Nov 28, 2007

4 Tips to Health and Youth

There are four key factors that will either create health or illness in us. They are so simple, yet often ignored and forgotten. Let’s look at the first key factor.

1) Diet - Our diet nowadays rely heavily on processed foods which do not contribute to good health. If you eat like most people, you'll most probably have too much animal products, fats and refined foods in your daily diet. Three things can happen to the foods that we take into our stomach:

a. They can be digested and assimilated as nutrients for our body use and growth;
b. They can ferment in our stomach as in the case of improper food-combining e.g. undigested sugars from eating fruits on a full stomach after meal; or
c. They can putrefy, or rot and decay also in the case of improper food-combining e.g. undigested proteins from eating chicken (protein) with potatoes (carbohydrates) in the same meal.

Fermentation and putrefaction are one of the exogenous toxins in our body that cause aging and illness. Exogenous toxins are toxins taken from outside the body, not self-generated. Examples include all junk food, tobacco and alcohol, polluted air and water, putrefaction and fermentation in the stomach from improper food combining which usually happen in meat-eater, and drugs and medicines.

A plant-based natural whole food diet of fresh vegetables and fruits plus some nuts and seeds will give us the essential nutrients that our body need.

2) Exercise, sleep and rest - Find time to exercise on a regular basis and getting proper sleep and rest. Proper sleep and rest are as important as eating a healthy diet and exercising. A good night’s sleep helps to revive, rejuvenate and revitalize our body and brain, contributing to youthful appearance besides being energetic and in a good mood all day long.

Chronic sleep loss has been proven to contribute to all health problems. Therefore, get the right quantity and quality of sleep and don’t overlook its benefits. Sleep is not a luxury, it is one of the main pillars to health, a necessity!

3) Psychology - Engage in productive activity and constructive work; learn to control our own emotion and anger; and develop the interpersonal communication skills and social skills that are crucial for a successful life. Having positive thoughts are important as just like we are what we eat or digest, what we think is what we are as our thought process is a powerful form of energy.

Most people do not believe in positive thoughts because they do not see value in them.
However, studies and other evidence have shown that by having positive thoughts all the time, our life will be positive and our day filled with optimism. If our thoughts are negative, it will not only weaken our body, mind and spirit but also affect our health. Another great thing about having positive thoughts is that it slows down aging, making us feeling and looking younger than most people of our age; and improves our health and well-being!


One of the ways to keep our thoughts constantly positive is to surround ourselves with constructive, positive and happy people as these people radiate energised and healthy aura from which we can benefit.

4. Environment - Get fresh air and pure water! Our own home might be a source of environmental pollution. Toxic chemical gases released from new furniture and new paints are some examples. Even cosmetics and personal care products such as shampoo and deodorants contain harmful chemicals in them. Avoid exposure to excess chemicals.

It's only when we provide our body with all the necessary requirements of health, that they can perform the self-healing mechanisms at their best to restore and optimise health!

Siew Yin Gark's philosophy has always been that there are no quick fixes to vibrant health and good looks. She believes that health can only be realized by following a natural way of life through proper diet and healthy lifestyles. She strongly believes that beauty and youth are the natural expression of the highest health. If you want to start staying healthier and looking younger the natural way from today, go to http://www.secret-of-being-young.com

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XLENT BODY Health Series - Bodybuilding Tips for Men

The pursuit for the perfect body has been around for decades, and has become even more popular today now that there are diet and exercise programs in full gear. While there are hundreds of websites devoted to bodybuilding for both men and women, as well as magazines and TV commercials offering the latest in exercise equipment, there are some tips which could be utilized by men in their quest to increase body mass.

· Stretching before and after any exercise routine.
· Proper use of equipment is essential, as well as ensuring the equipment is properly maintained.
· Establish the proper technique in lifting weights.
· Concentrate on large muscle groups first.
· Start slowly and work up to heavier weights.
· Resistance is the key to effective exercise. Slowly lower weights.
· Without proper focus, injuries can result.
· Alternate routines.
· Adhere to a diet regimen.
· Do not engage in cardio exercises before weight-training exercises.
· Learn how to handle weights.
· Proper breathing techniques are important.
· The amount of rest required is usually 2 to 10 days.
· Keep hydrated at all times when working out.
· Workout 3 times a week for no more than 2 hours each time.
· Good posture is required to avoid injury.


These tips are just shortcut versions of extensive information which can be obtained on the Internet. When deciding on a bodybuilding regimen, experts recommend that you sit down and devise a plan such as: what is your overall goal, what muscle groups do you want to focus on, how much time can you devote to this endeavor, and so on. To avoid any type of injury, there are safeguards that can be employed to assure your bodybuilding routine yields effective results. There are personal trainers and professionals with whom you can discuss your bodybuilding training, and they can offer additional advice and counsel on ways to implement exercises as well as offer tips on the proper nutrients needed to enhance your overall training.

To Your Success,

Owen Stobbe

To Anyone Who Seriously Wants To Lose Weight Fast, But Just Can't Get Started..."Which Breakthrough Rapid Weight Loss REPORT Turbo Charges YOUR Metabolism, Curbs YOUR Appetite, And Melts Your Body FAT - All At The Same Time!" GO TO www.aretehealthquiz.com

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Weight Loss Health Diet Tips

Attaining the perfect body is something that most of us could only dream of. A lot of people wallow in frustration over not being able to lose weight effectively. While going on a crash diet does work, it only allows for temporary weight loss. Because you're depriving yourself of food that your body needs, there is a greater tendency for you to go back to your old eating habits. Ergo, you end up gaining back the weight that you worked so hard to lose.

The magic of a healthy lifestyle

Few people realize that the best and most effective weight loss health diet tip is adopting a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle means eating a balanced diet and getting enough exercise.
Yes, good nutrition can get you to the perfect body that you've always wanted. Eating just the right kind of food in balanced amounts will not only keep you healthy but it will also help your body's metabolic rate to improve. The good thing about eating healthy food is that your body gets enough energy for the various processes that it runs daily. The right amount of food also curbs the urge to binge on junk food because the body has enough fuel to run. You don't feel hungry all the time because your balanced meal makes sure that you get exactly what you need to get through the day. Believe it or not, this is one weight loss health diet regimen that is sure to work.


Sufficient exercise

Add exercise to a balanced meal and you'll get one weight loss health diet tip that is sure to work. Exercise doesn't have to mean going to the gym to work out. You can take part in an active lifestyle by engaging in sports or strenuous activities that will allow you to burn the excess calories that you took in.

The best weight loss health diet tip doesn't entail spending hundreds of dollars in dietary supplements. It only requires you to be responsible for your body by providing it with good nutrition and sufficient exercise.

Phillip England is a weight loss expert and Author of the popular report "The Ultimate Weight Loss Secret". To receive your free information on the secret that doctors, and health companies either don't know, or don't want you to know, please see http://www.theultimateweightlosssecret.com/secret

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Nov 23, 2007

Acne Products – Accutane

There are various so-called "cures" for acne on the market today. Although there are several different kinds of products to help with acne problems, many consumers feel "they just don't work". There is one product on the market, however, that just about guarantees its effectiveness and this product is called Accutane.

Accutane is used to treat a more severe type of acne (nodular acne) that has not shown any signs of improvement with other treatments. Although this product has been fairly successful, it can have some serious side effects. It is not an over the counter medication and can only be prescribed by a doctor. Before being prescribed Accutane, you will be asked to read and sign forms indicating that you understand the great risks. One of the side effects of Accutane is birth defects. If taken by pregnant women, Accutane can cause the baby to be deformed or even die. Women should not take Accutane before getting pregnant, while pregnant, or with a month after giving birth. If a woman does happen to get pregnant while taking Accutane, she should stop taking it immediately and call her doctor.

Along with birth defects, Accutane has been said to cause its users to have mental problems and thoughts of suicide. Some patients, while using Accutane or shortly after, have become depressed or developed other serious mental disorders. Other patients have had thoughts of suicide and some have actually taken their own lives while using or shortly after using Accutane. However, no evidence has been proven that these actions would not have occurred anyway and really had nothing to do with the use of Accutane.

While taking Accutane, you will not receive any more than a thirty-day supply at any one time. This is to be sure that you check in with your doctor at least once a month to discuss any side effects.

Accutane comes in a capsule form and is generally taken twice a day. According to your condition, however, this amount can vary. If you miss a dose, do not take two the next time. This will give your body too strong a concentration of the Accutane in your system and can cause future problems. Instead, just save that missed dose and use it the next time. Because some of Accutane's serious side effects show up in the blood, your doctor may require you to have a blood test while making one of your regular visits.

Apart from avoiding getting pregnant and breast feeding while taking Accutane, you also avoid giving blood. Do not take vitamin A supplements because they act in a very similar way to Accutane and may increase your chances of having side effects. You may also want to avoid sunlight and ultra violet light as much as possible because Accutane makes your skin more sensitive to light.

Despite the many possible side effects, Accutane has been known to give those suffering from severe acne the relief that they have been longing for.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acne Products

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Quick Weight Loss And Fast Weight Loss

There are different techniques that can be employed if you are looking for a quick fat loss. You can get a few products that are available in the market that claim to help you reduce the excess fat in your body. The use of these products should however be done only with the permission of the physician. Some of these products may have a slow side effect and affect you in the long run, hence the approval of the doctor is a must. You can get the weight loss pills if you are looking for a speedy recovery from obesity and over weight. Obesity and over weight often have long lasting impact on the body, and disable us from doing a number of things. For example obese people commonly face the problem of knee and joint pain. This mainly happens due to the unbalanced body's structure. If you reduce the weight you can automatically reduce the effort that is to be done by the different muscles to carry it.

Using the quick weight loss programs you can reduce a considerable amount of weight in a short time span. The use of the fat free foods and the low calorie food is a good option for the beginners. Along with these pre processed food you can also cook some healthy food for your self that is low in fat and carbohydrates. The carbohydrate we intake in our diet is directly converted into calories and gets stored in our body if not used. Similarly the excess fat that we consume through the fatty food is accumulated in our body. We can reduce the fat and hence indirectly the weight of the body by keeping a control on the intake of fat and carbohydrates in our diet. The regular habit of exercise would help you get a faster response.

Some of the breathing exercises can also be followed to increase the body's metabolism and for a faster weight loss. Quick weight loss can be obtained by doing regular exercise and following a proper diet, however if you want to further increase the rate of weight loss you can take the help of the weight loss pills and the other weight loss products. The weight loss pills comprise of naturally occurring medicinal value chemical that can help you increase the metabolism rate and helps conversion of the bad cholesterol to the good cholesterol.
Get more information on quick weight loss

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How To Get Rid Of Redness In Pimples - Red Alert Measures

Don’t be taken in by what your neighbors claim to be a miracle cure for pimples and the accompanying redness. This is actually their payback time for all the times you had forgotten to return their books and the garden tools. So beware! If you are wondering how to get rid of redness in pimples and feeling like tearing your hair, then take heart. There are an umpteen number of cures, and all quite simple ones at that, which will help you with your ungainly marks and spots.

Remedies to Remove Redness in Pimples

Rosacea, also known as “adult acne” is the condition of redness in pimples. In many people, this condition of redness actually has some specific triggers. Say a cup of tea or coffee, or a drink or two and even hot, peppery food. Long periods of stress and the sun rays too are possible triggers. If you are lucky enough to have spotted the triggers, then the sole way to get rid of the redness is to steer well clear off them.

But there are actually more people afflicted with the problem of persistently reddened pimples. And for them a mudpack is an option worth exploring. This particular facial mask will help the pimple shrivel and disappear in no time at all, and with it, it will be bye-bye to the redness too.

When you are practically reeling with pimple redness, cakes of make-up and harsh skincare products are to be kept at bay. These further lead to inflammation of the skin and aggravate your pimple predicament.

There are a few quick-fix home remedies to cure the problem of redness in pimples. An ice cube held over the pimple for about 20-minutes followed by a dab of milk is quite an effective solution. So is holding a wet tea bag or a cotton swab dipped in lemon juice against the pimple for about five minutes.

Untreated Rosacea can lead to severe bumps in the facial region especially on the nose. So, dermatologists usually waste no time in prescribing antibiotic gels and lotions for the mild Rosacea cases and antibiotic pills like tetracycline (which is especially beneficial for eye complications arising out of Rosacea) to get rid of the pimple problem.

You can expect results with the antibiotic treatment in about 3-4 weeks. However, pregnant women are advised against use of antibiotics in any form.

In some acute cases, even antibiotics don’t go all the way. When antibiotics fail to perform, you can opt for isotretinoin or tretinoin cream to do the duty. But again, these remedies are strictly out of bounds for the expectant mother. The aforementioned treatment options however, are ineffective when you are dealing with grave Rosacea conditions. The only way out in these cases is treatment along harsher lines. And remedies include laser therapy, dermabrasion or cryosurgery.

Particularly painful pimples require a shot of cortisone, which your dermatologist will of course tender and you can expect a reduction in the inflammation and redness within a few hours. A reddened pimple is a serious enough situation to merit attention. But never in the form of pricking and squeezing it. Tips to cure redness in pimples are actually easy to follow and a clear, glowing skin is not too far away.
Robert Sheehan is a freelance writer and co-owner of http://www.myacneskintreatments.com/ Visit Robert And read more about treating acne at myacneskintreatments.com/Acne-Prevention.html

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Weight Loss through Yoga - Loose Weight Effectively!

Yoga has long been touted as a relaxation technique that tunes the body, mind, and spirit into working in harmony. But many fitness experts and yoga teachers now say that yoga also leads to effective and lasting weight loss where other techniques have either failed or shown minimal results.

Any weight loss program includes regular exercise and a healthy diet. But what's even more important is sticking to the program. This is hard for most people as hectic schedules hinder exercise time, and day-to-day stress brings on emotional eating. Here's where yoga can help you.

Yoga is first and foremost a very effective form of deep relaxation. Even the most basic breathing exercises and poses (asanas) which define your first yoga session will help you clear your mind and better deal with stress. This positively affects your state of mind toward yourself and your life. As you are more relaxed, you will find it easier to control and eventually eliminate emotional binges and snacking between meals. The deep breathing exercises (pranayama) enhance concentration and inner strength, which help you stick to a diet or an alternative exercise routine.

Yoga tones and strengthens every muscle in your body. It also stimulates glands that secrete hormones which increase metabolism and alleviate depression. As you reach more advanced levels of yoga, you get more nimble and find it easier to work off excess fat. The pranayamas increase oxygen intake, thus facilitating smoother functioning of every organ in your body. An hour of yoga leaves you feeling rejuvenated, which means that you feel better throughout the day and tackle even mundane household chores more energetically, thus burning more calories.

If you are obese or excessively overweight, yoga is only an indirect way of getting in shape. It preps your mind and body for weight loss. So, if you initiate the other required steps in addition to your yoga sessions, you will soon be on your way to a lighter you and much healthier lifestyle.

Good health is not a struggle, nor it is an extraordinary feat. Healthy living is about understanding what your body needs and what is good for it. Re-discover good health in a simple way with Tania Hackner and make good health a way of living!.For more information and advice on yoga please visit us at http://www.whatyouneedtoknow.co.in/

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Psoriasis - Ayurveda Treatment

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder in which lesions tend to form on your knees, elbows, chest and other parts of your body. The exact cause still remains a mystery; some cases may be triggered by viral infections, immunization or a period of extreme stress. Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha.

Ayurvedic psoriasis treatment is a process of purification and rejuvenation, which aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins from the body fluids. It is achieved by "Panchkarma" treatment, which lasts for 21 to 28 days with internal and external medications purely of plant origin.

The Treatment Schedule is

I. Consumption of medicated ghee, considering the Dosha type of the Psoriasis and the person, for 5 to 7 days.

II. Detoxifying, by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana).

III. Application of medicated oil on the head.

IV. Application of medicated pack on the head.

V. Pouring of medicated fluid/other liquids on the head in slow unbroken stream for a specified time (Dhara).

VI. Therapeutic Yoga, Meditation, Reiki and Pranic healing sessions.

The net result of the treatment is

I. Blood Purification by Snehapanam.

II. Stimulation of hypothalamus by Dhara resulting in temperature regulation of the body.

III. Stabilizing the blood chemistry by ensuring balanced nutritious food, which are more alkaline than acidic.

IV. Immunization of the body.

V. Achieve a psychological state of mental well-being by application of Yoga, Meditation, Reiki; Pranic healing etc.

Apart from keeping a state of mental calmness, psoriatic has to follow a strict diet regime during the entire treatment period and it is better to continue as vegetarian. Yogurt, black gram, chilies and salted thing are to be restricted. If it is in the initial stage it can be cured with out much delay. Other wise regular treatment continuing for months will be needed it is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods. It encourages attention to balance in one's life through diet, herbs, lifestyle and "right thinking"
http://www.ayurvedaforall.com/

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Nov 20, 2007

Man Shaving Tips

It's important for a man to avoid blemishes or any type of embarrassing skin problems. Below are a couple of self tested solutions to keep a man's skin clean and healthy.

It all starts here, shaving. Most men start there day off shaving and the first mistakes are the products we use for shaving. For the most part, men's shaving creams contain ingredients that can be very irritating for your skin. Especially for men who have sensitive skin or any type of special skin problem, choosing the right type of shaving cream and aftershaves can make a heck of a difference. It's worth spending a couple of extra bucks on natural o special formulated men skin care products that won't harm your skin and that way you'll avoid embarrassing red spots, itching and burning.

Does your skin burn, get red, bumpy or nick easily after you shave? This is a problem I dealt with myself. Using shaving creams or gels that contain glycerin or aloe should solve this problem. Aside from leaving your skin refreshed, it also allows your razor to glide along your face.

If you shave with razor blades, then you should be even more careful. Usually after shaving, men slap on some alcohol based after shaving that stings or irritates the skin until you scream like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone. It's simple; would you pour some alcohol on an open cut? No. So why do this to your face! If it burns, tingles or irritates don't use it. There are tons of men skin care products online and in stores that give us a sane alternative to alcohol based aftershaves.

Of course, for those of you who don't want to take some advice, here's a tip for irritated skin, razor bumps and burns. Aspirin. Aspirin is a very effective anti inflammatory for irritated skin and soothes the redness razor bumps and burns. Here's how to get some peace, take one or two aspirin tablets, dissolve it in about two tablespoons of water and then apply that to your face with a cotton pad.

When it comes to treating breakouts, preventing wrinkles, and addressing dry skin, use skin care products made for men! These are great solutions, especially for men who take more consideration on their appearance. There are a variety of skin care products for men that treat specific areas such as anti aging, sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin and so on. Personally I would recommend you use products that are natural or contain natural ingredients. Spending just a couple of minutes on your facial appearance can be very beneficial. Sure it sounds girlish now, but when that girl across the bar is winking at you... You'll know it was worth every minute.
Joqtan A. is an expert writer for Man Shaving Tips. A site concentrating on men skin care tips, advice and product reviews for men of all skin colors.

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How To Cure A Hangover

Sooner or later every home bar owner has too much to drink. The end result of which can be a good old fashioned hangover. Actually, there is nothing "good" about hangovers! The symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and sometimes nausea. Yuck! Luckily there are some treatments that can effectively minimize the effects of a hangover.

The first step is to prevent the severity of the effects of drinking too much alcohol. It is a good idea to eat a good meal before beginning to drink. Preferably a meal with plenty of carbohydrates, as they slow down the rate at which alcohol enters your bloodstream. Try to avoid caffeine, as it tends to cause dehydration. Be careful about consuming sugar before, during, and after you drink. Alcohol itself tends to spike blood sugar, which is one of the causes of a hangover. Additional sugar simply aggravates the problem.


One of the main causes of hangovers is dehydration. During the process of dehydration, the body eliminates large quantities of water soluble vitamins and minerals. Losing large amounts of sodium, potassium, vitamin C and B-complex vitamins definitely can cause the miserable headaches associated with hangovers. Consequently, take vitamin C and a b-complex vitamin before you begin drinking. A good trick to employ is to drink plenty of water while drinking alcohol. This practice minimizes dehydration and also helps prevent drinking too many alcoholic beverages. Try to drink mostly light colored alcohol. White wine is a good choice over red wine. Also, try to avoid mixing different alcoholic beverages.

What you do to treat your hangover the next morning is critical. Be sure to drink lots of water, and a sports drink. You may not feel like it, but they will alleviate the symptoms of dehydration. If you don't feel like drinking a sports drink, eat an orange instead. Force yourself to eat carbohydrates such as pasta or crackers. Also, take more vitamin c and b-complex vitamins. After you've had food and drink, go back to bed and sleep for a couple of hours. When you awaken, have a snack high in protein. Whatever you do, don't drink more alcohol in the morning. This is an "old wive's" tale, and will only make the problem worse!

Most importantly, the next time you have a gathering around your home bar, be sure to slow down your drinking. Try to count your drinks. Know your limit and stick to it. That way , you'll remember how much fun you had with your friends!

Feel free to reprint this article and distribute to all your favorite newsletters, ezines, and websites. Please don'r erase any links, change any content, or alter the resource box.

Michael Hutchins is a noted author and speaker on subjects related to entertaining at home. A self proclaimed "party animal", Michael is noted for his wit and creativity. He craeted his online store, http://www.home-bars-and-more.com/ to be fun, "one-stop"shopping for all your home bar needs. It's a fabulous place to browse around! Check it out now!

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Nov 19, 2007

A Herbal Cure to Constipation

Constipation is usually associated with three things, the pain in bowel movement and the inability to have bowel movement after a long period of straining in the stool and the absence of bowel movement after several days, which is generally three days or more. However, there is really no clear definition on what would constitute a person suffering from constipation because bathroom patterns vary from one person to the next. For example, on person may have to go to the bathroom every single day, but similarly, another person's routine may involve going to the bathroom only after two days.

Generally though, the person himself will know if he is suffering from constipation if he experiences its symptoms such as irregular and infrequent bowel movement, a sudden decrease in the frequency of the need to go to the bathroom, his bowel still feels quite full even after the passage of stools and the abnormal difficulty in having bowel movements. You should also note that there are various causes of constipation. But in most cases, people suffering from constipation have some similarities with regards to their lifestyle like eating unhealthy food, lack of regular exercise, insufficient amount of fluid in the body because they do not drink enough water and the stress they have to deal with. But other factors can also contribute to constipation. For example, pregnancy can alter your bathroom habits and you may have some difficulty in the passage of stools. Some medical conditions can also prove to have some adverse effects like having difficulties in passing stools.

On the other hand, some people suffer from chronic constipation. This condition is actually very hard to live with because you experience difficulty in your bowel movements every time you go to the bathroom. However, chronic constipation is quite easy to cure if a person is committed to a lifestyle change because more often than not, chronic constipation is a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. Also, you can use some medications such as laxatives that can let you have some relief from this condition.

Meanwhile, you can also try some alternative cures such as herbal medicines because it is proven to help in constipation in some ways. But you should also be careful when choosing herb supplement because like chemical laxative, herb laxatives is also not good for you in the long term if you constantly use it to cure your condition. Also remember that laxatives are generally reserved for people with sever cases of constipation or those looking for an instant relief because of an emergency.

For people experiencing mild constipation, it is better for them to try mineral oils or even the milk of magnesia for them to cure this condition. They can also try the bitter liquid derived from aloe vera, this can be a very powerful laxative if ingested, but this is also not good for long-term use because it can cause a person to have severe and painful cramping. In addition, you should first consult with a healthcare professional before you take any form of medication whether it is herbal or not.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to
Constipation

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Nov 15, 2007

Enlarged Pores - Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Pores play a vital role in skin physiology. The pore is little more than the opening of the hair follicle onto the surface of the skin. Skin pores are not invisible and everyone has them. No method for skin oils to reach the surface, protecting skin from environmental dehydration. Technically speaking, the pore is little more than the opening of the hair follicle onto the surface of the skin. The source of the hair follicle lies deep within the dermis. Midway up the dermal layer, the sebaceous oil gland empties into the hair follicle. Both skin oil (sebum) and the hair breach the surface through this tiny aperture.

Wherever there is a hair, there will be a pore. Anything that attracts attention or expands the natural shape of pores magnifies their appearance. Coupled with dry skin, pores can look worse than they actually are. But there are definitely ways to unclog pores and amazing makeup products to give the illusion of having almost no pores at all. Stop using harsh toners or astringents on the affected areas. Genetics may certainly be to blame. Barely visible on those prone to drier skin, individuals with oily, thicker (glabrous) skin tend to have larger looking, more noticeable pores. Sun damage is another cause. As we age, one of the ways sun damage affects the skin is through the enlargement of the pores.

Most enlarged pores on the face are the result of hereditary factors, more than anything else. Sun damage and aging cause the epidermis to thicken and a rim of cells are more likely to collect around individual pores. While microscopic, these rings exaggerate pore diameter. Pores may be more visible simply due to lack of good skin grooming and poor exfoliation. Too much surface oil and remnant naturally shed skin cells can collect around the edges of pores, creating the illusion of the pores being larger than they really are. Blackheads and enlarged pores often go hand-in-hand.

Blackheads can either expand pores or simply focus attention on them. But pores can appear larger than life for many reasons, blackheads being but one of them. 'Using these products may have a very temporary 'tightening' effect on pores, but it's extremely short-lived,' she explains.The alcohol in the products cause the capillaries to dilate and the tiny erectile muscles of the pores to tighten, making pores look temporarily smaller.' In fact, harsh astringents actually encourage oil glands to over-produce oil, leading to an increase in the size of pores.

Treatment for Enlarged Pores Tips

1.Fraxel Laser Treatment- Fraxel Laser utilizes a new technology called Fractional Resurfacing. With Fractional Resurfacing Technology, only a fraction of the skin receives the laser light. The laser delivers a series of microscopic closely spaced laser spots to the skin while simultaneously preserving normal healthy skin between the laser spots. This preservation of healthy skin results in rapid healing following the laser treatment.

2.Laser Skin Resurfacing-Laser resurfacing is the latest break through in rejuvenation of the skin. Using a wand like laser hand piece wrinkles are vaporized and replaced by fresh skin cells. There is more control in the depth of penetration and this allows more precision and safety in the treatment.

3.Microdermabrasion-Microdermabrasion is an effective cosmetic treatment, used to reduce fine lines. Microdermabrasion is an effectively painless substitute to abrasive chemical and laser treatments. This procedure does not require anesthesia, recuperation time, is relatively painless, involves nominal risk and is effective for all skin types.

4.PhotoRejuvenation-Photo Rejuvenation is a series of intense light pulses that are absorbed by abnormally enlarged vessels or pigmentation as they make way through the skin's surface. The heat of the light pulses weakens the enlarged vessels or lesions which triggers normal healing progression. Lesions can form and will darken before being absorbed by the body or flaking off. This process causes no damage to the skin. Photo Rejuvenation leads to restoration of even toned, smoother skin. Significant improvements may be seen after 2 to 3 treatments, however, 5 treatments are normally recommended for best possible results.

5.Vibradermabrasion- Vibradermabrasion is a dermatologist-developed, clinically tested method of producing more youthful-looking, radiant and vibrant skin It improves skin tone and texture by effectively exfoliating old cells and stimulating the growth of new collagen. Vibraderm technology employs a patented vibrating surface that removes layers of damaged dead skin cells. Vibradermabrasion is a dermatologist-developed, clinically tested method of producing more youthful-looking, radiant and vibrant skin. Scientific studies show it improves skin tone and texture by effectively exfoliating old cells and stimulating the growth of new collagen. Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and brown discolorations can all improve with vibradermabrasion.

About the Author
Juliet Cohen writes articles for medical diseases and home remedies. She also writes articles on beauty tips.

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Easy Ways To Eliminate Eye Bags

Hollywood is the home of many glamorous movie stars whom we often remember for their good looks and unique features. But as far as I know, none has been immortalized for eye bags except Peter Lorre.

Today’s generation of moviegoers may no longer remember Lorre but the Hungarian actor and director portrayed many memorable characters at the height of his career. Aside from being cast as a sinister and wicked person in Hollywood crime films and mysteries, the late great actor is also fondly remembered as the Japanese detective Mr. Moto and the first James Bond villain in the first Bond movie Casino Royale.

What set Lorre apart from other actors were his unforgettable voice, look, and mannerisms. One of his striking features were his eye bags that became his “signature” mark when animators later emulated and did impressions of Lorre in various cartoons like Ren and Stimpy, Secret Squirrel, Stingray, and Digimon. It was a classic case of art imitating life as the characters in those short films had big eyes and equally big eye bags – much like Lorre’s!

Unfortunately, not everyone with eye bags ends up as a famous or celebrated actor like Lorre. For most people, eye bags, puffy eyes, and dark circles under the eyes are bothersome cosmetic problems that look terrible and make you look older than you really are. These problems are often associated with allergies, aging, fluid retention, too much salt or alcohol, excessive crying, smoking, pregnancy, menstruation, and lack of sleep.

“There isn't room for fatty layers around the eye sockets because this would get in the way of our ability to move our eyes and see. So skin around the eyes is thin and gets thinner with age - allowing the blood vessels and darker shadows of bone to show through,” according to Dr. Trisha Macnair of BBC Health.

“The most common cause of those dark bluish circles under the eyes is congestion around the nose. You see the veins around the underside of the eyes drain into the veins of the nose. When your nose becomes congested or is blocked up, those veins become restricted and the flow of blood is reduced. This causes the flow of blood under the eyes to slow. The veins under the eyes become engorged causing them to swell larger and appear darker,” added the AskDocWeb.

While they aren’t serious medical problems and often clear up on their own even without any treatment, eye bags, puffy eyes, and dark circles can be embarrassing and annoying. Besides, who wants to wait until forever for them to disappear completely when you’re attending that big party with all your friends tomorrow?

To look good, get enough rest, drink enough water, stop smoking, and avoid allergens that trigger nasal congestion like pet dander, pollen, house dust, and certain foods like milk and chocolate. Use an extra pillow or two to elevate your head while sleeping to prevent fluid build up. Reduce your salt intake and be wary of food and drinks that contain too much salt.

Cool cucumber or potato slices placed over closed eyes for a few minutes can also help. If you’d rather eat the cucumber or potato, another alternative is cotton balls dunked in cold milk. After squeezing the milk from the balls, let them rest on your closed swollen eyes for a few minutes. A cold compress will also do the same.

One popular product that can revitalize your eyes is Eyevive. When used as directed, Eyevive moisturizes, strengthens, and thickens the skin around the eyes to help reverse the signs of aging that can lead to eye bags, dark circles, swollen eyes, fines lines and wrinkles. Put back the sparkle in your eyes with Eyevive.

For more information, visit http://www.eyevive.com
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.thearticleinsiders.com

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Nov 14, 2007

Lap Band Success Rate

Lap band weight loss surgery has been performed internationally since its introduction in the mid 1990s and, in many countries, it has now become very much the preferred method of weight loss surgery. It was not however licensed for use in the United States until June 2001 and it is only now that sufficient statistics are becoming available to allow us to assess just how good a treatment it is for those seeking a solution to morbid obesity.

At this early stage the lap band success rate is looking pretty good, which is excellent news for the 15 million Americans who are now classed as being severely obese. Weight loss achieved using lap band surgery compares favorably with other forms of surgery and there are also fewer complications, both during and after surgery, with those complications that do occur proving less serious than in other forms of weight loss surgery. Lap band success is also being seen in the terms of the reduction of associated (co-morbid) conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension.

On average patients are spending less time in hospital with an overnight stay for lap band surgery compared to a stay of 2 to 3 days for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y surgery and 3 to 4 days for the open Roux-en-Y procedure. In addition, recovery time is much improved with lap band patients resuming their normal activities within about a week compared to 2 to 3 weeks for Roux-en-Y patients.

As a purely restrictive form of surgery, early post-operative weight loss for lap band patients is less dramatic than that seen in open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y patients but is nonetheless still impressive with patients achieving similar weight loss in the longer term.

In one early study involving 271 US patients undergoing lap band surgery the average weight loss achieved 3 years after surgery was 47% of excess body weight, while a second US study of 63 patients showed an excess weight loss of 53%. Several studies involving larger groups of patients from both Italy and Australia over a similar 3 year period show excess weigh loss ranging from 49% to as high as 68%.

In most cases of weight loss surgery attention tends to be focused on weight loss when assessing just how successful a procedure is and it is easy to think that an operation which produces a 50% weight loss must be more successful than one that produces a 45% weight loss. In reality of course both can be equally successful as the true question is whether or not patients lose sufficient weight to meet their expectations and see an overall improvement in their general health, life expectancy and quality of life. Lap band success therefore needs to be measured in terms of the overall package of benefits that it delivers to its patients.

Of all the surgical options available today lap band surgery is the least invasive and involves the shortest period of hospitalization and fastest recovery. It is also the only adjustable form of surgery currently available and is the easiest form of surgery to reverse. Perhaps most importantly, it avoids many of the problems associated with stomach stapling and re-routing of the intestinal tract which makes it very much safer than other forms of weight loss surgery.

It is still early days of course and time will tell but, if early lap band success is anything to go by, it would seem safe to say that lap band weight loss surgery is set to follow the pattern seen internationally and it may well soon become the preferred option in the United States.
For further information about lap band success please visit Gastric Bypass Facts today.

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Mesotherapy Treatment

What is Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy is a fat and cellulite treatment that is practice by over 20,000 doctors in France. The Mesotherapy treatment consists in injecting a micro amount of medicamentous substances right under the skin, in the direct vicinity of the problem to be treated. Mesotherapy is used for a variety of things including, weight loss, Cellulite removal, face and neck rejuvenation, and hair loss.

Mesotherapy origins

The origins and principle of the Mesotherapy is a medical treatment consisting in managing drugs by microinjections in the skin. This technique was developed in 1952 by Doctor Michel Pistor a French doctor. The overall philosophy of Mesotherapy treatment translated from French is: "To inject little, seldom, at the good place". In other words, a drug must traverse the smallest possible way. This philosophy is key to insuring that the solution is injected to benefit the problem which one wants to deal with, versus treating the entire body.

By using the localized Mesotherapy treatment philosophy a Mesotherapy doctor avoids the problem of substances passing in blood and from going in the stomach or the liver. With other type treatments the body can be faced with unintended damage that is often caused by the sometimes aggressive drugs.

What occurs at the first consultation?

To insure the body is maintained with proper care during the treatment period the first consultation is very significant, and should revolved around collecting much in the way of personal background and health information. This is necessary because it helps the doctor decide when and if to begin the treatment.

Do Mesotherapy injections hurt?

The Mesotherapy injection is almost painless and is practiced without anesthesia. For individuals with more sensitive skin it is possible to apply an anesthetic cream 1/2 hour before the treatment.

What is the cost of Mesotherapy?

Mesotherapy treatments range from $300-$550 per area per treatment. An initial consultation and examination is needed. The costs for these initial consultations typically run $250 to $275. As with any treatment, Mesotherapy in Houston will cost less than Mesotherapy in Los Angeles.

Are there Mesotherapy side effects that I should be concerned with?

Barring allergy to a Mesotherapy ingredient, the side effects are usually limited to bruising. The bruises as a rule fade within one week. It is recommended that allergies and other sensitivities should be discussed during the first consultation.

How long does the treatment take?

The procedure generally takes 30 minutes and requires no preparation or recovery time.

Can I go back to work after the treatment?

The patient is able to return to work immediately after treatment.

How long do the benefits last?

Doctors practicing Mesotherapy treatment claim that the areas undergoing Mesotherapy treatment areas will remain free of undesired fat as long as the patient continues to practice healthy dietary habits and ongoing exercise. Mesotherapy treatments for cellulite will require maintenance on a six month to one year basis.

Will my insurance cover Mesotherapy treatment?

Because a Mesotherapy injection is considered an elective procedure, insurance usually will not cover the procedure.

Read more about Mesotherapy Cellulite Treatment Alan Hood is a contributing writer at Houston Medical Center.

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Various Back Pain Causes

Back pain causes a lot of inconvenience and hindrance to the normal lifestyle of a person. There are a number of back pain causes, but the two most common causes related to discs are disc injury and degenerative disc. Disc degeneration leads to water content loss that narrows the gap between two vertebrae. This can cause pinching of a nerve and subsequent pain. Bulging discs are generally confused with ruptured discs. While the former condition is normal, the later condition can be serious. Discs may bulge during the day as they carry the body weight, and get back to normal at night when we sleep. Ruptured discs are damaged discs caused by leakage of jelly like substance called nucleus pulposus.

Back Pain Causes – The Middle Back

Among the back pain causes, mid-back pain can be caused by poor posturing or sitting in one position for a long time. A poorly designed chair can also lead to mid-back pain. At the ethereal level, stress, and emotional worries can cause muscle stiffness that leads to pain in the back. Most back pain cases can be attributed to emotional imbalance.

If your pain in the back is started by normal movements like bending or twisting, it could be a result of a slipped disc or a joint problem of the spine. It could also be because of muscle pull in the back. Muscular pain is among the common back pain causes, which can occur while attempting to carry a heavy weight. Pain that is constant around the chest or mid back area could be the result of a fractured rib. The reason could be an injury or long set osteoporosis, which weakens the bones. Kidney infections can also cause pain in the mid-back. The symptoms are pain and discomfort during passing of urine.

One of the common back pain causes is stomach ulcer. Pain occurs in the mid-back that is accentuated after a meal. Strenuous exercise can also cause pain due to injury to the back muscles.

Your back plays a vital role in mobility and needs care and attention through exercise and proper diet.

Paul Osborne is the executive editor of http://backpain-resources-online.com/ & http://lowerbackpainrelief.org/ Both sites offer a host of information, tips and advice for lower back pain relief.

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Nov 12, 2007

Dry Mouth Causes

It's a simple fact that having a dry mouth causes bad breath. It is probably not immediately obvious to many of us why this should be so, but the explanation makes sense when you think about it. Our mouths are being constantly bathed by saliva. It keeps the tissues moist and contains antibodies and enzymes that help fight off infection. It plays a key role in controlling the population of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in our mouths.

There are billions of bacteria living in our mouths - and before you rush for the antiseptic mouthwash, you should know that they are meant to be there. In most cases, they do no harm at all and even assist in breaking down food particles and preventing infection. Having a dry mouth causes some bacteria to do better, and others to do poorly. To make matters worse, among the causes of dry mouth are things that actually provide nutrients for an undesirable group of bacteria - the ones that cause bad breath.

What are the causes of dry mouth? Well, first, there are things that decrease saliva flow. Sleep is one. Advancing age is another. Many drugs cause a decrease in saliva production as a side effect, as do alcohol and coffee, and of course, some medical conditions are dry mouth causes. When there is less saliva in the mouth, the environment at the back of the tongue where odor-producing bacteria live becomes more anaerobic, that is, there is less oxygen there, which favors the proliferation of these undesirable bacteria.

Other causes of dry mouth include exposure to air with a natural drying effect. Breathing through the mouth is the main factor here. It happens when we sleep and is worse if we snore. It happens when there is nasal congestion or inflammation of the sinuses, and some people just habitually breath through the mouth. Unfortunately, nasal congestion and sinus drainage, besides being dry mouth causes, contribute to bad breath by delivering nutrients to the back of the tongue in the form of nutrient rich drainage down the back of the throat.

Clearly, there are some causes of dry mouth that can be avoided. Coffee, alcohol, and some drugs are optional. Snoring can sometimes be treated, and humidity can be added to the air in a bedroom with a humidistat or humidifier. Colds and sinus problems can often be treated if they don't clear up on their own. Other dry mouth causes, however are simply not going to go away, and for these, you'll need to tackle the resulting halitosis with a good commercial product that acts on the odor-producing bacteria causing the problem at the back of the mouth.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Dry Mouth Causes, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

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10 Helpful Tips - Reducing Dry Mouth for Hepatitis C

Among the many symptoms people with Hepatitis C deal with on a daily basis, you might not realize the connection between the virus and oral health. However, researchers and doctors have discovered a link between severe liver disease and a condition called xerostomia. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is when the mouth simply is not producing the amount of saliva necessary for normal, daily oral functioning, such as speaking, chewing and swallowing. While xerostomia may not be a painful condition, it certainly can cause a great deal of discomfort.

You may be wondering, just how does this dry mouth condition affect people with liver disease? What is the connection? Dry mouth is a common side effect of certain medications, especially those used to treat depression. And, since many people who suffer from Hepatitis C experience bouts of depression, this condition is likely a result of the medications they are taking.

Chronic dry mouth is not just an uncomfortable nuisance; it can also lead to further oral complications, including bad breath, cavities, gum and tongue irritation, and oral infections. People with Hepatitis C need to be diligent about their oral health, especially if they are awaiting a liver transplant. Poor dental health is a common reason why many people are denied a liver transplant, due to the increased risk of oral infection during the operation.

If you have Hepatitis C and are suffering with chronic dry mouth, there are some things you can do to increase the amount of saliva your mouth produces, and to keep your mouth and teeth in the best health possible. Try to avoid spicy and salty foods, and limit your intake of sugary substances. And, of course, remember to brush your teeth at least twice per day.

Learn more tips to help reduce the symptoms of the uncomfortable oral condition known as xerostomia.
This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com Visit us to learn more about liver health.

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Nov 9, 2007

Easy and Effective - Natural Acne Treatment

The skin is the largest organ of the body, eliminating waste and capable of absorbing what we put on it. When affected by acne, many people seek natural acne treatment to eliminate the problem and not face some of the undesirable side effects of some medication. Diet also plays a vital role in the removal of acne. Foods that cleanse the system or do not place stress on it can help in eliminating acne.

The liver plays the important role of eliminating wastes from the body, and this sometimes includes hormones that cause an increase in oil secretion from the sebaceous glands. There are many foods that aid the liver in this cleansing process, and so a change in diet should be considered a natural acne treatment. The change can include foods that are known to detoxify the body.

Acne Prevention: Better Than Cure

There are several natural acne treatments that can be adequate prevention measures. These include exercising, being watchful of the care and makeup products used on the skin, hygiene and shaving to remove dry skin and exfoliation. Reducing levels of stress also plays a role in preventing acne.

It is important to be fit, exercise and stay in shape. This is one of the best natural acne treatments. When the body is in its optimal state, it is more likely to handle stress effectively, and this helps the skin as well. Makeup and cosmetics can also block pores. This can lead to acne as well as dry skin. Care must be taken to use only those products which are "non-comedogenic" or oil-free. This in itself becomes part of a natural acne treatment. Any makeup that has been applied to the skin needs to be thoroughly removed. If allowed to remain overnight, makeup can clog pores and worsen the problem.

Hygiene is another essential where natural acne treatment is concerned. It is important to wash the skin everyday. Exfoliation and using astringents is also important as they prevent the build-up of dead skin cells. Washing and cleaning regularly helps to keep pores open, and removes excessive oils from the skin, therefore preventing acne.

Shaving is another simple and effective natural acne treatment. It is one method for exfoliation because it removes dead or dry skin and prevents acne. By removing dry skin, shaving opens up the affected skin to the air, and also prevents oil and sweat from accumulating on the skin. It can also remove blackheads. Despite the fact that shaving is not a treatment strictly speaking, it can help in alleviating acne.

Stress is often a trigger for many health conditions, and it plays a role in acne treatment as well. Controlling levels of mental anxiety in one can act as a natural acne treatment, just as increased stress levels can cause an outbreak. The skin is a manifestation of the mental state and inner health of a person and attempting some of these natural acne treatments can help remove acne effectively and with little trouble.

If you would like to get rid of your acne condition, click the following link to see our Recommended Acne Treatment
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Nov 8, 2007

What are the Available Cellulite Surgery Options?

by Patricia Hammond

Cellulite cannot be easily removed by just any remedy or cellulite solution. This is especially true since cellulite is a condition that varies in different individuals. One cellulite remedy may therefore work well for some individuals but not in others. For chronic cases of cellulite, people often turn to cellulite surgery options.

Invasive Methods

Cellulite surgery options are generally considered as invasive procedures. This is because any form of surgery involves invading and fighting the cellulite problem aggressively through open incisions in the body. There are however new cellulite surgery methods that are considered minimally invasive. Only small cuts or micro surgery procedures are used on a patient.

Surgical Methods

There are now a great many varieties of cellulite surgery methods. The most common however are those given below.

• Liposuction is probably the most commonly known cellulite surgery method. It is however primarily a body toning method for younger adults and should not be used for weight loss or on older patients. This cellulite surgery method involves making incisions on the cellulite areas and sucking out the fat deposits through a hollow tube.

• A lower body lift is a cellulite surgery method that is similar to a face lift. As the name suggests though, it is performed on the lower part of the body. It is a highly invasive cellulite surgery procedure that involves lifting a large area of skin on the lower body. For some people, this method can effectively tighten lower body skin.

• Mesotherapy is considered by some to be a form of micro surgery although others dispute that it can be qualified as a non-surgical method. This is because mesotherapy does not involve making incisions on the body. In mesotherapy, a custom made solution of natural substances is injected on cellulite areas. The composition of injection solutions will depend on an individual's cellulite condition.

• Laser lipolisis is a minimally invasive cellulite surgery method that involves making small incisions on specified body areas. A fiber optic laser is then used on body fats.

Surgical Risks

Depending on a person's cellulite condition, a good cellulite surgery method performed by a specialist may effectively reduce cellulite. Since cellulite surgery methods are invasive however, these methods may also result in negative side effects in some individuals. The common side effect of any cellulite surgery procedure for example is swelling and bruising. Some individuals may only experience these side effects minimally but others may also have very sensitive systems that may result in chronic swelling and bruising. Accidents during medical procedures may also lead to infections and organ punctures.

Last Resort

As a general rule, surgery is often regarded as a last resort for treating cellulite. Younger individuals who may still react well to non-invasive procedures are usually recommended to stay away from surgical solutions. Some surgical procedures are also not advisable for older people. As an alternative, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and using all natural cellulite solution products are good ways to reduce less chronic conditions of cellulite or cellulite in very young or old individuals.

About the Author
For more advice, tips, information on cellulite treatment, natural cellulite remedy, and cellulite surgery , please visit site at http://www.celluliteremedy.info./revitol-cellulite-solution-review.html.

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Skin Care - Face Lift and Mesotherapy

by Franchis Adam

In August 2005, I went to my hair colorist. Like most beauty salons in Southern California, the place was milling with talk about the latest beauty tips and aids. Among them that caught my interest like a heat-seeking missile to a target was this "latest thing" - mesotherapy. The aesthetician and the girls were just raving about it- how it shrunk and tightened and smoothed your skin.

I am not particularly bad looking, but I do have this issue with my face. I have high cheekbones, which is a good thing, but the bottom of my cheeks are hollow. If you can imagine, I had shadows across my cheeks which distracted a lot from my appearance. And I thought, "Well let me see about this mesotherapy." I asked for the phone number and proceeded to make the appointment.

After talking with the aesthetician (she was a physician assistant), we agreed that she would give me what they called an "meso-lift" on the cheeks. I was given the numbing cream and in a few minutes, she was injecting me with a cocktail of different solutions which supposedly would shrink fat cells (danger zone, I should have recognized!) and vitamins that would be good for my skin. She told me that with mesotherapy, I should expect a good amount of swelling and some bruising.

Good amount indeed! Overnight, my face swelled up like a chipmunk's-- no, like a helium balloon. I could not recognize me! I had a lot of bruising and swelling on the injection sites and ALL OVER my face where it wasn't even treated.

Let me backtrack. When I made the mesotherapy appointment, I has no intention of telling my husband. I was under the impression that I could pull this off and explain the "slight" swelling and bruising to a bad facial procedure. Well, so much for that! By night time the swelling was bad enough that my husband refused to take me out to dinner. He told me that I looked like a battered wife! Lesson # 1: Never lie to your husband, in case something terrible happens.

The following morning, the swelling was even worse. It was so bad that I didn't want to go out. I placed a call to the aesthetician. She told me that the swelling and bruising was normal with mesotherapy and that I should be fine in two days.

So day two goes by, then day three. The swelling was going down, but ever so slightly. I still looked like my face was stung by a swarm of bees. Even the bruising was still bad enough that I started to panic.

Day four.... this is bad, I started to think. I should go to see her. So I made the long drive from Garden Grove, where I live, to deep deep South of Orange County. I was a mess. I did not want anyone inside the beauty salon to see my face, but that was not possible. Of course, there just HAD to be no private entrance, so I was forced to bear the humiliation.

The aesthetician told me that some people are prone to more bruising and swelling. All I could do was wait for it to go away.

I was a good two weeks to almost three weeks before the swelling went down. But the discoloration, which I thought was bruising, did not completely fade. I now have even dark, larger areas of shadows across my cheeks-- worse than before I started the mesotherapy. I felt devastated.

I went back to see her again. She took a good look at my face and told me it was melasma. She said that mesotherapy does not cause discoloration and that the melasma was more than likely due to hormonal change. I, of course, did not believe her. Hello? I did not have discoloration pre-mesotherapy! And now I have it? Logic would dictate the discoloration was due to the mesotherapy. She again reiterated that there is no known fact that mesotherapy causes this. I left her office as a ruined, victimized woman, feeling angry, depressed, and a part of me feeling guilty about my vanity that started this whole thing. The thing that started as a quest for a little more beauty, which had turned into a quest to fix a mistake. The quest to look like me-- the way I did BEFORE mesotherapy.

About the Author
Read out Skin care . Also check out for beauty advice and kids hairstyles

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The Inconvenient Truth About DIY Mesotherapy

by Sharon Bell

Cellulite is one of the few things that any woman would want to avoid. However, like a cruel joke from nature, women are more prone to develop cellulite than men. But in this day and age, nature can take a beating from countless of women scorned by cellulite in their body. As more and more products and procedures are being created to fight off cellulite, these fatty deposits have become so much easier to eliminate.

Mesotherapy is one of the cellulite reduction treatments available today. Mesotherapy is gaining popularity all over the world because it does not require surgery and is relatively safe. Since it is really quite hard to get rid of cellulite the natural way, many women are willing to dole out huge amounts of money just to ensure that their buns and thighs do not have the orange peel appearance brought about by cellulite.

Basically, mesotherapy treatment only requires the injection of a mixture of minerals, vitamins, amino acids and some medications on the surface of the skin. Thus, the only side effect you might encounter is minor bruising. And that's a lot better than climbing up hills and mountains.

However, since having mesotherapy in clinics and spas are quite expensive, many women who want to get rid of their cellulite but don't have much money are resorting to do-it-yourself mesotherapy (that's right, DIY mesotherapy) treatments that can be bought through auction sites and other online stores. However, this practice can be very dangerous in itself and many women are risking their lives by self-administered mesotherapy. Read on if you want to know more about the hidden dangers of using home-mesotherapy kits.

Lack Of Training

Injecting your thighs and buns with the mesotherapy drug may look easy. In reality, however, you need months of training to know where exactly to inject the serum. It is important to note that the human body has lots of nerves, veins, capillaries, muscles and other tissues under the skin. Thus, one mistake might lead to serious repercussions, including muscle damage.

Another danger you might encounter in doing the treatment yourself is by injecting yourself with a syringe full of trapped air bubbles. Only trained professionals know how to safely release trapped bubbles in a syringe.

Unsterilized Equipment And Surroundings

You cannot just perform mesotherapy anywhere. You need a clean environment to ensure that there will be no complications. Furthermore, you also need to ensure that the needles and other equipment to be used are clean and sterile. If you buy kits via online auctions, you can never be sure that the equipment being sold is uncontaminated. AIDS and sepsis are just some of the diseases you can get from performing mesotherapy in unclean surroundings and with unsterilized needles and syringes.

Problems With Mesotherapy Medication

Mesotherapy procedure is expensive because they make use of expensive drugs and equipment. If you buy a cheap mesotherapy kit, you might be buying unsafe, expired or ineffective medication.

There are many unscrupulous people who are just interested in making money. Thus, you need to be careful in buying and using mesotherapy kits that are super cheap. There is a big chance that the dose of required medications included in these kits is not correct. And maybe the drugs and nutrients used are substandard or the medication is expired.

People who used mesotherapy kits with wrong medication have experienced peeling of the skin, muscle aches, extensive bleeding, and rashes. Some even need to undergo hospitalization just to remedy the situation.

If you cannot afford mesotherapy or you do not want to risk your life for some cheap auctioned DIY mesotherapy kits, there are other treatments available that are surely safe. Products like Celluthin can help you with your cellulite. For more information, visit www.celluthin.com.

About the Author
Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com/.

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Nov 6, 2007

Heart Disorders

Hypertension and heart disease are also believed to be trigg by stress. Before you can look at what you can do to manage your stress, the first order of business is understanding what, exactly, stress is. Generally, stress is defined as a negative emotional experience associated with biological changes that allow you to adapt to it. In response to stress, your adrenal glands pump out stress hormones that speed up your body - your heart rate increases and you blood sugar levels increase so that glucose can be diverted to your muscles in case you have to run. This is knoen as the fight-or-flight response.

How stressed you become has much to do with your personality as well. For example, if you have a negative outlook on life, you will probably feel more stress than someone with a positive attitude. Some women like to find meaning in uncontrollable events, which gices them a sense of control. Others like the challenge of difficult situations.

The heart has four sets of valves that control the flow of blood passing through its four chambers. Most problems are caused by narrowing and obstruction or incomplete closing. When a valve is defective and does not close completely, blood leaks back. These defects cause the heart to work harder to pump the blood, and can result in heart failure.

The death of a loved one can sometimes lead to personal growth because we may see something about ourselves we did not see before - new resilience, for example. So even a death can be a good stress, though we grieve and are sad in the short run.

An estimated 5 percent of adults, mostly women, have a condition known as mitral valve prolapse,which causes problems for only a small number of these individuals.

Working with a therapist or counselor may help. In the meantime, here are a few suggestions for reducing some sources of daily stress: isolate the exact source of stress and see if there's a solution. See the humor in difficult situations, and try to look at lessons learned instead of beating yourself up. When times get tough, surround yourself with supportive people: close friends, family members, and so on. Do not take things so personally.
Article Source: http://www.yourarticle.info
Provide information and planning on health insurance, affordable health insurance, long-term planning, short-term planning, family health insurance, individual health insurance, accident health insurance and more on
1st-health-insure.com.....

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Laid Off? Can It Cause A Panic Attack?

Anxiety attack is unpredictable, sudden, often discrete or not and is defined by a experience of fear, uncomfortableness and different other cognitive or somatic symptoms. In nearly all cases an anxiety attack comes along without any obvious cause altho one always exists. The one hurting might or might not actualize what goes on but his subconscious mind acknowledges it all. In most cases an anxiety attack will last about 10 minutes but can be even shorter, lasting only approximately five minutes. Then again, we likewise experience austere cases of anxiousness attacks that are induced from a cyclical series of episodes and could even last for hours. Anxiety attacks will affect people differently and few persons can even last out one as they experience it is about to come along.

Causes of Anxiety Attack Experience

There are many reasons that can trigger anxiety attacks. In most cases younger people are more likely to develop them during high school and college years. This is because this is the period that puts the most importance on events. One event that might have caused what is perceived as a humiliation can cause an anxiety attack.

Persons suffering from anxiety become more highly to develop a second attack after this first episode as they get worried that this particular moment will repeat itself. One of the most common fear and reason for most panic attacks with teenagers is the fear of public speaking. Actually, public speaking is perhaps the most common reason for panic attacs, in all age groups. On a positive note, anxiety and panic attacks are quite easy to treat.

There can be many biological reasons that can cause panic attacks as well, things like vitamin B deficiency, obsessive compulsive disorders and post traumatic stress. There are also studies that suggests that heredity plays a relatively large role in anxiety attacks and panic disorders can actually run in the family and inheritance can play a large role in determining who gets anxiety attacks.

Phobias will also cause panic attacks and there are also many short-term triggering causes that include significant personal loss, different life changes and stimulants such as caffeine or nicotine. One important life change can be considered a layoff. Individuals might develop an anxiety attack if they are laid off from work.

It can be a huge shock to get laid off from job. One tends to connect being laid off to other things on your life as well. Your mind starts to create all sorts of negative scenarios, like lack of money and how difficult it is to get a job once you are over 40. This seems to be a common belief globally these days.

One of the most common and disturbing problem these days is lack of money, especially if you have a family to support. Money is very important part of our lives, whether we like it or not. If you get laid off this will cause you, even unwillingly, start to think your possible future money problems and this kind of thinking can even stop you from getting another job.

Keeping a positive mindset in these kind of events can be very difficult. On the bright side, you'll find that there are specialists that can help you, unfortunately these cost money, which you might not have. This is a nasty circle and anxiety can take over. Evebtually this might lead to panic attacks, which can be very strong and can even cause long term psychological effects.

Process For Layoff

Normally layoffs happens because company in question needs to keep costs down and layoff people just to survive. Naturally there might be another reasons for an individual layoffs, but we are not discussing that right now. Unfortunately, companies that are small, rarely can offer large compensation, if any, to people who are laid off.

This can lead to the above mentioned situation of possible anxiety attack. When a larger company lays off people, they usually offer an amount of money as a "gift". This "gift" is not much but can be a difference as it will offer some kind of certainty to the individual that he/she still has something to hang on while looking for another job.

If you are laid off the best thing to do is to talk about it with your friends and family. This can be trememdously important and can be the biggest cause to avoid anxiety and even possible panic attacks. In case you have a friend or family member who has been laid off offer him/her your support and help.

As human beings we have the cabability to either help or destroy our fellow beings. In these kind, and in everykind of situations, aid is the things that should come to mind. Anxiety and panic attacks are not nice to deal with so your friends and family members, if they are going through a rough time, like layoffs, need all the help we can give them. To put it simply, we have the means to help them and in return, they can help us when we face bad times.
Article Source: http://www.yourarticle.info
Can Layoffs Cause Anxiety Attacks? Find more about that and other articles on how to Solve Panic Attacks.

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Conquering The Basics Of Pilates

During World War I, Joseph Pilates developed a group of exercises to benefit bed bound patients during the recovery from war wounds. Not only did this group of exercises benefit the patients, this initial group of exercises ultimately came to be known as the basic of Pilates. Joseph H. Pilates eventually left England and came to New York where he eventually gained a rabid Pilates following.

Pilates basics are known for using intense concentration on a specific body part as well as on a specific series of breathing techniques while you perform a prescribed series of movements. It is the combination of these challenges which make Pilates a champion exercise.

One of the keys to Pilates is your ability to focus on your powerhouse or your abdomen. This Pilates secret allows you to direct your concentration on the core of your body and by doing so Joseph Pilates taught that your body would begin to work more efficiently as a whole unit. This causes your muscles to work through their full range of motion.

It is the muscles of the abdomen and the spine that are the focus of powerhouse in Pilates. The abdominal muscles are made up of the rectus abdominis, the transverse abdominis, and the internal and external obliques.

When you are able to focus on the core muscles, you are also able to use Pilates to improve your balance, your strength, your flexibility and your coordination. With improvement in these areas you are less likely to sustain injuries. Once you have conquered the basics of Pilates and understand its benefits to your body, then you are more likely to continue to practice this art since it is clear to see the benefits of exercise such as this.

While Pilates is a kinder and gentler exercise, similar to yoga, it should not be mistaken for a "wimpy" exercise. Ask devotees of Winsor Pilates and they will be the first to tell you that Mari Winsor has created a Pilates exercise designed around "dynamic sequencing". With "dynamic sequencing" Winsor Pilates aggressively works the core of to create a longer and leaner body.

Because Pilates is not a joint-jarring exercise, it can be practiced by people at varying fitness levels. But make no mistake, this is indeed a workout. However, this exercise workout will leave you feeling invigorated and strong.

Other benefits of Pilates include leaving you feeling invigorated, energized and even more confident. Plus the wonderful breathing exercises which accompany this exercise will also help you to finish the exercise feeling more relaxed and even calmer.

Why not give it a try? Pilates basics is simply a group of exercises accompanied by specific breathing routines designed to help strengthen, tone and lengthen your musclesespecially those of the powerhouse.

More energy, confidence, strengthyes, that makes Pilates basics sound like a plan for me!
Article Source: http://www.yourarticle.info
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healthy living, be sure to visit the-health-hub.com where you'll find information on health topics such as stress reduction, diet and exercise, heart health & more

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Some General Information and Reviews on Acne

The best acne product is hard to find but there are various center specializing in acne care and treatment in America including the American Dermatology Center, Perfect Skin Laser Center, and the Fayces Skin Care Center. But specifically, the ingredients to avoid for proper acne skin care are isopropyl myristate, isopropyl esters, oleic acid, stearic acid, petrolatum and lanolin.

Adult acne

The latest statistics from the American Dermatological society suggests that adult acne is much more widespread than most of us imagine, more and more adults are getting acne then ever before. We all assumed that once puberty was over the horror of our acne would leave as well, but for millions of adults this is the case and they are left wondering what caused their adult acne. And its been mentioned before that people may have a certain sensitivities to types of foods or products in the foods that they eat and can cause adult acne skin reactions.

The acne treatments

With so many adult acne treatments available, you are sure to find one that works for you. The standard treatments for adult acne are similar to those employed for teenage acne using mainly topical products, many of which contain benzoyl peroxide. Most treatments for adult acne are similar to ordinary acne.

As with other types of acne including teenage acne, the exact causes of adult acne remain unknown, but are thought to relate to changes or imbalances in our body's hormones. However, you can support your acne treatment efforts with proper acne skin care in order to reduce the recurrence of acne flare-ups and not aggravate existing acne.

For the best natural acne treatments - solutions for acne sufferers - one need not have to look anywhere else or consult a doctor. If you happen to be searching for the best acne treatments, before you choose your treatment I would suggest that you take a little memory trip back to your teen years, and assess how your skin used to be back then.

With so many adult acne treatments available, you are sure to find one that works for you. There are a number of conventional and alternative adult acne treatments, so speak to your doctor or dermatologist to find out which one is right for you. And there are a number of other acne treatments in tablet form, some of which are only prescribed under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Another new development in the treatment of acne involves using blue and red ultraviolet rays or light. New clinical studies have shown remarkable results in acne patients who participated in blue and red light treatments. And an increasing number of hospitals and/or private practice physicians offer a convenient payment plan, which allows their patients to set up a scheduled payment system for their high-cost acne treatments.

Acne scars

Some people would be pleased with the appearance of their face if only they could just find a way to fade their acne scars. On product that is used to reduce scars is Dermabrasion which used to minimize the appearance of smaller acne scars. Second most effective treatment of acne scars is the by giving the local anesthetic, a high-speed brush is used to remove surface skin and alter the lines of scars.
Article Source: http://www.yourarticle.info
Interested in getting more information plus reviews? then check out the following link:
Home Remedy For Acne.

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Nov 5, 2007

Losing Weight And Improving Metabolism!

The trend of people on campaigns to lose extra weight is drastically increasing. How ever, this many times, when related procedures are not properly administered, comes along with negative consequences.

As research has it, it has clearly been attested to that many people are actually over weight but they fall short of recognizing that fact. Some people may simply tell they are overweight by a mere look at their physical size which under severe circumstances is referred to as obesity, While others are not obese but when you use the body mass index (BMI) formula, you get to realize they really are.

Being in any state of over weight is fundamentally bad and it has always been there fore recommended that every person checks their weight. This simply is because it leads to serious healthy problems like heart failure and many other body organs mal-functionalities, due to high cholesterol levels that generally end up reducing the body metabolism.

The question many people are asking relates to losing weight and improving metabolism. This is really a paramount factor to be considered in any attempt to lose weight.

Metabolism from scientific yet easy point of view is the complete set of chemical reactions that take place in the living cells. These reaction processes are the basis of life, allowing cells to grow, reproduce and maintain their structures as they respond to their respective environments.

On the other hand, it has always been difficult to get people losing weight and improving metabolism at the same time. For example, eliminating stomach fat is one of the common problems associated with losing weight and improving metabolism. People may be successful about finding solutions for eliminating belly fat but at the end find them selves compromising on their body systems performance. The most common problems associated with this for instance include, Head aches, depression and chronic fatigue.

Always before trying to get remedy for a problem, you must identify it first. Also people interested in losing weight and improving metabolism will realize that the best practice for eliminating stomach fat is first to improve their eating habits. This includes eating right quantities and quality foods. They will also require performing regular exercises.

Ideally, if properly followed, they will soon find them selves losing weight and improving metabolism.

Eliminating stomach fat is no laughing matter because, unless one gets the right products, they may always find that losing weight and improving metabolism at the same time has never been easy.

Every body needs to get a deeper understanding of this so to get rid of belly fat or any other form of excess weight, with out negatively affecting their metabolism.
Challenges Flattened!

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What's The Best Way To Remove Blackheads?

Blackheads are the slightly different sibling of zits, and like zits, squeezing them can be addictive. Composed of the same oil, or sebum, that contributes to the production of pimples, blackheads result from a building up of this oil in pores – the difference in appearance is the result of the blackhead’s exposure to the air, the reaction of which with the oil causes the trademark black color of these blemishes. And while blackheads are more easily obscured by makeup, they can seem less offensive to the sufferer, and as a result, less damaging to squeeze. But the bad news is that this is not the best way of removing blackheads – the fun stuff is always bad for us! And while squeezing them might be fun, getting rid of them altogether sounds better. So what is the best way to remove blackheads from our lives? Here are some tips for removing blackheads for good.

So, how to get rid of blackheads? Like pimples, blackheads are the result of an underlying skin problem – the over production of oil by glands contained in our skin, exacerbated by the improper shedding of old skin – and rather than removing blackheads by squeezing, the best way to get rid of them is by attacking the source of the problem. A good cleansing routine is one of the best ways to remove blackheads, as it will help wash away excess oil and dead skin particles. A gentle cleanser is a good choice as it won’t dry out the skin excessively (which results in the production of even more of that nasty sebum!). Combined with the use of a gentle exfoliant, which will help remove old skin cells, this is all you need to help keep your skin blackhead free.

But we all know that blackheads can be persistent, so how to get rid of blackheads that are more stubborn? Aggressive manipulation of the skin is never good, and so tips for removing blackheads include above all else a gentle touch. Before attempting to squeeze a blackhead, open up your pores by steaming your face, and then use a blackhead remover or some clean tissue to remove the blockage. Remember – the best way to remove blackheads is to be gentle! An overly heavy hand will only force the blockage deeper into the skin, causing dreaded zits! Surely squeezing isn’t worth that!
Find out more about Acne as well as the Best Acne Treatments and adult acne, acne skin care products, the best acne treatments and more at Peter’s website, Acne All Gone.

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