Health Care Solutions

Acne - a nightmare!

2012-04-23T17:14:00.000+07:00

By Luna Sol

Saturday night is coming and you are planning with your friends what to do during the weekend. You don't know if you go to the movies or if you go to that brand new dance club in that fancy neighbourhood. The thing is that all of you have plenty of things to study and because of that you decide to go to the movies. However, the cutest guy from the football team comes to you and asks you out. It is obvious you accept that invitation that you have been waiting for so long.

You and your friends spend the rest of the week planning this date. Everything seems to be ready and perfect. Saturday finally comes. You wake up happy and as soon as you got up and walk to the bathroom... Ahhhhhhhh! A big pimple is there! In the middle of your forehead! And you are not havig a nightmare: the pimple is really there.

Just who had been through something like this can describe the feeling. That's why learning about acne is so important. Keeping skin healthy can be the difference between being gorgeous on the date of your life or being noticed due to something on the forehead.

But acne doesn't have to be a nightmare. If everyone learns about this skin condition, many problematic stuff can be avoided. And every body will be able to live their dream life without worrying if a flare up will occur.

Acne Tips

An important thing about acne is anxiety. It's not that you'll have acne everytime you get anxious, but this can increase the chances. Since acne is related to stress, it sounds common that it is also related to anxiety, which is a sort of stress manifestation.

Many are the option for someone to treat acne. However, nothing is more important than knowing how it develops and why are some people more affected than other. And it is not just a matter of poor higyene as many people think. Acne is far beyond that. In fact, hygiene does not play a major role when it comes to acne.

Acne Diet

A healthy diet habits is another thing that should be taken into account. Some people say that "we are what we eat" and if it is true and since skin is considered to be the largest organ of human body, it is not impossible nor abnormal that a lack of nutrients can be noticed by a sign on the skin. This sign can be acne.

Squeezing your pimples is not the right way to get rid of that. In fact, when you squeeze you may help o spread the inflammation over the skin. It is not necessary to say that it can get worsen acne.

Besides all of these, some extra care are needed, some products have to be used in order to keep acne under control and to restablish the skin balance and health.

Acne

2012-04-23T17:07:00.000+07:00

By John Moore

Remedies For A Smoother Skin.

Do you have acne ? Acne maybe the scourge of adolescent years, but it can follow people into middle age and beyond.

Acne is really a catchall term for a variety of symptoms such as pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. It's a condition where the pores of skin become clogged and the person gets inflamed and non-inflamed lesions.

Acne Scars

So what's the cause of all the clogging ?......

Heredity - at least for the most part. Acne is genetic - it tends to run in families, it is an inherited defect of your pores. If both your parents had acne, three out of four of your brothers and sisters will get it too.

Factors that can aggravate an acne outbreak are :-
Stress, sun exposure, seasonal changes, and climate can all precipitate an acne attack. Certain types of makeup and taking birth control pills can also cause a breakout.

Change Your Make-up
In adult women, make-up is the major factor in acne outbreaks, especially oil based products. It's the oil that causes the problem. The oil is usually a derivative of fatty acids that are more potent than your own fatty acids. Use a non-oil-based make-up if you are prone to acne.

Change Your Make-u

Read The labels.
Cosmetic products that contain lanolins, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulphate, laureth-4 and D & C red dyes should be avoided. Like oil, these ingredients are too rich for the skin.

Wash Properly.
Wash your make-up off thoroughly every night. Use a mild soap twice a day and make sure you rinse the soap entirely off your face. Rinse six or seven times with fresh water.

Use Less Make-up.
Whatever make-up you use, try to cut down on the amount you put on.

Leave Well Alone.
Don't squeeze pimples or whiteheads. A pimple is an inflammation, and you could add to the inflammation by squeezing it, which could lead to an infection. A pimple will always go away in one to four weeks if you leave them alone.

Know When To Squeeze.
Most pimples are best left alone, but there is one kind that you can squeeze to help get rid of it. If the pimple has a little central yellow pus head in it, then a gentle squeeze will make it pop open very nicely. Once the pus pops out, the pimple will heal more quickly.

Attack Blackheads.
You can also get rid of blackheads by squeezing them. A blackhead is a very blocked pore, and a gentle squeeze will help rectifty this.

Give Dry Skin Extra Care.
Dry skin can be sensitive to some over the counter skin treatments, so please use these treatments with care. Start with the lower strength products first, and then increase the concentration slowly.

Stay Out Of The Sun.
Acne medications may cause adverse reactions to the sun, so minimize you exposure until you know what the reactions going to be.

Use One Treatment At A Time.
Don't mix treatments, use only one at a time because they may cause an adverse reaction if mixed together.

Stop The Spread Of Acne.
Apply acne medication about half an inch around the affected area, to help keep the acne from spreading. Acne moves across the face from the nose to the ear, so you need to treat beyond the inflamed area. Most people make the mistake of treating only the pimples and not the outlaying areas of skin. This is wrong.

Acne Skin Care For You

2012-04-23T17:00:00.000+07:00

By Kirsten Hawkins

A high percentage of individuals have been tormented by skin problems like blemishes, rashes, pimples, blackheads and acne. These problems are commonly experienced during puberty or an early stage in life where people tend to be most socially insecure. Aside from being physical, the effects can also be psychological. It can drain an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. Some individuals may continue experiencing acne related skin infections decades later and it may eventually diminish during early adulthood for most people. There is now way of predicting when it will gradually decrease or fully disappear. Pimples, blackheads, and blemishes are among the most common skin infections caused by acne. The infection is a result of excessive secretions of oil from the skin glands and its buildup when a skin pore is blocked. Upper regions of the body like the face, chest, back and upper arms are commonly infected.

Acne can be irritating for most people since it can almost be unpredictable and uncontrollable once it strikes. The exact causes of this skin disease are not known and there have been no guaranteed measure in averting it. Diet, hereditary reasons, vitamin deficiency and stress are among the factors that have been closely attributed to acne infections. Still, it is best to find a good acne skin care regimen to ease and control its growth. An average person can make use of typical acne skin care methods. For severe forms of acne, consulting dermatologists is advisable in finding ways to lessen swelling and prevent scarring.

Acne Vulgaris

Perhaps the best acne skin care regimen is to regularly wash your skin twice a day. Using a mild natural facial cleanser and warm water in washing your skin regularly can help remove dirt and pollutants. Using strong detergent soaps and scrubbing your skin can only worsen your acne problems. Too much scrubbing can aggravate acne and it can also open up blemishes. Popping pimples can make the blemishes to spread up causing more infection. Some astringents are too strong and can cause more skin irritation. Using astringents are only advisable for oily skin. Washing your hair regularly can also help in acne skin care. Washing hair, especially long ones, can help remove excess oil and dirt that might come in contact with the skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects

Proper acne skin care also involves shaving and using the right razor. Choosing and testing for a comfortable safety razor is important when you have acne. Before applying the shaving cream, the beard can be softened by washing it with soap and water. Using a sharp blade and shaving lightly helps avoid cuts and rupturing pimples. Many acne skin care products and medicines for treating skin diseases can make your skin more prone to sunburn. Exposing your skin for a while to the sun may help dry up acne blemishes in the surface. Too much exposure to the sun can cause rapid skin aging, skin cancer and can make your skin drier.

Individuals that are prone to acne and are being treated for it should use oil free cosmetic products. Benzoyl peroxide and other acne skin care treatment can redden the skin so applying regular cosmetics products might be difficult. Regular cosmetic products usually contain more fatty acids that are harmful to acne prone individuals. Looking for organic and acne skin care products that will match your skin tone can help avoid more infections.

It is still best that one should consult a dermatologist before applying any acne skin care product or using different methods. Exerting more effort is needed for serious cases of acne infection to keep it from recurring. Observing proper acne skin care is important especially for younger individuals since blemishes and rashes tend to heal faster at a young age. Keeping a healthy lifestyle and diet can help restore the body’s vitality easily.

Lose Weight - Do You Really Need To?

2012-04-23T16:58:00.000+07:00

By Gerald Meyer

If you are overweight, you may be more at risk of developing disease. That should be reason enough to lose weight. Weight related conditions include:

Premature death
Cardiovascular disease
High blood pressure
High Cholesterol
Stroke
Gallbladder Disease
Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea and breathing problems
Some cancers
Diabetes

Obesity can also cause irregular periods, complication with pregnancy, hirsutism (excessive body and facial hair), incontinence, depression, surgery complications and more.

If your health doesn't concern you, maybe your pocketbook does. By staying overweight, you may increase the amount of time spent visiting various healthcare professionals. Most of them don't work for free. Medications to treat these diseases can run into hundreds of dollars a month. Not to mention, you may have to take more time off work to care for your ailments. This means less income for you. And, you may notice that your health insurance premiums keep going up. It's because the amount being spent on healthcare keeps going up. A majority of which is related to treating problems that could be prevented by exercise and staying at a healthy weight. What a vicious cycle it is.

High Cholesterol and Diabetes

The annual cost associated with obesity and being overweight is staggering. The national cost of healthcare related to this is well over $100 Billion dollars. Diabetes and heart disease are among the fastest growing diseases that could easily be prevented in most people by staying at a healthy weight and exercising. Visit the NIDDK to get a breakdown of the costs associated with each disease that is related to being overweight.

Stroke

By losing weight and starting a healthier way of life you can really save a lot of money. Eating healthier usually also means eating less. You may be able to save on the amount you spend on groceries and eating out each week too. Think of all the other things you could do with that money you'll be saving. It may require an initial investment to get the weight off but the rewards are well worth it.

Hepatitis 101 What You Need to Know About

2012-04-23T16:53:00.000+07:00

By Mansi gupta

Not many of us know about something that is common between Evil Kenivel and Naomi judd along with thousands of other lesser, known mortals. Well the answer is Hepatitis. Both stars have or had the virus, in particular the hepatitis c. there are basically three types that infect people every year. However in order to reduce the risk, it’s important to understand the causes and effects of this virus n body.

It’s a very easily spread virus which causes inflammation of the liver. The infection might be acute, with the body recovering in less then six months. Or it might be chronic, which means the virus lasts in the body for about six months or even more.

Different types of Hepatitis are caused by different types of viruses. All of these respond to medication and treatment differently. Although the infection is usually preventable and most who acquire usually recover, yet it is a major health concern. Mostly it’s considered dangerous because of the damage it may cause to a persons liver tissue and the ease with which it spreads from one to another.

It may seriously affect the immunity of the body and damage the liver even causing liver failure, cancer and even death.

Most important is to realize that one form of hepatitis is different from another. While hepatitis A spreads by contaminated food or water, but on the other hand C is spread only through body fluids or during birth.

Just like the causes, their treatment is equally different.

Although, all the forms of Hepatitis have different symptoms, differentiating one from the other, yet for the most part they have similar symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention. To begin with get it tested, so that treatment may begin if required.

Although not all types have the same symptoms yet they do share some common symptoms like dark urine, yellow skin or eye whites, also referred to as jaundice, low grade fever, loss of appetite and feeling sick. Loss of nutrition might also be caused by the virus.

Other more unique symptoms are stomachaches for those with B and C only. Yellow or pale colored stool affects those with hepatitis a and c, aching joints is more common for the patients with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B

Because of the similarity in symptoms, self-diagnosis of the type is not easy and hence medical tests are required. However knowing the symptoms helps, as Hepatitis a has no real treatment and has to be waited out and thus one must know the usual symptoms, deviation from which is a sign of a different infection.

Prognosis in case of Hepatitis is vitally important. Most people with infection do recover in six months or so, yet in some cases it may take a longer time.

Amongst the various things that a person with infection and wishing speedy recovery should do, is to avoid alcohol. Alcohol and drugs add excessive burden to the already weak liver, trying to heal itself from the virus.

Regular visits to the doctor, monitoring the functioning of liver are equally important. Patients have a vital role in recovery and hence an open relationship with the doctor is extremely important and any new symptoms should be immediately expressed

Healthy Chocolate

2012-04-23T16:48:00.000+07:00

By Gerald Meyer

It's great news that research found a food that lowers blood pressure and is healthy for the heart and maybe more. The problem is that the chocolate most Americans consume is not the same kind. The more popular kinds of chocolate have little or no positive effect on your health. Only certain chocolate may be healthy.


Chocolate

Dark chocolate is the chocolate that was found to have positive effects on blood pressure. Participants given dark, milk, or white chocolate every day were evaluated in different studies. It turns out that dark chocolate contains important antioxidants called phenols. These natural compounds from the cocoa bean are known to increase nitric oxide, reduce platelet aggregation, and inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Cocoa can decrease blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and increase your insulin sensitivity. Milk and white chocolate are low in these antioxidants and do not have the same effect.

Milk and white chocolate

The problem is how chocolate is processed in this country. White chocolate, regardless of where you get it, actually contains no cocoa at all and is made only from cocoa butter; just the fat from the cocoa beans. It also contains no phenols. Most of the other chocolate we eat is made with "dutched" cocoa. The cocoa beans are treated with an alkaline solution to make them dark in color and to reduce the natural bitterness from the plant. But, it also reduces almost 90% of the phenols and most of its healthy benefits. The other problem is that when made into milk chocolate, the milk seems to prevent the phenols from being absorbed and, thus, negating any possible benefit from the chocolate.

The best chocolate for your health appears to be dark chocolate. In the European studies done, they ate 100gm of chocolate a day (100 grams equals approx. 3.5 ounces). That's the equivalent to 2 1/2 regular size Hershey's bars. It also adds about 550 calories to the diet. They were instructed to substitute this amount of calories from other foods they normally ate each day. You would have to do the same or forego its healthy benefits by increasing your waistline. European chocolate in general is healthier than that found in America due to the fact that it is less processed than ours and contains more of the heart healthy antioxidants. Dark chocolate is an acquired taste for most Americans since it is much more bitter than its milky counterpart.

So why is this research being touted as the 'best medical news in ages'? It appears to be one more way we look to justify the unhealthy diets we follow. When people hear that chocolate is now healthy, they don't hear any of the other restrictions involved, and don't want to. In fact, most people wouldn't want to change to a more bitter tasting chocolate and also cut out over 500 calories from their diets. Our diets already have enough sweets and this type of news only fuels the diabetic and obesity epidemics. This kind of medical news will only make most people add extra calories to their diets and increase their health problems.

Get Your Vitamins

2012-04-23T16:47:00.000+07:00

By Jeff Lakie

Civilizations throughout the ages have known that certain foods have qualities that can help to create health for people. And depriving people of certain foods would mean allowing them to succumb to disease. For example, in the age of the sail, scurvy was kept away with lemons and limes.

lemons and limes

It has only been in the past hundred years that people have come to understand that food contains nutrients and those nutrients are necessary for life. Some of those nutrients, but not all have been labeled as "vitamins" Part of the word, "vita" is the same root as "vital" which means life.


Carrot

There are 13 vitamins, but there have not always been. Vitamin A, C, D, E, and K plus the 8 B vitamins make up the roster of vitamins today. Other nutrients, formerly considered to be vitamins, have been reclassified by scientists as they develop an understanding of the things that make our body work.

Vitamins D

While the best way to get these vitamins is through our diets, sometimes it is not always possible. Eating a balanced diet is difficult these days, because our lives are very busy. An alternative is to use vitamin supplements to help us get all the vitamins we need to survive in healthy, disease-free bodies.

Vitamins E

The human body can exist for quite some time without vitamins, but it does need all of them in order to properly function free of disease. If you're concerned that your diet is not helping you maintain an intake of all of these vitamins, you should consider finding a multi-vitamin supplement to help you. Taking a regular dosage will help ensure that you are getting enough vitamins and your body will get rid of any of the vitamins you don't need any more of.

multi-vitamin

If you do have vitamins in your house, keep them stored in a cool, dry place and keep them away from children. Even though vitamins are necessary for life, children need to be careful not to have too many; especially vitamins that contain iron.

Vitamins B

Eating a balanced diet should be an important part of a healthy lifestyle plan. If your life cannot always include a balanced diet, you may want to consider getting a vitamin supplement to make sure you are getting everything your body needs.

An Effective Acne Skin Care Regime

2012-04-23T16:41:00.000+07:00

By Mike Spencer

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions today. It affects or has affected nearly everyone at one time or another. Acne skin care is the most important tool in reducing or eliminating outbreaks. Many different things contribute to healthy skin.

Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog pores, or follicles. Acne primarily affects teens, although adults are affected also. Puberty causes an increase in oil production which increases the risk of having an acne outbreak.

What are some of the ways we can instil acne skin care?

The easiest acne skin care regime is to wash your face twice daily with warm water and mild soap. Using your bare hands to wash your face is gentler and kinder to your skin. Acne skin care dictates that you are very gentle with your skin-no scrubbing vigorously, using harsh soap, or alcohol based skin products. These only serve to irritate the skin and may make acne much worse.

Acne skin care revolves around oil control where it can be controlled. Wash your face frequently to remove oil and dirt when you are sweating or working around an oily area. Exposure to grease, pore-clogging cosmetics or hair products can worsen acne. If you are prone to oily hair, wash your hair daily to reduce the oil. Concentrate on using oil-free makeup and moisturizers.

Acne skin care demands that you be gentle to your skin. Picking or squeezing pimples can cause more inflammation and help to push bacteria deeper into your skin. Friction, such as athletic gear, bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars, can make you sweat which can cause clogged pores and therefore, acne.

The Don't's of acne skin care are:

Don't touch your skin unless absolutely necessary!

Acne Diet

Don't rest your chin in hands!

Acne on Back

Don't pick at your face!

Acne Tips

Don't smoosh your face into your pillow and keep pillowcase clean!

Acne Vulgaris

Don't let hair products get on skin!

Podiatry Today

Don't rest cellphone against your face!

What is Acne

The Do's of acne skin care are:

Do treat your face gently and kindly.
Do wash your face with your bare hands.
Do wash face two times daily with warm water and mild soap.
Do use oil-free makeup.

If your acne is very severe or does not respond to the pampering acne skin care regime, then you may need to contact your physician for more aggressive treatment options.

Facial Laser Hair Removal

2012-04-09T06:20:00.000+07:00

By Harry Rockwell

Today is one of the most popular and best ways of getting rid of unwanted hair. I can tell you for sure that it is a safe and time saving process.

Laser hair removal has all the advantages over other methods like waxing, shaving, plucking and electrolysis. Although it may initially seem to cost more than these traditional techniques, it will ultimately be economical for you in the long run. In facial laser hair removal a low energy laser beam is directed towards a group of hair follicles. It destroys the root without affecting the surrounding skin. This is perhaps the most interesting aspect about it. It is a relatively pain free procedure. If you are uncomfortable, experts performing the treatment can give a topical anaesthetic to give you a feeling of numbness. But there is no need to worry at all. I can assure you of the fact that most people can tolerate the process quite well and do not need any anaesthetics. Also side effects are rarely seen.

Laser hair removal

There are a number of centers offering the best of services in facial laser hair removal. Just check out all of them before you zero in on your choice. Personal attention by the specialists together with advanced technology will help you get the desired result. Talk to your friends who have removed their unwanted facial hair by this technique. They will be the best to guide you. You can also surf the internet to gather relevant information.

The cost of facial laser hair removal varies from person to person. Actually it depends on the size of the area treated and the complexity of each case. You may have to pay multiple visits before you get your desired result. But I can tell you for sure that you will be absolutely satisfied with the service offered by the trained and certified professionals in each of these centers.

So all you men out there who are tired of shaving just undergo facial laser hair removal. You will no longer be embarrassed in a crowd instead you will feel all the more confident!

Acne Control The Natural Way

2012-04-09T02:40:00.000+07:00

By Kirsten Hawkins

Want to get rid of those zits in your face but you are currently low on budget? How about looking for acne control to avoid the sudden appearance of acne in your skin? So how do we do this?

First, what is acne? Acne is a skin disorder caused by the hormones action on the oil glands of the skin which is called the sebaceous glands. The excretion of oils from this glands can lead to congested skin pores. This is when acne occurs. The face, neck, chest, back and shoulders is where the glands are most profuse, that is why most acne are found on this locations. People who are with this kind of disorder often tends to be depressed, and humiliated.

There are a lot of factors that can generate acne to transpire. First is our Genes. Genetics can't be changed but other factors like our daily routine and the way we take care of our skin can be improved to make acne control no problem at all. Don't feel so sad about your acne because there's lots of things you can do. This acne control tips will help you say bye-bye to those zits.

1. Include Fruits and Vegetables in your daily Diet. A healthy diet consists of at least four to five servings of fruits and vegetables. Acne control will be a lot easier if you start including this in your daily habit.

Fruits and Vegetables in your daily Diet

2. Rose water can be used as a facial cleanser. Dipped in a cotton, clean your face using this everyday for at least two to three times each day.

Rose water

3. Don't wait for your pimples to form. If you see a bit of it in your face, do something. Acne control is best done early. Pat some ice on the affected area for this will make it less swollen.

Less Swollen

4. Acne control is easier when accompanied with multivitamins. Start taking vitamins that contains zinc supplement. Zinc helps in making your skin stronger and acne resistant.

Multivitamins

5. Cucumber can help in acne control. Blend it with some water to form a mask. Put it in your face and leave it for about half an hour before rinsing it off. This is a good and affordable acne control remedy that can also refresh your skin.

Cucumber can help in acne control

6. Use only mild soaps and avoid soaps that contains petroleum based products and animal based ingredient for this causes your skin to get dry and irritated.

Use only mild soaps

7. Using alcohol free facial cleansers makes Acne control trouble-free. Alcohol tends to dry your skin more.

Using alcohol free facial cleansers makes Acne control trouble-free

8. Makeup also prompt the occurrence of acne. Choose your makeup wisely. Most of the makeup available contains petroleum based ingredients that makes skin dry. An all natural makeup helps acne control become more effortless.

Makeup also prompt the occurrence of acne

9. Lastly, Drinking loads of water is very important. It flushes out the dirt in our body, Making acne control more natural.

Drinking loads of water is very important

Now you have a list of some helpful tips in acne control. It is your choice if you are to do these methods. There are lots of ways in acne control, be it naturally or by technology. Skin products are always around for you to pick your choice. The thing is, these products are very costly. If you are the innovative type of person, better try this methods in acne control. It is all natural and wont do any harm in your body. No side effects of course! Plus, you can really save a bunch out of this. There's no harm in trying! Saying goodbye to those acne is just a step away
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Do you lack The Sexual Desire?

2012-04-08T06:12:00.000+07:00

By Smit

Sexual health is a vital aspect in life as far as we are concerned and sexual satisfaction, an essential ingredient when it comes to active, physical relationships. We express sexual desires in many ways. And we do not know whether it is our own sexual fantasies or physiological reasons that bring out sexual desires in us.

Inhibited sexual desire

A low level of sexual desire and interest manifested by a failure to initiate or be responsive to a partner’s initiation of sexual activity is termed as Inhibited sexual desire.
Though most of the aspects which stall sexual desire are personal or relational in nature, there are some physical problems too which affect a person’s sexual desire.

Women lack the libido

Lack of sexual desire occurs in approximately 20% of the population and is more common in women than men. Women find themselves guilty of engaging in sex some times or the lack of proper communication makes them stay away from sexual desires. For the woman, sexual desire, love making and satisfaction are feelings closely related to the mind. Good relationships, effective communication and partner’s comfort level determines her urge to involve in sexual activities. For men, it’s the penis which tells him that he is sexually stimulated but for women the message comes from the brain.

No sexual desire? Learn what causes it.

Communication problems between the partners

Communication Problems

Both men and women fear intimacy. Men especially think that intimacy in a relationship makes them weak

Both men and women fear intimacy

Anxiety can creep into any relationship. If you have never had sex or had bad experiences from it, then fears and anxieties can ruin sexual interests

Anxiety can creep into any relationship

Fear of STD’S or pregnancy might worry you

Fear of STD’S

Lack of privacy in joint families

Lack of privacy

A very restrictive upbringing in matters relating to sex

Traumatic sexual

Traumatic sexual experiences

Stress

Stress

In marriage, emotional bondage and sexual compatibility are important to make the relationship work. If any one of the partners feels a lack of sexual interest in their relationship, talking helps. Communication is the key to a successful marriage. Like the emotional balance, sexual activity bonds a relationship closer together. So, a lack of sexual desire in you or your partner needs immediate attention.

Cosmetic Surgery – Vanity or Healthy Choice?

2012-04-08T05:44:00.002+07:00

By Rex Ryan

Cosmetic and plastic surgery has long been associated with vanity, but mounting evidence suggests that in many cases cosmetic surgery can offer substantial health benefits. Nose jobs can offer real health benefits in addition to improving the symmetry of the face. Face lifts have been shown to increase life expectancy. And eyelid surgery can create significant vision benefits for some people. All of these examples show the lines between aesthetics and real health benefits can blur when examining plastic surgery procedures.

Rhinoplasty, or nose jobs have health benefits beyond the aesthetic appeals of the procedure. In many cases, rhinoplasty can substantially improve breathing difficulties. In cases where people have broken their nose, the cartilage can become constricted, creating breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can alleviate this, along with snoring problems associated with constricted nasal passages. Many people who have persistent sinus problems have remedied the issue with rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty

Face lifts have long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure for people to fight the effects of aging. However, evidence shows that face lifts actually can have health benefits. A study performed at the Mayo clinic reviewed data from 250 women who had undergone face lifts in the ‘70s. The data showed that on average, women who received face lifts outlived their counterparts in the general population by 10 years. The self esteem factors attributed to looking and feeling younger as a result of the face lift are cited as possible reasons why these patients lived longer.

Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. While the procedure does have cosmetic benefits, it can also provide real health benefits to those who have vision problems caused by excess skin around the eyelids.

Gastric Bypass surgery, while not often considered “cosmetic surgery” can be viewed as a surgery to improve appearances. Like liposuction, it reduces an individual’s weight through surgical means. However, the health benefits of losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight are well documented and accepted. Losing weight is a perfect example of how health benefits and aesthetic benefits can both result from the same surgical procedures.

Most who have significant dental problems will view fixing those problems as a mandatory concern. Braces were once considered strange, but now are commonplace. People who lose teeth in accidents don’t think twice about the vanity associated with replacing those teeth. Indeed, they argue that replacing broken or lost teeth is necessary for healthy eating function, as well as restoring appearance. Improving speech through dentistry has been long accepted for its benefits, and without the taboos associated with many cosmetic surgery procedures.

Cosmetic surgery is not just for vain people who want to improve their aesthetic appeal. In many cases, the real benefits of cosmetic surgery make the aesthetic improvements just an added bonus when compared to the health benefits the procedures can provide. As cosmetic surgery becomes more common, the lines between purely cosmetic and self esteem benefits and real measurable health benefits will increasingly blur. As the health benefits of cosmetic surgery become more apparent and documented, the acceptance of the procedures by the public at large will continue to climb.

6 Keys To Getting Maximum Results In Minimum Time @ Your Home Exercise Equipment

2012-04-08T02:08:00.000+07:00

By Tom Storms

I used to love going to the gym. The sounds, the smells, the grunts, the groans. Nothing seemed more inspiring. Then life got in the way. I got busy. Very busy.

Working with my fitness clients and athletes took up a lot of time, and frankly, I wasn’t too thrilled about taking the time to drive to the gym anymore. I do have a life, you know. Then there was the fight for parking not to mention the fact that I had to wait to use the equipment while someone else finished up his or her workout. I didn’t really like the music they played so loud I had to shout over it so my training partner could hear me, and the sales staff was constantly hounding me for referrals.

But I have to tell you about my new favorite place in the world to workout. My home studio. In fact, I like it so much that I recommend that everyone train at home if a gym membership isn’t up your alley. It’s got everything in it that I want, and everything that I need to successfully train. AND get this it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg.

Consider this. How much do you have to spend each year for a health club or gym membership? Now add up all the years you’ve gone to the gym and all the years you will go to the gym for the rest of your life. That’s a big chunk of change! When you think about it, it makes total sense to buy your own equipment and do it at home.

There’s no drive to the gym. No waiting. No annoying sales people. You can listen to the music that you want to (or put a TV in the gym for cardio training). Oh, and the best part is that it’s always open. Want to get in a good workout on Christmas day. You can.

Here’s the tricky part. You can’t just go out and buy whatever equipment seems popular on TV or in magazines. Do that and you’ll be unhappy in less than a month. You need a plan to determine what you need in the way of equipment to successfully achieve your fitness goals.

The following 6 points are MUSTS if you want to save time, money, and maximize your success in a minimum of time.

1. Define your personal fitness goals as specifically as you can. For any fitness-related goal there are a number of methods you can use to be successful, but first you have to know where you’re going. Do you want to get stronger? Do you want to build muscles? Lose weight or reduce your body fat? Increase endurance? Reduce stress? Are you preparing for a sport? All the above? Without knowing that you could end up spending more money than you need to on equipment that you’ll never fully utilize. Not to mention you may fail in your attempts to achieve your goals.

2. How much space are you willing to devote to your home gym? If you’ve only got a 5 x 5 space at home, you’re really going to have to be efficient. Don’t expect to fit large pieces of fitness equipment into such a small space. Be realistic. Maybe it’s time to clear out the room you’re using for storage or that corner of the garage that is just wasted space. Maybe you’ve got some space, but you’ll need to make your gym a little more portable so you can store it away when it’s not in use.

3. Familiarize yourself with your options on types and brands of exercise equipment. Find out what you’ll be comfortable with. Would you invest in a house or car without looking at several options or a test drive? Remember, this is an investment in you. There are all types of equipment from treadmills and crosstrainers, to selectorized weight equipment, to barbells and dumbbells. Check out equipment on the Internet or in catalogues. Stop by the exercise equipment retailers and actually see it and even try it out before you even consider buying. Believe me this is time well spent. When the time comes to discuss equipment with the appropriate person, be it a salesperson or a fitness professional, you won’t be completely in the dark when it comes to determining your wants and needs and end up buying something you hate or won’t use.

4. Consult with a fitness professional. Take advantage of a professionals “in the trenches experience” and educational background when it comes to matching your fitness-related goals with selecting the appropriate equipment for you. Again, this saves you time and money by preventing you from wasting money on useless or poorly designed equipment. You may also find that your fitness professional may have relationships with fitness equipment retailers which will allow you to buy your equipment at a discount.

5. Always buy top quality equipment from a reputable retailer. Yes, it costs more money, but as the saying goes, “You get what you pay for”. This is so true when it comes to exercise equipment. Avoid the temptation of trying to save a couple dollars by buying equipment that may not be up to your required standards. Buying top quality equipment will last you a lifetime. If you have any doubt, compare how much you have or could have spent on gym memberships over your lifetime with the cost of your new fitness equipment. I have no doubt that you will always spend less money on your home gym than you ever would by purchasing a lifetime of gym memberships.

6. Utilize local retailers as much as you can. While it may seem logical to save money by purchasing equipment online or via a catalogue, shipping charges on fitness equipment can be outrageous. You end up spending more than if you shopped at your neighborhood retailer. There is also an issue of maintenance. Even the best equipment can experience the occasional breakdown. Try getting a mail-order company to service your equipment. It’s not easy. Your local retailer can usually resolve your problems in no time at all.

There you have it. These recommendations will help you tremendously. Please keep in mind that it’s just not as easy as it seems, but it is worth the extra time especially when you’re making such a serious investment in yourself. That’s why I encourage you to seek the help of a fitness professional.

If you’re sick, you go to the doctor. If you’ve got a tax problem, you see an accountant (or an attorney!). Have a toothache? You’re off to the dentist. Leaky pipes result in a call to the plumber. So why is it that so many people attempt to solve their health and fitness problems without consulting an expert? I don’t know exactly, but I encourage you to make the investment in yourself – in your quality of life – by hiring a qualified professional to educate you and help you get started.

4 Things Cause Sciatica. What's Causing Your Pain?

2012-04-08T02:07:00.002+07:00

By Jesse Cannone

If you’re reading this article, it’s a good bet that you have a radiating pain running down the back of your leg that just won’t go away. If what I’m about to tell you sounds familiar, don’t worry, help is on the way.

I guarantee you that what you are about to read will likely be far different than what you have read or heard anywhere else!

First, let me tell you why today’s traditional treatment methods for sciatic nerve pain just flat out miss the boat. The medical community is so conditioned and focused on treating only the symptoms and trying to get in as many patients a day as possible, that many people are misdiagnosed and/or mistreated.

In order to get rid of your sciatica you must first know what is causing your pain... there are 4 conditions that can cause sciatica.

The pain is simply caused by pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve and there are primarily four things that can create this... you may have one or more of the following:

Condition #1 - Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis Syndrome

The most common cause of sciatic pain and is created when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Muscle imbalances pull the hip joints and pelvis out of place and this changes the positioning of the piriformis muscle, which then places pressure on the sciatic nerve. Whatever the case, muscle imbalances will cause major problems and are the underlying cause of sciatica due to piriformis syndrome.

Condition #2 - Herniated Discs

Herniated Discs

Pressure caused by a herniated or bulging disc. A herniation is when a disc protrudes out from between the vertebrae and this can either be caused by an event like a car accident, or, by months or years of uneven pressure due to muscle imbalances. This can sometimes cause sciatic pain, but it is also important to note that many people with herniated discs don’t even experience pain or symptoms, and many don’t know they have the condition.

Condition #3 - Spinal Stenosis

Spinal Stenosis

Pressure caused by spinal stenosis, which is a decrease in the space between the vertebrae. This is primarily caused by uneven pressure and compression due to muscle imbalances.

Condition #4 - Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Pressure caused by Isthmic spondylolisthesis which is simply when a vertebrae slips or moves... this can sometimes pinch the sciatic nerve but often times people who have this condition don’t have any sciatic pain, symptoms, or even know they have it!

As you can see, there is a trend here...

In Nearly Every Case Of Sciatica, Muscle Imbalances Are The Primary Cause Of The Pressure Being Placed On The Sciatic Nerve...

If you are not sure which one of the four is causing your sciatica, I recommend you start with the basics. Most cases of sciatic pain are caused by muscle imbalances so if you begin to work on correcting any muscle imbalances you have, you should start to see improvement right away.... and likely eliminate your sciatic pain in a few weeks or less!

There are several self assessments you can perform to help identify which specific muscle imbalances you have and these are covered in our Lose the Back Pain System, along with step-by-step instructions on what to do to eliminate your imbalances and sciatic nerve pain...

Sciatica comes about either due to a traumatic event, muscle imbalances, or a combination of both...

The event scenario is most likely the catalyst for sudden onset of sciatic pain. So what happens… when there is undue stress on the Piriformis muscle that stress causes it to go into spasm and then you have pain due to the Piriformis muscle putting pressure on the sciatic nerve.

In most cases, people go to physical therapy or minimize their physical activity to break the pain – spasm cycle and in most cases your symptoms subside. However…the event will also set you up for a lifetime of sciatic pain if the Piriformis muscle does not recover 100% in both strength and flexibility.
When you have an injury to a muscle, both strength and flexibility are compromised, and if your recovery ends before strength and flexibility return, you will never be 100% and will likely struggle with the problem forever.

The other way sciatic pain creeps into your life is due to your lifestyle and habits, and that is what we like to call the process. The process can be described as a prolonged onset of symptoms based on your everyday activities...

However, from a technical stand point the process really describes the development of the muscle imbalance in your hip. The Piriformis muscle is responsible for external rotation (moving your leg so your feet point outward). So over time that muscle gets tight from the positions you put yourself in and weakens from lack of use.

Let me give you some examples of what I mean:

1. If you sit on the edge of your chair with you legs separated and your feet pointing outward you are keeping your Piriformis muscle in a shortened position and that’s how it gets tight and with extended sitting in that position, it gets weak form lack of use. Hence the imbalance.

2. Another example is runners and bikers who actually work very hard tend to get sciatica because they fail to keep a strength vs. stretch balance in their workouts. Hence the imbalance creates a greater pull toward external rotation and the result is a tight Piriformis and an irritated sciatic nerve creating pain.

These are just two examples of how muscle imbalances can affect the Piriformis muscle and cause sciatic pain. You may not be a runner or cyclist but I’ll bet you have muscle imbalances that are causing your sciatic pain!

So how do you get rid of your sciatic pain?

Will learning one new stretch be enough? It very well may be. However depending on the severity of your condition you may need to change your activities of daily living to include new stretches, new exercises that include the use of the hip rotators like roller-blading, basketball, tennis, etc, and even better, specific corrective exercise specific to your situation... like those covered in our Lose the Back Pain System.

As always, learn as much as you can about your condition, so that you can ask the tough questions to your healthcare providers and get the best care possible.

Acne Skin Care Tips That Work

2012-04-08T02:07:00.001+07:00

By Mike Spencer

How should people go about acne skin care? This article enumerates some basic guidelines to go by. For example, you should clean your skin gently, avoid frequent handling of the skin, avoid sun tanning, and lastly, women should choose their cosmetics carefully and men must shave carefully for good acne skin care.

People with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps. However, scrubbing will not help acne skin care; in fact, it can make the problem worse. Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser for acne skin care, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Acne Diet

Patients should ask their doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use for acne skin care. Acne skin care also means washing your skin after heavy exercise. Patients should wash their face from under the jaw to the hairline; rough scrubs or pads should not be used. It is important that patients thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it. Astringents are not recommended for acne skin care unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots. Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair as part of acne skin care. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day for proper acne skin care.

People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their blemishes risk developing scars. Acne lesions can form in areas where pressure is frequently applied to the skin. Frequent rubbing and touching of skin lesions should be avoided if you take your acne skin care seriously.

Acne Tips

Men who shave and who have acne can try electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable for acne skin care. Men who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.

A suntan or sunburn that reddens the skin can make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier for a little while. But the benefits are only temporary and cannot take the place of proper acne skin care. The sun can seriously damage skin, promote aging of skin, and cause skin cancer. Furthermore, many of the medications used to treat acne make a person more prone to sunburn.

Skin Care Physicians

People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. Acne skin care demands that all cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.

Lip products that contain moisturizers may cause small, open and closed comedones to form. Hairstyling products that come in contact with the skin along the hairline can cause burning or stinging in people with acne. Acne skin care products that are labeled as noncomedogenic (do not promote the formation of blemishes) should be used for acne skin care; in some people, however, even these products may cause acne.

which vitamins to take – A pill is not always the answer

2012-04-08T02:07:00.000+07:00

By Marc Lindsay

Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies use, in very small amounts, for a variety of metabolic processes.

Taking vitamins 'just in case' is not a habit that anyone should get into and it is always recommended that vitamins are taken through wholesome and quality food.

There are many different reasons and types of people that may want or need to take supplements, some of these may include, some vegetarians, people who drink large amounts of alcohol, drug users, athletic people, pregnant and lactating women and elderly people.

Are you using Vitamins and Minerals like medicine pills?

There seems to be a trend occurring where it is believed that taking massive or “mega-doses” of various vitamins will work like medicine to cure certain conditions. For example, vitamin C has been thought of as a cure for the common cold for generations and in fact you were probably even told this by your mother at some stage. Despite extensive research on this it has yet to be proven

Vitamin C

Vitamins from food are best

Research indicates that most of the vitamins you get from the food you eat are better than those contained in pills. Even though the vitamins in supplements are synthesized to the exact chemical composition of naturally occurring vitamins, they still don't seem to work as well. For this reason when selecting a vitamin supplement it is important that a natural vitamin supplement is selected

Research has shown that a food component that has a particular effect on the body when present in food may not have the same effect when it is isolated and taken as a supplement. This could be because the vitamins and minerals in foods are also influenced by other components of the food, not just the 'active ingredient'.

Food is a complex source of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, which all work together. Supplements tend to work in isolation. Phytochemicals (plant chemicals) are an important component of food. They are thought to reduce the incidence of cancer and heart disease. Supplements do not provide the benefits of phytochemicals and other components found in food. Taking vitamin supplements is no substitute for a varied diet

A short term measure

Taking vitamin supplements should be viewed as a short term measure. The long term use of supplements can lead to symptoms of overdosing or poisoning. If you feel that you could be lacking in certain vitamins and minerals, it may be better to look at changing your diet and lifestyle rather than reaching for supplements.

This being said if you are a highly active person you may need to constantly supplement your vitamin intake as you will be using your sources much quicker then the average person.
You should always consult you doctor if you are thinking of starting a vitamin supplement routine

Specific medical conditions that can benefit from vitamin supplementation

There are specific medical conditions that are known to benefit from certain vitamin supplementation. In this case it is recommended that you consult your doctor first and then if you are searching for a vitamin supplement ensure that you are using a natural well formulated supplement.

Recent scientific studies have outlined some specific areas that can benefit largely from vitamin supplementation. These are:

• If all women of childbearing age used multi vitamins with folic acid, it should be possible to reduce the current incidence of neural tube birth defects like spina bifida by as much as 70%.

• The routine use of multi vitamins and mineral supplements by the elderly could improve immune function and thus reduce infectious disease, potentially cutting in half the total number of days they are sick.

• Supplementation with calcium and vitamin D could reduce the rate of hip fracture among older people by at least 20%-meaning 40,000 to 50,000 fewer hip fractures each year in the United States-for an average annual savings of $1.5 to $2 billion.

• The potential cost savings of a prevention-oriented approach to health and diet are tremendous. A 1997 analysis predicted that if the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, stroke and hip fracture were delayed five years, total U.S. health care cost savings could equal $89 billion annually.

• While the addition of a multi vitamin would benefit most people, different additional supplements should be chosen based on the specific life stage, gender or lifestyle of the individual. For example, though calcium is generally important for all men and women, it is particularly critical for children building bone mass and elderly people seeking to preserve it.

Things to remember when taking supplements

• Vitamins are organic compounds used by the body in small amounts for various metabolic processes.

• Vitamin supplements can't replace a healthy diet.

• Those who may need vitamin supplements include pregnant and lactating women, people who consume alcohol in amounts over those recommended as safe, drug users and the elderly.

• When taking vitamins try to take a natural brand that follows all of the FDA guidelines.

Using Carrot Juice for Relieving Constipation

2012-04-08T02:06:00.000+07:00

By Rudy Silva

Carrot juices contain certain oils that work on the mucus membranes of the stomach and colon. This helps with digestion and starts your bowels functioning properly. Carrots are high in fiber and beta-carotene, an antioxidant, which the body converts to vitamin A. Carrots can make your stools softer and larger.

Why are larger stools better? Because larger stools dilute toxins, exposure less toxins to colon walls, and press against colon walls to promote peristaltic action.

Drink carrot juice twice daily, once in the morning and in the evening before bedtime.
You can drink more carrot juice if you like. Its action on the body produces enormous benefits since it contains a good number of vitamins and minerals - B, C, D, E, K, carotene, sodium, and potassium. These nutrients help to clean out your colon and speed up fecal matter movement.
As you increase the carrot juice you drink, chances are you will feel a little uncomfortable. This happens when carrot juice reaches your intestines and colon and begins stirring up the toxic layers and materials in that area. This feeling will pass and is nothing to worry about.
If you are pregnant, drink carrot juice daily to build up your breast milk and to provide your baby with the nutrients that it needs

Carrot Juice, Carrots and Celery


Carrot Juice And Celery Juice

An effective way to clear constipation is to combine vegetables that are high in fiber and that have laxative effects.

Celery is high in fiber, potassium, sodium, and many other minerals. It can reduces inflammation and protect against cancer. Celery has a chemical call polyacetylene, which reduces prostaglandins that cause inflammation.

Celery has a calming effect on the nervous system. If you have been using laxatives, which have overworked your colon nerves, celery will help to relax these nerves and give them a rest.

Adding carrot juice to celery juice provides an even better nutritional drink. This drink will help to restore nerve function in your colon and improve its health.

Celery has the highest content of organic sodium. This sodium is used throughout the body as lymph saline liquid allowing cells to work and live properly.

Celery is also beneficial for the stomach. The stomach lining is filled with sodium and this sodium is necessary to prevent ulcers.

Celery

Here's what to do,

Eat carrots and celery during the day and for your salads; drink a glass of carrot juice in the morning and one in afternoon. By eating slightly steamed carrots you can increase the carotene available from the carrots by up to 4 times. However, by cooking carrots, you destroy the enzymes that will help you to digest them quickly and completely.

Boost your carrot juice by juicing with it a few stalks of celery, which includes the leaves. The leaves have more nutrients than the stalk and are part of the nutritional value of celery.

Tomato, Carrot, Celery Drink

Here's a drink you can take in the afternoon to activate a bowel movement.

With a juicer, juice some tomatoes, carrots, and celery. By experimenting, you can discover the amount of each vegetable to use according to your taste. Mostly likely you will want equal amounts of tomatoes and carrots and you will want to add a few stalks of celery including the leaves.

Now, let's add a few more items to give your drink more pushing power. Squeeze in a small amount of garlic, onion, and radish. While juicing your carrots, juice a small bunch of spinach or parsley.

Drink 1 to 1 ½ cups in the morning and see the results soon after.