50 percent of food intake. Animal products are the most nutrient rich source of protein and include fish, poultry and meat. Dairy protein, including eggs, is another excellent source of protein. Nuts and legumes are also good sources of protein, but sometimes difficult for the bariatric patient to consume.

Science is proving that a protein rich diet will prompt weight loss and increase energy. The body contains over fifty-thousand different active proteins all made out of the same building blocks: amino acids. Amino acids are made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen as well as sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Many diseases ? including obesity ? indicate an amino acid deficiency.

Weight loss surgery patients don?t have a choice, they must eat lean protein or they will get sick, anemic, and weary. Weight loss will cease if they eat processed carbohydrates instead of lean protein. Dumping or vomiting may also result if patients do not eat lean protein for the first half of every meal.

The distinction must be made between high fat proteins and lean proteins. A gastric bypass patient cannot tolerate high fat proteins such as bacon, fatty beef or sausage products or greasy fried chicken: these foods cause nausea and vomiting. In addition, these high fat protein rich items are contributors to obesity and should be avoided by anyone wishing to control their weight.

Rule 2: Drink lots of water
Dieters are often told ? drink water. Drink a mi! nimum of 64 ounces a day ? eight glasses a day. Gastric-bypass patients don?t have a choice: they must drink lots water. Other beverages including coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks and alcohol are forbidden. Water is the essential fluid for living. Water is one of the most important nutrients the body needs to stay healthy, vibrant and energetic. A tell-tell sign of a gastric bypass patient is the ever-present water bottle.

The human body is a magnificent vessel full of water. The brain is more than 75 percent water and 80 percent of blood is water. In fact, water plays a critical role in every system of the human body. Water regulates body temperature, removes wastes, carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, cushions the joints, prevents constipation, flushes toxins from the kidneys and liver and dissolves vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for the body?s use.

Nutritionists say a precise measure of the body?s need for water is to divide body weight (pounds) in half and drink that many ounces every day. That number could well exceed 200 ounces a day for morbidly obese people actively engaged in weight loss.

The body will panic if actual water intake is significantly less than required. Blood cannot flow, waste processes are disrupted and the electrolytes become imbalanced. Proper hydration prevents inflammation, promotes osmosis and moistens lung surfaces for gas diffusion. It helps the body regulate temperature, irrigate the cells and organs and promotes all functions of elimination. Certainly by drinking plenty of water many people could resolve inflammation and elimination problems that result from insufficient water intake. Adequate water facilitates weight loss.

Rule 3: No Snacking
Gastric bypass patients are instructed to avoid snacking. No exceptions.

Snacking is the worst possible thing a WLS patient can do. If patients snack they cease to lose weight and could possibly regain weight. In addition gastric bypass snackers risk severe swings in blood sugar levels and gl! ucose ov erdose, they fail to move forward to the healthy life that surgery makes possible. They feel like failures when the WLS does not result in weight loss.

The nature of gastric bypass surgery gives patients an edge on beating the snacking habit. When a patient eats three protein-rich meals a day the body?s fuel requirements are met and satiation results. Hunger does not occur if water is sipped throughout the day. If a patient is taking vitamins they will not be nutritionally wanting. Given that, patients who snack are doing so out of the very habit that contributed to obesity.
If a dieter must snack they must be mindful of their choices. Fruits, vegetables and lean proteins will contributed to wellness and weight loss. Processed carbohydrate convenience foods fail to meet nutritional needs or facilitate weight loss and should be avoided.

Successful WLS patients understand that snacking is bariatric purgatory. When they begin to snack weight loss will cease and weight gain will certainly result. Successful weight loss patients ? those who maintain their weight loss years after surgery ? do not snack. The same is true for all successful dieters regardless of the means by which they initially lost weight.

Rule 4: Exercise
The final rule, the one WLS despise the most, patients must exercise every day.

Nothing is more disappointing than hearing a gastric bypass patient brag that they didn?t have to exercise to lose weight. It?s true; patients will lose weight without lifting a finger. But patients who do not use the time of rapid weight loss to incorporate exercise into their lifestyle are doing themselves a grave disservice.

Obesity cripples the body. Bone tissues are compromised, joints are swollen, the vascular system is inadequate and the skeleton overburdened. As weight is lost, the burden on the bones, joints and vascular system is decreased. However, the body is a magnificent machine. Given proper nutrition and physical motion it will rebuild its broken framework. Th! e system s can become strong and vital.

The most effective way to heal the body from the ravages of obesity is to exercise. Exercise means moving the body: walking, stretching, bending, inhaling and exhaling. Exercise is the most effective, most enjoyable, most beneficial gift one can bestow on themselves in the recovery from life threatening, crippling morbid obesity. People who successfully maintain their weight exercise daily.

Conclusion:
Successful weight loss surgery patients will tell you these are the four rules they live by, that the gastric bypass is only a tool to facilitate mindful behavior for better health. They will confirm that weight control, even with surgery, takes a lifetime of diligent attention to their bodies and behavior. They will assure you it isn?t easy, but the results are worth the effort.

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author of many articles about life after gastric bypass. Ms. Bailey is the webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often.

Malignant Melanoma

2008-11-29T08:02:00.001-08:00

A melanoma is a cancerous tumor that starts in melanin-generating cells (color-giving pigment). Once thought of as a rare disease, the yearly frequency of melanoma has increased noticeably.

Extreme exposure to sun is one major reason for contracting this disease. People who regularly expose themselves to the sun during peak mid-day hours, without adequate protection, are at a greater risk of getting melanoma. Exposure to the sun at a younger age puts you at risk throughout your lifetime.

Melanoma normally occurs on parts of the body receiving irregular sun exposure. This condition generally affects fair-skinned people. Not surprisingly, people from regions having sunny climates have greater chances of being affected by this disease.

However, sun exposure is not the sole way of developing this form of skin cancer; it can be genetic as well. Some people have a specific type of skin that engenders moles susceptible to the disease. Also, melanomas can occur on the areas of the body that get little or no sun exposure.

Dysplastic nevus syndrome, commonly called atypical mole syndrome, rarely affects the Caucasian population. There are two known forms of atypical mole syndrome. One is a hereditary atypical mole; the other is called melanoma syndrome. In the first case, members of a family will spot vast numbers of moles on their bodies. In the second instance, someone may just happen to have a lot of moles over his body, without it being a familial trait.

Generally, people do not get moles after the age of thirty; also, it is common for moles to fade away with age. When children about the age of five have moles on the hip, buttock or scalp, it should be seen as a warning indication. It is highly uncommon for a child to get skin cancer, yet some children have been fatally affected by it. Young people can be seriously affected by this form of cancer if not diagnosed and treated early.

Melanoma provides detailed information on Melanoma, Malignant Melanoma, Melanoma Cancer, ! Nodular Melanoma and more. Melanoma is affiliated with Ozone Generator.

Night Sweats and Chinese Herbs

2008-11-28T21:02:00.001-08:00

Night Sweats are a common Menopause Symptom. Many Menopausal women experience Sweating with their Hot Flashes throughout the day. When it happens at night, though, it's a problem in itself. It can mean ruined sleep. Women typically wake up at 2-3 in the morning, soaked and burning. What a Drag!

One of the first is make sure you are DRINKING enough...fluids. That means water, juice, herb teas, etc. That means Two liters a day. Many women tell me they don't drink at all after their morning coffee.

First, let's look into how a Traditional Herbalist looks at Night Sweats.

Night Sweats in Chinese Medicine are understood to be Deep chronic Dehydration that has become inflamatory. TCM calls this Yin Deficiency. They don't even address it as a Menopause Symptom. Yet, the TCM approach works to treat it!

TCM calls these herbs Yin Tonics. Ayurveda would describe them as nourishing Kapha. These herbs Hydrate, coat,and soothe parched,inflamed muccous membranes. Common herbs that do this are:

Marshmallow(Althea), Asparagus ROOT,

Great Ayurvedic herbs are Shatavari(Asparagus Racemosa), and Amla(Emblica Myrobalani).

Spirulina is a Super Nutrient, that energizes and nourishes cells. Take 3-4 500 mg. tablets daily and watch your energy soar! It's an Incredible Fluid and Blood Builder. Spirulina is helpful for practically Any menopause symptom.

My favorite TCM herbs for this purpose are: Chinese Stellaria(YinChaiHu), Lycium Root(DiguPi), White Peony Rt.(BaiShao) and many others.

In addition to replacing the fluids, herbs that stop sweating are also good. Theses include:

WuWeZi(Schizandra seeds)
ShanZhuYu(Cornus berry)
FuXiaoMai(Wheat Grain)

TCM herbs are used together in formulas for best results. You can tincture any formula you see here and have a huge supply in a few weeks!

Personally, I Love Chinese Herbs when it comes to Efficient Night Sweat Relief.

Don't worry you don't have to know a thing about Chinese Herbs.

You can jus! t print the formulas and take them to a Chinese Herb store. They are actually prescriptions! Some Chinese Herbal Pharmacies will make up capsules for you. Many will make up powders.

Or you can buy the actual raw herbs and MAKE your own Herbal Medicine tinctures!

Of course you can always order any Tincture Formula you see online from Ultimate Menopause Herbal Tinctures!

Also, very effective is to gently boil the raw herbs for 20 minutes and simply drink the strong Decoction several times a day. This is the traditional way, but I haven't seen many people willing to put up with the hassle, bad smell or taste, for too long.

Here's Two Great formulas for Night Sweats:

The first is for Night Sweats that are really bad, as well as dehydration.

TCM for Night Sweats #1
2-part...WuWeZi(Schizandra seeds)
2-part...ShanZhuYu(Cornus berry)
2-part...FuXiaoMai(Wheat Grain)
1-part...HuangBai(Phellodendron Rt.)
1-part...ZhiMu(Anemarrhena Rt)
1-part...DiGuPi(Lycium Rt)
1-part...YinChaiHU(Stellaria Rt)
1-part...MuDanPi(Moutan Bark)
1-part...DanShen(Chinese Salvia)
1-part...JinYinHua(Honeysuckle blossoms)
2-part...ShengDiHuang(Rehmania)
2-part...QingHao(Sweet Artemesia)
2-part...BaiShao(White Peony Rt)
2-part...GouQiZi(Lycium Fruit)
2-part...NuZhenzi(Privet Fruit)
2-part...TianMenDong(Asparagus Rt)
1-part...TuSiZi(Dodder Seeds)

The second Night Sweats formula #2 is if you have a tendency to get Bloated or swollen:

TCM Night Sweats Buster #2

2-part...WuWeZi(Schizandra seeds)
2-part...ShanZhuYu(Cornus berry)
2-part...FuXiaoMai(Wheat Grain)
2-part...QingHao(Sweet Artemesia)
2-part...BaiShao(White Peony Rt)
2-part...GouQiZi(Lycium Fruit)
2-part...NuZhenzi(Privet Fruit)
2-part...TianMenDong(Asparagus Rt)
2-part...HuangBai(Phellodendron Rt.)
1-part...ZhiMu(Anemarrhena Rt)
1-part...DiGuPi(Lycium Rt)
1-part...YinChaiHU(Stellaria Rt)
1-part...MuDanPi(Moutan Bark)
1-part.! ..DanShe n(Chinese Salvia)
1-part...JinYinHua(Honeysuckle blossoms)
1-part...TuSiZi(Dodder Seeds)
1-part...WuWeZi(Schizandra seeds)
1-part...Houpo(Magnolia Bark)

If You want to try Western Herbs... Here's a Really effective Western Formula:

But, Relax, you don't have to copy it exactly to get good results. Even if you can't get all of the Herbs, it's OK. They are all designed to go well together. These Herbs also tincture well together.

Western Hot Flash Buster Formula:

3-parts...Marshmallow Rt.(Althea)
2-parts...Asparagus Rt.
2-parts...White Peony Rt.
2-parts...Spirulina Powder
1-part....Lemon Balm(Mellissa)
1-part....Dandelion Rt.(Taraxacum)
1/4-part..Turmeric Rt and/or...
1/4-part..Fennel seeds

This is Deeply Nourishing and Hydrating. Tincture and start to take by the teaspoon in 2 weeks. 3-4 times a day is good for mild Hot Flashes. Every few hours for Serious Night Sweats.

[Important!Don't forget, Alcohol in tinctures can Bother Night Sweats! If you are taking tinctures every few hours, the pour boiling water over the dose in a cup. When it cools off, Dilute well. That's enough to neutralize the alcohol for most people. You can also order the herbs in powder form and drink 1 teaspoon 3 X Day mixed with water. Or fill your own herbal capsules

Aliza Adar Levine RNMH is a Nurse,Midwife,TCM Herbalist,and Medical Researcher for over 20 years. Learn how to manage your own menopause naurally at http://www.Womens-Health-Issues-Menopause.com and about other women's Health Issues at at http://www.health-Xpert.com

Adding Variety To Your Cardio Routine

2008-11-27T21:02:00.001-08:00

Keeping up with an cardiovascular exercise over a long period of time involves finding new ways to enjoy your workouts and to challenge yourself? both physically and mentally.

In fact, pushing yourself to try new activities is critical to prevent plateaus in progress, boredom, and burn-out. Varying your cardio routine ensures you'll have more fun? and stay more consistent? with the habits required for lifelong health and fitness.

Why variation is so important

Making fitness a lifelong habit demands a willingness to consistently ?stretch? your comfort zone. Those afraid to ?try something new? often get bored with the same old cardio routine and before long lose interest in maintaining their efforts.

Those who push their limitations grow from their experiences and enjoy the confidence, health, and success that comes from new achievements. Varying your activity is a critical element to challenging your current limitations.

Top ten cardio activities

While the options are endless, listed are ten great ways to vary your cardio routine:

1. Wind sprints ? nothing will get your heart pumping and your lungs breathing faster than some sprinting. On the track, grass, or road- choose what terrain is available to you.

2. Swimming ? in the ocean, the lake, or the local Olympic size pool. Safe at any age, swimming is a great total body cardio routine and non-impact (good for joints) activity. Try alternating various strokes and pushing yourself for timed distances.

3. Cycling ? if you?ve got a road bike great, if not then an indoor model or ?trainer? will work fine as well. Spinning classes also offer a fun environment to push your cardio limits.

4. Rollerblading ? a great workout that challenges your lower body in a way unlike running or biking. Great exercise for the thighs, glutes, and hips. Also great training for those who enjoy the winter sports of snow skiing, ice skating and hockey.

5. Mountain biking ? with the popularity of ?off-road? cycling! , miles of trails in local parks or wooded areas are now easily accessible these days. Be sure to pack your safety gear and pick a trail that matches the level of your expertise!

6. Running hills ? depending on where you live, hills may or may not be readily available. Try challenging your self to sprint stadium stairs or a few flights in a local hotel or office building as a great substitute. Talk about a cardio routine blast? give it a shot and you?ll be amazed!

7. Jumping Rope ? you might think of double-dutch or one of the games you used to play when you were a kid, but simple, timed jump rope intervals provide a serious workout. There are also several different types of ropes available including ?speed? and ?weighted? ropes that provide the added benefit of an upper-body workout at the same time.

8. Rowing ? most of us don?t have access to a rowing shell, but fortunately many local health clubs offer alternatives. Rowing is a great way to work your core, back and legs at the same time. Some rowing machines even offer video components to make the experience like a fun video-game? complete with a computerized opponent to race!

9. Kickboxing ? if a martial arts class doesn?t interest you (or you?d prefer to work up to it), there are some great cardio kickboxing DVD?s available to turn your living room into a dojo. A brief search of Amazon.com finds sixteen options to choose from? give it a shot!

10. Yoga ? for clarity of mind, a good sweat, and flexibility at the same time, yoga offers tremendous benefits as part of a balanced health and fitness program. Many local facilities offer trial classes or home DVD?s are also available to fit into your ideal schedule.

Conclusion

Challenging your body and mind with new exercise activities is essential to avoiding plateaus, boredom and burnout. Pushing your limits ensures fun with maintaining the habits required for lifelong health and fitness success.

For more information

Call Hut Allred at 972.871.7575 or visit his! website at http://www.newwavefitness.com to request a 15 minute phone consultation to learn how he can help you customize a fitness and nutrition program to achieve your goals.

The Truth About Prostate Cancer Warning Signs

2008-11-27T08:03:00.001-08:00

Prostate cancer warning signs...

Every man should be concerned about their prostate's health.

Indeed, for men not paying attention to it, it can be deadly as prostate cancer comes second only to lung cancer with respect to cancer-caused deaths for American men...and is near the top for Canadian men as well.

Prostate cancer is also the most common type of cancer for men in the United States. Tens of thousands of new cases are diagnosed yearly.

Although there is most likely a hereditary component to your chances of getting prostate cancer, like many things in life, a lot of it comes down to choices you make, such as taking quality prostate health promoting supplements and eating food for good prostate health.

Prostate cancer warning signs

Although the aforementioned prostate statistics don't seem to be good, the truth of the matter is that if prostate cancer is detected early, treatments are often very successful and chances of surviving are very high.

Therefore, one of the best things you can do other than take the necessary supplement and dietary steps to promote good prostate health is to have what is called a PSA test (prostate specific antigen tests) done every year. It doesn't take long and it's not painful so don't put it off.

The drawback of the PSA test is that it isn't perfect in what it reveals.

Now, what about prostate cancer warning signs?

Well, unfortunately, prostate cancer does not really give off any warning signs.

In addition, another confusing aspect is that most of the possible warning signs, if they appear, are also the same signs for other prostate health problems that are non-cancerous in nature, such as BPH, which is called an enlarged prostate gland.

However, these signs are still worth mentioning.

The following are some potential prostate cancer warning signs or signs of BPH:

incomplete emptying of the bladder
dribbling
difficulty starting urination
reduced force of the ! stream
frequent urination of small amounts
pain with urination
ejaculation pain
blood in the urine

Dietary and Supplement Protocols

Although saw palmetto is touted as the best herb to take for prostate health, it actually isn't. Something called Beta sitosterol is much better. Here's why:

Even the best Saw Palmetto supplements are comprised of 99% fatty acids and 1% sterols. The sterol component is where the therapeutic benefit lies (hence the name Beta Sitosterol).

In short, by taking Beta Sitosterol, you will be getting only the active component of Saw Palmetto that is responsible for its medicinal properties. Beta sitosterol is literally thousands of times more powerful than saw palmetto.

Other beneficial nutrients and supplements include: lycopene, pygeum, stinging nettle, and cornsilk.

With respect to food for good prostate health, recent research by the authoritative US National Cancer Institute revealed that men who consumed more than 1/3rd of an ounce of onions, scallions, garlic, chives per day were much less likely to have prostate cancer.

In conclusion, don't wait for prostate cancer warning signs or signs of other prostate problems to show up before you do anything about it.

On the other hand, if you are already experiencing possible signs of prostate problems, don't panic.

This is a very treatable condition if caught in its early stages. Just make sure you take appropriate action and talk to your doctor about it right away so you don't become a statistic.

Get more info on prostate cancer warning signs and supplements to consider using to promote prostate health at: http://www.nutritional-supplement-info.com/prostate-herbs.html

New Depression Info: How to Become More Optimistic

2008-11-26T21:02:00.001-08:00

Are you a naturally optimistic person or do you find your self too often feeling sad and depressed, with a long face and a heavy heart? Most of us have heard about the importance of seeing the glass half full instead of seeing it half empty. We all know that positive, optimistic people are happier, healthier and more successful. But how does one go from feeling depressed and pessimistic to becoming happy and naturally optimistic?

If you are feeling pessimistic right now, you probably feel doubtful that you could actually change the way you see the world, but I want you to know that it really is possible! Just because you?re feeling sad and depressed today doesn?t mean you have to live that way for the rest of your life. In my work as a psychotherapist, I?ve helped many people make that important change. I know that you can do it too.

I?ve identified a few steps that will accelerate your journey from pessimism and depression to optimism and light-heartedness. I suggest that you make a vow to yourself that you will try them every day for one month and then watch and see what happens in your life!

1. Learn to identify your feelings and process through them until you release them. Identifying what you really feel and processing through your feelings is the most important step in this process. When authentic release from the emotional pain happens, you will feel free of the negativity and full of creative ideas about how to handle the difficult situation better in the future. When you don't process through your feelings, you keep accumulating negative feelings that turn into ugly negative attitudes over time. Holding negative attitudes over time causes depression, while releasing the feelings leads to natural joy and light-heartedness.

2. Build a healthy support system and surround your self with friends who are also interested in personal growth. Join a support group or a positive activity where you can make some real friends. True friends are people who want you to be the happy, c! onfident , optimistic person you can be! True friends will also do anything they can to help you get past your depression and pessimism to become your true, happy, light-hearted self, including helping you deal with difficult issues that you may want to avoid facing.

3. Get out in nature every day and go for a half hour walk! Being out in nature helps to lift your spirits and see things in more positive, optimistic ways, and walking a half hour three times a week is said to be comparable to taking an anti-depressant, minus all the negative side effects.

4. Ask for divine help from your Higher Power, even if you don?t know what that means. There is a power greater than you who is always available to help you if you simply ask. You don?t have to join an organized religion or go through any traditional rituals. Simply talk to your Higher Power in your mind and ask for help and guidance in your life and then watch and see what happens! Your Higher Power will undoubtedly guide you to a more optimistic outlook. Remember to be also grateful for the help and guidance you receive.

5. Practice the art of healing laughter every hour and every day of your life! If you've forgotten how to laugh, imagine yourself laughing like you did as a child every day until you find a way to make it happen! Your imagination offers a powerful suggestion to your unconscious mind that will naturally be created in your life in fun, serendipitous ways! It?s hard to stay pessimistic and depressed when you are laughing regularly. Just practicing laughter, itself, could help you wake up one day as a positive, happy, optimistic person!

Why spend another day feeling depressed when you can begin this exciting emotional healing journey right now? Even if you grew up in an extremely dysfunctional family, with patience and persistence you could actually overcome a lifetime of negative patterns by following Kari Joys? simple 33-day emotional healing journey!

Kari Joys MS! is a hi ghly recognized psychotherapist, a skilled group facilitator, and a powerful energy therapist in private practice for over twenty years. If you're ready to change your life, visit http://www.kari-joys.com

Why Mind Over Matter Matters

2008-11-25T21:02:00.001-08:00

Okay, so you made the decision to improve your health. You?re taking your vitamins, you?ve given up smoking and junk food, and you?ve decided to buy a juicer to take advantage of the health benefits of juicing. All good things. And, according to the latest studies, all things that may help in cancer treatment and prevention, as well as the treatment and prevention of a host of other ailments, including heart disease, asthma, allergies and high blood pressure. But, don?t overlook one important element in helping your body stay healthy.

Your mind.

That?s right, your mind. It?s called the Mind/Body connection. In a nutshell, what you believe in your mind can influence things in your body.

It?s known that anxiety can make any illness worse. Anxiety can make pain feel worse, lower defenses that allow a cold virus to take hold, and can aid in raising your blood pressure. Sometimes the simple act of relaxing can do wonders for your health. That?s all part of the mind/body connection.

You?ve heard of the ?placebo effect? haven?t you? That?s when you get better thinking you?re taking a certain medication, only to find out you were really taking a sugar pill. In almost all studies of medications, there?s a certain percentage of people who improve taking the placebo. Why? Because they thought they were taking the real thing. They expected to feel better and they did.

Now, am I saying you can conquer any illness just by thinking yourself healthy? No. And, if you have any symptoms that concern you, you should see a health-care professional. But, using the power of positive thinking, belief and relaxation techniques in conjunction with healthy eating and modern medicine can certainly help with the treatment of any disease. It can lower anxiety, which can help improve any anxiety-related illness. It can ease nausea in cancer patients, which can help with certain procedures. It can lessen the effects of pain.

One way to increase positive belief is with hypnosis ! or self- hypnosis. Hypnosis allows you to get to that deep state of relaxation where you bypass the critical beta mind. Once in a relaxed trance state it?s good to imagine or visualize your body as perfectly healthy, and repeat positive affirmations to yourself about your body being in perfect health.

How does one get into a trance state? One way, of course, is to see a hypnotherapist who will use techniques to hypnotize you. Another way is to hypnotize yourself using self-hypnosis. The simple version is this: Sit in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and begin actively imagining your body relaxing. Take several deep breathes, breathing in relaxation and exhaling any tensions. Start with your feet and imagine them as deeply relaxed. Work your way up your body, imagining that every breath you take brings the relaxation up into the rest of your body. Take your time. It?s not a race. When you?re through actively imaging your body relaxed, take yourself even deeper and imagine yourself going down an elevator, or a staircase, imagining every step down you?re getting even deeper. I use a staircase of 21 stairs and count down. You can use any number you like. When you?ve reached 0 tell yourself you?re in deep sleep, and tell yourself that every time you go down the staircase in your mind you will be deeply relaxed. At this point you imagine your body as healthy, while repeating your affirmations to yourself. Then, when you?re through, just count yourself up and out from 0 to five, telling yourself to open your eyes, and that you?re wide awake and alert.

Your self-hypnosis session needn?t be long - 5 or 10 minutes will do. But, practiced daily will certainly help in relieving tensions and anxiety that can weaken your health.

And, remember, don?t throw away the juicer or the vitamins. Juicers and vitamins and walking and eating healthy, as well as regular medical checkups, are all part of staying healthy. Remember, it?s called the mind/body connection.

Shari Hearn, is a w! riter an d certified hypnotist in Southern California. You can visit her juicing website at http://www.myjuicer-reviews.com.

A Fish Oil Capsule A Day

2008-11-25T08:02:00.001-08:00

Taken as a dietary supplement, a fish oil capsule every day will provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to the health of the heart, brain and nervous system. And because the body uses omega-3 fatty acids to produce eicosanoids, which help the body absorb calcium and other trace elements, taking fish oil capsules with your daily vitamin supplement will enhance the effectiveness of your other vitamins.

Many doctors recommend a fish oil capsule as a dietary supplement, even if a person eats fish as often as three to five times a week. Recommended dosage varies from two to five grams per day. Dosage variations for fish oil capsules are not dependent on patient condition, but doctor preference. The body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids, so they must be obtained from the foods we eat or from a quality fish oil supplement.

Fish oils have been advocated by natural health experts to help alleviate depression and attention deficit disorder with positive results in their patients. In the case of depression, a combination of two specific omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) achieved the greatest results. It is therefore considered important that a fish oil capsule contain both DHA and EPA fatty acids.

A fish oil capsule should contain purified fish oil from a fish not likely to swim in polluted waters since some studies have found contaminants in fish oil capsules. Some companies use the term ?pharmaceutical grade fish oil? which is purified fish oil.

Health supplement companies should be able to provide the consumer with information about the purity of the fish oil, the purification method, the EPA and DHA content and the fish source. A fish oil capsule from the Hoki fish of New Zealand is an excellent choice, because the Hoki is naturally high in EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids and comes from pristine waters.

Fish oil capsules are tasteless and odorless and provide healthy amounts of omega-3 acids in an easy to swallow form. The omega-! 3 EPA an d DHA are easier for the body to use than plant sources of Omega 3 (known as ALA) which is the omega-3 found in such things as flaxseed oil. The body has to turn ALA into EPA and DHA, and the conversion may not happen smoothly.

In short, a fish oil capsule is the best known source of naturally occurring EPA and DHA.

Discover the best fish oil capsule products we've found through extensive research. These are the fish oil supplements that we take ourselves each and every day. Visit http://www.omega-3-fish-oil-guide.com now.

Tummy Tuck Advantages and Disadvantages

2008-11-24T21:02:00.001-08:00

This would be a costly solution to just one area that some women feel is one of the problem areas of their body. That a lot of insurances will not cover unless the operation is needed for life or death, yet there are times that it would still be a fight. More or less it comes to be an out of pocket expense to you.

There are many advantage and disadvantages to this operation. One of the disadvantages that come with the surgery is the scaring on their stomach that may reside there for weeks or months before the stomach and scares are completely healed.

But yet to many women the reward of having a flat stomach just like a model is the best reward of all. Just like any other women they would like to see the reaction of men out in the street, at work, and their better half at home with the new and approved look that they received.

Some might even have the operation done before a class reunion so they can prove to old class mates that still look good, or for some that they have lost a great deal of weight since school. Some might have it done so they can look good for a vacation or in that new swim suit that they went and purchased for summer.

You could not just get the operation done and forget it you have to keep up with it as well For instance to keep the great looking abs you would still half to continue to exorcise and eat healthy just to keep their new and approved stomach in the shape that they are pleased with. That alone will be a large task for some of us to keep up with.

This is one operation that you should not take with ease you would need to do a lot of investigating in the doctors and the recovery time that you would need to recover from the surgery.

For more information about Tummy Tuck, please check out: http://www.tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty.com

Help is Here for Employers Wanting Their Workforce to Stop Smoking

2008-11-24T08:02:00.001-08:00

According to a recent report from the Associated Press, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate $92 billion in lost wages annually in the United States from smokers who die prematurely. The article also states the economic cost of smoking includes $75.5 billion per year in direct health care costs.

Several employers are desperately trying to help their workers break the smoking habit, not just for their health care costs but also for the general well being of their employees, long after they have left the company. Even ABC?s popular Boston Legal aired an episode recently about an employer trying to assert authority over an employee to stop smoking in an effort to lower health costs.

Some companies have found the services of breakthrough smoke cessation programs. The approach has helped thousands in Europe rid the smoking habit and has seen early success in its infancy in New York.

Rick Tejpaul spearheads one such program. He states,?Health costs and lost wages, along with productivity have recently been under the microscope due to smoking habits of the American workforce.? He continues, ?In the last few weeks we have been called by quite a few companies asking us to come in and help their workforce with the process of quitting smoking.?

There are companies that are contemplating increasing the premiums for their smoking workers. Most do not want to get to this point. Decision makers within corporate are willing to pay for smoke cessation programs. Smoking is at an all time low in this country and individuals, corporations and the medical field are seeking support. All that is required is a motivated person who wants to quit.

For more information on this European, patented method please visit http://www.nicocess.com/ for more information.

Dr. Evelyn Heredia-Eckerle is a Family Chiropractor. She is a Member of the ICA(International Chiropractic Association), and Director of Phoenix Chiropractic and Wellness Center. The center is located at 288 ! Hempstea d Avenue, West Hempstead, NY 11552. You may contact her at: drevelyn@hotmail.com or visit: http://www.phoenixwellnesspc.com.

Walk 10000 Steps to Improve Health and Fitness

2008-11-23T21:02:00.001-08:00

It?s a fact, America is becoming obese at an alarming rate and the rest of the world is following close behind. We are eating more (and more of the wrong stuff) and exercising less or getting no exercise at all. Our health is in steep decline and doctor and hospital visits are at all time highs. Just a brisk 30-minute walk a day can begin to turn that around.

You name it, we have it, and it?s getting worse. Heart and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, stroke, out of control blood sugar levels, diabetes, obesity, and more. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends getting at least 20-30 minutes of moderate activity each day and many of us are falling far short of even that.

Studies show the average person takes about 3000 to 5000 steps a day, and some even much less. Let?s face it, we just do not get the exercise our ancestors did a hundred or so years ago and we tend to eat more refined foods. For some of us, most of steps we take are from the easy chair in front of the TV to the fridge so we can fill up on snacks. For others, like me, we sit at a computer all day as part of our jobs.

Many fitness experts recommend we walk 10,000 steps a day to maintain our weight and overall good health. 10,000 steps are approximately 5 miles, give or take depending on the length of your stride. You will need to purchase and wear a pedometer to count how many steps you take each day. Follow the directions that usually come with the pedometer. Do this for a week or two and you will get a good average step count. Your goal is to reach 10,000 or more steps each day. There is nothing magical about 10,000, but it will put you in the right ballpark.

As a general rule, a person will burn about 100 calories walking a mile, depending on age, size, and fitness level. The heavier you are, the more calories you will burn.

Become creative on ways to increase your steps. At work, go for walks at lunchtime. Go for walks with your spouse or children. Walk the dog. Walk to the store instead of drivin! g, or pa rk at the far end of the parking lot. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. For me, I take brisk 2-mile walks around the neighborhood twice a day everyday (aerobic walking). Just do whatever works best for you, but do it! You will need good walking shoes and socks to prevent injury when walking for exercise (like aerobic walking).

Go to your favorite search engine and type in ?10,000 steps? to learn more about this life saving, life changing program. The information is abundant.

Ron Gregory is a technical writer and writes operational and technical service manuals for medical devices and scientific instruments used in hospitals worldwide.

Please visit Ron?s health and fitness website Blue Sea Health and his article directory website ?Blue Sea Articles?.

http://www.blueseahealth.com/
http://www.blueseaarticles.com/

Essential Hearing Aid Tips

2008-11-23T08:02:00.001-08:00

Hearing loss is such a devastating condition. It completely shuts down your ability to listen to your surroundings and appreciate the acoustic beauty found in nature?s visual landscape. This incapacitation no longer remains a matter of great concern today due to the newest hearing aid technology.

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids are powerful devices which help individuals suffering from hearing loss. They physically restore the ability to hear with great flexibility. This flexibility means adjusting the hearing volume according to your hearing preferences. Hearing devices are many and each offers a host of features. Other hearing Devices are equipped with tuning knob to help clientele calibrate the sounds as they hear it. If the sound is too low, patients can adjust them in such a way that they would be able to catch it to maximize auditory comprehension. If the sound is too loud, it can level it up with sounds produced softly. In many cases, soft, average and loud sounds are amplified on equal levels. This is an example of linear sound processing system.

There are various ways to take advantage of buying hearing aids.
- Online purchase
- Direct through hearing aid manufacturers
- Through registered audiologists (medical professionals who specialize in treating hearing-related illnesses)

Tips on procuring the right hearing aid for you:

1. Seek the help of a professional:

Due to the boom of World Wide Web and the rampant practice of sedentary lifestyle, more and more people are getting hooked up to buying listening devices online even without undergoing an extensive hearing aid evaluation examination. A patient should have completed a comprehensive hearing test before taking advantage of the benefits provided by the hearing aid. Buying hearing aids without going through a valid audiological evaluation reduces your chances of optimizing the benefits that the hearing devices provide.

2. Convenience:

No matter how techie the gadget is and ! its prof ound benefit it theoretically provides to patients, if it?s a burden to carry, it will definitely defeat the very purpose of the treatment program. Many hearing aid styles discussed on the next section of this article offer a wide array of hearing aid modes that suits a range of clients taste and personal preferences. These listening tools share similar functionalities but offer different optimization level.

3. Consider Opinions:

Nothing can beat the benefits of a personal experience. Listening to the advice of others who have used some of the products in the market will furnish you a considerable amount of details about which product will best fit you. It should, however, be emphasized that this is not a substitute to the professional help of a doctor who is qualified to verify devices that are most appropriate for you.

4. Budget Concerns:

Manufacturers use sophisticated technology, employing millions of dollars in the research, and the manufacture of these instruments. Also, the maintenance of a hearing aid manufacturing facility has a lot to do with why the cost of the product of this technology continues to rise. So while the best devices are typically the most expensive, there are products in the market which offer similar functionalities while not stripping off those hard-earned dollars in your pocket.

5. Stick with the Evaluation:

Most hard of hearing people tend to underestimate the findings provided in the hearing evaluation, as a result, they turn into manufacturers that, more than ever, sell cheap and poor quality hearing aid devices. Remember to consult an audiologist before making a purchase.

For more great hearing aid related articles and resources check out http://hearingaids.goldenhq.com

Using Laser Treatment to Help You Quit Smoking

2008-11-22T21:02:00.001-08:00

Using laser treatment to quit smoking is considered to be one of the most effective smoking cessation methods. This method was introduced to the public only in the recent years and is considered to be a rather modern and even innovation method.

The laser quit smoking system is based upon a simple and very old principle. It is a well known fact that certain point in human body are nerve centers and they can encourage changes in the body. This principle is used in many disciplines such as acupuncture, reflexology, shiatsu and more. The point is, if you apply pressure to certain points in human body, you can get certain predictable effects.

This principle is used in stop smoking laser treatment. Low intensity laser beam is applied to those specific point in your body. The result is an almost immediate reduction of the cravings that accompany the smoking cessation.

This way you can go through the first stages of quitting smoking without the cravings associated with them.

Naturally, reducing the cravings is not always enough, as there are more aspects to quitting smoking. Therefore, the laser treatment goes very well along with behavioral therapy that will eliminate the psychological aspects of addiction. The laser simply deals with the physical Nicotine addiction. The treatment is very clean and has no side effects, like some of the medications people take to quit smoking.

So, is Laser treatment to quit smoking a good idea for you?

Well, you must consider the following:

* It could be quit expensive. Prices very, and you should compare a few clinics before choosing. Some health insurances cover the cost of this treatment, so check it with your health insurance.

* You should plan to combine the laser treatment with behavioral therapy. Undergoing a laser treatment only will not give you good results in many cases.

Besides from that, laser treatment to quit smoking is a good choice to make as a quit smoking aid. Just remember that you really have to want ! to quit in order to make it. Laser treatment will help, but it's you that actually quits smoking.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but can be done. Be sure to get all the Smoking Cessation advice you need to start on your way to a new life, today!

Trigeminal Neuralgia The Worst Pain Known To Man?

2008-11-22T08:02:00.001-08:00

My Story

I first suffered from Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN or tic douloureux) in 1995 when I was 28. At this time I didn't have a clue what the pain was that I was suffering from. I was in the RAF and had just returned from a tour of duty in the Falkland Islands. During this period I had the odd twinge, but in no way could this be described as pain. On my return the pain increased, so I went to see many dental specialists in the RAF. I was treated with root canal treatment, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. For this the dental technicians made me a couple of splints for my bottom teeth. These were 1 and 2mm in thickness. I wore them for approximately 6 months, but unfortunately they made no difference, as I wasn't suffering from it. The intense pain affected an area on the right hand side of my face from the chin to below the right ear.

None of the treatment that went on for about 18 months proved successful because at this time they didn?t know what I was suffering. The pain got so intense and my job didn?t help as I worked on nights as a radio operator. Part of my job was to wear head phones, these only made the problem worse. Talking was difficult, eating was hard and life wasn?t too pleasant. Temazepam did no good either, the pain was the worst I had ever suffered.

The turning point in my condition came a year after leaving the RAF when I discovered the Internet. I went to Google and typed in ?intense facial pain? and waited for the results to come back. I found all sorts of links, but one of the sites listed struck me. I went there and the symptoms described were very similar to what I was suffering. The pain is best described as a bolt of lightning shooting through one side of the face. The pain is intense, perhaps in my case going on for a few minutes at a time. There was very little that could be done to halt the onslaught. Direct pressure over the area had some affect, but didn?t take the pain away.

The triggers for the pain can be as mundane as brushing your teeth, a bre! ath of w ind or simply talking. Winter and its icey winds were a lot worse than summer warmth. But by far the worst offender is eating. Eating can be a nightmare, during the worst episodes it wasn?t uncommon to lose weight. I wouldn?t waste my time eating things like apples, lettuce and other food that didn?t contain any calories. While to most people these foods are fine, to a TN sufferer like me these are foods best avoided, otherwise you will lose weight. When driving a car even the road surface would have an affect on whether the pain kicked in or not. Even when there was no pain, it was sitting there in the background waiting for the trigger to release its latest onslaught of ultra pain - imagine tooth ache, only 10 times worse! - honest.

Having found what I thought was the problem I was suffering from I took my findings to Goole Hospital. The Ears, Nose and Throat specialist confirmed what I thought and he prescribed me Tegretol. Almost immediately I felt some relief from the pain. Initially my dosage was kept low until I was on the high end of the dosage. The problem I found with Tegretol was memory loss, and a general feeling of ?fuzziness?. I couldn?t come off them as the pain was too intense, but they were becoming less and less useful to my condition. Sometimes, dependent on the dose I took that day, and the amount of food I ate I had a feeling of slight overdose - dizzy isn't the word. It only happened a couple of times, and it wasn't pleasant.

The specialist at Goole referred me to a Consultant Neurosurgeon at Hull Royal. Here I had an MRI brain scan in the Hull Royal Scan Unit, this confirmed, and gave a better indication of what was going on. Armed with my scans I then went to see one of the Neurologists at the hospital. He thought it be a good idea if I was admitted as soon as possible for an operation to numb the pain. I was admitted into hospital on the Monday morning a month later.

Radio Frequency Coagulation Operation
The operation I was going to have was a Radio Frequenc! y Coagul ation. This is administ

The author is still pain free thanks to the MVD performed in Hull Royal.
http://www.mytn.co.uk (MY Trigeminal Neuralgia) - TN Resources

Diet Tips Five Easy Ways to Lose Weight Fast!

2008-11-21T08:02:00.001-08:00

Many people hate the idea of rigid diets - the good news is that if follow the five proven weight loss tips below, you will lose weight easily.

The diet tips require no real willpower and can improve anyone?s diet and chances of healthy weight control.

1. Drink Water

One of the most effective diet tips is to drink plenty of water. In fact, water is possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off.

Water acts as a natural appetite suppressant by keeping your stomach full and fending off dehydration that leads to hunger cravings. Water also provides the additional benefit of flushing out toxins from the body and keeping it hydrated.

Water also helps your body metabolize stored fat by helping the kidneys flush out waste. When you don?t drink enough water the liver that works to provide stored fat for energy also takes on the role of helping the kidneys eliminate waste and thus becomes less effective at metabolizing fat.

2. Eat Breakfast

Many people believe one of the best diet tips is skipping breakfast, as it will help them lose weight, this is totally incorrect. Skipping breakfast can make you hungrier later in the day leading to distorted satiety signals (i.e. it's hard to determine when you're full). This can actually result in eating more as a result.

If you don?t have time to eat breakfast or don?t like to, at least have a liquid meal to fuel your body after sleeping and having no nutrition for several hours.

3. Increase Fibre Intake

Eating lots of foods rich in fibre helps keep food moving through your bowels. Just like water, fiber rich foods bulk you up and make you feel full. In fact, the average person could lose around 10 pounds a year just from doubling their fiber intake.

High fiber foods are generally low in calories and fill you up, so eating more of them means you?re eating fewer calories and leaving less room for calories from other foods. Fiber also cuts calories by attaching itself to some! of the other proteins and fats that you eat and eliminates them as well.

The average person consumes about 8g of fiber per day, but many experts recommend 25g. Start your day with a high fiber cereal and keep eating fibre throughout the day.

4. Eat Healthy Fats

Many experts claim that fat causes obesity, raises your cholesterol and causes heart disease, but this is not strictly true. If fat is all that bad, why is it part of our natural diet chain? The reason is fat can be very good for you.

Fat provides the body with essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acids) needed for normal reproduction and growth, as well as for production of prostaglandin, a hormone like compound that regulates blood pressure, blood clotting, and inflammation.

When eating fats you should eat healthy fats. Eating ?healthy? fats includes the cold-water fish, mackerel and salmon, nuts, and olive oil. By eating healthy fats over unhealthy ones you will lose weight.

5. Lean Protein

Protein is a great weight control tool because of the immediate satiety factor and because it keeps you full for longer periods. It also balances out carbs by preventing insulin spikes that can lead to a drain in energy and sugar cravings.

Protein also helps maintain muscle mass, which is very important in the fat burning process. At least 20% of calories should be in the form of protein.

More dieting and general health information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org

Microdermabrasion Crystals : What you absolutely must know !

2008-11-20T21:02:00.001-08:00

The process of microdermabrasion involves the spraying of finely ground microdermabrasion crystals (sand-like particles / aluminum oxide typically) on to the surface of the skin in order to gently abrade and peel away the old skin and exfoliate all the dead cells. This results in a cleaner fresher and younger skin on the surface which many patients have described as a sheer reversal of aging. In this entire process, the knowledge of the small particles that help you regain your youth is at a minimum and that?s what we will concentrate on addressing.

Most such processes with microdermabrasion crystals use one form of aluminum oxide or the other as the abrading material so this article will focus on just that. Aluminum oxide chemical formula Al2O3 is a recommended substance for this procedure and is cleared for non-toxicity due to accidental ingestion and doesn?t provoke any harmful side effects or surface skin reactions. Before the start of any microdermabrasion crystals procedure, care is taken to ensure that this aluminum oxide is high on purity from unwanted particles for example silica which is present in the source. The purification process is enabled through a technical rigorous procedure of melting and re-crystallizing the native aluminum oxide.

While the inhalation of microdermabrasion crystals such as aluminum oxide by itself does not have adverse biological reactions in the body, the introduction of any particulate matter in the lungs could possibly cause a breathing impairment, nasal irritation and induced coughing. Therefore before you undergo this treatment, make sure that your medical practitioner takes care to sufficiently cover your nostrils and eyes before starting the procedure. Microdermabrasion crystals thus when used carefully can bring immense benefits to the human body than any negative reaction that could possibly have you in two minds about the treatment.

Keep in mind that this knowledge of microdermabrasion crystals is just so that you are aware of what you g! o throug h. The technique itself is very clean and there is almost no instance of residual particulate matter left on the skin. Summarily, we would just like to say, that if you find yourself suitable for undergoing this treatment, just go ahead and take one more step closer to the heydays of your youth!

Visit our site at Microdermabrasion Info & Articles to read everything you ever wanted to know about microdermabrasion, its benefits, the cost involved, what precautions to take and much more !

? 2005, Sam Natarajan. This article is courtesy of Microdermabrasion Secrets

You may publish it at no cost, as long as the links are left intact, made live, and this notice stays in place.

Symptoms of Shingles

2008-11-20T08:02:00.001-08:00

The symptoms of shingles tend to be mistaken for colon illnesses. The symptoms of shingles can end up as a very painful experience. The first, most apparent symptoms of shingles outbreaks a harsh pain which may occur in the leg or arm. Symptoms of shingles can also include feeling a sick stomach as well as a headache and high temperature. The symptoms are generally very close to that of the flu considering the pains and aches as well as a high temperature. The shingles symptoms are very often confused with more serious ailments such as pneumonia as the symptoms seem to copy other diseases. Shingles may appear as more of a sickness than a virus which can reoccur.

Shingles itself occurs when the body cannot keep the chickenpox virus under control. People who have shingles may notice the symptoms also include tingling on one side of the body and burning. The virus tends to cause a mass amount of pain in those it appears on. This pain generally makes it very hard to move. Generally the most painful shingles symptom will be the constant body aches and pain going through the body just days before the outbreak of shingles emerges. Shingles symptoms eventually lead to an outbreak of blisters on the skin which is the most apparent sign a person has a shingles infection.

Shingles is a lot like the chickenpox only it occurs in people who are much older, usually in their golden years. The blisters which are caused by shingles and are the defining symptom of shingles are very painful and occur in groups. With the shingles virus there will be a large area of red inflamed skin and blisters will cover that area. The blisters of shingles tend to be filled with liquid, which is another symptom or sign which is readily obvious it is more serious than having a rash or something like eczema. The one symptom which may help determine that a person has shingles is the fact where the body hurts is always where the shingles outbreak will occur.

There is a treatment which will help a person get rid of shingles! . When t he symptoms of shingles appear people can be ready for them. There is a treatment which will help a person get rid of shingles. It is called heal shingles and is an all natural oil made by a company called Healing Natural Oils. This product will help to relieve and get rid of the painful blister that shingles causes.

How Many Calories Do I Need Per Day?

2008-11-19T21:02:00.001-08:00

How Do I Calculate Caloric Needs Based On My Goal (gain/loss/maintain)?

Listen, figuring out how many calories a day you need to lose weight, maintain your weight or gain weight really isn?t too hard. And with the formula I?m about to give you plus a very cool website, you can easily track where you are and what you need to do daily to reach your goals. So lets? begin!

IF YOU DON?T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, THEN LOSING, MAINTAINING OR GAINING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE!

Step 1:

Take your current body weight in pounds (lbs) and multiply by 11.

Example: 194 lbs x 11 = 2134 calories

This is what I need to just keep what I have, without moving. But remember, you do move. So you have to then calculate your metabolic factors into this? so off to step 2?

Step 2:

Figure out your metabolic factor according to the table below.

But first, some definitions to help you determine where you might fit in:

Slow Metabolism: You basically look at food and you seem to put on pounds. You can gain weight by eating salads but it?s difficult to lose the weight.

Moderator Metabolism: You can gain weight if you try. You can lose weight if you try. You really don?t have trouble losing weight depending on what you want to do.

Fast Metabolism: You are the skinny guy or gal who can eat *ANYTHING* and it makes no difference. Gaining weight is difficult. Losing weight can happen overnight. Just by watching T.V. you seem to shed pounds.

Metabolic %

Under 30 years old
Slow Metabolism-30%
Moderate Metabolism-40%
Fast Metabolism-50%

30-40 years old
Slow Metabolism-25%
Moderate Metabolism-35%
Fast Metabolism-45%

Over 40 years old
Slow Metabolism-20%
Moderate Metabolism-30%
Fast Metabolism-40%

Example: 2134 calories x 35% = 746.90

I took my calories needed above just to sit here and not move and multipled it by my metabolic factor and I find that I need an additional 746.90 calories because of m! y specif ic metabolism.

Step 3:

Put it together.

2134 + 746.90 = 2880.90 calories

I need 2,880.90 calories to maintain my current weight with my current activities.

Note: You can also adjust your metabolic factor if you do something that might take you to the next level. If you are a moderator metabolism person but you do distance running, it might make more sense to put your self in the fast category since you burn a lot more calories.

Step 4:

Now change the above with about 500 calories every day to reach your goals!

Lose Weight: I would take 2880.90 ? 500 = 2380.90

Maintain Weight: I would just leave it at 2880.90 and continue what I was doing in my activities

Gain Weight: I would take 2880.90 + 500 = 3380.90

Note: 500 calories a day is just a general term everybody uses to say that adding this amount is within safe limits. Eat too much, and you end up storing fat. Cut too many calories and your body just goes into starvation mode and ends up retaining more fat. 500 is a safe, recommended guideline.

Step 5:

You must track what you are eating so you?ll know if you?ve made your goal for the day. And tracking food does not have to be complicated with weights and scales.

It's a shame that so many people just start training and never figure out what they need to eat daily to reach their goals.

You can keep doing the math over and over as you reach a goal. If you are bulking, your requirements will change as you progress. And when you lose weight they will as well. You might want to lose weight, reach a target weight and then maintain. So you will do this formula again when you have hit the weight you want.

Marc David is a bodybuilder, writer, and author of the the e-book The Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding (BGFB): What Every Beginner Should Know but Probably Doesn't. The Beginner's Guide is oriented towards fitness minded men and women who are just starting or have worked out for years without ! results. To learn more about the Beginner's Guide, visit Beginning-Bodybuilding at: http://www.beginning-bodybuilding.com

Help for Your Snoring

2008-11-19T08:02:00.001-08:00

One of the first things is to look at your problem and ask yourself, or better yet ask your spouse, significant other, or family members, and see if you are a minor snorer, snoring a few time a week and not too loudly, or do you snore every night and snore so loud that the paint is coming off the walls?

If it is the major type, you should see your doctor and make sure that a serious medical condition is not underlying your snoring.

Whether you have done that, or not, the next step is to take a look at yourself and your lifestyle.

* Are you truly an ideal weight for your height? If not it could simply be the excess weight that is causing the snoring. Lose the weight and you will lose your snore.

* Do you sleep on your back? You could start sleeping on your side. A remedy for staying off your back is to sew a sock to the back of your PJ's, you could just pin it too, and put a small ball in the sock or pocket. A golf ball or even a walnut will make so uncomfortable to sleep on your back, you'll quickly be staying of it all together.

If you are over weight too, sleeping on your back can even be worse as you have a lot of excess weight around your neck.

* Maybe you just have hay fever, or asthma? Is the pollen count high, or it could be a certain food you are eating? You may just be having allergic response that is causing inflammation of your mucous membranes which in turn will lead to snoring. Ask your partner if your snoring is worse some times than others and see if you can find a link perhaps between a time of year or a food stuff and your snoring.

* Dairy products, milk, yogurt, cheese, even ice cream can increase the amount of mucous in your system and restricts your airways. You may want to eliminate milk and milk products from your diet for a month to see if your snoring improves.

* If you aren't exercising already, start exercising. Besides helping with weight loss, if that is a problem, it will help in so many ways, lower your stress levels, open u! p your a ir ways, lower blood pressure, make you feel more energetic and just help you sleep better.

There are many ways to incorporate exercise into your day without going to the gym ? walking around the block, swimming, taking the stair not the elevator, parking a way back from the store you are going to and walking all that way, etc.

It is important, when, especially when carrying excess weight, to get a medical check up and talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program and to start off slowly building up frequency and duration of exercise sessions as you lose the weight and achieve higher levels of fitness.

* The following are a number of very specific exercises that I have next to my bed and I do the different ones whenever I can ?

In a very controlled manner, slowly open and close your mouth to its full extent. Make sure your lips meet when closing.

Pucker up as if to blow a kiss and hold for 5 seconds before relaxing.

Practice smiling, make it big, generous and exaggerated. Once again hold the position for 5 seconds before relaxing.

Press your lips tightly together and hold for 5 seconds before relaxing.

Press your lips firmly and then pretend to sip a drink making a sipping noise.

Stick your tongue right out. Keep it straight and horizontal, don't allow any drooping.

With your tongue sticking right out move it from side to side making it reach each corner of your lips.

Practice reaching for your chin with the tip of your tongue.

Practice reaching for the tip of your nose with your tongue.

Hold a spoon against your sticking out tongue and exert pressure as if to push the tongue back into the mouth. Resist the pressure with the tongue ? push back against the spoon.

Say ?Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma' as quickly as possible being sure to pronounce both letters.

Say ??La-La-La-La' as quickly as possible being sure to pronounce both letters.

Say ?Ka-Ka-Ka-Ka' as quickly as possible being sure to pronounce both letters.!

S ay ?Kala-Kala-Kala-Kala' as quickly as possible being sure to pronounce both letters.

Say or sing all of the vowel sounds (A-E-I-O-U) as loudly as you can.

Overcome your snoring problem once and for all ? get those muscles of the throat jaw and neck firmed and toned and stop the flabbiness blocking your airways.

If you need remedies to help you stop snoring click on over to Mike Herman's site http://www.Stop-Your-Snoring-Today.com

Dry Itchy Skin? Consider Fish Oils and Chlorine Filters

2008-11-18T21:02:00.001-08:00

Patient came in yesterday to our teaching clinic and reporting how she was doing with her horribly dry and itchy skin and scalp. She had been in a month prior in despair.

She had been recommended to take fish oil a few times a day. Her improvement was excellent yet not completely resolved.

My first thought was to include a shower filter which would remove the harmful effects of chlorine.

Dry skin's main cause is either due to:

diet
environmental

Watching TV now is killing me with all the ads for lotions and creams. They are mostly all bunk. Why not remove the cause of the dry skin instead of putting a band-aid on it every 4 hours?

I must say that treating symptoms rather than treating the cause is one of my biggest pet peeves. So easy to do and so many of us do not do it. WHY??? I guess we're programmed to find relief rather than resolution. Relief is faster than resolution most of the time. Us Yankees are so into making the short term buck for the least effort. Make a little more effort and gain further benefit.

Find resolution will ya?!

If one's diet lacks essential fatty acids such as flax oil, borage oil, primrose oil or fish oil, their skin will likely become dry and irritated. Add essential fatty acids to your diet.

If one's environment consists of harsh cleaners, solvents, alternating wet dry, chemicals or simply chlorine, dry skin may become an issue. Remove the environmental issues if possible.

Granted there are countless other nutrients for skin - such as vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, proline, MSM et al - yet a major component of healthy skin can be achieved through consuming fish oil and using chlorine filters.

A great liquid fish oil that tastes lemony can be found in Carlson's Fish Oil. My son loves it and so do I - and that speaks volumes as I'm not much of a fish lover. If one prefers capsules, look for cold water fish oil capsules as they contain basically no heavy metals.

A shower chlori! ne filte r is a good idea as chlorine destroys proteins and strips oils from the body - inside and out. Ideally, one would also purchase filtered water or an in-home countertop drinking water filter.

I have been using the water filters by New Wave Enviro Products. The shower filter by New Wave Enviro has been in my home for about 6 years now. I love it and noticed a major difference in my scalp and especially after shaving. I don't get the super dry face anymore - in fact, I don't even use shaving cream anymore - just soap and water in the shower. My wife doesn't apply buckets of lotion anymore either after each shower. That drove me nuts - one more step before she was ready to get out the door.

The next few paragraphs are a bit of a tangent but are useful if you're considering a drinking water filter. If you have dry skin and the essential fatty acids and shower filter are not doing it, you may want to consider adding a drinking water filter to improve your skin and overall health.

There are numerous drinking water chlorine filters on the market. Things to look for are how much it costs to run them per gallon. If a unit initially costs only $20.00 that's great short term - however, if the filter has to be replaced every 2 months and costs $20 a pop, that adds up fast. If you become lazy and do not change the filter as recommended, you are causing more harm that good. Why? The filter begins to dump out what it has been filtering for the past 2 months plus bacteria begin to set up base camp. Ever notice that your filtered water has begun to taste funky??? Replace the filter.

If you're looking for a drinking water filter, consider the New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Premium Countertop Water Filter. This filter only costs an average of four cents per gallon and the filter has to be replaced only every 1500 gallons which is about a year for a family of four folks. The water tastes excellent coming out of there and it is a no brainer to set up. Many of my neighbors and fellow classmates are using it a! nd enjoy ing it. I've done my homework on this one and the customer service from New Wave is unmatched. A friend of mine had her filter clog up for some random reason in only 3 months of use - the company shipped her out a new filter right away. It likely was due to her house's water pipes being old and shedding sediment but New Wave didn't care. They wanted her happy.

Toss the Brita - it's bank and honestly is a garbage water filter. I had one of those for years. I got tired of the nasty taste.

To compare the major brand water filters, this website's water filter review seems pretty good. They do not have the New Wave Enviro filters there but they do offer about 10 others.

When our patient comes back, I will let you know how her dry skin is doing. It may be awhile but I'll remember to post her update.

Enjoy removing the cause of your dry skin! Applying lotion day after day month after month cannot be fun. It takes four weeks for a new healthy layer of skin to appear - only 4 weeks. So in 6 weeks you will likely be lotion free.

The shower filter benefits are noticeable in about 3 days - some people notice the difference after the first shower. Of course it depends on how much chlorine your city water has and how sensitive you are.

In health, Ben

Benjamin Lynch has a BS degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Washington. Currently, he is obtaining his doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University. Visit Ben's natural health product store, HealthE Goods where one can use our free health information service where one may ask specific health questions. We provide physician-grade non-prescription natural health products. Wholesale spa products are available to all that qualify. Do visit our Natural Health Information Center. We are here to help serve the public with proper health information and effective products. Products described in the article are available at HealthE Goods.

Acne Treatment And Dangers Of Prescribed Medications

2008-11-18T08:02:00.001-08:00

Acne is induced from imbalances and impurities in the body, and that's why we treat the problem an internal cleansing course of action that goes right to the source and fights acne prior to it even begins. Most of the Acne treatment will bring antioxidants that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness.

Practically everyone has to deal with acne from time to time. It's not because we eat hot foods or chocolate. It's not because we do not wash our face enough. In fact, cleaning too vigorously can produce acne worse! The basic of acne treatment with following immediate results that:

i ) Works for adults & teenagers distress from facial or body acne;

ii) Eliminates spots, pimples, redness, puss, blackheads & whiteheads;

iii) Natural acne medication formula with no side effects;

iv) Fast and effective acne cure from the inside out;

v) Dermatologist Recommended with Guaranteed Results;

vi) And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally.

Thousands of people from all across the globe suffer from this debilitating disorder, and just like you they've tried every single thing with little or even no results.

Dangers of prescribed medications for acne treatment:

i) Even though you will notice short term results;

ii) Produce you feel ill;

iii) Even more disturbing is that the FDA warns that can cause depression, liver damage and birth defects, along with an extended list of more possible side effects;

iv) Patients of this chemical prescription must be under a dermatologist's supervision for the 5-month course of coarse of action.

Choose wisely and know about danger of Acne prescribed medications.

Jasmine Yap

Find out more information about Acne Product - http://acne-product.natural-herbal-essence.com/

Reducing Acne Naturally

2008-11-17T21:02:00.001-08:00

Many of us have lived through it as teenagers and young adults...ACNE...the dreaded red pimples that always seem to multiply at the absolute worst times!

Before you run out and spend alot of money on over-the-counter and prescription drugs, let's take a look at some natural methods of reducing acne...

Here are some tips:

* Reduce your stress level.

Stress can cause acne. By reducing your stress levels, you can reduce your chances of acne outbreaks. Try doing yoga or any other relaxing techniques. It may not be an acne cure, but reducing stress will improve your general health.

* Don't wash your face too much.

Some people think that washing your face often will reduce the risk of getting acne. This is not the case. Washing your face too much can actually dry out your skin, leading to acne. When you do wash your face use only oil-free products.

* Be wary of cosmetics and hair products.

Clogged pores are a cause of acne. Some people who use cosmetics to cover acne can actually be making it worse. If you do use cosmetics, then you should only use cosmetics that don't clog the pores (noncomdomedogenic products).

* Be careful of what medications you are taking.

Some medications, like types of steroids, can cause acne. Consult your doctor about any medications you are taking.

* Wear loose clothing.

Many types of acne are caused by sweat, especially body and back acne. Tight clothes keep the sweat in contact with the skin, thus causing acne.

Disclaimer: This article is the opinion of the author and is strictly for informational (entertainment) purposes only and should not be used in the place of qualified professionals. If you apply any of the information in this article, you do so at your own risk. Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition

Dennis Hardy is a senior writer for Health-Articles-online.com. For more articles from this author, visit http://www.Health-Article! s-Online .com

Asbestosis' true

2008-11-17T08:03:00.001-08:00

Asbestosis is an asbetos-related disease and may be considered as an occupational disease too since the most cases occur among people who worked with asbestos or their families, but there are cases of people who developed it, without have been in contact with this mineral at any period of their lives.

Asbestosis may be defined as a chronic inflammatory medical condition that affects the parenchymal tissue of the lungs. Experts consider asbestosis as an irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal. It occurs after a long-term and a heavy exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos are six fibrous minerals that have been used in commercial products, such as roofing products, gaskets, and friction products, due to various properties that make asbestos have high tensile strength, chemical and thermal stability, high flexibility and low electrical conductivity.

These six types of asbestos are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite asbestos, tremolite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos. Nearly all of the asbestos produced worldwide is chrysotile.

When the person has inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers, his body will try to remove them by the cough but the lungs will scar and get thick, what makes hard for lungs the breathing movements of expansion and contraction.

Therefore, people with Asbestosis suffer severe dyspnea or shortness of breath and have an increased risk for developing different types of lung cancer and mesothelioma. There is no cure for this pathology and either a good way to treat it. The only thing that physician can do is to reduce some of the worst symptoms of the disease.

Article written by the staff of skindisorder.com a website edited by Hector Milla, if you want to read more articles about skin disorder diseases, feel free to visit http://www.disorderskin.com, or http://www.asbestos-10.com wsib asbestos information, you can reprint this article in your website or ezine, always mentioning the author above and keeping a live link.

Snacking Fear Greed and the Gastric Bypass Tool

2008-11-16T21:02:00.001-08:00

Do you remember nodding your head with understanding during your pre/post WLS seminar when the speaker said, ?Gastric bypass is only a tool, the rest is up to you.? I nodded my head to the nurse dietician as she spoke to the room of fresh-out-of-surgery gastric bypass patients. We thought we understood ?only a tool.?

But the words ?only a tool? are vague. It would be more accurate to tell new patients, ?I?m sending you back into the very world that made you fat. Nothing in your environment has changed. In fact, the only thing that has changed is you ? every external force that acted upon you 10-days ago is still out there. You are going to have to claw and fight your way in that same world resisting the habits and instincts that caused you to be obese in the first place. The only weapon you have is a little stomach and impaired absorption system ? this is the tool. You will still have emotional highs and lows, days of self-doubt and days of celebration. There will be food pushers, saboteurs and cheerleaders along the way, but the burden is on you to use the tool.?

?It?s only a tool.? Frankly, sometimes I get sick of hearing that and sick of saying it.

Financial planners say people manage their money with two emotions: fear and greed. They fear losing money or fear not having enough money. Greed manifests when they want more money or presume they never have enough money.

I suggest in many instances we use the same emotions to manage our eating behavior, before surgery, after surgery, regardless of the fact that we have ?the tool.?

Fear could be about wasting food, betraying friendships, damaging relationships. We fear the discomfort of stress, boredom or loneliness and manage those emotions with food. In addition, WLS patients are known to fear weight loss success because we?ve never really accomplished massive, lasting weight loss before ? success is an unknown place to be.

Greed could be about always wanting more, one more taste, one more bite, one more piece. Gree! d could be the frantic collection of a snacking-stash for ?just in case? moments when we really ?need? something fast. Greed results from ?worthiness? ? I have done my exercise so now I deserve a reward ? which often is a snack or treat.

By managing our emotions with fear and greed we caused, in part, our obesity and ultimately that led to morbid obesity. Given thoughtful contemplation I am certain we can list the fears and the greed that got us to the surgical table.

But what if fear and greed could work in our favor if we teamed them with ?the tool?? Would fear and greed, emotions we love and hate, be a good thing? Consider this:

What if I fear dumping/vomiting/weight gain if I eat Nutter-Butter cookies? Or popcorn? Or crackers? Or, or, or.

What if I fear the co-morbidity of Type II Diabetes returning if I engage in mindless snacking?

What if I fear the cruel things people will say (and they will say cruel things) if I regain my weight?

What if I fear having to buy bigger clothes because I?m snacking and regaining weight?

What if I fear having to return to the surgical table for a revision surgery because I couldn?t get a handle on my eating habits?

What if I?m greedy and want to live long and healthy to see my children and grandchildren grow-up?

What if I?m greedy and love the pleasure of active living that weight loss has given me?

What if I?m greedy and don?t want to spend money on prescription medicine for ailments I no longer suffer because I?ve lost weight?

What if I?m greedy and want to hear more compliments about how healthy and fit I look after achieving massive weight loss?

What if I?m greedy and unwilling to sell-my-soul to the guilt-monster for a lousy indulgence?

I?m going to spend a lot of time considering how I can make these emotions work for me because I?ve got to conquer this snacking habit before I?m doomed.

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story havi! ng maint ained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com

LivingAfterWLS is a no-nonsense resource for people Living After Weight Loss Surgery. Our community is growing in numbers even as we are shrinking in pounds. Together we support one another in this lifestyle, that it turns out, is NOT the easy way out.

Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often. To subscribe to the LivingAfterWLS monthly newsletter You Have Arrived click on http://www.livingafterwls.com and enter your details in the subscription box.

The Benefits of Home Microdermabrasion

2008-11-16T08:02:00.001-08:00

Microdermabrasion treatments used to be known as the lunchtime peel. This short but effective anti aging skin procedure involved a visit to a dermatologist or cosmetician's office. Thanks to new technology you can now perform this costly procedure yourself at home by buying home microdermabrasion kits.

Professional microdermabrasion treatments involve the use of a tool that resembles a small blowtorch. This torch emits crystals on the surface of the skin and then gently polishes it. This polishing gets rid of the old exfoliated old skin cells and encourages new skin cells to grow. The stimulation to the smaller blood vessels in the facial skin is often immediately obvious because it brings a fresh baby pink glow to the face.

These exfoliating and polishing treatments for sun-damaged skin are very popular. Microdermabrasian involves removing the superficial damaged layers in a non-invasive ways. These skin layers look healthier and the thickness of the skin is improved. However microdermabrasion works best if you attend a series of treatments so that the cells have the constant opportunity to renew and rejuvenate themselves. If you have acne scars or severe damage, you need a session every two to three weeks to achieve a smoother, healthier skin texture.

Before the advent of home microdermabrasion kits, microdermabrasion was always performed in an office. Each treatment usually took thirty minutes to an hour and cost about a hundred dollars. Now thankfully several cosmetic companies are putting out their own versions of this procedures which you can do yourself at home. This is a boon to busy and budget conscious women and men as most of these home dermabrasion kits only cost between $25 and $60 and contain several treatments in one kit. This allows you to turn your bathroom into a high efficiency salon that you can visit at your leisure to polish your skin. This type of home microdermabrasian kit is also ideal for the slightly shy teenager who would rather try to take care of his! or her acne scars in private. Some microdermabrasian products promise results in about four weeks but of course this all depends on how often and how well you use the product.

Unlike the salons, these home microdermabrasian kits often contain creams or gels with small polishing granules. Some are thermogenic meaning the cream or gel heats up while it is on your face further stimulating your skin's circulation. Some kits also come with a battery operated skin polishers, which contain a slightly abrasive plastic pad to thoroughly scrub away dead skin cells and exfoliate the top layers of the skin.

Whether you are getting microdeermabrasion in a salon or using a home microdermabrasion kit it is quite common for the skin to suffer from some irritation and redness immediately after the treatment. This is due to the exfoliation of the skin, which eventually leads to the birth of new skin cells. These new skin cells will cause wrinkled skin to look plumper, dull skin to look more vibrant and skin with acne scars to appear less pitted. If you do suffer from mild skin irritation after a treatment then usually a mild anti-inflammatory painkiller such as Advil does the trick for relieving the discomfort.

For maximum results you should also avoid wearing make up for a few days after a treatment so that you don't hamper the renewal and healing of your newly abraded skin in any way.

If you have acne and are planning to use a home microdermabrasion kit you should be aware that these kits are not recommended to use in conjunction with Accutane, nor should you attempt microdermabrasion on your face if you have taken Accutane in the past six months. Skin that has been exposed to accutane is naturally thinner and redder and there is greater risk of injury if you abrade your skin in any way while you are taking this drug.

As microdermabrasion only removes the top superficial layers of the skin it is considered to be quite safe. Due to the fact that skin cells regenerate quickly any redness that do! es occur on your skin after using a microdermabrasion kit should clear up within an hour or two. Used correctly a microdermabrasion kit can save you the money you would normally spend repeatedly visiting a dermatologist, cosmetologist or plastic surgeon to get your skin resurfaced. However keep in mind that you will still need to do several treatments at home to achieve the same results that you would visiting a salon for several microdermabrasion sessions.

For more information on home microdermabrasion, visit http://www.best-anti-wrinkle-creams.com/homemicrodermabrasion.htm

Glossery of Syptoms and Mental Illness Affecting Teenagers

2008-11-15T21:02:00.001-08:00

Being a teenager is not easy. Adolescents feel all kinds of pressures ? to do well in school, to be popular with peers, to gain the approval of parents, to make the team, to be cool. In addition, many teenagers have other special problems. For example, they may worry about a parent being out of work or the family's financial problems.

Adolescents may be hurt or confused by their parents' divorce, or they may have to learn how to live with a parent's alcoholism or mental illness. Despite these pressures, it is important to remember that most teenagers develop into healthy adults.

Unfortunately, some teenagers develop serious emotional problems requiring professional help. This glossary of brief definitions was developed to help teenagers, parents, teachers, and others learn more about the major mental illnesses, symptoms, and mental health issues which affect teenagers. Please remember: All the problems described in the glossary are treatable and some can be prevented. In every case, the sooner a teenager gets help, the better.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE

Use and abuse of drugs and alcohol by teens is very common and can have serious consequences. In the 15-24 year age range, 50% of deaths (from accidents, homicides, suicides) involve alcohol or drug abuse. Drugs and alcohol also contribute to physical and sexual aggression such as assault or rape. Possible stages of teenage experience with alcohol and drugs include abstinence (non-use), experimentation, regular use (both recreational and compensatory for other problems), abuse, and dependency.

Repeated and regular recreational use can lead to other problems like anxiety and depression. Some teenagers regularly use drugs or alcohol to compensate for anxiety, depression, or a lack of positive social skills. Teen use of tobacco and alcohol should not be minimized because they can be gateway drugs for other drugs (marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and heroin). The combination of teenagers' curiosity, risk taking behav! ior, and social pressure make it very difficult to say no. This leads most teenagers to the questions: Will it hurt to try one?

A teenager with a family history of alcohol or drug abuse and a lack of pro-social skills can move rapidly from experimentation to patterns of serious abuse or dependency. Some other teenagers with no family history of abuse who experiment may also progress to abuse or dependency. Therefore, there is a good chance that one will hurt you. Teenagers with a family history of alcohol or drug abuse are particularly advised to abstain and not experiment. No one can predict for sure who will abuse or become dependent on drugs except to say the non-user never will.

Warning signs of teenage drug or alcohol abuse may include:

a drop in school performance,

a change in groups of friends,

delinquent behavior, and

deterioration in family relationships.

There may also be physical signs such as red eyes, a persistent cough, and change in eating and sleeping habits. Alcohol or drug dependency may include blackouts, withdrawal symptoms, and further problems in functioning at home, school, or work.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia Nervosa occurs when an adolescent refuses to maintain body weight at or above a minimal normal weight for age and height. The weight loss is usually self-imposed and is usually less than 85% of expected weight. The condition occurs most frequently in females, however, it can occur in males.

Generally, the teenager has an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though underweight. Self evaluation of body weight and shape may be distorted and there may be denial of the potential health hazards caused by the low body weight.

Physical symptoms can include:

absence of regular menstrual cycles

dry skin

low pulse rate, and

low blood pressure

Behavioral changes commonly occur such as:

social withdrawal

irritability

moodiness, and

depression

Without treatment! , this d isorder can become chronic and with severe starvation, some teenagers may die.

ANXIETY

Anxiety is the fearful anticipation of further danger or problems accompanied by an intense unpleasant feeling (dysphoria) or physical symptoms. Anxiety is not uncommon in children and adolescents. Anxiety in children may present as:

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the child is attached. The youngster may develop excessive worrying to the point of being reluctant or refusing to go to school, being alone, or sleeping alone. Repeated nightmares and complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomach aches, nausea, or vomiting) may occur.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Excessive anxiety and worry about events or activities such as school. The child or adolescent has difficulty controlling worries. There may also be restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep difficulties. Panic Disorder: The presence of recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and persistent worries about having attacks. Panic Attack refers to the sudden onset of intense apprehension, fearfulness, or terror, often associated with feelings of impending doom.

There may also be shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, and fear of going crazy or losing control. Phobias: Persistent, irrational fears of a specific object, activity, or situation (such as flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood). These intense fears cause the child or adolescent to avoid the object, activity, or situation.

ATTENTION DEFICIT/ HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)

ADHD is usually first diagnosed during the elementary school years. In some cases, symptoms continue into adolescence. A teenager with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder has problems with paying attention and concentration and/or with hyperactive and impulsive behavior. Despite good intentio! ns, a te enager may be unable to listen well, organize work, and follow directions. Cooperating in sports and games may be difficult. Acting before thinking can cause problems with parents, teachers, and friends. These teens may be restless, fidgety, and unable to sit still.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder occurs more commonly in boys and symptoms are always present before the age of seven. Problems related to ADHD appear in multiple areas of a youngster?s life and can be very upsetting to the teen, his/her family, and people at school. Symptoms of ADHD frequently become less severe during the late teen years and in young adulthood.

BIPOLAR DISORDER (MANIC DEPRESSION)

Bipolar Disorder is a type of mood disorder with marked changes in mood between extreme elation or happiness and severe depression. The periods of elation are termed mania. During this phase, the teenager has an expansive or irritable mood, can become hyperactive and agitated, can get by with very little or no sleep, becomes excessively involved in multiple projects and activities, and has impaired judgment.

A teenager may indulge in risk taking behaviors, such as sexual promiscuity and anti-social behaviors. Some teenagers in a manic phase may develop psychotic symptoms (grandiose delusions and hallucinations). For a description of the depressive phase see depression. Bipolar disorder generally occurs before the age of 30 years and may first develop during adolescence.

BULIMIA NERVOSA (BULIMIA)

Bulimia Nervosa occurs when an adolescent has repeated episodes of binge eating and purging. Binges are characterized by eating large quantities of food in a discrete period of time. The teen also has feelings of being unable to stop eating and loss of control over the amount of food being eaten. Usually, after binge eating, they attempt to prevent weight gain by self-induced vomiting, laxative use, diuretics, enemas, medications, fasting, or excessive exercise. These teen's self-esteem is strongly affected by wei! ght and body shape.

Serious medical problems can occur with Bulimia Nervosa (e.g. esophageal or gastric rupture, cardiac arrhythmias, kidney failure, and seizures). Other psychological problems such as depression, intense moods, and low self-esteem are common. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcome and decrease the risk of worsening depression, shame, and harmful weight fluctuations.

CONDUCT DISORDER

Teenager?s with conduct disorder have a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which they violate the rights of others, or violate norms or rules that are appropriate to their age. Their conduct is more serious than the ordinary mischief and pranks of children and adolescents.

Severe difficulties at home, in school, and in the community are common, and frequently there is very early sexual activity. Self-esteem is usually low, although the adolescent may project an image of toughness. Teenagers with this disorder have also been described as delinquent or anti-social. Some teenagers with conduct disorder may also have symptoms of other psychiatric disorders (see ADHD, depression, alcohol and drug abuse).

DEPRESSION

Though the term depression can describe a normal human emotion, it also can refer to a psychiatric disorder. Depressive illness in children and adolescents includes a cluster of symptoms which have been present for at least two weeks.

In addition to feelings of sadness and/or irritability, a depressive illness includes several of the following:

Change of appetite with either significant weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain

Change in sleeping patterns (such as trouble falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much)

Loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed

Loss of energy, fatigue, feeling slowed down for no

reason, burned out Feelings of guilt and self blame for things that are not one's fault

Inability to concentrate and indecisiveness

! Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

Recurring thought of death and suicide, wishing to die, or attempting suicide Children and adolescents with depression may also have symptoms of irritability, grumpiness, and boredom. They may have vague, non-specific physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches, etc.). There is an increased incidence of depressive illness in the children of parents with significant depression.

LEARNING DISORDERS

Learning Disorders occur when the child or adolescent's reading, math, or writing skills are substantially below that expected for age, schooling, and level of intelligence. Approximately 5% of students in public schools in the United States are identified as having a learning disorder.

Students with learning disorders may become so frustrated with their performance in school that by adolescence they may feel like failures and want to drop out of school or may develop behavioral problems. Special testing is always required to make the diagnosis of a learning disorder and to develop appropriate remedial interventions. Learning disorders should be identified as early as possible during school years.

OBSESSIVE- COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

Teenagers with OCD have obsessions and/or compulsions. An obsession refers to recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are intrusive and cause severe anxiety or distress. Compulsions refer to repetitive behaviors and rituals (like hand washing, hoarding, ordering, checking) or mental acts (like counting, repeating words silently, avoiding). The obsessions and compulsions also significantly interfere with the teen?s normal routine, academic functioning, usual social activities, or relationships.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Physical abuse occurs when a person responsible for a child or adolescent's welfare causes physical injury or harm to the child. Examples of abusive treatment of children include: hitting with an object, kicking, burning, scalding, punching, and threatening or attacking with wea! pons. Ch ildren and adolescents who have been abused may suffer from depression, anxiety, low selfesteem, inability to build trusting relationships, alcohol and drug abuse, learning impairments, and conduct disorder.

POST- TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)

PTSD can occur when a teenager experiences a shocking, unexpected event that is outside the range of usual human experience. The trauma is usually so extreme that it can overwhelm their coping mechanisms and create intense feelings of fear and helplessness.

The traumatic event may be experienced by the individual directly (e.g. physical or sexual abuse, assault, rape, kidnaping, threatened death), by observation (witness of trauma to another person), or by learning about a trauma affecting a close relative or friend. Whether teens develop PTSD depends on a combination of their previous history, the severity of the traumatic event, and the amount of exposure.

Symptoms include:

Recurrent, intrusive, and distressing memories of the event Recurrent, distressing dreams of the event.

Acting or feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring Intense psychological distress when exposed to reminders of the traumatic event and consequent avoidance of those stimuli.

Numbing of general responsiveness (detachment, estrangement from others, decreased interest in significant activities) Persistent symptoms of increased arousal (irritability, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, hyper-vigilance, anxiety).

PSYCHOSIS

Psychotic disorders include severe mental disorders which are characterized by extreme impairment of a person's ability to think clearly, respond emotionally, communicate effectively, understand reality, and behave appropriately. Psychotic symptoms can be seen in teenagers with a number of serious mental illnesses, such as depression, bi-polar disorder (manic-depression), schizophrenia, and with some forms of drug and alcohol abuse. Psychotic symptoms interfere with a person?s daily functioning and can be q! uite deb ilitating. Psychotic symptoms include delusions and hallucinations.

Delusion: A false, fixed, odd, or unusual belief firmly held by the patient. The belief is not ordinarily accepted by other members of the person?s culture or subculture. There are delusions of paranoia (others are plotting against them), grandiose delusions (exaggerated ideas of one's importance or identity), and somatic delusions (a healthy person believing that he/she has a terminal illness).

Hallucination: A sensory perception (seeing, hearing, feeling, and smelling) in the absence of an outside stimulus. For example, with auditory hallucinations, the person hears voices when there is no one talking.

SCHIZOPHRENIA

A psychotic disorder characterized by severe problems with a person?s thoughts, feelings, behavior, and use of words and language. Psychotic symptoms often include delusions and/or hallucinations. These delusions in schizophrenia are often paranoid and persecutory in nature.

Hallucinations are usually auditory and may include hearing voices speaking in the third person, as well as to each other, commenting on the patient's deeds and actions. Schizophrenia does not mean split personality. Most people develop schizophrenia before 30 years of age with some having their first episode in the teenage years.

SEXUAL ABUSE

Teenage sexual abuse occurs when an adolescent is used for gratification of an adult's sexual needs or desires. Severity of sexual abuse can range from fondling to forcible rape. The most common forms of sexual abuse encountered by girls include: exhibitionism, fondling, genital contact, masturbation, and vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.

Boys may be sexually abused through fondling, mutual masturbation, fellatio, and anal intercourse. Adolescents who have been sexually abused may also suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, feelings of worthlessness and helplessness, learning impairments, and destructive behaviors.

SUICIDE

Suicide is the third leading c! ause of death (behind accidents and homicides) for teenagers. Each year more than 5,000 U.S. teenagers commit suicide. The warning signs and risk factors associated with teen suicide include: depression, previous suicide attempts, recent losses, frequent thought about death, and the use of drugs or alcohol.

A teenager planning to commit suicide may also give verbal hints such as nothing matters, or I won't be a problem for you anymore. They may also give away favorite possessions or become suddenly cheerful after a long period of sadness.

TOURETTE'S SYNDROME

Tourette's Syndrome is characterized by multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic. A tic is a sudden, rapid movement of some of the muscles in the body that occurs over and over and doesn't serve any purpose. The location, frequency, and complexity of tics changes over time. Motor tics frequently involve the head, central body, legs, and arms.

They may result in simple movements such as eye blinking, or more complex movements such as touching and squatting. Vocal tics can include sounds such as grunts, barks, sniffs, snorts, coughs, and obscenities. Tourette's Syndrome is always diagnosed before the age of eighteen - most commonly appearing around seven years of age.

It occurs more often in males than females and symptoms are usually present for life. The severity of Tourette's varies a great deal over time, but improvement can occur during late adolescence and in adulthood. Teens with Tourette's Syndrome often have additional problems with obsessions, compulsions, hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsiveness.

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They are calling Arthur Buchanan's methods of recovering from mental illness REVOLUTIONARY! (MEDICAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN) 'Arthur Buchanan has given us a revolutionary blue print for recovery in these uncertain times, when Mental Ill! ness at a all time high in the United States of America, yet if you follow this young mans methods, we assure you of positive results and I QUOTE 'If these methods are followed precisely, their is no way you can't see positive results with whatever illness you have' Dr. Herbert Palos Detroit, Michigan'

Listen to Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show!

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With Much Love,

Arthur Buchanan

President/CEO

Out of Darkness & Into the Light

43 Oakwood Ave. Suite 1012

Huron Ohio, 44839

http://www.out-of-darkness.com

567-219-0994 (cell)

Herpes: More Common Than You Think

2008-11-15T08:02:00.001-08:00

One of eight North Americans (30 million) has genital herpes, even though only one in five knows that he or she has it. Herpes is classified into type I that affects primarily the mouth (canker sores), and type II that affects primarily the genitals, although both types can go both places. According to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology almost one percent of North Americans acquire new cases of recurrent genital herpes each year. That's 1,640,000 new cases of recurrent genital herpes, in 730,000 men and 910,000 women.

To get herpes, you need the virus and broken skin. Since rubbing breaks skin, sexual contact with infected partners is a frequent cause of herpes. Typically, a person develops grouped painful or itchy blisters that look like poison ivy and disappear after one to six weeks. For some, genital herpes never recur, but almost all people who have a painful first episode will have recurrent blisters in exactly the same place.

A person who has herpes can be contagious, even when there are no visible blisters. The only way to diagnose herpes is to have a culture done on a wet blister. There are no dependable blood tests to tell if you have herpes because more than 92 percent of all Americans have had herpes and therefore have positive blood tests.

Herpes is the most common cause of swelling and pain around the rectum or vagina; anyone with these symptoms should get a culture for herpes, even if they are not sexually active.

Almost all North Americans have had herpes, but only seven percent get blisters recurrently. If you have had only one bout of herpes, you do not need treatment. If you have fewer than four recurrent genital herpes attacks per year, your doctor will probably prescribe 21 500mg tablets of Famvir or Valicyclovir that you keep on hand all the time and take them at the first tingling or itching that precede an outbreak. If you have more than 4 attacks a year, your doctor will probably prescribe valicyclovir or Famivir. By the third year on that ! regimen, as many as 82 percent have no outbreaks at all. Taking acyclovir every day can help to prevent a person from being contagious. Valicyclovir and Famvir are both approved by the FDA for long-term use.

People with recurrent herpes can be contagious any time, but they are less likely to be contagious when they do not have blisters. Virtually everyone in North America has had herpes, but only seven percent get it recurrently. If a person with recurrent herpes is on Valtrex every day, he or she will not shed as much and not be as contagious. Personally, I would not ruin a relationship because of herpes because you are not likely to find anyone who has not had herpes.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Prevent Stretch Marks

2008-11-14T21:02:00.001-08:00

There are certain circumstances under which stretch marks are almost guaranteed. To be forewarned and not forearmed is therefore foolhardy ? especially considering the near impossibility of getting rid of them later on. Without doubt, pregnancy in women and intentional weight loss in both sexes are the most danger-prone times.

Approximately 80% of all pregnant women can expect to develop at least some stretch marks around the waist, on the stomach, upper thighs, buttocks and breasts. However, stretch marks can also appear after breast augmentation. Whatever the cause for reasonably anticipating stretch marks is, prevention is definitely possible.

Among the main bulwarks against stretch marks in both men and women is a proper diet, which should include an adequate amount of proteins. Foods that contain sufficient vitamins C and E are also absolutely essential. These promote proper tissue regeneration and their intake goes a considerable way in preventing stretch marks.

Adequate and regular consumption of water (a minimum of eight glasses per day) will promote proper hydration of skin tissue, further battling the problem. Smokers should make every possible effort to quit. Apart from their other destructive effects, the contents of cigarette smoke cause skin tissue to lose its inherent elasticity.

The next important prophylactic measure is a regular exercise regimen. Keeping the muscles toned will ensure a ?tight fit? for the skin and will prevent the drastic changes in contour and volume that can lead to stretch marks.

Moisturizing endangered or already stretched skin areas with vitamin E-rich compounds is highly recommended by skin care professionals. This should ideally be supplemented by oil massages to the areas most likely to be affected. The extracts of jojoba, avocado, aloe vera, olive oil and sweet almond have proved to be highly beneficial massage media for preventing stretch marks from developing.

Stretch Marks provides detailed information about stretch mar! ks, home remedies for stretch marks, laser stretch marks removal and more. Stretch Marks is affiliated with Progesterone Creams.

Permanent Cosmetics

2008-11-14T08:02:00.001-08:00

What is Permanent Makeup?

Permanent makeup is a state-of-the-art form of cosmetic tattooing. The specialized techniques used for permanent cosmetics are often referred to as micropigmentation, micropigment implantation or dermagraphics. The cosmetic implantation technique deposits tiny individual implants of pigment into the dermal layer of skin to enhance facial features. The 3 most common procedures are eyebrows, eyeliner and full lip color. How Is It Done?

Permanent cosmetic procedures are performed using various machines, including the traditional (or specialized) tattoo or coil machines; the pen or rotary machine and the non-machine or hand tool method.

What Can Be Done?

- Eyebrows - Eyeliner
- LipLiner - Full Lips
- Cleft Lip - Beauty Marks
-Skin Grafts
-Scar Camouflage
-Areola repigmentation

Who Benefits?

Women who:

?Have sparse brows and are tired of brow pencils
?Are tired of their makeup smearing
?Are athletic, yet still want to look their best
?Are allergic to conventional cosmetics
?Wear contact lenses
?Want to streamline their daily makeup r?gime
?Have colorless lips or uneven lip borders
?Have had breast reconstruction surgery (can tattoo an areola)
?Have scars and want them blended with their surrounding normal skin

?Does it hurt??

Topical cream anesthetics are used to numb the area. Most people equate the sensation as similar to tweezing or waxing. Nancy provides instructions which further promote comfort. Not following instructions can promote bleeding and increase sensitivity. Permanent makeup intrigues me, ?..I don?t know much about it??..

You probably know of someone who has permanent makeup and they love it. Or you may have seen or heard stories of bad work. It seems that the media is more likely to expound on the horror stories rather than the beautiful work that can be permanent makeup.

What Could Help Me Know If Permanent Makeup Is For Me?

Fir! st you m ust determine if there is something about your face, or body that you?re unhappy with. Say your brows are sparse, you use pencil every day and you?re tired of it. You may want to look into what permanent makeup can do for you. If you?ve had breast reconstruction and the areola/nipple was not replaced, then a permanent makeup artist can tattoo one on, making a woman feel whole again. Napoleon Hill said ?We Refuse to Believe What We Don?t Understand?. Without further knowledge the average person cannot make an educated decision about whether or not something will work for them. This means learn as much as possible about permanent makeup prior to making a a firm decision about it.

What Things Should I Look For In A Technician?

Once you have decided that you want permanent makeup, find out more about the technician. See if they have a website; visit that website. See if the information provided makes sense to you. Did you learn anything from it? Contact the technician, but instead of first asking ?how much it costs??, do this:

1) Learn as much about permanent makeup yourself before you talk to a prospective technician. Remember, this is your body/face ? you need to do your research and not rely only on the information they provide you.

2) How many procedures have they done?

3) What educational training have they had?

4) Do they have a portfolio of ?before? and ?after? photos you can review? Do you like what you see?

5) Does the technician seem interested in you?

6) Are they willing to provide answers to your questions?

7) Meet with her for a consultation.

8) Do you get a good feeling about this technician?

9) Ask how she keeps the procedure safe.

10) Then ask for costs. However, be advised this is not the industry to be looking for bargain basement prices?...you will get what you pay for?...trust me. I?ve repaired work that was inexpensive to the client who was only price shopping.

We?re On The Web
www.alwayslookyourbest.! com

< p>NANCY LATOUCHE
PERMANENT MAKEUP CONSULTANT
(714) 404-1306

Nancy LaTouche is a retired Board Certified Permanent Makeup Technician/Artist/Consultant.

Nancy is completing an E-book on Permanent Makeup due end of 2006, directed at new technicians. It will be information not provided in a typical course instruction, and will be published on her website upon completion. If you are a technician that is interested, see http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com

Alzheimer's: Creating a Safe Soothing Place for Your Loved One

2008-11-13T21:02:00.001-08:00

Alzheimer's disease causes more than memory loss. Patients develop visual agnosia, the inability to identify objects and people. They develop auditory agnosia, the inability to process sounds, and other agnosias as well. These mental failures are painful to witness.

You can't change the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, but you can create a safe and soothing place for your loved one.

Perhaps your loved one has moved in with you. Even if your loved one is in a nursing home you may influence - and perhaps change - the living space to meet his or her needs. These action steps are a starting place. As your loved one's disease progresses you will think of other ways to help.

1. REMOVE CLUTTER. Too much clutter is upsetting and makes it harder for your loved one to find things. Clear off the bureau, bedside table, and other surfaces. You may wish to buy open boxes for storage. I bought a bathroom shelf for my mother, the kind that goes above the toilet and is held in place with springs. Open shelving made it easier for her to store and find things.

2. CLEAR PATHWAYS. Remove scatter rugs and make sure there are no doorway obstructions. Shorten or wind up long electrical cords that could trip your loved one. Move furniture away from the middle of the room if your loved one uses a walker.

3. ARRANGE FURNITURE. The furniture arrangement depends on the degree of your loved one's dementia. Plan the arrangement on paper first. I arranged the furniture in my mother's studio apartment. The couch was across from her bookshelf, which held Mom's treasures. Her small eating table and chairs were in front of the window so she could enjoy the view. After you have arranged the furniture leave it in place.

4. USE VISUAL CLUES. The Canadian Government, in an Internet article called At Home With Alzheimer's Disease, says you should mark the door of the AD person's apartment in a very distinct way, perhaps with a photograph, a wreath, or a flag of some sort. I hung a he! art wrea th on the door of my mother's apartment. Thanks to the wreath, Mom always knew which door was hers. Experiment with other visual clues, such as a picture of socks on the front of a sock drawer.

5. INCLUDE FAMILIAR THINGS. Alzheimer's: Soothing the Transition on Moving Day, an article on http://www.MayoClinic.com, says it's important for the Alzheimer's patient to have some familiar things. Familiar belongings can trigger feelings of ownership and boost your loved one's sense of security, the article notes. My mother felt secure in her studio apartment because she had her own bedroom furniture, eating table, and favorite chair.

6. CHOOSE CALM COLORS. Nancy L Mace and Peter V. Rabins, MD, authors of The 36-Hour Day, say brain impaired people may be less able to distinguish between similar color intensities. Your loved one may not be able to tell the difference between light blue and light green, for example. Bright colors may be upsetting. That's why The Greater Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer's Association recommends soothing pastel shades such as peach, pink, beige, ivory, light blues, greens and lavenders.

7. MARK SPACE WITH COLOR. The contrast between light walls and dark hand rails will help your loved one to distinguish space. The authors of The 36-Hour Day suggest painting stair risers and treads in contrasting colors. Mace and Rabins also say you should outline doors, mantlepieces, and other things the person bumps into with bright tape in a contrasting color and color intensity.

8. BE CAREFUL WITH PATTERN. Patients with AD see and hear things that have no basis in reality, according to the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in San Diego, CA. This point is made in an Internet story from The Greater Illinois chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Apparently the residents of one nursing home thought the vines on the wallpaper were snakes and they kept beating the walls. At this time of life plain fabrics and wallcoverings are better choices for your loved on! e.

9. HAVE ENOUGH LIGHT. Accidents can happen in dimly lit areas or areas with lots of shadows. Make sure the is enough light, especially in the bathroom. Put a night light next to the bed and mark the way to the bathroom with additional night lights. The 36-Hour Day, says putting reflective tape around the bathroom door may also help your loved one at night.

10. CUT THE GLARE. Buy flat paint instead of gloss to cut down on glare. The floor should also have a non-glare surface. You may also reduce glare by hanging sheer drapes at the window and installing blinds. Use soft light bulbs in lamps. If your loved one is severely demented, close the curtains at night and cover up mirrors.

11. PREVENT WANDERING. Hang small posters on the doors to keep your loved one from wandering. You may also hang beaded curtains in open doorways. Install door and window locks in unusual and/or hidden places. The Canadian Government, in its publication At Home With Alzheimer's Disease, recommends two locks - a chain lock and a dead bolt - on exit doors. If you have a door that opens onto a busy street hang a red STOP sign on the door.

12. ADD LIFE. A growing plant can give your loved one weeks of pleasure. Before you buy a plant, however, make sure it isn't toxic. Provide a watering can if your loved one is still able to water the plant. (Check for spills later.) Watching fish is also pleasurable for those with Alzheimer's, but if you buy fish you should care for them. Your loved one may also benefit from pet therapy.

These action steps will help your loved one to feel safer and calmer. As his or her dementia progresses you will have to take more action steps. The best action step you can take is to keep saying I love you.

http://www.harriethodgson.com

Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction writer for 27 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. She is th author of two Alzheimer's books, Alzheimer's: Findi! ng the W ords, (a communication guide) and The Alzheimer's Caregiver. Her 24th book, Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief, written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com.

Natural Acne Medicine

2008-11-13T08:03:00.001-08:00

Conventional acne treatments have been hailed as quite successful so far, but some run the risk of leaving scars. Hence, some types of natural treatments are used, including the following:

Diet: -A diet based on whole, unprocessed foods benefits people with acne. One should eat least five servings of vegetables and one serving of fruit per day. Items such as fried foods, margarine, milk, milk products, and hydrogenated vegetable oils should be avoided. Omega-3 rich foods like sardines and ground flaxseed should be taken in abundance. Attempts should be made to have regular bowel movements. This can be accomplished by eating more vegetables, for more fiber. Drinking enough water each day is equally important.

Vitamins; Nutritional Supplements:

Vitamin A ? Small doses of Vitamin A may help to reduce sebum production.

Zinc ? Zinc salts like zinc gluconate or zinc sulfate have preventive qualities, by healing blemishes, and reducing inflammation and androgenic hormonal effects on the skin.

Vitamin B6 ? This is particularly helpful in dealing with mid-cycle or premenstrual acne. Vitamin B6 helps in metabolizing steroid hormones, and reduces skin sensitivity to testosterone effects.

Ginkgo biloba?This facilitates the proper circulation of blood to the skin. For a soothing and healing effect, marshmallow is considered a natural treatment of choice. For good lymphatic system stimulation, calendula can be used on account of its antiseptic and soothing effects on the skin.

Herbs ? Herbal extracts like yellow dock, burdock, sarsaparilla, and cleavers, when blended together, act as a potent acne destroyer on account of their cleansing effects. This blend can be taken three times a day, along with a balanced nutritious diet. Half a teaspoon each time is an ideal dose.

Acne Medicine provides detailed information on Acne Medicine, Best Acne Medicine, Prescription Acne Medicine, Natural Acne Medicine and more. Acne Medicine is affiliated with Acne Product Reviews.

Podiatry: Common Foot Conditions Treated

2008-11-12T21:02:00.001-08:00

SKIN
These include the debridement (removal) of callus which is an over production of skin on the foot in response to pressure, a focal area of pressure can result in a corn which can also be removed via mechanical debridement. Other skin conditions include plantar verrucae's which are warts on the bottom surface of the foot which can become painful with weight-bearing activity. These may be debrided and then treated via dry ice/acidic therapies. Fungal infections of the skin of the foot are also common due the environment within shoes where ventilation is poor and moisture can build up, these are also contagious through water droplets in public bathing areas such as showers and pools. Bacterial infections can also occur on the skin particularly when there is injury to the skin surface or when circulation is poor. An example of this is with ingrown toe nails whereby the nail pierces the superficial layers of the skin. The podiatrist is trained to recognize the difference between these things, treat where necessary and offer suggested therapies.
NAIL
Nail conditions may include thickening of the nails due to either trauma, onychomycosis (fungal infection), neglect, or poor circulation. A podiatrist is able to maintain the nails and suggest other conjunctive therapies. Ingrown toe nails as previously mentioned are also commonly treated and the podiatrist may skillfully remove these with or without the administration of local anaesthetic depending on the site and degree of the problem. In this situation the podiatrist works closely with the GP and antibiotics may also be administered if infection is present.
DIABETES
Care of the diabetic foot has become an important facet of podiatry due to possible complications involving the sensory and vascular system of the foot and leg. With poor diabetes control the circulation and / or nerve supply to the feet may be compromised. Neurovascular tests along with assessment of the general foot condition are performed to determine whether t! he patie nt is at low, medium or high risk of foot complications. Neurovascular testing of the diabetic foot is recommended every 12 months minimum, and quite often ongoing treatment throughout the year is required to maintain the foot and prevent problems. Once again podiatrists work very closely with GP's/ Endocrinologists on this matter and may be included in the overall care plan for the patient - as designed by the GP

BIOMECHANICAL INJURY
Various lower limb injuries related to activity and overuse syndromes may have a biomechanical cause. Podiatrists are able to identify such things through gait analysis and biomechanical assessment. For example an overly pronating ('rolling in') foot may be associated with such conditions as

heel spur syndrome/arch pain- 'plantar fasciitis'
Achilles tendonitis
Shin pain- often generically referred to as 'shin splints' eg. periostitis, tendonitis, stress fracture
anterior knee pain- patellofemoral joint pain
metatarsalgia- any conditions affecting the metatarsals
sinus tarsi syndrome
tibialis posterior dysfunction - most common cause of
unilateral flat foot in adulthood
tarsal coalition- most common cause of unilateral flat foot in children
morton's neuroma- a perineural fibroma ie- scar tissue build up around an intermetatarsal nerve

An overly supinating ('rolling out') foot is less common and may be associated with conditions such as

repetitive lateral ankle joint sprains
peroneal tendonitis
lateral ligament sprains
Iliotibial band friction syndrome

Podiatrists are able to identify underlying causes to various injuries and treat accordingly using strappings, foot orthoses (custom made insoles), stretching/strengthening programs, footwear advice and managing injury in the acute phase

Peter Marks is CEO of Holdsworth House Medical Practice in NSW Australia. Holdsworth House Allied Health (HHH) employs highly qualified Podiatrists who specialise in a rang! e of are as Heel Pain, Diabetes, Warts, Toenail, Problems, Corns, Callous, Footwear Advice, Children's Feet & more. HHH is located in Darlinghurst & Byron Bay. Podiatry is available in Holdsworth House's Sydney (Darlinghurst) Medical Practice.
Visit http://www.holdsworthhouse.com.au for more information.

Protein Diet The Healthy Way Of Living

2008-11-12T08:02:00.001-08:00

You need protein for the repair and growth of the body. Protein is composed of chains of amino acids. There are only twenty common amino acids but they are combined in nature in an infinite number of ways so that proteins differ in structure and in their enzymatic qualities.

In the old days scientists spoke of first and second class proteins. Today we know that out of the twenty amino acids, eight are essential in that the adult cannot make them in the body, and the rest are called nonessential because they can be made from the essential ones.

One more amino acid, histidine, is needed for growing infants, and so is essential to begin with, but not later on. It is a mistake to think of the non-essential amino acids as being without value, for they too are found in the cells of our bodies; it is only that we can do without them if we have to. The essential amino acids are: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

Most vegetable sources of protein are lacking in one or other of the essential amino acids, but eggs, milk, meat and fish contain all the amino acids in the correct proportions. However if you mix grains, seeds, pulses, nuts and legumes so that your diet is not consisting of a single type of vegetable protein, then the biological value of the mixture is excellent.

Indeed such a diet is good because if does not contain the saturated fat commonly present in meat.The body does not need a great deal of protein, provided this supplies the essential amino acids in the right mixture. The unwanted amino acids are converted into heat and energy and not materials for the growth and repair of the cells.

Only recently did the World Health Organization realize that vast sums were being spent on giving too much protein to the starving and under-privileged millions, when all the poor were doing was to convert the excess protein to much-needed energy. When energy providing foods are given instead the protein levels usually do not ne! ed suppl ementation.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and the importance of proteins and other necessary supplements required by our body.

Lasik Laser Eye Surgeries

2008-11-11T21:02:00.001-08:00

Lasik surgery is done on the cornea of the eye, with the aim of correcting vision. Lasik has been around since the mid-90s and uses a special tool to slice a part of the cornea in order to create a thin flap of tissue from the surface layer of the cornea. This flap is slowly raised so that computer guided laser beams can remove underlying corneal tissue in order to reshape the cornea. Soon after this, the flap is replaced and the eye heals through a natural process.

After the process is complete, a protective covering is placed over the eye to keep it protected while it is healing. The patient could be subjected to mild pain subsequent to surgery. An analgesic will be able to take care of that. In case of unusual pain, the doctor should be informed straight away. Some post-surgery blurriness in vision is to be expected. This will improve dramatically in most cases. Photosensitivity is not uncommon for up to two week after surgery. Wearing dark glasses can negate this.

It is very important to find a qualified Lasik surgeon. It is equally important to know that not everyone is a good candidate for Lasik surgery. Every potential candidate?s eyes have to be measured because some people have pupils that are too large, for example.

It is absolutely essential to check if the doctor is using technology approved by the USFDA. Complications do arise from this surgery, but the incidence is relatively low. Double-check if the equipment being used has been sterilized. There have been cases of equipment malfunction and unsterilized blades. Flap complications do occur sometimes. This could mean wrinkles and inflammation after the operation. It does occasionally happen that the flap does not replace itself accurately. Correction could be incomplete too. Visual inconsistencies such as poor night vision, double vision or sensitivity to light are not impossible either. These are but some examples of the possible aftereffects.

Not everyone achieves 20/20 perfect vision. Corrective eyewear may be n! ecessary . There are very clear benefits to be had from Lasik surgery. Improved vision is one of them; little of no recovery time is another. Both eyes can be corrected at once, unlike in other eye surgeries. There is a chance that one will never need glasses or lenses ever again. Lasik is a clear winner when it comes to outdoor activities, such as diving and other water and contact sports.

Laser Eye Surgery provides detailed information on Laser Eye Surgery, Laser Eye Surgery Costs, Corrective Laser Eye Surgeries, Lasik Laser Eye Surgeries and more. Laser Eye Surgery is affiliated with Cosmetic Laser Surgery.