Symptoms

Early stage breast cancer usually does not have any symptoms. For this very reason it is very important for you to complete regular breast examinations, which might facilitate the discovery of breast cancer earlier than if you fail to do breast examinations. As breast cancer grows and advances in stages, there might be a breast lump in your breast or armpit that is hard, with uneven edges, which does not hurt. Your breast or nipple might change color, size, shape, or feel. Your breast may excrete fluid, such as blood or pus. Bone pain, breast pain, skin ulcers, swelling of one arm, and weight loss are also indications that breast cancer may be present.

Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer there are numerous treatments that are available to you. However, treatment is dependent on the type and stage of cancer, whether the cancer is sensitive to certain hormones, and whether the cancer overproduces HER2/neu, a particular gene. Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and/or targeted therapy. The type of treatment that is most appropriate will be decided upon by you and a team of doctors and surgeons who will work with you.

Hair Loss Treatment Options

If you’re currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer or are preparing to undergo treatment, inquire about the likelihood of hair loss. Even though hair loss might seem like the last thing to worry about right now, maintaining some aspect of your sense of self is possible. Purchasing a hair system that resembles your exact natural head of hair is a helpful preventative measure that could provide you with some comfort during difficult times. If you’re not ready to think that far ahead, it is possible to attend a consultation with a hair loss expert after you have begun to lose your hair.

Preventing and treating breast cancer requires commitment not only from you but also from your friends, family, and doctor. If you suspect that you might have breast cancer, make an appointment with your doctor and bring a friend or partner with you. Attending a doctor’s appointment, especially regarding a serious medical issue, can be very stressful. Write down your symptoms and a set of questions that you have for your doctor. If you discover that chemotherapy is in your future, schedule an appointment with a hair loss consultant prior to your first chemotherapy treatment.

References

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001911/

You’ve been reading hundreds of online articles about how to treat hair loss

What is DHT Sensor?

DHT Sensor is a hair loss treatment program for managing moderate to mild hair loss and thinning both for men and women. This product is an easy to use, clinically tested hair loss program that will do wonders not only for hair growth but also for the integrity of your scalp and the appearance of your thinning hair.  Applying the Enzyme Complex to the area of hair loss and thinning takes only a minute to apply. Other treatments will replace your current shampoo and conditioner regimen. Another part of the treatment includes using a low-level laser hair light to the affected areas. That’s easy enough! You should follow the regimen for at least six months to see the results you are expecting.

What is the Evidence that it Works?

There are many benefits of the DHT program. First and foremost, the evidence tells us that it works. Research demonstrates that the program increases blood supply to the scalp, stimulates hair follicles, increases hair strength, and repairs damage normally caused by chemical services. Carefully controlled clinical studies show that DHT Sensory increased the percentage of growing hair by 80% in both men and women. All individuals in the test group had increases in the diameters in hair shafts and also larger, more deeply rooted hair follicles. Another shocking statistic was that 40% of the test group showed an increase in new hair development.

How Can I Get Started?

It is likely that the first part of getting started is taking some control over your mind and emotions. Beginning a new hair loss treatment program can seem overwhelming and daunting. Whenever you try something new there are always thoughts that the treatment might fail. Our guess is that you’ve tried many different hair loss techniques. Perhaps some of them worked and others failed miserably. Each time you try something new and it doesn’t give you the promised results, you feel a pang of disappointment. That’s completely and totally normal. And it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get right back up and try again.

Schedule a consultation with a trained, hair care professional to discuss the option of beginning a DHT program today. When you go into the appointment, make sure you bring many questions with you. There is no question that a hair care consultant won’t be able to answer. Research DHT online and see what others are saying about it. Remember, if DHT doesn’t turn out to be right for you, there are many other options out there.

References

http://www.dhtsensor.com/is-dht-sensor-right-for-you.htm

]]> http://blog.genesishair.com/2013/03/a-hair-loss-treatment-program-that-actually-works/feed/ 0 http://blog.genesishair.com/2013/03/caring-for-your-wig-five-simple-steps/ http://blog.genesishair.com/2013/03/caring-for-your-wig-five-simple-steps/#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:45:04 +0000 genesishair http://blog.genesishair.com/?p=939 You finally purchased the beautiful European Hair Wig you’ve always wanted. Hopefully, you took time to work with a talented hair care consultant to craft the head of hair perfect for you. Now that you have your wig in hand, it’s important to care for it in ways that will preserve its beauty. There are a few simple rules to follow when caring for your wig that will ensure its longevity. Follow the few simple tips below to learn how to maintain your hair system. If you’re nervous about your ability to care for your wig, let your anxieties go and leave the worrying to us!

Apply it Correctly

When you put your wig on your head, make sure you do it right. This may sound obvious, but many women put on their wig backwards, sideways- any way but the right way! First, you want to give the wig a gentle shake. Identify the front and back of the wig by checking to see where the label is located. Place the wig on a table. Pick it up, ensuring that the label is to the back and slip the wig over your head. Begin at the hairline and then move back toward the neck. Your wig should feel secure on your head, but not too tight.  

Wash it Thoroughly

We suggest washing your wig anywhere between 8 and 12 wears. When you wash your human hair wig, follow the steps to ensure your wig remains in tact and clean. Detangle the wig with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Rinse the wig with cold water, ensuring that the water is flowing in the same direction as the hair. Using a phosphate free shampoo, finger shampoo and conditioner, one after the other, through the strands without rubbing the hair. Remove the excess water gentle with a towel without squeezing or rubbing the hair. Place the wig on a drying rack. 

Style It Up!

Styling your hair should be fun, creative, and spontaneous. And it’s easy with a 100% human hair wig.  (Not so much, with synthetic wigs, unfortunately).

You can style a human hair wig much in the same as you would your regular hair. You should use special products that are recommended by the hair care experts that sold you the wig. Styling your wig can also include haircuts, which could drastically change the style. Avoid using heat on your wig as that may damage the integrity of the hair and shorten its life.

Now that you have the tips, it’s time for you to incorporate them into your routine. Having a hair care system will require an adjustment to your washing, drying, and styling rituals. Owning a wig allows for your look to be flexible and versatile. Styling your wig is all about your imagination. You crafted the hair system from the beginning. Now, it’s up to you to style it in a way that reflects the exact look that you want on any given day. Creating a new hair care routine is an undertaking that will be well worth the effort. Take the plunge sooner rather than later.

Meet Friends

Being social and connecting with other women is a critical aspect of developing your confidence. Our identity is constructed in large part by the way we see ourselves. An even larger part of ourselves is created by the way others perceive us. Now here is the irony- the way others perceive us is completely influenced by the way we see ourselves. Our identity is created by others and ourselves. Therefore, making friends who bring out the best side of us is significant. Find friends who have the qualities that you want and bring out the best parts of who you are.

Start Exercising

Aside from the host of health benefits that exercise will bring into your life, exercising will also make you feel strong and confident. When you begin an exercise routine and stick to it, you’re telling yourself and others that you consider yourself #1. Remember, start slow. Begin an exercise routine that you can handle. Start with 30 minutes a day, once a week and increase from there. If health issues keep you from exercising, adopt a meditation or yoga practice. The mere act of committing to your body and following through will do wonders for your self-esteem.

Hair Replacement: Taking Control of Your Hair Loss

Hair restoration for women has come light years in just a short period of time.  Have you visited a hair care consultant and toyed with the idea of purchasing a wig? If you’ve ruminated over this decision, now is the time to do it! If wearing a hair system is something that will help you get back on track, go out and buy one. You’ve done your research and know the pros and cons. Trusting yourself in this process is essential. Listen to your own voice. For many women, having a full head of hair, styled exactly the way they want, is a key to confidence. That’s okay. Embrace it. Having the hair you want is just one consultation away. Make an appointment today.

Confidence is a quality that all women want to have in their back pocket. When you lead with confidence, everything else falls into place. Whether you have complete hair loss or some thinning, self-esteem can make the difference with your friends, family, and colleagues. Today is the perfect day to begin an intentional practice with yourself to increase your sense of self. Enroll your closest friends in your plan to re-vamp how you and others see you.

Maintenance

If you want beautiful, flowing hair that moves naturally, a 100% natural human hair wig is absolutely the perfect choice. Human hair is easy to style and soft and natural to the touch. High quality human hair wigs are not easy to make, which means they are more expensive than what we call “fashion wigs” that are available at the local mall or online. It is important to care for your wig in very particular ways. If you use the wrong hair care products, the life expectancy of your wig can be drastically reduced. However, with an appropriate care, your wig can easily outlast any fashion wig on the market, and look a thousand times better and more natural.

Before washing a human hair wig, use a wide-toothed comb and detangle it. Begin at the ends of the hair and work your way to the root. Next, wash your wig. Meet with a hair care professional to determine the most appropriate products to use on the hair. While you hold the hair, wet the strands with cool water. Do not soak the hair in water for any longer than necessary because it could cause the hair to tangle. Next, apply a coin-sized amount of shampoo to your hands. Distribute the shampoo evenly throughout the hair, gently rubbing it into the strands. You then want to carefully rinse the shampoo out of the hair. During this step you may want to wring the hair. Refrain from wringing the hair because it might break the delicate strands. To prevent tangling, you then need to condition the hair. Place a small amount of conditioner into your hands and distribute through the hair. If the hair feels dry, consider using a hydrating mask. After you’ve completed washing, you can place the wig on a drying stand and allow it to air dry. Styling a natural hair wig is as easy as your natural hair. Once the hair is completely dry, style to your liking!

Getting into a routine for caring for your wig is half the hair care battle. Similar to the routine you have with your natural growing hair, create a routine for your wig, too. What days are best for your schedule to wash your wig? Do you have more time and energy to care for your wig in the morning or in the evening? Make a plan and stick to it. Being consistent in your maintenance plan will help with the longevity of your prosthesis. Buy the appropriate supplies and keep your bathroom stocked to ensure you never run out.

What Is Eczema?

According to WebMD, eczema is a term used for a group of medical conditions that cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. Approximately 10-20% of infants and 3% of adults and children in the U.S. experience eczema. Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is the most common type. The term, atopic, refers to a cluster of diseases with an inherited tendency to develop other allergies, like asthma. Most children do not experience eczema symptoms past their tenth birthday. Whereas, a small minority of people experience eczema off and on throughout their lifetime. A dermatologist can diagnose eczema.

What are the Symptoms?

Regardless of where eczema exists on your body, you will almost always feel itchy. Itchiness may be a precursor to eczema breakouts, it may occur during the breakout, or both. Eczema rashes usually occur on the face, back of knees, wrists, hands, or feet, says WebMD. The area with the rash may appear dry and scaly. When an individual itches the rash, it may bleed. It is important not to itch the rash. Rather, following your doctor’s treatment plan to prevent the itching is the next logical step.

How Do I Treat It?

There are many different ways to calm eczema if you have a flare-up. The primary goal of eczema treatment is to cool the affected area and decrease itching. WebMD also suggests purchasing hydrocortisone creams and ointments. In order to prevent an eczema breakout, hydrating your skin is the number one priority. Reducing stress and avoiding over-heating are also ways to minimize outbreaks. If you’re not quite sure what is causing your eczema outbreaks, consider asking your doctor for an allergy test. If you determine that a particular food is causing outbreaks, eliminate the food from your diet.

If you think you might have eczema, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor right away. Creating a treatment plan that fits the particular type of eczema that you have is critical for the health of your skin. As you know, eczema can be itchy and uncomfortable. If your child has eczema, he/she may not be able to speak for himself. It is essential that you speak on their behalf when you take them to the doctor. Don’t depend on children to advocate for themselves, even if you believe that they are capable of doing so.

References

http://www.nationaleczema.org/blog/importance-patient-education

Benefits of Volunteering

According to Joanna Saisan, M.S.W., Melinda Smith, M.A., and Gina Kemp, M.A., there are a host of benefits for individuals who choose to volunteer. Volunteering connects you to others, which increases the social supports around you. Helping out in the community facilitates the beginning of new friendships and local networks. Helping others is also good for your mind and body. It helps increase confidence, fight against depression, and remain physically healthy. If making changes in other areas of your life has been challenging, volunteering is a perfect jumpstart.

Finding the Right Opportunity

Before jumping into a volunteering opportunity, take some time and identify your goals and interests. Do you want to work with children or adults? Are you interested in working with people, animals, or neither? How long do you want to volunteer? Identifying your hopes and goals before investigating opportunities will help you to be clearer on what you’re looking for. Many people use volunteering as a way to adopt a new hobby. For example, if you work indoors and don’t have children, you may consider coaching an outdoor basketball league for little ones. After you’ve outlined your goals, it’s time to start looking!

Older adults and Volunteering

If you’re an older adult, volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to feel young again. The Administration on Aging reports an increase in the number of older adult volunteers. The Corporation for National and Community Service reports that individuals 65 and older who volunteer has risen from 7.7 million in 2002 to 9.1 million in 2009. Older adults volunteer primarily from religious institutions, but there are other organizations that also facilitate volunteering among older adults. Individuals engage in a variety of volunteer activities, ranging from distributing food at a pantry to manual labor to babysitting.

Volunteering is a commitment. Whether you commit to an afternoon of cleaning the grounds of a local school or weekly mentoring visits with a child in your community, consistency is critical. If you’re not sure whether you’re interested in a long-term volunteer opportunity, find small projects that won’t eat up a significant amount of time. If you do have the time and commitment to invest in a long-term volunteer opportunity, make sure to find one that compliments your interests and matches your schedule. When you find the right volunteer opportunity it is life changing for you and your community.

References

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/volun.toc.htm

“Burning Calories”

In order to lose weight, we have to exercise significantly more than we think. For example, the National Weight Control Registry discusses the actual amount of exercise that an individual needs to lose weight and keep it off. Five thousand individuals in the registry who lost about 60 pounds and kept it off reported exercising one hour every day! Individuals also tend to underestimate the amount of exercise needed to burn off the food that they consume. Maybe this is wishful thinking, but many of us believe that a 30-minute walk will burn off a double-fudge cookie ice cream sundae. Think again!

Exercise

A common misconception that people have is that there is no time to exercise. For the vast majority of us that is simply not true. Take out a sheet of paper and write everything that you did yesterday, including the times you did them, from when you woke up to when you went to bed. Find one or two 30 minute time periods when you were relaxing, watching television, or sleeping. Those are the opportunities for you to exercise. There may be times when other aspects of your life, particularly relaxation, may need to be sacrificed in order to exercise.

“Social Eating”

Pressure to eat exists in social situations. According to Linda Bacon, associate professor of nutrition at UC Davis, “We get a tremendous amount of pressure to eat for reasons other than nurturing ourselves, and over time, people lose sensitivity to hunger/fullness/appetite signals meant to keep them healthy and well nourished. It’s hard for people to come to a healthy sense of themselves given the cultural climate, and nutritious and pleasurable options for healthy food are not as easily accessible as less nutritious.” If you feel pressure to eat in order to be social, resist at all costs! Engage in social activities with friends that don’t center on food.

If weight loss is on your list of resolutions this year, make some concrete goals. Enroll your friends and family in your weight loss plans. Adjusting to a new eating pattern may take several weeks. The beginning is always the hardest part. Relapsing into previous behavior is part of the change process. If you have an unhealthy food day, don’t spiral into a pattern of junk food eating. Get back on track for the next meal or snack instead of sabotaging your entire day.

References

http://www.divinecaroline.com/22175/53765-nine-cold-hard-weight-loss-truths/3#ixzz2Fi4VSGlt

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

Symptoms

According to WebMD, there are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with ringworm. A clear sign that your child has ringworm is inflamed, round patches of scaly skin on the scalp. Your child’s hair may have broken off where the ringworm affected the scalp.  The patches of scale may spread across your child’s scalp, impacting more areas as time passes. Patches may be red and have small black dots where the hair has broken. You may notice that your child is itching his/her head or that his/her hair is thinning. If you notice that your child’s hair is thinning, look for tender, inflamed patches of scalp. Encourage your child to keep their hands away from their head. Itching the affected areas may cause bleeding and an increase in tenderness.

Treatment

Ringworm can look similar to other conditions that may be more serious. WebMD suggests visiting a doctor if your child has any hair loss, scaling, or itchiness of the scalp. Getting an accurate diagnosis is important in order for you to provide your child with the most appropriate treatment. Currently, there are two drugs that may be prescribed for ringworm. The first is griseofulvin, which comes in tablet or liquid form and is taken by mouth. Terbinafine is also a tablet that can be taken by mouth or added to food. Both of these tablets have side effects that you should discuss with your doctor. Your doctor may also suggest that you wash your child’s hair with a prescription strength shampoo. Shampoo helps to contain the fungus and prevent it from spreading. If your child is self-conscious about bald spots, consider purchasing a hair system. A wig that is designed specifically for your child to match his/her natural hair color and style will reduce embarrassment while the hair re-grows.

According to the experts, treating ringworm is fairly straightforward, but needs to be done promptly. Prolonging treatment can be harmful to the health of your children and others. If your child does have ringworm it’s important to call your child’s school and parents. Given the contagious nature of ringworm the school and parents should be notified. When you are treating your child’s ringworm, remain calm so your child does not become overly worried. Remind him/her that ringworm is a treatable condition that will not have long-term consequences. If you suspect that a student in your child’s class has ringworm, advise your child to keep his/her hands to herself and not share hair accessories with the child.

References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ringworm/DS00892/DSECTION=symptoms

Although the causes of PCOS are unknown, doctors predict several factors that may play a role. The MayoClinic points to excessive insulin, low-grade inflammation, genes, and abnormal fetal development as factors that may cause PCOS. Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, is the primary way in which your body receives energy. Women with PCOS may not use insulin as effectively as those without PCOS. Therefore, the body overproduces insulin, which could increase the amount of androgen produced in the ovaries.

Research demonstrates that women with PCOS have low-level inflammation. When white blood cells produce substances to fight infections in the body, inflammation occurs. When inflammation occurs, blood cells produce substances that lead to the resistance of insulin and the accumulation of cholesterol.  Research also indicates a hereditary component of PCOS. If women in your family have PCOS, there is a greater chance that you will have it too. Another body of literature suggests that exposure to male hormones, androgens, in fetal life may impact gene expression. Exposure to androgens may result in abnormal fat distribution, increase in insulin resistance, and low-grade inflammation. According to LiveStrong, many women experience hair loss as a result of PCOS. If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and are experiencing hair loss or thinning, you may feel a range of emotions. Hair loss can take a toll on women’s emotional and psychological well-being.

If you’ve recently begun loosing your hair or you’ve noticed your hair thinning, consider making an appointment with a local hair loss consultant. There are many different options for women who are experiencing hair loss and thinning. If you’re in the market for a wig, make sure you’re informed. All wigs are not equal. There are fashion wigs, human hair wigs, synthetic wigs, and others. Take time to consider all of your options and learn about the limitations and benefits of each. Although it might be tempting to shop for a wig online or buzz over to your nearest hair accessory store, tell yourself to slow down and be patient. Choosing a wig is both a time and financial investment. Take time to really think about type and style that you want. Also, be prepared with questions that only a professional can answer.

References

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/DS00423

http://www.livestrong.com/article/107668-pcos-hair-loss-treatment/