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5 Signs and Symptoms of Folic Acid Deficiency

2009-02-04T01:29:00.001+07:00

Folic Acid is one of your body?s essential nutrients! It is important for everything from brain function to cardiovascular health. Folic Acid deficiency is the most common deficiency of any of the B vitamins. It also works along with vitamin B-12 for formation of red blood cells.

Some of the signs and symptoms you would want to look out for would include:

?Irritability or Depression- Because of folic acids importance in your central nervous system you may experience symptoms such as irritability, sluggishness, forgetfulness, or depression.

?High Homocysteine Levels- Along with other B-Vitamins, folic acid works to lower homocysteine levels. People with high homocysteine levels have been shown to have a higher increase in cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.

?Birth Defects and Miscarriage- Folic acid is critical in the development of your fetus. Folic acid supplements are recommended to women that are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

?Some Cancers- Some cancers have been associated with abnormally low levels of folic acid.

?Diarrhea and loss of appetite- Many vitamin deficiencies have been linked to gastrointestinal complaints.

It is very important to identify why your body may be deficient in folic acid!

Are you eating enough foods that are rich in folic acid, such as spinach and other green leafy vegetables, soybeans, salmon, or orange juice?

Are you taking any prescription or over the counter drug that has been shown to either lower folic acid levels, or increase your bodies need for folic acid such as oral contraceptives, aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, antacids such as Zantac, Pepcid or Tagamet, or metformin for diabetes?

If you want to learn more about why your body needs folic acid please visit: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/vitaminB9.htm

If you would like to learn more about other medications that have the potential to put you at risk of other vitamin and mineral deficiencies please visit: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/

If you would like to see the full line of NutraMD products please visit: http://www.essential-nutrients.net/store/PPF/CategoryID/11/products.asp

Teflon Frying Pans: Is Your Health at Risk?

2009-02-03T20:05:00.001+07:00

What is Teflon?

Teflon is a brand name and registered trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Dupont for short. Teflon is a non-stick, stain resistant, and durable material used in a variety of products. This versatile material, which most people associate primarily with cookware such as frying pans, muffin tins, and cake pans, has been in existence for more than 40 years. Teflon however, is used for more than just cookware it is also used in personal care products such as lens coatings for eyeglasses and nail hardeners for nail polish, as a stain protector in fabrics used to make clothing, to make carpets and other textiles stain-resistant, and in a number of automotive and industrial applications including wiper blades, marine coatings, and in the semi-conductor and biotech manufacturing processes.

Teflon prides itself on being a brand that people trust and rely on for many of their every day needs. Teflon?s multi-layered technology is what sets it apart from the competition. The first layer applied to the surface of the pan or other piece of cookware is the adhesion or rugged primer layer. The second layer is the mid-coat or protective layer, and the surface layer is called the top coat, which is what makes Teflon so easy to cook with and to clean up. These three layers are what makes Teflon so durable.

The History of Teflon

Dupont, based in Wilmington, Delaware, holds all of the patents relating to Teflon, the first of which was obtained in 1945. The story of Teflon begins nearly ten years before that however, on April 6, 1938. A chemist by the name of Dr. Roy J. Plunkett was working in one of Dupont?s laboratories in New Jersey and discovered Teflon by accident. While conducting experiments on tetrafluoroethylene, a substance associated with Freon? refrigerants, he noticed that a frozen sample had polymerized or plasticized into another substance called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a slippery substance that is inert under almost any chemical condition.

The substance was given the brand name Teflon and products using the Teflon trademark were manufactured and marketed to the public one year later in 1946. The rest is history as they say. Subsequent patents in the Teflon ?family?, which go by the name of fluoropolymers (a group of organic compounds containing fluorine and carbon that are not trademarked), include FEP Teflon, introduced in 1960; Tefzel? ETFE in 1970; and PFA Teflon, in 1972.

Are Health Risks Associated with Teflon?

In a word, yes, but not necessarily in the way you might think. Teflon has recently come under fire by consumer groups and individuals as a possible source of health risks, primarily as a result of the confusion between Teflon, the brand name, and PFOA. PFOA is the synthetic chemical called perfluorooctanoic acid and is also known as C-8, the name it was originally manufactured under by 3M Corporation. Contrary to popular belief, Teflon and PFOA are not synonymous in any way and should not be viewed as such. In fact, according to Dupont, using these names interchangeably violates trademark laws.

Since Teflon is only a brand name, Teflon in and of itself is not a health risk. As a consumer who uses cookware with Teflon non-stick coatings, you may or may not be at risk for adverse health effects due to degradation of the non-stick coating under certain conditions. If you are someone who works in a facility that manufactures Teflon and during the manufacturing process are exposed to PFOA, a chemical used in the manufacturing process for Teflon, the answer is equally ambiguous based on current information.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an OPPT (Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics) Fact Sheet issued August 2004 maintains that it doesn?t believe there is any reason for consumers to stop using Teflon products. The EPA also states that PFOA is generally present in humans at very low levels; however, a specific source of PFOA is not known as it is used in the manufacture of many different products among them fire fighting foams; personal care and cleaning products; and oil, stain, grease, and water repellent coatings on carpet, textiles, leather, and paper. Nor is it known why or how humans have acquired PFOA in their bodies.

While PFOA has been linked to birth defects and cancer in laboratory studies conducted on animals, it is less obvious as to whether it or Teflon non-stick coatings present a health hazard when it comes to human beings. According to the Environmental Working Group, using a Teflon non-stick coating pan to cook in may cause flu-like symptoms such as headache, chills, and fever, if it is overheated to 680 degrees Fahrenheit, due to fumes that are emitted at these temperatures, which are hotter than those normally used in cooking or for example if the waters boils away and the pan is left on the stove. Researchers at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have also found trace amounts of PFOA when Teflon non-stick coatings on cookware have been subjected to conditions of extreme testing methods, which again are not typical of how most consumers use these products.

It appeared that Dupont knew this could happen but declined to disclose it to the public until fairly recently. As a result, the EPA?s opinion has been slowly changing. In March 2005, the EPA sent letters out to eight companies, including Dupont, asking them to begin phasing out the use of PFOA in the manufacturing process and to completely eliminate PFOA by the year 2015. In December 2005, the EPA ordered Dupont to pay $16.5 million in civil penalties for withholding health and safety data pertaining to the degradation of PFAO in Teflon non-stick coatings. The monies will be used to fund additional research on the effects of PFOA on humans. Dupont expects to reduce PFOA emissions by 99% in its U.S. manufacturing facilities by 2007. In early 2006 an EPA scientific advisory board indicated that PFOA might indeed be a likely carcinogenic substance, although the EPA has not yet added PFOA to its list of carcinogens.

As with many other chemical substances whose effects on humans are not well known, the answer to whether Teflon non-stick coatings in cookware present health risks to human beings requires further research.

Heleigh Bostwick is a freelance writer for print and online magazines specializing in health, nutrition, anti-aging, and natural living. She is also the publisher of http://www.marigoldlane.com, dedicated to simple living with a green twist.

Zeros and Freedoms

2009-02-03T16:55:00.001+07:00

Did you ever notice that there are some things that just don?t matter any more? Things seem to lose their places: important things, trivial things, ceremonial things, traditional things. (This, by the way, is a little different than when things like reading glasses and lists lose their places.) I am speaking of priorities that change. And the attitudes and behaviors that follow those changes.

I see it in people who are having those milestone birthdays. You know, the ones with the zeros in them.

There is a freedom that comes with zeros, but I think that with different people, that freedom arrives with different zeros. There?s a newly minted forty year old who recently stopped allowing her aging father to verbally abuse her and the soon-to-be seventy year old who no longer colors her hair. And speaking of hair, there?s a sixty year old who?s letting his hair grow long for the first time in decades. Other indicators might include the eighty-year-old who is finally unselfconscious enough to sing outside of the shower and the ninety year old who says whatever comes in to his mind.

All of us are aging. But the zeros bring awareness?. Awareness that kindness is more important than politeness... that doing is more important than wanting.... and that the moment that matters most is this one.

All of a sudden, it doesn?t much matter what anyone else wants for us. The fact that life spans are limited forces us to make decisions, to answer the question ?Who am I and what do I really want to do with my time??

Security becomes less important than honesty.... and not telling someone that we love them looms as a far greater risk than if we do. What would you do if you knew that you only had six months to live? Where would you go? Who would you talk to? What would you say?

Whether we have six months or another sixty years, maybe we should listen to the zeros.

Lawrence Bienemann is a program coordinator for RSVP in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. He also speaks and writes about issues related to aging well and can be reached via e-mail lawrenceb@rcn.com

Taking Birth Control Pills? You May Need More Calcium

2009-02-03T12:53:00.001+07:00

Are you taking Birth Control Pills? You may want to add another glass of milk. Research indicates that women taking oral contraceptives appear to have a decrease in bone density leading them at risk for osteoporosis later in life. The time to optimize bone mass is during adolescence and young adulthood. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 women use birth control pills during this crucial time in which peak bone mass is developing leaving them at a greater risk of future bone density problems.

The Recommended Daily Allowance for women age 9-18 is 1,300 milligrams a day and this number decreases to 1,000 milligrams a day for women age 19-50. Many young girls are starting on oral contraceptives by the time they are 14 for many reasons including regulating menstrual cycles. Little emphasis is given on consuming enough calcium during adolescence plus the fact that many girls are voicing their individuality with food preferences at this age. Drinking milk and other calcium-rich foods may not be high on the priority list. So what happens when young women and adolescent girls don?t consume enough calcium coupled with birth control pills? They may pay later in life with a higher risk of osteoporosis. By consuming the recommended calcium level they can greatly reduce that risk.

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism compared 135 oral contraceptive users to non-users between the age of 18 and 30. The participants were split into 3 groups: control (less than 800 mg of calcium per day), medium dairy (1,000 ? 1,100 mg of calcium per day), and high dairy (1,200 ? 1,300 mg of calcium per day). After a year on the different diets the women using oral contraceptives who were in the medium to high dairy group gained significantly more bone mineral density in their hips and spine than those women in the low dairy group.

These results suggest that women using oral contraceptives during their peak bone-building years can decrease their risk of osteoporosis by 3-10% in just one year by making sure they are consuming the right amount of calcium. To meet this recommendation, young women and adolescent girls should consume around 4 calcium rich foods each day or speak to your healthcare provider about supplementation. Here are some calcium-rich foods:

Milk: 300 mg (1 cup)
Yogurt: 150-200 mg (1 cup)
Cottage cheese: 140 mg (1 cup)
Pinto Beans: 103 mg (1 cup)
Kale: 90 mg (1/2 cup)
Almonds: 80 mg (1 ounce)
Kidney Beans: 69 mg (1 cup)
Black Beans: 46 mg (1 cup)
Broccoli: 36 mg (1/2 cup)

There are also many foods fortified with calcium such as soy milk, soy yogurt, and orange juice. Look on the label for ?fortified with calcium?. Get creative! Enjoy some almonds as a snack, make a fruit smoothie with yogurt, or add some kidney beans to a salad. There are all kinds of ways to sneak in calcium rich foods to maximize bone density.

? 2006, Meri Raffetto

Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She offers online programs to help people reach their weight loss and health goals.
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Birth Control Patch Side Effects Ortho Evra Patch Lawyers

2009-02-03T12:34:00.001+07:00

The Ortho Evra birth control patch was created in hopes of providing an easier, more convenient method of birth control. Taking a pill every day is hard to remember, and missing a pill can have dire consequences on a woman?s menstrual cycle. By using the patch there would be no need to for daily use. You would just need to apply it once a week and forget about it.

Although the patch is supposed to be just as effective as traditional birth control pills, it is unfortunately much more dangerous. The birth control patch will increase levels of progestin and estrogen which have been known to affect the way blood forms into blood clots. Blood clots form a serious number of health risks including the restriction of blood flow to the brain and lungs. In some cases a stroke or pulmonary embolism can occur which ultimately causes long-term disabilities.

To this day Ortho Evra has been linked to a large number of negative health effects and is being held responsible for at least 17 blood clot related deaths. If you or someone you love has experienced harmful side effects from using the Ortho Evra birth control patch, it is very important that you contact a lawyer immediately.

To learn more about Ortho Evra birth control patch lawyers please visit our website at http://www.resource4orthoevrainfo.com. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

Homocysteine Causes Heart Attacks and Birth Defects

2009-02-03T00:53:00.001+07:00

More than 10 percent of all heart attacks and most cases of a birth defect called spina bifida are caused by a buildup of a chemical called homocysteine.

Proteins in your body are made up of 21 building blocks called amino acids. Of the 21, 9 are essential and must come from the food you eat, while the other 12 are non- essential because your body can manufacture them from the essential nine. The non- essential amino acid, cysteine, must be made from the essential amino acid, methionine. The chemical reaction causes methionine to be converted to homocysteine, and then to cysteine. However, your body cannot convert homocysteine to cysteine unless you have enough available vitamins, pyridoxine, B12 and folic acid. A deficiency of any one of these three vitamins blocks the breakdown of homocysteine and causes large amounts to accumulate in your bloodstream. Homocysteine causes heart attacks by punching holes in arteries, starting plaque formation and then causing clots to form in the plaques. Lack of folic acid is more likely than B12 or pyridoxine to be the cause of heart attacks.

Spina bifida means that the spinal bones do not close completely around the spinal nerves, causing babies to be born with nerve damage that can interfere with control of their legs, bladder and intestines. These babies are often born to mothers who have a genetic defect in which they require more folic acid than normal.

Anyone with low levels of folic acid increases his or her chances of having a heart attack. Low levels of folic acid are caused by not eating enough leafy green vegetables such as spinach, lettuce or turnip greens, and fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, beets, beans and citrus fruits. Even small elevations of blood levels of homocysteine are associated with increased risk for heart attacks. 21 percent of North Americans over 60 have high blood levels of homocysteine and these people are three times more likely to suffer heart attacks.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com For journal references on this article see report #7222.

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Ortho Tri Cyclen Guide

2009-02-03T00:22:00.001+07:00

This prescription birth control pill is a tablet, taken once daily. It has an additional benefit of clearing acne from your skin and keeping you beautiful.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen is usually a good idea for women who are at least 15 years old, and who have to deal with with mild to moderate acne and have reached menstruation. You must have no known condition or symptom that would stop you from using a birth control pill, and do not respond to topical acne medications.

How Is This Medication Used?

To ensure that your Ortho Tri-Cyclen remains highly effective, you must take your prescription at the same every day. Come up with a time you will easily remember; for example, in the morning after your brush your teeth. Your prescription releases a low dose of hormones daily, stopping pregnancy by preventing eggs from being released. It also causes thickening of cervical mucus, so that sperm have much more difficulty entering the uterus. Therefore, it is easier for you to prevent pregnancy.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen also decreases the ammount of the hormone in your body which tends to cause acne. This medication has been proven through laboratory and clinical tests to help decrease light to medium acne. Close to nine out of ten womens' skin condition improved.

What Side Effects Might Occur?

Typical side effects of Ortho-Tri-Cyclen include vomiting or nausea, sore breasts, bleeding between periods (menstrual) or a change body weight. These side effects do not always occur or persist.

If side effects persist or begin to bother you more than usual, please talk to your doctor.

Let your doctor know as soon as possible if you are seeing persistent and unusual vaginal bleeding, if you miss your period of menstruation, experience fainting or dizziness, headache, difficulty wearing contact lenses, or swollen fingers or ankles. If you have crushing or sharp pain in your chest, spontaneous shortness of breat, spontaneous headache or leg pain, yellow-tinted eyes or skin, vision problems or changes, arm or leg numbness, or extreme stomach pain; please notify your doctor immediately. In the case that any unmention effects occur, please tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Is Ortho Tri-Cyclen Safe?

It is one of the most safe options of birth control currently available. However, it's not for everyone. Note that if you smoke cigarettes while taking this prescription you are choosing an increased risk of heart attack, blood clots, stroke, high blood pressure, or similar diseases involving your body's blood vessels and heart.

In the case that you experience diarrhea or vomiting, this medication might not work as well. It is then suggested that you use another form of birth control as backup until your next period. This is to help prevent pregnancy.

You should not use Ortho Try Cyclen if you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately. This medication is excreted in breastmilk. Meet with your doctor or pharmacist to talk about any dangers to your baby.

How Does This Medication Interact With Other Drugs?

Your prescription may become less effective for preventing pregnancy if used in combination with certain other types of drugs. These combinations may also increase breakthrough bleeding. Drugs such as these include rifampin, anti-epilepsy drugs like barbiturates (ex., phenobarbital), anticonvulsants like carbamazepine (Tegretol? is a brand of this medication), phenylbutazone, phenytoin (Dilantin? is one brand of this drug), and possibly specific types of antibiotics. You may need to use another form contraception when you take other medications. These other drugs may decrease the effectiveness of orally-taken contraceptives.

Tell your doctor and dentist that you're using Ortho Tri Cyclen before you undergo any medical or dental treatments, surgery, or medical emergency care. If you develop difficulty wearing contact lenses, please talk with your doctor.

Consult your pharmacist or physician/doctor before you begin taking any new prescription or over-the-counter medications. This medicine may cause dark patches of skin to appear on your face. Avoid exposing your facial skin to direct sunlight, as the patches may become darker. In the case that patches actually develop, protect your skin using sunscreen before exposing it to direct sunlight, tanning beds, etc.

What If I Miss My Dose?

This type of birth control pill should be taken daily, around the same time each day. In the case that you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Then take the following dose on your regular schedule. According to this rule, you can take 2 doses in the same 24 hours, but you need to wait two days or more while on your regular dosing schedule before engaging in sex.

Learn more about Ortho Tri Cyclen at Shoppe.MD.

Folic Acid for a Healthy Self

2009-02-02T17:35:00.001+07:00

Everyone knows about vitamins. There are many common vitamins that we are familiar with, and their functions. Vitamin C is known to be good for the skin, while Vitamin A is good the for the eyes. Vitamin D is often called the sun vitamin. These are the ones that many people think of when they think of vitamins. However, there is one important one that many people don't know of. This vitamin is folic acid, and helps create healthy, new cells.

Most people have found themselves staring at the ingredients list on the cereal box during breakfast. The words printed on the back like riboflavin, folic acid, and pyridoxine, are just words to those who don't know much about vitamins. Your mother has probably advised you to make sure you eat your vegetables, and your doctor to maintain a healthy diet. Both your mother and your doctor, along with the cereal box, are talking about Vitamin B, and a specific group, folic acid.

You can find folic acid in many food groups, and also vitamin supplements. It is advised for women who are pregnant, or could become pregnant take folic acid because it can help prevent birth defects.

You can get enough folic acid in three ways. First off you can choose to take supplements. Must of these vitamin supplements contain 400 micrograms of folic acid. This is a good way because you don't have to worry about getting enough folic acid into your diet; it was all given to you in a supplement.

Another way is to begin your day with folic acid. Choose to eat a breakfast cereal that is full of folic acids. The label will say it contains 100% of recommended daily about of folic acid, which is 400 micrograms.

Lastly, you can also increase your consumption of foods that are rich with folic acids. These foods include enriched cereal, bread pasta, and other grains. Also, adding orange juice and more green vegetables to your diet is suggested.

No matter how old you are foods that are rich in folic acid are good for you. Not only should mothers or mothers to be take folic acid, but also young girls. This way, when the young girls grown up, folic acid will already be a part of their diet. Folic acid is best known as the acid that helps prevents birth defects. One of the concerns in today's maternity environment is the large percentage of children born with neural tube defects or NTDs. NTDs happen when the spinal chord of the fetus doesn't close properly.

Spina bifida is the most common NTD. Spina bifida occurs when a part of the baby's spinal chord remains outside of the body. This birth defect can cause paralysis. The baby could be paralyzed in the legs, and have problems controlling the bladder or bowel movements. Anencephaly is another defect that occurs among babies. This is considered the most serious NTD. Anencephaly causes a baby to be born lacking parts in it's skull and the brain eventually dies. Folic acid can help prevent these defects and can help keep the baby healthy from the first month of pregnancy, to the time of giving birth.

Get Fertility Help and Find the Latest and Most Informative Fertility Advice and Tips at http://www.fertility-help.com

Total Health

2009-02-02T15:21:00.001+07:00

Total health is more than being the perfect weight. There are people who weigh just what they should and work out three or four times a week. This is all well and good but it does not mean that they are completely healthy.

What is needed for total health? Of course it is not possible to attain good health if you are fifty pounds overweight and your only exercise is reaching for snacks every time you pass by the cupboard.

So let?s start with your diet. I have known more people who have lost weight and kept if off by cutting back at each meal and limiting between-meal snacks to healthier choices. In fact the most successful dieters I have met eat five or six small meals a day. They are eating fruits, vegetables, meat and whole grains and throw in the occasional cookie or small piece of pie. Not only have they lost weight but they have been able to keep that weight off.

Exercise, yes, it is important to total health. Even if you don?t have time for a gym and a trainer you can find the time for a walk each day and a little stretching time.

Your mental health is also a crucial part of a total health program. Start each day by remembering it is a new day and be willing to meet each task with a positive attitude. Take a little time each day to be quiet and journal your feelings and experiences.

Keep in touch with your spiritual side. Connect with God, pray, meditate or whatever you do that gives you peace. Remember to be thankful for several things everyday. Use your gifts and talents to help someone else.

Total health involves many different areas and when you pay attention to each area you may be surprised at the benefits.

I am the source.

For more health resources visit http://healthmattersinfo.com/health

When Words Are Not Enough

2009-02-02T09:20:00.001+07:00

For most people getting flowers sure helps brighten up a day or just make you feel special. Many things can be said with flowers and at times flowers may say more than a thousand words. Everything from showing your love to sending your condolences may be done with flowers. On many occasions during our lives we get in a situation when we just don?t know what to get a person or how to express your feelings for someone.

This is when flowers come in handy.

For you men who get yourself in trouble by missing that special occasion let me give you a little tip. Flowers go a long way with the ladies and can say sorry better than any words.

Sometimes saying I am sorry or I am wrong can be some of the hardest things to say, and sometimes it is not the right time for words cause the wound is to fresh. For example, when a person passes and we send flowers with a little note, is one real good way to soften the immense pain of losing this person from their lives. Flowers seem to have a special way of softening this pain.

But flowers are not just for sad times, they can really make a persons day just by saying ?Hi, I am thinking of you?. People really need to know that they are important in your life and that they most certainly are.

You can see picture of arrangements you can choose as well as create your own.

And for you ladies, as a man I can surely tell you that it would knock my socks off to get flowers from my wife and it has done so in the past.. So give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised!

And for those who don?t want to send flowers, a beautiful bouquet of balloons can be sent via www.FlowersCrow.com

A wedding tip for you that really looks great is white balloons. At my wedding we had over 500 white balloons around the seating area. Boy did it ever look great!

You can order all these supplies at www.FlowersCrow.com plus get many other ideas for that special day. FlowersCrow.com isn?t just a store but it has thousands of tips on how to make that special day a little extra special. That?s why we choose FlowersCrow.com as our special site for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, Christmas, Easter and many other holidays.

Luckily nowadays you don?t have to find your local flower shop, take the time to go there and then make the decision of what and how you want the flowers to be.

All you have to do is go online where you can view your options, pay for it, click the button and the flowers are on their way to virtually anywhere in the world.

I recently needed to send flowers in a hurry to my uncle whose wife passed away. (My aunt.)
I went online to a company who I have been dealing with for some time so
I knew the flowers would be fresh, on time and look good when they arrived.

www.FlowersCrow.com has a huge variety for one to choose from and I recommend you check them out.

On a more personal note, there is one person that deserves flowers more than anyone in this world and that person would be my mother. My mother is my best friend, the first woman to love me and the first woman that I ever loved. I am sure going to try to send her roses while she is alive so that she can appreciate them. So many people make this mistake. They don?t take the time to say I love you until it?s to late, then they spend the rest of their lives wishing that they would have let the people know how much they love them.

David Crowton is the Founder of http://www.CrowSites.com . Mr Crowton was disabled after a horrific automobile accident and is now working agressively to overcome, against all odds. Mr Crowton is the winner of the Client of the Year Awared for the entire rehabilitation services where he was a client. Thank you for supporting his comeback by reading this article. Please visit http://www.CrowSites.com to know more or http://www.DisabledCrow.com

How Birth Control Pills Can End Your Acne

2009-02-02T07:57:00.001+07:00

It would almost be shorter to list the things that birth control pills DON'T effect, then to mention all the things they DO effect. They don't, for instance, effect vegetables, they don't effect rocks, and they don't effect outer space, however they may, on occasion, effect machinery and small animals.

Weather you're taking them to even out your menstrual cycle or to keep yourself from getting pregnant, now you have yet another reason to try out birth control pills,... clear skin. Birth Control Pills have proven that they help reduce acne. So much so in fact that the FDA has approved Ortho Tri-Cyclen and generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (the stuff in Birth Control Pills) for use in the treatment of acne.

How Does this work? Androgen is a male hormone that increases oil production. Androgen is always working away, but it increases it's production of oil just before menstruation begins, which could result in your skin breaking out around you period. Where does the pill fit in? Low-doses of birth control pills have shown that they decrease these excess androgens. That means less oil and less breakouts, and they can even be used with other acne therapy (details can be found in the February 2001 Skin Therapy Letter)

Does this mean you should go out and pick up some birth control pills to kill that acne? Probly not, remember these studies were done with low doses of birth control pills. You might wanna think of it more as one of the things to add to the benefits of birth control pills. Maybe it'll help offset the nausea and headaches over on the drawbacks side.

Jessica MacQuarrie is a writer from San Franciso California. She currently edits her web site http://www.endacnenow.com from her bay area home.

The Earliest Trauma: The Unspoken Impact of Medical Trauma

2009-02-02T00:49:00.001+07:00

Thousands of children every year are brought into the world in traumatic ways that often times are seldom discussed or processed following the event. These traumatic experiences may vary from a child being born with the umbilical cord around his neck with vital oxygen withheld for seconds to minutes, or a labor that is prolonged, stressful, and unusually painful, to pre-mature birth, separation from the primary care giver for medical purposes, or even surgery. Children who experience traumatic events as their first events of life are typically traumatized in two ways if not more. The first being the experience itself: Whether it?s trauma before the child is born, during the birth process, or following birth, it can be stored at the earliest level of the child?s memory, the state level. This level of memory is actively triggered throughout the rest of an individual?s life.

Brain research informs us that as early as the fourth week after conception, the fetus is capable of auditory processing, and as early as the second trimester, the fetus is capable of psychological processing, which translates to mean that unborn that babies can hear and think. Stress during pregnancy can create trauma for the developing fetus. Divorce during pregnancy, domestic violence, loss of significant figure, automobile accidents, moving, or illness are a few examples of stress that may create such trauma in utero. It is important to note that stress is different for each person. What one mother may experience as stress, may not impact a different mother in the same manner, and thereby, the impact on the fetus is also unique. Secondly, because the medical profession does little to acknowledge and validate the early life of the fetus/infant, sufficient understanding of the impact of such events on the child is lacking. In fact, personal experience with a child who had two brain surgeries within three months following birth verifies that the word trauma was not even mentioned. It was not mentioned that the child may have reactions to things being placed on her head, to loud noises, sudden actions, and separations among other things.

Early traumatic experiences for infants before, during, or following birth may set the child up to be much more sensitive to stress, fear, and stimulation than other children. Because of this, creating difficulty for the child in active settings such as family time, shopping, and school is not unusual. Your child will require a deeper understanding of his innate sensitivities that can not always be seen with the human eye. He will require that you look beyond what you can see and sense deeply where he may be challenged. This will require slowing down as a parent to see where your child may struggle and thinking about how some of his existing struggles may be connected to his earliest trauma.

To learn more about how your child's early trauma can impact his/her behavior and the family dynamic, visit http://www.postforparents.com and http://www.postfamilysystem.com.

B. Bryan Post PhD, LCSW, is an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of children and families struggling with issues related to trauma, attachment and bonding. A free copy of Dr. Post?s parenting book, For All Things A Season, and past articles can be downloaded at http://www.postinstitute.com .

Male Infertility and Glutathione

2009-02-01T22:26:00.000+07:00

Are You Half The Man Your Father Was?

It is a well-known fact that sperm counts have dropped by half in the last 50 years, and that modern men have 20 percent less semen volume than their fathers (BMJ, 1992, volume 305).

A recent report from researchers in Aberdeen presented preliminary data that suggests the sperm concentration of the men seen in their clinic had declined by 29% over the past 14 years. (British Fertility Society; 5 January 2004)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and endocrine-disrupting chemicals from normal, everyday plastics are known to cause reproductive damage, as documented in Theo Colborn's book Our Stolen Future.

Damage to sperm caused by exposure to common chemicals like alcohol, pesticides in food, has been linked to lowered intelligence and behavioral disorders in children.

Lifestyle risk factors known to decrease sperm quality include

> Cigarette smoking

> Alcohol consumption

> Chronic stress

> Nutritional deficiencies.

Other reasons for infertility include congenital factors, and health conditions like prostatitis and diabetes that can affect sperm production.

Pollution is stealing our future, and there's little anyone can do to avoid it. There may not be a lot you can do to reduce your exposure to persistent environmental toxins.

But there are definite measures you can take to reduce the impact of the environmental pollutants and toxins on your body.

You can prevent and, to a certain extent, repair the damage they cause to your body, through a better lifestyle and nutrition.

Some nutritional therapies and antioxidants that have proven beneficial in treating male infertility and improving sperm counts, sperm morphology and motility include:

> Carnitine

> Arginine

> Zinc

> Selenium

> Vitamin B-12

> Vitamin C

> Vitamin E

> Glutathione

> Coenzyme Q10

Studies show that anti-oxidant supplementation - glutathione in particular - can improve sperm quality, and possibly increase your chances of conceiving.

If you smoke, drink, are exposed to stress, chemicals, radiation, pesticides or take medication or drugs (like sulfasalazine, ketoconazole, azulfidine, anabolic steroids, marijuana) that affect fertility, you should consider taking an antioxidant supplement to reverse some of the damage.

Why are Antioxidants Important for Sperm Quality?

Mammalian spermatozoa are coated by a membrane rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids are extremely susceptible to oxidative damage by free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by a process called lipid peroxidation (LPO).

Lipid peroxidation damages the sperm cell membrane. It is considered to be the key mechanism of ROS-induced sperm damage and leads to

> Loss of sperm motility

> Abnormal sperm morphology

> Reduced capacity for oocyte penetration

> Infertility

To protect sperm from damage, the body depends on powerful antioxidant enzymes in the body such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase/reductase (GPX/GRD).

Seminal plasma and spermatozoa have several antioxidant enzymes - glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase.

Some amount of all the antioxidant enzymes, which may protect spermatozoa from oxidative attack, are also made by the epididymis during storage.

The glutathione peroxidase/reductase enzymes play a central role in the defense against oxidative damage in human sperm.

Why is Glutathione important for Sperm Quality and Fertility?

A decrease in levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) during sperm production is known to disrupt the membrane integrity of spermatozoa due to increased oxidative stress.

Intracellular glutathione levels of spermatozoa are known to be decreased in certain populations of infertile men. Compared with a control group, the infertile men in all groups had significantly higher levels of ROS and lower levels of total antioxidants.

There is strong clinical evidence to show that men diagnosed with infertility have high levels of oxidative stress that may impair the quality of their sperm.

In some groups, higher levels of ROS were associated with lower sperm counts and defective sperm structure, while lower antioxidant levels correlated with reduced sperm movement.

Previous evidence has also shown that oxidative stress can decrease a sperm's life span, its motility, and its ability to penetrate the oocyst, or egg cell.

Up to 40% of men with unexplained male infertility have higher levels of free radical activity in their bodies.

Because men with high levels of ROS have a seven-fold lower likelihood of inducing a pregnancy than men with lower levels, researchers recommend that treatment for infertile men should include strategies to reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality.

How can Glutathione help in the Treatment of Infertility?

Glutathione is not only vital to sperm antioxidant defenses, but selenium and glutathione are essential to the formation of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase - an enzyme present in spermatids - which becomes a structural protein in the mid-piece of mature spermatozoa.

When either substance is deficient, it can lead to instability of the mid-piece of the spermatozoa, resulting in defective motility.

Free radical scavengers - such as glutathione - that restore the structure and function of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the cell membrane, can be used to treat these cases.

In a double-blind cross-over study of twenty infertile men, treatment with glutathione led to a statistically significant improvement of the sperm quality.

The study concerned men in whom the sperm quality was poor due to unilateral varicocele or germ-free genital tract inflammation - two conditions in which ROS or other toxic compounds are indicated as causative factors.

Treatment with glutathione was also found to have a statistically significantly positive effect on sperm motility (in particular forward motility) and on sperm morphology.

The findings of these studies indicate that glutathione therapy could represent a possible therapeutical tool in cases where ROS or exposure to toxins is the probable cause of infertility.

Read the complete report with references on Male Infertility and Glutathione

About the author:
Priya Shah is the Editor of The Glutathione Report, a newsletter featuring regular updates on the health benefits of glutathione. Get a Free report on Glutathione in Health and Disease

Infertility And The MindBody Connection

2009-02-01T17:01:00.001+07:00

In the 1980's many in the healing professions were beginning to recognize how physiological processes such as heart rate, blood flow, pain thresholds etc. could be controlled via modalities such as hypnosis, visualization, meditation, humor and so on.

Out of these observations grew the new and exciting field of mind-body medicine also known as psycyhoneuroimmunology.

In this article I will address a new healing modality called the Mind Resonance Process? (MRP) in the context of the mind-body links that I have found to exist in couples struggling with infertility.

Millions of dollars are spent to diagnose and treat infertility each year. Most of this money is spent on advanced and often invasive technological approaches that in the majority of cases yield very little in the way of results. Why is this?

Well in my view it is because if there is some emotional block in the couple that creates the infertility problem in the first place it will sabotage any attempts to get around it. Although many physicians are reluctant to accept this, it is my view that emotional issues can and do have an upper hand in such cases.

What are some examples of such emotional issues?

Well they are:

1. The fear if getting pregnant or being pregnant.

2. The fear of having a deformed or defective child.

3. The fear of having to make the required changes in life style that is demanded of couples when a new member of the family arrives.

4. The fear of the financial repercussions.

5. The fear of being responsible for another's life or well being.

6. Lack of self confidence as a new parent.

7. Fear that the new member will disrupt what is often an unhealthy co-dependent bond between the parents.

And so on.

The recent work of Dr. Bruce Lipton, an eminent cell biologist posits that our beliefs can affect our physiology. This is also corroborated by the work of Dr. Candace Pert (Molecules of Emotion). Their work supports my clinical observations working with MRP.

In one case working with a woman who was terribly afraid that her child might be deformed I helped her completely release the fear in a matter of minutes. This left her feeling relaxed, confident, resilient, ready and willing to move towards childbirth. The effect on her physiologically was reflected by the shift in her emotional state.

MRP has the powerful ability to not only shift one's inner emotional matrix it also has the ability to translate this shift into the way the body works and is structured.

If you are dealing with issues of infertility that you feel are emotionally based or are dealing with the stress of infertility and you would like to experience what MRP can do for you kindly visit the web link below.

Dr. Nick Arrizza is trained in Chemical Engineering, Business Management & Leadership, Medicine and Psychiatry. He is an Energy Psychiatrist, Healer, Key Note Speaker,Editor of a New Ezine Called Spirituality And Science (which is requesting high quality article submissions) Author of Esteem for the Self: A Manual for Personal Transformation (available in ebook format on his web site), Stress Management Coach, Peak Performance Coach & Energy Medicine Researcher, Specializes in Life and Executive Performance Coaching, is the Developer of a powerful new tool called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) that helps build physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being by helping to permanently release negative beliefs, emotions, perceptions and memories. He holds live workshops, international telephone coaching sessions and international teleconference workshops on Physical. Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Well Being.

Web site: http://www.telecoaching4u.com/IntroConsult.htm

Full Marks at Birth!

2009-02-01T13:04:00.001+07:00

The majority of us have, or have had, some sort of birthmark during our lives. Many are tiny and are in places that only our closest relations/ ?friends? know about. There are though, some that are more noticeable and vary in shape and size and can be of numerous colours. The differing types of birthmarks are known by fairly common sounding names, but each have their own characteristics.

Angel kiss birthmarks, also known as salmon patches or stork bites; occur in many newborns, on the back of the neck or between the eyebrows. These birthmarks are thin, flat, light pink or red in colour, with poorly defined borders. Many angel kiss birthmarks will spontaneously disappear within the first year of life, but those that are situated around the hairline at the back of the neck often remain into adulthood. Another common birthmark is the brown variety, also known as Caf?-au-lait spots, and can appear anywhere on the body, but most often on the legs, torso and buttocks. They are permanent and range in colour from a light shade to a chocolate shade of brown. Purple birthmarks, also referred to as port-wine stains are uncommon birthmarks that are pink-red at birth and darken to reddish purple birthmarks by several years of age. develop normally. They can very often cover a large area of the body, generally are found on the face. The strawberry birthmark, as you might gather, gets its name from its resemblance to the fruit. They most often develop on the face, scalp, back or chest and are the most common of all birthmarks, but can be quite alarming at birth. They begin as raised, red soft lumps on the skin usually the size of a 50p piece.

A mongolian birthmark, also known as blue spots, are common among darker skinned races, such as Asian, East Indian, African and Hispanic. They are flat, pigmented lesions with nebulous borders and irregular in shape. They appear commonly at the base of the spine, on the buttocks or back, as well as the shoulders and can sometimes be mistaken for bruises.

The vast majority of birthmarks will disappear by the time a child starts puberty, but for those that don?t and are thought to be unsightly and/or in a place which attracts attention; technology in the form of a laser removal process has been developed and is available in some cases. This laser removal treatment is quick and practically pain-free. The technique involves the lasers penetrating the surface of the skin and lightening the darkened areas and dependant upon the size of the birthmark, can take anywhere from several minutes to an hour, but are nearly always performed on an outpatient basis.

Mick Burrows writes for http://birthmarks-the-spot.info

Drop in for a spot of info on those worrisome birthmarks!

Using Birth Control Pills For Acne Control

2009-02-01T13:01:00.001+07:00

The use of birth control pills to control acne flare ups may or may not be an effective.

Usually, the first signs of acne develop during adolescence, when hormone levels begin to rise. When hormone levels surge, the sebaceous glands located at the base of each hair follicle, produce excess oil. This oil combined with dead skin cells and dirt becomes trapped within the skin's pores and acne develops.

Since acne can be triggered by fluctuating hormone levels within the body, it stands to reason that acne can appear at the various 'stages' in life when hormone levels are changing such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. It also makes sense that controlling hormone levels may help to reduce acne outbreaks.

The use of birth control pills for the treatment of acne is an attempt to regulate hormones. It is important to understand that every human body contains both male and female hormones. Overactive sebaceous glands are the result of rising levels of the male hormones - testosterone and androgens. Birth control pills contain artificial female hormones - estrogen and/or progestin. The theory is that birth control pills shut down the ovaries which are producing inappropriate male hormones allowing a more balanced male/female hormone mixture.

There are problems with using birth control pills to control acne. Some women may actually notice their acne worsen with the use of birth control pills until the estrogen levels become dominant.

Women who do take the birth control pill and who notice that their acne is getting worse should discuss the situation with their doctor. Different brands of oral contraception have different levels of hormones. Switching to another brand may bring acne back under control. There are several brands that may help clear up acne but only Ortho Tri-cyclen has been approved by the FDA for treating acne.

Keep in mind that using birth control pills for acne control is only a temporary solution. Many women find that once they stop using birth control pills, their acne returns - often worse than before.

Birth control pills can have undesirable side effects including nausea, weight gain, water retention and mood swings. There are also other more serious health risks than acne to consider. Prolonged use may increase your chances of heart attack or stroke.

It is for these reasons that using birth control pills for acne control should be considered only after all other treatment options have failed and always with the guidance of your physician.

Cindy English publishes informative articles and product reviews of today's most popular acne treatments. Visit the Acne Skin Care Guide. It's the first step to a clearer complexion and greater self-esteem!

Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Lawyers Lawsuits & Side Effects

2009-02-01T05:00:00.001+07:00

Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Side Effects

Ortho Evra is the maker of a popular birth control patch. This patch has similar side effects to the birth control pill, although some of the dangers of the patch might be more severe. Some women experience weight gain when they first go on the pill, while others notice changes in menstrual flow, vaginal discharge and even sexual desire. The pill is also known to have common side effects such as changes in blood pressure, skin problems and urinary tract infection.

In 2005, the Associated Press found around 10,000 accounts of people reporting adverse reactions to the Ortho Evra birth control patch. Side effects of Ortho Evra birth control patches have been known to include an increase in risks of deep-vein thrombosis, heart attack, strokes and blood clots. Many women who were using the Ortho Evra birth control patch have recently died of these symptoms and thousand more are now very concerned about their own safety. In just one year the Federal Drug Administration reported 44 deaths linked to Ortho Evra.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the Ortho Evra birth control patch you may have a right to receive compensation for your suffering. Please contact a qualified Ortho Evra patch lawyer today.

For more information on the Ortho Evra birth control patch or hiring a birth control patch lawyer please visit http://www.sddefenselawyers.com/orthoevra/

This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all link remain intact and active as hyperlinks.

Trends in Gift Giving Jewelry a Timeless Favorite

2009-02-01T00:54:00.001+07:00

In times of rapid change, constants lend comfort to our lives. Since ancient times, jewelry has been one of the most popular gifts to give and to receive, and it still ranks among the top gifts as a universal, particularly pearls and birthstones. Jewelry ranks just beneath flowers as the gift that says I love you, and it ranks just above flowers as a gift to convey that the recipient is someone special. A gift of jewelry delights the recipient and evokes a genuine smile.

It's the Style?

It's not the price; it's the style that determines whether your gift of jewelry is received in the same spirit in which it is given. To give jewelry that delights, match the gift to the recipient's style. Jewelry is one area where you cannot give a gift that you would love to own. Your idea of a fashionable bauble may be another's idea of junk. Is the intended's style casual or more formal, traditional or contemporary? You wouldn't give a Swatch watch to your great-grandmother any more than you would give a diamond tennis bracelet to your Goth niece. Select a compatible style and your gift will stand out among the recipient's favorites and ensure that the gift never finds its way to the regifting closet.

The Many Faces of Pearls

Any woman over the age of 30 appreciates a fine strand of pearls. They're elegant, timeless, and suitable for most occasions. Think back to your favorite old movies; most leading ladies wore pearls at some point during the movie.

Pearls are the only gemstone created within another living organism. Natural pearls are grown without any human intervention when a speck of sand or other irritant lodges itself inside an oyster. Deteriorating environmental conditions have rendered natural pearls all but obsolete.

Cultured pearls have quickly filled the void. The only difference between a natural pearl and a cultured pearl is that human intervention is required to place the irritant inside the oyster shell. By controlling the size and shape of the irritant as well as the environmental factors, cultured pearls guarantee greater quality control. You?ll find pearls in many hues ranging from white South Sea pearls to black Tahitian pearls, and covering a lot of territory in between: pink, green, blue and ivory.

Freshwater pearls sport a combination of interesting shapes and hues not usually found in saltwater varieties. Freshwater pearls come from Chinese rivers and lakes where the Hyriopsis cumingi mussels can produce 50 pearls at once. They are usually less expensive than saltwater pearls, but no less elegant than their saltwater counterpart.

Birthstones

Precious and semi-precious gems linked to birthdays date as far back as the 15th century. Unlike today, early birthstones were linked to the signs of the Zodiac instead of to calendar months. Almost everyone appreciates a birthstone, and it shows that you actually put some thought into the gift. Many people believe that wearing their birthstone protects them and brings them good luck. When giving a birthstone as a gift, think beyond rings to bracelets, pendants, earrings, pins and chokers.

The chart below contains the official modern birthstones, as established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers. Some birthstones have many legends associated with them; you'll find a brief summary below. This official list applies only to the United States. Several other birthstone lists exist, such as the mystical birthstones, which originated in Tibet and the Ayurvedic birthstones, which originated in India.

Month Birthstone

January Garnet

-Associated with blood, garnet provides victory, protection from injury and health and brings constancy

February Amethyst

-Said to have been worn by St. Valentine, amethyst signifies spirituality and sincerity

March Aquamarine

-The stone of serenity and courage, also associated with water

April Diamond

-Banishes evil, promotes goodness, improves financial situations - the world's favorite precious gem also signifies pure and eternal love, innocence

May Emerald

-Brings harmony, the stone of life and renewal, love and success

June Pearl

-Purity, chastity and modesty, health and longevity

July Ruby

-Devotion, integrity and success - contentment

August Peridot

-Dignity, success and fame ? married happiness

SeptemberSapphire

-Clears the mind and brings prosperity and clear thinking

OctoberOpal

-Happiness, beauty, love, magic - hope

NovemberTopaz

-Brings wisdom and strength of mind, fidelity

DecemberTurquoise

-Good fortune and prosperity

Enclose a card with the gift explaining the meaning of the birthstone. While most people know their birthstone, few know the significance attached to it.

If you want to give jewelry as a gift, but you?re at a loss for what to give, pearls and birthstones provide two safe options that are sure to please and make a lasting impression.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for jewelry and jewelry gifts. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Birth Control Pills Pregnancy and Acne A Complete HowTo Guide

2009-01-31T18:27:00.001+07:00

Acne first comes about during adolescence, when hormone levels begin to increase.This sudden flucturation of hormones causes the sebaceous glands to go into overdrive. They start generating increased levels of such oils that end up becoming clogged inside the glands. When the oils can't escape, acne results!

So it goes without saying that when there is a fluctuation in the hormone levels within the body, it can trigger an increase in sebaceous oil production, and therefore increases the chance that an outbreak of acne will likely occur. With women, acne breakouts are common while they are taking birth control pills and also when they become pregnant.

Using Birth Control Pills to Control Acne

Women who do take the birth control pill and who notice that their acne is getting worse should discuss the situation with their doctor. Different types of oral contraception have differing levels of hormones and one side effect of some contraception is an increase in acne. Switching to another brand may bring acne back under control.

Any woman who is healthy, and is at least age 15, who has begun menstruating and who has decided to start using oral contraception can discuss getting a prescription for a birth control pill with their doctor. There are several brands that help clear up acne but only one so far has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acne and that is Ortho Tri-cyclen.

It is important to note that taking the birth control pill as a way to treat acne should be the last alternative, after all other acne treatment options have been attempted without success. The birth control pill does have side effects and it must be taken exactly as prescribed to be effective.

Acne During Pregnancy

Women who have become pregnant often report an increase in acne, too. Many changes occur within a woman's body in an effort to properly prepare the body for the growing fetus. The two primary female hormones at work in every woman's body are progesterone and estrogen. Progesterone is more androgenic than estrogen, which basically means it is more like the hormones found in men. Increased progesterone during pregnancy can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebaceous oils than normal and that is what can cause outbreaks of acne.

If possible, the best way to handle acne during pregnancy is to realize that it is a short-term problem that will usually go away once the baby is born. If this isn't possible, discuss your options over with a dermatologist who has experience working with patients during their pregnancy. After going through your situation, the dermatologist will be able to suggest treatment options that'll make you happier with your appearance and that won't harm your baby.

John Wellington is from AcneHelpZone.com providing people suffering from acne with quick, relevant and free acne resources that they can download and take away with them for easy reference.

Is Arthritis Causing You Pain?

2009-01-31T16:59:00.001+07:00

Arthritis, even a mild case is no fun. Arthritis is painful and can have a negative effect on your life.

There are some things you can try to lessen the pain of arthritis. Some remedies do not require a prescription. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about any arthritis solutions.

Some people are able to alleviate arthritis pain by taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Many people use over-the-counter joint medications to lessen the pain of arthritis. These medications claim to make joints stronger thus making arthritis less of a problem.

Exercise can be a wonderful way to deal with arthritis. Water aerobics often is helpful for people who have arthritis.

Others find walking lessens arthritis pain. There are exercise classes specifically geared toward people who suffer from arthritis.

There are folk remedies for arthritis that some people swear by. One is eating five golden raisins soaked in one tablespoon of gin. The raisins should be eaten every day and there are lots of people who say that this technique has greatly improved their arthritis. Another folk remedy is to use castor oil and rub it into the affected area. Follow this treatment with a heating pad.

There are prescription drugs that can help arthritis sufferers. Some of these medications work really well for some and not well at all for others. You may need to try more than one medication to find the one that works best for you. Talk to your doctor about possible side effects from these drugs. There are also some arthritis medications that can not be taken if you have other medical problems.

There are many ways to lessen arthritis pain. You might want to start with exercise and over-the counter solutions and go from there.

I am the source.

For more information and resources on Arthritis visit http://www.healthmattersinfo.com/arthritis

Breathe!

2009-01-31T10:30:00.001+07:00

Breathing is the key ingredient in physical, emotional and mental health. It is a grossly underestimated source of life giving, healing and purifying energy. When we breathe, we take in more than just physical substances. An interaction takes place between our inner selves and the surrounding reality. It is essential, therefore, both for physical and psychological well-being that our breathing is optimal. It unifies and integrates the body, mind and spirit.

The average person breathes between 18,000 and 20,000 breaths per day, averaging 5,000 gallons of air. 70% of the body's toxins are eliminated during the breathing process with only a small percentage eliminated through perspiration, defecation and urination. Only 10% of the nutrition needed by the body comes from the food we eat while 90% comes from the oxygen we breathe. We need oxygen to fuel our brains and metabolize our food.

Clinical studies show the immense benefit of paying attention to how we breathe. A study done in a Coronary Care unit at a Minneapolis hospital examined 153 heart attack patients to determine the breathing patterns (deep belly or tight chest breathing) The study found that ALL of the patients were chest breathers. In Holland, two groups of heart attack patients were studied. The first group was taught simple Diaphragmatic breathing to counteract chest breathing. The second group was given suggestions for changes in diet and exercise only. The first group had no further heart attacks while 7 out of the 12 from the second group had repeat heart attacks.

Breathing in a full and relaxed fashion returns the body from a destructive acidic chemical state which is the breeding ground for disease to a normal alkaline condition. This shift from operating in chronic stress to a mode of relaxed awareness can lower the blood pressure, increase circulation, detoxify the body, boost the immune system, reduce physical and emotional stress, and naturally increase the life force energy. Breathing to full capacity, promotes mental clarity, creates new Neuro-pathways in the brain, and expands consciousness, as well as enhancing the cellular, hormonal and psychological processes.

Carol A. Lampman:
Holistic Therapist, Certified Breathwork Instructor, Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Release Therapist with training in Hypno-Behavioral Therapy, Reichian Process Work, Integrative, Cathartic, Rebirthing Breathwork, Hendricks Body Centered Transformation.

Carol is an acknowledged speaker and educator, and has presented programs, trainings and workshops for the public in the US, France, Italy, Spain, Venezuela and Israel. She is moving into a more prominent role in the professional community as a facilitator of personal transformation techniques. Her dynamic personality combined with her humor and deep respect for the work of the participants has allowed her to establish a strong foundation of support among the professional community.

Carol?s life experience with childhood trauma and her early medical background working with catastrophically ill children sparked her interest in the mind body connection, the emotional process, and its overall relationship to health and wholeness. http://www.IntegrationConcepts.net

Horrors of DepoProvera / Norplant

2009-01-31T10:29:00.001+07:00

Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) is a birth control method given in the form of an injection in either the arm or the rear or possibly both. It last up to three months and is about ninety six percent effective. It?s made from prostegin which is a synthetic version of the body?s natural progesterone, which would make the injections very unnatural to your body. Here are some common symptoms associated with this birth control method:

Weight gain
Depression
Bloating
Migraines
Swollen breasts
Reduced sex drive
Hair loss
Dizziness
Terrible acne
Irregular bleeding
Hot flashes
Leg cramps
nausea
Vaginal discharge

There have also been many horrifying testimonials of side effects by women that have received these injections. One confronted her doctor about her sickness and the doctor said that it couldn?t be coming from the injections. The woman said that her doctor took $8,000 dollars from her by treating her sickness and the sad part was that she was misdiagnosed with the wrong symptom. I?m not saying that all doctors are bad, but you should feel that you have a close relationship with your doctor and that he or she is out there for your well being rather than making money.

Norplant

This is a long lasting contraceptive which can last up to five years and is about 99 percent effective. These are inserted into the arm surgically and contain the synthetic hormone progestin to block fertilization

Side effects:

Weight gain
Tender Breasts
Breast Discharge
Disrupted Menstrual cycles
Hair loss
Dizziness
Acne
Enlarged ovaries
Violent headaches/migraines

Doug Purcell
Certified Personal Trainer
Alternative Medicine Expert
Owner of www.cardiacgym.com

Birth Control It is Your Responsibility

2009-01-31T01:49:00.001+07:00

Currently there are millions of children in the world that were unwanted as babies that were given up for adoption to local shelters. Every year there are tons and tons of abortions performed by doctors for women that had unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. Our personal opinion on these topics is irrelevant but the point that we want to make is that these hardships could have been avoided if the right precautions had been taken. We speak of course about birth control. Centuries ago there were no real ways for a woman or a couple to prevent them from getting pregnant. Every time the made love they rolled the dice and if it resulted in pregnancy then so be it. As time went on there were devices and methods that were developed to assist in preventing a baby from resulting after sex. Lots of these procedures and devices were based off of incorrect information and old wives tales but the others were based off of pure science.

Over the recent years science has made leaps and bounds in the area of birth control which has led to the development of some highly effective and very affordable things for women wishing to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Lots of medications have been put on the market. Some of these must be taken orally and others injected and even others that take a patch form. Many have to be taken every single day that protection is desired and others can use every month or every few months. The options are huge and can be fit into any type of lifestyle. Other than medication there are a ton of devices that can be used such as female condoms, sponge, cervical cap or an IUD.

The woman is not the only person involved so that is not the only person that should be thinking about birth control. The man has few options but the condom is the main one. Though it is one option it is considered the greatest, by many, birth control method on earth. Not only can it prevent pregnancy but it can also protect both partners from spreading sexually transmitted diseases also. This is an important point since none of the other methods can help do this since they focus more on the sperm and egg rather than the viruses we can carry.

The act of intercourse is an adult act that is meant for more than fun and has very specific repercussions if the right precautions are not taken. It is as simple as it seems to prevent a woman from getting pregnant but it does take a willingness to try. The methods on the market are very inexpensive in most cases and in many cases free so why not take advantage of what is out there are prevent an unwanted child from entering the world and suffering. Do what you can to learn about the numerous birth control methods available to you as a consumer and being checking them out. Feel free to ask you family doctor about their opinions of each and the pros and cons of them as well. Choose whatever you like but just choose something and be a responsible adult.

For more information about using the right Birth Control swing on over.

Arthritis New Hope from Green Tea

2009-01-20T12:27:00.001+07:00

As anyone who has -- or knows someone who has -- Rheumatoid Arthritis, it can prevent the sufferer from leading a normal life. It is a condition of unknown cause that can vary in intensity from a short, self-limiting illness to a long term, progressively worsening illness. Initially, treatments are light, aiming to remedy joint stiffness and inflammation. In the chronic cases, the inflammation can become worse, requiring a whole range of treatments including steroids, joint replacement and fusion ok bones. The joints of the body can become deformed and strength dwindles, leaving the sufferer unable to open even a bottle of milk or turn on a tap. You have good days and you have bad days.

You are what you eat is a clich?, but very true. Certain foods are thought to exacerbate Rheumatoid Arthritis, for example, dairy produce. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs predominantly in developed countries where a large part of the diet is animal and the aforementioned dairy produce. Even if someone is only mildly allergic to dairy, this can cause antioxidant levels to fall, antibodies are produced in response and these, for whatever reason, attack the joints. So keeping a diary of foods may help to pinpoint what triggers the bad days.

So, if food seems to be the trigger, reducing dairy foods and increasing antioxidants in your diet may help. But how to get more antioxidants? The tastiest ways are probably to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and drink a few cups of green tea each day. Why is green tea better than 'normal' tea? The tea that most westerners are used to is black tea. Whilst that is a better for you than coffee, it is not as beneficial as green tea. The reason? Black tea has been fermented; green tea has not, thus leaving the key chemicals intact.

But what evidence is there that green tea can actually benefit Arthritis sufferers? Studies in mice suggest that green tea antioxidants may have a powerful effect in reducing the incidence and severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Polyphenols (antioxidants found in green tea) possess much more potent antioxidant activity than well-known antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. A research team from Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio has focused on the effect of these polyphenols in Rheumatoid arthritis. Mice studied by the Cleveland researchers were fed either plain water or water enriched with green tea polyphenols. The doses were about equivalent to a human drinking 3-4 cups of green tea per day. Each of the mice was then injected with collagen, making them vulnerable to a condition very similar to human Rheumatoid Arthritis. The study indicated that the mice who had been given the green tea polyphenols were significantly less susceptible to the development of collagen-induced arthritis, and if they developed arthritis, the disease was late in onset and mild in comparison to mice not given green tea polyphenols. (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 1999;96:4524-4529).

There are other benefits too - in another study in the US it has been shown that drinking at least one cup of green tea per day can reduce the risk of heart attack by 44%. This health benefit is thought to come from flavanoids, a type of antioxidant found in all types of tea. Flavanoids are thought to neutralise the effect of free radicals, highly reactive molecules that travel round the body causing damaging chemical reactions to cells, including those in the heart tissues. A previous Dutch investigation of more than 800 men between 65 and 84 showed that drinking even more tea - between three and four cups a day - decreased risk of death from coronary heart disease by 58%. In 1991 there were just 153 studies on tea, while in 1998 there were 625 published papers. In a Japanese study, tea without sugar has been found to be good for teeth and gums. Tea contains tannin fluoride which appears to help prevent plaque. An increase of just one cup a day could prove invaluable in the fight against gum disease, said the British Dental Health Foundation

Kevin Woodward looks after the In Nature web site at http://www.in-nature.com/teas/ which offers top quality Chinese teas and herbs for sale securely online. Memberships are available which entitles you to discounts on the products and a free health consultation, the latter is based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Aromatherapy Massage Oil ? Adding Ease To Your Life

2009-01-20T01:51:00.001+07:00

Hectic schedule may be leaving you stressful resulting in enormous strain and pressure. If you too are caught up in the same situation and looking for a solution to relieve the stress, then massage with aromatherapy massage oil can be the perfect solution to get relaxed and regaining the freshness that you had missing for a long time.

Massage serves as an active stress antidote. Various massage oils are available in the market but if you are looking for the best and the natural one then aromatherapy massage oil would definitely pose to be the best option.

Nature presents the best cure. In the past, natural herbs were used as an ailment to curb the disease and other problems. But, in the past few decades whole arena has changed there has been a rapid increase in the usage of chemicals, which have adversely affected the body and skin of many people.

But, aromatherapy has introduced a breakthrough to the shell of troubles that artificial oil massages has been creating. Relax and cure various joint with a little massage all over your body with aromatherapy massage oil.

Aromatherapy massage oil can be put to diverse uses namely relaxation, romance, stress reliever, children?s massage and many more depending on your aspirations and needs. Just a simple massage with aromatherapy massage oil works as a helpful healing process, where disease or injury has occurred in muscles, connective tissues, bones or any other part of the body.

You can choose the most appropriate massage oil that suits your needs and aspirations the best. If you find it difficult to decide which aromatherapy massage oil is appropriate for you, seek the advice of professional cosmetologist who can guide about the suitable oil that suit your type of skin to the best.

You can look for massage oils in the shops nearer to your home. But, in case you don?t want to indulge in troubles involved in going out and shopping. One more easier and faster option is available, the Internet. You can browse through various sites selling access wide range of aromatherapy massage oil. They also give you the benefit of reasonable low prices on bulk purchase of aromatherapy massage oil.

Internet can be the one stop shop for you, you can compare the prices of massage oil offered by various sellers and can choose the appropriate message oil accordingly.

Get stress free the natural way with aromatherapy massage oil that can help you relieve the stress by activating your body cells and toning your body. Make the best use of Internet shopping that gives you an added advantage of getting the desired massage oil from the comfort of your home.

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, essential massage oils, Aromatherapy Massage Oil visit http://www.ndaroma.com

Holistically Healing Heartburn

2009-01-19T20:34:00.001+07:00

Millions of people suffer from the symptoms of heartburn every day. Those with acute cases of heartburn may have a condition called acid reflux or gerd (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Any form of heartburn is an unpleasant experience, to say the least. The splashing up of stomach acid into the esophagus and throat can be quite painful and potentially dangerous. In extreme cases, where the esophagus is continually damaged by the reflux of stomach fluids, a condition called Barrett?s Esophagus can develop. This condition is a precursor to esophageal cancer.

Barrett?s Esophagus occurs when chronic acid reflux or esophagitis is not controlled. Through constant inflammation and damage, the normal cells that line the esophagus called squamous cells turn into specialized columnar cells. Columnar cells are not normally found in human beings and can become cancerous.

The physical cause of heartburn is the improper functioning of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). This ringed muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, relaxes in order to allow food to enter the stomach. This muscle then retracts in order to keep the digestive fluids where they belong. It is when this muscle is too relaxed or damaged, that the stomach fluids can escape up into the esophagus thereby causing acid reflux.

There are many possible causes of acid reflux. The foods that we eat play an important role. Food that is too acidic can aggravate this ailment. Not chewing food properly, eating meals that are too large and lying down within three hours of eating can all contribute to acid reflux.

Certain foods and beverages can cause the LES to become lazy. These culprits include smoking, drinking alcohol and prescription drugs. Raw onions and garlic, fried foods, chocolate and foods that are too spicy can also cause the LES to relax.

There are two ways to treat this condition. They are the allopathic medical and the holistic approaches to disease. The allopathic medical way is to prescribe certain drugs such as H2 receptor antagonists, which include Tagamet and Zantac, or PPI drugs (proton pump inhibitors) like Nexium and Prilosec. These medicines slow down the production of stomach acid and are the two main types of pharmaceutical acid suppressors.

This pharmaceutical approach is dangerous in that it impedes the proper digestion and assimilation of food. There are also numerous harmful side effects associated with these drugs. Drugs only treat the symptoms of a disease or condition. They are not intended to cure. If the drug companies created drugs that cured they would soon go out of business.

The alternative way to treat acid reflux is holistically. Holistic by definition means considering a whole thing or being to be more than a collection of parts; Treating the whole person rather than just the Symptoms of a disease.

Using alternative remedies, which are natural and have no side effects, is certainly the safest and most effective approach. These treatments are also far less expensive than drugs. Holistic treatment, unlike drugs, can actually cure the condition or disease.

In order to develop acid reflux, we must first have an acidic system. By treating the whole body, acid reflux will disappear. What we eat and drink determines the PH of the body.

Vegetable juices, like raw potato, celery and cabbage are very alkaline in nature and are helpful in correcting an acidic stomach. Papaya juice contains the digestive enzyme papain, which has a soothing effect on the stomach and aids in the breaking down of protein.

Slippery Elm, bladderwrack and marshmallow, belong to a category of herbs called demulcents. These herbs aid digestion by decreasing inflammation and by soothing the affected areas. They form a protective barrier against stomach acid and other digestive irritants.

There are many holistic ways to cure acid reflux. Meditation can be of great help. Start by doing deep breathing exercises for ten minutes. Keeping the eyes closed, visualize you stomach, LES, esophagus and throat as young, pink, tender and perfect. Continue to breath and picture yourself in perfect glowing health. See yourself eating slowly in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying your food. Picture the food being digested and assimilated in a perfect manner. Feel all the parts of your body working in perfect harmony together.

Yoga can also be very beneficial to the body as a whole. Loosing weight and regular exercise are important as well. Drinking copious amount of pure water not only flushes the system of toxins, but dilutes stomach acid during periods between meals.

The holistic approach to healing is the medicine of the future. We can all be a part of that future now.

? 2006 Wind Publishing

For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

Mr. Richey is a self-educated expert on how to cure acid reflux disease, by natural means and has written an extensive report entitled, REFLUX GONE FOREVER, Natural Acid Reflux Remedies.

For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

Aloe Vera Is It Just A Laxative (Part II)?

2009-01-19T13:28:00.001+07:00

This is the concluding segment of my two-part (Aloe Vera - Is It Just A Laxative?) article on the Aloe Vera plant which for many years was erroneously regarded as no more than a powerful laxative. Aloe Vera in actual fact is one of Nature's most potent medicinal herbs. In tandem with it's ability as an effective and natural weight loss agent, it is also a strong and healthy detoxifying agent.

Aloe Vera as a Detoxifying Agent:

Aloe Vera also has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties against a broad range of microbes. Carrisyn, an extract of Aloe Vera, has shown recent evidence of being able to inhibit a number of viruses 'in-vitro', including the strains responsible for herpes simples, measles, and HIV. Carrisyn appears to work by stimulating the immune system to trigger the production of blood cells that fight infection, thereby boosting the immune function.

Amino acids methionine, serine, threonine and molybdenum are useful. They detoxify heavy metals, help in proper metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein thus preventing buildup of fat in the liver and arteries.

These laxative and detoxifying properties of Aloe Vera help the colon to work most efficiently. Highly processed and refined foods that are common in today?s diets lack fiber and pass through the system slowly, allowing toxins in the waste to be reabsorbed into the body. However, on Aloe Vera therapy food passes through the system more quickly and easily. Less obvious problems due to an inefficient colon like lack of energy, respiratory issues, bad breath, non-cystic acne and dry skin are also avoided.

Aloe Vera helps expel excess water in the cells. Thus it is helpful in many kidney problems such as kidney stones, painful urination. It works wonders in people with failed kidneys.

One of the main reasons for hair loss is toxin in the small intestine. Thus toxins removed by Aloe Vera helps remedy this problem.

Aloe Vera in Diabetes:

Many Studies have shown that regular consumption of Aloe Vera leads to lowering blood glucose level with no toxic effects on kidney or liver function as assessed by blood chemistry. Aloe Vera helps toning up of the Pancreas, thus regularizing insulin flow.

Aloe Vera helps accelerate the healing of Diabetic wounds. It dramatically lessens inflammation and improves pain response.

Aloe Vera in Digestive Problems:

Aloe Vera helps in treating indigestion, irritable bowl syndrome, ulcerative colitis, esophagitis, peptic ulcer, chronic colon problems including constipation, hemorrhoids, colitis and Crohn's disease. It helps in the removal of excess acid and cough.

Aloe Vera in Allergies:

Aloe Vera is a rich source of vitamins E and C. These help in boosting the immune system tremendously. Thus it's an ideal solution to many common allergies such as colds, asthma. Serine maintain a healthy immune system. Aspartic acid helps increase stamina.

Aloe Vera in Aging:

Aloe Vera is one of the most potent sources of antioxidants, vitamins E and C and Vitamin B-12 (only known natural source). Recent studies are demonstrating the remarkable benefits of antioxidants. Oxidation in cells can damage DNA, leading sometimes to cancer, other diseases and to the changes associated with aging. The antioxidant compounds counter the aging effects wrought by the free radicals.

Other Properties of the Aloe Vera Principle:

Other active ingredients of the Aloe Vera plant include Salicylates, which control inflammation and pain, and an enzyme that inhibits Bradykinin, the chemical messenger responsible for transmitting pain signals through the nerves. Aloe Vera also contains Magnesium Lactate, a chemical known to inhibit the release of histamines responsible for skin irritation and itching.

Aloe Vera is thus rightly called The Miracle Herb due to its many medicinal and useful properties.

When choosing an Aloe Vera product for topical application, look for a product high in Aloe Vera content, which should appear as the first item listed on the ingredients panel.

To summarize, Aloe Vera:

Helps to promote digestion because it contains enzymes that assist in digestion

Helps to cleanse the digestive tract

Improves circulation

Reduces allergies

Helps with metabolic disorders

Acts as a general tonic, giving energy and nutrients while on a program

Helps to stabilise blood sugar

Has no known side effects

Thus, scientific evidence proves that Aloe Vera is your herb of choice for a clean and healthy lifestyle. It has the potential to undo the adverse effects of all the pollutants that we expose ourselves to, including saturated fat and toxic byproducts of industralisation and automobile emissions.

For more related information on Aloe Vera visit http://www.AloeVeraBenefits.com - a tremendous online resource chock full of information on the benefits of Aloe Vera - The Natural Healer!
Yeye Onwugbufo

Insulin Resistance

2009-01-19T05:22:00.001+07:00

We hear a lot about insulin resistance, but stop and think a little bit, do you think our cells only become resistant to insulin? The more hormones your cells are exposed to, the more resistant they will become to almost any hormone. Certain cells more than others, so there is a discrepancy. The problem with hormone resistance is that there is a dichotomy of resistance, that all the cells don't become resistant at the same time.

And different hormones affect different cells, and the rate of hormone is different among different cells and this causes lots of problems with the feedback mechanisms. We know that one of the major areas of the body that becomes resistant to many feedback loops is the hypothalamus. The various interrelationships there I really don't have time to go in to here.

But hypothalamic resistance to feedback signals plays a very important role in aging and insulin resistance because the hypothalamus has receptors for insulin too. I mentioned that insulin stimulates sympathetic nervous system, it does so through the hypothalamus, which is the center of it all.

Insulin is by far your biggest poison. You may find an excellent source of insulin information at: overcome-diabetes.com

The receptors self-regulate.

If you want to know if insulin sensitivity can be restored to its original state, well, perhaps not to its original state, but you can restore it to the state of about a ten year old.

One of my first experiences with this, I had a patient who literally had sugars over 300. He was taking 200+ units of insulin, he was a bad cardiovascular patient, and it only made sense to me that you don't want to feed these people carbohydrates, so I put him on a low carbohydrate diet.

He was an exceptional case, after a month to six weeks he was totally off of insulin. He had been on 200 some units of insulin for twenty-five years. He was so insulin resistant, one thing good about it is that when you lower that insulin, that insulin is having such little effect on him that you can massively lower the insulin and its not going to have much of an effect on his blood sugar either. 200 units of insulin is not going to lower your sugar any more that 300 mg/deciliter.

You know that the insulin is not doing much. So we could rapidly take him off the insulin and he was actually cured of his diabetes in a matter of weeks. So he became sensitive enough, he was still producing a lot of insulin on his own, then we were able to measure his own insulin and it was still elevated, and then it took a long time, maybe six months or longer to bring that insulin down.

It will probably never get to the point of the sensitivity of a ten year old, but yes, your number of insulin receptors increases, and the activity of the receptors, the chemical reactions that occur beyond the receptor occur more efficiently.

You can increase sensitivity by diet, that is one of the major reasons you want to take Omega 3 oils. We think of circulation as that which flows through arteries and veins, and that is not a minor part of our circulation, but it might not even be the major part. The major part of circulation is what goes in and out of the cell.

The cell membrane is a fluid mosaic. The major part of our circulation is determined by what goes in and out. It doesn't make any difference what gets to that cell if it can't get into the cell. We know that one of the major ways that you can affect cellular circulation is by modulating the kinds of fatty acids that you eat. So you can increase receptor sensitivity by increasing the fluidity of the cell membrane, which means increasing the omega 3 content, because most people are very deficient.

They say that you are what you eat and that mostly pertains to fat because the fatty acids that you eat are the ones that will generally get incorporated into the cell membrane. The cell membranes are going to be a reflection of your dietary fat and that will determine the fluidity of your cell membrane. You can actually make them over fluid.

If you eat too much and you incorporate too many omega 3 oils then they will become highly oxidizable (so you have to eat Vitamin E as well and monounsaturates as well) There was an interesting article pertaining to this where they had a breed of rat that was genetically susceptible to cancer.

What they did was they fed them a high omega 3 diet, plus iron, without any extra Vitamin E and they were able to almost shrink down the tumors to nothing, because tumors are rapidly dividing. This is like a form of chemotherapy, and the membranes that were being formed in these tumor cells were very high in omega three oils, the iron acted as a catalyst for that oxidation, and the cells were exploding from getting oxidized so rapidly. So omega 3 oils can be a double edged sword.

To learn more about insulin, please read:

Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally

Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy

Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure

Acne Treatment Knowing The Facts Can Help Prevent Scaring

2009-01-18T19:47:00.001+07:00

Several acne treatments are out there on the market promising to treat and prevent acne from forming. But the truth is, only few acne treatments are noted for effectiveness.

Technically known as acne vulgaris, this skin disorder largely affects millions of people, from different walks of life, yearly. Most of the adolescents are the usual target of this disease. In fact, it is found out that about 80 percent of the teenagers develop acne, particularly for women.

Acne has two main types: non-inflammatory and inflammatory. The non-inflammatory acne is characterized with just few whiteheads and blackheads on the face. This can be treated effectively with the nonprescription medicines. On the other hand, in the inflammatory acne, the whiteheads become inflamed which cause the development of pimples and pustules. This type is considered by many as the severe form since it can cause disfiguring deep cysts, pitting scars of the face, back, chest, and neck. For this, serious acne treatment is commonly applied with prescription drugs and sometimes surgery.

There are actually forms of acne treatment suggested by most doctors these days. One of those acne treatments is to take a nonprescription acne medicine and apply it regularly. It is often noted that over-the-counter drugs that are containing resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur, and benzoyl peroxide are all effective acne treatments for mild acne. Aside from such acne treatment, you can also use an ordinary hygiene on the affected portions, mainly by washing your face once or twice daily with your usual soap or cleanser. In relation to this kind of acne treatment, you should know that deodorant soaps may be applied, however, they are of no particular value for this skin disease.

However, if all those simple acne treatments or measures don?t work, it is definitely the time for you to see a dermatologist. Always remember that while it might be enticing to squeeze blackheads and pick at pimples, this can certainly injure your skin and its underlying tissues. As we often observe in our friends way or our own way of treating pimples, we usually pick pimples until they bleed. Doctors generally don?t advise patients not to pick pimples for it might bring some injuries and infections to your skin. It is interesting to know that some instruments are now suggested by several doctors for acne treatment. There are the comedome extractors, which are used to remove blackheads, and some of the doctors even recommend that their patients must apply such an instrument themselves. While these acne treatments work, a number of doctors would rather remove the blackheads in their own offices or clinic in order to avoid the danger of scarring. But, to avoid any possible risks caused by acne, perhaps the best way to deal with it is to ask your doctor what type of acne treatment will he/she be recommending.

There is now a myriad of products in the market that are sold for acne treatments. A number of them are clinically proven effective, while many of them are without any scientifically proven impacts. Nevertheless, blends of various acne treatments are discovered that can usually prevent the onset of acne in all but the most serious cases.

Dean Shainin is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Acne.MyWisdomBase.com. For more articles, and valuable resources for getting effective products and remedies, visit his site at: best acne treatment.

Who Else Suffers From Chronic Headaches? A Physical Perspective I

2009-01-18T09:46:00.001+07:00

Daniel Schmachtenberger, Dean of Naturopathic Sciences at Body Mind College, teaches that there are 2 major physical angles to look at when addressing chronic headaches: structural and biochemical. It is crucial to realize that chronic headaches and headaches in general are the RESULT if some other process in the body. A headache is simply a symptom of a deeper cause. If we always cover or mask the symptom, we are out of pain temporarily but the root cause never gets healed and addressed. The symptoms may get much worse.

In almost all chronic headache cases the structural composition of the individual is a huge factor. Do you experience tension in your neck and shoulder area? Usually there will be chronic tightness most always in the neck and shoulders that contributes to headaches. Basically the body pattern is the head is sitting very forward, almost sticking out, not sitting directly on top of the spine. This causes the muscles in the neck and shoulders to have to over-exert themselves in order to hold up the skull. It is a heavy head! It is true that it can weigh 8-10 pounds! This can stress the neck and shoulders which are also connected to the soft spot.

Postural awareness and correction is a must! Here are some body work techniques you can do right away on your own.

This will relieve most headaches immediately. Have a friend, spouse, or family member help you. Have who ever is helping you place their thumb about 2-3 fingers down from the ridge of their skull. The goal is to find the soft spot. (The sub-occipital symphasis area, see photo A) This point, (the sub-occipital symphasis) is like a ?re-boot? pressure point for the body. Holding this point allows the tight muscles in the head and neck to release and let go. Have the person lean in with thumb or finger into the pressure point. You can be sitting upright in a chair while you are receiving this. Have the person hold the pressure for about 1-3 min. The giver needs to relax as much as possible when doing this. Have the giver soften the thumb as pressure is applied. Definitely speak up about the pressure. It should not be painful to the point where you feel you can not relax into it. It should be on personal edge where you are able to breathe fully and deeply and relax into the pressure. Do that by taking deep inhales and exhales. Close your eyes and visualize the energy in your head moving down. Imagine whatever you need to get that effect, e.g., staircase going down, an escalator or an elevator. Another image could be a fountain with water flowing down, a waterfall, etc. Trust whatever comes to mind for you.

Marnina Reid is a nationally certified Holistic Health Practitioner. She is the author of Natural Cures For Chronic Headaches, a newly released e-book. Marnina has a private practice in San Diego, and faciliates trainings in emotional healing. She mainly works with women who have suffered from emotional trauma helping them to remove the blockages that are preventing them from moving forward. Several of Marnina's clients have suffered from chronic headaches and have been successful at eliminating them. This inspired her to create an e-book specifically addressing headaches.

For free cutting edge health tips that can enhance your life and prevent disease visit: http://www.naturalcuresforchronicheadaches.com

For more information on Marnina Reid, or Natural Cures For Chronic Headaches Please visit: http://www.naturalcuresforchronicheadaches.com

Acne Scar Prevention The Whole Truth

2009-01-18T05:55:00.001+07:00

Scarring as a result of acne can be permanent and depressing. Acne scar prevention is important to anyone who gets blemishes because scars are a permanent reminder of your struggle with bad skin. A scar is characterized by a discolored, slightly raised, or slightly indented mark that remains visible for an extended period of time. After a blemish heals, within a few weeks you should not be able to tell what was once there.

Acne scar prevention is quite simple. Severe cases of acne should never be left untreated. Cystic acne is the most prevalent in causing scar. Visit a dermatologist so he can figure out the best method to treatment of your acne. He/She may choose to inject a corticosteroid into a cyst to decrease the inflammation if it appears bad enough to cause a scar. Avoid rupturing pimples at all costs. Rupturing the wound will dramatically increase the possibility of scars. Squeezing or picking at a spot will also make an infection worse.

If you suffer from acne, it is best to find a good medicine. Acne scar prevention is much easier to accomplish if there is a minimal amount of infections to maintain. Over-the-counter medicines work for most people, but if it is desired, a dermatologist could assist you in prescribing the best treatment for your skin.

Boosting the healing process and decreasing the inflammation of acne works best for acne scar prevention. Being directly exposed to the sun slows down healing and can further the irritation to an existing blemish. Always wear a good, non-greasy sunscreen if you plan to be outside for an extended amount of time. Leave scabs that form to fully run their course. Scabs are present to heal and rebuild your skin to its best condition. Removing a scab before it should come off can re-infect the area and cause increased inflammation.

If your skin has developed scars before you learned proper acne scar prevention, there are ways to correct them. Simple procedures such as chemical peels or dermabrasion can be performed to re-establish the appearance of healthy and clear skin. It can be a painful and expensive process depending on the condition of the scarring. More than one type of treatment may be necessary in some cases to get the best result. A dermatologist is the best person to determine what is right for you. Unfortunately in some instances, scars may still be vaguely present even after numerous scar removal procedures.

Remember that acne scar prevention is a process and its takes work, but it is worth it. Some people just want to not worry with their acne and just hope that it clears up on its own. If you don't take care of your acne or your skin, then it could leave ugly scars on your face. Scars cause skin to prematurely appear old and discolored. Then you will have lasting memory of the time you had trouble with acne and regret that you didn't take precautions when you still had the chance.

John Wellington is from AcneHelpZone.com which provides people who are suffering from acne with quick, relevant and free acne resources that they can download and take away with them for easy reference.

Is Food To Blame For Your Spots?

2009-01-17T19:14:00.001+07:00

Are you tired with spots? Can what you eat really afflict you with acne? Many of us have heard the stories of greasy foods or too much chocolate giving you spots. Do you really have to watch what you eat?

Actually, there are many acne diet myths out there and most of them stem back to an inaccurate medical study that was taken back in the 1960?s. This study put the blame on greasy foods and chocolates for afflicting teenagers with spots. However, more recent studies have dismissed the link between food and acne. Acne occurs when your pores clog up deep down which grows into a mild infection, not because of some food you?ve eaten.

However, there are some people who experience mild allergies to specific foods, and some trace minerals and additives in our foods might see the spots appear. However, if you have any reason to believe that a specific food is causing your spots, then try cutting that food from your diet for a few weeks. Then attempt to eat that food once more, if you break out in spots yet again, then you could well be allergic to it and just by cutting down that food, you have found yourself a useful acne treatment.

Also, foods which are strong in iodine will produce spots. You?ll find that seafood like shrimp is high in iodine, though you?d have to eat an awful lot of shrimp before you broke out in spots! You?ll also find that the growth hormone that?s in most milk (anything that isn?t organic) as been shown in a recent 2005 study to produce hormone production in individuals, and these hormone shifts are known to make some individuals see spots! Our hormones stimulate oil production, which aids in the clogging of our pores, which all leads to acne treatment!

If you are using diet to control your acne, then consider starting with a regular skin care treatment, then look to make some diet adjustments. When you are looking to clear up your skin, try sensible things such as a healthier diet and removing suspect foods from your diet. Just remember that there are quite a few scientists who don?t think there is a link between your diet and your skin?s appearance, but it might be a help to you.

For more information and resources on this subject, please visit http://www.my-acne.com/

Treating Insomnia Naturally

2009-01-17T13:31:00.001+07:00

Sleep is something that every human being requires. For some people they only need a few hours of sleep every night, but for others if they don't get at a minimum eight hours, they cannot function properly during the day. Their work, their relationships and their life is impacted. Sleep in fundamental to a healthy and happy life.

Insomnia is a problem that affects millions of people each night. If you are one of these individuals and you've spent a night filled with sleeplessness, you would most certainly welcome any method that would guarantee sleep. Having first hand knowledge of how difficult it is not to be able to sleep, gives a person an appreciation for how valuable resting our bodies is.

Insomnia can be a chronic condition for some people. It may begin as a symptom of an illness or during a particularly stressful time in someone's life and it causes such a drastic disruption in the individual's sleep pattern that they struggle to find a way to regain a normal sleep pattern. Spending years struggling to find a method to sleep is a frustrating experience.

Traditional medicine offers many alternatives for people who have suffered from serious insomnia. Sleeping pills are a commonly prescribed remedy. Although they do adequately treat the insomnia, they also often have serious side-effects. One of the most serious side-effects is that they are often addictive. It becomes a trade-off for those who choose this approach. Although their insomnia is treated, they become dependent on medication and in some cases have to stay on that medication for the rest of their lives.

There are natural alternatives that a person can take to treat the insomnia. Some of these are in the form of a pill or a tablet which consists of a combination of herbs. Herbal teas are another popular choice for people who suffer from sleep problems. You simply brew a pot of the fragrant tea and sip it shortly before bed. The soothing effects of the tea lull you to sleep without the chemicals associated with traditional sleep medication. There are a variety of these types of teas available and the taste is very welcome and pleasant.

An old stand-by that many people turn to when they suffer from the occasional bout of insomnia is to warm a glass of milk. There is a chemical that is released in milk once it is heated. This chemical is called tryptophan and it works to relax the body and help you to drift off to sleep. Besides being a natural remedy for insomnia, milk also has the added benefit of being a significant source of calcium.

Suffering from insomnia can change a person's life in many ways. Without the foundation of a steady and regular pattern of sleep, they aren't able to function to the best of their ability. By researching natural remedies for insomnia, the sleeper will once again find the rest they need and do so in a way that is healthiest for their entire body.

About The Author
Brandon C. Hall If you need help sleeping at night visit (http://findprofit.densan.hop.clickbank.net) for an immediate solution to your sleep problems. For more articles and information on insomnia and sleeping disorders visit (http://www.freeinfoblog.com/category/insomnia).

Top Treatments to Knock Out Acne

2009-01-16T21:38:00.001+07:00

Acne sufferers are always searching for the latest and greatest acne treatment. Some acne suffers are often unable to find treatments that can completely control their acne. The success or failure of available treatments is on a case by case basis.

Many acne sufferers often become frustrated with the ineffectiveness of current treatments. This is especially true with products that are heavily marketed touting incredible results.

Acne sufferers also need to stay informed about what treatments are currently available. The quest for new and better treatments is an ongoing process.

There are a number of treatments that have proven successful. In most cases, your best option is consulting a dermatologist. They can explain the variety of options that are available. It will also be necessary to consult a dermatologist if prescription treatments are warranted.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most widely used over-the-counter acne treatments. It is applied topically in either jell or cream form. There are a number of products available, each containing different amounts of benzoyl peroxide. As some people are sensitive to it, it's best to start with treatments that have the lowest concentration.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are used in cases of severe acne. Initial drugs were antibiotics that were used to target acne causing bacteria. However, over time these treatments lost their effectiveness as the bacteria developed a resistance to the drugs. One of the more commonly prescribed drugs today is Accutane. However, this is a very strong medication and therefore can only be used by people who suffer from severe and permanent acne. It is taken orally and can have many side effects, including birth defects, dry lips and liver dysfunctions.

Essential Oils

There are also some essential oils with good results in acne curing. These treatments are not very efficient for cases of serious acne. However, they can be successfully used for treating mild to moderate acne. Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Lavender Oil and Clove Oil are some of the best essential oils for acne treatment. If the essential oil needs to be diluted, use some grape seed oil to mix it with.

Light Treatment

Light therapy is expensive, but for many very helpful. It involves treatments of light in wavelengths that many believe kills bacteria, and if it does not work, at least does no harm because light at the wavelength used is not harmful to skin.

Sometimes the successful treatment only comes after trying several treatments. Sometimes success lies with a combination of treatments. Use the resources available on the Internet to help you make informed choices. Also consult with your doctor or a dermatologist.

J. Brokob is a successful Webmaster and publisher of AcneRemedies.info. Find more information on acne products, acne treatments, and acne care at his site: http://www.acneremedies.info

The Truth About Magnetic Therapy And Arthritis Relief

2009-01-16T10:26:00.001+07:00

If you find yourself riddled with pain from stiff, swollen joints, consider looking towards magnetic therapy and arthritis relief .

Since this method of pain relief requires no medications, you will not have to worry about drug interactions or potential side effects from adding chemicals in your body.

Furthermore, magnetic therapy does not wear off like typical medications, so you can work to sideline the pain without having to worry about proper dosage.

Finally, the cost of arthritis medication is often high and out of the budget for many individuals, so magnetic therapy is often more affordable for most arthritis sufferers.

How Magnetic Therapy Works

Before you begin looking to magnetic therapy and arthritis relief, consider starting at the root of the therapy itself.

Magnet therapy has been around for thousands of years, as the ancient Chinese, Indians, Persians, Greeks, and Egyptians turned towards the power of magnets to ease their aches and pains.

Even in those days, the success of magnetic therapy was questioned. Just as today, two camps formed: those for magnetic therapy and those against the alternative type of therapy.

There are many theories regarding exactly how magnets work to alleviate aches and pains, there have been several studies that have shown that magnetic therapy has success over other forms of pain therapy.

Why Magnetic Therapy

Aren't you tired of taking pills and other medications, then consider magnetic therapy.

This is a great way to focus on healing your body naturally and avoid ingesting potentially dangerous types of medication.

Many individuals find that their arthritis medication can dangerously interact with their other prescriptions.

If you have any prescriptions, including blood pressure medication, heart medication, or cholesterol medication that is considered necessary to preserve your quality of life, these drugs take precedence over arthritis medications.

Other medications can cause potential problems with your existing medical conditions. Furthermore, other medications have particularly nasty side effects that can be potentially devastating.

Magnetic therapy has no known side effects, will not interact with your other medications, and will usually not pose a problem with your other medical conditions.

When To Avoid Magnetic Therapy

Magnets can potentially cause problems for some individuals.

If you have an implanted defibrillator or a pacemaker, the presence of strong magnets could pose a problem.

Especially in the case of mattresses impregnated with large magnets, the magnetic field created could completely shut off the device that is so critical to the health of your heart.

Discover treatment options at Relieve-Your-Arthritis.com and see how you DON'T have to give up and just live with pain and discomfort. Research and Find The Alternative Arthritis Pain Relief That You Need While You Relax At Home In Your Pajamas

Emotionally Dealing with Acne

2009-01-16T02:05:00.001+07:00

It is a fact that nearly 17 million people in the United States alone currently have acne. Thus, acne is the most common skin disease. However, if so many americans are afflicted with this skin disease, then why is there a social stigma with acne? Due to the ever increasing social and media pressure on americans to become as beautiful as they can be, acne can be a detering blow. If acne is untreated, then it can lead to disfiguration of the skin and permanent scarring affecting self esteem for years to come.

First, acne must not only be treated physically, but emotionally as well. Since acne predominantly affects teens during puberty, which is a stage of generally low self-esteem as the body develops, acne can cause deep emotional scars as well. How does a teen, who is constantly bombarded by media influences telling them that they have to look perfect, accept acne as a common problem that should have no effect on their personal worth? There are several tips that these teens can do that can help overcome acne emotionally.

Attend Motivational Summer Camps

Join Clubs at School

Participate in Sports

Develop a Talent

Work at a Part-Time Job

These tips help build self-esteem that acne breaks down. For instance, if a teen participates in sports, then not only will they feel that they are part of a group (comradery) but also revel in the accomplishments of the team. A Part-Time job gives the teen a sense of worth, that they can be a valuable part of the work force. The money earned helps gives the teen more self-worth, that they have earned it. If the teen has a natural talent, such as music, the parents can encourage the teen to develop the talent.

Developing a talent not only instills within the teen a healthy work ethic (practice), but seeing the gradual improvement will help boost self-esteem. Perhaps the largest resource that teens can use to overcome the emotional scars of acne is their parents. If parents talked to their teens regularly, and have open conversations with their teen about their acne, then the teen will feel less ashamed of their dilema. Parents can also relate their own experiences with acne, since most americans deal with pimples and zits at least in some point in their life. Parents can also get advice from other parents on how they have helped their teens deal with acne.

On AcneRelief.org there is a forum where both parents and teens can write about their own experiences with acne, and learn from what others have written.

While acne can be devestating for teens during the developmental years of puberty, the worst scarring can be emotional, not physical. Teens should always remember that acne is a common skin disease that affects many americans. If acne is hurting their self-esteem, parents can boost their self-worth by maintaining open conversations with their children and encourage activities such as clubs, sports, and developing talents.

Dan Goggins is a recent college graduate with interests in small businesses and family life. You can read family and business advice at his website.

Malignant Mesothelioma

2009-01-15T21:03:00.001+07:00

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer in which malignant or cancerous cells form in the thin layers of tissue lining the human chest, heart or abdomen. When the cancer is in the chest, it affects the pleura or tissue lining the lungs and is called malignant pleural mesothelioma. This is the most common type of mesothelioma. In the abdomen, a cancer of the peritoneum or tissue lining the abdominal cavity and covering various organs is called malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The least common form of mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or outer lining of the heart. The term mesothelioma literally means a growth of the mesothelium, a layer of tissue from which the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium all develop.

The majority of malignant mesotheliomas occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, either directly or via people they live with. Avoiding exposure to asbestos can largely prevent malignant mesotheliomas. Depending on the location of the cancer, someone with malignant mesothelioma may have one or more of the following symptoms: breathlessness, pain under the rib cage or in the abdomen, an abdominal lump or swelling, and unexplained weight loss.

If a detailed medical history and physical exam suggests malignant mesothelioma as a possible diagnosis, a variety of diagnostic tests may be performed, including blood tests, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and biopsies. Malignant mesotheliomas are graded upon the extent they have spread. A stage I, or localized, malignant mesothelioma is one that has not spread beyond the area it originated in. Stage II, III and IV malignant mesotheliomas are advanced, and may have spread to lymph nodes or to surrounding or distant organs and tissues. Depending on the stage, a treatment plan may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some cancer treatment centers are involved in clinical trials using biotherapy and immunotherapy.

Malignant Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, malignant mesothelioma lawyer and more. Malignant Mesothelioma is the sister site of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers.

Sexy Beautiful Hands

2009-01-15T11:54:00.001+07:00

Your hands are usually the first place on your body to show signs of age, and they can make you look?gulp?five to 10 years older than you really are ? But it?s not too late to turn back the, er, hands of time.

These are your hands? glory days: For the most part, they?re soft, plump, and evenly toned. Your primary concern isn?t so much combating the signs of aging, but preventing them.

Cumulative sun exposure is the biggest cause of premature skin aging?and now?s the time to start protecting yourself. Apply a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 at least twice a day. (Try St. Ives Coenzyme Q10 Hand Renewal Lotion with SPF 15.)

If you plan to be in strong sunlight for long periods of time, use a sunscreen that has a UVA-blocking agent in it?either transparent zinc oxide or Parsol 1789?since UVA rays cause brown spots and wrinkles. (Try Cellex-C SPF 30 Sports Cream.)

Once a week, lightly slough off the dead skin flakes on your hands with a gentle facial scrub. Removing this flaky, occlusive layer will help your daily moisturizer penetrate your skin more deeply. (Try Aqua Dessa Honey Buff Facial Scrub.)

Fade minor brown spots or areas of discoloration by applying an over-the-counter lightening cream nightly. Beware: Spots will reappear if you?re not stringent about sunscreen use. (Try Philosophy A Pigment of Your Imagination.)

http://allwomenstalk.com

Acne Adoloscent Style How To Deal With It?

2009-01-15T04:05:00.001+07:00

Adolescent acne is referred to by many names, teen acne, acne adoloscent, and hormonal acne to name just a few. Whatever you want to call it, it can be frustrating, painful, and embarrassing to a teen.

Living with acne over a prolonged period during your teen years can be emotionally devastating, after all this is the age where your appearance is most important. Teen acne is very hard on the ego, often resulting in teasing and razzing from peers. Some teens suffer from not only acne but sever depression.

During the adolescent years almost every teen will have at least an occasional whitehead, blackhead, or pimple. Adolescent acne usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 20, and is usually the result of fluctuating hormone levels. Once the hormones stabilize out the acne will normally disappear.

So what?s the bet way to deal with adolescent acne? The simplest and most important thing a teen can do, is to learn to take good care of their skin, keeping it clean and as oil free as possible. This is not a cure but can help keep acne breakouts to a minimum.

Eating healthy and drinking plenty of water will also help by keeping the skin hydrated and the body flushed. Girls should use oil free cosmetics. Lightly exfoliating once a week will help open pours, and remove dead skin debris.

Milder cases of acne can be controlled by using conventional over the counter medicines that are applied directly to the skin. These medications usually include benzoyl peroxide or retinoic acid as an active ingredient.

Some natural products that can be used to treat acne are tea tree oil or Echinacea. Wash your face twice a day with a mixture of these herbs to reduce the number of break outs. Both have anti-inflammatory and anti-septic qualities.

In more severe adolescent acne a Doctor may try various oral medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives or Accutane.

As teens get older and hormones stabilize, fewer outbreaks should be seen, however some people do continue to have outbreaks well into adult hood. If the teen acne condition worsens or becomes emotionally debilitating it is important to seek medical help from a dermatologist.

You do not want an adolescent to grow up with skin and emotional scars as a result of acne, so treat not only their physical scars but their emotional scars.

M.D. Stacener from The Acne Cure has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Please visit us at The Acne Cure

Healing Your Body

2009-01-14T18:08:00.001+07:00

Are you ready to be healthy and full of vibrant energy? Would you like some ideas about how to heal your body?

During many years as a psychotherapist, I discovered fascinating insights into the emotional causes of disease and accidents. I have also developed powerful processes that have helped people heal themselves and maintain their health and safety.

For example, Sunny, a young man in his early twenties, was diabetic from the time he was twelve years old. When he came to see me he was almost daily going into diabetic shock. I have a favorite saying, ?Close your eyes and see clearly.? So I said, ?Sunny, close your eyes and imagine that you are really small and traveling inside your body to the place where you store all your tension.? It was no surprise to either one of us when Sunny ended up in front of his pancreas. He said, ?My God, what a mess. There?s a lot of junk in there.?

In the course of his counseling sessions, Sunny became aware of and overcame all the negative emotional issues that were ?stored? in his pancreas. By the eighth and final session, Sunny reported that he was feeling great and his pancreas looked very healthy. He said, ?It?s amazing, Helene, I?m taking less than one-half of the amount of insulin I needed when I first came to see you. I realize that I almost killed myself by way of diabetic shock because I couldn?t cope with all the emotional pain with my family and a broken relationship.?

Another example of the connection between the mind, the emotions, and the body is thirty-five-year-old Cindy. She had no relief from her constant vaginal yeast infections no matter how much she treated the condition with the medication from her doctor. In her counseling process, Cindy found out that her yeast infections were actually serving her by preventing her from being sexual. When confronted with the idea, Cindy admitted to herself that she was afraid to be in another sexual relationship because she always got too emotionally involved, and then felt deeply hurt if it ended. Cindy?s infection cleared up when she trusted herself to avoid another relationship until she was confident that she would not be devastated if it did not last.

Tom, a forty-three-year-old businessman, finally came into the office when his wife threatened to leave him. However, he was still resistant and insisted that he was fine, he had no problems. Meeting him on his level and at his comfort zone, I said, ?Tom, let?s be logical. You are telling me that your childhood was fine, and that you have no issues to resolve. The reality is that you are struggling with your career, having serious problems with your wife and daughters, and you have been warned about the beginnings of heart problems.?

?Let?s take the analogy of an automobile. If your car isn?t running properly do you believe that nothing is wrong or do you open up the hood and fix it? Obviously, Tom, your life is not running well, which means you have to deal with the issues in your unconscious that are causing you problems. In a sense you need to pick up your hood.?

Tom realized that I had a point. He finally loosened his tie, and was willing to regress back to his childhood. To his surprise, he uncovered an incredible amount of pain. Tom had succeeded in blocking his painful childhood; but because of his denial, he was heading for disaster. It was amazing to see this logical, machine-like person transform into a feeling human being as he expressed his fears, his deep hurts, shame, anger, and grief. As a result, Tom began to feel so good about himself that he began to watch his diet, exercise more and improve his relationships with his family. I will never forget when he happily told me about the wonderful report he had received from his doctor.

The case of Sarah is another example of how important it is to listen to your body and constructively express your feelings. Sarah, a forty-seven-year-old woman, was suffering from recurring cancer. Previously, the doctors had succeeded in removing a malignant tumor from her throat and Sarah seemed to be doing well. However, six months ago they discovered a growth in her back.

During the first counseling session, Sarah was able to express her anger, shame, and fears?something she never did. She was a people pleaser, someone who always had a smile on her face. Sarah always tried to make everyone happy, even if she hurt herself in the process. When Sarah returned the following week, she told me that she was able to cut her pain medication in half. After another session, in which she released intensive emotional pain, she was totally free of physical pain.

Needless to say, Sarah was very optimistic about her recovery. However, Sarah called me one day very upset. She was feeling pain in her throat where the first tumor was removed. I reassured her that the doctors succeeded in removing the growth, the symptom, but the emotional cause was still not resolved. In the next session, after Sarah released her issues about being afraid to speak up, about communicating how she really felt, the pain in her throat disappeared.

I have noticed that certain emotions will be blocked in specific areas of the body. For example, clients often realize that they are angry when they have upper or lower back pain, headaches, tightness in the base of the skull, or jaw pain. I often find fear blocked in the abdominal areas, sadness stuffed in the sinuses, or the sides of the back of the neck. The feeling of responsibility causes tension in the shoulders. Hurt and deep sadness often explains the tightness in the center of the chest or in the heart.

I have also found the body to be very literal. Some examples are: tension in the throat deals with the fear of speaking; problems in the eyes relate to not wanting to see something; hearing problems often correspond to the desire not to hear.

It may be hard to believe, but I have discovered that our unresolved emotions can also cause our accidents. In fact, every time a client had an injury, they were always able to uncover the reason it happened. For example, Tonya, a very attractive twenty-one-year-old, had a scar on her forehead from a serious car accident.

I said, ?Tonya, imagine that you are up in the sky and looking down at the collision. Now tell the Tonya in the car why she had that accident.? She replied, ?Tonya, you had that accident because you felt guilty about having so much more than your family members and your friends. You are prettier, smarter, and more successful, and you don?t appreciate all that you have.?

We are all very powerful beings. We have the ability to create our illness or accidents as well as our health and safety. In order to be healthy and full of vibrant energy, we need to understand that our physical bodies are expressing our thoughts and feelings. When we listen to what our bodies are telling us, when we constructively express our emotions and resolve our issues, we can take an active part in healing ourselves and experience optimum safety, health, and happiness.

(Excerpts from the booklet, e-book & tape, ?Healing Your Body?)

?1997 by Helene Rothschild, MS, MA, MFT, Marriage, Family, Therapist, author and speaker. www.helenerothschild.com

HELENE ROTHSCHILD, MS, MA, MFT, is a Marriage, Family Therapist, intuitive counselor, author, teacher, workshop facilitator, and speaker.

She offers empowering telephone, internet, and in-person healing sessions for all issues including: healing your body, relationships, career, prosperity, weight loss and parenting. Helene developed her own unique process, HART: Holistic and Rapid Transformation, which goes right to the core. She teaches HART classes and independent studies.

She is the author of Personal Success ~ an interactive online self-help program, many articles (free articles) and over 85 inspirational and self-help books, booklets, e-books, tapes, posters, and cards--close to a million have been sold worldwide.

Helene has appeared numerous times in the media (including international CNN), and hosted her own local radio and television shows.

All of her educational materials, classes and services support her mission of helping people to feel more loving, peaceful, fulfilled, healthy, happy, and empowered.

http://www.lovetopeace.com

The Nutritional Facts Concerning Acne

2009-01-14T09:51:00.001+07:00

Acne vulgaris is commonly known as acne and is common among teenagers due to hormonal changes at this stage in life. Too much sebum produce by the sebaceous glands at this time in life blocks up skin pores which makes them get infected. The condition consists of red raised areas of the skin which can develop into pustules (white heads) and even cysts. Common areas of the body that are affected are the back, chest, groin and face. The arms, buttocks, lower trunk and upper legs can also be affected in severe cases.

There is no conclusive evidence that acne is caused by poor nutrition, but poor nutrition could make the symptoms worst. A diet high in fried food and saturated fats can make it easier for pores to be blocked. It would be wise to keep to a whole food diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of mineral water, at least a litre a day. Eggs, onions and garlic can be beneficial due to the high content of sulphur. It is best to avoid stimulants like sugar and cigarettes. Foods high in essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as oily fish, seeds, nuts and whole-grain cereals are good as they have anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin A (should be avoid by pregnant women and those planning pregnancy), E, C and Zinc can be beneficial taken in supplements form. Topical application of diluted tea tree oil can also help with acne.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Acne.

Antioxidant complex
Multivitamin and multiminerals
Vitamin A (Should be avoid by pregnant women or women planning pregnancy)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh
Bespoke consultations for a healthier natural life
Website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com

Lasers A Modern Cosmetic Treatment For Acne Blemishes

2009-01-14T02:31:00.001+07:00

The best way to protect your skin from acne-related scarring is to take preventative measures early on. But it is often true that people who suffer from acne are unable to prevent future scarring sufficiently. In fact, it is estimated that more than 10 million Americans end up with scarring caused by acne.

There are many degrees of acne-related scarring. In some cases, the scarring is very minimal and hard to notice. But in other cases, scarring is severe and can cause long-term emotional damage. Many teenagers who have severe scarring caused by acne suffer from depression and a loss of self-confidence. They may become emotionally withdrawn and isolated, unhappy with their appearance.

There are many different factors that contribute to the level of severity of acne-related scarring. Dermatological studies indicate that genetics may play a large role in determining how mild or severe an individual?s scarring may be. It is also evident that adolescents who suffer from particularly problematic acne may be more likely to have severe scarring in adulthood.

Luckily, many therapies and medical procedures have been developed to help ease acne-related scarring. The earlier someone begins appropriate treatment, the better the chance that scarring will be diminished.

Those who are considering undergoing therapy or medical procedures to combat acne-related scarring should discuss the possibilities with their dermatologists.

Laser treatment is one approach to help with acne-related scarring. There are two major kinds of lasers that are used in acne scar laser therapy. They are ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers.

Ablative lasers work by removing the outermost layers of the skin. These lasers burn scar tissue and cause a tightening in the dermal collagen. This reduces the visibility of the scarring. The yellow light laser, a sort of ablative laser, can help to treat keloidal scars by reducing redness and flattening the surface. Yellow light lasers also reduce itching of raised scars.

Laser treatments performed with ablative lasers actually injure the skin and leave it exposed without its outermost protective layers. Those who receive this sort of laser therapy must take extreme care to help wounds heal and prevent possible infection from occurring. The skin may appear reddened for a several months or even a year after the laser treatment. Non-ablative laser treatments affect the dermis directly and do not injure the outermost layers of skin, or the epidermis. Smoothbeam is a non-ablative laser recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Smoothbeam works by heating the sebum-producing sebaceous gland, which helps to reduce acne formation. Smoothbeam also heats the collagen, which causes a tightening in the dermis, making scarring less apparent,

Before non-ablative laser treatment is performed, a topical cream is applied to the skin. In order to prevent epidermal damage, the skin is cooled. The patient receiving this treatment will experience some stinging and some sensations of heat during the procedure, but the topical cream helps ease these sensations. The procedure lasts for about an hour. Three sessions are usually recommended to achieve noticeable improvement in acne-related scarring.

Because ablative and non-ablative laser treatments for acne-related scarring differ so much in their effects and side effects, those considering laser therapy should discuss the details of these procedures with their dermatologists.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Mesothelioma for Dummies

2009-01-13T20:31:00.001+07:00

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor of the mesothelium that is commonly caused by asbestos. Asbestos, although not the topic of this paper, is a fiberlike material that was used in construction materials to provide more strength and heat resistance. Any exposure to asbestos can be harmful and cause problems later in life. The chance of having problems due to asbestos is the same for all people regardless of their age, sex, race, etc. All are at risk of cancer and other diseases due to their exposure to asbestos.

How common is mesothelioma? According to Mesothelioma.com, it occurs in 14 cases out of every 1 million each year, but it is also becoming more and more common. Men over 60 years old have the greatest tendency to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is typically due to exposure to construction materials at some point in their lifetime.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are typically pain in the lower back, pain in the side of the chest, and shortness of breath. For a better description of the symptoms please see the more qualified information that can be found on Mesothelioma.com.

There are three different systems used to classify the stages of mesothelioma. Those systems are the Butchart System, the TNM System, and the Brigham System. The diagnosing is normally done with a tissue biopsy, but can also be done with x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

As with most cancers, mesothelioma is treated with one or some combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Mesotheliomaweb.org also notes that photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy are also being used in some cases.

The final takeaway is that mesothelioma is a serious condition and it should not be treated lightly. If you think you are experiencing symptoms, then get in to a doctor and get it checked out. Your health is important and your doctor will be able to help you or get you in touch with someone who can.

Jason D. Barrett is currently focused on writing informative articles for InfoBriefs.com, child insurance articles for ChildInsure.com, and technology articles for ScoutTechnology.com. This is part of his highly successful internet property development approach. Please feel free to contact Jason through one of his sites to see how he can help you develop your own internet property!

How To Identify The Best Skin Care Lotion For You

2009-01-12T20:52:00.001+07:00

Lotion is a beauty product made from water and oil mixture that is being applied to skin to keep it soft and younger looking. Lotions available in the market today are being used as antiseptics, antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-acne agents. In addition, they are also being used as protective or soothing agents and commonly use to aid body massage.

Lotions are enriched with essential oils and/or botanicals to care for the skin. They are specially formulated to leave skin feeling soft and silky smooth. In addition, they beautify, improve tone, and hydrate all sensitive and delicate skin types.

When people buy lotion, they must consider their skin type first to get the most appropriate one. Here are some tips when buying skin care lotions:

1. Normal skin.

People who are lucky enough to have normal skin can use any type of lotion. These people do not have noticeable blemishes or acne. Their skin is soft and supple. Also, their skin has beautiful texture and pigment and does not have oily sheen. These people can get any lotion available in the market today and won?t have problems keeping their skin looking brilliant and attractive. However, dermatologists recommend lotions that contains Vitamin E, A, and C to keep the skin smooth and soft.

2. Oily skin.

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous gland. People who have oily skin have wet sheen around the chin, nose, and forehead. They also have visible pimples and blackheads all over the face and sometimes on some other part of the body. These people usually have large pores on the face that have greasy feel. To dry out the oily skin, these people must choose a lotion that is specially formulated to regulate the sebaceous gland. These lotions are often expensive compare to other lotion in the market but they usually work. The good thing about having an oily skin is it is not prone to wrinkles.

3. Dry Skin.

Dry skin can be a result of cold weather, genetics, excessive bathing, or allergic reaction. It is commonly rough, scaly, and itchy if not remedied. People who have dry skin are sensitive to cold and heat, they also have flakes on the cheeks, although they are unlikely to develop acne. The secret in soothing dry skin is regular use of moisturizers and thicker lotions. Lotions that are specifically designed for dry skin contain Alpha hydroxyl acids that is being used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin to get rid of dryness. Dermatologists recommend regular use of moisturizer and lotions to achieve soft and supple skin.

Skin condition must also be taken into consideration when buying lotion. People who are suffering from Eczema for example must use especially formulated lotion recommended by their dermatologists.

Knowing the skin type is very important when getting a lotion that would match the need of the skin. This is a sure fire way in attaining attractive and soft skin.

Most skin care lotions in the market today are generally safe and do not have side effects. They can be applied directly to the body as directed. However, if irritation, itching, or redness occurs immediately seek medical attention. Also, do not forget to inform the dermatologist right away about allergic reaction to some substances and skin disorder/infections before trying out new lotions.

skincare-101.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources on Skin Care. If you want to read or share information on Health & Fitness-Acne, you're always welcome!

God's Healing Power Is Available To You By Faith

2009-01-11T21:07:00.001+07:00

Good health and healing is available to us by faith in Jesus. It is God?s promise to us when we become Christians. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by Him and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed.Isaiah 53:4-5 NIV

God created us to have eternal life, which includes health, in the beginning but because of what happened when Adam and Eve sinned against God, our bodies and soul were given over to death and decay. ?The man now has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat and live forever.? Genesis 3:22

God has to follow the natural law that He has placed on this earth. Just as trees and flowers and even rocks are subject to decay, our bodies are naturally given over to decay until we die and we become ashes. But when we receive new life in Jesus, we are renewed inside and out. ?Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!? 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

However, we still live on the earth and our bodies are still subject to the world?s decay. Just as we need to guard our hearts against sin, we need to guard our bodies against that physical decay.

That?s why it is so important to eat right and take care of our bodies. It?s not wisdom to allow things in our body that are not healthy, just as we wouldn?t allow things in our minds that are not healthy. Moderation is the key.

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. That?s the same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. If it is powerful enough to raise the dead; it is certainly powerful enough to heal you and keep you healthy.

If you haven?t received Jesus in your heart as your Savior, please consider it. Maybe you have been considering it but you are putting it off. It doesn't matter what you've done or who you are, God forgives a repentant heart. Don?t put it off any longer;the blessing and healing of God awaits you once you receive His love into your heart.

If you need healing, receive it the same way you received your salvation-by faith! Look up scriptures on healing and declare them over yourself. In most situations, you will not see a ?miraculous? healing that occurs instantaneously. It happens, but rarely. God works according to the natural laws that He set in place. He also created our bodies to heal naturally. Our faith and our actions work together to bring healing to our bodies. Even the medical community has given credit to the power of prayer to heal. Think positively about your health situation in your mind and express it through your words by declaring God?s word of healing over yourself.

As you declare God's word of healing over your life, don't turn around and say that you are sick. You are are just stomping all over the seed of your faith and you will not receive your harvest of healing. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a doubleminded man, unstable in all he does.James 3:6-8 NIV

If you struggle with this idea of healing, seek God about it for yourself. We all have the ability to hear from God for ourselves. Just make sure that what you hear in your heart lines up with the word of God. ?But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.? James 3:17 NIV God is always positive, never condemns or discourages. God always rewards those who seek Him and He gives wisdom to those who ask for it, ?If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.? James 1:5-6 NIV.

Eunice Coughlin is the founder of http://www.healthy-living-for-moms.com,for moms of all ages and stages who seek spiritual and physical health and wellness. Read more about how God heals at http://www.healthy-living-for-moms.com/Faithhealing.html

Adjustable Dumbells Are Part Of Any Balanced Fitness Plan

2009-01-08T20:53:00.001+07:00

While many focus upon the biological or medicinal side of acne, there are many researchers who are trying to see if there might be a natural cure to this disease; a disease which effects so many people.

One commonality that these researchers are finding is that acne, although genetically passed on, can be controlled with diet. Some scientists may disagree, but we've all heard the old adage, what you put in is what you get out. This may be true with acne; even in it's most severe forms.

First and foremost, obesity has been thought as a major factor contributing to acne. With an obese person, there is an increased activity in the glands of the body, and this includes the glands below hair follicles, which produce oil. Losing weight and exercising each and every day may help immensely. This requires no drugs, just self-control and willpower.

Diet is another major concern for naturalists striving for a cure. They are finding that a diet rich in vegetable and fruit helps significantly balance hormones that effect glands. Vegetables and fruit help keep the body in homeostasis, or in balance.

The intake of fatty foods, such as Trans Fats, or those made from animal products (milk based products, i.e. margarine and even vegetable oils), also increases gland activity in the body. There is a type of oil; however, that may be good at fighting against acne.

Omega-3 oils, commonly found in fish and sea animals, is natural oil that is good for the body, especially for the skin. Other foods that contain oils, sugars, caffeine, carbonization and heavy amounts of salts, should be avoided at all costs for sufferers of acne.

Zinc, a mineral gaining much popularity in the natural world for its medicinal qualities, helps fight the clogging of pores that leads to acne. In the form of gluconate or sulfate, it helps the skin heal blemishes and helps to balance hormonal activity.

Zinc has recently been found to be as effective as prescription strength tetracycline. Other vitamins, including vitamin A and B6 may help substantially in hormonal balance, resulting in clearer, healthier skin.

In any case, the positive effects seen from the uses of natural medications and a proper diet cannot be ignored. Even when compared to synthetic treatment options, natural healing with vitamins and minerals may help even the most severe cases.

Discover useful advice and information about the causes and prevention of acne. Website contains useful articles and updated information on this nasty skin condition. http://www.acne-treatment-zap.com/acne-care.html

Steve Williams is a freelance writer, who suffered acne for many years. His research into prevention and acne cures have helped him, and other fellow sufferers.

How To Tackle Acne Simple Yet Effective Guidelines!

2009-01-08T01:22:00.001+07:00

The most common problem facing a majority of young people is acne. Acne is a skin disease that generally afflicts people in their 20s. However it is also seen in some people as old as 40. Many people tend to ignore the condition, as it is not a serious or a debilitating disease. However if the condition is not treated properly, it can lead to ugly and permanent scars on the face and other parts of the body.

The condition is caused by hormonal imbalance. Acne leads to closing of the pores and that leads to black and white pores. The condition if not treated can lead to permanent scars.

Acne is of two types, Inflammatory and noninflammatory. While the noninflammatory is generally mild, the inflammatory type of acne can be quite painful. The inflammatory glands turn into pimples and sometimes turn infectious. This condition if left untreated can lead to deep and permanent scars. The condition results in white and black pores on the face, neck back and the chest.

The first and the foremost measure to tackle acne are to follow good hygiene. Excessive intake of coffee, alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle are also the major causes for acne.

A strict regimen of good personal hygiene will bring in good results. And if this coupled with a balanced diet and proper lifestyle, the problem can be tackled most effectively.

However, for any remedy to bring in good result, it should be followed up regularly and repeatedly. Temporary measure will only bring in temporary relief. Therefore do not neglect acne when it is in a mild condition this can deteriorate and lead to a far severe chronic condition that may require expert care and treatment.

By following a proper diet and simple remedies, acne can be completely cured. You can follow any one of the following methods to treat acne.

Apply lemon juice on the affected area.
Apply mashed papaya on the affected areas.
Apply sandalwood paste.
Apply a pack of Multanimitti.
Wash the face with a sulfur based soap.

Along with the above treatment a healthy and balanced diet will go a long way in controlling acne. Drink at least one liter of water every day. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

Use a face pack that suits you skin regularly and then wash your face thoroughly with plain water. Apply antiseptic lotion on the pores and clean them thoroughly. The most effective method for preventing acne however is by following good hygiene, taking a balanced diet, proper exercise and leading a tension free and active life.

Venkata Ramana is the writer of Acne Solution blog. Read his informative reports about Acne Scar and get rid of acne forever!

Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma

2009-01-06T22:54:00.001+07:00

Majority of mesothelioma (cancerous tumor affecting mesothelial cells of organs) cases come under the classification ?pleural mesothelioma?. This is a cancer that originates in the pleura, the delicate membrane covering the lungs. Out of these, seventy five percent are diffuse malignant pleural mesethelioma. The balance is localized or benign.

Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma is, in most cases, caused by unprotected exposure to asbestos. The symptoms include shortness of breath and/or chest pain, loss of weight, cough, fatigue, swelling on the face, neck and arms, reduced appetite, and coughing up blood. There would be collection of fluid in the thoracic cavity. It may take from twenty to forty years or more after contact with asbestos for the symptoms to emerge. Because of the time lag, diagnosing is often difficult. Moreover, many doctors are not familiar with the disease.

Diagnostic procedure consists mostly of imaging with Computed Tomography (CT scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Position Emission Tomography (PET), and laboratory tests and analysis. Thoractomy, which means making an incision through the chest wall to look into the pleura (the membrane lining the lungs and the thoracic cavity) and pleural biopsy provide conclusive evidence.

Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma tumor is very aggressive and spreads fast. There are several methods to gauge the stage of the cancer. The most common is known as TNM. T is for the size of the tumor, N for the number of lymph nodules involved, and M for metastasis (spread of the cancer). There are basically four different stages. Correct grading helps the doctors to decide on the course of treatment. If the affliction is detected at an early stage, the chances of longer survival are better.

But generally the prognosis (response to treatment) is not good in diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma cases. Surgery during Stage I may help. If detected during the later phases of the cancer the survival rate is four months to twelve months. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy do not seem to improve the survival rate. The reality is that currently there is no effective curative treatment. Research is on to find new management methods and more effectual medicines.

Pleural Mesothelioma provides detailed information on Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate, Mesothelioma Pleural Brachytherapy and more. Pleural Mesothelioma is affiliated with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers.

Control Your Acne With Effective Acne Treatments

2009-01-05T22:36:00.001+07:00

Acne is not a problem confined to adolescence; in fact, more than sixty percent of the population is troubled with blackheads and pimples well beyond the teen years. If acne is your problem, cheer up. While there are no acne cures, with reliable acne treatments, including internal and external therapies, you can keep outbreaks controlled, reduce the possibility of scarring, and lessen that greasy, shiny look. It?s time to feel good about yourself again.

Causes of Acne

Acne has never been completely understood, but hormonal imbalances and heredity are certainly major factors, and breakouts can be aggravated by stress and lifestyle choices. The chief catalyst seems to be overactive sebaceous glands which secrete too much sebum, the lubricant the helps retain moisture and then becomes too much of a good thing. The oil clogs the pores of the skin causing breakouts, mostly on the face if it is adult acne, and on the face and sometimes on the back, chest, and upper arms in the teen years. Oily skin, pimples, blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness are acne symptoms, and these can be exacerbated by diet, pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, and humidity.

Acne is not to be confused with rosacea, another facial skin condition which usually strikes in the middle years and causes blotchy red skin and small bumps, but rarely whiteheads or blackheads.

Your Diet Affects Your Skin

There is no scientific proof that certain foods, like chocolate or colas, can cause breakouts, but if something seems to act as a trigger for you, avoid whatever it is. Choose a healthy, balanced diet high in fiber and high in zinc, which means shellfish, nuts, egg yolks, and whole grains; and natural raw food rich in oxalic acid, such as almonds, cashews, and beets. The whole range of B vitamins will help keep your skin clear, and too little vitamin B2 can actually cause oily skin. B vitamins are found in wheat germ, Brewer?s yeast, organ meats, nuts, and beans. Remember that one of the functions of the skin is to eliminate toxins through perspiration. This means you should drink lots of water to flush out most toxins via the kidneys and the liver and keep your system clear. Water is also necessary to keeps your skin hydrated. A good diet encourages clear, healthy skin, and works as an anti aging treatment as well.

Supplements Can Assist with Acne Control

Food grown in nutrient-depleted soil will be lacking sufficient nutrients to optimize good health and healthy skin, and so it makes sense to add one or more supplements to your diet. Supplements are also useful if you eat a lot of processed food and occasionally feel the urge to gorge yourself on fast food. The best supplement is a multivitamin suitable for your age and sex, and then you can add zinc and possibly a B vitamin complex or Brewer?s yeast to help meet your special requirements. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid which is known to benefit skin cells, and you might find it helpful to add this supplement as well.

Acne Skin Care is Needed Daily

Any acne treatment should begin with a common sense procedure such as cleansing the skin with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh cleansers and astringents, which make the oil glands more productive. An antibacterial astringent is perfect for wiping away excess oil between cleansings. Avoid squeezing and picking which can spread inflammation and cause acne scars, and use hot compresses and then an extractor for blackhead removal if needed. Antibacterial lotions that dry the skin, mild, pure soap, and a medicated cream is useful for treating oily, acne-prone skin. If you wear makeup, choose water-based acne products rather than oil-based products. Avoid anything that makes your skin feel tight and dry. If the upper layer of skin has been treated so harshly that it has become dry and shrunken, the flow of oil will be restricted and even more blockages and breakouts will occur.

Good Medical Options are Available for Acne Sufferers

A dermatologist should be consulted if your acne is severe, and this will give you access to tretinoin (Retin-A cream) or accutane for acute cases, both of which are available on perscription. You can also get prescriptions for a range of antibiotics in pill form, such as tetracycline, as well as antibiotic salves and creams. Effective over-the-counter acne treatments include topical salves and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, or a five-percent solution of tea tree oil, or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Blemishes can be dried up with a variety of acne products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol.

More Useful Information and Advice

* Exercise is good for the skin since it increases circulation and blood flow, but when you are exercising, avoid wearing cosmetics or moisturizers, which keep perspiration from flowing freely and cause pores to clog. Sweatbands also hold perspiration and oil against the skin and shouldn?t be used.

* Keep your hair off your face so that you are not adding to your problems with scalp oil. Avoid using hair products that are oily or greasy for the same reason.

* Prolonged exposure to the sun or sunlamps might dry acne but can result in a whole host of new problems, such as damaged, leathery skin and skin cancer. There are better solutions.

* Use caution about taking saunas and steam baths as they may aggravate your acne condition. You can?t do much about heat and humidity ? nature?s version of saunas and steam baths ? but keeping your skin clean and removing excess oil frequently will assist in the prevention of breakouts.

* Remember that stress makes acne worse. Don?t let emotional upsets get under your skin, so to speak. Try meditation or relaxation techniques to prevent stress-induced breakouts. Your skin isn?t the only organ that will benefit.

Acne treatments are of vital importance to acne sufferers and can make a big difference in the lives of people who have to cope with this very real problem. Both internal and external acne remedies can be found on the Internet. Compare prices and brands, and place your order from the comfort of your home. Products are usually shipped the same day that you order. Shop with confidence online, and see an improvement in your appearance within days.

Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing information and advice to online shoppers who are in the market for anti aging options, acne treatments, and general skin care.

Contact Lenses and the Over 40's

2009-01-05T01:18:00.001+07:00

The over-40s crowd are suffering from discovering that their arms are growing shorter as words become increasingly more difficult to read up close and they must hold small items at arms length to be able to see them properly.

This is obviously an eye complaint and is called presbyopia. This condition occurs as the eye gradually loses its ability to focus on objects close at hand. The problem,at first, may only occur in dim lighting situations such as in restaurants or other poorly lit rooms. Over time it will worsen until it is impossible to read or to carry out close work at all.

Fortunately for this generation of the over 40s or baby boomers they have more choice that ever before when it come to correcting their vision.

Reading glasses remain a popular choice for this generation and many keep various pairs of different styles around the home. They works well in conjunction with contact lenses and as this generation are more active than their parents were at the same age contacts are making more of an impact. The more sportily minded prefer the convenience of being able to see but without the hassle of wearing glasses.

Bifocal contact lenses are a modern option that allow the wearer to be able to see things at close range aswell as distance vision. These lenses are in wide use today aswell as monovision fits which allows one eye to see things close up and the other eye to see things at a distance.

Lorna Mclaren http://www.ur-contact-lenses.com

Treating and Curing Wrinkles

2009-01-04T02:51:00.001+07:00

Why is it that practically everyone in the middle class to the upper levels of demographics in any country are worried about getting wrinkles? Maybe it?s the fear of getting old or looking old, or the wanting to look socially acceptable, or just plain vanity. We all have our own reasons. But whatever it is, everyone is united in wanting to solve this age old problem. However, in the first place, do we even have any idea about what actually causes these dreaded wrinkles? It?s highly probable that we don?t. The most important factor in finding a solution to any problem is finding out the root cause of it.

As we age, our body undergoes various changes, and so does our skin. In our skin, we have tissues known as collagen and elastin. These tissues are mainly responsible for making our skin firm and stretchable. As we grow older, the amount of collagen and elastin in our skin naturally diminishes. As a result, our skin becomes less elastic and weaker, thus creating ?wrinkles?. Experts say that the amount of wrinkles that a person will develop through the years also depends on the genetic make up of this individual. However, smoking, sun exposure, dry skin, and repetitive facial expressions and mannerisms such as frowning, can all enhance the creation of wrinkles that may or may not be permanently present.

Over the years, beauty experts and skin doctors have come up with a vast array products to treat and minimize wrinkles. Anti-wrinkle creams and ointments help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming. These wrinkle ointments and anti-aging creams help a lot in restoring the skin's firmness and elasticity. In addition, these products contain anti-oxidants and retinol that not only aids in reducing wrinkles and fine lines on the skin, but also stimulates collagen production.

For people seeking solutions to severe damage that has already been done to the skin, there are a number of treatments available ranging from chemical peels and dermabrasion to the latest and technologically advanced, computerized laser resurfacing. However, many people looking for skin repair are hesitant to try chemical or laser peels due to the painful procedure and long recuperation period they have to undergo. The results of these procedures however, are fantastic.

One less painful procedure is the particle skin resurfacing procedure. Dr. John Studd MD, plastic surgeon at the Hale clinic explains ? The process is removes the outer layer of skin in a highly controlled manner. Because of its preciseness, it is practically painless. By repeating this procedure a number of times, the younger skin moves to the surface, thus promoting visible changes in the skin?s texture, color and appearance. The benefits of this skin resurfacing procedure are that it causes very little pain or discomfort, no recuperative period is needed, there is minimal risk, it can be used for all skin types, and no anesthesia is required. ?

The important thing to remember when seeking out treatment for your wrinkles is to know first how your body can possibly react to the treatment. Get in touch with a skin doctor for things that you are not sure of, but are contemplating on trying out. For more information, visit www.bestskinpeel.com

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

2009-01-02T20:54:00.001+07:00

Mesothelioma is the technical name for cancer of the mesothelium.

It can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are similar to other conditions, like lung cancer.

The first visit you have with your doctor, he?ll ask you about exposure to asbestos. Older homes were made of asbestos.

Even though it?s hard to detect in its early stages, a doctor can perform a couple of tests. Chest x-ray, CT scan and MRI scan will allow the doctor to do a good diagnose.

A CT scan is used to create detailed images. MRI scan uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer but does not utilize radiation to create a clear image.

These tests aid the doctor in differentiating between mesothelioma and other lung tumors. And they can also help in determining where the tumor is.

If necessary, a doctor might have to draw fluid to confirm its diagnosis. There are a couple of ways to do it.

First, a doctor can make a small incision to place a flexible tube in the area of the tumor which is called a thoracoscopy. Sometimes, however, a more extensive surgical procedure may be advisable.

Second, a thoracotomy can be done to open the chest to take a tissue sample and to remove most of the visible tumor. Also, a mediastinoscopy may be done to determine what kind of cancer it is.

Then, the tissue samples are looked at under a microscope to determine whether the tumor is a mesothelioma or some other type of cancer.

I decided to write about mesothelioma because my dad was exposed to asbestos while working on a house. Now, he?s breathing is effected by it.

Wesley Exon Senior Writer http://www.mesothelioma-cancerinfo.com

Stop Acne Now!

2009-01-02T02:28:00.001+07:00

Acne is a terrible scurge, afflicting people in every age group. Acne primarily affects teens and adolescents and can cause long lasting physical and emotional scars. For years we have either learned to deal with our acne, or spent thousands of dollars with dermatologists or on useless as seen on tv products we have seen (like Proactive). Currently there are two treatments that do work and one is actually cost effective. It is now a fact that acne can be treated, controlled and even cured.

We must become more educated on what acne is and whqat does and does not cause it. Acne is an inflammation of the skin that is caused by overproduction of sebum (oil) from our sbaceous glands and a low skin pH (acidity) that make ideal conditions for bacteria. This bacteria clogs the pores and causes pimples and deeper inflammed bumps and postules (acne). Acne is genetic as it is first started by the overproduction of oil and acidity levels. Chocolate and sugary items don't cause it.

Accutane (can only be prescribed) works by greatly reducing the production of sebum. This reduction in sebum will make the skin very dry and does have some bad side effects like possible liver damage and such so it is available only through your dermatologist and is used as a drastic or last measure. Basically it brings out all the acne you will have in the next 2-3 years all at once over the first 2 months and then it is all gone. The first 2 months are rough, however - I had this treatment.

TCA peels are a more affordable and less drastic alternative. TCA peels work by cleansing the skin, increasing the pH or acidity of the skin making it unfavorable for bacteris, and increasing the rate of skin regeneration thus hastening the healing process. TCA Peels work 1,000 times better than any overrated peroxide wash or cleansing system and have similar results to Accutane without any of the harsh side effects. They have been rated as one of the best at home products / treatments available. This has been proven on millions of patients - why else would every dermatologist and plastic surgeon offer TCA peels?

So, basically, you can either live with the scurge of acne or treat it. TCA peels are the most cost effective and least harmful solution to acne and can now be purchased directly instead of through your doctor for tremendous savings.

Smart Cardio That Works

2008-12-31T22:44:00.001+07:00

Even if you've got the greatest abdominal workout in the world, it?s not going to slim your waist unless you also burn off the fat. Trust me...there are many of people out there who have great muscular tone and balance in the mid-section, but don't even know it because those nice abs are covered in a layer of fat. Remember, a combination of three factors is necessary for a slim waistline: a good abdominal workout, smart cardiovascualr exercise, and proper nutrition. In this article, I?m going to explain how to choose the proper cardio workout structure for burning the most amount of calories and burning the proper ratio of carbohydrates and fat.

When it comes to cardio, the question I probably receive most is: long and slow or short and fast? This question actually reflects the most important concept behind a good cardio routine. The truth is, it depends. Let?s begin by looking at total amount of calories burnt.

Say I ask you to travel a mile on foot. I don?t care how you do it ? walk, jog, or run. Many exercise professionals will tell you that you?ll burn the same number of calories any way you do it, as long as you?re covering the same distance. This is simply not true. Studies have shown that the faster you cover that distance, the more calories you burn, period. There is a higher metabolic cost to moving quickly than to moving slowly. So you?re going to burn the most calories by pedaling, running, rowing, swimming, or doing any other cardio you do as fast as possible. The added bonus is that the faster you move, the higher your post-exercise metabolism becomes, meaning that you burn more calories throughout the day after your workout than if you had moved at a slower pace.

Here?s the catch ? the faster you ?move? across that mile, the more you rely on carbohydrates for energy, and the less you rely on fat. Although burning carbohydrates is beneficial, your body should also be learning how to efficiently use fat as an energy source. The ?fat-burning? zone varies from person to person, but a good rule is that when breathing becomes labored or the muscles begin to burn, you?ve crossed the threshold to utilizing carbohydrate as a primary energy source. The basic science behind this is that it takes more oxygen to burn 1 calorie from fat than it takes to burn 1 calorie from carbohydrate, so as your body begins to work harder and get lower on oxygen, it turns more to carbohydrate as an energy source.

So here?s the application part. If you are pressed for time in your workout, go short and fast (i.e. 10-20 minutes, at an intensity level of 8-10). You will burn more calories, both in your workout and throughout the rest of the day. Ideally, however, if you have the time, you should also be incorporating long and slow cardio workouts into your routine (i.e. 20-60 minutes, at an intensity level of 6-8), essentially ?training? your body to burn fat as a fuel. Often, I have my clients work in both zones by performing their short and hard cardio efforts prior to weight training on their ?difficult? days, then performing their slow and long cardio efforts on their ?easy? days. The added bonus is that the slow and long cardio efforts allow the body to recover more quickly from the previous day's difficult efforts, which means better results.

Let?s finish with a sample workout that will keep you in both zones during the same workout. This is an ?interval? routine. Here?s how it works:

5 minute graded warm-up, gradually working up to a hard intensity by minute 5

1 minute hard-fast effort (labored breathing)

2 minutes easy-medium effort (conversation possible)

2 minutes hard-fast effort

1 minute easy-medium effort

repeat 1x

3 minutes hard-fast effort

3 minutes easy-medium effort

4 minutes hard-fast effort

4 minutes easy-medium effort

repeat 1x

5 minute cool-down, gradually working down to a very easy effort by minute 5.

If you sign-up to work more extensively with an online trainer at www.pacificfit.net, you can receive a series of workouts that include pre-written cardio intervals similar to the one above, along with a comprehensive resistance training routine and nutritional plan, complete with exercise photos and videos. Congratulations, you?re yet another step closer to slimming the waist.

Head trainer Ben Greenfield runs the online training website Pacific Elite Fitness, and holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Sport Science and Exercise Physiology, as well as certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Personal Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA-CPT & CSCS). For over 6 years, Ben has coached and trained professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes, and helped hundreds of individuals achieve their personal fitness goals. For more information on online personal training and fitness, contact Ben at elite@pacificfit.net.
www.pacificfit.net

Acne Care for Adults

2008-12-31T00:35:00.001+07:00

Roughly 20% of acne cases being treated in the United States belong to adults. For many adults, what was thought of as a teenage affliction has continued well into their twenties and thirties. For other adults suffering from acne, the outbreaks did not start until they reached their twenties.

The causes of adult acne vary and can be any one or a combination of the following conditions.

Stress

Until recently, stress related acne was a myth. Researchers are now beginning to understand the correlation between stress and acne. For adult acne sufferers, stress is considered to be the leading cause to post-pubescent breakouts.

When we are exposed to stressful situations, the brain triggers the central nervous system, which in turn sends signals to the rest of the body as part of a primitive fight or flight response. Part of this response is hormonal release from our adrenal glands and fatty secretions from the sebaceous glands, which lay beneath the skin.

Both hormonal imbalance and fatty secretions, which can clog pores, are known contributors to acne outbreaks.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances as a cause of adult acne primarily affect women. Imbalances that occur during a woman?s menstrual cycle or as a result of pregnancy can lead to acne outbreaks.

There are adult males who report that they have monthly acne episodes. While men obviously do not menstruate, it is believed that men may have hormonal cycles similar to women.

Coffee Consumption Adults tend to ingest more coffee than do teens. The caffeine in coffee and tea promotes the production of cortisol, which is also known as the stress hormone. As noted, hormone imbalances are known contributors to adult acne.

Smoking

The chemicals introduced into the body by cigarette smoking limit blood circulation to skin cells, inhibiting the skin?s ability to heal and regenerate. The toxins released in cigarette smoke can clog pores and promote bacterial growth in pores, all of which contributes to adult acne.

Heredity

Recent research has shown that people are more likely to suffer from adult acne if they have a family history of adult acne sufferers.

Environmental Job conditions that expose the skin to high levels of pollutants, irritants, or humidity can lead to an increase in adult acne.

Cosmetics

?Poorly formulated cosmetics that are heavy or greasy can clog skin pores, trapping bacteria, dirt, and oils resulting in adult acne breakouts. Covering acne with makeup can make the condition worse.

BIO:

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Hypnosis Meditation and Imagery

2008-12-30T00:22:00.001+07:00

In the western world people are comparatively comfortable with ?hypnosis?. In the east the word ?meditation? does not raise any eyebrows. Hypnosis has been used mainly for ?directed healing?. Meditation has been used mainly for ?general? well-being.

In the West, visualisation and imagery have developed from hypnosis. This is a commonly known fact among practitioners of hypnosis. But visualization is also integral parts of meditation- is not commonly known.

Hypnosis and meditation have both been described as ?altered states?. They are considered to be ?altered? because they transcend the conscious, reasoning mind. The conscious mind is mainly dependent on reason and logic for its activities. Unlike the ?Unconscious?, it has to make effort to think. On the other hand the ?unconscious? is the ?feeling? part of the nervous system, is spontaneous and regulates all the internal organs of the body. This is the ?effortless? part of the mind.

In order to change our internal body physiology, we have to have access to the ?unconscious? that controls our heart rate, blood pressure and the secretion of various hormones and juices in the body. Hypnosis is a method by which access to the ?unconscious? is made by letting a person go into a relaxed state. Usually hypnosis is done by a hypnotherapist, though self-hypnosis can also be done by an individual in certain conditions.

Meditation is usually done by oneself without any instructions from another person. So once you have learnt self-hypnosis, you can go into a meditative state spontaneously. In deeper meditative states, visualization is an active process. It is theorized by the practitioners, that the human spirit then has access to dimensions that are beyond the reach of human senses in wakeful state.

Hypnosis is usually goal-orientated. People practice hypnosis to achieve something ?the least is a relaxed state. The commonly known goal of meditation is relaxation only. Whatever follows from relaxation is spontaneous and not necessarily with a goal. Visualisation and imagery though spontaneous, are also integral parts of meditation.

Imagery is now considered a different state than hypnosis or meditation, though it is common to both. The reason for this is that one can experience the benefits of healing with imagery without going into a trance state. One has simply to close one?s eyes and start having images. Imagery is the language of the ?unconscious?. All of our memories are stored in the form of images. If you remember the images of an event from the past, the body goes through the same physiological responses as it underwent when the event was actually happening. Using imagery, one can change the perception and thinking about various issues in life by changing the images one has.

In my own experience, changing the emotions associated with the events changes the images that the ?unconscious? carries. This reduces the stress experienced by the nervous system and the body in general. This enables the body to rid itself of various habits, behaviours, thinking and perception that are detrimental to the person. If someone is on psychiatric drugs, this reduction in stress helps the person reduce medication on a regular basis.

More details of this work can be obtained from my website.

Pradeep K Chadha is a psychiatrist who specialises in helping patients with meditation and imagery using little or no medication. He is the author of The Stress Barrier-Nature's Way To Overcoming Stress published by Blackhall Publishing, Dublin. He is based in Dublin, Ireland.His website address is http://www.drpkchadha.com

Speech Therapy For Children Who Stutter

2008-12-29T00:11:00.001+07:00

Do you have a stutter? Does one of your children have a stutter? Do you know somebody who has a stutter? This article is all about the speech impediment known as stuttering or stammering. It includes information about stuttering and also treatments which are available to help people who stutter to achieve fluency.

Stuttering is a much larger problem than many people think. Latest research suggests that as many as one percent of the population of the UK has a stuttering problem and that around eighty percent of these people are male.

I had a stutter for eighteen years. I have been informed that I started stuttering when I was only four years of age. I regularly attended speech therapy over the next fourteen years before deciding that it was unlikely to ever help me to achieve fluency.

The stutter was one huge frustration for me as at times I could talk very well. Certain situations such as when I felt under pressure or when I was very tired, was when speaking fluently became very hard for me. I had a number of words which I believed that I was unable to say and would often fear these type of sounds. I would go to great lengths to avoid having to say them, which was not that easy at times.

Some people I have met have become extremely good at hiding their own stutter. They have stated that most of the people that they know are not even aware that they have a speech impediment.

Other people are not able to hide their stutter in this way and will have what is perceived to be a much more severe stutter.

There are a number of treatments for stuttering including the normal route of speech therapy via the local doctor or hospital. Many people who stutter find this form of therapy very frustrating as there are often long waiting lists, and the sessions are normally quite short and irregular.

There is also private therapy in the form of people who have managed to overcome their own stutter. This can be on a one-to-one basis or in a group situation.

Other people attempt to seek help via hypnotherapy or confidence based courses.

I managed to overcome my own stutter after a lot of hard work and practice. It was not easy by any stretch of the imagination, however the results have totally transformed my life. I have now enjoyed speaking fluently for the last ten years.

I have met many people who stutter in that time and have been amazed to hear some of the stories of how they started to stutter. Contrary to popular belief it does not just originate in childhood but can start at any age. A traumatic event can at times trigger the start of a stutter problem in people as can certain forms of abuse.

If you have a stutter do not despair, help is available and fluency can be achieved if you have the right attitude and are willing to work hard to kill off your stuttering demons.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

stuttering information

cheap ringtones

quality aviation cleaning products

Cosmetic Acne Skin Care

2008-12-28T05:26:00.001+07:00

Cosmetics, though by no stretch of imagination a valid line of defense, are widely used to camouflage acne. Though this is reasonable and makes sense, any kind of topically applied oil-based compound will aggravate acne. This especially applies to foundation creams, the longest-lasting of which are generally oil-based (or oleaginous).

Specifically, the ingredients to avoid include isopropyl myristate, isopropyl esters, oleic acid, stearic acid, petrolatum and lanolin. Cosmetic brands of lower quality will not mention the presence or absence of such compounds on the label and must be avoided. Though alcohol-based cosmetics are not the best choice for acne-prone skin, they are certainly preferable to oil-based ones. The best bets are water-based cosmetics which, though not as long-lasting as oleaginous ones, are far more suitable and less detrimental to acne.

There are a number of cosmetics available for camouflaging unsightly acne. They usually come in the form of a regimen that includes a concealing cream, a sheer or opaque foundation and a dusting powder. Prior to using these products, the skin must be gently but thoroughly cleansed and a certain amount of individual inventiveness may be called for to match camouflaged acne with unaffected skin areas.

A lot of research has been conducted to isolate the ideal shades of foundation creams for hiding acne, and you can now choose the shade that best suits the degree of acne you suffer from. For instance, green creams have been found most suitable for camouflaging redness resulting from rosacea. Yellow cream is best suited for purplish bruising and excessively pigmented skin (which can be caused by severe acne), and so on.

It is best to consult a knowledgeable salesperson attached to a reputed cosmetics outlet rather than pick up such ?designer? products off the shelf at the local supermarket.

Acne Care provides detailed information about acne care, acne care skin tips, acne skin care centers, and more. Acne Care is affiliated with Acne Skin Care.

Traditional Mesothelioma Treatments

2008-12-26T22:49:00.001+07:00

Treatment for malignant mesothelioma varies due to a number of factors: the location of the cancer, the stage or severity of the cancer , and a patient?s personal preference. Naturally, mesothelioma sufferers whose cancer is caught and treated earlier have a greater chance of prolonging their life. Traditional mesothelioma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or a combination of the three which are outlined below.

Surgery

Surgical treatment for mesothelioma is employed to either remove the cancer from the affected area of the body (i.e., the lung or abdominal cavity) or to alleviate pain. If the mesothelioma has spread, it may be impossible to remove all of the cancer with surgery; however surgical intervention may help lessen pain.

Types of Surgery

Pneumonectomy

Pneumonectomy refers to the surgical removal of a lung. There are two types of pneumonectomies:

Traditional Pneumonectomy ? In which the diseased lung is removed.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy ? In which the diseased lung, as well as part of the pericardium, diaphragm or parietal pleura on the same side of the chest, are removed.

Palliative Procedures

These procedures do not cure mesothelioma, but rather function to alleviate or control symptoms:

Thoracentisis ? In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the chest cavity, either to drain fluid for diagnosis, or to drain fluid to relieve pain.

Pleurectomy/Decortication ? This surgery removes the pleura in order to reduce pain or prevent the recurrence of pleural effusion.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and/or to keep cancer cells from multiplying. The drugs may be administered intravenously or taken in pill form, and are often used in combination with surgery. Chemotherapy may also kill healthy cell in addition to the cancer cells, so side effects can be quite severe, including: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, constipation, decreased appetite and mouth sores.

Radiation

Radiation treatment involves the use of high level radiation to target and kill cancer cells in a localized area. The therapy is delivered in several courses, each one breaking down the cancer cells so they may be excreted by the body. Like chemotherapy, radiation may kill or injure healthy cells and thereby cause unpleasant side effects such as: fatigue, hair loss, skin irritation, nausea and difficulty breathing.

Neal Parmar CEO of NPP Entrepreneur and the webmaster at http://www.lawyermesothelioma.net Lawyer Mesothelioma - Offering Expert Information, Malignant Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Cancer Research, Mesothelioma Lawyer, Mesothelioma Attorney, Mesothelioma Asbestos Diseases.

Is Colonic Hydrotherapy Safe? Are Colonics Even Natural?

2008-12-25T23:29:00.001+07:00

Colonics, colonic hydrotherapy and colonic irrigation all refer to one of the fastest growing practices in natural medicine--irrigation of the bowel. During a colonics cleanse a flexible hose is inserted into the rectum and warm liquid is forced, under gentle pressure, into the large intestine. After a period of several minutes the bowel is allowed to evacuate.

The idea behind colonics goes back millennia. The ancient Egyptians wrote extensively of their belief that the colon was the key to all diseases and this theme has been repeated throughout history. Modern-day chiropractors, naturopaths and other natural practitioners all believe (albeit to varying degrees) in the link between colon health and overall vitality.

What It's Supposed to Do For You

Practitioners of this therapy believe that the health of the colon is directly related to the health of the entire body. Proponents of colonic irrigation claim that the procedure will rid the body of excess fecal matter and remove toxins, resulting in an overall healthier system. Many practitioners stop short of making further health claims but some have gone so far as to suggest the therapy for everything from the common cold to mental illness. Colonic hydrotherapy is often recommended for:

Various gastrointestinal disorders
Migraine
Auto-immune disorders including arthritis, allergy and asthma
Chronic Fatigue
Parasites

But Is It Safe?

Though there's no way to know for sure how many colonic procedures are performed in the US, injuries are apparently rare. Potential side effects include:

Infection from contaminated equipment
Disturbance of the electrolyte balance
Perforation of the bowel
Heart failure (caused by excessive fluid absorption)

What The Critics Say

One of the most common criticisms of colonic hydrotherapy is its use by unqualified practitioners. A 2004 study in the UK found that only one third of the registered practitioners interviewed had any previous clinical background and over 80% worked completely alone with no trained medical assistant present during the procedure. And things aren't any better here in the US. In 2003 the Texas Attorney General sued 6 practitioners (none of whom were medically trained or working with a physician) after 1 death and several serious injuries resulted from perforated colons.

Is Colonic Hydrotherapy Natural?

In my opinion, there's nothing natural about filling your colon with liquid and I can't imagine a situation in which I'd recommend it. Your body is simply not designed to work that way and the idea that we're all walking around with pounds of putrefied fecal matter in our colons is ludicrous. At best colonic hydrotherapy is a highly invasive therapy; in the hands of someone who doesn't know what he's doing, it's potentially deadly.

Lisa Barger is a traditional naturopath specializing in natural health education. To learn more about Ms. Barger's belief in Empowerment through Education or to take a free online natural health class see her website, http://www.LisaBarger.com

The Healing Arts: Exploring HeartConsciousness Part 5 It's a Muscle You Can Strengthen

2008-12-24T23:17:00.001+07:00

In this moment, every cell of your body is receiving information. Each takes in sensations from its immediate external environment and also from its internal environment. Each cell sends that data to your brain, whose job it is to assimilate the information it receives and then direct the rest of the organism that is you to, both locally and systemically, respond.

Of the billions of sensations that are being processed in your body at any one time, you are consciously aware of about 20. The brain?s duty of assimilation is no less important than its role as a filter to make sure that you don?t experience everything at once.

Strychnine?s (rat poison) mechanism of action is that it strips away the ability of the brain to filter out information. The affected being, experiencing every miniscule sensation in its body, becomes overloaded and dies by seizure. LSD, oddly enough, works on the same principle ? it temporarily dissolves filters -- though on a much more limited basis. We cannot function without these filters.

Right now, each cell of your skin, for example, is registering the pressure that its surroundings exert on it. For some it is air, for others, clothing and still others register the pressures exerted by every nearby hair follicle. Each of these cells, individually, go unnoticed until enough of them experience enough pressure that you, the being who is composed of these cells, suddenly becomes aware of it. The sensation essentially bursts through your other filters.

Do this now. Close your eyes and pick an area on your arm to focus on. Now, allow your awareness to take in every sensation that is there. You may feel movement of arm hairs, the gentle touch of a breeze, or even a ?curiosity? about, ?Is that an itch I feel?? as you zero in on a particular area. This point is you can make a choice to have that area of your experience be the localization (focal point) of your consciousness. What you are doing is filtering out most of the other sensations you may be experiencing in favor of that experienced by one area of your body.

There are filters of sensation and filters of perception as well. Have you ever spent time with someone and had a hard time being with them because they reminded you so much of, for example, an abusive other? Perhaps you had trouble ?seeing? that person for who they were. You were actually experiencing that person through the filter of your past experience.

Once you recognize that your interpretation is based on something that was, rather than something that is, you are able to remove those filters and concentrate on the moment in front of you, without the distortion of past associations.

At any one time, we do have a significant amount of choice in where we localize our consciousness through the filters we use or remove. Of course, ?where our consciousness is located? is a metaphor. But still, it rings true that, in the instance of a bee for example, when that bugger sticks that stinger into your skin, for all you know your consciousness IS right in that patch of skin. Every bit of it! And until you realize that the person in front of you is not that abusive other, you will tend to react protectively.

The point I wish to make is that consciousness, and how you apply it, is a muscle that you can strengthen and train with practice.

In the case of working with heart-consciousness, it?s a matter of choosing to filter your experience through the awareness of your heart. When you place your consciousness on a patch of skin, you are able to receive whatever information those accumulated cells are available to relay to you. When you filter your consciousness through your heart, you are able to receive whatever information is available through it.

Although not proven empirically, researchers are working with the theory that the brain deals more with matter (particles) while the heart deals more with energy (waves). The brain takes in data through the passage of information (chemicals) across the synapses while the heart absorbs and assimilates vibration or frequency.

Working with brainpower most often involves ?working through? a sequence of events to come to an end point. Let's take a problem like What does three times three plus two equal? In calculating the answer, if you mess up any of the parts, like multiplying 3 by 2 and adding 3 instead, your answer is wrong. With the heart, it appears vibrations recognize vibrations, and immediately ? without any form of sequential analysis that we can identify, recognizes 3X3+2is11.

Shifting your consciousness to move through the filter of your heart ? which is a simple act of will once you get enough practice -- (perhaps literally) ?tunes you in? to what the heart understands.

Our hearts are assimilating and interpreting vibration and frequency this very moment. What we've forgotten is how to respond to and act on that information. In essence, we over-exercised our brains and now they are the dominant muscles of our perception. We can strengthen our ability to use the consciousness of our hearts as well.

Next installment will have some exercises for you to try out.

Russ Reina shares over 35 years of experience in the healing arts through his web site http://mauihealingartist.com. It is a potent resource for those wishing to deepen their abilities in connection and develop their powers as healers. For a powerful free tool to explore your inner world, please check out his adjunct site http://thestoryofthis.net

(Permission is granted to reprint this article, unedited, provided proper attribution is made and the signature line -- the above resource paragraph -- is kept intact)

Healing Gadgets

2008-12-24T00:44:00.001+07:00

These six devices were selected by Gary Ames for their research support and professional regard. All are available to consumers and can be a great bargain for quality of life. These gadgets usually produce significant improvements in nervous system functioning which are sustained in the long term after the benefit is obtained.

Temperature biofeedback training with a thermometer. Learn to relax by increasing the blood perfusion to your fingers or toes. Trial and error learning guides you toward relaxation. http://www.cliving.org/stressthermometer.htm $19.95

Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Skin Conductance. Every time your autonomic nervous system changes the level of arousal or relaxation, the moisture of your skin changes, and this affects the electrical conductivity of your fingers. GSR 2 - with or without accessories. ~$50 or $150.
http://www.mindgrowth.com/
http://www.toolsforwellness.com/bg101.html

Heart Rate Variability, HRV. When you inhale, heart rate increases. When you exhale, heart rate decreases. Learning to have smooth and strong heart rhythms in sync with breathing is good for mind and body. www.HeartMath.com $295
www.StressEraser.com/ Hand Held, $395
http://www.biocomtech.com/bht.htm. $395
www.cardiologix.com

GSR & HRV combined
www.WildDivine.com. Lush computer game with 40 biofeedback challenges. Sedate. $159.95.

EEG Biofeedback or Neurofeedback. Brain Wave Training. Monitoring and interacting with your own brain waves is a powerful method. There is broad applicability to enhance sanity, health, competence, and wisdom. This device will probably improve your life in multiple ways.

The BrainMaster is a good device for consumers, but you may need professional support. Play Attention is a weaker technology but has good remote support. Pocket Neurobics is a bargain with the weakest support. Yahoo has good newsgroup support forums.

Anyone can buy EEG biofeedback units on these sites.
www.pocket-neurobics.com - stand alone, PC or wireless
www.PlayAttention.com single channel, helmet
www.Brainquiry.com - wireless
http://www.futurehealth.org/nfcntral.htm
http://www.toolsforwellness.com/mind-machines-biofeedback.html
www.bio-medical.com
http://www.dynamind.com/eeg.htm

You may need a license or prescription to buy other more expensive equipment from a manufacturer or dealer.

HemoEncephaloGraphy, HEG (blood brain image with infrared sensors). These biofeedback devices monitor blood perfusion or blood oxygenation inside the brain with an infrared sensor on a headband. When you practice at activating certain sites on the head enhance a corresponding function in the brain. HEG devices can be both hand held and computer-based.

There are two kinds of HEG: nir HEG and pIR HEG. pIR HEG uses a box shaped sensor that is worn on the forehead. It is used only for the frontal cortex, the most human part of the brain. nir HEG is a headband with flat sensors that can be positioned at different sites on the head to exercise particular brain functions. See http://www.biocompresearch.org/questionaire1.htm
www.pocket-neurobics.com HEG and/or EEG

Cranial Electrical Stimulation, CES
This device is not biofeedback. CES sends a very mild current through the brain. Strong research support, FDA approved for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Simply turn it on so you can?t feel it and get a better brain. Generally used for 20-60 minutes per day for a month or two.
www.Alpha-Stim.com
www.Healthpax.org
http://www.dynamind.com/ces.htm

Some Caution
Biofeedback is generally safe and fun for the whole family. I am all for healing yourself with self-training based on information from your own body. But it is possible to do biofeedback badly. Usually this happens when doing too much too soon and pushing the mind-body to hard. This is especially true when there is greater dysfunction or instability. My caution is like the common sense advice you would get about weight training. The difference is that too much mind-body training can be less obvious.

When there are medical or psychiatric issues it is prudent to work with a licensed biofeedback trainer or therapist near you. Discuss a home training unit and program to get the full benefit from devices. There is no comprehensive directory of biofeedback providers. Try finding one at:
http://www.isnr.org/isnrlist.htm
www.EEGinfo.com
www.bcia.org
www.aapb.org (coming soon).

You might also try the web sites of particular software vendors such as http://www.adnf.org/neurofeedbackdirectory.htm

Gary Ames is a psychologist in private practice near Philadelphia, PA. He specializes in brain biofeedback. Optimal health clients include salespeople and executives. He also enjoys high success rates for those with ADHD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and migraine.

Adult Acne Causes

2008-12-22T23:13:00.001+07:00

What are the causes of adult acne? What is the best treatment for acne late in life? Is there a natural treatment for acne instead of using medicines? What about saving the embarrassment and expense of showing your face in public and trying out one of those home acne remedies? Do any of them work?

The onset of adult acne causes make many of us to become embarrassed to the point of trying anything we can think of to first hide, then treat it. All we know is that we want to get rid of the acne as quickly as possible. So we start asking ourselves questions like How do I get rid of acne?, or Which medication for acne should I use?, or Should I invest in one of those laser acne treatments?...

Well... don't panic, adult acne is not the end of the world, although it can be embarrassing. How to clear acne, especially adult acne, once and for all isn't a mystery, although sometimes it may seem hidden from view. The reason it isn't so obvious to most is that so much of the media attention for acne is targeted towards prepubescents and teenagers.

The best treatment for acne, especially what afflicts us in adulthood is different than how teenagers treat acne. Acne medicines are different for adults, and the best acne products for teenagers just may not work for adults at all. Trying such things as taking vitamins and acne natural treatments may not be very effective for treating the causes of adult acne. Many adults make the mistake of going to their pharmacist for acne medicines only to find that they get little or no effective treatment. There is a better way.

Today, there is now scientific studies on the subject of adult acne. In fact, just some of the statistics of these studies can surprise you. Scientific information on how to clear acne forever in adulthood is now available. You can now get the best treatment for acne without becoming an acne zeno who won't leave their house for fear of what others may say.

How do I get rid of acne? you ask... it's easy. Find out in the second part of this article.

Read the second part of this article Curing Adult Acne by Tom Straub.

Massage Therapy ? Reap the Benefits

2008-12-22T01:15:00.001+07:00

Captain Hook is sitting in front of a job counselor?s desk and she's saying, Hmmm...your top choices are piracy or massage therapy. Let's see if we can narrow this down a bit?. We had our fun at the expense of massage therapy, now let us find what is massage therapy and its best features.

Massage therapy is applied to manipulate joints and the soft tissue of the body. Soft tissues include tendons and associated fascia, skin, ligaments and muscles.

Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy practiced by the celebrated Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian civilizations.

4700 years ago, ancient eastern Chinese practiced massage to heal a variety of ailments from paralysis to labour pains. Ayurvedha, a traditional form of Indian medicine uses a variety of aromatherapy oils and spices to give massage therapy.

Introduced in 19th century, the Swedish massage is the most practiced form in western culture. The Swedish therapy is said to have borrowed many of the techniques from Rome, Greece, Egypt and China.

In western hospitals, soldiers who fought in World War I were administered massage for nerve damage and to soothe shell shock. Many of our now popular modern massage techniques were created in order to heal specific health conditions.

When massage therapy is given to a person, many different physiological effects are achieved while the therapist?s hands move over the body. The different movements can physically stretch tendons and fascia, ligaments and muscles. Massage therapy also encourages the circulation through the tissue, inhibits muscular spasms and can be either stimulating or sedating to the nervous system.

Health problems can benefit from massage therapy since the manipulation of soft tissues affects many of our bodily systems.

Benefits from massage therapy are extensive. Massage therapy treatment can develop, rehabilitate or augment physical function. Relief from physical dysfunction and pain can also be achieved. Tightened and tense muscles can be relaxed. Massage therapy also improves the recovery time, circulation and immune system function. It creates a sense of relaxation and well being, reduces stress and controls acute or chronic pain by massage therapy.

Today, massage therapy is used for treating a wide range of ages ? from senior to babies in a variety of intensive care, health club, and health clinic and hospital settings.

To get even glide and a smooth workability, oils are applied in massage therapy. Some popular oils used are Almond oil, Grapeseed oil, Apricot oil, Avocado oil, Jojoba oil, Wheat germ oil and Hazelnut oil.

Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit Therapy Resource or Massage Therapy

Best Over the Counter Acne Treatment

2008-12-20T22:17:00.001+07:00

Acne is at best a very unpleasant condition to live with, but there are steps you can take to try to improve it. The traditional route is to contact your doctor to see what they would recommend. But theses days many are bypassing the doctor and going straight to the drugstore.

But how do you decide what is the best over the counter acne treatment for you and what advice do you take? There is so much advertising for different products that it is hard to know which is the best for you. Probably the first step to take in deciding, is whether you want to use a traditional medical treatment, or a one of the growing number of natural health products and remedies.

There are a growing number of natural products, as the trend towards a more holistic type of lifestyle becomes more popular. These products can be very good, but it is probably worth doing a little research so that you are quite clear about what you are buying and what it is supposed to do for your skin.

Traditional medical treatments are much more straightforward and many of the most popular contain salycic acid or benzoyl peroxide. If you prefer to go for the natural products, there are many to choose from, such as tea tree oil, aloe vera and Vitamin E. It is difficult to say which is the best over the counter acne treatment, as different products will suit different people. Most products whether natural or traditional, work by drying the skin to prevent excess oil building up and leading to acne.

Rather than buying the product that looks the best in the shop, it is usually best to ask the pharmacist for advice on which is the best over the counter acne treatment. They usually have extensive experience in dealing with this and are likely to know the products that work. There is a wide range to choose from and getting advice, is probably a good idea.

Even though you may have been very careful to buy the best over the counter acne treatment, it is possible that it is not suitable for your skin. If after trying a new treatment you experience any pain or discomfort it is best to check with your doctor. There are many treatments available and it is a good idea to get some good advice as to which is the best for your skin type, before you buy.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com. He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and information on the best over the counter acne treatment that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Natural Breast Augmentation

2008-12-19T21:28:00.001+07:00

There are other ways to achieve a breast augmentation other than actually having surgery. There are ways of changing the appearance of your breasts and not having to go under the knife. You can do a few simple things on your own and it will look like you have natural and beautiful breasts.

Anyone can make their breasts look bigger themselves by doing a few things. If you have thought about having plastic surgery, done in order to make you feel sexier and to make your clothes fit you better, then you should hear about a few things first. A few natural products that you can do will make your breasts appear bigger and fuller.

One step for natural breast augmentation is creams. Many manufacturers have come up with productive creams that will enhance the appearance of breasts over a certain amount of time. These creams will stimulate the breasts so that they will actually grow in size. Obviously, you will not have dramatic results right away. However, you will see a change in your breast appearance and it is one that you will like. Most of these creams can be bough over the counter and need to be applied on a regular basis.

Another good idea for natural breast augmentation is to take vitamins. Some pills will actually enhance your breasts over an extended period of time when you use the pills on a regular basis. These pills can be bought online or at some drug stores. The breast enlargement pills and vitamins will help to make your cup size bigger and make your breasts feel fuller and firm. You will find that these pills will help to completely transform your body into the one that you have always wanted with out the painful surgery.

If you are not sure about using the pills and the vitamins in order to make your breasts larger and look more full, you can always use the padding and padded bras. When you opt to use padding in your bras, it does not mean stuff it with tissue. Instead, there are cups that you can place inside your bra that will make your breasts look natural and beautiful. You will not have to under go any kind of breast augmentation in order to get this desired look and feel.

You can also buy a padded or push up bra to help give your breasts a lift. These bras will give the illusion of larger and fuller breasts with out having to have any kind of breast augmentation done. This is something that you can choose to do on certain occasions or you can wear the added padding all the time. Either way, this will give you the freedom to do look the way that you want in order to feel good about your body.

A Holistic Approach to TMJ

2008-12-18T22:19:00.001+07:00

Understand that TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) pain and associated problems make it difficult if not impossible to identify the exact nature of the cause of the problem. Holistic Specifics has approached TMJ with the attitude that we cannot fix everyone, but we can contribute greatly in the wellbeing and recovery of the many who are now suffering.

As has been known for over 3000 years, tight, spasmed muscles have pain associated with TMJ. Tight muscles hurt. Through the use of Therapeutic Massage, we can address this tension and many times relieve it entirely. This soreness, or pain in many cases, is not readily acknowledged by the conscious mind, but is registered and controlled by the sub-conscious mind. In other words, we have developed habits (both good and bad) to deal with the discomfort.

The muscle tightness we are talking about would be in, or associated with, those muscles that control chewing, speech, facial expression and swallowing. These muscles are affected by being over-used when grinding the teeth at night. They may be affected by your bite being mis-aligned. The muscles may have been traumatized during an accident, or when being slapped or struck on the side of the head. A disease such as arthritis may have set in, which complicates the issue. Some clinicians believe strongly that oral habits such as tongue thrusting, wide yawning, and nail, lip, or cheek biting, can precipitate a situation that puts the jaw in an abnormal position and may weaken or overstress the muscles. This continuous stress can result in tight and spasmed muscles.

More females are prone to TMJ than are men, and a greater prevalence of women in their childbearing years suffer from TMJ. This may indicate a serious possibility of a need for better nutrition during those times when a woman is eating for two.

Studies suggest that women on hormone replacement therapy were 77% more likely to seek help for TMJ as are women who are using oral contraceptives (19%). The downsides of the hormone estrogen is becoming more clear as more studies are being done.

Work habits and posture, things that we do every day, are done without thinking. Those habits that affect the muscles of the jaw or those of the neck, head or even shoulders, may reflect into the jaw muscles. Habits such as cradling a telephone between your ear and shoulder, carrying a heavy shoulder bag, singing, anything that promotes a forward head position, or hunching forward can contribute to tension throughout the body, as well as spasmed muscles.

Stress can manifest itself in so many different ways. Serious illnesses and disease are a result of the stress we allow ourselves to experience. Not knowing how to deal with stress is not an excuse and does nothing to reduce the effects of stress. Stress management can be learned and easily implemented into anyone's life. Simple techniques such as breathing effectively and efficiently can have a profound effect in reducing stress. For more serious conditions, Thought Field Therapy or Emotional Field Therapy can be utilized.

With respect to both of the conditions previously mentioned (spasmed muscles and Stress), a healthy lifestyle which utilizes both exercise and nutritional supplementation (with essential nutrients) will make a tremendous difference. Human beings require a full complement of minerals (macro & micro) in order to utilize vitamins properly. We also need Anti-Oxidants to fight off the free radicals created by the toxins in our environment, and a healthy circulatory system to deliver it to all of the cells. Exercise is an easy method of enhancing the circulatory system in the body.

Sounds simple doesn't it? In actuality, it is! The first thing you must do is make a decision. Ask yourself: Do I want to continue to get what I've always got, by continuing to do what I've always done, or is it time to CHANGE? If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then it really is time for that change. Start by taking very small incremental positive steps. Don't try to do it all at once. Remember, you have the rest of your life ahead of you to make the improvements in your life. Just start by doing the obvious. Look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. Let that person in the mirror tell you where you need to start, and then take action. The hardest part of training for running a marathon is putting on those running shoes. Once the shoes are on and you take that first step. it gets easier and easier to take the next.

May you have much success on your journey to health!

Michael McCright is a Holistic Health Practitioner, educator, coach, and motivational speaker. His website: http://www.bodymindconnection.com covers a variety of health concerns. Michael is co-producer of an informative and educational DVD: ?TMJ Relief?. For information and holistic solutions regarding TMJ disorder, go to: http://www.holisticspecifics.com

? 2005 Michael McCright ? Reprints allowed as long as copy is complete with last paragraph and copyright information.

Plastic Surgery Procedures

2008-12-17T20:53:00.001+07:00

There are many different plastic surgery procedures available to those who would like to alter certain aspects of their bodies. Plastic surgery has been around in some form or another for many years, but has only been in extensive use in the 20th and 21st century. The top three cosmetic surgical procedures in 2004 Liposuction (325,000); nose reshaping (305,000); and breast augmentation (264,000. In addition to these procedures there are many other options for other areas of the body. In this article I plan to explore some of those cosmetic surgery options and give background information on those procedures as well. These numbers clearly show an increasing trend to have cosmetic surgery procedures performed for aesthetic, as well as reconstructive reasons.

We?ll start by exploring the number one plastic surgery procedure, Liposuction. In the last year alone, 325,000 Liposuction procedures were performed on both men and women of all ages and race. Liposuction is a procedure that can help to sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, cheeks, neck, chin and upper arms. Liposuction is not a substitute for regular good diet practices or exercise but rather a further refinement in addition to diet and exercise. Recently a number of new techniques in liposuction have been developed, including the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique. These new procedures are helping many plastic surgeons to provide their patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Not all patients will be able to use the newest techniques but your doctor can discuss which techniques are the best for you based upon your medical history and various other factors.

Liposuction is best performed on Normal weight individuals with firm, elastic skin who have excess fat in certain areas of their body. Liposuction carries a greater risk for people with medical problems such as poor circulation, severe lung or heart disease, diabetes, as well as some other conditions not listed. It is always best to let your doctor know your full medical history so that he can accurately assess the correct procedures for your body as well as safely and effectively treat you. In your first consultation, your plastic surgeon will most likely evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and the elasticity of your skin, and develop a plan that is right for you and your body.

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is another commonly performed technique in which the nose is reshaped, altered, or straightened for both reconstructive and aesthetic reasons. This procedure is often used to correct breathing problems in the nasal region as well. There are two options for the incision in this type of plastic surgery, There is open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty is performed by making a small incision across the columella, between the nostrils, in addition to incisions on the inside of your nose.

This surgery is often performed in the most complicated cases. In the case of closed rhinoplasty the incision is inside of the nose helping to promote a speedier recovery as well as reducing the amount of swelling. Rhinoplasty can change the shape of your nose by recontouring the underlying cartilage and bone into the desired shape. Plastic surgeons today have the ability to make your nose shorter, longer, thinner, and straighter. Most of the incision in nasal surgery are made internally so there is no visual scarring on the exterior nasal cavity. Healing times vary with the type of incision but healing from nasal plastic surgery generally occurs within a few weeks after surgery.

Breast augmentation cosmetic surgery is another very popular procedure and one that has been widely publicized by women around the world. Breast augmentation is surgery to enhance the size or shape of a woman?s breast for reconstructive or aesthetic reasons. Some of these reasons include, but are not limited to, enhancing the size of the breast for a woman who feels that hers are too small, correcting a difference in breast size, reconstructing the breast after surgery, and a reduced breast volume after pregnancy.

Breast size can be increased during surgery by the insertion of an implant behind each breast and can effectively increase the bustline by a cup size or more. All said the best way to know if plastic surgery is for you is to get as much information on the procedure as possible before you make a decision. After all you can never have too much information when it comes to your body, right?

More information on Cosmetic Surgery Options can be found on http://www.cosmeticsurgeryreview.com.

Natural Allergy Relief

2008-12-16T23:19:00.001+07:00

Blue Tansy's high azulene content, which gives it a vivid, deep blue color (it can stain so take care), is the chemical thought responsible for Blue Tansy's strong action to soothe and relax the nervous system, as well as naturally ease the discomfort associated with allergies and pain.

Of the commonly used blue variety of essential oils, which also includes Yarrow and Chamomile, Blue Tansy has by far the most delightful and friendly scent. Its warm herbaceous aroma has a notable complexity with a hint of sweetness that to me is reminiscent of apples and spice. Even first time aroma users invariably love Blue Tansy's warm, inviting scent!

Blue Tansy's natural anti-inflammatory action makes it an exceptionally good relaxant. People often use Blue Tansy for symptomatic relief of muscular aches and pains, sprains and strains, arthritis, rheumatism and sciatica. It can be relied upon to soothe nervous tension and relieve stress.

Due to Blue Tansy's bronchio-dilating effects it is by far the best treatment I have found for long lasting relief for those suffering from allergies. Whether your allergic reactions are triggered by environmental allergens or food intolerances Blue Tansy has great power for producing beneficial results. Additionally Blue Tansy's analgesic properties help to reduce any swelling or itching associated with allergies.

Read what one long time sufferer of allergies has to say about using Blue Tansy: I've suffered from allergies for many years and use to get weekly shots and take daily medication to control my symptoms. Blue Tansy helped relieve my allergic reaction to environmental, as well as food allergens. I've stopped taking my allergy medication and no longer require shots and seldom do I even need to use my Blue Tansy oil at this point! Brenda Devine, Cave Junction, Oregon, USA

Asthma sufferers may also experience beneficial results when using Blue Tansy due to its bronchio-dilating action; try blending it with Lemongrass essential oil to enhance this effect.

Blue Tansy is also known to relieve burns and inflamed or sun damaged skin. My friend Sylla, owner of Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, used Blue Tansy for relieving the radiation burns sustained when under going her treatment for breast cancer.

If you'd like to try a natural, safe and effective treatment for your allergies or for pain relief consider ethically wild crafted Blue Tansy essential oil.

Please note: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's DVD & book, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. To learn more visit: Order Ethically Wild Crafted Blue Tansy Please refer to KG's Essentials Safety Guide before using any aromatic oils! KG invites you to Subscribe to Health Mastery Ezine to WIN FREE Aromatherapy Products. To learn more visit: Subscribe To Win Contact:KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

The Effectiveness of Spa Treatment

2008-12-15T20:51:00.001+07:00

Spa treatment is gaining its importance nowadays. The benefits of spa are not limited to beauty purposes. It employs a magical way of reducing stress, soothes muscles and relaxes mind and body. Spa treatments have been proved effective and beneficial to a lot of people around the world. From the tight schedule of work 24 hours a day, spa provides a way of escapism to a world, calm and quiet.

There are many treatments available under spa. It is only necessary to choose for the best treatment and select for the one you are in need of. The manual treatment of the body?s muscles is known as therapeutic massage. Massage is a very aeffective method of treatment. Massages relieve muscle rigidity, tremors, or cramps and to relieve anxiety and tension.

Types of therapeutic massages

There are various types of massages which perform different functions for the body. They are:

Swedish massage

This involves a variety of techniques for muscle relaxation by applying pressure to them against muscles and bones. The main purpose behind this is increasing the oxygen flow in the blood and releasing pollutants from muscles.

Advantages

Shortens recovery time from muscular strain
Increases blood circulation without increasing heart load
Stretches the ligaments and keep them flexible.
Reduces both emotional and physical stress
Stimulates skin and nervous system and soothes nerves

Swedish massage costs around $75-$100 at a spa. The location and place also matters in the cost factor.

Deep tissue massage

This is a massage done on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It releases chronic patterns of tension in the body by applying pressure on the contracted areas. This is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and also by applying friction across the grain of the muscles.

Advantages

Eliminate scar tissue
Loosens muscle tissue and releases toxins from muscles
Proper circulation of blood and oxygen

Sports massage

This type of massage, as the name suggests is used mainly for sports people and done necessarily before, during and after an athletic event. This helps the person to drain away exhaustion, relieve swelling, reduce muscle tension, and prevent injuries.

The main aim behind the therapy is to help reduce stress and tension which builds up in the body?s soft tissues especially during physical strain.

Advantages

Reduces heart rate and blood pressure
Increases lymph flow
Increases blood circulation
Relieves pain
Greater athletic endurance

This is a common method of spa treatment which is very effective and inexpensive.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. During the massage one would inhale volatile essential oils through the mucosa of the nose and mouth. An electronic massage system is then sent to the limbic system of the rain which causes messages to be sent to other parts of the body. Many mental and emotional benefits can be seen this way.

The method of aromatherapy massage is being used in many spa centers and many found it to be useful and effective.

The other treatment method involve in spa is facial.

Facial

This cleans and cleanses the skin by maintaining it by casting off dead skin cells. Facial smoothens and maintains a well hydrated skin.

Types of facials

Deep-Cleansing Facial: this type of cleansing targeted to skin type usually uses a gentle botanical peel with essential oils.
Oxygenating Facial: this type of facial is especially for dull looking skin. This treatment contains a vitamin formula that revives tired skin.
Sea Beauty Facial: this treatment re-vitalizes the skin.
D.N.A. Facial: this special treatment for the skin helps restoring collagen as it nourishes tired skin.

Body treatment

Body treatment is essential for your body to nourish, hydrate and eliminate dirt form the pores inside. There are various types of body treatment like body scrub, body mask and body wrap.

Body scrub involves massaging on your skin with a mixture of salt, oil, and aromatics like lemon on your skin. Once the dirt is removed from the uppermost part of the skin, it remains extremely soft and smooth. Body mask is usually done after a body scrub. Body wrap can be herbal or involves moor therapy treatment.

Spa proves to be effective in lot many ways. It is expected to provide more features in the near future as life and life style changes drastically and as people demand a remedy from the stress of the ?digital world?.

Devi sri is a seo copywriter for juvenexspa. She has written various articles for juvenexspa. For more information on spa treatment you could visit the site http://www.juvenexspa.com. You could contact her through mail at devisrri@gmail.com

Scar Prevention and Alligator Embryos

2008-12-15T01:05:00.001+07:00

The secret to scar-free healing comes from alligator embryos. It is a protein called transforming growth factor B3 (TGFB3), and a synthetic form of the protein is soon to be available in a product called Juvista.

Mark W. J. Ferguson discovered that TGFB3 helps to reduce scarring while studying cleft palates in alligators. Alligator palates develop in the same way as human palates. When Ferguson tried operating on alligator embryos in the womb, he discovered that the baby alligators were born with no scars. 20 years later he developed a prescription drug that helps to reduce scarring in humans. In 2000 Ferguson and Sharon O'Kane formed Renevo LTD.

Scar prevention and reduction can benefit cosmetic surgery patients in many ways. For years cosmetic surgeons have worked to reduce the effects of scarring, devising methods that allow for a smaller incision and finding ways to place incisions in less visible areas.

Preventing or reducing the development of scar tissue means that doctors and patients will have more freedom to choose how the procedure will be performed. Patients will no longer be forced to weigh the visual benefits of surgery against the appearance of scars.

Existing scars can be significantly reduced without the use of lasers or skin grafts. Juvista can significantly reduce existing scars with only two injections. An exact figure has not yet been announced, but Renevo expects Juvista injections to cost less than BOTOX.

While Juvista can lead to incredible improvements in cosmetic surgery, the benefits go far beyond appearances. For some people, scarring is a serious and debilitating problem, causing pain and loss of motion, and disfigurement. Burn and accident victims, who often have significant scarring over large areas of their bodies, will experience a significantly improved quality of life after scar reduction.

Renevo is currently developing drugs to prevent abdominal adhesions and reduce scarring in blood vessel, eyes and tendons. Juvista is its lead product and is still in clinical trials, but should be available in the U.S. soon.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, wish to reduce existing scars, talk to your doctor about Juvista today.

The cosmetic surgery directory, the authoritative information resource about cosmetic surgery procedures and skin care, has provided this article.

Asthma Treatment and You Overcome Your Asthma Naturally

2008-12-13T21:44:00.001+07:00

From my very first Asthma attack at the age of seven till my last one about 5 years ago, Asthma (along with acne in my teenage and early adult years) had been a health problem that I had to deal with. Needless to say, those were some depressing years.

Depressing because I had been told my doctors, family and friends that there wasn?t a cure for Asthma, heck my pastor even went as far as to say that along with my acne, ?in every thing give thanks for this is the will of God for you??

Alas, they were all wrong.

Asthma can be cured and naturally at that. My belief is if it worked for me, it can definitely work for anyone plagued by this disease.

I was so vulnerable to this respiratory disorder that even the slightest friendly pat on the back would ignite an asthma attack characterized by wheezes, gasps, and cough spells, that could last as long as a week.

This went on till I stumbled on Drugless Healing and its abilities to alleviate so-called incurable diseases. This method of healing involves the use of Proper Diet, Exercise and mental attunements and can be applied to an Asthma treatment regimen as well for great benefits.

Let me show you how:

First of all, let?s start with its definition.

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) that causes swelling and narrowing (constriction) of the airways. The result is difficulty breathing. The bronchial narrowing is usually either totally or at least partially reversible with treatments.

That?s its definition in the medical fraternity, but based on my experiences, I will simply choose to believe that Asthma, like any other disease known to man, is a result of a clogging of the human bodily tissues which is a 99.99% consequence of eating disease/mucus forming foods, which include (but are not limited to) Animal foods such as meat, milk, cheese and eggs, Grains and their by products, processed and junk foods.

Abstinence from the products above is a must and a fact that has been in effect in several asthma treatment programs aimed at correcting respiratory health such as the Breath Retaining Program For Asthmatics developed by the Russian, Dr. Buteyko. Within weeks of adhering to this advice, many chronic asthmatics have been able to give up the use of ventolin inhalers.

Therefore, the first step in achieving a successful asthma treatment will simply be to make a change in your diet by avoiding mucus forming foods and adhering to consuming their direct opposites, the body healing/alkaline forming foods. These include Seasonal, Organic Fruits, Roots and Leafy Vegetables and very little nuts.

It may sound boring or unrealistic but, if curing your asthma (or any disease or condition you may have as a matter of fact) is your goal, this sacrifice is well worth it. Besides, with so many fruits and vegetables to choose from, abstinence from Acid-forming foods shouldn?t be difficult at all.

In addition to all of the facts mentioned above, based on scientific research, the human body goes through a cleansing process from twelve midnight until twelve noon, and a building program from twelve noon to twelve midnight. Therefore, what is eaten during these respective periods must be harmonious with the natural processes. That said a suggested menu plan will be

1. Fresh squeezed Fruit Juice for breakfast.

2. A mono-meal of a juicy, seasonal fruit for lunch

3. A fresh home-made salad, steamed root and/or leafy vegetables or a wise combination of all three for dinner.

Also, do not consume liquids of any kind with your meals as this practice hinders digestion by diluting the juices in the stomach. This brings about a constriction of the diaphragm, inhibiting its natural motions needed for respiration. If there is a natural thirst (as with an alkaline forming diet, thirst is minimal as an added benefit) drink only enough to quench your desire with pure distilled water at least an hour before or after your meals and certainly 2 hours at least before going to bed.

Strictly avoid the use of Microwaves (you may refer to my personal experience with them in the section of my site concerning Acne)-the source of information on this is issued at the end of Chapter 13 in the downloadable e-book, but for a brief overview of this topic the balancing of specific foods is not the only important aspect of a healthy diet, but as important is the manner in which the foods are cooked.

Other things to avoid are excessively cold drinks, excessive exposure to cold, air-conditioning, heaters (without the use of humidifiers and a cracked window for fresh air during winter times-Hint: sleep closer to the cracked window, while I lived in Minneapolis, MN for two years that was my trick to ensure I was properly ventilated at night), fans etc.

Also, avoid at all costs eating conventional fruits they are loaded with disease forming pesticides and sprays that upon consumption wreak havoc on the respiratory organs, take it from this author, I learned this the hard way!

With proper breathing techniques as offered for free on my site and a suggested adherence to the dietetic principles above, be assured that you are well on your way to curing your asthma naturally and permanently.

Asthma need not be a part of your life anymore, you, like many others can control it and make it a thing of your past.

Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com For more information on Asthma Treatment, feel free to stop by his website today.

How To Get Rid Of Acne: 3 Steps Toward A Fair Complexion

2008-12-13T05:22:00.001+07:00

There are many types of acne, but the most common form occurs during the teenage years when young adults experience a dramatic increase in hormone levels. These hormones signal the skin glands to produce more oil. When this oil mixes with dead cells, it can clog pores in the skin and trap bacteria as well. The result is often a raised tissue area characterized by swelling, redness, and pus. These bumps are also known as ?pimples,? the symptom most commonly associated with acne.

Acne can occur anywhere on the face, neck, back, or chest, and severe cases can lead to social alienation, or emotional and physical scars. Although mild acne can not be entirely prevented, you can take three steps to minimize its impact.

Gently Cleanse Your Skin: Each day, gently wash your skin with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard or washing it too often. Doing so can make your acne worse. Also avoid using skin and hair care products that contain excess oil. Instead, use water-based skin care soaps that gently cleanse your skin, such as Neutrogena or Dove.

Apply Topical Ointments: At least once daily, but no more than three times a day, apply a nonprescription topical ointment to problematic areas. One of the best products is Clearasil because it contains both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works to unplug clogged pores, while salicylic acid helps clear up blemishes by causing the top layer of skin to peel. Products that contain tea tree oil (commonly found in gels, creams, and lotions) or alpha-hydroxy acid are also desirable. However, remember that if you use a product too often, your acne can get worse. So confine your applications to less than three times per day unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Avoid the Following: Make sure to avoid the following acts which can trigger acne flare-ups: overexposure to the sun, the wearing of tight-fitting items that rub against the skin, excess stress, constant touching of the face, working with oils or harsh chemicals, excessive sweating, hair hanging in your face, or the use of hair care products that contain oils. Also avoid squeezing pimples. Squeezing pimples can result in an infection and/or long-term scaring.

While mild acne is annoying, it will eventually pass. Most people will outgrow acne by their early-twenties, so there is reason to be optimistic. Make each of the above steps part of your daily routine, and you should be able to control your acne. However, those with more severe cases of acne should consult a dermatologist.

About the Author

Britt Gillette educates people on the numerous benefits of Himalayan Goji Juice. You can find more articles like this one at The Goji Juice Resource.

Acne Adult and Its Possible Culprits

2008-12-11T22:35:00.001+07:00

Acne Adult Dilemma

You'd think after the adolescent stage of our lives, our skin would know that and respond to hormonal changes in a positive way. Unfortunately our skin (and bodies as a whole) oftentimes are not fed the raw materials necessary to make those adjustments and hence we're left with all sorts of symptoms - including adult acne.

Historically, the master herbalists of old would recommend herbal alteratives which are upwards of 100 specialized plants which clean the blood and eliminative tissues and organs. Dr. Nowell once called these herbs blood purifiers and sweeteners.

How do herbal alteratives affect the blood in that way? Blood impurities occur because of the improper functioning of one or more organs - most frequently the secretory organs - which fail to carry out impurities. Toxicity may also come from improper food or impure air and water.

It's the concensus of mainstream medicine that hormones are the main and only culprit in skin eruptions (commonly known as either adolescent or acne of adults). However, which organs produce hormones? Feed a liver, or any endocrine gland, artificial foods and what quality of hormones, if any, do you think they will produce?

Fact is, the liver, kidneys and skin are the chief organs for carrying off impurities and waste matter. If the liver is torpid and bile retained in the system, we may find in one case the retained bile has affected digestion, and in another case, caused acne adult.

An acne type skin eruption is one of the first signs of failure to maintain an open avenue of elimination through the liver and bowels. If the kidneys fail to secrete as they should or are not furnished with the proper amount of clean water, the blood can remain toxic.

The skin may not be eliminating well, or the lungs may be unable to oxygenize the blood due to impure air being breathed and retained.

So as you can see there are many factors involved with acne of all kinds. Food, air, emotional stress, and other essential factors all play a role and must be improved, in addition to herbal therapy, or the bloodsream may remain toxic.

Article by Rita Lambros-Segur, M.H. of Electrical Body, Inc. Rita has helped thousands of regular folks improve their health with natural strategies. Visit Acne Adult Resources for more information. Also check out Electrical Body Ebook for FREE articles, ezines, catalog, a great e-book offer and more.

The Asbestos Debate

2008-12-10T22:07:00.003+07:00

Asbestos. Most often asbestos is equated or associated with dire images. As a society there seems to be an overall distaste for any regard where asbestos is concerned. If you or a loved one has suffered from the cancerous side effects of asbestos and asbestos related materials you know that it is indeed a very horrible experience.

As with anything there are two sides to the total story. If you go back far enough to the time when this unique material first surfaced you would realize the tremendous benefits it offered. These benefits were far reaching. And in this other-sided-view of asbestos perhaps you would have a better appreciation for the sacrifices made and challenges met where asbestos was concerned.

Obviously if you have known an individual stricken with mesothelioma you understand the sacrifices individuals made in the workplace. Inadequate ventilation and mishandling of asbestos is the number one reason lung disease attributed to asbestos is so prominent. Indeed it is the workplace that is as much to blame than the asbestos itself. Stricter codes and safety regulations would have prevented many unnecessary deaths and illness over the course of years.

Assuming responsible interaction with any material used for such purposes as asbestos is used would be a reasonable focal point for manufacturers to begin manufacturing. Education and awareness as well as understanding the use of materials that have a potential public danger should always be priority. Banning such materials in the long run resolves nothing.

Asbestos and similar materials have so many varied and important uses. No one can argue that fireproofing, electrical insulation and brake linings are things we as a society need. Some will argue there are other methods to achieve these amenities.

There will always be an argument for either side of asbestos. Those who know the damage it can cause will argue that the benefits aren't worth the risks. Others will argue that the legacy of fear was based on ignorance. And still yet there are some who believe that the current fears and hatred toward asbestos is fueled by marketing opportunities and political issues.

Researching every angle of the asbestos debate will produce questions. Fortunately answers will slowly appear also. Often unanimous negative feelings toward something can be attributed to a ?propaganda-type? approach to advertising and media. Understandably establishing an opinion can be difficult in this type of situation, but not entirely impossible.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of mesothelioma Resources a website providing information on mesothelioma

Causes of Acne

2008-12-10T22:07:00.001+07:00

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that is caused due to certain biological variations in the pilosebaseous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its connecting sebaceous gland) of the skin. The most common form of acne known as acne vulgaris? usually appears during adolescence.

Acne is caused due to excessive oil in human body. The glands in the skin secrete excessive amount of oil that block the hair follicles by combining naturally with the dead skin cells. Generally, people who eat a lot of oily food suffer from this problem.

Due to acne some parts of the human body are affected. Some of them are face, arms etc. The oil secretions behind the blocked pores create a perfect environment for uncontrolled multiplication by the bacteria in the skin. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion (acne). Rashes are occurred on the body. The face, upper arms, back and chest are especially affected by acne.

The certain lesions of acne are: blackish elevations or pale yellow and/or small whitish bumps. More inflamed rashes take the shape of boil-like tender swellings or reddish bumps. After resolution of the blemishes, prominent unsightly acne scars may remain.

The acne condition is common in puberty as a result of an abnormal response to normal levels of the male hormone testosterone. Acne occurs when the hormones are increased due to excess oil in the body. There is however no way to predict how long acne will take to disappear completely or that it will ever recur again.

Acne affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life. Apart from leaving behind the marks of scars it has some psychological effects as well causing stress and depression. Therefore acne should not be neglected and should be treated with great care and responsibility to ensure a healthy life.

For more information about acne, click on Acne Treatment

Breast Cancer Young Women

2008-12-09T23:56:00.001+07:00

Although many people believe that young women don't get breast cancer, the fact is they can and they do. One in every 229 women between the ages of 30 and 39 will be diagnosed with breast cancer within the next 10 years.

The statistics that surround younger women and breast cancer are frightening. Although only a small percentage of all new breast cancer cases each year involve women aged 40 and younger, breast cancer is still the leading cause of death for women between the ages of 15 and 54. The number of young women diagnosed each year with breast cancer is between 11-12,000. Close to 1400 of those women will die each year. A lot of young women and their doctors do not realize that they too are at risk for this disease.

One of the problems with detection of breast cancer in younger women is that a mammogram is not an effective screening tool for women under 40. Younger women tend to have dense breast tissue and that prevents tumors or areas of calcifications to be seen in the film. Because of the lack of screening tools, younger women are often diagnosed at a later stage in the disease than their older counterparts. In addition, young women's cancers are generally more aggressive and have lower rates of survival. The survival rate for 5 years is 83% for younger women - lower than the survival rate for post-menopausal women.

Another issue that impacts younger women who have breast cancer is that most research is done on breast cancer patients who are over the age of 40 or post-menopausal. Younger women are an underrepresented population in research studies. The drug Tamoxifen is an example of a drug which affects post-menopausal women differently than pre-menopausal women, so younger women who are prescribed this drug as treatment need to do careful research on their own to make sure that the benefits outweigh the risks of the drug.

An additional area of concern for younger women who have breast cancer include issues such as early onset on menopause and fertility issues. Many young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have not yet begun a family. One of the side effects of chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapies can be irreversible menopause. Tamoxifen is a drug that can affect fertility, so again, younger women will need to research their choices carefully if they plan to have children or start a family in the future. One of the newer treatments for women with hormone receptive breast cancer has only been shown to be effective with post-menopausal women, so a treatment option that younger women will have to make in the future is if they want to take tamoxifen OR shut down or remove their ovaries to bring on early menopause to benefit from a more effective treatment.

The final issue that young women with breast cancer face is the isolation they sometimes feel - brought about by being the youngest in their support group and having to deal with different issues than their older counterparts. One organization which helps provide a network for young breast cancer survivors is the Young Survival Coalition.

Remember - no woman is too young to have Breast Cancer.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Breast Cancer

Energy Balance in the Body is a Key to Better Health

2008-12-08T22:42:00.001+07:00

Historical references to a universal energy field date back as far as 5000 B.C. to India where prana was considered to be the basic source of life. In China it was called chi and was believed to be in all matter. Two polar forces were recognized, yin and yang. When these two forces were in balance, one was considered to be healthy. More recently Western medicine has begun to recognize energy within the body with the advent of devices capable of detecting its effects in the body. Energy fields associated with the human body have been detected by electroencephalograms (EEG), electrocardiograms (ECG), and very highly sensitive devices such as superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID). Even biomagnetism has been recognized, as more sensitive devices have been developed to measure very weak magnetic fields.

Practitioners of alternative forms of health care often believe much of the illness we see in the human body is the result of either a blockage of the flow of energy of the body, or an imbalance in the energy from one side of the body to the other. When the energy balance is restored, the body begins the healing process. Often, symptoms seem to almost miraculously lessen or even disappear. Conditions such as migraine headaches, the cause of which is poorly understood anyway, respond remarkably well to a restoration of the energy in the body.

Energy imbalance is the result of too much nerve energy being sent to a part of the body in response to pain or dysfunction. Nerve energy, as I have called it here, is an electrical signal that is sent along the path of the nerve. All electrical signals also have a magnetic field. The magnetic field is so weak around this nerve impulse that it would seem to be undetectable. When measures are taken to restore proper balance to the energy of the body, a clinical result can be measured. A definite beneficial change takes place. If balance is not restored, the body gets caught in an endless loop of trying to make corrections. The result is an imbalance in which the deficient side develops painful trigger points. These trigger points are formed in the areas where acupuncture meridians are located. Therapies have been developed using these points to release blockages of energy and allow the proper amount of energy to flow. One does not need to use needles. These are the same acupressure points used by massage therapists, and other touch type therapies, to release tension, increase blood flow, and strengthen the body?s natural life force to assist in healing.

When energy is flowing to one side of the body more than to the other, it can be easily felt in the form of muscle tension. Nerve impulses are sent along the nerves to muscles and other locations in the body. In the muscles, this naturally causes them to be more contracted. A muscle that is contracted is shorter than a muscle that is relaxed. Remember as children how we showed off our muscles by forcefully contracting them ourselves? As a result of the increased muscle contraction, one entire side of the body will often feel tighter and tenser than the other. How can we balance this energy and cause both sides of the body to be equally relaxed? The method is simple.

Trigger points are located by their tenderness, and once located, gentle pressure is applied. The initial stimulation of the trigger point sends a signal to the central nervous system to send more energy to the deficient side. It is like saying, ?Hey, look! There is a problem over here too.? The side that was getting the excessive energy suddenly has energy diverted from it, and the deficient side begins to receive an increase in energy. After a short time, a balance is achieved. The body is then able to use its resources for healing instead of continually attempting to bring the flow of its energy back into balance.

Dr. Conny Young has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Master of Arts degree in Physiology and Biochemistry. He did postgraduate work in Neurophysiology and Phamacology. He worked as a research scientist for a major pharmaceutical company for 17 years before becoming a chiropractor. He attended seminars on Touch for Health, Logan Basic Technique, Bioenergetic Synchronization Technique, Reiki (Level III master), Network Chiropractic, Brimhall 10 Step Protocol and has studied the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Shiatzu, Kiatzu, and Reflexology. He maintained a private practice for 17 years, and taught Neurophysiology and Toxicology at Palmer College of Chiropractic. He conducted research on the effectiveness of energy balancing for the treatment of migraine headaches. He can be reached through his website at: http://www.healthandwellnesssolutionsonline.com

The Benefits Of Aromatherapy

2008-12-08T00:04:00.001+07:00

Unless you?ve been asleep for the past few years, you?ve probably heard something about aromatherapy. In fact, you might even be interested in learning more about aromatherapy, and the benefits it possesses.

Aromatherapy has actually been around for at least six thousand years. It was used in China in the form of incense burned in temples, and in the oils the ancient Egyptians used in embalming and other rituals. In some form or another, aromatherapy has been utilized in human civilization ever since.

However, it?s only in recent years that aromatherapy has really come into its own. In fact, only now is it being seen as a genuine science, as well as an ancient art.

To many people, the idea of aromatherapy is just that: therapy derived from aromas. But in actual fact, it?s much more. Aromatherapy involves the utilization of essential oils, which are oils derived from plant matter (these oils are generally extracted by distillation, although other methods are often employed to do so). The plant parts used include leaves, flowers, stems, bark, roots, even the rinds of fruits. These essential oils don?t actually feel ?oily? as such, but they are miscible in oil, which gives them their oily nature. They?re very volatile, which accounts for their strong aroma, and contain a multitude of chemical compounds.

Aromatherapy has been shown to be beneficial for a number of conditions, ranging from physical to mental ailments. Aromatherapy is particularly beneficial for stress (lavender oil is commonly used as a de-stressor), and many essential oils have an antibacterial or antifungal action, and can be applied directly to the skin (tea tree oil is an excellent example of this). It?s not widely understood why essential oils have the effects on the body they do, but it?s most likely to do with the complex chemical structure of the essential oils, and the fact that the body can absorb these components (whether through inhalation, or through direct application through massage or the like).

There are a number of ways aromatherapy is utilized, including: direct inhalation, steam inhalation (using a vaporizer or similar), in personal care products (added to creams, soaps, lotions etc), in a clay pot diffuser, a lamp ring diffuser or a nebulizing electric diffuser, or through massage with a carrier oil. There are also aromatherapy candles on the market, which when burned release the essential oils into the atmosphere in a similar way to a diffuser. Another common use of essential oils is in bathing, where a few drops of an essential oil are added to bath water, and mixed in vigorously. This is an excellent way for the user to both inhale the aromas, as well as absorb the compounds through the skin.

However, before you get stuck straight into the use of aromatherapy, remember that natural does not necessarily equal safe! Essential oils contain powerful ? often toxic ? ingredients, and must be used with care. Many essential oils can not be applied directly to the skin (as they are highly irritating) and the majority should not be ingested on any circumstances. Remember also that when it comes to essential oils, less really is more. A few drops of any essential oil is all you need. Adding more will not increase the power of the essential oil, and may instead produce deleterious effects (not to mention wasting the essential oil, many of which are quite expensive).

Before using essential oils, it?s a good idea to read more about them. You?ll find several great resources both online and offline detailing the effects and uses of the most common essential oils. You?ll also learn more about blending essential oils for maximum effect, and any safety considerations you have to be aware of.

Fiona Shearer-Hann is the webmaster of The Aromatherapy Expert website, and also maintains several other websites including Mega Health Suite.

The Truth About Prostate Cancer Warning Signs

2008-12-06T22:34:00.001+07:00

Prostate cancer warning signs...

Every man should be concerned about their prostate's health.

Indeed, for men not paying attention to it, it can be deadly as prostate cancer comes second only to lung cancer with respect to cancer-caused deaths for American men...and is near the top for Canadian men as well.

Prostate cancer is also the most common type of cancer for men in the United States. Tens of thousands of new cases are diagnosed yearly.

Although there is most likely a hereditary component to your chances of getting prostate cancer, like many things in life, a lot of it comes down to choices you make, such as taking quality prostate health promoting supplements and eating food for good prostate health.

Prostate cancer warning signs

Although the aforementioned prostate statistics don't seem to be good, the truth of the matter is that if prostate cancer is detected early, treatments are often very successful and chances of surviving are very high.

Therefore, one of the best things you can do other than take the necessary supplement and dietary steps to promote good prostate health is to have what is called a PSA test (prostate specific antigen tests) done every year. It doesn't take long and it's not painful so don't put it off.

The drawback of the PSA test is that it isn't perfect in what it reveals.

Now, what about prostate cancer warning signs?

Well, unfortunately, prostate cancer does not really give off any warning signs.

In addition, another confusing aspect is that most of the possible warning signs, if they appear, are also the same signs for other prostate health problems that are non-cancerous in nature, such as BPH, which is called an enlarged prostate gland.

However, these signs are still worth mentioning.

The following are some potential prostate cancer warning signs or signs of BPH:

incomplete emptying of the bladder
dribbling
difficulty starting urination
reduced force of the stream
frequent urination of small amounts
pain with urination
ejaculation pain
blood in the urine

Dietary and Supplement Protocols

Although saw palmetto is touted as the best herb to take for prostate health, it actually isn't. Something called Beta sitosterol is much better. Here's why:

Even the best Saw Palmetto supplements are comprised of 99% fatty acids and 1% sterols. The sterol component is where the therapeutic benefit lies (hence the name Beta Sitosterol).

In short, by taking Beta Sitosterol, you will be getting only the active component of Saw Palmetto that is responsible for its medicinal properties. Beta sitosterol is literally thousands of times more powerful than saw palmetto.

Other beneficial nutrients and supplements include: lycopene, pygeum, stinging nettle, and cornsilk.

With respect to food for good prostate health, recent research by the authoritative US National Cancer Institute revealed that men who consumed more than 1/3rd of an ounce of onions, scallions, garlic, chives per day were much less likely to have prostate cancer.

In conclusion, don't wait for prostate cancer warning signs or signs of other prostate problems to show up before you do anything about it.

On the other hand, if you are already experiencing possible signs of prostate problems, don't panic.

This is a very treatable condition if caught in its early stages. Just make sure you take appropriate action and talk to your doctor about it right away so you don't become a statistic.

Get more info on prostate cancer warning signs and supplements to consider using to promote prostate health at: http://www.nutritional-supplement-info.com/prostate-herbs.html

Magnetic Therapy for Pain Relief

2008-12-05T20:44:00.000+07:00

Historically it is reported that magnets have been around for an extremely long time. Magnets were first documented around 2500-3000 years BC. Their origins are first noted in Asia Minor in a vast land called Magnesia. The earth there was enriched with iron oxide which attracted metals to it. The locals named it Magnetite.

Another story is told of a young boy, who lived 2500 years BC, called Magnes ? a shepherd on Mount Ida. One day he was tending his sheep whilst wearing sandals which contained iron in the sole. He found it hard to walk up the mountain as his feet felt heavy and stuck to the rock face. Mount Ida was found to contain a rock called Lodestone, which is the first known magnetic mineral. It is reported that Lodestone was named Magnes after the boy who discovered it, and it later came to be known as magnet.

Cleopatra was probably the first celebrity to use magnets. It is documented that she slept on a Lodestone to keep her skin youthful. The therapeutic knowledge was passed to the Greeks who have been using magnets for healing since 2500 BC Aristotle and Plato talked of the benefits of Lodestones in their work.

Magnets have been used in Chinese medicine from around 2000 BC in-conjunction with reflexology and acupuncture. It is still used today as a first line treatment for many common complaints.

3,500 years after they were first discovered, magnets have gained popularity in Europe and the USA. In the 15th century a Swiss physician Paracelsus recognised the therapeutic powers of magnets. He wrote medical papers on the influence of magnets on the inflammatory processes within the body.

In the 16th century an English doctor Dr William Gilbert made a scientific study of electricity and magnetism. He published one of the first books about magnetic therapy called ?De Magnet?. Dr Gilbert was also Queens Elizabeth I personal physician and it is said that she used magnets under his direction.

Michael Faraday, also known as the founder of Biomagnetics made extensive discoveries in magnetic healing during the 18th century. His work is still used as a framework for modern day magnetic treatments. Dr Mesmer (the father of hypnotism) and Dr Samuel Hahnemann (the father of homoeopathy) also contributed to his remarkable work.

20th century pioneers include Dr Kreft a German doctor who in 1905 studied the healing effects of magnets on rheumatic disease, sciatica and neuralgia. 1926 revealed Dr Criles work on the impact of magnets on cancer cells and this was followed 10 years later in 1936 with Albert Davis carrying out tests on the effects of the north and south poles of a magnet.

However the last 15 years has shown a prolific increase in medical research into magnetic therapy. There have been over 57 studies in the USA into incurable diseases and magnetics. Some of the most recent are:

1990 ? University if Hawaii tested magnetic fields on patients with osteoarthritis.

1992- Stiller et al a randomised double blind trial of wound healing in venous leg wounds.

1999- New York Medical College tested magnetic insoles on diabetic patients.

2001- University of Virginia tested magnetic mattress covers on patients with Fibromyalgia.

2004- University of Exeter and Plymouth tested magnetic bracelets on patients with osteoarthritis

Magnetic therapy is gaining in popularity worldwide with many celebrity devotees including: Cherie Blair, Bill Clinton, Anthony Hopkins, Prince William, Queen Elizabeth II, Shirley MaClaine, Venus Williams, Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi, Jack Niklaus and many more.

Magnetic devices are now registered as prescribable medical devices in 54 countries worldwide With new research being completed each year and doctors at last acknowledging that it is not ?witch doctory? we shall hopefully see, with in the next few years, magnetic devices being prescribed on the NHS in-conjunction with conventional pain killing drugs.

Debbie Shimadry is qualified magnetic therapist and pain nurse specialist. She appears on several BBC radio stations as an expert guest on magnetic therapy and is also the managing director of World of Magnets ltd. http://www.worldofmagnets.co.uk. For more information visit http://www.magnetictherapyfacts.org/

Finding the Best Acne Treatment for Your Troubled Skin

2008-12-04T20:52:00.001+07:00

Acne causes embarrassment and discouragement for millions of people. Most are in their teen years, but adults are affected, too. There are many choices of acne treatment on the market. Some are well formulated, while others are weak and ineffective. Finding the best acne treatment for your skin can improve your outlook, and your looks.

The best products for treating your acne are natural, gentle products. Look for botanical ingredients in the list. Some herbal ingredients that are healing to blemished skin include sage, yarrow, coltsfoot, wild thyme, horsetail, althea (or marshmallow), and balm mint (or melissa). Aloe vera is a well known skin healer, and is often included in good acne products.

Also valuable in a treatment remedy for acne are certain essential oils. Some essential oils are harsh for skin. (None should be used straight, but should always be diluted with a carrier oil!) The best acne treatment products might include oils such as lavender, rose, tangerine, and geranium. These are not only healing to the skin, but will make the product smell great, too.

If the product is made with a transdermal system, any vitamins or herbal ingredients will be able to absorb into the skin and treat the acne where it starts. Some vitamins that might be included in a topical acne treatment include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and pro vitamin B5.

Just like healthy food for the body, the best acne treatment will provide nourishment and nutrition directly to the skin. The skin tends to reveal the health of a person. What shows up on the outside often indicates a deficiency or need on the inside. Getting a healthy diet can help you overcome your acne, and is a good addition to make to your use of good products.

Even the best products, however, won't clear up that acne if they are used inconsistently. It's a good idea to get into the routine of taking your vitamin supplements and cleansing your face every day. Don't let procrastination or disorganization leave you without time for taking care of yourself. The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is a major agent in removing toxins from the body. It needs to be pampered and cared for.

A moisturizer is also an important part of an acne treatment. Like other components, it needs to be 100% natural, or it can make matters worse by contributing to clogging the pores. Make sure you take the time to read the label to make sure the ingredients are natural botanicals, nutrients, and healthful oils.

Some people say you should try to use only products on your skin that you would be willing to put in your mouth. This might not always be the case, since the skin does act like a filter, while absorbing nutrients and other substances. Still, one should be cautious about using unnatural products.

Written by Jim McDonald, a contributing writer for http://www.natural-acne-treatment.info, an informative website about the Best Acne Treatment and natural skin care.

Misdiagnosed Pleural Mesothelioma

2008-12-04T00:34:00.001+07:00

Let us take the scenario of a seventy-year-old man, who is a nonsmoker and otherwise fairly healthy, approaching the local doctor with complaints of persistent cough, chest congestion and weight loss. Other symptoms may include difficulty in swallowing and loss of appetite. The physician has several options of diagnosis, but pleural mesothelioma, a lethal cancer that originates in the lining enveloping the lungs, may not be considered.

There are several reasons for this. Recognition of pleural mesothelioma as a separate disease entity started as recently as the 1960s. Currently only about 3000 cases are reported annually in the United States. Many doctors may not have seen a single such case during their career. The symptoms are similar to many lesser afflictions. The only general lead is that the disease seems to be more prevalent in the Pacific and Mid-Atlantic States. It is also known that the major cause for pleural mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. But how much contact with the material leads to this disease is unclear. Even the family members of an asbestos worker are at risk from the dust he carries home on his body and clothing.

This form of cancer has a long latent period and the symptoms manifest only twenty to forty or more years after exposure to asbestos. This also vitiates the possibility of correct diagnosis.

Once the doctor eliminates the chances of other diseases and pursues the pleural mesothelioma line, the patient is subjected to a battery of tests and imaging procedures like x-ray and CT scan. Fluid collection in the thoracic cavity is an indicator, but not conclusive. Confirmation can be obtained with a pleural (pleura is the membrane covering the lungs) biopsy using an electron microscope.

Since pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, early detection and immediate introduction of appropriate management are of critical importance. The possibility of a doctor who fails to diagnose pleural mesothelioma or misdiagnoses it, being sued for medical malpractice cannot be totally ruled out. But usually the law applicable is asbestos product liability.

It is generally accepted that pleural mesothelioma is a disease that is difficult to diagnose. To help the doctor, the patient should inform him at the very outset about exposure to asbestos, if any.

Choose Tried and True Rather Than Complex and Expensive

2008-12-03T00:06:00.001+07:00

As we mature in years a huge amount of complex multi named ailments and remedies attempt to grab the attention of every runner of the race. Most of us will ?discover? a need whilst reading from the growing multitude of medical based articles.

Medical science has produced an array of potions, tonics, operations and prescriptions that have certainly played a positive role in many lives. Many remedies however are far more outlandish than simple healthy diet, mouthpower and a collection of breathing and body exercises but clever advertising, fear based articles and programs have ensured massive acceptance.

Wisdom is necessary to discern whether a new discovery is to help us finish a winner or a confused side tracker.

There is an alternative which does not require a major bank balance nor a fasting and praying program.

Simplicity has tended to reduce the effects and similar respect required of genuine, simple, effective and low cost remedies and restorative processes made available through the Father.

Basic good health, good eyesight, a peaceful mind, a fresh skin, healthy hair and strong muscles are all necessities for that better end and possible for all.

The user certainly has a choice but in most cases a simple product or process with obvious 2000year usage should far surpass the benefits of a complex compound.

Patricia Little is a writer and the editor of a re-released classic ebook- it will show you how to get the best of health and wealth out of all your future years. For more go to ==> http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com.

Remarkable How I Became Young at Sixty brings renewed vigor to your body, and hope to your mind. You Can Get your Free ebook How I Became Young at Sixty by going to http://www.Young-at-Sixty.com/get-your-f-r-e-e-ebook.htm.

What is the Real Price of a Spray Tan?

2008-12-01T21:02:00.001+07:00

Looking tanned is such a great feeling, isn?t it?

There are three methods of getting that feeling.

1.Getting out into the sun. Great if you are young, and believe that all this hype about skin cancer has nothing to do with you. Goes hand in hand with high alcohol consumption, speeding and living on credit. It will catch up with you sooner than you think.

2.Solarium. Possibly a little more sensible solution if you take it easy, and build up your tan very gradually. Might lower your chances of getting skin cancer if you never burn, but if you tan regularly, it will definitely not save you from real bad skin damage and broken capillaries (very high temperatures boil blood in your capillaries- yuk).

3.Spray tan. A relative newcomer. It can take less than one minute to apply (in a booth), does not damage your skin in any way and saves you hours and hours on trips to and from solariums or lying on the beach.

Spray tanning seems to be such a great solution, so why doesn?t everybody, who wants a tanned look, do it?

Judging from the reactions that I encounter at my salon, it seems mainly to be the cost. A single session can cost up to $70 in some places, the average being about $50.

Isn?t it cheaper to go to the beach?

If you are asking this question, chances are, you are still very young. Look at your mum. She is probably spending hundreds, and hundreds of dollars per year trying to reverse the damage of frying on the beach in her youth. Unfortunately, our generation was told that getting suntan was healthy (whom can we sue for those lies?).

She also has to watch her skin very closely to make sure that she catches any cancerous changes early.

Solariums- a cheaper alternative?

Apart from also causing serious skin damage long term, how much does it cost in money terms?

A single session is on average about $15, so lets see:

To build up your tan safely: about 5 sessions, then two sessions per week to keep your tan that way.

First month: 9 sessions (5 to build up the tan+ 4 to maintain the tan) at $15 each=$135.

Subsequent months (8 sessions)=$120 per month

What about spray tan?

The beauty of this method is that if you spray tan regularly the skin gets used to the solution and then holds the tan much longer. You will need about 3 sessions 5 days apart to get your skin to this stage (but you will be wonderfully brown right after the very first session), after which (if you supplement your spray tan with tan extending products) you will only need a spray tanning session about every 2 weeks.

First month: 4 sessions (3 to get your skin used to the solution+ 1 to maintain the tan) at $50 each= $200 Subsequent months (2 sessions) =$100per month

So, after higher initial cost you will start saving money and definitely lots of time on trips to the salon. Of course down the track you will save yourself thousands and thousands of dollars on skin care products repairing sun damage.

Additionally, you will have a very low chance of developing skin cancer.

The above prices are a guide only, different salons will have different charges, but almost every salon will have packages, where you can save even more.

If spray tanning not only gives you a great tan, saves you from skin damage and cancer, but is also cheaper compared to other methods, does it not make sense to switch over ?

Go on. Do your skin a favour, and try spray tanning.

For advice and lots of spray tanning tips visit www.best-spray-tan-guide.com

Boshena is an owner of TanXtreme, a spray tanning studio in Byron Bay, Australia and author of spray tanning guide. Read it on http://www.best-spray-tan-guide.com

Eat Right and Early Detection Key to Colon Cancer Fight

2008-12-01T01:28:00.001+07:00

Two of the best things you can do to reduce the risk of colon cancer from causing your early demise is to eat right and to seek Early detection at the first sight of a problem. Colon cancer kills about 350 people out of 100,000 people, so although the risks are not high they are high enough to be of concern.

One thing of great benefit to know is that over the last decade or so thru good education and Early detection fewer people are dying from colon cancer. But there are a few things you need to look out for such as; blood in your stool and knowledge of your family and types of cancer that run in your genetic lines. If one of your siblings or one of your parents has had colon cancer you'd be advised to be checked out as early as age 40 and every five years.

If you are a woman and you've had breast cancer or ovarian cancer you might also be susceptible. If you have an iron deficiency whether you are a woman or a man this can be of concern. The survival rate of most types of colon cancer is quite high if detected in the earlier stages and this will definitely better your chances.

It is recommended you go to the American Cancer Society's web site and read all about colon cancer if you think you might be at risk or you just want additional information and details for a loved one. I hope you will consider all of this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

The MacsLift Explained

2008-11-30T00:05:00.001+07:00

Lise Petersen spoke with Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Kourosh Tavakoli about the MACS-lift, a new European facelift that gives a more natural and softer result than a traditional facelift.

According to Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, the MACS-lift, or minimal access cranial suspension lift, is a new European facelift that compares very favourably with the traditional facelift. 'Today in Australia the emphasis is definitely on a more natural change in appearance,' he says. 'Patients want more of a European-type change that is subtle and youthful rather than the more obvious American-type facelift, which can create a wind-tunnel effect or skin that looks too tight.' Dr Tavakoli says the MACS-lift involves less undermining of the skin than the traditional facelift and does not require exposing the facial nerves: 'In fact, the extent of undermining of the skin is probably 50 per cent of that of the traditional facelift. Fixation of the underlying tissue is done by the use of permanent sutures. The scar is in front of the ear and then continues in front of the hairline. There is no extension behind the ear or into the scalp. Scarring takes less time to subside than that of the traditional facelift - only two to three weeks - because the scar is shorter. The major element affecting downtime is the swelling but this is much less dramatic than with a full facelift. The main complications relate to skin haematoma formation and delayed healing but these are fairly infrequent.' There are many other advantages to the MACS-lift when it is compared to a full facelift. 'The MACS-lift procedure is quicker - taking an average of two hours versus the four to five hours required for a traditional facelift - plus the operation can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation and is tolerated quite well by the patient,' Dr Tavakoli explains. 'No admission to hospital is required so it can be performed as a day procedure. Rehabilitation is fast - two weeks as opposed to four to six weeks for a traditional facelift. Downtime is a significant factor economically for the age group of patients who choose to have a facelift. For executives from the corporate world, for example, time a crucial factor.' The MACS-lift is probably best suited to the patient who is contemplating facial rejuvenation for the first time and requires mild to moderate changes in the lower third of the face and the neck region. It is suitable for both men and women. 'The MACS-lift is not designed to replace the traditional facelift completely but it is an adjunct for patients in their late 30s, 40s and probably early 50s,' concludes Dr Tavakoli. 'It can also be differentiated from the S-lift, which has been the buzzword for the past few years, because it addresses the deeper layers of the skin. Liposuction in the neck region is often performed with this procedure.'

About The Author
Dr Kourosh Tavakoli - Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, MBBS, BSc (med), MS (unsw), FRACS (plast.) Dr Kourosh Tavakoli is a fully qualified Australian trained Plastic Surgeon specialising in Cosmetic procedures. http://www.plasticsurgerysydney.com.au.

An Acne Fetish is No Laughing Matter

2008-11-28T23:08:00.001+07:00

While it may be easy to scoff off an acne fetish with remarks like, ?I don?t have that problem,? this condition is more common than properly acknowledged. A fetish is an object of unreasonably obsessive attention or regard. Thus, extreme attention given to zits and pimples characterize an acne fetish. Two clinical forms of an acne fetish include excoriated acne and imagined acne.

Excoriated acne occurs when an acne patient continues to pick at or squeeze acne formations on their face, never allowing the skin to heal. This constant picking aggravates the acne condition and often times leaves severe scarring. Imagined acne happens when a patient is convinced she has acne but in reality does not. This person may have one small pimple and blow the existence of the pimple out of proportion and view it as a severe case of acne.

Underlying both of these acne fetishes is the fear of being ugly, or dysmorphophobia. It?s an easy psychological state to acquire in a society that increasingly places more value on superficial looks than personal traits.

Steps to combating an acne fetish include: Spending less time self-critiquing in front of the mirror; and Embellishing your talents.

Even a hiatus from mirror visits may help an acne fetish. If you do look in the mirror, focus on elements of your face besides the zits. For instance, look at the color of your eyes or the size of your lips, without criticizing of course. You may have lovely eyelashes or the perfect eyebrows. Whenever you look in the mirror stop making negative judgments about yourself. If you do find yourself ridiculing yourself and wanting to burst a zit in a rushed desire for clear skin, just remind yourself that every zit that you prematurely pop may encourage the formation of 3 completely new zits.

Focus on your greatest assets as a person, or cultivate new skills. You may be an awesome guitar player or fabulous singer, give yourself recognition for your strengths. Do something that you?ve always wanted to do, but did not do because you felt having acne precludes you from this activity.

In the final analysis, healing an acne fetish starts with recognizing that this condition has serious medical repercussions. An acne fetish can debilitate one?s self-esteem while encouraging needless facial scarring. If you think you have an acne fetish, you can get help from a qualified dermatologist, psychologists or just talk it over with some really cool and understanding friends.

Naweko San-Joyz is creator of the Acne Messages program, the only acne program to combine the latest scientific research and ancient wisdom to deliver an acne cure as unique as the acne sufferer. As there are millions of people with acne, there are a millions cures, find your unique cure with Acne Messages. ISBN: 0974912204 available at Amazon and Noixia.com, Home of Six Billion Natural Cures for Acne

What's The Real Cause Of Acne?

2008-11-27T21:15:00.001+07:00

Most acne medications only mask the symptoms of acne and does nothing to stop the real cause of acne. This is why people buy acne products month after month (year after year). And every time they stop using the product acne would come back again and again.

What you need to do is find out what the real cause of acne is and stop it.

So what's the real cause of acne?

Acne occurs when your body contains more toxics than your kidneys and bowels can remove. (Your kidneys and bowels are the two primary channels of elimination that your body expel toxics and waste products through.)

These toxics can be the accumulation of fat stored chemicals the liver can not wash out or there may be a problem with fat digestion, fat accumulation, food allergy, or even the accumulation of hormones that your body produces.

Once these toxics build up, your kidneys and bowels can get overloaded and clogged up, causing it to not function properly. When that happens some of the load will be dumped onto your liver. One of your liver's main roles is to metabolize pile up fat into usable energy for your body.

This means, your liver will be doing some of your kidney's work. So now, your liver gets overloaded and it too will not work at full capacity.

What happens when your bowels, kidneys, and liver gets overloaded?

When that happen your body will expel toxins through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). And this is when acne occurs. This is when your skin starts to breakout.

But whatever the toxic source is that?s causing this problem, acne is a sign that your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, waste products, or hormones.

It is a sign that your liver is growing weaker in its detoxification abilities (and it will continue to grow weaker if you do not do what it takes to get rid of the toxics in your body).

So if you think that acne is your only problem, think again, your liver, kidneys, and bowels are getting weaker every time you breakout.

Houa Yang is giving away free subscriptions to his Clear Skin Newsletter. To get your free subscription, visit http://www.howtogetridofacne.com and grab your subscription today, while it's still free.

When Is It Time To See A Doctor About Your Acne?

2008-11-26T22:57:00.001+07:00

Your first line of defense against acne is over-the-counter medications. If they don't seem to be helping, and after six to eight weeks you acne is getting worse... it's time to see a doctor. You will know it's time for medical help when?

- Your acne causes you psychological distress.

- There are big, tender pimples on your face.

- You begin to see some scarring

- If you have dark skin and dark patches form where the pimples used to be.

What treatment can you expect the doctor to recommend?

First of all your family doctor may send you to a dermatologist if you have severe acne.

Acne can be treated with medications that are either applied to the skin or taken by mouth. Any treatment will be designed to attack the things that trigger acne, like....

- An increase in sebum that leads to a narrowing of the sebaceous glands and produces the bacteria that causes acne

In most cases you can continue with any home remedies that you have been using. The treatment of teenage acne usually will continue until the suffer moves into their 20s.

The first attempt at treatment often begins with lotions or creams that are applied directly to the skin's surface.

Your doctor may initiate a treatment with azelaic acid (eg Skinoren cream) or benzoyl peroxide (eg Panoxyl, Acnecide) for mild to moderate acne. These medications help prevent the narrowing of the openings of the sebaceous glands and slow the growth of the acne bacterium.

A common treatment is a product that combines benzoyl peroxide with a topical antibiotic such as erythromycin (Benzamycin gel), or clindamycin (Duac once daily gel), or treat the outbreak with a topical antibiotic alone, eg clindamycin (Dalacin T), erythromycin (Eryacne gel), tetracycline (Topicycline).

Doctors often prescribe adapalene (Differin) for people with blackheads, whiteheads and mild inflammatory acne. Women should only use adapalene if they are using effective contraception, such as contraceptive pills. Pregnant women must not use adapalene. Topical tretinoin (Retin-A) and isotretinoin (Isotrex gel) have similar uses and exclusions.

Systemic treatment means medicines that are taken orally.

Strange as it may seem adult women with severe acne may benefit from treatment with contraceptive pills containing anti-androgens (Dianette).

For people with severe inflammatory acne, long-term treatment with oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or minocycline (eg Minocin), combined with one of the medications mentioned above are often effective. Tetracycline antibiotics are never given to pregnant women; women who are breastfeeding; or children under 12 years of age.

For patients with severe cystic acne that does not improve with other medications, oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) is used as a last resort. It is very important that women should neither be pregnant, nor get pregnant, while taking isotretinoin.

Isotretinoin is not suitable for people with liver or kidney disease. The medicine has several severe side effects which is why it can only be prescribed by a dermatologist, but it also often effect an almost miracle like cure of acne.

That brings us to rule number one... don't stress over your acne. You aren't the only one who has ever had the problem. Just relax and get to work doing everything you can to keep it under control.

Mark Walters shares startling acne remedies and treatments from his web site http://www.acnerescue.com

Comfrey

2008-11-25T23:50:00.001+07:00

(Symphytum Officinale)

Medicinal Parts: Rootstock, leaves

Description: Comfrey is a perennial plant common in moist meadows and other moist places in the U.S. and Europe.

Properties: anodyne, astringent, demulcent, emollient, expectorant, hemostatic, refrigerant, vulnerary.

Comfrey is truly one of nature?s miracle cures. The root produces a high amount of a gummy material called mucilage, and the root and leaf are both high in allantoin, a substance that helps with cell proliferation. Comfrey is excellent for reducing the swelling around a fracture, thereby allowing the union to take place with greater facility. And according to herbalist John Gerard, ?A salve concocted from the fresh herb will certainly tend to promote the healing of bruised and broken parts.?

My midwife first introduced me to Comfrey after the birth of my first child. To put it mildly, it was not an easy delivery. All of those little joys after childbirth were making me very uncomfortable. You know, the tearing, bruising, stitches, etc. The midwife instructed me to steep Comfrey leaves in hot water and add it to my sitz bath. The results were phenomenal. It relieved the discomfort almost instantaneously.

Today, any time I attend a baby shower, I make up a gift basket stocked with comfrey. I wrap a generous handful of comfrey leaves in cheesecloth, then tie it closed with a ribbon. The packets can then be tossed directly into a pot of water to steep. Recipients always think I?m a bit odd at first, but usually I receive a heartfelt thank you note a couple of weeks after the baby is born. This is one gift any mother-to-be will appreciate.

Comfrey is not always easy to find. If you don?t have a health food or herb supplier in your area, please visit us at http://usingherbs.com/herbs for direct links to online purveyors of organic herbs.

M.K. Welty hosts an informational website on herbs, herbal remedies and herbal gardening. For more great tips on Using Herbs and Herbal Gardening visit, http://www.UsingHerbs.Com

Massage ? For A Healthy Life

2008-11-24T21:11:00.001+07:00

Stress and tension is the main cause for most diseases and illnesses. People work in the office for hours and commute a lot daily, this monotony also induces stress and it becomes imperative to relieve stress if you wish to lead a healthy life.

Massaging helps relieve stress and removes mental tension. There are different kinds of strokes used while massaging. A massage specialist knows how to massage and the points where more pressure should be applied on the body. If you have headache then you can go for a head massage and if you have body pain then you can opt for a full body massage.

Body massage improves blood circulation, which is vital for a healthy body. Massage not only makes the external parts of the body healthy it also makes the internal organs in our body work efficiently. A full body massage helps fight depression, infertility, blood pressure, back problems, diabetes etc. It also improves the immune system.

Although massage is beneficial for health it is not suitable for all. People with heart problems, cancer, and skin problems should consult a physician before they go for a massage session. You can enjoy a healthy life by having a massage regularly.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1668.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

How Traumatic Memories Cause Physical Illness

2008-11-24T01:08:00.001+07:00

It has been my view that all physical illnesses are the result of traumatic emotional events that occur to us during our lives or are carried over from our intergenerational lineage as DNA memories. Let me explain.

When a traumatic event occurs to an individual the record of the event i.e. the memory with all of its elements (emotional and otherwise) becomes stored in the mind/body at all levels chemically and physiologically.

That is because the mind/body duality which was once thought to exist exists no longer. That is an emotional event is essentially also a chemical and then ultimately a physical event (Please see Dr. Candace Pert's book Molecules of Emotion)

I would go further and say that there is a spectrum of homeostasis that I depict below diagrammatically:

Thought Emotion Chemical (Includes DNA) Physical

In other words a change at any level in this spectrum will become reflected as a change in all other levels. So if we have say a chemical change i.e. as we might experience with the intake of a poorly tolerated food, this will usher in mental, emotional and physical changes as well.

In the same manner a change in the mental/emotional dimensions will also become reflected in the chemical/physical dimensions of the individual. Hence as we accumulate in our so called mind (which as I said is no longer considered separate and indivisible from the body) our life history this history becomes reflected at all levels including chemical and physical.

Therefore what is being said here is that our life history will affect the chemical and physical functioning and structure of our bodies. At the most significant level it will affect the structure and functioning of our DNA itself. In the same way the cumulative life experience of our parents and ancestors which became stored in their DNA is also passed on to us.

In other words our life history makes us susceptible to becoming ill, aging and death as it becomes stored in our mind/body.

This was shown to be the case in a case study I undertook over a year ago with a client who had developed Macular Degeneration of one eye. This individual had lost over 85% of his vision in that eye. Working with him with a new modality called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) (MRP) I was able to uncover and help him completely release the memories of the events that were related to the loss of his vision. As we did this his vision returned almost to normal in that eye and remained that way.

The implications of this result in my view brings into question some of our beliefs about not only the nature of illness but also how we are treating it as well as the nature of evolution as we currently understand it today.

Let me elaborate on the last point here.

Evolution as espoused by Charles Darwin is considered to be a process that takes hundreds of thousands of years to manifest. I am proposing that in fact it takes much less time than that.

One traumatic experience alone can do it. We don't see the kinds of species changes that one would expect from Darwin's postulates i.e. changes in physical characteristics but what we do see are those changes that we call physical or chemical malfunction that manifest as what we define as illnesses.

In other words these chemical/physical changes are evolutionary changes that are occurring on a micro scale but are evolutionary never the less.

Isn't it interesting for instance that one can develop an illness that was never seen in one's genetic pool or that new and strange illnesses are showing up every couple of decades?

These are in my view evolutionary changes brought upon us by our ever changing life circumstances on this planet.

What is important to note however is that now there is a way to stabilize and more importantly direct our evolution!

Here I do not mean through the use of genetic engineering or nanotechnology. Rather I'm referring to the ability to access and release the negative conditioning stored as life experience in our minds/bodies once and for all employing MRP.

It has been my experience working with clients with MRP that one can begin the process or restoring the ecology of the mind/body at all levels thereby reclaiming control over the direction of one's mental, emotional, physical and evolutionary health.

If you would like to take charge of your health and evolution kindly visit the web link below and set up an Introductory Consultation.

Web Site: http://www.telecoaching4u.com/IntroConsult.htm

The Ancient Healing Art of Reflexology

2008-11-22T23:14:00.000+07:00

Reflexology like so many of the complementary therapies is not new. It has been around for a long time and was known in ancient Indian, Chinese and Egyptian civilisations. Wall paintings dating from 2330 BC were found in the tomb of Ankhmahor in Egypt. Murals depicted the practical use of aromatherapy, acupuncture and herbalism as well as reflexology; surely if these healing techniques were ineffective they would have been discarded a long time ago!

Linda Anderson, Member of the British School of Reflexology, is based in Saffron Walden in the U.K. She tells us that modern Reflexology started with an American physiotherapist, Eunice Ingham who, the 1930s, was shown a series of ?foot maps? by a visiting team of Chinese doctors. The doctors used the charts for diagnostic purposes. The material sparked Eunice?s interest and she soon started investigations of her own. She experimented with sensitivities in the feet to see where such sensations led her. To her astonishment she discovered that massaging the points depicted on the feet in the Chinese diagrams could alleviate many bodily ailments. Soon, ?the foot lady? as she came to be known, was able to draw up her own map and went on to found ?The International Institute of Reflexology? in the early years of the Second World War.

Linda is quick to point out that in spite of the fact the Chinese doctors were using the reflexes to determine a diagnosis, reflexology is not used as a diagnostic tool today. However, it is wonderfully relaxing, producing an overall feeling of well-being which acts as a very effective counter-point to the stress that is all pervasive in the modern busy world! She says that all organs and parts of the body have specific reflex points which can be found on the hands and the feet. Congestion, an infallible pointer to ?dis-ease?, makes itself known by sensitivity in the reflex points. Often the blockage is due to a build up of toxins. Very occasionally, when pressure is applied to a reflex point, the client will yelp in pain. This is a sure sign that something is amiss. A good reflexologist is considerate and gentle and will avoid causing unnecessary discomfort whilst using the feedback to delicately massage the client?s feet and restore the free flow of energy. In the process, toxins are released and congestion dispersed, leaving the client feeling relaxed and re-vitalised.

Linda explains that the average ?Reflexology Session? lasts from 45 minutes to one hour. The Therapist works on the hands and feet by massaging with the thumb in short creeping movements. The idea is to cover all the reflex points in the time available. Special attention is given to any sensitive areas, which are massaged gently until the sensitivity diminishes. Thus energy blockages are cleared and ?chi?, the Chinese word for ?life-energy,? is able to circulate freely once more, allowing the body?s own healing energies to come into play and restoring its natural equilibrium. Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same.

Alister Bredee is a freelance writer, author, lecturer and trainer and Natural Health Practitioner. See also http://www.pagerankarticles.com

He lives in Thailand and can be contacted at: alisterbredee@gmail.com

What is Reiki All About?

2008-11-21T21:49:00.001+07:00

Reiki is a healing method that became popular in the Western cultures beginning in the twentieth century. It is an ancient healing method that has been used by the Japanese for several centuries. Through Reiki, many people will experience healing, balance, relaxation, and transfers of energy. By knowing how Reiki works, you will be able to use the technique in order to change your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual conscious levels.

When one begins to use Reiki as a practice, there are several principles that are used as guidelines. This will help the understanding of the use of energy to be taught at a higher level. By allowing the principles to be a part of the practice, one can use the energy for spiritual and mental healing easier.

Reiki is known to be a transfer of energy from external to internal environments. The practice began as defining a universal energy that is present in the universe. Those who practice Reiki will then be able to take this universal energy and transfer it into an individual. By doing this, it will change the internal energy level and allow several different types of healing to work.

In order for Reiki to be effective, one is expected to practice several different things. If you are practicing Reiki on your own, there are specific steps to follow. These steps allow you to become in tune to the universal energy, as well as allow you to become focused and relaxed when transferring the energy. Usually, it is best to take a class to learn how to do this effectively. If it is not done properly, it can cause the opposite effect.

The first principle that is taught in Reiki is in relation to the secret of inviting happiness. This is used in order to give students a basic understanding of the different energy flows that they will be using in relation to the Reiki technique. By doing this, the students will be able to understand a level of healing that is taking place. They will also be able to understand a new idea of happiness in relation to using the energy.

The second principle taught is that Reiki is a spiritual medicine for all illness. This idea is mostly taught in order to allow students to understand the basis of Reiki and where it?s emphasis and importance lies. Because it is an alternative healing method, Reiki is able to emphasize the spiritual ties to the method.

For those that are practicing Reiki on their own and decide to take a class, there are several things that will happen. Reiki classes are divided into levels. The more conscious you become of the universal energy and your internal energy, the higher of a level you can move to. Once you become an expert in these methods you can become a teacher, master and healer of this healing method.

The next that is taken in Reiki is to identify the different sources of internal energy that need to be transferred. These will usually be transferred by your breath moving the energy out of your body. Those with illnesses will have parts in their body that have a noticeable different source of energy. You can find this energy through either your intuition, or for those beginning the practice, they can use a light touch to begin recognizing the energy.

Once you recognize the internal and external energy, you can then begin to move the energies out of your body, and new energies in. This is usually done using two methods. Your breathing practice will often times help with this. You can also use a light touch in order to transfer a different energy from the universe. Reiki masters and trainers will usually do the healing using a touch when they are using the method on someone else.

Reiki is known to be an effective method of healing and balancing by several for centuries. By the continuous practice of transferring energy, one will find that healing, balance, relaxation and a different level of focus will take place. Several can use Reiki if they feel that they need a change of energy in their physical, mental, emotional or spiritual lives.

Learn More About The Healing Available from Reiki

4 Surefire Ways to Save Money and Time With Your Acne Treatment

2008-11-20T20:58:00.001+07:00

You probably won?t believe this, but if you?re serious about getting rid of acne, you need a strategy. Yet most acne sufferers fail to answer four key questions that could save them a ton of time and money when it comes to getting clearer skin.

Save yourself a load of acne agony by answering these four questions before you start any acne treatment:

1. How much will the acne treatment cost and how often do I have to use the treatment?

2. When can I expect to see visible results and will I be patient enough to wait that long?

3. Will my skin stay clear even after I stop the treatment?

4. What are the acne treatment side effects?

1. How much will the acne treatment cost and how often do I have to use the treatment?

Whether you?re filling an acne prescription, buying herbal supplements, or using a skin care regimen, cost is a major consideration before using any acne treatment. Prescriptions for acne like clindamycin phosphate or Accutane (isotretinoin) can range from $10 ?$300 per month, and if you insurance company doesn?t cover this fee, you?ll have to pay it all yourself.

Herbal supplements may not prove any more economical choice since some vitamins that boast anti-acne properties can cost as much as $40 per month. Then again acne facial treatments, which usually arrive in tiny bottles, can cost in excess of $60 a month.

At first, most acne sufferers wait anxiously for clear skin and abandon treatments before the acne disappears. This wastes time and money. Yet dermatologist Hilary E. Baldwin sees this behavior often enough to get vexed with patients who reappear every 6-9 months ?back to square one? because they did not consistently use their acne prescriptions.

Even if you can afford your acne treatment, you must ask yourself if you?re willing to follow the guidelines and use the product daily, or several times a day as recommended.

2. When can you expect to see visible results and will you be patient enough to wait that long?

If you have acne now, patience with your skin probably isn?t only your list of virtues. But with most acne treatments, the skin will not improve for the first 4 weeks of therapy, and dramatic improvements appear after 8-12 weeks.

Typically, topical treatments for acne, like benzoyl peroxide, tazarotene and retinol, can provide faster visible results that most internal acne treatments like azithromycin, or other antibiotics.

3. Will my skin stay clear even after I stop the treatment?

Topical acne treatments do not permanently limit the excess oil secretion by the pores or increase the cell turnover rate of the skin- two actions that help prevent the development of acne. So, unless you use drugs or alter your internal chemistry via natural methods, you would need to use topical agents for an indefinite amount of time to control your acne.

4. What are the acne treatment side effects?

The manufacturer of prescription drugs and acne herbal supplement or vitamin provides a detailed list of possible side effects. Users of acne drugs like isotretinoin and antibiotics have sited depression and nausea as side effects. Potential side effects from herbal supplements also include indigestion and stomach irritation. If you?re a women using oral contraceptives to combat acne, you may experience bloating and nausea.

In short, whether your get your acne treatment from Tibetan healer or your dermatologist, be upfront about your financial situation, your patience level and willingness to change your daily habits. Otherwise, you could spend years from acne treatment to acne treatment and never see any visible results.

Are you still wondering how to get rid of acne? Get your ?Acne Messages? natural acne cure at http://www.Noixia.com ISBN: 0974912204. Get Your Natural Acne Cure Today

Find Out What Really Causes Acne

2008-11-19T21:19:00.001+07:00

All of the factors that affect acne are not completely understood. However the main cause of acne is well known. Excess production of an oily substance that helps keep the hair and skin soft is a prime ingredient. This oil is Sebum, during adolescence the amount of sebum produced by your body is greatly increased. This sebum when combined with naturally occurring dead skin cells can block hair follicles which then turn into an acne lesion.

Not only will this mixture block pores it also provides a growing environment for bacteria. It is the growth of bacterial that causes what is commonly called a pimple.

The male hormone testosterone is what causes your body to create excess sebum. Testosterone is produced by both males and females. During puberty the increase of testosterone causes the body to have an abnormal reaction which manifests itself with the excessive production of sebum. This excessive oil is commonly found on the facial skin, as well as back and shoulders. In most people the testosterone levels have normalized by the time they are 20 and any acne issues will clear up.

Recent studies seem to indicate that acne is at least partially hereditary. In many cases though it is not possible to determine why some people are susceptible to it and others are not. Other contributing factors can be; stress, diet, skin irritation, hormonal changes and some medications.

When it comes to diet skim milk seems to be a substantial contributing factor. Many people believe that chocolate, dark soft drinks and greasy foods will cause acne outbreaks. There is not statistical evidence supporting any of those beliefs. Acne can also be induced or aggravated by medications such as; lithium, barbiturates, anabolic steroids and androgens.

Recent studies of acne may have found another cause of acne, narrowing hair follicles. These narrower hair follicles can prevent dead skin cells from being expelled from the pore. These trapped skin cells then mix with sebum and bacteria on the skin to form the acne lesions. The are several different issues that can cause the narrowing of the hair follicle, excessive shedding of cells within the follicle, abnormal cell binding and water retention.

It is commonly believed that you should squeeze a pimple to remove the blocking sebum as well as the bacteria. This can actually make the problem worse by spreading the bacteria to other areas of your skin as well as possibly causing scarring. This scarring if severe enough can be permanent.

In reality touching the area that has acne can actually make it worse as you transfer some of the oil from your hands to an area that already has excessive skin oil. Your hands can also carry bacteria which will aid in the spread of the acne.

Your hair can also exacerbate the acne problem by adding oil to areas it touches. It is important to keep your hair clean so it will not contribute to the problems. You should also try to avoid wearing hats and sweatbands as they will help trap the skin oils and just cause more problems and make your acne control more difficult.

Get all your questions answered and learn more about http://www.dw-acne-control.com/ acne control at http://www.dw-acne-control.com/

Using Birth Control Pills For Acne Control

2008-11-18T20:26:00.001+07:00

The use of birth control pills to control acne flare ups may or may not be an effective.

There are problems with using birth control pills to control acne. Some women may actually notice their acne worsen with the use of birth control pills until the estrogen levels become dominant.

Keep in mind that using birth control pills for acne control is only a temporary solution. Many women find that once they stop using birth control pills, their acne returns - often worse than before.

It is for these reasons that using birth control pills for acne control should be considered only after all other treatment options have failed and always with the guidance of your physician.

Infertility And The MindBody Connection

2008-11-17T22:06:00.001+07:00

Out of these observations grew the new and exciting field of mind-body medicine also known as psycyhoneuroimmunology.

In this article I will address a new healing modality called the Mind Resonance Process? (MRP) in the context of the mind-body links that I have found to exist in couples struggling with infertility.

What are some examples of such emotional issues?

Well they are:

1. The fear if getting pregnant or being pregnant.

2. The fear of having a deformed or defective child.

3. The fear of having to make the required changes in life style that is demanded of couples when a new member of the family arrives.

4. The fear of the financial repercussions.

5. The fear of being responsible for another's life or well being.

6. Lack of self confidence as a new parent.

7. Fear that the new member will disrupt what is often an unhealthy co-dependent bond between the parents.

And so on.

MRP has the powerful ability to not only shift one's inner emotional matrix it also has the ability to translate this shift into the way the body works and is structured.

Web site: http://www.telecoaching4u.com/IntroConsult.htm

Using Birth Control Pills For Acne Control

2008-11-16T22:07:00.001+07:00

The use of birth control pills to control acne flare ups may or may not be an effective.

There are problems with using birth control pills to control acne. Some women may actually notice their acne worsen with the use of birth control pills until the estrogen levels become dominant.

Keep in mind that using birth control pills for acne control is only a temporary solution. Many women find that once they stop using birth control pills, their acne returns - often worse than before.

It is for these reasons that using birth control pills for acne control should be considered only after all other treatment options have failed and always with the guidance of your physician.