Women's Health

Diabetes

2009-06-26T09:17:00.001-07:00

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body produces too little insulin or can't use available insulin efficiently. Insulin is a hormone vital to helping the body use digested food for growth and energy.

An estimated 23.6 million Americans (approximately eight percent of the population) have diabetes, and about 1.6 million more aged 20 or older were diagnosed with the disorder in 2007, according to the American Diabetes Association. Untreated, diabetes can cause long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body, making it the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

You are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, don't exercise and are over 30, or if you have close relatives with diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Higher-risk ethnic groups include African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander American heritage. s. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are at more than twice the risk of Caucasians for developing type 2diabetes.

Although diabetes is a potentially life-threatening condition, people with well-managed diabetes can expect to live healthy lives.
How Diabetes Develops

Much of the food we eat is broken down by digestive juices into a simple sugar called glucose, which is the body's main source of energy. Glucose passes into the bloodstream and, from there, into cells, which use it for energy.

However, most cells require the hormone insulin to "unlock" them so glucose can enter. Insulin is normally produced by beta cells in the pancreas (a large gland behind the stomach). In healthy people, the process of eating signals the pancreas to produce the right amount of insulin to enable the glucose from the food to get into cells. If this process fails or doesn't work properly, diabetes develops.

In people with diabetes, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, or the body's cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine and passes out of the body. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large amounts of glucose.

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Depression

2009-06-26T09:13:00.001-07:00

Feelings of sadness can be normal, appropriate and even necessary during life's setbacks or losses. Or you may feel blue or unhappy for short periods of time without reason or warning, which also is normal and ordinary. But if such feelings persist or impair your daily life, you may have a depressive disorder. Severity, duration and the presence of other symptoms are factors that distinguish ordinary sadness from a depressive disorder.

Depression can happen to anyone of any age, race, class or gender. It afflicts almost 19 million Americans each year, and up to one in five American women will suffer from clinical depression at some point in her life. Women are two to three times more likely than men to suffer from depression. Many women first experience symptoms of depression during their 20s and 30s. Once you experience depression, there's a 50 percent chance you'll be depressed again at some point in your life.

A complex combination of physiological, social, environmental, cultural, hormonal, biological and psychological factors may contribute to the reasons why women experience depression at a higher rate than men.

Depression affects both mind and body. If you are depressed, you feel a sense of helplessness, hopelessness or despair. You lose interest in your favorite activities, may experience changes in appetite, weight and sleep patterns, have difficulty concentrating and may be preoccupied with death or suicide.

Additionally, depression often occurs in conjunction with certain chronic illnesses, like diabetes, and after a heart attack or stroke. Research sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that depression may even be a major risk factor for osteoporosis. It also can develop as a result of conditions that cause unrelieved pain. Left untreated, depression contributes to increased complications, prolonged recovery time and a greater chance of death.

The good news is that depression is a treatable illness. Yet according to a major study published in 2003 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), only about one in five women with depression ever receive adequate treatment.

One reason that treatment for depression is inadequate is that many people do not know or are confused about where to seek mental health treatment. Another reason is that many individuals do not perceive depression as a real medical condition that should or can be treated. Also, there is still a social stigma attached to mental illnesses like depression. These perceptions are wrong. Depression is a potentially life-threatening disorder and anyone suffering from its debilitating symptoms deserves to have it treated.
Types of Depression

Depression is classified as a mood disorder. The primary types of depression are:

Major depression: Major depression is marked by a combination of symptoms that interfere with life activities, such as work, sleep and eating, as well as a loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities. The depressed mood represents a change from previous behavior or mood and has lasted for at least two weeks.

Dysthymia. This is a form of chronic but low-grade depression marked by low energy, a general negativity and a sense of dissatisfaction and hopelessness. A person suffering from dysthymia may experience many of the same symptoms that occur in major depression, but they are less intense and last much longer—at least two years. If you suffer from dysthymia, you may not feel good, but you aren't as disabled as during an episode of major depression. However, sometimes women with dysthymia also suffer from episodes of major depression, a condition known as double depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD): While the "baby blues" are common in many women within the first few days or weeks following pregnancy and childbirth, they are temporary. However, for some women these symptoms become more severe and long lasting. This is known as postpartum depression. The condition typically occurs from three days to six weeks after the baby is born, but can appear any time within the first year. About eight to 15 percent of women report diagnosable PPD within three months of delivery. If you've had prior depressive episodes, you have a much higher risk of developing PPD. Postpartum depression can seriously interfere with your ability to care for yourself and your child. You should report any symptoms immediately to your health care professional for further evaluation.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): The syndrome of more severe depression, irritability and tension occurring seven to 14 days prior to the start of the menstrual period is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (also called late-luteal phase dysphoric disorder). It affects an estimated two to 10 percent of women of childbearing age. Though PMDD shares many of the characteristics of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), particularly the timing of the symptoms, there are differences between the two. When diagnosing PMDD, the focus is more on the mood-related symptoms than physical symptoms because the mood-related symptoms are significantly more severe in PMDD than in PMS. Experts say the difference between PMDD and PMS is similar to the difference between a mild tension headache and a migraine.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Also called winter depression, SAD is a form of depression that affects an estimated 10 to 20 percent of Americans. Women in their 20s, 30s and 40s seem particularly susceptible to SAD, outnumbering men four to one. The key feature of SAD is your response to less light during the winter months. Experts believe that brain chemistry in some people is affected by diminished daylight, triggering depression at this time of the year. However, it is episodic—it comes and goes—and many people who experience SAD recover in the spring. These people, however, have an increased risk of developing bipolar disorder, another form of depression.

Bipolar disorder. This form of depression is sometimes called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by intense episodes of elation and despair, with any combination of mood experiences in between, including periods of normal moods. When in the depressed phase, an individual can have any or all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder. Symptoms during the manic phase include a decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, racing thoughts and increased activity, including sexual activity, excessive spending or having a great deal of energy. Sometimes manic episodes may include extreme irritability. Women who are bipolar may have more episodes of depression than mania.

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Cholesterol

2009-06-26T08:45:00.001-07:00

High blood cholesterol is a major women's health issue. More than half of women over age 55 need to lower their blood cholesterol, and a quarter of all American women have blood cholesterol levels high enough to pose a serious risk for coronary heart disease.

Overall, an estimated 105 million American adults have total blood cholesterol levels of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and higher, which is above desirable levels. Of these, 42 million have levels of 240 mg/dL or higher, which is considered high risk for heart disease. This is important because cholesterol levels are a contributing factor to heart disease, which develops over years.

But don't fool yourself into thinking that high blood cholesterol is a problem only for middle-aged or elderly men and women. In fact, up to one-third of American children from age two through the teenage years have high cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease in adulthood.

Guidelines released by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), a division of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), in May 2001 and in July 2004, substantially expanded the number of American women and men who need treatment for high cholesterol.

Based on mounting evidence that deaths from heart disease could be cut with aggressive treatment of high cholesterol, the NCEP guidelines spotlight elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol injures blood vessel walls and has been identified as a major cause of CHD.

Updated NCEP recommendations include:

* More aggressive cholesterol lowering treatment and better identification for those at risk for a heart attack
* Use of a complete lipoprotein profile as the first test for high cholesterol
* A revised level at which low HDL cholesterol becomes a major heart disease risk factor
* A revised optimal level for LDL cholesterol for the population
* More aggressive treatment of high cholesterol for those with diabetes
* More intensive LDL cholesterol goals and treatment options for people at very high, high and moderately high risk for heart attack
* Intensified use of nutrition, physical activity and weight control to treat elevated cholesterol levels. Medication may also be recommended for individuals at moderate to high or very high risk of developing heart disease, based on their cholesterol ranges.

This integrated approach, called the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) treatment plan, was introduced in the 2001 NCEP report and remains a primary recommendation.
* A sharper focus on a cluster of heart disease risk factors linked to insulin resistance, known as "the metabolic syndrome," which often occur together and dramatically increase the risk for coronary complications.
* Increased attention to the treatment of high triglycerides
* Advisory against using menopausal hormone therapy (HT) to treat high cholesterol.

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Asthma

2009-06-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Asthma is a lung condition that makes the primary airways—known as the bronchi—in the lungs swollen and inflamed all of the time. People who have asthma are more sensitive than other people to things inhaled from the environment, known as triggers. These triggers make the muscles in an asthma sufferer's lungs tighten, constricting the air passages and making breathing difficult. In addition, cells in the lungs produce more mucus in response to a trigger. The mucus clogs up the bronchial tubes, which contributes to breathing problems. The airways also swell and become inflamed with white blood cells. When the lungs react to a trigger, what's known as an "asthma attack" occurs. Wheezing, coughing and/or tightness in the chest and shortness of breath are all hallmark symptoms of a classic asthma attack. This lifelong condition can't be cured, but it can be controlled with the proper diagnosis and treatment.

The National Center for Health Statistics (a division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC) reported that 16.1 million American adults and 6.8 million children suffered from asthma in 2006. The condition is becoming more common and more severe across all age, sex, and racial groups.

Asthma typically develops during childhood. But many people develop the condition in adulthood, after age 20—known as adult onset asthma. Some individuals have their first asthma attack after age 50.

Who's At Risk?

Obesity significantly increases a person's risk of developing the condition. Heredity is also thought to play a role. Children of parents with asthma are at greater risk for developing the condition. Pollution, poor air quality in urban environments, poverty and lack of patient education are also factors contributing to rising asthma and asthma-related complication rates. People who have allergies are at an increased risk of developing asthma, and those raised in environments where they were exposed to cigarette smoke also have a much higher incidence of the condition.

Women and Asthma

Women may first develop asthma during or after pregnancy, though the condition may also improve during pregnancy. There is some evidence that asthma may be affected by hormonal changes during a woman's cycle and can be triggered prior to or during the menstrual period. Women are more likely than men to die from asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Researchers aren't sure why some people's airways are more sensitive to things in the environment. Asthma sufferers may have allergies to certain substances, known as allergens, which can trigger an attack. But, not all asthma sufferers have defined allergies.

Common Asthma Triggers

Common allergens include: dust mites, mold, pollen, cockroaches, and certain foods or chemicals commonly used in food processing. Contrary to popular belief, dog and cat fur don't cause allergies. Rather, a protein found in the pet's saliva, dander and urine causes allergies in some individuals, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAI). Other things can irritate the already-sensitive air passages of asthma or allergy sufferers. Common irritants include cigarette smoke, stress, cold air, exercise and pollution.

Controlling asthma includes short-term relief of symptoms and long-term strategies to prevent attacks from occurring. Medications and behavioral approaches, such as avoiding asthma triggers, for example, are both important to managing asthma successfully. Another critical part of asthma management is education and close consultation with your health care team. New medications are available, and older methods are being improved. Asthma symptoms that recur frequently, even when medication is taken regularly, can be a sign that a reassessment with a health care professional is necessary.

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Teen Depression

2009-04-28T10:10:00.001-07:00

Teen Depression

Depression is a very serious issue, for adults and teens alike. Depression is actually a very common problem no matter who it affects and at what age. If you think you might be experiencing symptoms similar to depression it is critical that you evaluate your symptoms and seek out help if necessary. Nearly two thirds of teens have depression at some point or another that goes unnoticed.

What are the common signs of depression?

* Persistent feelings of sadness.
* Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
* Decreased interest in school or friends.
* Alcohol or drug abuse.
* Feeling suicidal.

Who gets depressed?
Anyone is susceptible to the effects of depression. One in eight teens is estimated to be suffering from depression. Though depression is more common among women, it can occur in people of any age, race, educational status or income level. If you have a parent or other family member that is depressed, you are more likely to develop depression yourself. If you have been physically or emotionally abused or mistreated at any point in time, you are also at an increased risk for developing depression.

What are the key symptoms I should look for?
If you have four or more of the following symptoms, it is possible that you might be suffering from depression. You should seek out help immediately.

* Lack of interest in social activities and hobbies you normally enjoy.
* Feeling down more often than not.
* Feeling irritable.
* Weight loss or gain that is noticeable and dramatic.
* Feeling suicidal or thinking about death a lot.
* Feeling guilty.
* Having low sense of self esteem.
* Experiencing difficulty concentrating or thinking.
* Sleeping too much or feeling sleepy all the time.
* Frequent Headaches.
* Changes in your grades.

Many teens who are depressed turn to alcohol or other drugs, and are more likely to be sexually active. If you are a big risk taker, you might be suffering from some form of depression.

Treating Teen Acne

2009-04-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Treating Teen Acne

If you are a teen and have acne, you aren't alone. Research suggests that 85 percent of teens will have acne during their adolescent years. Acne is in fact, a common problem even among people over 25 years of age! Regardless of how common the problem is however, most teens would prefer to live a life that was acne free, right? Acne can cause many problems other than skin eruptions. It can for example, result in physical and emotional impacts, and even affect your social life and self esteem.

The Facts about Acne

The good news is that acne is usually a “transient” or temporary problem, meaning once you pass your teen years it is likely that you will never have to battle acne again. Admittedly however, sometimes severe acne can leave scaring or pockmarks, or continue into the adult years. Sometimes inflammation of pockmarks may result in permanent alterations in the skins hue as well.

Acne-What is it?

Acne comes in many different degrees of severity. Basic 'acne' referred to as pimples, are typically raised lesions on the skin that are usually not to painful. Sometimes a substance called sebum accumulates behind your first layer of skin overlying a pimple, this is typically referred to as a white head. The redness around a white head is due to inflammation that can be associated with pain.

Acne-What Causes it?

There are four primary factors that influence your susceptibility to acne.

Blocked hair follicles due to an overproduction of skin cells referred to as “keratinocytes.” These skin cells combine with a fatty material called sebum to form a plug in the follicle, resulting in acne.Enlarged sebaceous glands, responsible for producing sebum. Enlarged glands are common during adolescence. These glands are concentrated in areas such as the face, upper back and chest.Increase in bacterium growth.The increased sebum in the face, back and related areas promote the overgrowth of a type of bacteria referred to as “propionibacterium acnes” which results in acne.Inflammation due to bacteria growth. Sometimes an eruption occurs as skin cells and follicles become inflamed due to bacterial growth.Hormonal changes that typically occur during the teen years are often responsible for acne formation. Teens generally produce more sebum than adults, resulting in an increased incidence of acne. Other substances including oil-based cosmetics may contribute to a build up of fatty sebum in the skin, producing an environment that is more acne prone. Even excess humidity and moisture on the skin can contribute to acne.Some oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can make acne worse. Women should ask their physician to prescribe a pill that typically has a low activity of androgens, such as demulen, ortho-cyclen, ortho-tricyclen, desogen, ortho-cept or yasmin.

Automobile Restraints During Pregnancy

2009-04-28T09:59:00.001-07:00

When pregnant you may be tempted to avoid using your seatbelt. Unfortunately this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make during pregnancy. Pregnant women should use automobile restraints 100% of the time while pregnant, whether driving or riding as a passenger. Many pregnant women are misinformed regarding the potential benefits of a restraint system during pregnancy.

Wearing Seat Belts During Pregnancy
Women should always wear their seat belt while pregnant, just as they would when driving under ordinary circumstances. Seat belts are vital for protecting both mother and baby during pregnancy. In the event of a car crash, you and your baby are best protected when you use a seat belt during pregnancy.

Pregnant mothers should always use a lap and shoulder belt during pregnancy. The lap belt and shoulder belt work in combination to help prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle during pregnancy. The lap belt should always fit just under your pregnant belly, right across your hips and high on your thighs. The shoulder strap should nestle snuggly between your breasts and along the side of your belly during pregnancy.

The lap and shoulder belts should both fit snuggly. While you don't have to fit them tightly, the belts won't do you a lick of good if you place them too loosely. You should also check the height of your shoulder belt when possible to ensure a comfortable but beneficial fit.

Are Air Bags Safe To Use During Pregnancy

Air bags like seat belts are important safety precautions that should be used during pregnancy. Experts suggest that pregnant women keep their air bags turned on during pregnancy for the most part. To protect yourself and your baby you can move your seat back to the farthest position possible and tilt your seat slightly back if possible. This will allow more room between your belly and the dashboard in the unlikely event of an accident.

If you are riding in the passenger seat you should also always use proper restraints including a lap and shoulder belt. If sitting in the back seat of a car a pregnant mother should also fasten her seat belt.

If in the unlikely event you are in an accident it is important that you seek medical assistance immediately. This is the case whether or not you believe you are injured. A competent doctor can evaluate you and your baby to make sure the crash has not affected your baby. Signs that you need prompt medical attention may include pain in the abdomen, bleeding or leaking from the vagina, any type of head trauma or regular contractions that begin any time after the accident.

Improve Your Safety While Pregnant
There are many steps you can take to increase your safety while driving during pregnancy. You should avoid for example talking on the cell phone while pregnant, whether or not you have a hands free set. Studies suggest that talking on the phone while pregnant is more dangerous than driving drunk. In fact several tests show that cell phone users drive much worse than impaired drivers! It isn't holding the cell phone that causes problems, but the distraction of talking to someone while driving.

Remember that driving requires all your attention. This is particularly the case when pregnant, when you may already feel a bit scatterbrained. Avoid searching for items while pregnant or trying to find the perfect radio station while driving. If you need to switch stations, wait for a red light or do so before you start driving. If you have other children that are distracting you, pull over to the side of the road until you solve the problem rather than continue driving under such circumstances. Remember, when driving while pregnant or not, it is vital you take every precaution necessary to ensure your safety and that of your family!

Anxiety During Pregnancy

2009-04-28T09:53:00.001-07:00

Anxiety and stress, while common during pregnancy, is not a healthy side effect of pregnancy. There are many reasons you may feel anxious during pregnancy. Along with pregnancy comes the stress during pregnancy and responsibility of carrying a new life into this often chaotic and unpredictable world. Fortunately you don't have to spend every waking moment thinking, obsessing and stressing over your pregnancy. There are several strategies you can adopt to help reduce the anxiety and stress associated with pregnancy.

Common Pregnancy Stress that Causes Anxiety During Pregnancy
Some of us will worry and obsess about the same things over and over again throughout our pregnancies. Below you'll find a list of common pregnancy stressors and tips for overcoming them to ensure an anxiety and stress free pregnancy.

# Stressor #1 - Taking on too much work. It's easy to take on too much and cause stress during pregnancy. Above all other times in your life this is the time to take it easy. You can do this by delegating tasks and slowing down to avoid anxiety during pregnancy. Now is not the time to sign up for extra work or overtime if you can avoid it. Don't nominate yourself president of your local Mom's club yet either. You'll have plenty of time for parenting activities when you aren't pregnant.

# Stressor #2 - Worry about the baby. It's common and normal for pregnant mothers to worry about the health and well being of your baby causing stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Remember that most pregnancies go off without a hitch. Even if you do experience an unexpected surprise during pregnancy, chances are worrying won't resolve the issue. Make a commitment to yourself not to worry. Try some relaxation and meditation exercises to help relax you throughout your pregnancy. If you have a habit of researching all the frightening rare problems that can arise during pregnancy stop now. Read light hearted and enjoyable materials instead. You and your baby will benefit.

# Stressor #3 - Worries about labor and delivery. Women have been giving birth since the dawn of time. You will successfully deliver your baby. Keep telling yourself that. Practice your labor in your mind. Imagine yourself having a complication free delivery. Studies suggest the more you worry and fret about delivery, the more likely you are to experience complications. So stop worrying! Try talking to other moms who have experienced enjoyable labors and deliveries.

# Stressor #4 - Worrying about your parenting ability. If this is your first pregnancy then undoubtedly you will work yourself up into a frenzy at least once or twice during your pregnancy regarding your parenting ability. The truth of the matter is whether or not you have any parenting experience, you will figure out what to do when your baby arrives. And whether or not you have family close by, there are plenty of support groups to provide additional advice and support for new moms. So again, don't worry, avoid the pregnancy stress and eliminate your anxiety during pregnancy!

# Stressor #5 - Worrying about how clean your house is. Forget about cleaning. Pregnant mothers have a natural inclination toward nesting. This is the desire to clean everything spic and span and prevent unseen germs from entering baby territory. Here again is a situation where anxiety and stress can ruin a perfectly good day. Truthfully speaking everyone has visited someone whose house was not perfectly clean at one time or another. If you are worried about visitors after the baby comes don't. They are there to visit you and the baby, not to inspect how clean your house is. If anything your friends and family should be volunteering to clean for you. After the baby is born take some time away from house chores. The last thing you should worry about is how clean your house looks.

Alzheimer's Disease

2009-04-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is perhaps one of the best-known illnesses associated with old age. A complex disease of the brain, Alzheimer's now affects roughly 4.5 million people in the United States, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

As the U.S. population grows older, the number of people with AD is expected to increase. But AD is not a normal or inevitable part of aging. It is a progressive disease that starts in one part of the brain and gradually invades other regions. As it progresses, AD destroys nerve cells within the brain and the connections between them, leaving behind clumps of proteins called plaques and twisted fibers in brain cells called tangles. Over time, this destruction erodes the most vital abilities of human nature: language, learning, memory and reason. Personality and behavior also are dramatically affected by AD.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common causes of dementia in older people. Dementia is a medical term used to describe deterioration in thinking ability severe enough to disrupt a person's normal activities and relationships. The disease usually begins in people 65 or older, but in rare instances it can affect individuals as young as 40. An estimated one in 10 people over 65 have AD, and close to half of all adults in the United States aged 85 and older are believed to have at least a mild form of the disease.

There is no evidence that women are at greater risk than men for developing the disease. However, nearly 42,000 women die of AD each year, more than twice the number of men. This is because women live longer than men so more women have the disease at any time than men.

Early symptoms of the disease include forgetfulness, difficulty using or remembering words and difficulty concentrating. For some individuals, these early symptoms of AD may be mistaken for what many people consider "natural" symptoms of aging. But symptoms caused by AD worsen over time, while the short-term memory problems that trouble many people as they age do not progress to other more serious symptoms.

The rate that AD symptoms progress varies greatly from person to person. Some people have AD only for the last three years of life, while others may live with the disease for 20 years.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's often are divided into three phases: mild, moderate and severe, though symptoms in these phases often overlap. Because Alzheimer's damages the brain, unpredictable and uncharacteristic behavior is common. Anxiety, aggressiveness or compulsive behaviors—repetitious activities that the person doesn't seem to be able to control or stop—are also common. Mood swings and irritability are common and can escalate if not treated early. These behavioral patterns typically change as the disease progresses.

Allergies

2009-04-25T14:44:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that items as unrelated as shellfish, pollen, animals, bee venom, peanuts and mold can all potentially lead to the same type of problem. What these substances have in common is that they are common allergens—they cause allergic reactions in some people.

With so many substances potentially causing so many problems, it's no wonder allergic diseases are among the major causes of illness and disability the fifth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States, and the third most common chronic disease in children under age 18. Allergies affect more than as 50 million Americans, or one in every five adults and children, and are as common in women as in men. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, a recent nationwide survey revealed that more than half of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens. More specifically, an estimated 35 million Americans are allergic to pollen; up to 10 million Americans are allergic to cats; and 2 million develop severe allergic reactions to insect stings. Food allergies are less common, affecting about 12 million Americans. And while up to one out of three people say they have a food allergy, only about one to two percent of adults and six percent of children have true allergic reactions to foods. Unfortunately, about 150 deaths per year are attributed to food allergies, and 40 result from insect stings.

An allergy is a reaction of a person's immune system to a normally harmless substance, one that doesn't cause problems for most people. In the allergic woman, the offending substance causes the immune system, which functions as the body's defense against invading agents such as bacteria and viruses, to respond to a "false alarm." Her immune system treats the allergen as an invader by generating large amounts of a type of antibody—a disease—fighting protein known as IgE-that attaches to the body's tissue and blood cells. The cells are then triggered to release powerful inflammatory chemicals like histamine, cytokines and leukotrienes. These chemicals act on tissues in various parts of the body, such as the respiratory system, and cause the symptoms of the allergy.

Allergies can be more than just bothersome. Some allergies cause symptoms of rhinitis like sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes; skin irritations like itching and hives or eczema; or gastrointestinal distress. In some people, the allergic response can lead to anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock—a sudden and sometimes deadly drop in blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock can potentially stop the heart or lead to complete closure of air passages, causing death by suffocation.

Allergies that result in respiratory symptoms can be caused by pollens, molds and fungi, dust or dust mites, animals, medications, foods, latex and other substances. Food allergies, which can cause a wide variety of symptoms and are the most likely to cause anaphylaxis, are most commonly caused by shellfish and other fish, peanuts and other nuts, wheat, soy, dairy and eggs.

Contact allergies are allergic reactions caused by a person's skin touching a substance. They are most often caused by nickel, polishes, rugs, fabric softeners, deodorants, cosmetics, perfumes, preservatives, dyes and foam insulation. And don't forget plants like poison ivy, poison oak and sumac. There is a compound in these plants that can cause severe skin reactions in people who are allergic—up to 85 percent of Americans.

Allergies have a genetic component. If one parent has allergies, each child has a 30 to 40 percent chance of having an allergy. If both parents have allergies, it is much more likely (a 75 percent chance) that their children will have allergies. Adults usually do not lose their allergies, but children can sometimes outgrow them. In addition, while people are born with a genetic predisposition to allergies, sometimes they don't develop them until well into adulthood. Exactly what turns these genes on and when remains a bit of a mystery. Some researchers speculate that the more you are exposed to a potential allergen, the more antibodies to that allergen you can build up, until finally one day, they are released in an allergic reaction. Once you become "sensitized," you're going to get recurring symptoms every time you are exposed to the allergen.

Acupuncture

2009-04-25T14:40:00.001-07:00

Acupuncture is an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of thin needles at specific bodily points (acupoints), most of which are grouped according to their clinical effects on lines called meridians . The TCM theory of acupuncture is based in part on the premise that blood and energy termed Qi (pronounced chee) circulate in a cyclical fashion through these meridians. This energy flow is required for good health; blockages in Qi can lead to pain and/or ill health. (Many traditional Oriental medicine practices focus on improving the flow and balance of Qi.) Thus, TCM practitioners will needle specific acupuncture points along the meridians to restore (or maintain) a healthy flow and balance of Qi and blood in them.

TCM practitioners use acupuncture to treat and prevent a range of conditions and illnesses, even colds and flu. In the United States, one of its most common uses is to relieve pain, but it is also used for other conditions ranging from ear, nose and throat diseases to neurologic, respiratory, or even psychiatric problems such as depression. Acupuncture may be used alone, in conjunction with other TCM therapies such as herbs, or with more conventional therapies.

Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely practiced in the United States. An estimated 8.2 million Americans have undergone acupuncture, and about 2.1 million undergo the treatment each year. People usually find the procedure to be relatively painless, although some points in some patients may be quite sensitive. Depending on your practitioner, the needles may be stimulated with manual manipulation, heat or electricity.

There are many state acupuncture organizations, and many states have acupuncture regulations and codes. Almost every state has a State Acupuncture Board, and there are approximately 50 accredited schools of acupuncture in the United States. There are also many physician-acupuncturists who practice acupuncture as part of their medical practices.

Widely practiced around the world, especially in Asia (the practice originated in China) and Europe, acupuncture didn't gain a notable following in the United States until the 1970s, when New York Times journalist James Reston piqued public interest by writing about how physicians in Beijing eased his postsurgery abdominal pain with acupuncture. Acupuncture has been gaining popularity in the United States ever since.

The 1997 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference on Acupuncture gave a boost to acupuncture by concluding that acupuncture is safe and, for some conditions, proven effective. These include reducing nausea associated with chemotherapy, anesthesia or pregnancy and lessening the pain from dental surgery. There was also evidence suggesting acupuncture may be effective in treating migraines, depression, tennis elbow, constipation, low-back pain and infertility. Additionally, acupuncture may be useful in treating neck pain, asthma, insomnia and wound healing, among other conditions. More recent evidence suggests that hypertension and certain cardiovascular diseases can likewise be improved by treatment with acupuncture. The NIH continues to fund a variety of research projects relating to the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture.

The World Health Organization (WHO), using different criteria, has recognized acupuncture as an appropriate treatment for more than 50 conditions, including certain digestive, respiratory, neurological, muscular, urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders.

There are many styles of acupuncture practiced here, many of which are different from traditional Chinese acupuncture. "Medical acupuncture" refers to acupuncture practiced by a Western physician. Physicians as well as nonphysicians who are licensed to practice acupuncture (LAcs) will often use a variety of acupuncture styles. The most common style taught in American schools is called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, but Five Element, Auricular and Neuro-anatomical acupuncture styles are also widely used.

Scientists are finding it hard to reconcile the traditional explanation of how acupuncture works with standard Western medical models. Although several studies have documented acupuncture's efficacy and effectiveness, much remains to be learned about its mechanisms of action from a Western perspective.

Human and animal studies show that acupuncture can generate various biological responses—some close to the insertion point and others at a distance. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture stimulates the body to release hormones, as well as naturally occurring opioid analgesics (termed endorphins and enkephalins) from the central nervous system. Endorphins diminish pain, influence the body's self-regulating systems and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Associated mechanisms are also at work:

*Electromagnetic signals: Evidence suggests that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals, and acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions.

*Brain blood flow: Studies indicate that acupuncture clearly affects blood flow to centers of the brain and the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and the regulation of blood pressure, blood flow, oxygenation and body temperature. Specific activation of certain brain regions, including some of the pain perception centers (such as the limbic area and hypothalamus) can be demonstrated during acupuncture treatments.

Ultimately, scientists don't know exactly which mechanisms make acupuncture effective; more research is needed. It is often believed that to get the best results, treatments need to be individualized. That's one of many reasons acupuncture is more difficult to research than a standard pharmaceutical medication.

Decrease Stress: Manage Your Mail

2009-04-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

Between memos flooding your Treo to bills delivered to your door, it's next to impossible to keep up with it all. To ensure I make all my monthly payments on time, I stash all my bills in an orange pouch loaded with stamps that I carry in my handbag. Twice a month I go through it and pay all the bills inside. As for electronic mail, I try to deal with the message immediately after I open it: I reply (when it's warranted), then I delete or file. That way, my inbox doesn't runneth over.

My practice of immediately responding works for thank-you notes, too. The moment I get a gift—even as I am opening it!—I start channeling my enthusiasm into a heartfelt greeting. It helps ensure it gets done, and I find I'm better able to share my true sentiments when I've just unwrapped a present.

When it comes to sending birthday cards, I've just adopted a tip from SELF reader Stephanie DuVall of Waterloo, Illinois, who says, "Whenever I have a slot of time to write birthday/anniversary/special-occasion cards, I do a bunch. I address and seal them, but in the stamp space, I write the date of the event. No more belated cards for me!" Genius!

Hair Straighteners Tips

2009-04-15T04:45:00.000-07:00

With a hair straightener from Morphy Richards you can do far more than just straighten your hair. Our hair straighteners are versatile, multi-purpose styling tools that can be used in a variety of ways to create a huge range of exciting and dynamic hairstyles. With a little imagination, your Morphy Richards hair straightener can transform your look and bring real personality to your hair.

Adding shine to your hair they say this is now possible by straightening your hair using special straightners. Years ago there were the Babyliss Straight and Shine Steam Straightners which for 7years ago worked very well at straightening your hair and seemingly adding shine to your hair. There is now a newer version of these called Thermaglass Salon Slim Hair Straightners, these are supposed to give your hair a smoother and straighter look whilst giving your hair extra shine.

There are also different widths of hair straightners the wide ones and the slim ones. The wide ones are better for people with thicker and longer hair whilst the slim ones would take a lot of effort to straighten thick hair but work well on long hair just takes a little longer.

Hair Straightener Guide
With a hair straightener from Morphy Richards you can do far more than just straighten your hair. Our hair straighteners are versatile, multi-purpose styling tools that can be used in a variety of ways to create a huge range of exciting and dynamic hairstyles. With a little imagination, your Morphy Richards hair straightener can transform your look and bring real personality to your hair.

Modern flat irons
High-end modern hair straighteners have ceramic heating elements, which cause less damage to hair, are more effective and heat up faster than non-ceramic coated heating plates. Less expensive brands usually do not have ceramic heating elements though some may have a paint-like coating that gives the appearance of ceramic plating.

Many high end straighteners claim to use ionic and infra red technology, which claims to seal in moisture and oils and to reduce static and frizz.

Depending on the hair type, repeated use of hair straighteners, like most other heat styling tools, can cause varying amounts of damage such as split ends, thinning of the hair shaft and even causing hair to become brittle and prone to breakage. Generally, after extensive damage, hair will show signs of dryness and display an unhealthy appearance. However, many companies, such as L’Oréal and Tresemmé, have began to manufacture heat protection sprays and cream which aim to reduce the amount of damage that is caused by the use of straighteners.

Curling With Hair Straighteners
Curling with your hair straightener is a simple way to add body and texture to your hair. Although it may seem surprising, a Morphy Richards hair straightener is actually a very effective tool for creating curls in your hair.

Begin by straightening your hair if it isn’t straight already. This will give you a “blank canvas” to work with.Divide your hair into sections. The more sections you make, the looser your curls will be.Clamp your hair straighteners over a section, trying to keep the heated plates as close to the roots as possible. As you pull your hair straighteners through your hair, turn them 180 degrees by rotating your wrist. Make sure you maintain an even, gentle tension on your hair. To produce tighter curls clamp harder, rotate the straightener more and increase the tension on your hair.Don’t brush your hair after curling – simply tease your fingers through it to add body and bounce.

Creating Flips With Your Straightener
Creating flips with your hair straightener is an easy technique that adds real character to any hair style. To create a flip in your hair, simply straighten your hair as normal, but, when you reach the tip, curve your hair straightener outwards to introduce a flip out, or inward to create a flip in. This straightforward technique is a great way to add interest and put an intriguing spin on a straight hairstyle.

How To Reduce Wrinkles And Look Younger

2009-04-15T04:43:00.000-07:00

By: Roberto Bell

Would you like to reduce those worrisome fine lines on your face and look youthful again? Here are some helpful tips.

As you get up there in years, certain problems are going to crop up and one of them is wrinkles. They can show up around your eyes, forehead, cheeks and neck. You can get rather depressed when you look into a mirror. Take heart, there are answers.
Maybe you cannot stop time from marching on, but you can reduce the signs of the aging process and look better than ever. Here is what happens and some suggestions to follow.

Why Do You Develop Wrinkles?
As a person ages, the skin undergoes significant changes. The inner layer of the skin begins to thin and the cells begin to divide more slowly. Fat cells begin to lessen or die beneath the dermis.

The network of collagen fibers and elastin which provide a sort of scaffolding for the surface layer begin to loosen and unravel. Skin then loses its elasticity. It tends to droop and forms furrows.

The oil secreting and sweat glands atrophy, and the skin cannot retain its moisture. Therefore, it becomes dry and scaly. Constant facial expressions form characteristic lines. Gravity makes the situation worse and contributes to the formation of drooping eyelids and jowls. Also, eyebrows tend to move up as someone ages perhaps because of forehead wrinkles and the skin has less of an ability to repair itself so wounds heal more slowly.

There are other forces at play that can make your skin suffer, such as :
1. The sun damages collagen fibers and causes an accumulation of abnormal elastin. Metalloproteinases, or enzymes, are produced that are able to repair most of the damage, however, it is this repetition of the rebuilding process that is done over and over again that causes skin problems.

2. The sun's UV radiation promotes oxidation. This also leads to the development of skin abnormalities.

3. Cigarette smoking causes the thickening and fragmentation of elastin, reduces circulation and the amount of oxygen that is supplied to the skin, and leads to less Collagen formation and reduced water content in the skin. Lastly, smoking compromises the ability of the skin to fend off free radicals causing cell destruction.

4. Air pollution – Ozone may be a problem for the skin. It may cause depletion of Vitamin E in the skin which is a vital antioxidant.

5. Rapid weight loss – This can cause fine lines since it reduces the volume of fat cells which cushion the face. This will cause the skin to sag.

6. Heredity – You may have inherited some skin characteristics from your parents.
Wrinkles are the most noticable signs of aging. As tissues sag, these lines form a type of canvas that is covered with cracks that have varying depths. As time marches on, they deepen and reach the dermis. As the dermis loses its elasticity, it becomes slack which leads to the formation of more pronounced wrinkles over 0.05 mm in depth.
Here is the normal progression of wrinkles characterized by age group:
20-25 – Vertical wrinkles on one's forehead and even between the eyebrows may already be visible. Fine lines at the external edges of the eyes are not yet noticeable.

25-40 – In the epidermis, wrinkles begin to deepen. They are less than 0.0005 mm in depth. They are caused by the superficial drying out of one's skin as well as the slowing down of cellular renewal.

40-50 – Fine lines around the lips, crow's feet, furrows alongside of the nose and the line between the eyebrows are all beginning to deepen. The skin loses it elasticity and the facial contours are not less well defined.

50 and over – Hormonal secretions end as menopause appears and this speeds up the aging process. The skin's surface begins to modify and intermediary lines are replaced by ever deepening furrows.

The older you become, the more wrinkles you get. You can minimize this damage by taking good care of your skin.

Anti Aging Skin Care Treatments: here are a few promising treatments for sagging skin. There are some new wrinkle creams and topical lotions, like Avotone or Revitol, that contain natural ingredients that may help lessen this problem. For example:
1. Argireline - this is a safer alternative to Botox. It is not derived from any poisonous substance, but from naturally occurring amino acids. This element relaxes facial tension because it is able to reduce the excessive release of neurotransmitters which are also known as catecholamines. These make your facial muscles become tense. If your muscles are not tense, they do not contribute to wrinkles. Also, it may slow down the degeneration of elastin and collagen which normally occurs with aging.

2. Dermox SRC - this is a specially tested serum that helps to control wrinkles, increases the synthesis of collagen, and restores the skin's surface.
3. DMAE - it has been indicated that this antioxidant is able to function as a cell membrane stabilizing agent. It reinforces the skin's foundation of elastin and collagen, makes cells live longer, and helps avoid cell dehydration. It may also assist in the healing of scars, which includes acne scars, and helps to flush out excessive lipofuscin from skin cells reducing age spots.

How Can You Minimize Fine Lines and Wrinkles?
There are many things you can do to reduce the wrinkles that you already have and minimize future occurences. These include:

Stay out of the sunAvoid smokingUse a very good topical anti-wrinkle creamDrink plenty of waterEat plenty of vegetables and fruitsExerciseBy following these steps regularly, you will be taking important actions to help maintain a youthful appearance while reducing the onset of aging skin.

Making Up Your Eyes

2009-04-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

That Actually Work

By: Fred
Eye make up tips are provided on these pages to educate and entice you. There are countless tips that can be considered, but only the best are worth your time. Many of us realize that the eyes are the most essential part of the make up of the face. Take note of these eye make-up tricks for a quick glamour fix that you’ll just adore!

· Arch your brows to begin. The key to a clean look for your eyes begins with a beautiful shapely brow! Avoid the “werewolf syndrome” by trimming and shaping your brows. I highly recommend having a professional stylist do the job. It’s always easier for an expert to tweeze or arch your brows than attempting the do-it-yourself tactic. Be sure to clearly explain your expectations. I always take in a picture to show how I want my brows to look.

Eyeliners. Eyeliners add further definition to the eye and put a more finished look to the effect desired with the application of the eye shadow. To apply the eyeliner, draw the line first on the lower lid, and then draw a line on the upper lid, starting from the inner corner and going towards the outer corner. The eyeliner should be applied closely to the lash line.

Mascara. In putting mascara on the eyelashes, a woman adds more life to her eyes and makes them seem brighter. The color of the mascara that you should choose, however, should complement the color of your skin.

· Choose your shadows wisely. Eye color makes a difference when choosing shadow colors. Brown eyes look good with most colors, however, try adding some variety to your face by spicing it up with some color. Blue and green eyes should avoid the blue and green shadows. This will give you a pale and dull appearance. If you have blue or green eyes, smoky colors tend to bring out your eyes the best. A make-up trio is good to buy because part of the work is already done for you, color coordination. When you use a color trio, go from lighter to darker starting at the lid part of your eye.

· Applying the Shadow. Most women just start applying shadow without the most important initial step, the base. Using foundation to base your eyes brings out the true color of the shadow and allows the shadow to stay on longer. After the base, apply the shadow with a long tipped brush. These are just better for application and blending. To top it off, add a little liner to the very top of your lids to make your eyes appear sexier, but be sure to smudge it. Helpful hint-after applying more than one color, blend them with a separate brush to create a more natural look.

· Mascara is a Must- Choosing your mascara is tricky. Most women don’t put much thought or money into the type of mascara that they use. Well, if I were to invest in one expensive type of make-up, it would be the mascara. Why? Well, for one, cheap mascara can actually lead to breakage of the lashes! It’s true… cheap mascara, which leads to clumping, weighs down the lashes, which eventually leads to tearing lids out to remove the mascara. You can choose thickening mascara, lengthening, or conditioning (if you don’t need longer or thicker lashes) depending on what you need. The make-up market has a plethora of mascara products to choose from. I suggest avoiding colorful mascaras, as they tend to add too much to your look.

· Pull your look together by color-coding. Basically, be sure to tie it all together by choosing the rest of your cosmetics to match your beautiful new eyes. If you are wearing smoky eyes, red lips look great! Shimmery shadows go great with nude or earth tone lips. Never mix shiny lips with shimmery, eyes unless you want to look like a character from High School Musical. With a more matte look, say, an Audrey Hepburn classic look, you can sport earth-tone lips or red lips. Just be sure that you aren’t over killing on one color.

Curl lashes An eyelash curler will make even long lashes look more gorgeous. For added effect, you can heat the curler under a blowdryer for a couple seconds. Test curler before applying to lashes because you could burn yourself.

Apply mascara Place the wand of your mascara brush at the bottom of lashes and wiggle back and forth. Follow with another few sweeps of the wand. Apply to bottom lashes as well.

Skin Toning Tips

2009-04-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

By: Juliet Cohen

Healthy and supple skin is not so much of a dream if you take proper precautions and pay attention to your diet and exercise. A good daily skin care regimen calls for four basic steps: Cleansing, Exfoliating, Toning and Moisturizing. Skin toners are necessary for all skin types. Skin toners helps to improve blood circulation to the skin surface and gives the skin the glow that is associated with its good health. Toners are used to clean the oil from the skin. They may cause skin feel tighter because of skin irritation. The skin is freshened by skin toning lotions. They help to increase the blood supply to the skin. Toning the skin helps remove any residual cleanser or make-up that may have been left behind. A toner also helps restore the natural pH level of the skin, leaves your skin clean, clear and ready to be hydrated.

Toning close the pores, tighten the skin, and keep it from being exposed to many of the toxins that are floating in the air or other environmental pollutants. Toners can be used to clean the last traces of oil from the skin. Skin toning lotions freshen the skin. They also stimulate the blood supply to the skin. Use astringent lotions with a piece of cotton wool but if your skin is looking worn off and tired, pat it on with a brisk slapping movement. For Normal Skin, chop up a small sized fresh cucumber and liquidize it with half a cup of yoghurt.Apply the mixture for 5-10 minutes, and wash it off. For Oily Skin whisk one egg white until it thickens, then whisk in 1 tsp of honey. Finally add 1 tsp of lemon juice.Apply to your face and neck avoiding the delicate eye and lip areas

The easiest way of applying a toner is to put it on a cotton pad and wipe face in outward and upward strokes. Toners not only cleanse the skin further and help in removing any remnants of particles that you may have left behind but also cools, nourishes, hydrates and freshens up your skin. It tightens up skin and close up any skin pores that may have opened up while deep cleansing the face. Toners must be alcohol-free as alcohol dries off skin. You can also make a natural skin toner at home. Tomato juice is a good skin toner. Cucumber toner is a refreshing toner for normal skins. Chop up a small sized fresh cucumber and liquidize it with half a cup of yoghurt. Apply the mixture for 5-10 minutes, and wash it off. Rose is an excellent skin toner. Vitamin E oil and wheat oil are very effective for dry skin.

Skin Toning tips

Oily skinned people should tone with an astringent lotion.A good skin toner will also help prevent wrinkles.Potato is a effective skin toner especially for dry skin.Vitamin E oil and wheat oil are very effective for dry skin.For dry skin vitamin E and wheat oil are also effective.Toner for sensitive skin is to mash the strawberries and apply it for 5 minutes and wash it off.Top skin toners help remove all traces of oil, dirt and makeup and revitalize your face by closing the pores.

Working out Regularly

2009-04-07T04:16:00.000-07:00

Trouble working out regularly Well, this is one problem that a lot of people have and the truth is that various individuals handle it differently. Most of them will simply not go to the gym regularly but let us not do that as we all know going to the gym is both health and has a lot of positive impacts on our lives.

The simplest way to go more often to the gym is to actually go more often to the gym. Drive up to your desired workout facility and walk in. It is not actually important if you do 20 minutes or 2 hours of weight lifting or whatever routine you are into. The important thing is being there and with time passing you will notice that your motivation and workout intensity will continuously increase. Next we recommend that you plan a schedule. Lay out how long your workouts will be and what exercises you will do. To put it simple, write down what body parts you will work out in what days.
One thing that few people do not realize is that watching movies or various shows is a great motivation. For instance, I always start getting back my will to workout when I play a fighting game on my PS2 or when I watch a professional wrestling match on TV or Internet. Find what motivates you and makes you want to go to the gym. Commit yourself to getting better about making your gym going days more regular. You will first need a commitment towards yourself in order to be successful in everything.

Carp rid human feet of scaly skin

2009-04-07T04:15:00.000-07:00

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Ready for the latest in spa pampering? Prepare to dunk your tootsies in a tank of water and let tiny carp nibble away.Fish pedicures are creating something of a splash in the D.C. area, where a northern Virginia spa has been offering them for the past four months. John Ho, who runs the Yvonne Hair and Nails salon with his wife, Yvonne Le, said 5,000 people have taken the plunge so far.

This is a good treatment for everyone who likes to have nice feet," Ho said.He said he wanted to come up with something unique while finding a replacement for pedicures that use razors to scrape off dead skin. The razors have fallen out of favor with state regulators because of concerns about whether they're sanitary.Ho was skeptical at first about the fish, which are called garra rufa but typically known as doctor fish. They were first used in Turkey and have become popular in some Asian countries.But Ho doubted they would thrive in the warm water needed for a comfortable footbath. And he didn't know if customers would like the idea."I know people were a little intimidated at first," Ho said. "But I just said, 'Let's give it a shot.' "Customers were quickly hooked.Tracy Roberts, 33, of Rockville, Md., heard about it on a local radio show. She said it was "the best pedicure I ever had" and has spread the word to friends and co-workers.

"I'd been an athlete all my life, so I've always had calluses on my feet. This was the first time somebody got rid of my calluses completely," she said.First time customer KaNin Reese, 32, of Washington, described the tingling sensation created by the toothless fish: "It kind of feels like your foot's asleep," she said.The fish don't do the job alone. After 15 to 30 minutes in the tank, customers get a standard pedicure, made easier by the soft skin the doctor fish leave behind.Ho believes his is the only salon in the country to offer the treatment, which costs $35 for 15 minutes and $50 for 30 minutes. The spa has more than 1,000 fish, with about 100 in each individual pedicure tank at any given time.Dennis Arnold, a podiatrist who four years ago established the International Pedicure Association, said he had never heard of the treatment and doubts it will become widespread."I think most people would be afraid of it," he said.Customer Patsy Fisher, 42, of Crofton, Md., admitted she was nervous as she prepared for her first fish pedicure. But her apprehension dissolved into laughter after she put her feet in the tank and the fish swarmed to her toes."It's a little ticklish, actually," she said.Ho said the hot water in which the fish thrive doesn't support much plant or aquatic life, so they learned to feed on whatever food sources were available -- including dead, flaking skin. They leave live skin alone because, without teeth, they can't bite it off.

In addition to offering pedicures, Ho hopes to establish a network of Doctor Fish Massage franchises and is evaluating a full-body fish treatment that, among other things, could treat psoriasis and other skin ailments.Ho spent a year and about $40,000 getting the pedicures up and running, with a few hiccups along the way.State regulations make no provision for regulating fish pedicures. But the county health department -- which does regulate pools -- required the salon to switch from a shallow, tiled communal pool that served as many as eight people to individual tanks in which the water is changed for each customer.The communal pool also presented its own problem: At times the fish would flock to the feet of an individual with a surplus of dead skin, leaving others with a dearth of fish."It would sometimes be embarrassing for them but it was also really hilarious," Ho said.

How To Break a Weight Loss Plateau

2009-03-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

No matter how efficient your diet & workout plan, you are bound to face a weight-loss plateau at one point or another. But this does not mean your weight-loss trend has ended, it just means that you need to revise your tactics and fitness routine to overcome the plateau and march ahead! Plateaus are common to anybody who's been on the same diet and exercise plan for a while, which is the reason why you don't see the same results you saw at the beginning. But its not as scary or difficult to break a weight-loss plateau. I've done it myself, and I hope my ideas help you achieve similar results too!

If you've been eating right and exercising often, you've probably been losing weight at a rate of one or two pounds a week. However, as you get closer to your optimum weight, it usually gets harder to lose those last few pounds. You know you've hit a weight-loss plateau when more than two weeks have gone by without any further change in your weight, while you still follow the same regimen! So the first thing you do is review your exercise and diet program, find out what's wrong and make amendments. Here are a few helpful tips to get you started!

Calorie Intake & Diet Plan
As you probably know by now, weight loss is all about burning more calories than you consume. A healthy diet plan is the key, so take a quick look at your food diary, or calorie intake.

Are you still keeping track of your portion sizes, even when you are dining out?
Are you spacing your meals 5 times a day, dividing daily calories between them?
have you recently sneaked in a few desserts or carbs thinking a piece won't hurt much?
Did you switch to sodas instead of smoothies and juices?
Are you drinking enough water?

It's easy to increase your calorie intake accidentally, without realizing how its hurting your diet plan. Remember, a baked potato is not the same as a baked potato with gravy and butter! So evaluate your calorie consumption; maintain a diet hhournal if you like; if you are well above the 1200(for women) or 1500 (for men) daily intake level, you can try cutting down a couple hundred calories to break the plateau. However, if you are consuming less than 1,200 calories a day (1,500 for a man), your body may react by slowing down as a self-preservation measure. This means your metabolism rate falls, and you actually store fat even if you're working out consistently.

Eat 5-6 Times a Day
Eating frequently stabilizes your blood sugar, controls appetite, and keeps your energy up. Ideally, you shouldn't go more than three or four hours without eating something. Doing so slows down your metabolism and makes your body burn fat at a slower rate. Its also very important to eat as soon as you feel hungry - a feeling of hunger indicates your blood sugar is going down, which makes you prone to craving simple sugars. If you're eating three times a day, eat five. If you're already eating five times, upgrade to six or seven. This doesn't necessarily mean you'll be eating more food; just divide your calories into 6 meals per day.

Change Your Workout Routine
"Variety is the spice of life" - and this phrase has never been so fitting to a scenario! It takes your body only four weeks to get used to a workout. Once something becomes a routine for your metabolism, plateaus are likely. The most efficient way to break a plateau is to shake up your fitness routine. Join an online weight loss program to find tips and ideas. If you are used to 30 mins on the treadmill, switch to cycling or kick-boxing instead. Instead of the stationary bike, switch to a Stepper or a StairMaster. Instead of running in the morning, try playing tennis or do some swimming. Use Interval Training to your advantage; short bursts (30-60 sec)of higher-intensity movement, such as sprint, followed by 2-3 mins of less intense exercise like walking. Adding variety to your routine brings revs up your metabolism as the body has to start adapting again.

Add More Strength Training
If you are not doing so already, start lifting weights now to boost your metabolism and burn fat! When you lift weights, your muscle fibers suffer tiny tears which causes you to experience soreness for a couple days; but that's normal. Changing the intensity of the workout helps a lot. Try to increase the amount of weights you lift, or try changing the number of repetitions. Whenever you change a workout routine your body responds by burning fat. Do not under-estimate the power of strength-training; in fact, lifting weights is the best way to conquer that plateau! Challenge your muscles with harder exercises or heavier weights (every 6 to 8 weeks), adding a set of risers during your step class, increasing the incline on the treadmill, the duration of your run/walk, etc… It might seem tough at first as your newly challenged muscles will have to work harder but you will burn more calories and build more lean muscle mass in the process. its always a good idea to do a combination of resistance machines and free-weights, as the latter can increase metabolic rate as high as 10% in one session!

Avoid Alc0hol & Drink Water
Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Every time you feel the urge to snack, drink a glass of water first and see if the urge goes away. Coffee, tea or any other juices count as liquids, but add an extra glass of pure water for each cup of coffee you drink, as caffeine tends to dehydrate the body. Research has shown that BMR increase by 30%, not to mention flushing out all toxins from your body, thereby contributing to a healthy weight-loss. As for Alcohol, it is a known fact that it contains a large amount of calories, but hardly any other nutrients, and some of these are also high in sugars and fat. Alc0hol consumption slows down the fat burning capabilities of the body, as the body focuses on using the alcohol (a toxin) as fuel, rather than burning fat for energy. Alc0hol also dehydrates, which in turn, makes you hungry. So avoid Alc0hol, and start drinking more Water instead!

Losing weight requires exercise or controlled caloric intake . While its important to maintain a healthy weight, do not get obsessed by it! And plateaus in weight loss are very common; it only means you've successfully lost a lot of weight, and now you need to re-evaluate your regimen to overcome the weight-loss plateaus. Just follow the simple steps above, and you'll be ready to drop a couple more sizes the next time you buy yourself a new dress!

Some great tips for great Body

2009-03-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

No one have perfect body. Human beings are never satisfied with their features and body. You have to change attitude to see yourself. If you are more confident anf positive then you will feel much relax. There are many problems like dry skin, oily skin.extra weight, you have to cure them but its affecting on your look not on personality. Your body is uniquely yours so you must have to care of yourself. Your mind can keep controls on your body. There are multiple theropy for loosing weight.Tips for Weight Loss :This the very popular and particular issue that women consider. Many of them becomes unsuccessful for loosing their weight completely.Most of them give up after some time. Right attitude will help you achieve your goal weight.Use non-stick pan. It will helpful for using less oil.chew sugar-free gum.Eat your favourate items in limit.Take care of your skin at the time of loosing weight, it is important.Moisture your whole body.Do not use hard skin for your body.Do regular exercise.Take meal on time.Tips for skin careSkin care is most imporatant factor in the body care. Generally women are very aware about there skin. They tries multiple options to take care their skin. Every women wants their skin glowing, clean and fresh.Following are some tips to take care of the skin.When you bathe moisturize your whole body.Eat nutritious food, drink water.Exercise regularly.Use facemsk of egg to remove tan from your skin.Use cucumber cleanser for your body.Mixture of grapes, lemon and egg white is good for oily skin.For dry skin mix honey, lemon and vegetable oil. It is agood moisturiser.Mixture of honey and milk will glow the skin.For dark underarms and neck use lemon juice.For soft skin use red sandal powder and coconut milk.Thin apple slice control oily shine, so rub it on skin.Natural bleach is useful for fair skin.Keep every face pack for 15-20 minutes on your skin.Tips on exercisesExercises are the most important factor when you are going to care of your body.Regular exercise keeps you fit and fresh. It helps to be remain younge.There are also many types of exercises like Yoga, aerobics etc. It will help you to improve your helth and loosing weight. Exercise keeps your muscle tight and firm, thats the reason you look younger. It improves your circulation.Do 20 minutes of exercise three times a weekDo correct exercise, it will maintain your posture.Do Yoga, it will give you better state of mind and relaxation.

Tummy Exercise Myths

2009-03-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Our bodies are genetically conditioned on how we lose or gain weight. Interestingly enough, the first place where we gain weight is the last place where we lose it. We cannot reduce only the part we do not like. Once we lose fat from our body, we lose inches everywhere even where we do not want to lose.

The problem with tummy muscles is that we do not generally exercise this muscle in daily life. It is not greatly challenged from climbing stairs, bending, stretching or walking. We, therefore, have to make a special effort to encourage it to come back into line. The movements have to be small and controlled and depend on the effort put in by the exerciser to get really good results. Secondly during pregnancy, as the baby grows inside the muscle (transverse) is pushed forward. A huge amount of stretching is going on and tends to leave the muscle loose and hanging forward after the birth. It is essentially the lack of strength left in this muscle which allows the tummy to sit in that rather round forward position Mothers would recognise from after birth.
In all cases it is the lack of exercise for this muscle which causes it to become loose and give the 'pot bellied' appearance.

Myth No. 1: By doing some midsection exercises one can reduce 'love handles'. Fact: You cannot reduce fat from a certain targeted area of your body just by using exercise alone. And the abdominal area is no exception. So if you want to get a flat stomach and to reveal your abs, losing the fat covering them is the way to go. And the only way to do this is to lose fat proportionately from your entire body by burning more calories than you consume.

Myth No. 2: You have to do tons of crunches.

Fact: Overuse of crunches will only shorten your abs, pull your head forward and gives you a bad posture. To reduce fat in your bodies, you need to do cardio exercise and eat nutritious foods in reasonable amounts. In simple language 'burn more calories than you consume.' The cardio helps to burn that stored fat and the lower calorie diet forces the body to use the accumulated fat for energy.

In addition, the crunches and a total body workout (with weight training) helps the body to increase muscle mass. Muscles burn fat; fat does not burn itself so, the more muscle we have, the more fat our body uses for energy, so we lose weigh faster. If you only do crunches, you will develop your abdominal muscles and strengthen them. This will reflect in better posture and less back problems, but you will not be able to see your abdominal muscles because they will be covered with fat.

Myth No. 3: Exercise is more important that nutrition.
Fact: Diet is one of the key factor when trying to get a flat tummy. Plan your nutrition in advance, to avoid dietary downfalls. Focus on protein, green vegetables, fiber-rich fruits, and zero calorie drinks such as Green Tea and water. Avoid all sugar.

Myth No. 4: You must do train your tummy every day
Fact:You don't need to do direct tummy training every day. Instead, train them twice per week and use non-conventional exercises such as Mountain Climbers and Stability Ball Jackknives to reduce the stress on your low back. Avoid the overuse of crunches and sit-ups in your training program. Instead, beginners, should focus on abdominal endurance with planks and side planks, and work up to more advanced exercises, but still avoid doing hundreds of crunches lying on your back.
Concentrate on increasing daily incidental activity. Reduce the use of labour saving devices like remote controls etc. Rearrange the house or office environment so that it is physically inefficient making movement mandatory. Try standing or, even better, pacing when chatting on the phone. Park further away from the entrance of a shop, and use the stairs instead of the elevator. ...source: www.womenfitness.net

Dark Circles Under Eyes to Turn into Shining Bright Eyes

2009-03-17T17:38:00.001-07:00

Dark Circles Under Eyes to Turn into Shining Bright Eyes

Dark circles under eyes immediately start disappearing turning them into shining bright eyes as the eyebrows get raised naturally and lift the eyelids further up and lock them there.

The skin under the eye is thinner than the rest of the skin around. Hence the veins under it give it a blue tinge appearing as dark circles there.

*Also the skin under the eye is affected more by the sun tanning.
*Rubbing or scratching the eye darkens the skin under the eyes as well.
*Medications causing the blood vessels to dilate also pronounce these dark patches.
*Lack of nutrition discolors this area too.
*Lack of sleep or excessive fatigue turns skin pale and shows these dark patches more.
*Pregnancy and menstruation also accentuate the dark under eye circles.
*Age sags the skin, drooping the eyelids and generating bags over there. The dark circles start showing even more than before.

But the way we have been going through our previous posts not only lifts-up the drooping eyelids, removes the excess eyelid skin along with the excess fat-tissue, removes dark circles under eyes, and turns back the eyelids that have gone turned-in or turned-out; but also gets a total facelift for you without going for an anti aging eye cream or an anti wrinkle eye cream, or any surgical procedure.

Just open your eyes FULL in their TOTAL WIDTH by putting a slight smile on your lips, and you will have got the two bright eyes on your face!

And then this only is the right way you should always open your eyes in while you are awake.
If you are really interested in and really curious about whatever you are looking at, it automatically happens so.

We do need looking into this interest and curiosity thing further in its depth and we’ll certainly come out with many more pearls of biological wisdom from there.

A Look on Diet Fitness

2009-03-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

A Look on Diet Fitness

Many people nowadays are very much conscious about their own health and fitness. In addition to that, these people, and many others as well, are now having that desire to sculpt their bodies to ahieve that magazine-cover look. As a result, gyms, health spas and other fitness centers have proliferated all over to cater to the needs of the fitness buffs and afficionados.Even on television exercise machines, weight loss products, and other paraphernalia to improve fitness have more or less gained control over the airwaves and made their way into the households. But exerise is not the only way to build that body beautiful. It also entails certain amount of responsibility on the foods one chooses to eat. Being healthy and fit requires one to observe diet fitness.Diet fitness is as essential as exercise itself. Diet for fitness provides the essential nutrition one needs to restore worn-out muscles and for healthy growth. Diet fitness should never be taken for granted. With the popularity of keeping fit, many different views, methods, programs and dieting strategies have been formulated by many professionals. Among these are high carb diets and high fat diets. Whih one is more effective and which one should one choose to follow?First thing to know would be the fundamental differences between these two diet approaches. As the name implies, high carb diets concentrates on taking in carbohydrate-rich foods while high fat diets endorses fat-rich foods. High carb diets are utilized to glycogen stored in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is a glucose complex that provides large amounts of energy ready for use in anaerobic exercises.Fats, on the other hand, is well-nown for being the richest source of calories. It actually contains 2.5 times more calories than carbohydrates and proteins alike. Studies also show that it takes the body 24 calories to metabolize carbohydrates while it only takes 3 to burn down fat. So which one to follow? A person can follow a high carb and low fat fitness diet or the other way around. It is absolutely not recommended to follow both at the same time; unless of course if you want to gain body fat.But then diet fitness is not all about losing fat, one must also consider his diet in order to keep fat away. Research shows that sustainable loss of weight can only be achieved on a diet which suits the individual food preferences, lifestyle, medical profile and satiety signals.Diet programs all over can help you shed off excess pounds, but only one diet can help you stay sexy, and it is the one that satisfies you most. Other important aspects of having a fit diet are moderation, balance and variation. One must be careful not to leave out important nutrients and other substances necessary for healthy body functioning. health organizations are clear about the amounts of nutrients an individual should have in the body.Low fat high carbs, high carbs low fat; the question is not which diet program will work out but which is it that will work for you. Striving for a sexy and healthy body does not have to burden an individual, diet fitness does not have to mean sticking to the same kind of food for life. One may even try to be adventurous and try out new foods out there. Who knows? one may even discover spinach interesting.

Newborn Baby Bath

2009-03-14T10:08:00.001-07:00

Newborn Baby Bath

Bathing Your Newborn Baby

The baby bath and bathing your newborn baby can be an exciting and scary experience during the first few weeks of life. Most babies are very fragile and quite slippery when wet, which can make baby bath time a wee bit intimidating particularly during the first week or two.

When you prepare yourself fully for what lies ahead however, you'll find bathing your baby far more enjoyable than 'scary' on any given day. Below you'll find some answers to the most common concerns parents have when it comes to the baby bath and bathing your newborn baby.

How Often Should I Bathe My Baby?

During the first one to two weeks of life, your baby will not need an actual 'bath' until their umbilical stump falls off. For most newborns this occurs right around age 10 days. Until then it is fine for you to sponge bath your newborn with a moistened washcloth. Take care to wipe off your baby's face and hands, and clean your baby's genital area thoroughly each time you change their diaper.

Once your baby's umbilical stump has fallen off and the surrounding area heals you can start giving your baby tub baths.

Most babies are small enough that you will not need to wash them in the actual tub. You can either purchase a baby bath or you can simply wash your newborn in the kitchen sink. While some parents bathe their babies every day, it isn't necessary that you do so until your baby is a little older and starts getting into more mess.

Some parents however find that bathing the baby helps establish a routine or nighttime ritual, something that will prove invaluable as your baby gets older.

Bathing a newborn can be tricky at first. Babies are very slippery and like to wiggle about when wet and soapy. For this reason it is a good idea not to bring your baby into the shower with you until you are comfortable with them so that you are calm enough to get a good grip on them and avoid slipping or even dropping them.

Baby Safety

It is important that you never, ever leave your baby alone unsupervised while in the tub, even when they are able to sit up in the tub on their own. We'll repeat this because it is important.

Never, EVER leave your baby unattended in the tub, even for a second. Many babies have drowned in the tub when their parents stepped out for just a minute, to answer the phone or doorbell, or even grab a towel.

If you have to leave the bath area, always wrap your baby up and take them with you.

Other things you can do to ensure your babies safety include:

* Make sure the water heater in your home is set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Any warmer could result in severe third degree burns to your child.

* Never put your child's tub on the edge of a counter and walk away with the baby in it.

* Avoid placing your baby in the tub while the water is running because the temperature can change suddenly.

* Gather all the supplies you need for your babies bath and have them nearby, never walk out of the room without baby to grab a towel or diaper.

Baby Bathing Tips

The best thing you can do to ensure a smooth baby bathing experience is have all the supplies you will need with you nearby. These include bath supplies, a towel, a clean diaper, cream and clothes.

Here are some more tips for helping you manage bath time:

* Lay out your baby's towel prior to the bath, so you don't have to struggle with it while handling your squirming and slippery baby.

* Fill the baby's tub with only 2 to 3 inches of water initially. This is just enough water to clean your baby without overwhelming them.

* Try to keep the babies water warm but not too hot. A good range is between 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Avoid undressing your baby until you are ready to actually bathe them, so they don't become unnecessarily chilled.

* Wash your baby from top to bottom and front to back with a soapy cloth. Be sure to check behind the ears (where spit up milk likes to collect) and be sure to clean the genital area thoroughly.

* Be sure to rinse your baby with a couple of cupfuls of water before removing them from the tub.

* Be sure your baby's genital area is thoroughly dry before placing a diaper on him/her, to help prevent diaper rash.

Some babies take to bath time right away, cooing the entire time, while others scream from start to finish. Your baby's temperament will likely decide the length of bath time each night.

If you find yourself with a fussier baby, try placing your babies tub somewhere warm so they don't get chilled as easily. This may help calm them and make bath time more enjoyable for you both.

What Effect does Alcohol Have on Your Pregnancy?

2009-03-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

What Effect does Alcohol Have on Your Pregnancy?

One of the most commonly asked questions among pregnant women is, “Can I drink an occasional glass of wine while pregnant?” Most pregnant women are willing to do anything to ensure the health and well being of their unborn child. Giving up alcohol is often however, one of the most difficult 'indulgences' a mom-to-be might face during her nine months of pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be a rewarding and memorable experience, but it does require some sacrifices. The fact of the matter is that no level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has proven to be 100% safe.

For that reason alone you should avoid alcohol during pregnancy. The U.S. Surgeon General and Secretary of Health and Human Services, as well as your physician recommend that you abstain from drinking alcohol during your pregnancy.

Most women are aware that heavy drinking will harm their fetus, potentially causing life altering birth defects. Heavy alcohol drinking can also lead to miscarriage, premature delivery, or stillbirth.

The controversy exists surrounding the occasional drink, and there are no definitive risks truth be told that can be associated with occasional consumption. The consensus however remains among health professionals that pregnant women are far better abstaining from alcohol completely.

What is fetal alcohol syndrome?

Heavy alcohol drinking (5 or more drinks on one occasion), during early pregnancy, can cause a spectrum of birth defects know as the fetal alcohol syndrome. Moderate drinking throughout your pregnancy may also produce problems.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a combination of physical and mental birth defects that can result when a women drinks alcohol heavily during her pregnancy. When a pregnant woman has a glass of wine, beer, or mixed drink the alcohol will pass through the placenta to the developing baby. The baby may suffer life long consequences as a result of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause brain damage, deformities of the baby's face, and growth defects. Defects may be seen in the baby's heart, liver, and kidneys. The baby may develop vision and hearing problems as well. Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have difficulties with learning, attention, memory, and problem solving.

What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?
Moderate drinking during pregnancy has been linked with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This term covers a wide range of disorders that can occur in babies and children who are exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. The disorders involve physical, mental, behavioral, and learning disabilities.

Among the more common fetal alcohol spectrum disorders include:

* Alcohol related neural developmental disorder - also called ARND, this disorder typically manifests as functional or cognitive impairments.
* Alcohol related birth defects - or ARBD, are birth defects that may include heart, skeleton, kidney and other organ malformations.
* Fetal alcohol effects - perhaps the most common, FAE is a term used to describe several different conditions that do not meet the criteria for full blown fetal alcohol syndrome.

No level of alcohol use during pregnancy can be recommended as safe. Everything a mother consumes passes through her placenta to her unborn child, and therefore has the potential to affect the fetus in several different ways.

Is any kind of alcohol safe during pregnancy?
No form of alcohol can be recommended during pregnancy. A mixed drink, glass of wine and can of beer contain roughly the same amount of alcohol, and may incur an equal amount of damage to your unborn fetus.

I just found out I am pregnant and have been drinking. What should I do?
If you drank occasionally before realizing that you were pregnant, chances are you did not harm your baby. You should immediately abstain from drinking however and continue to do so throughout your pregnancy.

Is it ok to drink while breastfeeding?
Generally the medical community recommends that while breastfeeding women abstain from alcohol use. Small amounts of alcohol can be passed into the breast milk and onto your newborn infant.

What do I do if I have a problem with alcohol?
The best thing you can do is seek out help and support. Work with your physician to identify support resources in your area. You can also check out many national organizations including:

Lifestyle and Habits

2009-03-08T13:46:00.001-07:00

Lifestyle and Habits

Do you have any habits or lifestyle activities that are unhealthy?
Out with the old unhealthy habits, in with the new. If you or your spouse have unhealthy habits, this is the time to clean yourselves up. Now, while you and he are the only ones affected by those habits. Drinking, smoking, drugs, poor diet, and risky activities have no place in the life of a baby, even a microscopic baby. Clean up your act now so that you and baby have a clean start. Give yourself a few months of healthy living before trying to conceive. It'll be easier to get pregnant and you'll have a better pregnancy. And seeing that happy, healthy baby will be your reward.

Do you drink alcohol?
The US Surgeon General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services recommend that you give up all alcohol when planning for pregnancy, at conception, and during pregnancy.

Do you smoke?
Approximately 20 to 30 percent of pregnant women smoke. Big mistake. Low birth weights spontaneous abortion, premature delivery and other serious pregnancy complications have been linked to tobacco us. If you smoke, you've just been given the best reason in the world to quit.

Have you ever used cocaine, heroin or other illicit drugs?
Cocaine is tied to premature birth, low birth weights and even seizures after baby is born. If you use coke, sadly your unborn child does, too.

Babies exposed to heroin and other opiates are susceptible to low birth weight, premature birth and heroin addiction. If you use these drugs and can't quit, please don't get pregnant. Period.

How much coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks to you consume each day?
A little bit goes a long way, here. If you need a boost in the morning, allow yourself one small cup of high-octane coffee to get you started. However, if you can do without it, do without it.

Caffeine should be avoided throughout pregnancy. It's been tied to an increased risk of miscarriage and to some birth defects. How about a nice cup of decaf?

Are you on any special diet?
A woman's nutritional status should be reviewed to optimize the health of mother and baby. Pregnancy-related dietary changes should begin prior to conception, with appropriate modifications across the pregnancy and during lactation.

Most of us know the drill.

Eat three healthy meals a day. Each meal should include foods from the different food groups: meat and fish, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and dairy.

The nutrients you need to keep yourself healthy throughout pregnancy:

* Protein: Used to build muscle and repair the body, enjoy some low fat fish or meat.

* Carbohydrates: Forget the lo- or no carb diets. You need carbs for energy and for overall fitness and good health. Have some whole-wheat pasta.

* Vitamins: A, B-Complex, C, D, E, K, etc. These nutrients support the immune system among other things.

* Minerals: Zinc, iron, manganese, copper - a healthy body needs these in trace amounts and they must be replaced since the body doesn't store any excess copper you ate today. Fruits and/or veggies at every meal.

* Fats and Oils: Not often considered a nutrient, the body needs a certain amount of fats and oils. Go with olive oil. It's actually good for you in small amounts.

Managing Those Snack Attacks
Pretty common during pregnancy. Learn to substitute your old favorites with healthier snack choices.

Forget the chips and pork rinds. Go with pretzels. They're baked, not fried.

Instead of a candy bar, go for some dried fruit. Chewy and sweet.

Instead of ice cream, try ice milk on your midnight fridge run.

Make your own oatmeal raisin cookies. They'll taste better, you can control the amount of fat you use and they're delicious right out of the freezer. Really! Eat mini-meals throughout the day. Some women prefer to eat five or six smaller meals rather than the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner. Carry fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, gorp or other energy foods and snack throughout the day if that works for you.

Your Starting Weight
If you're underweight, you may have a harder time conceiving and your chances for delivering a low-birth weight baby are higher. Low birth-weight babies have a higher risk of complications.

So, if you're underweight, now's the time to build yourself up. Put weight on in healthy ways, by eating healthy foods and by building muscle through strength training.

If you're overweight, you're at higher risk for elevated blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems. These risks are heightened during pregnancy. Carrying and delivering baby can be more difficult for you. You won't be able to diet once you are pregnant because you may deprive baby of necessary nutrients. The better shape you're in, the better you'll feel when pregnant and during delivery. Work to eat right, lose weight and strengthen your body now; you'll be glad you did.

A healthy metabolism and weight will help you during pregnancy, delivery and once baby is born. So eat right now and begin or continue a healthy exercise plan. Then continue once baby is born. Do it for yourself and for your baby. The benefits will last a lifetime, for both of you.

Do you use any herbal, dietary or vitamin supplements?
Excessive amounts of vitamin A (more than 10,000 IU a day) should be avoided before and during pregnancy.

An increase in folic acid is recommended. Folic acid is very helpful in preventing some defects of the brain and spinal cord, as well as cleft palette and congenital heart disease in developing babies.

Herbal cures and remedies - everything from ginseng to herbal teas - should be avoided, not because they're unhealthy, but there's just not enough documentation to take the chance. So, put aside the ginkgo biloba until after baby arrives.

Take a multi-vitamin daily. That and a healthy diet are all you need to maintain optimum health. Forget mega-doses. One vitamin pill a day does the trick for baby and for you.

Prenatal vitamins, vitamins specially formulated to meet the needs of pregnant women and their growing babies, will soon become part of your daily routine. Some doctors prescribe them for patients who are trying to become pregnant. Consult your doctor about whether or not you should take a pre-natal in place of an OTC multi-vitamin.

Do you exercise regularly?
Pregnant women should exercise and keep active during their pregnancies, assuming there's no medical reason not to. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise or vigorous activity daily. A walk around the block will do it for most women.

If you don't exercise regularly, start slowly and work your way up to that 30-minute a day level. And keep it up after baby comes. Exercise makes you healthy and happy. To learn more about exercising while pregnant, please see Chapter 11.

Do you have cats in the house?
If you have kitties, it's time to let dad take over the litter box chores. Toxoplasmosis is a serous disease that can be transmitted to an unborn baby if the mother becomes infected. It's spread through cat feces, so hand off the pooper-scooper to dad until baby arrives.

Is your workplace safe from toxins, chemicals, radiation and other potential pregnancy dangers?
If you don't know or aren't sure, talk to your supervisor or the people in human resources. The presence of toxic substances isn't always obvious. If you discover that you are exposed to dangerous substances or radiation during the work week, take steps to avoid these dangers.

Medications, Vaccines, and Medical History

2009-03-08T13:43:00.001-07:00

Medications, Vaccines, and Medical History

Do you take any medicines?
Is your medicine cabinet baby-proofed? Even though baby isn't here yet, are the medications you take now safe for the baby you're hoping for?

Make a list of all medications you take on a regular basis. Be sure to include both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some medications that are harmless before pregnancy can be quite dangerous to developing babies. So, that over the counter nasal spray or prescription acne medication you use? Ask your doctor now whether or not they're safe to use during pregnancy. If they're not, eliminate them from your system now, before you conceive.

Talk to your doctor about replacing current medications with one that's pregnancy safe or, if possible, consider giving up that particular treatment until after baby is born and done nursing. (Always check with the prescribing doctor before stopping ANY prescribed medications.)

FDA Drug Safety Rankings
The Food and Drug Administration monitors the effects of drugs on mothers-to-be and their babies and classifies drugs into five categories of safety. Talk to your doctor about the ratings of the medications you take to assess potential harm to you or the fetus.

Category A drugs: Studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester of pregnancy, i.e., recognized as safe to use.

Category B drugs: Studies in pregnant women have not shown increased risk of fetal abnormalities despite adverse findings in animals. The chance of fetal harm is remote, but remains a possibility.

Category C drugs: Studies in pregnant women are lacking, and animal studies have shown a risk to the fetus. There is a chance of fetal harm if the drug is administered during pregnancy, but the potential benefits may outweigh the potential risk.

Category D drugs: Studies have shown fetal risk.

Category X drugs: Studies have provided positive evidence of fetal abnormalities and the risk clearly outweighs any benefit to pregnant women.

Have you ever had any sexually transmitted diseases?
STDs can cause serious problems during pregnancy for both mother and baby. Mothers with Chlamydia may give birth to babies with conjunctivitis, an eye condition. Syphilis may lead to low birth weight, premature births and even congenital syphilis, i.e. the baby is born infected.

Specifically, your doctor wants to know if your have or have ever had:

* Gonorrhea
* Chlamydia
* Genital Herpes Simplex
* Syphilis
* HIV (AIDS)
* Venereal Warts

Do you have a history of a complicated pregnancy?
Each pregnancy is unique. Just as you will love each of your children for his or her unique qualities, you'll notice the differences in each pregnancy.

With that in mind, it's important for your doctor to understand your complete pregnancy history. The doctor needs to know about issues that arose in past pregnancies, when and how the deliveries occurred, the health of your other children and a lot more.

It's important to be open and honest with your medical caregiver about your pregnancy history, including pregnancies that ended in miscarriage or that were terminated. This information is nothing to keep secret from your doctor.

Any problem in your past pregnancy should be discussed including:

* Recurrent miscarriages
* Stillbirth
* Low birth weight (IUGR) or large for gestational age infants (LGA)
* Diabetes or gestational diabetes
* Genetic disorders such as Tay Sachs Disease
* Last baby with a congenital defect such as a neural tube defect or gastroschisis

Are you up-to-date on vaccinations?
Some infections during pregnancy can cause birth defects or illness in a fetus. All of these infections can be prevented with the right vaccinations. Ask your doctor if you need to be immunized against measles, mumps, tetanus, polio, hepatitis, chickenpox or German measles. Even if you've been vaccinated before, your immunity to some diseases may have worn off.

Some vaccines cannot be given during pregnancy. If you need vaccines, get them at least 3 months before trying to conceive. During this time, keep using birth control.

Make Sure Your Vaccinations Are Up-To-Date:

Safe Three Months Before Pregnancy: Measles/mumps/rubella vaccine

Safe One Month Prior to Pregnancy: Varicella vaccine

Safe During Pregnancy:
Tetanus-diphtheria booster
Hepatitis A vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccine
Flu shots
Pneumococcal vaccine

Do you have a family history of any of the following diseases?

Are there any genetic conditions in your immediate or extended family which you believe might be hereditary? Consider genetic counseling. Genetic counselors can answer any questions you and your spouse have and give you valuable family planning information.

1. Tay Sachs Disease
2. Beta or Alpha Thalessemia
3. Cystic Fibrosis
4. Sickle Cell Disease
5. Mental retardation
6. Epilepsy

Acne During Pregnancy

2009-03-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

Acne During Pregnancy

Acne is Common During Pregnancy

If you thought acne was a thing of the past you may be surprised to find that acne during pregnancy is quite common. Just as hormonal fluctuations during puberty can result in a surge of pimples, so too can pregnancy. If you already suffer from adult acne you may find your situation a bit worse during pregnancy. Fortunately a dermatologist can help alleviate some of your discomfort from acne during pregnancy. There are some medications or creams that may be safe for use for acne during pregnancy. By and large however, normal acne associated with pregnancy need not be treated and generally resolves on its own in a few short months.
Other Common Skin Problems During Pregnancy

Acne is not the only skin problem women are faced with during pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when our skin becomes extra sensitive, and goes through various remarkable changes in preparation for the delivery of our babies.

One of the more common side effects of pregnancy is a condition called melasma, otherwise known as the "mask of pregnancy." Melasma results from hormonal irregularities during pregnancy. Typically women with melasma present with discoloration of the skin, particularly on the forehead, nose and upper lip. This discoloration often looks like a "mask" hence the name. Some women may find the affected areas of their skin look slightly tan.

Melasma is more common among women with darker color complexions. It typically begins in the second or third trimester. While you don't need to treat the condition, you should wear plenty of sunscreen. Excessive exposure to the sun can make melasma appear darker. Most women find their condition improves several weeks after the baby is born.

Yet another condition of pregnancy is referred to as PUP or "puerperal urticaria of pregnancy." This is a condition that results in hives or rashes that erupt all over the body. The condition is usually quite annoying and very itchy! Most women find their symptoms improve shortly after delivery. PUP typically does not appear until roughly the third trimester of pregnancy. While this condition is not harmful, it can by very trying for itchy and expectant moms. Usually over the counter remedies including soothing lotions or even calamine lotion provide some relief. In rare circumstances your doctor may prescribe an anti-histamine to help combat the itching and irritation associated with PUP.

Pregnancy Skin Care Tips

Fortunately there are steps you can take to keep your skin in tiptop shape even with acne during pregnancy. While you may not avoid acne during pregnancy, you can do your best to maintain a healthy pregnancy glow. Here are some tips for maintaining your best appearance during pregnancy.

1. Always get plenty of sleep. Getting enough sleep will allow you to look refreshed and will help keep your skin healthy and less wrinkle prone.
2. Use sunscreen religiously. Even if you don't suffer from melasma, your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. You should always use a moisturizer or sun block with an SPF 15 or higher.
3. Clean your face and neck regularly. Pimples will be much worse if pores are clogged. Be sure to clean your face using a gentle cleanser and light moisturizer during pregnancy.
4. Try a facial. Facial's can help improve acne and can help stimulate circulation in the skin, improving the appearance of the skin and providing you with a natural, healthy looking glow.
5. Moisturize every day. A good moisturizer will keep the skin looking soft and supple throughout your pregnancy. If you are acne prone try a light, water-based lubricant to prevent pores from clogging. The same is true for oily skin.

Regardless of what your skin does when pregnant, keep in mind that all pregnant women have that special pregnancy glow. Acne or no acne during pregnancy, you deserve to look and feel radiant throughout your pregnancy!

Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy

2009-03-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Abdominal Pain in Pregnancy

Lower abdominal Pain During Pregnancy

Many women will experience occasional bouts of lower abdominal pain during pregnancy. While frightening at best abdominal pain during pregnancy is usually a normal and harmless condition. Lower abdominal pain during pregnancy can sometimes suggest a more serious problem however, so it is important you consult with your health care provider if you have any concerns regarding abdominal pain during pregnancy.

Causes of Abdominal Discomfort during Pregnancy

Many women experience lower abdominal pain during the early weeks of pregnancy. There are many reasons for this. For some women occasional or sporadic abdominal discomfort during pregnancy similar to menstrual cramps may simply be a sign that your uterus is preparing to carry your baby through the next nine months of pregnancy. Abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms however, including chills, fever, spotting or bleeding may be a sign that something more serious is happening. If this is the case you should contact your health care provider immediately for a proper diagnosis of your abdominal pain.

Here are some of the more common conditions associated with abdominal pain during pregnancy:

* Ectopic Pregnancy - This is a serious condition that occurs in early pregnancy when a fertilized egg attaches outside of a woman's uterus. Normally the egg attaches to a fallopian tube. Typically this condition is caught in the first few weeks of pregnancy. When not treated an ectopic pregnancy is very serious and may result in rupture of the fallopian tubes. Signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include spotting, abdominal pain and tenderness, bleeding, back pain , shoulder pain, dizziness or faintness. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy contact your doctor immediately!

* Miscarriage - Occasionally lower abdominal pain is a sign of a pending miscarriage. Symptoms of miscarriage typically include bleeding that is light or heavy and menstrual like cramping that gradually increases in intensity. Other women experience back pain. If you confirm a pregnancy then experience spotting, bleeding and cramping, be sure to contact your doctor right away.

* Preterm Labor - Some women experience lower abdominal pain or cramping further along in their pregnancy. This may be a sign that your uterus is stretching, but may also be a sign of premature labor. Preterm labor is typically characterized by regular abdominal contractions that start dilating and effacing the cervix. You may experience vaginal discharge that is a bloody mucous accompanied by cramping, or low back pain. Be sure you contact your doctor immediately to rule out premature labor. In many cases early labor can be stopped effectively allowing mothers to carry their baby to term.

Other causes of lower abdominal pain during pregnancy may include round ligament pain, placental abruption or preeclampsia. Keep in mind if any of your cramps are consistent and accompanied by bleeding, excessive discharge or other worrisome symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately. Some women will also experience abdominal pain during pregnancy related to kidney stones, gallbladder disease or even pancreatitis. These diseases may result in debilitating pain and in some cases warrant surgery during pregnancy.

The good news is most women will experience mild abdominal discomfort throughout their pregnancy that occasionally occurs from the uterus stretching, from gas or even from constipation. Round ligament pain may result in short, stabbing and sharp aches in one or both sides of the abdomen. Fortunately this pain is relieved relatively quickly simply by relaxing or changing positions. Try to remain calm regardless of what you are experiencing, and remember when in doubt contact your health care provider immediately. Your doctor can help identify the cause of your abdominal pain during pregnancy and put your mind at ease in most cases.

Lose Weight Without Counting Calories

2009-02-12T13:00:00.001-08:00

Lose Weight Without Counting Calories

I've never been a big fan of counting calories. In fact, in the past year, I have lost about 30 pounds without counting a single dietary digit. Sure, I know recording everything you put in your mouth can help peel off pounds, but I also know that obsessing over calories makes you more likely to eat lowfat, low-fiber foods that wouldn't satiate a starling.

Instead of crunching numbers, I munched on healthy food to become a weight loss success. If a food lover like me can do it, you can, too! Try these tips:

• Pick up produce. Have at least one fruit and veggie at every meal. On busy days when I know my lunch won't have a smidge of green in it, I have two fruits at breakfast; I toss berries or peaches into my nonfat Greek yogurt and sprinkle it with granola. I love asparagus, green pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, sprouts, endive and more. Fruits and veggies are high in fiber, which staves off hunger. Shoot for nine servings daily. It sounds like a lot, but if you don't have to be a rabbit to reach that goal. Eat a salad at lunch or dinner, and you're there.

• Snack smart. Add protein (such as a stick of lowfat string cheese or Parmesan) to your between-meal bites. Research suggests protein may enhance the effect of leptin, a hormone that reins in appetite. I love hummus and dip veggies into it instead of pita bread or crackers. Protein is also filling and can help curb cravings for chips, cookies and the like.

• Sip more water. Dieters who swapped sugary drinks for water lose weight, but those who gulped the most H20 peeled off the most pounds, according to a study at the meeting of Obesity Society in Boston. Don’t love agua? Try the flavored kind but check the label for sugar content (it should be below 8 grams per serving).

• Map out your meals. A little attention to portions can help you eat less and still stay satisfied. Start by using a salad dish (8 inches in diameter) and divide it into quarters to help keep helpings healthy. Half the plate should get veggies, top another quarter with lean protein (3 to 6 ounces of fish, chicken or tofu) and the last quarter with whole grains (1/2 to 1 cup of brown rice, sweet potatoes or whole wheat pasta).

• Eat every meal. When you wait longer than five hours between bites, your body may release extra cortisol, a hormone that can increase appetite. I call it "hangry." I get hungry and angry: My stomach starts to burn and my brain gets annoyed at every little thing. Then I eat whatever is in front of me, usually a cookie or other sweet, empty-calorie treat. I realize I'm putting out the "hangry" fires, but it is better not to get there in the first place!

Need Therapy? Clear Out Your Stuff

2009-02-12T12:57:00.001-08:00

Need Therapy? Clear Out Your Stuff

Cleaning is my own personal form of therapy. There's something about clearing the decks that puts a smile on my face and relaxes me. Over the years, I have developed a method that is especially effective for me and my family. (Warning: Chaos is involved.)

When I am cleaning an area such as, say, my front hall closet, which I recently tackled, I take everything out and put it on the living room floor. Every tennis racquet, bike helmet, lacrosse stick, sleeping bag or soccer ball gets strewn on the floor and remains there until someone—either me or someone in my family—decides they want it enough to put it back in the closet. After 24 hours, anything left on the floor goes to friends or gets donated to charity.

This works because I have zero tolerance for mess in the living room, and putting it all on the floor forces the issue. I do the same with bookshelves, and it even works with my office inbox, which by day's end is usually teeming with memos, stories and Post-its.

I try to clear things out often because I know it staves off stress: The longer something languishes in your inbox, the more anxiety it creates. Need a little nudge in the decluttering direction? Jen M. R. Doman, owner of Get It Together!, an organizing service in Brooklyn, New York, suggests asking yourself these questions to help you pinpoint what to purge:

• When you look at the item, does it bring up unpleasant memories of a tough time? Sentimental keepsakes should promote feelings of happiness, not regret.

• Do you have a home for it? If you don't immediately envision the spot where you think it belongs, it's a clue that you may no longer need it.

• Is there someone else (a friend or family member, even a charity) who would enjoy the item more than you do? If so, put it on your giveaway pile.

• When did you last use it? If it has been more than three months and it is not a seasonal item (such as your Christmas tree stand), chances are, you can do without it and not even notice.

Steamline Your Life, Starting With Your Closet

2009-02-12T12:48:00.001-08:00

Steamline Your Life, Starting With Your Closet

I've never been one of those people who can map out a week's worth of outfits ahead of time. Yes, I know it probably saves boatloads of time, but I like to see how I'm feeling before I commit to wearing a piece of clothing.

Admittedly, I have some standbys that I reach for often. (Studies show that we wear a mere 20 percent of our wardrobe 80 percent of the time.) But what also helps me get out the door on time is that I have a tried-and-true system for organizing my clothes so I can locate what I want once I decide what to put on.

For example, I fold my sweaters and stack them by color. OK, so my closet looks slightly like an ad for Benetton, but when I need a black cardigan for work or a summery blue pullover on the weekend, there's no rifling around. (Besides, I only have, like, four colors: black, gray, brown and blue.)

Need some help streamlining your style space? Try these proven strategies:

• Ease the closet jam: Reverse all your hangers so the hooks face you. As you hang up clothing you've worn, flip the hanger around. After a month, you'll know which pieces are your go-to staples and which to recycle. (If you haven't turned a hanger for a year? Goodwill it.)

• Divide drawers: Instead of your usual neaten, undo, repeat cycle, consider using an insertable storage divider to designate space to help you access whatever you need without disturbing the general order of the space. Keep an eye out for spots that backslide to see if they might be cubby-worthy.

• Streamline your shoes: Instead of relying on trees or plastic pockets hanging off the door, keep kicks in the boxes they came in, either labeling the box with key details (silver ballet flats) or a Polaroid of the pair facing out so you can find 'em fast.

Exercising Gave Me More than Just a Nice Butt

2009-02-12T12:45:00.001-08:00

Exercising Gave Me More than Just a Nice Butt

I have lost a “few pounds” many times in my life. But I could never stick to a diet for very long and could never keep off the few pounds that I managed to lose.

In hindsight, I see that in order for me to lose the weight that I did, and in order for me to keep it off, I had to learn to how to exercise. I had to get physically healthy first before I could get mentally healthy and address my eating issues.

My lifestyle change began in January of 2006 while eating a Whopper at Burger King. A friend of mine had given me the number of a personal trainer who was really affordable. Little did I know that that phone call would change my life as I knew it forever.

And I don’t think that my trainer, Jameel, knew that each push-up, lunge, sit-up and squat that we did together was going to completely transform more than just my body. I am forever grateful to Jameel for teaching me how to exercise and for the gifts of health and strength that I have a gotten as a result of his lessons.

I definitely didn’t go into working out with Jameel for the long term. I never went into anything for the long term. I was hoping that this would be the quick fix that I was always searching for. I always wanted to figure out how to drop 50 pounds in a week, by eating a lot of whatever I wanted. FYI, I have proven through many attempts that it is impossible to lose 50 lbs in a week, and one cannot lose weight eating however much they want. You can, however, lose weight eating whatever you want, in controlled portions.

By teaching me how to work out effectively, Jameel not only gave me the tools to begin transforming my body, he also unknowingly gave me many of the things that I had been lacking in my life. When I started to see myself getting physically stronger, I started to feel an amazing sense of personal accomplishment that I had never felt before. This sense of personal accomplishment gave me real tangible self-esteem. No one was trying to convince me to feel good about my successes in the gym, I was feeling good about my own triumphs as I continued to kick my own butt with Jameel’s help and guidance.

As I looked in the mirror at the gym and began to see definition in my arms and waist, I started to want to become more responsible and better to my body -- in terms of what I ate, how much I ate, and how often I exercised. The better I treated myself physically, the better I felt mentally and the happier I became, which in turn made me think that after years of being unhappy with my weight and appearance, why would I ever want to lose this feeling and go back to the way that I was?

I never thought, two and a half years ago, that working out would become something I love to do. Who knew that this girl, who couldn’t run for three city blocks without feeling like she was going to die, would love the smell of a sweaty gym, the sound of my own grunt and the grunts of others while lifting weights, and the feeling of beads of sweat running down my body as I pushed myself a little bit further and a little bit harder.

Who knew that I would find peace and serenity at the gym and learn to enjoy valuable time with myself, my iPod and the treadmill? I have learned how to take time to care for myself by sitting in the steam room. I have learned how to start my day off right by rising early and hitting the gym, before everything gets hectic and I lose myself in the NYC chaos. Working out has taught me how to be responsible, dedicated, and committed -- and how to pick myself back up again when I fall off the beam. And I have taken what I have learned at the gym and applied it to others area of my life.

Most importantly, working out and exercise has given me the opportunity to look in the mirror and begin to get comfortable with the imperfect, human woman that I am. Most days I can look in the mirror and really like and feel proud of the strong, healthy and capable woman that I have become, on the inside and out.

Sleep Your Way Slim

2009-02-05T06:10:00.001-08:00

Sleep Your Way Slim

I know what you're thinking: How can I possibly lose weight by lying down? Believe me, as the type of person who likes to squeeze the most out of every second of each day, I was skeptical, too. But the research that supports the connection between getting a good night's sleep and fitting into your favorite jeans is pretty convincing.

In a study of more than 68,000 women, those who slept seven hours a night weighed 5.5 pounds less than women who slept five hours or less. Turns out, ample shut-eye encourages your body to produce more of the fullness hormone leptin and less of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Plus, catching zzz's helps curb anxiety and depression, both of which can be a tripwire for emotional eating. Insufficient rest can even compromise moral judgment, according to the journal Sleep.

Now, aiming to hit the sack early and actually doing it are two different things. There are always a million and one excuses to stay awake (I tend to read way past my bedtime). Try these tips to help you catch up on your zzzzzz's.

* Instead of trying to adhere to a strict lights-out policy every night, aim to get in bed early at least one night per week.
* Ease yourself into your slumber session with a bath.
* Eating a carb-based mini-meal of no more than 200 calories 45 minutes before drifting off can raise serotonin levels, helping you relax and sleep well. Try a whole-wheat English muffin with a tablespoon of honey or a cup of instant oatmeal with 1/4 cup of chopped apple.

6 Tips to Find a Job You Love

2009-02-05T06:05:00.001-08:00

6 Tips to Find a Job You Love

As a topic of discussion, career change is white hot. I get more requests for advice on this than anything else. It seems that in the 21st century, women aren't content just to earn a paycheck anymore. They want personal AND professional fulfillment, and they want it now.

So what's the secret to finding meaningful work? I recently set out to find the answer by interviewing more than 50 women who currently hold their dream jobs, as research for my new book called How'd You Score That Gig?: A Guide to the Coolest Careers and How to Get Them (www.scorethatgig.com, Ballantine Books). These individuals, who are travel journalists, event planners, fashion designers, forensic scientists, interior decorators, internet business owners and more, have one thing in common - persistence.

There's nothing all that special about women who have careers we all covet - they're just like you and me. As unattainable as their situations might sound, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can successfully transition into a job that will have you singing along with the radio during your morning commute.

Here are six tips to get you started:

1. Learn about yourself. Take time to do a self-assessment of your values, how you like to work, and what you'd be compelled to do even if you never got paid. Research careers and industries that map to your skills and interests. Hit the internet, set up informational interviews, take relevant coursework, and arrange to go onsite at a company in your chosen field.

2. Don't be deterred by a lack of experience. In developing a resume and other promotional materials for the field you want to pursue, think about how your current skills and talents apply to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job. For example, knowledge of project management, client relations, information technology, and sales will take you far in most types of careers.

3. Ease into a new career one foot at a time. Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while doing a part-time internship in your new field, or taking an adult education class or workshop on the weekend. The only way to find out if you're passionate about something is to try it - ideally with as little risk as you can manage.

4. Remember that any progress is good progress. Even confident people stay in unsatisfying jobs because they feel safe, and because they're afraid of making a bad decision. But in the quest to uncover a source of meaningful work, your worst enemy is inertia. Make an effort to do one thing, like emailing a networking contact or attending an event - that moves you a bit closer to your big picture goal.

5. Start early. Twenty- and thirty-somethings have more flexibility when it comes to test-driving different careers. The process of self-discovery is much easier when you're unencumbered by family responsibilities and substantial financial burdens, and when you haven't yet reached a level in a career where it's tougher to turn back. That said, it's never too late to pursue your passion. More and more baby boomers are leaving the world of traditional employment for alternative career paths that will fulfill them well into retirement age.

6. Have realistic expectations. Even if you're lucky enough to hold your dream job, there's no such thing as the perfect work situation. Every job has its ups and downs as well as both aspects we love and don't love. And dream job doesn't mean "cushy" job. As your mom always told you, anything worth having in this world requires some effort. There will be some days you feel like shutting the alarm off and going back to sleep, but many more where you feel more energized by the prospect of work than you ever thought possible!

Simple Summer Beauty Tips

2009-02-05T06:01:00.001-08:00

Simple Summer Beauty Tips

A Self.com poll found that 23 percent of readers wished they could shave time off their beauty routine, and I'm with them! During the lazy days of July and August, it's a lot more fun to sit by the pool/go for a jog/enjoy a picnic than stand in front of the mirror fussing over your hair and makeup. I like to wear sunglasses so I don't have to fuss as much. Got to take them off? Try these simple look-great-fast tricks that I've gleaned from the experts we feature in SELF.

• For color that lasts, blot lips before applying lipstick or gloss. Pigments adhere better to a moisture-free mouth, which means you won't have to apply coat after coat (as if you had time anyway!) Oh, and don't forget to choose a formula with SPF. Lips burn, too!

• Speaking of lipcolor, if your gloss gets runny in the heat, stash the tube or pot in the refrigerator overnight. The chill will thicken the formula.

• Fight a case of the frizzies by aiming your blow-dryer at wet roots until dry. Smooth hair with your fingers; then blow remaining strands, from midshaft to ends, using a round brush. Twirl the brush through each section five times for salonlike sleekness.

• Hide dark circles by applying a dot of concealer on the inner and outer corners of your under eye. Blend inward from both directions so you'll get coverage on the sides, where shadows are most prominent.

• Make mascara application less messy by forming an O with your mouth. Holding this expression helps relax eyes so you blink less and avoid smudging.

• Prevent stained teeth by rinsing with water for up to a minute after having coffee, tea or berries.

3 Steps in 3 Minutes to Relaxation

2009-02-05T05:57:00.001-08:00

3 Steps in 3 Minutes to Relaxation

Spring break is here, and while some of us are partying it up at exotic destinations, the rest of us are working like dogs. What we can do in the face of the looming tasks is take a few moments every day for some hard-earned relaxation and reflection.

Maybe you want to go to that favorite destination that brings you peace, tranquility, harmony, vitality, health and overall peace of mind. It turns out that no one except us can give us that time and energy it takes to make the decision to just stop for a minute.

Yes. One minute. Make it three if you really can...

Take a moment to make your brain become a stoplight. Nominate a certain time of day, or a certain song on the radio, or a monument you see every day to just stop what you are doing, close your eyes and see yourself in that special place. Then feel in your body what it would feel like. Cultivate that feeling and visualize it spreading through your body, down your arms to your hands and down your legs to your feet, so your entire body feels that tranquility, that peace of mind.

We can take a vacation at any moment, all we have to do is make the decision to do it! You can start right now. Commemorate the moment you decided to take your relaxation seriously for the first time!

Step 1: Find your REMINDER

Nominate a method of how you are going to remind and inspire yourself to go to your special destination.

Step 2: VISUALIZE your Tranquil Destination

Close your eyes and picture yourself there with as much detail as you can.

Step 3: EMOTIONALIZE

Spend between 1 to 3 minutes approximately every hour you are awake just feeling what it is like to be there.

And watch and see your results!

Your Fertility Checklist

2009-01-27T22:06:00.001-08:00

Your Fertility Checklist

If you're planning to conceive, you may already be wondering what you should be doing to improve your chances of having a healthy baby. (And congratulations for thinking ahead: It's never too early to start creating a healthy environment for your baby to grow and develop in before it's born.)

Here are some things you can do to prepare yourself:

Make sure you are at or close to your ideal weight. Being too thin can interfere with ovulation - production of an egg each month - which is obviously a prerequisite for conception. Being overweight is not ideal, either, since extra fat is associated with problems, such as diabetes, that affect the health of both mother and infant.
Get a gynecologic exam. Thyroid abnormalities, anemia, iron deficiency, high blood pressure, diabetes, and vaginal infections should all be identified and sorted out before you attempt to conceive.
Review your medication list with a physician, since some common ones are not safe or not preferred during pregnancy.
Verify that you are up-to-date with immunizations, particularly the MMR vaccine for measles, mumps, and rubella. If you were born prior to 1975, you likely did not receive the recommended two doses. This should ideally be given at least one month prior to conception.
Start taking vitamin supplements. Iron supplements will build up your stores of this essential mineral, which is rapidly gobbled up by the body during pregnancy. Folate is known to reduce the risk of spinal cord and heart defects in the fetus, while omega-3 fatty acids improve the development of its brain and eyes. Most over-the-counter prenatal vitamins contain these important substances.
Stop your bad habits. Stop smoking, alcohol use, and limit caffeine intake. Smoking is associated with low-birth-weight infants, never mind its ill effect on your lung and heart health. Even drinking more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day doubles the risk of miscarriage. And heavy use of alcohol during pregnancy causes fetal alcohol syndrome, an irreversible condition that leads to severe developmental and cognitive problems in children.
Start exercising. You'll require lots of physical stamina to endure a pregnancy and delivery, not to mention the high energy you'll be needing to care for your newborn and the healthy child he or she will grow up to be!

Save Your Strands From Summertime Damage

2009-01-27T22:02:00.000-08:00

Save Your Strands From Summertime Damage

If you’re a swimmer like me, you know your hair can take a beating from chlorine and constant postswim showering and styling.

To protect my hair from the pool water’s harsh, dehydrating chemicals, I always use a swim cap. Before I put it on, I finger-comb a thick hair mask through my hair. So then I’m getting a great workout and a deep-conditioning treatment. That’s my kind of multitasking.

Of course, you also need to protect your hair when you’re on dry land: SELF found one study that showed five days of peak sun exposure (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) weakens hair by 36.2 percent -- and that weakness leads to lackluster, broken hair strands (possibly the reason your hair “won’t grow”). A hat or baseball cap will protect your hair, but that’s not always practical. (I can just see myself arriving at an important meeting with my floppy beach hat on.) Much easier to do: Use a spray-on UV-protecting styler (many brands offer this technology -- check the labels.) Apply it to damp hair and style as usual. It can build up, though, so be sure to shampoo at the end of the day.

Pumping Up Your Iron

2009-01-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

Pumping Up Your Iron

If you've suffered heavy periods and tests show you have anemia with low iron levels, then you may have been told to start an iron supplement. Sounds simple enough - until you get to the pharmacy and are confronted by the dozens of supplements from which to choose. Which one is best? Whichever one suits your budget. But some words of experience may help you decide.

The most commonly recommended iron supplement is ferrous sulfate at a dose of 325 mg twice daily. This compound has a good amount of elemental iron. To maximize iron absorption, take the supplement with orange juice or vitamin C. Avoid mixing your iron supplement with milk, antacids or your calcium supplement, though, because these substances will reduce iron absorption.

Unfortunately, iron supplements can cause nausea, constipation, and change the color of your stools. Some women manage better with slow-release preparations which have fewer of these bothersome side effects. You may be able to tolerate ferrous gluconate, but this form of iron provides less elemental iron. If constipation is a problem, try reducing the dose or adding a fiber supplement like Metamucil, Citrucel, or Benefiber.

If you don't like having to take supplements and have only borderline anemia, then I often recommend simply taking iron pills during the menstrual cycle when there's greater loss of iron through bleeding. There's even an oral contraceptive pill that provides iron tablets in the package for each day of the menstrual cycle.

Speaking of oral contraceptives, they often lighten menstrual periods which means less bleeding and iron loss and can eliminate the need for iron pills. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) also typically lead to lighter periods, especially the newer progesterone-releasing one (Mirena).

Of course, one of the most important ways to make sure you get enough iron is through a varied diet with lots of iron-rich foods. Meats, especially liver, and veggies like spinach and other dark leafy green ones, are great sources of iron. Also look for iron-enriched breads and cereals. If you spend a little time reading food labels, you may be able to adjust your diet to compensate for your low iron levels without having to take a pill!

Sleep Your Way Slim

2009-01-23T17:03:00.001-08:00

Sleep Your Way Slim

Like you, I suspect, I have a to-do list that runneth over. To fit in exercise, plus all my job responsibilities and family time, I used to steal from sleep—staying up too late, then dragging myself to the gym at 6 a.m. Big mistake! So my first piece of advice on the path to your best body is to sleep!

Do you like that? Thought you might. Don't believe me? Consider this:

A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that clocking too few zzz's may increase your appetite, which is what used to happen to me. I would replace the calories burned during a spinning class or run (and then some) because I felt depleted. People who log a solid eight hours, on the other hand, tend to weigh less. Ample shut-eye encourages your body to produce more of the fullness hormone leptin and less of the hunger hormone ghrelin, plus it helps ease anxiety and depression, both of which can trigger emotional eating.

You may also avoid injury. Skimp on sleep, and you're more prone to clumsiness, which could mean a crash. A tired brain processes information more slowly, stalling reaction time so that even simple movements (pedaling a bicycle, swinging a tennis racket) can feel awkward. A study in Occupational & Environmental Medicine tested people on everything from coordination to concentration and found that those who got too little rest scored, on average, the same or lower than those with a blood-alcohol level of 0.05.

Sneak Nature Into Your Life

2009-01-23T16:59:00.001-08:00

Sneak Nature Into Your Life

Being outdoors always relaxes me, whether I'm at the beach, running around Central Park with my dog, or simply looking at a cloud-filled sky. Seems like whatever is on my mind, I automatically feel less stressed when I'm outside and the sun is shining. No wonder: Research suggests that connecting with nature can be good for your physical and mental health. Multiple studies show that hospital patients in a room with a view of trees healed more quickly than those who could see only a brick wall.

It can be tough to escape to nature, though, especially if you live in a city and work indoors the way I do. Try these tips to sneak a little more fresh air into your every day:

Exercise Al Fresco
Personally, I run farther and feel more refreshed when I'm outside -- it's as if my sweat literally washes away all my stress! Instead of hitting the gym, take a jog around the block or through a nearby park. In addition to bolstering your spirits, you may find that you can push yourself harder than you might on the treadmill or the elliptical, since you'll be enjoying the scenery too much to notice how hard you're working. For a plan you can do virtually anywhere (and lose pounds painlessly).

Green Your Space
People with a view of nature outside their office are more enthusiastic and patient than those without one, according to a study from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Since my own office overlooks the neon signs of Times Square (an interesting view, to be sure, but not exactly Zen), I've always kept an oversize potted tree next to my window. It reminds me of, and connects me to, the natural world out there. Don't have a green thumb? Buy a cactus!

Reduce Road Rage
It's easy to get aggravated when you're stuck in gridlock. While you can't control traffic, redirecting your regular route so you wind past natural roadside settings (versus strip malls) may ratchet down your commuting stress, report researchers at Texas A&M University in College Station. My approach when I'm behind the wheel: I try to take the most scenic routes (and blast my favorite tunes, of course!), so I feel like the trip is a treat.

Make Your Feet Look Fab

2009-01-23T16:55:00.000-08:00

Make Your Feet Look Fab

One of the best things about summer: My boots go to the back of my closet, and my sandals come front and center. The only tiny snag: That means I need regular pedicures. The idea of having my feet pampered for an hour is lovely, I admit. But let’s be serious, finding an extra hour every weekend can be tough.

Luckily, I’ve learned a couple of ways to stretch the time between salon visits:

1. Exfoliate regularly.
The thickest skin on your body is on your heels, which is why lightweight body lotions sit on top of your callused soles rather than sink in. You have to exfoliate to remove that tough, none-too-pretty skin. I find that glycolic peel pads and serums (yes, the same ones made for your face) work really well. Afterward, apply moisturizer—the thick-as-frosting kind, not the light-as-air kind.

2. Repair your polish.
I used to paint on another coat of polish every time I spied a nick or chip in my paint job, but as it turns out, doing so actually shortens your shade’s life. The extra coat dampens the layers underneath, causing them to lose adhesion and peel off. Instead, now I buff any nicks with a file, then “spot treat” with polish. By the way, toting your own polish shade with you to the salon means you also take it home for perfectly matching touch-ups. If you want more DIY tips for having beautiful, well-cared-for feet, read Soothe Your Soles at Self.com.

HRT and Mammograms

2009-01-16T10:49:00.001-08:00

If you are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you should let your radiologist know about it every time you have your mammogram.

HRT can increase the density of the breast tissue and (because dense breast tissue shows up as white on a mammogram) make the breasts harder to evaluate on mammography. Unfortunately, cancers also look white on a mammogram, so the tumor polar bear may be hidden in that tissue snowstorm in your X-ray.

HRT can also make it more likely that abnormalities in your mammogram will result in a biopsy. It's unclear if HRT causes the abnormalities; however, a finding of densities in localized areas of the breast is likely to prompt a radiologist to do a biopsy to verify that the density is just fibrocystic tissue and nothing more worrisome. According to one recent study, about 1 in 10 women on HRT end up having a biopsy, a pretty significant percentage. And the percentage of women on HRT in whom abnormalities were found rose from 4 percent, after taking the medicine for 1 year, to 11 percent after 5 years.

So tell your radiologist if you are taking HRT. You don't want biopsies you don't need, and you certainly don't want to have an early cancer looking like a polar bear in a blizzard on your mammogram. It's also important to periodically reevaluate --ideally, every year -- whether you should still be taking the HRT. We know now that HRT should not be taken for the rest of one's life. Years ago, that was the practice, but it's no longer.

Weight loss, Obesity

2009-01-16T10:42:00.001-08:00

Weight loss, Obesity

I’ve tried diets, but those pounds always come back. What should I do?

Most people regain weight when they stop dieting and return to how they ate before. After many cycles of this, it is easy to become frustrated and to give up and maybe even turn to food for emotional comfort.

Diets are mostly not effective, they are hard to maintain. You can’t kill your heart and stick to extremely low-calorie diets and restrictive eating patterns for a long time. Diets also slow the metabolism and eventually make you gain weight instead of losing.

Obesity is an ongoing disease, not a cosmetic problem. It means that you have excess body fat that is putting your health at risk.

If you are having too much fat it may affect you in several ways. First and foremost is its influence on your physical appearance - how you look and feel. It can also lead to several health problems, including type 2 diabetes, different types of heart diseases (including stroke), hypertension, high blood pressure, joint pains or arthritis, and sleeplessness.

What causes Obesity ?

Primary cause of obesity is intake of more calories than your body can use or burn. This may be dependant on lifestyle or your body’s metabolism.

Another primary reason could be your genes. If your family has a history of obesity, you may have a genetic tendency to gain weight.

Lifestyle - In this age of always-on-the-move lifestyle it is harder to plan and cook nutritious meals. Everybody finds it easier to reach for prepared or junk foods at nearest joints, or nearest drive-through. Often these foods are high in fat and calories, and portion sizes are too large.

Lack of Excercise - Our busy schedules dont allow us to excercise much. There is a increasingly lack of physical activity with advent of technology.

Herbal Remedies for Obesity Control ?

Obesity is a complicated disease, but there are many ways to treat it using Herbal Remedies. Alongwith Remedies you need to pick up a lifestyle which suits your body’s health. Weight-loss can’t work alone. Diet changes and physical activity are needed for keeping weight off long-term.

Our panel doctors recommend these Herbal supplements which can boost metabolism, improve liver and digestive functioning and help you to effectively control your weight without strict dieting and without any side-effects to your health.

* NatureSlim Capsules limits the formation of fatty acids in the muscles and liver. It reduces the cholesterol and triglycerides levels. NatureSlim improves digestion and accelerates metabolism to pass the food along the gastrointestinal tract quickly and prevents the transformation of undigested carbohydrates into triglycerides.

* Shuddha Guggulu helps to regulate the lipid metabolism.The hypocholesteremic activity of guggulipid in Guggulu is useful in Hyperlipidemia and Weight management

Weight Loss using Natural Remedies

2009-01-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Weight Loss using Natural Remedies

Do you know that around 130 million of the American population is overweight or obese? This is the main cause behind many diseases related to heart, diabetes and many other blood pressure related problems. Everyday these people make a frantic search about the various weight loss programs. To get rid of the extra pounds these people can go literally to any heights!

Among the various weight loss programs, herbal weight loss schedules are the best and most reliable to follow without any side effects. There are many benefits of using herbal programs for loosing weight. The herbal weight loss program includes many supplements like patches for skin, intravenous injections, oral pills, herbal tea and many other herbal products.

All these weight loss herbal medicines are taken from herbs that are grown in the natural environment and then are clinically prepared in the form of tablets or syrup medicines. These herbal products have the property to increase the metabolic rate of digestion and thus burn more fat in body metabolism or throwing out of the body as excretion products in organic forms. These herbal medicines tend to interact with the metabolism of the body and burns extra calories.

There have been a lot lately about the different herbal weight loss techniques. Green tea is one just one of them. People have found out the fact that intake of green tea increases the metabolism rate and thus helps in loosing your extra pounds. However some experts say that the aid provided by the consumption of green tea is insignificant to your weight loss program.
Most often we get to hear the well known celebrities taking herbal green tea which helps them to maintain a slim figure. Victoria Beckham and Paris Hilton is just one of them!

The number of green tea cups is usually six to seven for a person with 10 extra pounds. Moreover, green tea is a herbal product which saves you from other rigorous methods. The bottom line in this is that on its own Green Tea has great benefits and includes ingredients which go some of the way towards helping the weight loss many of us crave, but it is not a cure-all on its own.

Similarly, Lipodrene with Ephedra is a weight loss supplement used for quick weight loss and burn fat. According to a study People who used Lipodrene reported up to 42% reduction in total body fat and up to 300% more weight loss while dieting compared to other diet pills.

Giving a try to these herbal medicines is often recommended by well established doctors to patients who have been long suffering from obesity. These are also recommended by the FDA or other recognized clinical certificate. They are harmless and they are effective in their ways.

Some of us are doubtful about the potential and the side effects about these weight loss herbal products. The answer is that any body can easily trust the capability of the e herbal products and use them safely. It is necessary at times to get a prescription from a physician dealing in herbal medicines so that you do not allegoric to some of them. These medicines are definitely chemical in nature which can be cause of worry to some who are highly allergic of the nature of such medicines. The extracts of the herbs may sometimes cause some allergies in some people.

You can also prepare some home made herbal recipes which when combined with the commercially made herbal products can do wonders for you. You can freely include easy exercises in your daily routine like abs stretching and exercising, yoga and good eating as a part of your life to have early results. For example, honey mixed with lime cuts down fat; vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes help in better in synthesizing fats. Avoid bad habits like smoking and junk foods intake. These practices are easy to implement and body friendly for weight loss.

Can Swimming Help You Lose Weight?

2009-01-16T10:35:00.001-08:00

Can Swimming Help You Lose Weight?

Have you taken up swimming as an exercise to help you to lose weight? If you are, you are not alone because most people think that swimming is effective way to tone muscles and lose weight. This is why the public swimming pools everywhere are always packed in the evenings and on weekends.

Before I disappoint you, I must first declare that I am not against swimming. On the contrary, I swim regularly for the sake of my cardiovascular health.

However, some research seem to suggest that swimming is not an effective way to lose weight and in fact, one can even gain weight with swimming. Getting more bewildering eh?

Swimming is considered by many as one of the best exercises to lose weight and to tone muscles because when you swim, most of your muscles are called into action and you are actually having a full body workout. Furthermore, swimming also has an aerobic effect and so the heart and lungs are getting their dose of exercise as well.

However, a research published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine demostrated that in the absence of a controlled diet, swimming has little or no effect on weight loss.

Professor Grant Gwinup conducted an experiment correlating swimming with weight loss and came up with surprising results.

a) Test subjects put in a cycling program lost 19 pounds in a 90 days study.

b) Those following a walking program lost 17 pounds in the same period.

c) Now, brace yourself for this! Subjects in the swimming program actually gained extra 5 pounds!

Did the findings shock you? I couldn’t believe what I was reading when I first came across the report.

Professor Gwinup then assumes that swimming in cold water stimulates the appetite to increase caloric consumption. Do you feel hungry after a swimming session? If you do, then professor could be right.

Professor Louise Burke, Head of Nutrition at the Australian Institute of Sport pointed out that competitive swimmers typically have body fat levels that are higher than those of runners or cyclists who expend a similar amount of energy when they train.

Why is that so? This is because swimmers feel hungry after swimming and may simply replace all the calories they have burned with a large meal and a sugar laden drink after their swim.

On top of that, they may even consume more calories than they have used up.

“Some research suggests that this is due to the cool temperatures in which swimmers often train in and by contrast, runners and cyclists usually experience an increase in body temperature during their training sessions, which may help to suppress appetite.” Professor Burke said.

Professor Burke also noted that competitive swimmers are less active when not in training sessions. The swimmers are so tired from the hours of intensive training that they sleep, relax or avoid any active physical activities outside their training sessions. Deja vu? Do you feel tired and sleepy after a swim?

Now, let’s talk about toning muscles. Do note that most of the work your body does when swimming involves positive muscle actions and no negative action and we know all know that the negative phase, that is, when lowering the weights during weight training is very important in building muscles.

So can your muscles develop properly when only the positive muscles are worked on? By the way, before you say that competitive swimmers have nice muscle tone, that is because they lift weights to maintain muscle balance as well as to gain strength for more powerful strokes.

Please, do not give up swimming if you enjoy the sport. Doing any exercise is better than not exercising at all. Just make sure that you don’t eat more or become more less active after your invigorating swim.

Planning Your Diet

2009-01-16T10:30:00.001-08:00

Planning Your Diet

Some people even plan on when they will have sex. Hence, the birth of hump day. Why not spend a few minutes and plan out what you will eat? If you are reading this, you have the time so. So sit back and follow these seven easy steps. Don’t blink, if you do it will be over. It is really that simple.

Mini meals are great.
They tell people with certain disease that they should eat several small meals each day. They say that a person should eat something every two hours. Well, that isn’t too impossible to do. I would suggest that you start out every four hours. Keep it like you normally would any of your other meals. Make sure you have your protein and your fiber. Have some veggies and some fruit to balance everything out. Don’t make your mini meal a bucket of fried chicken. I know that since it is a mini meal, the temptation doesn’t seem as great. I mean, if you only slip up in a mini meal, who is watching?

These are a great way to avoid hunger and improper snacking throughout the day. Just make your mini meals up and eat them every time that you have planned. If you plan on eating every two hours, every two hours it is. It doesn’t take a road map to figure this out.

Don’t go over board.
This is easier said than done. You need to have a specific amount that you are trying to reduce. If you are trying to reduce your meals by 10%, then you should stick to that. I’m not suggesting that you break out the calculator and count up every meal that you have. If you have been on a diet for very long, you already have a good idea how many calories things have. Don’t eat with your eyes, eat with your mind. That will help you cut down on the amount of food that you eat.

Eat good tasting food.
From time to time let yourself go. Eat something that you know you shouldn’t. If you get it out of your system, it will be easier to maintain your diet. If on the other hand you don’t allow yourself to eat things you shouldn’t from time to time, all you will do is hurt yourself in the long run. You are going to nibble each day on those things instead of just eating them occasionally.

Eat your calories, don’t drink them.
Don’t fill up on sodas and other drinks. You can get all your calories for one day in these if you do it too much. A few sodas here. A few cups of hot chocolate there. A few beers here. You get the point. That will put on the pounds easily.

Exercise.
You need to do this to keep fit. Not only will it keep you fit, but it will keep you mentally sharp as well. That can go a long way in helping you stick to a diet. If you are depressed, chances are you will end up eating fatty foods that will make you fat. When you consume all of that fat, it will make you more depressed. It is a bad cycle to start.

Make your meals last.
Chew your damn food son! I bet you heard that one as a kid. Well, it is true. Don’t swallow your food. Instead, eat it slowly and enjoy the taste of it. If you do this, it will make you feel like you have actually ate something. If you swallow it down, you won’t get the same benefit. You will continue to feel a void.

Discover your food triggers.
We all have these. When was the last time you went grocery shopping and you looked at a bag of cookies and realized that you had to have them? I do this sort of thing all the time. You need to understand what foods trigger your response system. If you can do this, you can avoid situations that will make you eat things that you shouldn’t eat.

Well, that wasn’t so bad was it? There is no need to flip out when it comes to a diet plan. It is simple and easy. Just like anything in life, you should have a plan before you begin to do whatever it is that you are doing. The same is true with your diet.

Anorexia and Bulimia - An Overwhelming Paradox

2009-01-16T10:27:00.001-08:00

Anorexia and Bulimia - An Overwhelming Paradox

The results of anorexia or bulimia can have long lasting and devastating effects on your body. Either of these disorders can have negative effects on the body which include: malnutrition, dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, acid reflux, dry skin, hair, and nails, swelling of the face and cheeks, sallow colored skin, teeth erosion, laxative dependence, toxicity, amenorrhea, diabetes, low blood pressure, extreme fatigue, damage to internal organs, and death.

Both of these disorders are closely related. Anorexics are far more likely to become bulimic, as starvation forces the issue. Those with the disorder are far more likely to crave food so badly that they have to eat eventually, which can lead to bulimia.

Anorexics typically don’t eat. They pick at food and watch their calorie intake like a hawk. Bulimics, on the other hand, eat a lot to compensate for when they don’t eat, and will purge or take excessive amounts of laxatives after they go on an eating binge.

Both anorexia and bulimia usually stem from control issues. Many times, there is an overwhelming general feeling that life is out of control. Those with these disorders compensate for those feelings by controlling the one area of their life that they can control, their food intake.

Those with anorexia or bulimia hide or hoard food, seem very secretive, count calories, and are totally consumed by food. Every waking moment becomes a constant struggle the more food consumes their lives.

To compensate, they begin planning menus, checking out new recipes, going grocery shopping, and fixing food for others to enjoy. They may also become loners in school or other group oriented places. They enjoy their time alone and make excuses not to socialize. They may lose their close friends. They become afraid to admit what’s going on inside of them to loved ones and disguise their weight by wearing baggy clothes.

Exercise is also a big part of both disorders. When they’re not planning their next meal, they are exercising on the bed, running miles, or participating in other sports related activities. However, exercise is partially done in secret. They want to hide how much they are actually doing!

On the other hand, they also might be quite good at some type of skill that does not involve food at all. They might enroll in school, play in a band, be artistically inclined, or anything that keeps their hands busy. As long as they’re busy, they aren’t eating! When they get alone however, they quickly turn to their obsession for food.

Parents raise their children by feeding them healthy and nutritious foods. It is normal for parents to want to feed their children. This is inborn. Food is a focus for us naturally. When our children don’t eat, we are denied the simple pleasures that feeding our family can give.

This is one major dilemma that we face as parents with children who have anorexia or bulimia. After all, food consumption is a large part of who we are as providers.

Eating Disorder Facts

Starvation dieting can actually make you gain weight. If you deprive your body of food, your body goes into the starvation mode and holds onto your fat. Our bodies will fight hard to protect us.

It is much better to eat several small meals during the day. That way your body won’t be in the starvation mode and hold onto fat. You are also depriving your body of its nutrition if you don’t eat or purge up what you do eat. Your body and organs will begin to shut down. Your skin will become sallow and dull. The healthy complexion you once had is now a past memory.

Fruit is a natural fibrous food and will not make you gain weight. You will not gain weight if you eat a well-balanced healthy diet. Eat a little of this and a little of that. I am 5′6″ and weigh around 115 pounds. I am 48 years old and have been able to keep the weight off of me year after year by simply eating right and getting some exercise. If I can do it, so can you.

It is important to note that eating disorders have one of the highest death rates of all. The Eating Disorders Association of the UK estimates it at 10%. An 18% mortality rate has been suggested for anorexia. The rate for bulimia is much lower than for anorexia. These death rates are higher than for those with some forms of Cancer.

Whatever you do, if you have anorexia or bulimia, get help today. There are some wonderful online resources if you just look. Don’t play with fire! Do something today to change your future.

Burning Calories – How to Lose Weight the Right Way

2009-01-05T20:04:00.001-08:00

Burning Calories – How to Lose Weight the Right Way

There are so many food products on the market that block your body from burning calories and losing weight. If you eat a lot of high fat foods with lots of preservatives and additives, you are going to gain weight. Most high fat foods are called convenience foods. They lurk in every store you go to and beg your money right out of your pocket. They are not good for you but you want the convenience because you have a hectic life, so you give in and consume them. However, you will never lose weight if you consume them regularly.

A major key in weight loss is consuming fewer calories than you burn. Do this by eating fewer simple sugar products, like candy, cookies, and other sugar based products, and by eating fewer foods that contain white flour, like white bread, donuts, pizza, and bagels. Instead, opt for whole grain foods, non processed foods, low sodium foods, lean proteins, green vegetables, high fiber foods, and plenty of fresh fruits!

Of course, you can keep your metabolism high by exercising more too. The more you exercise, the more you’re burning calories! Strength training is one of the best exercises to lose weight that you can do. It combines aerobics with weight bearing exercise. With strength training you get the highest return for your efforts. The more calories you burn, the more weight you’ll lose!

At some point, you will also need to know how many calories your body burns in the course of a day. With this information, you’ll also know how many calories you need to eat to maintain or lose weight. Seems like a tall order but there is a handy formula for balancing your energy equation. If you want to burn calories, you’ll first need to calculate your BMR. (Basal Metabolic Rate.) BMR is the minimum number of calories you need to stay alive. Next you need to determine your energy output. That is based on your activity level. Use an RDA calculator like I have on my site, as the mathematical equation is a little tricky to calculate yourself.

Once you know how many calories you need to consume to maintain your weight, you can decide how many calories you should consume to lose weight. Recent studies also show that those people who keep a food journal are much more likely to succeed with their weight loss goals. Of course, there are many other ways to lose weight however, knowing your calorie RDA should be the first step in any weight loss program.

Exercise and diet tips for a slimmer stomach

2009-01-05T20:00:00.001-08:00

Exercise and diet tips for a slimmer stomach

Loosing weight loss is not an easy task. Many people trying to lose weight have been on numerous diets and have tried just about every “fad diet” that has been around.

1. Exercise and eat right

And regular exercise not only helps you slim down your whole body, it actually shrinks the size of fat cells in your stomach.

2. Get down to your healthy weight

Losing that gut isn’t easy, but you can improve your contours (and lower your risk of heart disease and cancer) by lowering your overall body mass index.

3. Don’t be a stress case

Scientists are studying the link between stress and belly fat. Heightened cortisol levels in blood, resulting from stress, seem to react with the body’s insulin to create visceral abdominal fat — and, in a double whammy, to also drive us toward fatty, sugary foods. Reducing stress may make it easier to say no to barbecue chips or chocolate truffles that go straight to the waistline. Try yoga as a way of cutting stress

4. Stop boozing, quit smoking

Both smoking and alcohol raise the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your body. See Tactic #3 for a refresher on what that means for your gut.

5. Hire a personal trainer

Embarking on a fitness regime is more likely to be successful if you invest in some one-on-one workouts with a personal trainer.

6. Skip the Thai, meet for sushi instead

A recent Japanese study found that fucoxanthin, a compound in brown seaweed, shrank abdominal fat in lab animals, and encouraged a five to 10 per cent weight loss. Human studies are next, but the scientists are excited.

7. Avoid trans fats like the plague

A recent study found that not only do trans fats create excess visceral fat in the abdomen, they actually cause fat from other parts of the body to redistribute there.

8. Don’t believe late-night infomercials

American Council on Exercise (ACE) found that expensive ab-targeting home-exercise equipment is no better than (and in some cases, is worse than) good, old-fashioned exercises.

The weight loss and diet method is useful for all type of peoples.

Sample specific warm-up exercise and weight loss warmup benefits

2009-01-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

Sample specific warm-up exercise and weight loss warmup benefits

Warming up is important for preventing injury as well as gaining maximal benefit from the exercise, because loose, warm muscles will respond better to the challenge of lifting weights. Warm-Up to Strength Training is used for weight loss and for increased strength, speed, power, coordination, balance, agility, endurance, flexibility and muscle! It is used to help eliminate back pain, shoulder pain and knee pain as well as an assortment of aches and irritations all over the body.

Warm-Up to Strength training is geared to the recreational, amateur and professional athlete, as well as to personal trainers, strength coaches, and other health care practitioners. The Warm-Up to Strength Training DVD highlights limitations and fallacies in traditional warm-up programs and gives practical, researched methods for efficient pre-exercise preparation.

Benefits of Warmup strength Training:

• Increases body temperature and warms the connective tissues

• Increases blood flow to muscles and heart (i.e. charges the circulatory system)

• Delivers more oxygen to muscles (specifically greater exchange of oxygen to tissues because hemoglobin gives more oxygen at higher temperatures as well as greater oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange)

• Increases nerve conduction velocity (i.e. activates the nervous system)

• Improves efficiency (rate and strength) of muscle contraction and reaction time

• Promotes more efficient cellular metabolism (i.e. facilitates metabolic transition to activity-specific energy systems)

• Excites the hormonal system

• Increases the amount of synovial fluid in joints (thereby decreasing the viscosity of the joint capsules)

• Decreases muscle viscosity

• Lubricates the joints and reduces muscle and joint stiffness

• Increases joint range of motion

• Increases muscle coordination through related movements

• Increases work capacity

• Prevents injury

Arthritis, Joint Pains

2009-01-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Arthritis, Joint Pains

Arthiritis refers to inflammation of the joints surrounding tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Arthiritis can affect virtually every part of the body. Symptoms range from slight pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints to crippling disability. Though it is more common in old age, arthritis can strike people at any age. It could also be associated with other disorders like Psoriasis.

A form of Arthritis Degenerative joint disease or Osteoarthritis, is a condition in which small bony growths appear on the large joints. In this condition of Arthiritis, person suffers from early morning stiffness or stiffness following periods of rest. The joint pains can become worse, when the user does some physical activity. Osteoarthritis usually sets in with old age.

Another form of Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arhtritis, is an autoimmune disorder causing chronic inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body tissues are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system.

Symptoms of Arthritis

* Reduced or complete loss of joint function
* Tenderness in joints
* Mild to Acute pain - observed constantly or after periods of movements or rest
* Swelling, creaking and cracking of joints on movement
* Restrictions in physical mobility
* Raised bones in the joint areas

What causes Arthritis?

* Long term Heavy Physical Activity which is strenous on joints, and ligaments.
* Severe or recurrent Joint Injuries.
* Hormonal Changes in and during menopause is a main cause of arthritis in women.
* Living in Extreme Cold Weather conditions increase risk of being arthritic.
* Nutritional deficiencies of Calcium, magnesium, manganese, protein and essential fatty acids.

Natural Remedies for Arthritis

* Since the main cause of arthritis is excess body weight, reducing it may prevent arthritis and help in reducing joint pains. Piper longum (Indian Long pepper, Pippali) improves digestion, accelerates metabolism and prevents the transformation of undigested carbohydrates into triglycerides. Zingiber officinale (Ginger, Sunthi) possesses antioxidant properties and thereby prevents lipid oxidation and its deposition in the body.

* Topical Massage with Olive oil alone or in combination with a diluted extract of Garlic, Juniper, Lavender, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, or Sassafras oils provides instant relief from joint pain.

* Intake of Mineral supplements specially calcium, and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) intake has shown good results in treatment of arthritis.

* Oils of Lavender, Rosemary and Chamomile have mild analgesic and high anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing pain and treatment of Arthritis.

* Magnesium salts (Epsom salt) should be added to bathing water, to reduce inflammation and stiffness of joints.

* In rheumatoid arthritis condition, oral intake of fish oil helps. Fish oil contains fatty acids called EPA and DHA, which help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

* Intake of Nutritional supplements, including glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, helps in the treatment of arthritis.

* Boswellin or Indian frankincense, comes from the Boswellia serrata tree that grows in the dry hills of India. The tree bark produces a resin, called salai guggal, which has highly effective anti-inflamatory properties and has been used traditionally by Indian healers. Several preparations made from a purified extract of this resin and packaged in pill or cream form are used to reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

* Ayurvedic Preparations like Chavanprasha and Shilajeet have potent adaptogenic properties, if taken regularly these help to improve the ability to work both physically and mentally.

Privacy Policy

2009-01-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

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The Cause and Elimination of Warts

2008-12-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

The Cause and Elimination of Warts

Remember when you were a kid and the older kids told you that if a frog peed on you, it would cause warts? Well, the older kids were wrong. You didn't get warts from frog urine, but you might have gotten them from the older kids who were taunting you. That's because the virus that causes warts is easily passed from person to person. There are 60 subtypes of the human papilloma virus that live on the skin that can cause warts.

When it comes to getting rid of these unsightly warts, you might take the advice of Mark Twain's character, Tom Sawyer. Tom always had an answer for everything, and removing warts was no exception. According to Tom, there are two sure-fire methods of wart removal - one can rub the wart with a potato, or one can "swing a dead cat over your head and then bury it." Actually, Tom was right. Either method is just as effective as doing nothing, because most warts disappear all by themselves over time.

If you don't want to wait for the wart to simply go away, there are some things that you can do to hurry the process along.

1. Use acid: Not battery acid, of course, but a combination of salicylic acid and lactic acid that your doctor can prescribe. You put the acid solution onto the sticky side of a plaster bandage and put the bandage over the wart, or you just drip the solution onto the wart.

2. Freeze them: Your doctor can use liquid nitrogen to freeze a wart. Freezing is successful about 80% of the time.

3. Burn them: Your doctor also has the option of burning the wart and then vaporizing it. This is called cauterization. A local anesthetic is used, so there isn't any pain involved.

If you decide to wait for the problem to resolve itself, you could be in for a long wait. If the wart is painful, or if it is in an embarrassing location, have it removed.

3 More Benefits of Using Bath Salts to Treat Eczema

2008-12-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

Certain bath salts have been used for hundreds of years as the perfect aid to heal skin, muscle and nerves. For a while the medical profession was able to distract everybody and get people looking another way for relief. Then problems with the prescribed medicants began and people are now seeking for tried and true ways of healing eczemas and other allergies in a safer more natural way. As it is right now, the bath salt as an eczema treatment is being rediscovered with severe eczema sufferers also claiming relief from using them.

Soothes itch on contact

People who use bath salts that are good for eczema claim that they are able to find relief from their itching just as soon as they are able to get into the water. Not only that, but when they take a stop clock and measure how long it takes for the itch to go away the average time it takes to get complete relief from itching is about seven minutes.

Heals and prevents infections

Some people who for some reason or the other had let their eczema advance to the point of having it become infected have noted that they were able to find quick relief when using the bath salt to get rid of the infection.

People who used the bath salt to treat eczema from the moment they thought they were having a flare up found that their skin remained moist and soft enough so that it was strong enough not to crack, and the infections were avoided.

What the bath salt does is it attacks and destroys the eczema virus that sits on the surface of the skin, thus preventing further infection.

Stops and heals oozing

Bath salts that are good for eczema supply dry, cracked and broken skin with the necessary building blocks to accelerate the healing of open skin. Noticeable results will be obtained with the first and second treatments.

Cradle Cap-Baby Eczema - 7 Things You Should Know About It

2008-12-26T16:16:00.000-08:00

If your baby has cradle cap there are some things you should know about this problem. It is not distressing to the baby, but it is an unusual occurrence and for that reason you want to make sure that there is nothing surprising about it that can harm the baby down the road.

What is it?

Cradle cap is an infant form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is also known as milk crust, honeycomb disease and crusta lactea. It looks like a golden colored scaly, crusty rash that is sometimes associated with redness and is found on the baby's scalp.

Who gets it?

Any baby can get cradle cap. It usually begins within the first 6 weeks to three months of a baby's life and it usually disappears within his first year. After the first year it is very uncommon until he reaches his teen years when he may develop the adults' form of the disease seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Symptoms

The onset of this form of baby eczema as said earlier may begin in a child as early as 6 weeks old. The condition may last a few months, just as well as it may run its course and resolve itself over the course of a few weeks.

The scales on his scalp may look greasy and cracked, and may even weep a fluid. You want to prevent it from escalating to this stage, as this activity is usually the result of an infection.

The rash may also be found around his ears and eyebrows. When it occurs on other parts of his body it is no longer called cradle cap, but seborrhoeic dermatitis as it is called in adults.

The condition is not distressing to the baby, but it can be if it is not cared for, and allowed to become infected.

Causes

The cause of cradle cap is unknown, but there are some suspects. It is considered that the babies who have cradle cap have overly active sebaceous glands that emit a greasy substance. At the same time, they also have a scalp that is producing new skin cells faster than the old ones are detached. The end result is the greasy substance from the sebaceous glands holds onto the skin cells and gives it the appearance that informs you that something is wrong.

Cradle cap is also a disease that some teenagers have in the form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is believed that these conditions may be related in that a common thread between the teen and the baby are there are a lot of growth hormones circulating through their bodies.

Treatment

Sometimes cradle cap may itch but in most cases it does not. The way you want to treat it is to rub a moisturizer or baby oil into his scalp. After a few minutes the scales will be softer and then you can take a brush or wash cloth and brush them away.

In a child older than 6 months, you may want to use a shampoo that is good for the condition. Use a shampoo that contains tar, selenium, or salicylic acid. When using these shampoos be careful that it does not get into his eyes.

Prognosis

Cradle cap is temporary and usually goes away before the baby's first birthday. After puberty the condition has been known to re-emerge as another form of disease.

Posing Questions

2008-12-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Posing Questions

Training. A teacher should be certified to teach yoga. But also ask about what else she's studied. "She should have a background in anatomy, physiology, and yoga philosophy," says Susannah Bruder, director of Yoga Sita in San Francisco.

Individual attention. She should ask if you have any injuries or medical problems and modify poses accordingly.

Connection. Do you like her? Does she call you by name? Does she converse with students one-on-one?

Approach. Yoga is more about calming your mind than getting your butt into shape. The "seven limbs" of yoga include work on breath, meditation, and other ways of living, and a good yoga teacher should be versed in all of these.

Virtual Fitness

2008-12-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

Virtual Fitness

Nothing beats the real thing. But after a 2008 study by the American Council on Exercise and the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, found that playing Nintendo Wii games increases heart rate and oxygen intake, we had to give virtual fitness a try. So we shoved aside the coffee table and played the newest games until our fingers blistered and our brows glistened. Then, with the help of New York City personal trainer Lindsay Dunlap, we found the games that deliver the most fitness for all that living-room fun. Here's your game plan.

No Goofy Pants Required
We Love Golf
$50, capcom.com
The Deal You swing the Wii Remote, a six-inch-long wireless motion-sensing wand, just like a mini club.
Trainer Says "You can't walk the course, which is golf's biggest benefit, but swinging does work your shoulders and obliques."
Work Harder Alternate between 15 pushups and 15 jumping jacks after each hole.

Ace It
Top Spin 3
$50, topspin3thegame.com
The Deal The Wiimote is your racquet as you take on Sharapova.
Trainer Says "Really move your feet to get some cardio in."
Work Harder Keep your knees bent, jump when you serve, and stretch to the sides to hit tough shots.

Take A Crack
MLB Power Pros
$40, 2ksports.com
The Deal This one features all the Major League Baseball teams, stadiums, and players (here, silly legless cartoons). You swing the Wiimote to hit, pitch, and throw.
Trainer Says "Assume a real batting stance [think squats] to hit your quads, glutes, obliques, and core."
Work Harder In Home Run Derby mode you can just swing away--the best strategy for maximizing your squatting time.

Set To Shred
Shaun White Snowboarding
$50, shaunwhitegame.com
The Deal Turn the balance board (shown at left) sideways and you're ready to tackle slopes and halfpipes.
Trainer Says "The leaning motions you do to speed up, turn, and jump are great for calves and quads."
Work Harder Grab five-pound dumbbells and do 15 lateral raises and overhead presses between runs. Aim for three times (with at least five minutes of boarding between sets) per session.

Ready? O-K!
All Star Cheer Squad
$40, playthq.com/allstarcheersquad
The Deal Two Wiimotes are your pom-poms. Build your own characters and captain your team to the finals.
Trainer Says "The variety of up, down, forward, back, and lateral arm and leg movements gives you a full-body step workout."
Work Harder To max out your cardio, choreograph moves that make you work your arms and legs at the same time.

Natural Organic Skin Care For Sensitive Skin

2008-12-22T16:08:00.001-08:00

Natural Organic Skin Care For Sensitive Skin

People who have sensitive skin can be very allergic to things like cosmetics, soaps and even foods. The symptoms often show up as skin irritation, rashes, redness, dry itchy skin, and even eczema.

If you have sensitive skin, you should only use natural organic skin care product because it can help ward off the negative effects of irritation, burning, or itching caused by irritants and chemicals found in cosmetics, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, soaps, and other skin care products.

Natural skin care products are great for sensitive skin as they contain no artificial substances, synthetics, preservatives or fragrances. Always try to avoid products that have harsh chemicals, fragrances, or dyes. If you want to smell nice, use normal perfume or cologne. Choose cosmetics and make-ups for your specific skin type that contain organic or natural ingredients. An excellent choice of make-up that contains only natural ingredients is mineral make-up.

If you have sensitive skin and suffer from acne, be very cautious because many acne treatments contain harsh chemicals that could irritate your skin. This often makes the acne condition even worse. This is another compelling reason why you should only use natural organic skin care products for sensitive skin because they contains no harsh chemicals.

When choosing a natural organic skin care product, be certain that it contains plant-based substances such as olive oil, jojoba, tea tree oil or rose hip seed oil. These are the most basic ingredients you should find in a quality natural skin care product. Make sure you look for these ingredients when you are shopping for your favorite skin care products online or in a shopping mall.

Choose skin care products and soaps carefully to avoid skin flare-ups and negative reactions. A common complaint from people with sensitive skin is fine lines and dry skin, which makes them look older than they are. When choosing your natural organic skin care product, use an oil free moisturizer made specifically for dry skin to keep your skin fresh and moist.

Believe it or not, the facial masks are great natural skin care for sensitive skin because they deep clean your skin and moisturize at the same time. Deep cleaning the skin removes dead skin cells, cleanses the pores, and often reduces acne problems. Removing the dead skin cells using a natural facial mask lessens the appearance of small lines and wrinkles leaving your skin with a glowing complexion and more elasticity.

Remember to wash and rinse your face with warm water before applying a face mask. If you have the time and budget, you may even want to consider having one applied at a spa as part of a day of pampering for your skin.

What is Dermatitis and What Are Their Symptoms?

2008-12-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

What is Dermatitis and What Are Their Symptoms?

Dermatitis is a term that means "inflammation of the skin", it can be of various types: contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) are just some of them, and it usually comes up as red, swollen and itchy skin (keep in mind that this condition can appear in many forms varying on each person).

Dermatitis is more common than you may think, and although it affects the way the skin looks, it is no threat to our lives and cit isn't contagious. It is important to notice that there is no cure to this condition yet, but you can learn to control it and treat it.

Symptoms of Dermatitis

Since dermatitis appears in different types, the symptoms may vary, however the common ones that appear are: redness, itchy skin, swelling and lesions in the skin.

Among the different types of dermatitis we can find:

-Contact dermatitis. This is a rash that appears after the skin has come in contact with another object that is either irritant or allergy-producing.
-Atopic dermatitis. This type is commonly known as eczema, this is a chronic condition.
-Neurodermatitis. Another chronic itchy skin condition that only appears on certain areas or spots.
-Seborrheic dermatitis. This is a type of dermatitis that appears more often in hairy areas, on the scalp and face and produces dandruff.
-Perioral dermatitis. A type of dermatitis that appears surrounding the mouth.
-Stasis dermatitis. This type is caused by accumulation of fluid under the skin of the legs.

Diagnosis of dermatitis must be first determined by a doctor before following treatment.

Pregnancy Care with Natural Remedies

2008-12-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy Care with Natural Remedies

It is a common well known fact and that women must avoid drugs during their pregnancy time. There are many medicines that women take which affect the birth characteristics of the new born baby. These drugs can be the common nausea drugs, antihistamines, skin medicines, and even laxatives. They have shown that they can cause remarkable defects in humans as well as animals. The antibiotic drugs cause many types of harmful effects in the fetus and mainly the drugs which contain a good quantity of sulfur cause neo-natal jaundice. Sedatives like sleeping pills and painkillers can cause birth deficiency and buff the fetus. On the other hand antacids if taken regularly can cause muscle problems in the baby and edema in the mother. The different and innumerable problems that a women encounters during pregnancy can be best avoided by some herbal medicines which are safe and can be made easily.

Here are some common natural herbs that are relied upon as a woman’s best friend during the period of pregnancy.

Seaweeds are one of the best allies for women during their pregnancy. It contains a lot of mineral richness which are known to directly counter birth defects. Align or alignic acid, which found in abundance in many types of seaweed, has the property to absorb radioactive neucleotides and heavy metals. When eaten by the expectant mother it reduces the probability of cancer and protects the fetus from faulty genes. Seaweed is one of the most nutritious plants known.

Red Raspberry leaves nourish pregnant women and relieve difficulties during pregnancy and birth. These benefits are related to the general well being of the expectant mother like astringent, strengthening, and nourishing powers. The Raspberry leaves contain tannins which provide toning to the pelvic muscles and most importantly the uterus muscles. They also contain nourishing vitamins and minerals. There are a whole lot of vitamins like A, C, E, and B, plus liberal quantity of calcium, iron, phosphorous, and potassium salts.

Stinging Nettle leaves prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is also known to ease the cramps and backaches, and increases the breast milk. A simple cup tea made out of nettle leaves supplies amazing amounts of energy as well as huge amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, D, C, B, and K. It averts anemia and iron deficiency. Helps in proper digestion and acts as a strengthener to the lungs, also maintains the proper functioning of the kidneys, and acts as a curative to the hair and skin.

Red Clover was initially introduced as a herb to increase the goats’ fertility and their milk. Later on it was tried on humans as well. The leaves of Red clover contain sufficient amounts of minerals, proteins, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens. It actually helps the entire reproductive system. Most prominent are the total of vitamin E and the existence of selenium and zinc.

Natural and purely grown herbs are the finest supply of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are needed during the period of pregnancy. Also they can be used up for other ailments that are common during this period. It is all the much better if the women can do a little bit of slow motion exercises like a daily walk and some amount of stretching will definitely help the lady to overcome the pregnancy problems. Apart from all this, pure water, air and clean surroundings are also important. Loving and respectful relationships, beauty and harmony in the daily life should be a part of the life of the pregnant woman so that pregnancy is a happy moment and not a stressful time!

Pregnancy During Menopause

2008-12-22T15:58:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy During Menopause

In order to be classed as menopausal your periods need to have stopped for at least twelve months consecutively, which means that you are then infertile. However, the perimenopause, which is the period leading up to the menopause, is a time when many women continue to have a period regularly, and this means that they are at risk of becoming pregnant.

Although the chances of becoming pregnant naturally are reduced by fifty percent at the age of forty, and continue to decline with age, pregnancy during these menopausal years is still possible.

Pregnancy during the perimenopausal years

Many women aged between forty five and fifty assume that they are not going to get pregnant, and some believe that the irregular periods that they experience are a sign that they can no longer have a child. However, the very fact that periods are occurring during the run up to the menopause means that eggs are being produced and can be fertilized, and although the chances of getting pregnant are lower during these years there is still a possibility that it could happen, and therefore precautions need to be taken.

During the perimenopausal years periods can be irregular, and this can cause a problem for those not using proper contraception. If you do get caught out and become pregnant, you may put the missed periods down to the fact that they were irregular anyway. This is especially true if you’re under the assumption that you cannot get pregnant. However, the reasons for your missed periods may not be anything to do with standard irregularity. It may well be due to pregnancy, which can really come as a shock.

There are a number of contraception options open to those going through the perimenopausal period that will reduce the risks of pregnancy. Of course your chances of becoming pregnant during your twenties and thirties are far higher than in your forties and fifties, but there is still the possibility that it could happen, which means that contraception in some form or another is important.

Oral contraception is a very popular method, and your doctor will be able to recommend a suitable contraceptive pill for your age. These can often reduce the symptoms associated with menopause as well, there are double benefits. Other contraception options for perimenopausal women include sterilization, vasectomy for the partner, or barrier contraception such as condoms and cervical caps.

Anyone that is going through the menopause and is unsure of the best form of contraception for them should speak to their doctor about the available options. Based on your age, health, and medical history, your doctor will be able to offer expert advice on the type of contraception that would best suit your needs.

By: Rebecca Prescott

Author Resource: For more information on menopause, such as progesterone hormone therapy, click here.

10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

2008-12-22T15:53:00.001-08:00

10 Risk Factors that Every Pregnant Woman Should be Aware of

Many factors affect the development of a fetus into a healthy child, some which are beyond your control and others that are within your control. Here are ten of the most common pregnancy risk factors that can be controlled or influenced:

1. Smoking - Smoking is not only bad for you, but bad for your baby as well. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen that the baby receives and increases the risk of miscarriage, bleeding, and morning sickness. Chemicals inhaled while smoking may lead to other health problems with the baby. Reduced birth weight, premature birth, increased risk of SIDS, and stillbirth are other possible consequences. Pregnant women should also avoid second hand smoke.

2. Alcohol - Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, including symptoms like low birth weight, medical problems, and behavior abnormalities. As soon as you know you are pregnant, stop drinking. For more detailed information on problems that can be caused by alcohol, visit http://www.nofas.org.

3. Caffeine - There are many conflicting studies about caffeine and pregnancy and some believe that caffeine is not as harmful as it was once thought to be. Nevertheless, the FDA warns against caffeine consumption during pregnancy and suggests quitting or reducing consumption at the very least. Caffeine has been shown to affect fetal heart rates and awake time (fetuses grow when sleeping). Decaffeinated coffee can also be harmful since producers often add additional chemicals to remove the caffeine. Caffeine can also increase risk of stretch marks. Suddenly quitting coffee intake can cause headaches; so most experts recommend gradually reducing the amount consumed.

4. Drugs and Herbal Remedies - Always be careful about drugs or herbal remedies that are not prescribed by a doctor. These substances may affect the development of your unborn child.

5. Nutrition - Good nutrition is crucial to a developing child, particularly getting enough folic acid. Lack of folic acid can cause birth defects. At least 400-1000 micrograms of this B vitamin is suggested (about ten times more if you’ve already had a child with neural tube birth defects) starting one month before pregnant and throughout the entire pregnancy. Leafy vegetables, orange juice, and beans are some natural sources of folic acid. Many stores sell vitamins with folic acid.

6. Exercise - Moderate exercise is helpful as it improves the mother’s mental state and can increase oxygen flow to the fetus. However, over-exertion can be dangerous. Most experts recommend reducing your exercise intensity during pregnancy. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga are popular for pregnant women.

7. Prenatal Care - Regular doctor visits are important to your baby’s development. The body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some side effects may be completely normal, whereas other may not. Regular monitoring by a professional will help ensure that your baby will be born healthy.

8. Multiple sex partners - Multiple sex partners can increase risk of STD’s, which in turn may lead to birth and pregnancy complications, like low birth weight or premature birth.

9. Exposure to chemicals - During pregnancy, reduce exposure to unnatural chemicals, particularly pesticides in food. Many people now eat organic produce, which is grown without chemicals. The simplest precaution to take before consuming vegetables or fruits is to wash them thoroughly. Also, removing the outer surface of vegetables can be helpful since most pesticides will rest on the outside of the vegetable or fruit.

10. Other factors - Many other factors can affect fetal development, including heart disease, the mother’s age (before 15 years and after 35 years is riskier), asthma, excessive stress or depression, diseases, and bleeding. Consult your physician if you are affected by any of these conditions.

By: Criss White

About the Author - Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower supplies, information, and more baby related articles by this author, visit My Baby Shower Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com).

Tips For Taking Care of Your Skin

2008-12-18T19:35:00.001-08:00

Tips For Taking Care of Your Skin

The skin is the most important part of your body when it comes to appearance. It is the skin which takes all the environmental attacks on your body and protects the underlying tissue from any effects. Be it cold weather or hot sun it is the skin that protects you from the negative effects of all these. You definitely need to take care of your skin and make it look good for a longer period of time.

The sun can be very damaging to the skin. That is the reason the skin care physicians ask you to apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the UVA and UVB rays which are present in the sun. It is these rays which cause the damage to skin and can cause skin cancer too. If you have been led to believe that on cloudy days there is no damage to the skin then it is purely a misconception. The clouds do not protect you from the harmful affects of the UV rays. Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is the answer.

Skin becomes dry and freckled when exposed to sun and also it gets those brown spots. A lot of people get red colored spots when the body is exposed to sun. If you are a beach lover then make sure that you take adequate protection from the sun rays as water reflects the rays more strongly than others and it can cause permanent damage to the skin.

Smoking is injurious to health is a known fact but it causes the skin also to lose its sheen. In fact cigarette is supposed to the number one factor which causes the skin to age faster. Smoking causes dryness and wrinkles to appear on the skin. The reason being that it is the vitamin C which is the source of moisture in the body and while smoking this vitamin gets depleted causing the skin to dry. In fact passive smokers also face the ire because of the fact that the exposure to smoke causes damage to the skin cells leading to dryness and increased amount of wrinkles.

Moisture is what can protect the skin from increased amount of sun exposure and dryness. That said you can do two things first is drink as much water as you can during the day. Water increases moisture in the body as well as removes unwanted salts from the body via urination. You can take the help of moistening creams to protect your skin.

How Good Dry Skin Care Can Turn Back Time

2008-12-18T19:32:00.001-08:00

How Good Dry Skin Care Can Turn Back Time

Our skin undergoes a series of changes as we age, from the radiant smooth complexion of childhood to the sometimes embarrassing changes of adolescence, to the clear firm skin of the twenties and thirties. But anyone who does not start using dry skin care products in his or her forties is asking for trouble. Good products contain the deep moisturizers which let nourish developing cells so that they are smooth and firm when they reach the skin's surface. A plan needs to be followed strictly, with daily moisturizing from the forties on.

Moisturizing Is The Key To Dry Skin Care

All human beings come into the world with the best skin they will ever have, and things go imperceptibly downhill from there. Our skin undergoes phases of change throughout our lives, from the clear, soft and rosy complexion go childhood to the hormone and oil disrupted complexion of adolescence, to the calmer, and hopefully clear and healthy skin of the twenties and early thirties.

But as the forties approach, your skin is likely to start showing the effects of having spend four decades under the warm and wonderful sun, and if you do not begin a regular routine of care at that point, the next few years will see you afflicted with dry, deeply lined and wrinkled which adds ten years to your age when you hit your fifties. The easiest way to avoid that calamity is to find and use some quality products, and the demand for such products has made the fortune of many a care entrepreneur.

It is a rare person indeed who does not dream of looking just a bit younger after the onset of middle age, and being able to turn back the clock on lined dry skin with some products is the easiest way to make that happen. Millions of dollars are spent each day on dry care.

The secret to effective care, of course, is in keeping the visible top layer, which exhibits the signs of dryness and aging, constantly sloughing off so that the healthy, smooth new skin beneath can emerge. It's a simple matter to use an exfoliating cream to keep the dead cells on the surface layer from accumulation, but the only way to ensure that the emerging layer is the healthy skin we want it make sure the third layer of developing cells skin underneath it are receiving enough nutrients.

As strange as it may seem, the part of our dry layer which most needs moisturizing is the one furthest from view, the third layer. And there are products with moisturizers powerful enough to penetrate down to that layer, so that at that layer of works its way up to the surface, it will keep its from smooth texture and radiant glow. But as powerful as the products with these moisturizers may be, they won't work unless you commit to using them regularly.

Best Skin Secrets - Stay Fit and Be Disciplined

2008-12-18T19:29:00.001-08:00

Best Skin Secrets - Stay Fit and Be Disciplined

Looking good takes a lot of discipline. It never happens overnight. Even if you have extraordinary genes, surely maintaining a beauty regimen is necessary to keep yourself fresh and healthy.

More than any drug, the natural way of keeping yourself fit and always on the go lies in eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and quitting smoking. Your positive outlook in life is an added weapon against wrinkles and stresses.

It is easier to move around if you look good and feel good from within. It is only the time you can do more productive activities when you don't feel any uneasiness and you act freely on the things you really like to do.

In every field of endeavor, discipline is a factor to consider. For many who have been hooked in the smoking habit, it is a struggle to quit since it has become a part of their daily routine. Many people may not be aware that smoking may expose their body systems to numerous free radicals that may damage your skin cells.

As this happens, it accelerates the aging process and make you look older than your friends who don't smoke at all. The substances contained in cigarettes damage the skin cells and limit the absorption capacity of the skin to get nourishment from the food we eat. As a result, this leads to early signs of aging and wrinkling. In some cases, dark spots in the body are visible.

If you want a healthy lifestyle, there are simple steps to follow. Dieting is one way. Taking a good sleep is another. Exercising will indeed be helpful. But if you want something more, you can try some whitening products available in the markets. So that you feel good inside and at the same time you look beautiful from the outside.

A number of beauty products are being sold. But it is important to consult a dermatologist for your skin type.

Backache ruining your Daily Routine?

2008-12-12T16:18:00.001-08:00

There are many antiseptic drugs that are prescribed by many physicians around the world to cure backaches. At first it might seem to help you out but eventually it becomes a habit and these drugs then no longer effect you. These drugs slowly adapt themselves to your system and may actually perpetuate the disease in case of unnecessary intake.

People, who are in jobs that make them sit for long hours in one position, need certain safety measures to get relief from backaches. There are some important exercises which in particular increase the supply of blood and other nutrients to the spinal cord which in turns delays the process of deterioration that comes with age and eventually affects the general health of the body. Some very common exercises to keep one self healthy and fit are walking, swimming and bicycling. Following these methods can avoid problems like backache.

Those with sitting occupations and almost inactive lifestyle should keep a check on their daily activity which is important. They should schedule a break and take a walk every one hour or so. Spongy pillow seats should be shunned and the sitting position should be changed as often as possible. People with back problems should try to sleep on some firm mattress on their sides.
Backache starts from the tension that slowly develops in the neck. It is caused due to the sitting positions which are arising from long hours at the desk or behind the wheel of the car can be relieved by certain neck exercises. You can follow simple exercises like revolving the head clockwise and anticlockwise, permit the head to drop forward and backward, stretch your neck muscles as long as possible after every 1 hour or so or may be more These exercises help to loosen up contracted neck muscles which may restrict the blood supply to the head.

The diet of those suffering from backache should consist of a salad of raw vegetables such as tomato, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, radish, lettuce and at least two steamed or lightly cooked vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, spinach and plenty of fruits, all except bananas.

The patients suffering from acute backaches should make up a meal chart. They should have four meals daily which must include fruits and milk in their breakfast sessions, take a whole some diet of steamed vegetables and whole wheat chapattis in the lunch time, fresh fruits in the evening snacks meal and a bowl of raw salad and sprouts during dinner.

The patients should avoid fatty, spicy, and fried foods, curd, sweetmeats, sugar, condiments as well as tea and coffee. Those who smoke and take tobacco in any form should give them up completely. Proteins and vitamin C are necessary for the development of a healthy bone metrix. Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous and the essential trace minerals are essential for healthy bones. Foods that have been processed for storage to avoid spoiling have few nutrients and should be eliminated from the diet. Vitamin C has proved helpful in relieving low-back pain and averting spinal disc operations.

In extreme cases where patients are suffering from acute pain then taking hot fomentations, along with alternate sponging or application of radiant heat to the back can also provide fast and immediate relief. Apart from these a regular yogic routine will also help in the treatment of backache. The different asanas for curing backache are the bhujangasana, shalabhasana, halasana, uttanpadasana and shavasana.

Alternatively the back pain problem can be reduced and finally diminished by a proper nutrition, exercise and relaxation and in the process general health will also improve.

Choosing the Best Baby Products For Your Little One

2008-12-12T16:15:00.001-08:00

Best Baby Products For Your Little One

A newborn baby is very sensitive and very delicate and you should pay extra attention to your little ones. On top of it all, you need to be very observant and extra careful of your baby's health. This would include enough sleep, proper food/milk and your baby's skin care.

Babies' skin is so smooth, silky and soft yet so very delicate. A healthy baby skin plays a very important role to your baby's overall health. But how can you protect this skin from all the harmful chemicals, irritants that come with baby cosmetics in the market? You should be very extra careful and be very resourceful to be able to find the right products for your little ones.

Mothers often choose all-natural baby products for their newborn. Some baby products though are very tricky; they sometimes go into false advertisements only to sell their products. You should not be blinded by the cute and cuddly packaging. Be on the lookout for ingredients incorporated in your baby cosmetics as it may cause irritation to your baby's skin.

One of the main ingredients is perfume. Creams, body wash, shampoo, soap, lotions and even laundry detergents claim to have 'fresh baby scent'. But where does this scent come from? Of course, they would come from man-made artificial fragrances. These artificial fragrances most often cause irritation to your baby's skin.

Second main ingredient is dye. You should not expose products with ingredients like this only for them to develop a reaction to these products at such a young age. Studies also show that babies' skin are very permeable, which means anything that would come in contact with your baby's skin can be absorbed by the skin itself. It has also been proven that artificial dyes may cause behavioral problems to young children.

Other ingredients which may cause irritation to your baby's skin are: citrus juices, menthol and peppermint. These ingredients are usually present in essential oils thus you should be very aware of the presence of these ingredients in your baby products.

Here are some useful tips to be able to choose the best baby products for your little ones:

1. Read and understand labels on baby products. Avoid products which have ingredients that you are not familiar with, and can't even pronounce the name. Choose food-based ingredients like, coconut palm, olive oil and vegetable glycerin.

2. Be very simple on your baby's skin regimen for his first six months. A newborn baby does not need his hair shampooed every day. He does not even need perfumes and fragrances.

3. Choose certified organic products with seals from proper authorities.

4. Always do spot testing of new products. Apply a small amount of the product on your baby's arm and monitor for 24 hours. Should there be no appearance of rashes, or any kind of irregularity on your baby's skin, that product would be good to go.

5. Avoid using unnecessary products which may cause irritation, hormonal imbalance or any harmful effect on your baby's health. Choose organic cotton or natural fibers for your baby's clothing and beddings.

What Can Glycolic Acid Accomplish For Your Skin?

2008-12-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

What Can Glycolic Acid Accomplish For Your Skin

The skin is the largest organ in our body and therefore needs total care. Most of us spend a lot of money in skin care. Skin care products dominate the shelves in supermarkets, drugstores or in our favorite beauty shops. The skin can either make you beautiful or make you totally undesirable. Skin care is not just about pampering but of health and hygiene as well.

However, maintaining or achieving flawless skin is only for the gods or goddesses. Even supermodels and celebrities freak out when pimples are sprouting in their too pampered skins. Breakouts, blackheads, enlarged pores is as normal as getting a low score in your Math exam. Part of one's journey in life is to experience many skin problems like acne and eczema. Furthermore, we are always reminded of that stage in life when the scars are left behind.

Skin care products come in a wide array, offering miracles from lifting, toning, exfoliation, peeling etc. But what should we look for in a product to fight skin problems? The answer is Glycolic Acid.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid or AHA. It a fruit acid naturally derived from plants like sugar cane. It is soluble, colorless, odorless and therefore a harmless acid. Glycolic acid has been proven effective in helping fight acne and other skin problems.

How does it help our skin?

Glycolic acid is now the new superhero among victims of skin problems. It fights many skin problems like acne, eczema, pimples, blackheads and many more. Glycolic acid also reduces oil in our skin and promotes exfoliation. It acts like a skin peeling acid that when absorbed in our skin reveals a new, fresher and healthier skin. Likewise, it is a gentle type of skin peel that does not leave you looking like a red shrimp.

Glycolic acid also destroys the bacteria that cause breakouts and acne. Since it promotes exfoliation, when absorbed in the skin it reveals a new skin layer. This new layer of skin helps in the peeling off of ugly scars and the redness characteristics left by acne.

Is it really effective?

Though not as strong as other chemical peels around, its effectiveness is sworn by many people who have used and tried Glycolic Acid. Consistently using products with glycolic acid for a few months guarantees improved skin condition. Acne is lessened and scars will eventually fade in time. Glycolic acid is added in many skin care products like creams, astringents, lotions, masks, facial washes, etc. Check for Glycolic Acid content in your product. For more serious skin problems, glycolic acid is a good supplement with other stronger product formulation. It is incorporated with other skin treatments for more effective results in these serious skin problems.

In closing, Glycolic Acid is a breakthrough in fighting embarrassing acne and scars. It is a start to further skin treatments and for better skin that is youthful, healthy, and glowing.

Cellulite Exercises - Get Rid of Cellulite With Cellulite Exercises

2008-12-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

Cellulite Exercises - Get Rid of Cellulite With Cellulite Exercises

A lot of people have cellulite, what a lot of people don't have is the Best Cellulite Exercises To Get Rid Of Cellulite. The problem here is that most people are always looking for that fountain of youth. They will try sprays and lotions. They will go for surgical removal of cellulite. They will do everything accept for exercise.

Exercise is the main activity in life for feeling young and staying healthy. It is a natural cellulite remover. Cellulite exercises improve circulation, metabolizes stored fats and allows the body to detoxify itself . Although deep down, we know it is beneficial to our lives, by improving our looks and self esteem, many people resist incorporating it into their lives out of disinterest or lack of commitment.

If you aren't used to exercising regularly, don't worry about it .You can start slow and work your way up. Start with a brisk 10 minute walk, and then, when you think you are ready, try to turn it into a light 15 minute jog. From there, you can increase it to 20 minutes and then 30 minutes when it becomes second nature to you.

There are cellulite exercises that work equally for both women and men that will help you remove cellulite, that will take approximately 20 min to complete, depending on how many repetitions you do. Generally, any exercise that gets the heart rate up and the blood pumping is perfectly good. Specifically though, cardiovascular and aerobic exercises is what we should be focusing on. This means activities like walking, jogging, running, cycling , swimming, etc. You don't have to run a 5-mile marathon, go to a gym & use a treadmill for 3 hours, and you don't have to hire a personal trainer at $100 an hour. Simply open the door and get started. After all, convenience is what cellulite reduction should be all about.

Pilates and yoga are also very effective cellulite exercises that are great in getting rid of excess fat from the body and firming up your body. Pilates builds strength without adding excess bulk, creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. Posture exercises in Yoga promote healthy living and help to correct wrong body postures. Yoga also helps in keeping the blood and lymph circulation in good condition, thereby reducing cellulite formations.

Cellulite exercises improve metabolism in the body. They help to burn the extra fat that gets collected in pockets in the body. Try the following exercises to have a smooth, glowing and attractive body that is free of excess fat:

* Leg Curls
* Squats
* Lunges
* Adductors
* Abductors
* Step Ups

The most important thing one should remember is that the cellulite isn't going to melt away, when we start an exercising routine. It takes time, patience, and most of all determination.

Essential Ingredients of Stretch Marks Removal Creams

2008-12-12T16:04:00.000-08:00

Do you feel embarrassed to wear bikinis because of stretch marks? Does it mean that after giving birth to a child, we should not worry about our skin or beauty? No-there is a simple solution to the stretch marks issue. There are ways through which you either can remove stretch marks or at least reduce their appearance.

Use stretch mark creams that help in rejuvenating your skin. It is believed that cocoa butter helps in hydrating the skin and thereby improves skin suppleness. Ingredients of any stretch marks removal cream would include:

Squalene Oil: Natural derivative of olive oil isolates is called Squalene oil. It helps in regeneration and rejuvenation of your skin. It is a natural protector and helps in reducing stretch marks to a greater extent. Other sources of squalene oil would include shark cartilage, palm oil, and vegetable fats.

Vitamin A Palmitate: Vitamin A is not only good for eyes but also for your skin. It controls epidermal cell growth and one of the important ingredients of any stretch marks removal cream.

Vitamin E: Another major ingredient is Vitamin E. It is considered as one of the best anti-oxidants. You get Vitamin E from a variety of sources like almonds and mangoes. Vitamin E helps the skin to glow by penetrating the skin deeply. It also helps in new cell stimulation. When new cells are generated, elasticity of the skin is improved and hence stretch marks start to fade away.

Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 to help in new cell generation like Vitamin E. Natural way of getting Vitamin D3 is from sunlight. Another vital ingredient for skin rejuvenation.

DL-Penthenol or Vitamin B5: It helps in soothing the skin. This Vitamin too helps in regenerating of cells and thereby helps in reducing the stretch marks Collagen and Elastin production is promoted through DL-Penthenol.

Aloe Vera: Usage of Aloe Vera dates back to primitive period. It helps in regenerating skin cells.

Grapefruit seed extract: This helps in promoting healthier skin. It strengthens skin and helps in promoting Collagen and Elastin. What all does grapefruit seed extract does? It improves the elasticity of the skin, strengthens it, and stimulates connective tissue cells production and much more.

These are major ingredients. Other ingredients would include purified water, Glycerin, Triethanolamine, Sodium Benzoate, and Carbomer.

There's no doubt stretch mark creams are probably the best way to remove stretch marks But now you know this information you can now pick the best stretch mark cream. One cream that is becoming hugely popular is Revitols stretch mark cream. It incorporates all of these ingedients plus many more. It has an impeccable track record, with confidence to back their product with a 90 day money back guarantee it is a proven stretch mark remover.

Eye makeup designs

2008-12-08T06:54:00.001-08:00

Eye makeup designs

Dreamy eyes always signaled romantic ideas of the person. Artists and lovers are always associated with the dreamy look in their eyes. Glance at these makeup tactics to show your romantic attitude to the world. Outline your eyebrows in the shape of a long and complete arch. If your eyes don't have natural eye colors of light blue, light green, light brown or light yellow; seek the help of contact lenses for a dreamy look. If you are a light colored person apply light pink color eye shadow around your eyelid. If you are a dark skinned person apply dark cream eye shadow around your eyelid. You can apply the darker shade of the eye shadow on your under brows. Clearly draw a line around your eyes with the line extending a little from the corner of the eye.

Make sure that whatever technique or color you choose; you must complement them with your eye shape and color and enhance them. In terms of colors, remember that light colors highlight, while dark ones recede. Natural eye shadows typically come in singles or in color-coordinated combinations. Find one that is pigmented and that will match your eye shape, size and color. When applying your eye shadow, remember to sweep the lightest shade (your base color) first over the entire area from the lash line up to the brow. This will hold the color can and also prevent creasing.

The application of eye makeup is not always easy. No matter what type of eye makeup you are using, you need to first have your design set. Once you have done that, consider these tips to apply eye makeup. Eyeliner: The first thing that the cheerleading eye makeup application needs to take into consideration is that of eyeliner. Use liquid eyeliner for a defined, clean look. Follow your lash line carefully. Select colors that will stand out, too. Eyeshadow: The easiest area to make changes for your cheerleading eye makeup look is through the eye shadow. Here, use school colors, a variety of hues and keep the glitter in. Glitter in your eye shadow is a great way to spark the audience into looking at your eyes.

The goal of this classic, common design is to apply a lighter eye shadow color to the lid area and a deeper color in the crease slightly blending it upward. Applying the lighter color to the entire lid will make your lid look larger and brighter thus creating a rested appearance. You may also reverse this order, which can be helpful for those with large eyelids or protruding eyes.

Benefits of Mineral Makeup

2008-12-08T06:51:00.001-08:00

Makeup

From last few years mineral makeup has become very popular with people. The estimated growth of mineral makeup is about 65% in 2005 alone. So, this is the reason this incredible and unprecedented popularity with today’s women. There are so many different brands of mineral makeup in the market, to choose the right one is very difficult.

Mineral makeup is manufactured with minerals which are sterilized into a very fine powder and then mixed with a variety of natural inorganic colorings to produce a variety of colors. Applying a mineral makeup instead of a chemical-based makeup provides a number of benefits.

Benefits
Minerals give your skin a youthful glow and help to look natural; it also provides the look that is not a heavy made up look. Mineral cosmetics are naturally preserved and completely free of irritants. Mineral makeup is a pure product and contains no oil, talc, perfume, dyes, alcohol or other comedogenic ingredients. The mineral makeup is weightless and incredibly long-wearing.

The mineral cosmetics includes lip glosses, lipsticks, blush, eye liners, bronzers, mineral makeup foundation, as well as naturally formulated facial skin care and natural hair care products.

Mineral cosmetics are harmless for sensitive skin. Almost every traditional liquid foundation contains a plethora of complex and un-natural ingredients that can produce a state of imbalance or irritation in many skin types. Mineral cosmetics are the simplest, most natural and no-reactive form of cosmetics in existence. Rejoice in being able to read and understand exactly what you're using on your face.

In includes the range of makeup that suits to the complexion of different girls as well as ladies. So, any light or dark complexion girl can use it. Mineral makeup doesn’t support the growth of bacteria and therefore the mineral cosmetics are less likely to become contaminated as compared to other makeup types. The naturally gentle composition of mineral makeup means that these cosmetics are sometimes able to be tolerated by those who have skin allergies, eczema or easily irritable skin.

Natural Remedies for Gout or Metabolic Arthritis

2008-12-08T06:46:00.001-08:00

Natural Remedies for Gout or Metabolic Arthritis

Gout or metabolic arthritis is a inflammation in joints caused due to accumulation of uric crystals due to metabolism disorders. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines. Uric acid is found naturally in the body as well as in foods, especially organ meats — such as liver, brains, kidney and sweetbreads, anchovies, herring, asparagus and mushrooms.

Usually, human bloodstream only carries small amounts of uric acid. However, if the concentration of uric acid in blood increases, uric acid crystals may be deposited in the cartilage and tissue surrounding joints, causing inflammatory reactions in these tissues. High levels of uric acid in blood may also cause uric kidney stones.

According to Ayurveda arthritis is primarily a VATA(air) disease which is due to accumulation of toxins in the joints and is known as amavata.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gout are almost always acute, occurring suddenly without warning. They include inflammation or tenderness of joints accompanied with intense joint pain that may effect feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists, large joint of the big toe. Usually the pain lasts a week or even up to 10 days after which the pain usually disappears.

Gout may be triggered by consumption of alcohol, crash diets, physical injury to the joint, surgery or even illness.Gout usually affects men over 40, and women usually after they reach menopause.

Natural Herbs for Gout

* Shallaki or Boswellia serrata has shown promising results during clinical trials conducted on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, Crohn’s disease. Boswellia extract was observed to have significant effect on swelling and pain. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis observed reduced morning stiffness for people.Shallaki or Boswellia, is a native Indian herb, being used from centuries by Ayurvedic physicians for treatment of gout and arthritis. Its produces anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects through the inhibition of inflammatory-causing substances, and promotes cartilage formation, and improves joint health by increasing blood supply to the joints.

* Ashwagandha or Withania Somniferum also called the “Indian Gensing” is an Asian plant of the potato family. Its roots have long been used to treat “rheumatism,” high blood pressure, immune dysfunctions, erection problems and also to ease inflammation. Being a strong antioxidant it helps improve joint health by eleminating free radicles from the body and increasing vitality and energy.

* Ginger or Zingiber officinale, has been discovered to inhibit production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in pain and inflammation. As suggested by an uncontrolled Danish study that was conducted in 1992, 40 arthritis patients and 16 patients suffering from muscular discomfort were given powdered ginger. It was observed that all patients with musculoskeletal pain and three-fourths of those with Arthritis reported varying degrees of pain relief and no side effects, Ginger is safe for long term consumption.

* Triphala is a well-known classical Ayurvedic formulation, formulated by Ayurvedic physicians thousands of years ago and used by literally billions of people since, is considered is tridoshic- i.e. equally balancing for Vata, Pitta and Kapha.nTriphala prevents aging, imparts immunity and improves mental faculties. It helps to detoxify the liver, restore digestion and purify blood.

LifeStyle

Gout and Arthritis can be controlled by making improvements to your lifestyle by changing diet and adding exercise. Animal protein being high in uric acid triggers gout and arthritis and must be substituted by vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots, seeds, and sprouts and lentils that are typically part of Vegan diets .

Tips:

* Add fresh garlic to your soup while boiling vegetables and meat.
* Raw potato juice, prepared from thin slices of potato, without peeling the skin, placed overnight in a large glass filled with cold water helps treat arthritis and gout.Consume this juice empty stomach in the morning.

Regular Exercise and physical activity help prevent and control Arthritis and Gout.Yoga asanas help to reduce pain, increases agility and range of movement, reduces fatigue and invigorate.
All exercise must be performed under supervision.

Herbs in Food for healthy living

2008-12-08T06:43:00.001-08:00

Herbs in Food for healthy living

According to Ayurveda, the legendry medicine system of herbs maintains that there are four basic components to a healthy and balanced living. They are having good eating habits, taking enough sleep and daily exercise and meditation.

Eating the right kind and right quantity is very important for a healthy living.

Food has been classified as herbs, vegetables, fruits, and weeds. Long before, during the 17th century, cabbage and carrots were classified as herbs. Even marigolds and marjoram were also known as herbs.

Dandelion or medically known as Taraxacum officinalis is one of the best known common weeds that are grown in lawns and is a good liver tonic. All parts of this herb are beneficial. The roots, stems, leaves and its flowers are made into medicines like tinctures, vinegars, and infusions. It can also be tried as a salad dressing or can be taken up with a warm glass of water. It nourishes the liver and deletes any kind of motion sickness, constipation and indigestion. It creates a mood balance and helps those who suffer from mood swings.

The next herb in category is the aromatic seeds of the “carrot family” of plants. These are used around the world for their medicinal properties to aid a healthy living. It eases your indigestion and freshens your breath. You can add it up with a teaspoonful f honey and consume it daily with a glass of warm water to experience the wonderful effects of these herbs.

Ginger comes to your help when you are suffering from suppressing nausea or morning sickness. There is no better herb to cure these problems. Even if you use dried ginger roots herb, it does a curing effect by soothing your belly and relieving those queasy feelings. In addition to this, ginger roots helps in curing morning sickness, prevents constipation problems during pregnancy, and keeps the pelvic muscles toned. People, mainly females who suffer from cramps and gas problems should be encouraged to take ginger juice with honey. It encourages the secretion of digestive enzymes, lowers blood pressure, and restores vitality.

Nettle leaves are also a well known medicinal herb which prevents blockage and hemorrhoids, if taken regular. Although the amounts are small that can be included in the daily diet but it definitely helps cure the cramps and backaches. A simple cup tea made out of nettle leaves supplies amazing amounts of energy as well as huge amounts of calcium, magnesium and vitamins A, D, C, B, and K. nettle leaves can be dried and taken up with tea or they can also be crushed to take out small quantities of juice which can be taken up a tea spoonful of homey and warm water. It averts anemia and iron deficiency. Helps in proper digestion and acts as a strengthener to the lungs, also maintains the proper functioning of the kidneys, and acts as a curative to the hair and skin.

Calcium is an important constituent found in some herbs that can be taken up in daily routine. As well know that calcium is important both for children and grown ups, one must take care to keep a consistent input of calcium. There are many wild herbs that are rich in calcium content and other salts as well. For example, the leaves of lamb’s quarters, mallow, galinsoga, shepherd’s purse, knotweed, bidens, amaranth, or dandelion, when cooked until tender, supply more calcium per half-cup serving than a half-cup of milk.

In order to avoid calcium assimilation in your body, try to avoid stress, use of antacids, consumption of coffee, use of steroids, drinking fluoridated water, and too much phosphorous in your diet.

Cholesterol

2008-12-08T06:38:00.001-08:00

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance which forms a vital component of our body, used for several vital activities like formation of cell membranes, synthesis of essential hormones.

Cholesterol can be both good and bad, so it’s important to learn what cholesterol is, how it affects your health and how to manage your blood cholesterol levels.

If Cholesterol increases in a body there is increase in risk of Heart Attack or Stroke.

High Cholestrol symptoms don’t show up till quite late. Today’s lifestyle and diet has created a fairly large number of high cholesterol cases. With an estimate approx 20% of american adults suffer from high Cholesterol.

The Bad Thing is People only know about high cholesterol when they have heart problems like angina, or even a stroke.

The best form of treatment is prevention. A few herbs described in a section below can be taken as a part of regular diet to avoid getting high cholesterol levels. You must also get your cholesterol checked every two years or so, even if you dont have any symptoms. Prevention is Better than Cure.
Are you at risk for High Cholesterol?

You are in a High risk zone if your total cholesterol level is 240 or more. You have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. If you are in this zone you should have your LDL and HDL cholesterol tested, and start on the treatment or preventive measures as soon as possible.

You are on border of high risk if your Cholestrol is varies between 200 to 239 mg/dL. Beyond 200 mg/dL the risk factor increases rapidly for coronary heart diseases.

Moreover, Women in Post Menopausal stage have twice as high risk than others for heart related diseases.

(src: American Heart Association www.americanheart.org)

Some common Home Remedies for reducing Cholesterol

* Guggul, also known as Guggulipid, is a standardized extract from the Commiphora mukul tree, which is native to India. Research has shown that by increasing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol in the liver, it can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 25-35%. Guggulipid can also lower total cholesterol by 14-27%, triglycerides by 22-30%, and increase HDL cholesterol by approximately 20%.
* Intake of half teaspoon of Psyllum husk(Ishabgul) herb with milk at bedtime helps in control the level of cholesterol.
* Take the diet in excess quantity of fibres are present which will give relief from hogh blood cholesterol.
* Yogasanas like ardhamatsyaendrasana, shalabhansan, padmasana and vajrasana will give relief after few days.
* Take 2-5gm of sunflower seeds with water also reduce the level of high blood cholesterol. Ginger reduces the level of cholesterol.
* Terminalia arjuna (Arjun) The bark of arjun tree is useful as an anti-ischemic and cardioprotective agent in hypertension and ischemic heart diseases. It reduces the level of triglycerides and cholesterol and has been reported to enhance the synthesis of LDL-apoprotein (apoB); inhibits the oxidation of LDL and accelerates the turnover of LDL-cholesterol in liver. This enhances the elimination of cholesterol from the body.Arjun is usually available as a single herb or in combination with other herbs like Guggul and Amla for better effect.

Get Relief from Anxiety and Stress, Naturally

2008-11-27T15:39:00.001-08:00

Get Relief from Anxiety and Stress, Naturally

21st Century is called the Century of Stress. Anxiety and stress related problems are so common today, that between 7-10% of all adult population suffer from it at one or another time of life.

Anxiety is a complex combination of emotions including fear, worry, sadness, and It is often accompanied by physical sensations such as sweating, nausea, chest pain and/or shortness of breath.

Anxiety becomes a problem when it starts interfering with a person’s ability to work. Severe anxiety usually lasts more than six months, though it may not be a problem every day. Anxiety is often confused with Depression, which is a feeling of hopelessness.

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Physical weakness, fatigue, sleeplessness, indigestion problems or constipation, palpatation sweating, high heart beat rate, shallow and rapid breathing.

The person may also show lack of concentration and efficiency in daily jobs, and irritability in general.

How are Anxiety and Panick Attacks generally treated?

The available treatments are limited. The most prescribed drugs are Benzodiazpines (Ativan, Centrax etc.), Betablockers (Indernal, Tenormin etc.), SRIs (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), Tricyclic Antidepressants etc.

All of these drugs help to some extent, but not without their side effects. For eg. BenzoDiazpines cause excessive drowsiness, interfering with normal working and are potentially habit forming. side-effects from other may include Nervousness, Blur vision, Low Blood Pressure, Sexual Impotence etc. Therefore, Drugs are not long-term solutions.

src: Anxiety and Stress Disorders Clinic http://anxiety.psy.ohio-state.edu/medicati.htm

You may also try these popular Home Remedies for Anxiety

Kava is a commonly recommended herb for treatment of Anxiety. Kava extract is taken in 100 mg doses 2-3 times a day. However, it may not be suitable for people with liver problems.
A combination of popular nerve tonics Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is traditionally used for treatment of Anxiety.
Indian herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Amla (Emblica officinalis) are traditionally recommended alone or in combinations with other herbs to curb Anxiety and increase mind’s stress thresholds.
Extract of St John’s wort (a native european flower bush) is an effective formula for treatment of anxiety and related symptoms like lack of concentration, lack of sleep etc. This has been researched to be equivalent in effect to several allopathic medicines, and doesn’t have any side-effects.
Winter Cherry (Ashvagandha, Withania somnifera) shows relaxant effect and is traditionally used in Indian Medicine for cure of anxiety and alleviating mood. It helps in increasing the sense of well being and also improves sexual performance. Several Indian Medicine experts recommend it with Shilajeet , which has anti-stress and power-yielding properties. The herb is taken in dried and powdered form with milk, 2-3 times a day.
Soaking yourself in hot water with magnesium salts (epsom salts) helps in treatment of anxiety.
Supplements with multi-vitamin and minerals taken over a period of 3-4 weeks have shown to reduce Anxiety.
Meditation for atleast 15 mins a day can be a great help in reducing anxiety.

Tips for Beauty and Health

2008-11-27T15:37:00.001-08:00

Last year the US spent a whopping 10 billion dollars on cosmetics and over 28 billion dollars on prescription drugs. Those large numbers speak volumes about what American’s think is important. Health and our beauty are on the top of our priority lists, yet the two subjects are rarely talked about together.

Tips for Beauty and Health

- Take vitamins and minerals. - Without the essential vitamin supplements, your body can’t thrive and won’t thrive. Minerals help provide the building blocks for our cells. The daily amounts needed to stay younger, far exceed the amounts recommended by the FDA. If you want to lose 10 years off your age, you need to get the most out of the vitamins you take. Get the right combination of vitamins your body needs to combat aging and improve your health! If you take a multivitamin, know this. Lead has been found in many of them in the US. A better way to take vitamin supplements is to take them separately. If you prefer multivitamins, be sure to get ones that advertise active enzymes. This means that the nutrients in them have been extracted from real foods. Without active sources, vitamins will do you no good.

- Consume leafy green and/or brightly colored vegetables, fresh fruits, lean cuts of meat (and lower amounts of meat), preservative free foods, fiber rich foods, nuts, berries, and fish. Eat less junk food, bread, dairy, and sugary snacks. Weigh out the good and the bad when you think about food. Its OK to pick out less healthy foods occasionally. Just make it the exception, not the rule.

To reap both the benefits of beauty and health, eat five small well balanced meals a day to burn calories. Regardless of what you’ve heard before, you should eat a light breakfast, (like a meal replacement shake, smoothie, or piece of fruit), eat a bigger lunch, (lunch time is when you burn the most calories), and a small dinner. Overindulgence is not normal. If you overeat, try and figure out how and you can stop the vicious cycle and why you can’t seem to.

- Water hydrates your body, cleans environmental toxins out of cells, carries away waste products, and keep your skin soft and supple. Be sure to get 10 glasses of pure fresh water a day.

- The fat found in avocados, nuts, and some oils, are actually good fats. They are also good sources of phyto-nutrients and essential fatty acids. These fats help protect against heart disease and Cancer and also help dispel some forms of depression.

- Exercise, no matter how much or how little, can help elevate your mood by releasing endorphins in your body. These are the feel good chemicals that are released when we feel elated or happy. Ten minutes of exercise, five times a week is a good start. You can squeeze in 10 minutes a day somewhere. Strength training is extremely important as we age and a great way to kick start weight loss. Make exercise a top priority and it will happen.

- Taking deep breaths of air will help relax you and send lots of oxygen to your cells. Your body needs lots of good fresh oxygen to function properly. The deeper you breathe, the more your skin, hair, and nails will show it.

- Find time to relax every day. You can read a book, walk the dog, watch a favorite show, or just sit out on the front porch and listen to the birds sing. Whatever your forte and wherever you live, if you can find time to relax a bit each day, you will look refreshed and your skin will glow!

- Too much of anything is not good for you. This includes caffeine, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, and the sun. Each one of these items can have detrimental effects on beauty and health. They can make you age very quickly. If you have to consume some of these items, be sure to consume them less frequently and live a healthy lifestyle more frequently. The ill side effects of all of them are far reaching.

- Get rid of toxins. - Toxins in your body are very harmful to your health. Remember, if you’re not healthy, you won’t look healthy. Environmental toxins cause havoc in our bodies. Did you know that pesticides and fertilizers are now part of our food chain? One excellent way to get rid of excess toxins is to do a nutritional health cleanse. One cleanse can kick start weight loss and cleanse your body nutritionally. Get rid of toxins and start leading your life fresh and renewed today!

- Think thin. - If you are feeling a little fat and pudgy in your clothes, you will need to lose some of the excess fat on your body. Fat slows your body down. You can’t move as fast, you have other health concerns, and the downward spiral begins. Excess fat can kill you. It can turn an efficient body into a bowl of jello. You were born beautiful, so be beautiful. You can’t look great if you are bulging at the seams! People think that losing weight is about weight loss. Its not! Its more about a balanced healthy lifestyle!

Anorexia and Bulimia - An Overwhelming Paradox

2008-11-27T15:35:00.001-08:00

Both of these disorders are closely related. Anorexics are far more likely to become bulimic, as starvation forces the issue. Those with the disorder are far more likely to crave food so badly that they have to eat eventually, which can lead to bulimia.

Anorexics typically don’t eat. They pick at food and watch their calorie intake like a hawk. Bulimics, on the other hand, eat a lot to compensate for when they don’t eat, and will purge or take excessive amounts of laxatives after they go on an eating binge.

Both anorexia and bulimia usually stem from control issues. Many times, there is an overwhelming general feeling that life is out of control. Those with these disorders compensate for those feelings by controlling the one area of their life that they can control, their food intake.

Those with anorexia or bulimia hide or hoard food, seem very secretive, count calories, and are totally consumed by food. Every waking moment becomes a constant struggle the more food consumes their lives.

To compensate, they begin planning menus, checking out new recipes, going grocery shopping, and fixing food for others to enjoy. They may also become loners in school or other group oriented places. They enjoy their time alone and make excuses not to socialize. They may lose their close friends. They become afraid to admit what’s going on inside of them to loved ones and disguise their weight by wearing baggy clothes.

Exercise is also a big part of both disorders. When they’re not planning their next meal, they are exercising on the bed, running miles, or participating in other sports related activities. However, exercise is partially done in secret. They want to hide how much they are actually doing!

On the other hand, they also might be quite good at some type of skill that does not involve food at all. They might enroll in school, play in a band, be artistically inclined, or anything that keeps their hands busy. As long as they’re busy, they aren’t eating! When they get alone however, they quickly turn to their obsession for food.

Parents raise their children by feeding them healthy and nutritious foods. It is normal for parents to want to feed their children. This is inborn. Food is a focus for us naturally. When our children don’t eat, we are denied the simple pleasures that feeding our family can give.

This is one major dilemma that we face as parents with children who have anorexia or bulimia. After all, food consumption is a large part of who we are as providers.

Eating Disorder Facts

Starvation dieting can actually make you gain weight. If you deprive your body of food, your body goes into the starvation mode and holds onto your fat. Our bodies will fight hard to protect us.

It is much better to eat several small meals during the day. That way your body won’t be in the starvation mode and hold onto fat. You are also depriving your body of its nutrition if you don’t eat or purge up what you do eat. Your body and organs will begin to shut down. Your skin will become sallow and dull. The healthy complexion you once had is now a past memory.

Fruit is a natural fibrous food and will not make you gain weight. You will not gain weight if you eat a well-balanced healthy diet. Eat a little of this and a little of that. I am 5′6″ and weigh around 115 pounds. I am 48 years old and have been able to keep the weight off of me year after year by simply eating right and getting some exercise. If I can do it, so can you.

It is important to note that eating disorders have one of the highest death rates of all. The Eating Disorders Association of the UK estimates it at 10%. An 18% mortality rate has been suggested for anorexia. The rate for bulimia is much lower than for anorexia. These death rates are higher than for those with some forms of Cancer.

Whatever you do, if you have anorexia or bulimia, get help today. There are some wonderful online resources if you just look. Don’t play with fire! Do something today to change your future.

Slow Down, You're Eating Too Fast

2008-11-27T15:33:00.001-08:00

It's tough not to rush through your meals; some days, I barely have time to sit down for lunch till 3 p.m.! But slowing down can help you slim down: Researchers from the University of Rhode Island at Kingston found that people who ate more slowly consumed 70 fewer calories per meal than speed eaters.
Instead of plowing through your meals, pace yourself using this soothing breathing technique before you start to eat: Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly. Repeat several times, says Yvonne Nienstadt, nutrition director at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. As for me, I find that pouring myself a glass of red wine and sipping it slowly throughout dinner helps me savor my meal even more. (Plus it has health benefits!) And of course, part of what makes mealtimes stressful is figuring out what to eat! For easy, quick ideas, search Self.com's database of fast, healthy recipes, then roll up your sleeves and hit the kitchen.

"When you've had a bad day, cooking can have a calming effect," says psychologist Mark R. Vogel, who also studied at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Whether you're peeling or pureeing, the repetitive motion relaxes your nerves. Don't I know it; baking my signature meringues almost puts me into a trancelike state! (Or maybe it's a sugar coma.)

Try this easy recipe: In a bowl, whip 6 egg whites and 2 cups sugar, then add in a bag of chocolate chips. Cover a cookie sheet with brown paper (you can cut up a bag) and drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the sheet; they should be the size of a regular cookie. Bake for 40 minutes at 275 degrees, then turn off the heat and let them cool in the oven. Dig in!

Sweat Away Stress!

2008-11-27T15:31:00.001-08:00

It may sound surprising coming from the editor-in-chief of SELF, but one of the major reasons I exercise is to beat stress. Seriously, if I go more than 48 hours without my usual morning run around Central Park with my collie-retriever mix, Jenny, at my heels, I start to feel anxious and short-tempered. That's when I know I need to get outside and move, if even just for half an hour. After 30 minutes of heart pumping, I can feel my stress disappearing. And when I'm finished, I feel as if I can weather almost anything that comes my way, especially at work.

At SELF, we've reported on a raft of studies that support the idea that exercise has a powerful impact on mood. To name just a few:

A recent article in the journal Nature Medicine reported that cardiovascular activity stimulates a specific area in the brain that controls mood and stress (it was an animal study, but hey, I'm willing to extrapolate—we're all just animals with mortgages!).
People who suffer from panic attacks who took a 30-minute walk when they felt on the verge of a meltdown were twice as likely to dodge an anxiety episode as those who rested quietly.
Researchers at the University of Georgia at Athens found that the more workouts people managed to fit in each week, the more energetic they felt.

So how much exercise does it take to lift your spirits? As I mentioned, 30 to 45 minutes a day does it for me, and a study at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas suggests that walking as little as 2 miles a day, every day, can help boost your mood.

But remember, every step counts. So next time you're feeling stressed or anxious, lace up your sneaks and get your body moving. The calorie burning is a nifty bonus! Even better, sign up for the SELF Challenge; your mood and your body will improve—I promise!

Sugar Is Not So Sweet

2008-11-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

One of the secrets to my recent weight loss has been cutting way down on the amount of sugar I eat. I’m not talking about the natural sugars in fruit and dairy but refined sugars that pop up in processed foods like cookies, brownies and ice cream—yes, I love them all!

My easy way of thinking about food is trying to imagine how many steps it took before reaching my mouth. For example, fruit, veggies or nuts look the same on a bush or tree as they do on my plate (so I eat as much of those as I want), while a processed food, like a Pop-Tart, a bag of Fritos or a pack of Oreos, goes through countless steps before appearing in the vending machine. The fewer the steps, the better I feel about the food.

Your body digests sugar quickly, so your blood sugar level spikes, the hormone insulin rushes in to lower it and, as the tide of sugar recedes, you’re left with a low blood sugar level, which makes you hungry again. Today, check the labels of your favorite foods and ditch anything that has more than 10 grams of sugar per serving. (The exception is dairy, because of naturally occurring milk sugar; it burns slower in any case.) Refined carbs such as bagels and white rice also unleash the spike-and-plummet effect, so try to reach for whole grains whenever possible.

I try to eat food that keeps my blood sugar stable too and work out in a way that spikes my calorie-burn rate. Any activity that includes intervals will do this (which is why I love spinning!). It’s best to sate a sugar craving with a complex carb like fruit, which comes wrapped with fiber. Of course, you can indulge in a little sugar occasionally. I like a bite of decadent chocolate (the darker, the better) for a sweet treat. Or if you must have dessert with dinner, try one of these smarter sweets recipes.

Sunscreen Labeling - Remember your A's and B's

2008-11-19T16:19:00.001-08:00

Most people’s knowledge about sunscreen products is limited: we shouldn’t go in the sun without it and the higher the SPF, the more protection we have. Actually, neither of those is exactly true.

There are two things to always remember;

UVA is for Aging
UVB is for Burning

Always remember your A’s and B’s!

However, there are a few more things you should know especially since things are about to change!

Mandated Changes for Sunscreen Manufacturers!

SPF ratings alone are somewhat deceptive, partly because of new scientific information and partly because the current system is misleading. This information has led to a proposal for new rules about the labeling of sunscreen products. Here’s the real scoop about what you need to know now, and what you’ll need to know in the near future!

Labeling

The current system classifies sunscreen protection with the familiar SPF (Sunburn Protection Factor). Many organizations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, claim that a sunscreen with SPF 15 would allow a person who ould ordinarily burn in, say 10 minutes, to stay in the sun for 150 minutes (10 x 15) before getting burned.

However, the FDA disputes this theory since SPF is related to the amount of solar exposure, not time in the sun, and is dependent on other factors including geographic location, time of day, skin type, amount of sunscreen applied, and rate of reapplication. However, these ratings only apply to UVB rays when, in fact, UVA rays are just as damaging to the skin, if not more.

The new rules will also require sunscreen products to display on the label a four-star rating to indicate the level of protection from UVA rays.

One star means low protection and four promises the highest level available. If a product does not offer UVA protection, the label must say ‘No UVA protection’ near the SPF. Each sunscreen product label will feature two separate ratings: stars for UVA and; an SPF number and description for UVB protection.

This reflects the current understanding in the medical and scientific communities that UVA light is just as damaging (if not more) than UVB light. Remember, UVA’s are the ultraviolet rays that tan your skin, cause skin cancer, and other damage. UVB’s are the burning rays and were previously believed to be the only rays that were destructive.

Oops, but there’s more! There’s a third kind of ultraviolet light, called UVC, that could also be destructive but it is absorbed by gases in the atmosphere so there is no need to add sunscreen protection for it.

New Rules for Marketing

The new labeling rules are very good news for the consumer. In addition to providing specific information about UVA protection, the manufacturers must now be more precise in their use of descriptive terms on sunblock labels. For instance, manufacturers can no longer use the term ‘broad spectrum’.

Some labeling will stay the same however, such as water resistant. Those sunscreens need to be reapplied after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, and after towel drying, othrwise it should be applied every two hours.

Those labeled ‘sweat resistant’ would last for at least 80 minutes in the water.

More Advanced Sunscreens

New and better sunscreens are on the way! Some of the best products on the market today include Aveeno and Neutrogena products which use an ingredient called Helioplex. These are made with the ingredients Avobenzone and Oxybenzone, which protect against UVA and UVB rays. Other companies are sure to follow suit very soon!

The FDA is slow to bring new products to the market normally, so it’s hard to know when the new regulations will come into law. However, the new labeling system will be mandated to start sometime in the summer of 2009.

We’ll start seeing new products on the market as early as this summer as manufacturers rush to be first in line to produce the new star rated-SPF system. For the best protection, most doctors recommend at least a 3 star rating for UVA and an SPF of 30 or higher for UVB protection!

Is Diabetes affecting your Sexual Health ?

2008-11-19T16:16:00.001-08:00

Diabetes is a condition or a disease when the body ceases to produce enough insulin or use them. Insulin is that hormone responsible for converting sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Diabetes is a disease that is affecting roughly 7% of the population in the United States while an estimated 6 million or so have no idea about their affliction. Diabetes is the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer.

Diabetes exists in two forms: Type 1 and Type 2 while Gestational and Pre-Diabetes are also a few of the common occurrences of Diabetes in Americans. Type 1 is a condition where the body fails to produce enough insulin. About 5-10% of the afflicted Americans suffer from this type. Type 2 is a condition where the body fails to use the insulin properly. Most of the Americans are afflicted by this type. Gestational type affects roughly 4% of the pregnant women and Pre-diabetes is when the blood sugar is not high enough to be classified as Diabetes.

There are Natural Remedies for Diabetes that is healthy for the human body and the benefits can be enjoyed everyday. Healthy foods like organic produce will help with curing common health ailments such as Diabetes. Natural Remedies for Diabetes are the best as they do not have any side effect involved. The best way for a diabetic to satisfy the organic nutrients needed by the body everyday is by sticking to a raw foods diet or vegetarian diet plan that involves partaking only plant based vegetarian foods that are low in glucose. Physical exercise along with proper nutrition and dieting measures will help diabetics to have a healthy lifestyle.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes also sought after by most people because of the positive effect of such a treatment. These Natural Remedies do not involve any side effects and also they involve in altering our daily diet plan to suit a better controlled diet far fetched from the usual sugary diet that we are normally accustomed to. Plant based foods are low in glucose and they help with the body to cope with less sugar intake.

Diabetes can affect the quality of life for men especially the Sexual Health where primary focus is on the physical aspects of erectile dysfunction. While it is hard to talk openly about your Sexual Health, it is important to discuss about it with your doctor to resolve the problem.

There are Natural Remedies for Diabetes and also for problems related to your Sexual Health. High blood sugars can damage the nerves leading to the penis causing a reduced level of blow flow to the genitals. This often results in impotence. Treatment is now available for such problems and includes medications; both pills and injections, corrective surgery. The first important thing is to keep the blood sugars under best control as much as possible with exercise and good diet. Men do not discuss much openly about their sexual health and this leads to ignorance of any problem that may arise as a result of Diabetes that has affected their normal sexual performance.

Since Diabetes is known to narrow down the walls of the arteries, it makes the person prone to heart disease and less inclined to sex. There are remedies however to treat this situation and there is no need to despair. To treat this condition properly it is imperative that you get in touch with your local medical practitioner and discuss openly about your problems along with a Diabetes educator.

The Natural Remedies for Diabetes are known to be effective and can be easily applied provided you acknowledge that something is wrong indeed and approach for help. Diabetes gives rise to some serious chronic physical dysfunction below the waist. It is therefore imperative that help is sought as soon as possible to keep in good sexual health. The Natural Remedies for Diabetes are known to have worked wonders in many patients and best of all they don’t have any side effects.