Female Health Care

2009-10-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

Firm Breast Grow - How to Increase Your Breast Size Naturally

Author: Apple

Here's an unusual way to increase your breast size naturally... the finest part is, it just takes 5-10 minutes of your time.

Since Toys R Us can sell toys, I can sell you new, even better breasts out of "Breasts R Us"... price $0. What a bargain!

I initial want to bring in sure the present you know that I'm not a couple of sort of expert on increasing breast size... in fact I don't appreciate of any "experts" when it comes to increasing your breast size naturally. I'm an qualified in weight loss. So take their information for what it's worth.

I experience not myself used the information I'm about to share, but I believed it would be a desired concept to give you the information in the hopes that you avoid breast enlargement surgery.

Here's how you do....

Rub your hands together essentially hastily for 10-15 seconds to create kinetic heat. Now place your hands on the upper middle part of your breasts and rub downward and in... so your hands go down towards the ground while between your nipples. (Note: Try to avoid touching your nipples when doing this.)

Keep rubbing in a circular motion around your nipples in the fashion. Rub 1 circle per second and try for 200-300 at a time. This will take you up 5 minutes. If you were to do this 1-2 times everyday, it's reputed the your breasts will increase in value by 1 cup size in about 23-28 days.

Why? Well, I don't especially knew why. The logic behind it is the it mimics a baby suckling your breasts that produces a hormone that will increase the breast size naturally.

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So there you have it. My "Breasts R Us franchise" just gave you some new breasts without you having to pay thousands of dollars for them for a risky surgery or hundreds of money for bogus breast enlargement pills.

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Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1109094_28.html

Occupation: Relationship Advisor

Apple is a Relationship Advisor, passionate about solving people's dating problems and dealing with relationships. You can go http://steadyrelationship.blogspot.com to get your
FREE Dating ebook now.

http://steadyrelationship.blogspot.com/

2009-10-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy and Eating Disorders

Author: James Pendergraft

Pregnancy can be the happiest moment in a woman’s life. It is during pregnancy when a woman reaches the point where she will fulfill her role as giver of life. It is said that a woman is at her most beautiful element when she is pregnant.

Despite all the rosy things written about pregnancy, there are plenty of risks and discomforts that a woman encounters during this stage. It is no surprise that women may complain about a lot of physical, emotional, and psychological difficulties during her pregnancy. There is the possibility of injury to the baby as well as the various risks that a mother will be faced with. However, one of the most noticeable changes in pregnant women is that they are very susceptible to eating disorders.

What Causes Eating Disorders in Pregnant Women?

The reason for eating disorders during pregnancy varies from woman to woman, and there are some who do not experience eating disorders at all. However, for those who do, it is important to take note of the reasons why eating disorders are encountered. These reasons include the following:

1)Inability to properly assess the situation. Some women think that they will lose their sexy figure during pregnancy. This usually stems from misinformation related to pregnancy. As a result, a woman is unable to come to terms with her condition, and one of the ways for her to cope with the situation better is through eating or sometimes skipping meals totally. Either way, the result is harmful to both the mother and baby’s health.

2)A woman may also experience eating disorders because of the hormonal changes in her body during pregnancy. When this happens, a woman sometimes loses appetite. Moreover, some women are prone to vomiting during pregnancy, making them experience changes in their eating habits and eventually develop eating disorders.

3)There is the need to carefully measure one’s food intake. Because of the fragile condition of a pregnant woman, it is important for her to eat in small quantities frequently instead of having one large meal in one setting. Moreover, meals should be equally spaced to allow the body sufficient time to digest them.

4)As a result of emotional stress. For women who became pregnant under stressful conditions, she may experience some inability or discomfort in accepting the situation. As a result, eating disorders are experienced.

What Are the Ways to Cope with Eating Disorders?

Coping with eating disorders is a must in order to make the pregnancy a joyful and safe journey. Coping with such disorders is one way for women to ensure the health of both the baby and herself.

1)An emotional assessment is needed. Here, counseling will help a lot. It is important that a woman is on a proper mental and emotional perspective when it comes to treating the pregnancy period. A healthy mental and emotional outlook results in a healthy and safe pregnancy.

2)A pregnant woman must seek frequent medical attention whenever problems related to pregnancy are encountered. This way, it will avoid situations where a woman may be unable to accept certain changes, which when ignored will worsen the situation.

Author Area :-

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Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1121058_28.html

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2009-10-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Truth About How to Get a Thin Stomach

Author: Steven23

Here's the truth: It is not really easy to learn how to get a thin stomach. There will surely be times when you want to give up because you think that the methods you're going to learn won't work. The important thing is letting these small actions become your regular routine. In fact, you can maintain a flat stomach and your weight for a long time, rather forever, by this way.

These steps are the following:

1. No sodas and beer

A bulbous stomach is often called a beer belly with good purpose. When your out with friends and family, sodas and beer are drinks that everybody loves. What you should know is there are very high in calories. It's the same thing with sodas and some of them have more than 200 calories.

Getting rid of beverages is the first step you should do if you want to learn how to get a thin stomach. If you're looking for substitutes, you can go for red wine, which is known to make your heart healthy. Nevertheless, limit your drink to one to two shots.

2. Workout

You can only do this if you're going to exercise routines that are meant to target the stomach. However, these exercises cannot get rid of fat, they can get that you can increase your muscle mass is not. It's no longer very obvious because the toned muscles will pull the fat in.

3. Move

Walking is an easy and effective way of exercising. For a short brisk walk, which is just around thirty minutes, you can already burn a lot of calories. Walking also doesn't require you to use any special machines or equipment. In addition, that is a good reason for you to go outside.

4. Eat properly

Your weight gain is due the consumption of too many foods that are high in starch, sugar and fat. The only way that you can reduce fat in the stomach is when you can reduce your servings of these kinds of food. If you try a little more, you can fully eliminate them from your diet.

Increasing your servings of fibre rich foods such as whole grains and fruits and vegetables can help you instead. They flush out the wastes and toxins that accrue to your digestive system. You should also watch out how you cook your food. To fry your foods constantly also means you're also taking in oil and try to grill or steam your foods once in a while. If you still like to fry, opt for polyunsaturated oils instead.

Have you tried many fat loss products and diet plans on the market but failed. Fat Free Blueprint is a regularly updated website which contains resources and tips you can use right now to drop your fat quickly. If you want to reduce your belly fat; you may want to check out the article: belly fat reduction tips.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1152702_28.html

2009-10-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hair Care Advice for Great looking Hair

Author: elizabeth

Awesome hair makes you feel like a million dollars. Beautiful well maintained hair draws the attention of other people. We expect our hair to always look good for others to admire. But our hair does not always look good and requires work on a daily basis. There are times when our hair makes us disappointing, and self-conscious. The reason that we feel disappointing is that we expect to always look good and the truth is that it takes time and effort to look good.In these situations you would like to spend as little time as possible on your hair

Before getting into those hair care tips it is equally important to know what are the conditions, that affects your hair and hairstyle. Hair gurus argue that the characteristics of hair from person to person depend on several factors, some of which are inherited. Some traits are genetic meaning that DNA programming is responsible for your hairs the way they look. In addition to genetics the entire environment, especially the air and water, greatly affects your hairstyle. That's why, we all at times experience the bad hair day.

You can say good-bye to bad hair day,if you are willing to take a little time to care for your hair, that may need your attention time to time.

These are just a few tips on how to prevent bad hair days and have great hair Live a healthy lifestyle,

eat proper foods

Quit smoking, exercise and avoid stress

set aside time for the proper deep sleep, disturbed sleep is not adequate

When using hair care products, avoid those with alcohol

Avoid getting hair styling products on the scalp as they will close off the pores and damage the hair Swimming is a good idea for exercise but whet hair first with plain water, remember pool water has chlorine that is not good for hair

When using a Hair Dryer, use the cool settings, heat is bad for hair

Always keep a hair dryer moving to prevent over heating

Try to towel dry the hair before using a hair dryer or Flat Iron to remove as much wetness as possible Always use clean comb / brushes. Clean your comb / brushes with soap or shampoo on a regular basis.

Shampooing your hair is important, shampoo thoroughly as needed with a quality product.

Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair type a good, professional conditioner is a must have.

salons are a good place to find quality product that are customized for your hair type. For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1154692_28.html

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2009-10-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

How to look good in a micro bikini

Author: Glamour Girl

Do you love summertime and going to the beaches but hate the way you look in a micro bikini? You can get into shape with these easy and simple tips that will have your body looking great in no time. In just a little bit of time, you can be on the beach wearing that super sexy swimsuit, being the envy of family, friends and strangers everywhere you go. The first piece of advice that will help you attain your goal is to not worry about your body. Be happy with what you were given and be proud to show it off no matter what size you are. The key to wearing a micro bikini deals mostly with having a great attitude more than anything else, although having a healthy regimen and well balanced diet couldn't hurt.

First, take a good look at your current diet. Is it high in sugar and junk food? Do you binge on one or two big meals per day? You probably already know what it takes to acquire healthy food administration but need a little refresher course. Cutting back on sweets that turns to fat will reduce your caloric consumption and help you to lose weight. You will have much more energy and feel lighter throughout the day. Eating smaller portions more times per day will help you to lose weight faster than having one or two big meals that leave you feeling stuffed and heavy. Make sure your diet contains the proper amount of fruits, vegetables and protein to provide the right vitamin essentials that satisfies your daily requirement. There are plenty of recipes circulating around that provide delicious meals for you and your family so you can include them in this rewarding activity. Not only will eating right make you feel better but it gets and keeps you wearing beautiful bikinis in any style or fashion that you want.

Along with eating healthy, proper exercise can assist you in attaining a body that you'll love while wearing your perfect swimsuit. There are plenty types of exercise programs that will help you to lose weight and tone your body, although it's important for you to pick the right one for you. First consult your doctor and let him know that you'll be engaging in an exercise program to improve your health and fitness. Then choose an exercise program that is geared towards your endurance level. Doing light aerobics with small weights will help loosen you up and gently raise your heart rate so you can start melting those calories away. To tone your upper body, consider some basic weight lifting and arm stretches so your shoulders and arms will look smooth and trim when you wear your micro bikini. For your midsection, sit-ups and lunges help to firm up your stomach and upper torso. To tone up your lower body, running in place, jumping rope and even a brisk walk around the block a few times a week can all add up to increase your weight loss and improve your muscle tone. Even if you're the lazy type, doing these things a few times a week can produce results quickly enough. With more vigorous exercise, your results will be more evident quicker. A light to moderate exercise program is an important factor to helping you look absolutely marvelous in your bikini.

In addition to diet and exercise, having consistent grooming habits will certainly add to the delight of owning a beautiful micro bikini. Today's methods of hair removal are quick and easy for the fast paced beach goer. There is the bikini wax that is very effective in removing undesired body and facial hair. The bikini wax is very popular because it leaves the skin soft and smooth afterwards but the drawback is that the hair grows back. Another method that is becoming acclaimed throughout the world is the laser removal of hair which promises permanent results. No matter which method you choose, having no hair on the body while wearing a micro bikini is very attractive and alluring.

Another popular beach grooming method is the body tan. Whether you like laying out all day in the sun, visiting your local tanning salon or spraying yourself with a do-it-yourself tan, having a beautiful skin tone adds to the attraction of wearing a hot micro bikini.

A good thing about many salons is that you can get a variety of grooming techniques performed on you at the same time. After getting your awesome tan, you can sit down in a relaxing chair and get a speedy pedicure to trim and smooth out areas on your feet to make you even more appealing and attractive while wearing your bikini. While at the salon, why not go all out and get a super new hair cut, beautifying facial, body wrap, make-up makeover and relaxing massage all before going out and showing your beautiful body to the world.

If you're ready to look like a star I suggest buying a luxury micro bikini from TeenyB Bikini Couture - http://www.teenyb.com

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1153777_28.html

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A Squat a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2009-10-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

There is a posture that is used frequently in many parts of the world and has been severely neglected by those of us in the West (unless you’re a baby).This missing posture, the squat, has a plethora of health benefits. It keeps the hips open, works the low back, the legs, and tones the organs of the digestive system. I once told a friend who was constipated (yes, I have conversations about all sorts of things) to squat for several minutes. Voila! This trick works like a charm.
There’s no need to go to a yoga class in order to do this pose. While practicing it at home, take your feet at least hip width apart. Squat down and take your knees wide so that your chest and torso has room to come down between both legs. Usually the feet don’t come down to the floor. If this is the case, place a rolled blanket or towel underneath the heels to keep you stabilized and enable you to stay there for about a minute. To go deeper into the stretch, reach your hands out in front of you on the floor. At the same time keep your tail(bone) descending downwards.
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Stress at Work

2009-09-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Relieve Stress While You Work
Take a good look at how you're sitting right now. Are your shoulders slouched? Is your back hunched?
Poor posture is more than bad for your back; it can be bad for your disposition. Better posture allows you to relax your muscles, sit comfortably and reduce stress, movement therapists say.
With some 800 muscles in the body, even the simple act of sitting before the computer screen presents a complex situation.
In an attempt to improve our posture, many of us will sit up too rigidly. We overcompensate with an arched back and strained neck � a position that's impossible to hold for any length of time.
The key is to find that neutral position that will bring maximum comfort and the least stress. When you're in that position, you will find it comfortable and easy to sustain.
So how can you tell if you're in that ideal neutral position? When you combine awareness with gentle movement, you encounter stressed areas, which then can be corrected. "When you use movement to get feedback about how you move, that information can then help you move better," says Ralph Strauch, a certified instructor in the teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984), who was considered the master of movement therapy.
Based on Feldenkrais' teachings, we bring you three exercises to get your posture perfect without ever leaving your chair.
But before you begin these exercises, first assess your seat and how you sit in it. Shift around on your chair, and try resting your buttocks at different spots on the seat. Experiment with sitting far forward on the chair without using the backrest. You may have to move your chair farther away from the desk.
As you sit upright without use of the backrest, resist the temptation to force yourself into a rigid position. Place your feet flat on the floor. Think about your back. Does it feel arched?
Next, intentionally slump your lower back; round your back and let your head drop forward. Slowly arch your lower back and bring your head up and shoulders back.
You've experienced the two extremes of slouching and arching. Sitting up straight is not about extremes. With feet flat on the floor, try to find a neutral place for your pelvis that lets you sit up tall yet doesn't require you to work hard any muscle group.
Now that you've found that neutral posture, you're ready for this short series of relaxation exercises. Think about your movements as you do them. Go slowly and easily and don't force anything. If you encounter any discomfort, stop.
1. Pelvis Tilt
With your feet flat on the floor, tilt your pelvis forward so your lower back rounds, and then tip your pelvis backward so your lower back arches and your belly protrudes a little. Keep your neck, shoulders and stomach relaxed. Repeat several times slowly.
This will not only help relax your lower body but will further instruct you in finding that neutral pelvic position that is not tilted to either extreme and helps you sit up straight comfortably.
2. Basic Twist
Sit up straight on the forward part of the chair, pelvis in neutral position, feet flat on the floor. Slowly twist to the right side, turning your head in the same direction while keeping your shoulders relaxed along the way.
Observe how other muscles besides the twisting muscles near the spine jump into action. The right shoulder may rise up toward the ear or move backward. As you repeat, create more efficiency in the movement. Relax more of the body each time. Do the other side.
3. Basic Twist with Variation
Do the same slow twist to the right while turning the head all the way to the left. This is impossible to do with hunched shoulders. An excessive arch in the lower back will also make it a struggle.
Sit tall yet relaxed. Observe how the muscles around the shoulders and chest may want to force the motion.
As you repeat these exercises, efficiency and relaxation will improve and you never left your desk!

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Daydreaming

2009-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Daydreaming
By Beverly Smith

Daydreaming
As this WebMD article says, daydreaming tends to get a bad rap in our culture, but there's a lot of potential to it.
"Daydreaming is looked upon negatively because it represents 'non-doing' in a society that emphasizes productivity," says John McGrail, a clinical hypnotherapist in Los Angeles. "We are under constant pressure to do, achieve, produce, succeed."
But daydreaming can be beneficial in many ways and, ironically, can actually boost productivity.
So daydreaming helps you:
• Relax
• Manage conflict
• Maintain relationships
• Boost productivity
• Cement values and beliefs
• Boost creativity and achieve goals
• Relieve boredom
So when was the last time you really opened your door to your daydreams?

What Does Your Posture Say About You?

2009-09-06T05:59:00.002-07:00

You can tell a lot about a person just by looking at their posture.
Our collective life experiences shape the way we carry ourselves in this world. Physical injury and emotional trauma gets stored in the body as tightness and aberrations. Over time, these aberrations cause one shoulder to be higher than the other, one leg to be straighter, one side of the back to hurt. If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, these aberrations are more evident as you notice that you can twist further to one side than the other or extend toward the floor with one leg, but not the other.
This is normal. But here’s how the physical characteristics can affect our emotional and psychological stability:
Have you ever come across a person who is genuinely positive most of the time. Someone who is confident and resilient (even in times of adversity)? That person probably stands up tall, chest up, shoulders down, head held high. This person takes initiative and responsibility and acts with integrity. This is the posture of an enthusiastic person.

On the other hand, it’s relatively easy to spot the posture of a victim. This person carries their fear and their hurts as demonstrated by a caved in chest, shoulders curved forward and head hanging forward. It is the posture of someone who can easily get stuck in the negative. Someone who speaks defensively and frequently blames or judges.

If you look for it, these attributes are easy to spot. You can consciously identify people who will be a positive influence in your life and who will likely be draining. The real key is to watch for both the emotional and physical attributes in ourselves. Basic awareness can help us improve our attitudes and emotional stability. A variety of other practices can help us improve the physical postures and ways we carry ourselves. The International Association of Structural Integrators has a practitioner finder who have gone through rigorous training programs on structural alignment and employ various techniques to help you improve your posture. Here’s a short list of practices that improve posture: Iyengar Yoga, Feldenkrais, Zentherapy, Rolfing, Hellerwork, Alexander Technique.

Girls Slumber Party

2009-09-06T05:59:00.001-07:00

Grown-Up Girls Stress-Busting Slumber Party
By Kathryn D'Imperio
Remember when your biggest problem was choosing a prom gown or letting the boy you liked know how you felt? Ahh, those were the days. Problems seemed so great, yet in the grand scheme of things, you really only needed a chocolate milkshake or a pint of Ben & Jerrys to assuage your every concern.
Now, with faster-paced lives, more personal and familial responsibilities and even greater problems, sometimes it takes more than a chocolate milkshake or even a gallon of Chunky Monkey could tackle.
For an easier take on life, women truly need to make time for their families, their friends, and essentially, themselves. The key to a successful balance is making time for these entities separately, resulting in a happier life with reduced stressors and a more relaxed outlook.
Family time and personal time can be arranged on a day-to-day basis, with special family meals and movie time, game time or special trips and outings together on the weekends. Bubble baths, naps, scrap-booking, baking and shopping provide nice options for alone time, while activities like yoga, Pilates and general exercise routines can be as good for the soul as they are for the body.
To complete the balance, women should keep in touch with friends and plan get-togethers at least once a year, but preferably more often. As people grow up and move on with their lives, it is common that many friends may find themselves miles and miles, and even states apart. This may call for an old-school approach to the common problems of womanhood.
So who says you’re too old for sleepovers once you’re married, anyway? Toss your cares to the wind and call up all your old friends and all your new ones in an effort to get the gang together for a night of relaxation, reminiscence and rejuvenation. Send the kids to your parents or your husband’s parent’s house (or failing that, to their friend’s house for a sleepover!). Dash out to the supermarket to pick up a few key snacks and ask each friend to bring a goodie to eat and a goodie for the soul.
Acceptable edible goodies for slumber party:
• Baked goods � especially cookies, cupcakes, candy, pastries, etc.
• Cheese and crackers
• Veggie tray
• Shrimp cocktail or other hors do oeuvres
• Wine or other beverage of choice
• Pizza
• Tea and hot cocoa
• Other delicious foods
While it is nice to eat healthy and practice a diet all the time, sometimes a little snack here or there might not hurt. Be sure to offer both junk food and healthy food options in case your guests have just begun a new diet. Faithful standbys like ice cream and frozen treats may best be provided by the hostess.
Goodies for the soul may include:
• Photos and scrapbooks from your earlier days
• Home videos and especially videos showing each other
• Favorite movies, especially chick flicks
• Craft projects like knitting and crocheting
• Pedicure kits
• Manicure kits and plenty of nail polish
• Facials
• Aromatherapy
• Music
• Girly magazines
• Board games and other fun activities
During your girls slumber party, relax and revisit your past. Spend time with your girlfriends � the women who got you through all those tough times and influenced you enough to have even a slight impact on who you are today.
Take the time to go through photographs from years gone by. Enjoy every moment and take new photographs so you have more memories to hold dear. Watch an old favorite movie and reminisce about the days in college when the flick was your souls medicine during every bad day or every break-up. Indulge in sweet temptations, even if this is the last time before you start your diet.

Allergies

2009-09-06T05:58:00.001-07:00

Allergies - The Bad Side to Cosmetics
Anna Lynn C. Sibal
All of us have varying degrees of sensitivity of the skin. There are some of us whose skin seems invulnerable to allergies and irritations, while some have skin which develops rashes with just one light prick of a pin or a needle.
Regardless of how sensitive or seemingly insensitive our skin is, it is important to know that all of us are vulnerable to getting allergies and skin irritations. It may take a split second for that irritation to develop on the skin, or it may take a few days; the point is, allergies can build up and break out in time.
An allergy can happen to you when an ingredient in the cosmetics that you are using does not agree with your skin, causing your skin to become red and sore. Other symptoms may appear, and these symptoms can worsen, which would make it necessary for you to see a doctor about it. These skin allergies can be caused by using a product without testing it, or through the continual use of a product, letting the allergy to develop and erupt over time. Some allergies to products may appear years after you have been using the product safely.
Because allergies are caused by ingredients that the product contains, you should always make it a point to read the labels carefully before buying cosmetics. Here are the important terms that you need to recognize when checking labels:
Alcohol Free. It means that the product you are holding does not contain ethyl alcohol, although other types of alcohol may be present.
Expiration Date. The expiration date is the deadline for the product use. It means that the product should be consumed or thrown away before this date. However, the way a product is used may make it expire before the indicated expiration date.
Fragrance Free. The product does not have a smell; however, fragrances may have been added to mask the odor of the chemicals the product contains.
Hypoallergenic. This is supposed to indicate that the product is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, all products, whether hypoallergenic or not, can cause skin problems over time.
Natural. Natural means the product is created with ingredients taken from plants or animals.
Noncomodogenic. Noncomodogenic cosmetics are products that are not supposed to contain anything that can clog skin pores and cause acne.
To prevent skin allergies from developing, you should learn to use your makeup and cosmetic products correctly and carefully. Keep your cosmetics tightly-lidded and store them away from the sun. Wash your hands before putting on makeup and do not share your cosmetics with anyone else. Do not put additives like water or saliva to your makeup. If your skin starts breaking out, do not put any makeup on. If the color of the makeup changes or it starts having an odor, it is time to throw them away.

Choosing Your Doctor

2009-09-06T05:57:00.002-07:00

Choosing Your Doctor
Communication is everything. A doctor should inspire trust on every level, be willing to be interviewed, understand that you plan to have an active role in your own health.
Some women prefer women doctors, some like men. What is important, however, is that the doctor understands your concerns about preventive medicine, that the doctor is someone who will talk you through every stage of diagnosis and explain all possible side effects of any medication.
Questions to ask your doctor:
• What hospital are you associated with? (sometimes the doctor is great, but the hospital isn't)
• How would I find you in an emergency? Can I have your home or beeper number? How do I reach your backup doctor? (Type all information on a wallet card for you and your family)

Caring For Teeth

2009-09-06T05:57:00.001-07:00

Make your own Toothpaste
Some of the toothpaste out there just don't do enough whiten teeth, Others are actually dangerous and may wear off enamel and cause fillings to fall out. So, straight from the modeling world comes these secret recipes that take just moments to put together.
Strawberry Toothpaste
Strawberries have gentle cleansing and bleaching properties and help remove coffee and tea stains from your teeth, Just crush strawberry and rub the pulp directly on teeth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon baking soda. use this tooth-whitening mixture once a week. This formula is a strong stain remover and tartar reducer. If your teeth are very sensitive then this treatment is not recommended for you.
Foods That Clean Teeth
There are some foods that stain teeth (coffee, tea, redwine, etc.) and there are other foods that work on the teeth like detergents. Foods that require a lot of chewing like apples, celery, and carrots whiten teeth naturally.
Food Like Spinach, lettuce and broccoli prevent staying by creating a film on the teeth that acts as a barrier.
Brush Your Tongue
When you are brushing your teeth, you haven’t finished the job until you brushed your tongue. Your tongue harbors germs and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Just brush your tongue with regular toothpaste, and forget those overpriced tongue scraper.
Make-It-Yourself Mouthwashes:
Tea
Boil a strong cup of peppermint or spearmint tea. Drink in slow, deliberate manner while rolling the tea around in your mouth or let cool and use as a regular rinse.
Clove Rinse
Heat one teaspoon of cloves with 1/4 cup of water. Cool and Rinse.

Natural Aspirin

2009-09-06T05:56:00.002-07:00

Natural Aspirin
To keep your diet high in natural salicylates (the main ingredient in aspirin that helps prevent heart attacks), eat more oranges, raspberries, apricots and cherries.
For additional salicylates, season foods with cinnamon, curry, cayenne and thyme.

How to Reduce Varicose Veins

2009-09-06T05:56:00.001-07:00

How To Reduce Varicose Veins
Varicose veins make your legs look ugly. There are things you can do to reduce them:
* Do regular exercise. Walking, running, cycling & swimming keep blood vessels healthy.
* Stick to a high-fibre & low-salt diet.
* Kick off the high heels.
* Avoid tight-fitting clothing’s or undergarments that restrict blood flow at the waist, groin & legs (e.g. girdles, stockings & socks).
* If elastic stockings are recommended, wear them before getting out of bed in the morning.
* Don't leave legs crossed or bent for a long period.
* If work requires prolonged standing or sitting, move & stretch those legs, rotate ankles & wiggle the toes once in a while.
* Do leg stretching exercises daily.
* Raise legs above the level of the heart whenever possible.
* Rest those legs on pillows while sleeping.
* Stop smoking.

Food Choices for Young Women

2009-09-06T05:55:00.002-07:00

Food Choices For Young Women
Is your teenage daughter always dieting or worrying about eating too much?
Teenage girls often seem preoccupied with their weight. Even though they need fewer calories than teenage boys, girls continue to grow until about age 16. So consuming enough calories is very important. Too few calories can result in a failure to grow.
A healthful diet for teenagers should include four or more servings of milk, cheese or yogurt per day; four to six ounces of meat, fish, poultry or dried beans; three servings of vegetables; two servings of fruit and at least six servings of grain products.
Teens can control their calories by limiting high fat foods and getting regular physical activity.
If your teenage daughter needs help with her eating habits, contact a registered dietitian.

Weight and Cancer Risk

2009-09-06T05:55:00.001-07:00

Weight and Cancer Risk
Excess body weight may not be a direct cause of poor health, but new research says obesity does seem to increase the incidence of certain types of cancer.
According to a report in the American Institute for Cancer Research newsletter, consuming excess calories and gaining weight makes it difficult for the body to change blood sugar into energy. When this happens, the body makes an overdose of insulin, which can lead to abnormal cell growth.
Researchers recommend consumers balance the amount of calories they consume with regular physical activity. Also, try to eat a variety of whole grain foods and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Following these recommendations won't guarantee cancer prevention, but these steps are key to a healthy lifestyle.

Headache and Your Bra?

2009-09-06T05:54:00.002-07:00

They may look sexy and slip in just right under your slinkiest evening dresses, but bras with thin straps could cause headaches and lead to serious nerve damage.
Physicians at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say wearing thin bra straps too tightly is dangerous for women. If a strap is so tight that it digs into the shoulder, it puts downward pressure on the cervical nerve. The cervical nerve runs from the neck to the shoulder and is an important component of the nerve system. Damaging it can cause frequent headaches, neck pain or numbness. Over time, it can cause pain that radiates from the shoulder all the way down the arms and into the hands.
Tight bra straps are especially hazardous for full-busted women, but all women are susceptible. Swimsuits with spaghetti straps and shoulder-strap purses worn for several hours at a time are other culprits.
The solution is to find a good-fitting undergarment, say UT Southwestern physicians. Shop for support bras with wide straps. This distributes the weight more evenly.
So the next time you get a headache -- check your bra.

Backache Prevention

2009-09-06T05:54:00.001-07:00

Backache Prevention
Avoid any sudden strain. If you are going to have to bend in any way make sure that your back is not cold and stiff. Exercise regularly to loosen up the back and strengthen its supporting abdominal muscles. Stretching your back helps loosen it and prevent injury.
If you sit for long periods, make sure your back is properly supported. Place a small roll in the arch of your lower spine (at waist height) to maintain its normal S-curve. Simply a towel, or cushion rolled up will do.
When lifting, never bend down from the waist, lower and raise yourself at the knees. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. If you are going to carry anything any distance that may be heavy, make sure that your way is clear. You do not want to be dodging around things when you are carrying.
Balance items you carry evenly on both sides of your body and hold them close or use a knapsack.
Sleep on your back if possible, with knees raised on a pillow. If you sleep on your side, a pillow between the knees is a big help.
If you need a firm bed, place a board between the mattress and the box spring.

Saving Soles

2009-09-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

Saving Soles: The How & Why Of Foot Care
If you're like most people, you don't pay enough attention to footwear and foot care.
Most of us walk around in shoes that have lost their shape and need new heels. We tend not to realize that the "savings" we realize from neglecting what we walk in represents a false economy. Posture, spinal problems and back pain can all be affected by shoes.
Here are some simple things that you can do to improve your quality of life, inexpensively, from the bottom up:
* Regularly reheel your shoes, especially if you wear out the heels at an angle.
* If you do wear out your heels at an angle, consider using "leveler" inserts, sold inexpensively at shoe repair shops.
* Buy cushion inserts and replace them when they wear out.
* Use shoe trees when storing your shoes, to help them keep their shape.
* Rotate regularly between different pairs of shoes.
* Select footwear appropriate for the activity.
* Consult with a podiatrist (foot doctor) or at least your primary care physician, if you experience any problems with your feet.
Taking good care of your feet is one of the best investments you can make in your good health. This is one area in which a few dollars well spent can save you hundreds or even thousands in medical bills down the road.

Exercise & Breast Cancer

2009-09-06T05:51:00.002-07:00

Exercise Can Help Prevent Breast Cancer
Regardless of age, race or economic status, an estimated 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 45,000 will die from the disease. Without a known cure, researchers are working to identify lifestyle measures for prevention.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that women who were more physically active showed a lower risk of breast cancer than women who were less active. The intensity of exercise did not seem to be as important as consistent activity.
Early detection of breast cancer can also play a major role in saving your life or the life of someone you love.

Tuna

2009-09-06T05:51:00.001-07:00

Tuna Can Help You Lose Weight
Eating tuna, salmon, or other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids once a day as part of a weight-loss plan can help you lose weight and improve your overall health, Australian researchers report.
Research suggests that omega-3's protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, cod and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Participants in the study lost weight, lowered their cholesterol levels and reduced their risk factors for diabetes.
Fish oil supplements provide another option. However, daily fish consumption offers greater benefits because as fish consumption increases, meat consumption likely decreases, resulting in a decrease in total dietary fat intake.

Reducing Fat

2009-09-06T05:50:00.002-07:00

Four Guidelines For Reducing Dietary Fat
START SMALL
You're not going on a diet. Rather, you're changing the way you eat for the rest of your life. So there's no need to cut out dietary fat all at once. You might start by switching to milk instead of cream in your coffee, then switching to low-fat mayonnaise on your sandwiches and so on.
EAT WHAT YOU LIKE
If you already enjoy certain low-fat foods, make them staples of your diet. Make a list of your favorite high-fat foods, then find a way to substitute low-fat versions for some of them.
KEEP TRACK OF YOUR FAT INTAKE
Buy a nutritional guide that lists the fat content of each food. Use it to calculate how many grams of fat you consume each day. The maximum number of grams of fat you can eat each day and still lose weight is determined by a variety of factors. A woman over 30 should probably consume no more than 20 percent of her calories in the form of fat, while a man over 30 can probably get away with up to 25 percent.
(One gram of fat equals about nine calories.)
MAKE SURE THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY ADOPTS HEALTHFUL EATING HABITS
If your spouse has an ice cream sundae for dessert, you probably won't feel satisfied with a pear. But if everyone in the family starts eating healthfully, there's less temptation.

Premenstrual Syndrome PMS

2009-09-06T05:50:00.001-07:00

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is one of the oldest and most common afflictions known to women and, secondarily, to men. "When my wife has PMS, she's not the only one who suffers!" For most women, symptoms are usually mild -- fatigue, irritability, anxiety and bloating. But for some, PMS is not mild, it's debilitating -- causing severe depression, panic attacks, and even violent behavior.
Advice in the past has been less than helpful because of the large range of symptoms of a nonspecific nature. Physicians have prescribed progesterone to alleviate symptoms, but double-blind studies by the NIH show that the hormone is no better than a placebo. Over-the-counter drugs are also of little value.
So, what does work?
Exercise:
The one remedy that seems to help is exercise. When women do moderate exercise five times a week for at least 30 minutes a session, their symptoms are significantly reduced. Because long, steady exercise causes a release of endorphins, it makes sense to keep the level "pumped up," so to speak, during the last two weeks of the cycle. Continuous production of endorphins appears to diminish the PMS symptoms.
Eat small frequent meals:
It's been shown that occasional small sugar snacks are effective in relieving the milder symptoms. To avoid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, don't skip meals. Eat small frequent meals instead. Eat the same amount of food you normally would, but spread it out. Have three small meals and mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks.
Limit simple sugars and include fiber:
It is better to limit simple sugars than to try to avoid them. It's okay to have some sugar, but don't have it on an empty stomach, for that could trigger a binge. Instead, have a dessert with your meal. It sounds strange, but it's better to eat dessert during the middle of a meal than at the end. Having something sweet at the end of a meal may lead you to want more sugar. If you eat the sweet mid meal, the craving is satisfied. Be sure to include fiber and protein with each meal to slow the digestion and absorption of the sugar.
Limit caffeine and alcohol:
Some women experience alcohol intolerance during the last two weeks of their cycle; they show signs of intoxication with only two drinks when it usually takes five or six to produce the same effects.
Reduce sodium:
Finally, sodium is not as big an issue as it once was, but if you're bothered by fluid retention and breast swelling or tenderness, then limit your sodium and avoid adding salt.

Bad Breath

2009-09-06T05:46:00.000-07:00

Kiss Bad Breath Good-Bye
Bad breath is a surefire way to send potential suitors scrambling for the exits. Chances are, that yummy chicken you enjoyed at lunch is still hanging around in your mouth, which can cause less-than-pleasant-smelling bacteria to form, especially on your tongue.
Our bad-breath weapon of choice is a tongue scraper, which some say resembles a medieval torture implement but is actually a disposable U-shaped plastic tool with tiny ridges on one side. It's very easy to use, and it will help clear away any leftover food and odor-causing bacteria that have settled on your tongue.
Starting at the back of your mouth, gently drag the scraper along your tongue two or three times, rinsing it in between each pass.
Follow up by drinking a glass of water to flush out any other bacteria that have formed in your mouth.

Breast Self Examination

2009-09-06T05:28:00.002-07:00

A Simple Routine That Could Save Your Life
Most breast lumps are discovered by women themselves. Although the majority of lumps are non-cancerous, early detection saves lives. Pre-menopausal women should examine their breasts the week following menstruation each month when the breasts are the least swollen and tender. Women who no longer menstruate can pick one day of each month for self-examination.
Step 1. While standing in front of a mirror, with your hands on your hips, visually examine your breasts. Look for lumps, changes in size, color, shape or contour. Look for dimples or puckering. Are your nipples normally inverted? If not, look to see if they are pushed in.
Step 2. Repeat this portion of the examination with your hands behind your head.
Step 3. Next, press each nipple, checking for discharge.
Step 4. Lie down with a pillow under your left shoulder and place your left hand under your head. With the fingers of your right hand flattened and together, press the top portion of the left breast. Using circular motions, feel for lumps and thickening. In other words, think of your breast as the face of a clock. With the top of the breast as 12 o'clock, move around the outer portion of the breast clockwise. Once you have returned to 12, move the fingers closer to the nipple and repeat. Seventy-five percent of breast cancer occurs under the nipple-areola region or in the upper, outer portion of the breast near the armpit, so make sure you thoroughly examine these areas.
Step 5. Once you have checked the entire surface of the left breast, move the pillow and examine the right breast with the left hand.
Step 6. Using the same small, circular motions examine the area adjacent to your breast in the armpit. This area also contains breast tissue. (Note: A breast self-exam can also be performed during a shower or bath.)
Step 7. If you detect thickening or a lump, contact your doctor immediately. Most lumps are benign, but only a doctor can determine that for sure.
By performing a breast self-exam every month, you will become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. This will help make abnormalities easier to detect.

Yeast Infections

2009-09-06T05:28:00.001-07:00

How to prevent yeast infections?
Three out of four women will experience at least one yeast infection during her life, many experience recurrent infections. Practicing some of these prevention techniques may help reduce your risk.
1. Always wear white cotton panties. Nylon and Lycra may trap air and create a breeding ground for yeast. Never wear panty hose alone -- always wear cotton panties underneath.
2. Never use petroleum-based lubricants for vaginal lubrication during sexual intercourse. Always use water-based lubricants when vaginal dryness is an issue.
3. Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the yeast which normally inhabits the intestinal tract from being transferred to the vaginal area.
4. Eating one cup of yogurt a day helps some women prevent the yeast infections that often follow antibiotic treatment; however, eating yogurt will not cure a yeast infection.
5. Don't use perfumed bath products or powders in the vaginal area, these can cause irritations which can lead to infection.
6. Don't use douches! Douches wash away the natural protective mucous of the vagina leaving the vagina more susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections.

Perfect Snack

2009-09-06T05:27:00.003-07:00

Does the perfect high-fiber, high-protein snack exist?
Only plant-based foods have fiber, so your protein will be from a plant source if you are looking for a single food to do the job. The lowly legume is probably your best choice, so something such as roasted soybeans would make a great high-protein, high-fiber snack.
However, plenty of combination foods or combinations of foods could also fill your needs. For example, many sports bars on the market are high in both protein and fiber, for example, the Clif Bar. You can make your own fast, high-protein and high-fiber snacks too.
Here are some ideas that fit the bill:
1. Hummus spread on whole-wheat crackers or a whole-grain bagel
2. A quick bowl of whole-grain cereal with milk and berries
3. Peanut butter on apple slices
4. Homemade bran muffins made with milk and eggs
5. A fruit smoothie made with plain yogurt and fruits
6. Celery dipped in low-fat cottage cheese
7. Yogurt sprinkled with granola

Late Period

2009-09-06T05:27:00.001-07:00

Why Is My Period Late?
Although, pregnancy is the most common cause of absence of period or menstruation (amenorrhea), many times, the women will also assure me that they are definitely not pregnant. So, what else can cause an absence of menstruation?
1. Are you breastfeeding your baby? Breastfeeding mothers will often experience amenorrhea; however ovulation may still occur and pregnancy is possible even without menstruation.
2. Are you experiencing an unusual amount of stress in your life? Emotional stress is another possible cause of absence of menstruation. Eliminating the stress usually will cause menstruation to resume.
3. What kind of medications are you currently taking? Certain medications such as contraceptives (oral, implanted, and injected), oral corticosteriods, antidepressants, antipsychotics, thyroid, and some chemotherapy drugs may cause amenorrhea for some women.
4. You could have a hormonal imbalance. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a common form of hormonal imbalance which may cause amenorrhea, as well as other symptoms that can include the other extreme with excessive bleeding (menorrhagia).
5. Do you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet? Women who are malnourished or extremely underweight often experience amenorrhea. This occurs often in women with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
6. How much do you workout? Do you dance or engage in sports? Vigorous exercise or athletic training can cause amenorrhea.
7. Have you had your thyroid checked? Millions of Americans suffer from undiagnosed thyroid disease -- another possibility that should be explored by your physician.
8. Do you have a chronic illness? If you have a chronic illness, or have been sick for an extended period, your menstrual cycle may be temporarily delayed. Once your body is well your period will usually return.
9. Although rare, a pituitary tumor (a usually benign tumor) can cause an overproduction of prolactin which can interfere with the regulation of your menstrual cycle.
If you have missed 3 or more menstrual cycles, and you haven't already sought professional medical advice, it's time to seek medical care to determine the underlying cause.
Only a qualified health care provider can determine the cause of amenorrhea.

Essential Health Tips

2009-09-06T05:26:00.001-07:00

Top 10 most important health tips:
1. Move More
Make it your daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress relief. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Move more and feel better!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise.
3. Reduce Stress
Of course, easier said than done.... Stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible.
4. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution deterrent.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes.
7. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer.
8. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't?
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Yes, keep on smiling and laughing!
10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. So follow the first 9 tips above :-)

Keys to Happiness

2009-09-06T05:25:00.002-07:00

Keys to happiness and spiritual well being
• Compliment three people everyday.
• Watch a sunrise.
• Be the first to say "Hello."
• Don’t waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
• Treat everyone as you want to be treated.
• Never give up on anybody; miracles happen.
• Forget the Jones’s.
• Remember someone’s name.
• Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.
• Be tough-minded, but tender hearted.
• Be kinder than you have to be.
• Don’t forget that a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
• Keep your promises.
• Learn to show cheerfulness even when you don’t feel it.
• Remember that overnight success usually takes 15 years.
• Leave everything better than you found it.
• Remember that winners do what losers don’t want to do.
• When you arrive at your job in the morning, let the first thing you say brighten everyone’s day.
• Don’t rain on other people’s parades.
• Live beneath your means.
• Keep some things to yourself and don’t promote havoc by backstabbing people you love.

Self Esteem

2009-09-06T05:25:00.001-07:00

About self-esteem
Self-esteem is very important for your physical, psychological, and spiritual health.
Enhancing self-esteem is another passage to personal growth and change. Life begins to take on greater beauty as we open up and appreciate ourselves. As we value and love ourselves, we gain an acceptance of others.
Self-esteem is something we can change and when we do, everything in our life changes.
Self-esteem is simply the value we place on ourselves. If we link it to success, money, belongings and friends then we miss the mark.
Out of true self-esteem, we create results. We become healthier, happier and make a more significant contribution in life.

Walking Barefoot

2009-09-06T05:24:00.001-07:00

The natural way
Have you ever been really tired at the end of a long day and then feeling better when removing your shoes?
Shoes trap energy around the feet and that could be one of the reasons for feeling tired.
So take your shoes off whenever you can and give your feet as much air as possible.
Walking barefoot helps tone the muscles of your feet, keeping them young and strong. An early morning barefoot walk on cool, dewy grass is refreshing and invigorating for the entire system, not just your feet. It is also believed to have a very good effect on improving eyesight.
Do walk barefoot as much as possible to help the bone structure of your feet function according to its natural shape.

Are You Depressed?

2009-09-06T05:23:00.001-07:00

Are You Depressed? The Signs and Symptoms of Depression
If you experience five or more of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks, or they’re severe enough to interfere with your daily routine, seek professional help:
• A persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Restlessness or irritability
• Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Head to Toe Self Massage

2009-09-06T05:22:00.002-07:00

Head to Toe Self Massage
By Corinna Richards
Massage is invigorating and you can do it for yourself. Just follow these easy techniques:
Head:
For a relaxing scalp massage to drain away the days tensions and leave you feeling relaxed and alert, place your hands on your scalp at the roots of your hair. Spread out your fingers and thumbs to cover as much area as possible and gently rotate them in a clockwise direction. Breath deeply through your nose to promote good circulation. Gradually work your hands all over your scalp from your hairline to your nape, until it starts to tingle slightly then reverse direction.
Face:
You can relax your facial muscles and help yourself feel more refreshed with a gentle face massage. Using your index and second fingers of each hand, make small circular movements around your eyes, across cheeks, forehead and chin. Cup your cheeks for a minute so that the warmth of your hands can relax the tissue. Then repeat the circular movement, soon you will feel a glowing relief.
Feet:
Sit in a comfortable position with your feet resting up on the bed or on a chair. Working on one foot at a time, cup your heel with one hand and with the other make small circular movements starting with each toe. Gradually move down to the ball of your foot and kneed this for a few minutes then slowly work over your sole and down to your heel.

Foot Massage

2009-09-06T05:22:00.001-07:00

Good Foot Massage
By Beverly Smith
Give your feet a break with a good foot massage. You can do it with a partner or try the massage on your own.
• Wash the feet thoroughly and adopt a comfortable position that allows you to reach all parts of your foot.
• Anoint the feet with a skin lotion for lubrication when carrying out the massage.
• Massage the area between your toes using your fingers and your thumb. Wiggle and wriggle the toes and pull each one gently. Then move to the four metatarsal bones that run along the top and middle of the foot. Moving from the base of your toes to just above your ankle, slowly massage one area at a time.
• The soles. When you are working on yourself, this is easiest with your foot propped on the opposite knee, with a towel underneath to protect your clothing from cream. Using your thumbs, make small, circular motions that cover the entire surface of the bottom of your foot, moving from the base of your toes toward your heel. Keep the pressure of the circles steady and even. Use a bit more firmness on your heels as the skin there is tougher.
• Still working the sole, use your pointer and middle fingers to make crosswise movements, back and forth, from the heel to the ball of your foot.
• Taking a firm hold of the foot, raising it, and massaging the back of the calf with the free hand is effective in relieving muscle stress in that leg.
• With one hand holding the heel and the other enfolding the toes, rotate the foot, without causing pain, to gain an overall sense of relaxation, ease and well-being.
After the massage, wipe the soles of your feet with a towel to prevent your feet from being slippery. Slip into some wonderful heavy cotton socks or favorite (clean) slippers.

Breast Massage

2009-09-06T05:14:00.001-07:00

Breast Massage Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
By Beverly Smith
A recent study* of 4,700 women found that women who wore bras had an increased chance of acquiring breast cancer. It is very possible that the constant pressure that the bra puts on the breast is limiting the flow of toxins that need to be released, resulting in the increased cancer rate. Any more than a gentle amount of pressure can flatten the lymphatic vessel and stop the toxic flow from the breast.
The Study found the highest rate of breast cancer in those who wore bras 24 hours a day, and the lowest rate in those who never wore bras. The study suggested that women should wear their bra less than 12 hours a day.
* Singer, Sydney Ross. Dressed to Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras, Garden City Park, NY: Avery Pub. Group, 1995
Self Care Breast Massage
Gentle breast massage will benefit all women and lessen the risk of breast cancer.
Gentle-to-moderate kneading, rubbing, and squeezing strokes with the hands are sufficient to induce increased lymph and blood flow to the breast.
How to do it?
The breast can be kneaded and squeezed by contracting the palm and fingers of the hand (somewhat like a handshake) or the breast can be rubbed and stroked using the palm and fingers of the hand using gentle-to-moderate pressure.
* Women's breasts vary considerably in texture and sensitivity to pressure. Therefore, gentle strokes should be for those who are sensitive or have softer breasts. Moderate pressure may be more effective for those with firmer-textured breasts.

This procedure should be done at least twice a week. It can be done on bare skin, but you may find that using some vegetable oil may be more comfortable (do not use mineral-based or scented oils).
• Step One: Use your fingers to gently smooth away from the nipple. These movements travel from the nipple and directly away using no more pressure than what you would apply to your eyelid. Any more pressure would flatten the lymphatic vessel and stop the flow of toxins and fluids. Also, make this stroke slow, not fast, for it to be effective.
• Step Two: Gently massage the breast with a kneading-like motion, using lifting and pressing movements.
• Step Three: Slowly and carefully use your hands to twist the breast in a clock-wise and counterclockwise direction, being careful not to put too much tension on the breast.
• Step Four: Use both hands as shown to apply several, moderate pressure compressions to move out more pressure fluids.
Natural Breasts Care using herbs and vitamins.
Health Note: If during self-massage any lumps are felt, these lumps should always be investigated thoroughly by informing and visiting a qualified physician.
If any lump is ever found, that area should NOT be massaged until a physician is consulted.
For more information about breast massage, see Self Care for Your Breasts by the Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy and Massage.

Healthy Eating Habits

2009-09-06T05:13:00.001-07:00

Healthier Eating Habits
By Kate M. DImperio
With skimpy swimsuits and trips to the beach in mind, toning various body parts and dropping a few pounds in time for summer has become a priority for many. Coupled with regular cardiovascular exercise, healthy eating habits can severely impact ones weight as well as one’s overall body image.
When it comes to shaping up and slimming down, several factors impact a person’s body and general healthiness. Different diets and eating routines work for different people. The following dose should put a positive spin on helping those who wish to revamp their eating habits in the hopes of transforming their bodies for the better.
DO eat well-balanced meals throughout the day, kick starting your metabolism with breakfast as often as possible.
DO eat several helpings of salad, fruits and vegetables throughout the day. Recommended amount is five servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
DO drink lots of water. Strive for at least eight glasses a day, but drink as much as you are able. Your body will eventually crave the water, which often makes you less hungry for snacks throughout the day while also flushing toxins from your body.
DO avoid eating simply because you are bored. Popping candy, cookies and other sweets into your mouth merely to pass the time is not conducive to modifying and maintaining a healthy body image.
DO sit down; enjoy your food and CHEW! Avoid scarping down your lunch in the car as you drive. Rushing meals and trying to get too many other things done while eating may prevent the food from digesting properly. Take the time to enjoy a leisurely meal without constantly trying to do something else.
DO reduce your intake of sugars and fats if you find yourself eating junk food all day.
DO avoid grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Almost inevitably, those shopping with hunger pangs pushing them along may be apt to throw a few more goodies in the cart than if shopping after a meal.
DO eat when you are hungry. Try to substitute healthier snacks, like vegetable sticks, for salty or sweet snacks like chips and cookies.
DO eat foods that are high in fiber. This will help to keep the snacking urges from breaking through as often.
DO be realistic about your body image goals. Do not expect overnight results. Work to achieve your goals but do treat yourself every once in a while!
DO stop eating when you are full. Many people try to force themselves to clean their plates completely in order to be polite or to get their moneys worth.
DO exercise at least twice a week, whether by jogging, walking or doing a cardio workout. Combining healthier eating habits with cardiovascular exercise is a surefire way to lead a healthier life.
To improve your body image and the way you feel about yourself, monitor your snacking and do your best to follow a disciplined eating routine. Eat balanced meals, exercise and maintain a positive outlook and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier body, mind and soul.

Stop Smoking

2009-09-06T05:12:00.000-07:00

Although the tobacco companies would like you to believe otherwise, there is nothing glamorous or chic about smoking. Smoking will accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and ages your skin.
Smoking creates many health problems for women:
Women who smoke die of lung cancer and other smoking related diseases at twice the rate of women who don't smoke.
Women who smoke are sick more often than women who do not.
Women who smoke heavily have almost three times as much bronchitis or emphysema, about 75% more chronic sinusitis, 50% more peptic ulcers compared to women who don't smoke.
Smoking affects pregnancy and the health of the baby.
The risk of serious effects on the heart and blood vessels may be several times greater for women who use birth-control pills and also smoke cigarettes, compared to those who are on the pill but do not smoke.
More women die from lung cancer than from breast cancer.
So that teen-age girls and women need to stop smoking.

Stop Smoking Tips - The Important 4 D's:

2009-09-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

Drink water. - It helps flush the nicotine and other chemicals out of your body faster. This also satisfies the oral craving for a period of time. Try using a straw which is the same diameter as the cigarette.
Deep breathing. - This is very healthy, but most people do not utilize their full lung capacity. Take 10 deep breaths, and hold the last one while lighting a match. Exhale slowly, and blow out the match. Take a Deep Breath Break instead of a cigarette break.
Delay. - Every day, delay lighting your first cigarette by one hour. After the first cigarette, when you have your next craving to smoke, delay for another half an hour. As a smoker you were not in control of your habit; you smoked when your body craved nicotine. Now by delaying, you are calling the shots, you are in control of when you say NO.
Do something different. - Don't smoke when you first experience a craving. Wait several minutes (also see Delay above) and during this time change your activity or talk to someone. You have to get out of the situation that makes you want to smoke.
For instance, if you smoke after dinner, do the dishes or go for a walk. Change your habits!
Stop Smoking Aids
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), such as chewing gum, skin patch, tablet, nasal spray or inhaler, are designed to help you break the habit while providing a reduced dose of nicotine to overcome withdrawal symptoms. Studies have shown that NRT doubles the chances of a smoker to successfully quit smoking compared to someone using no therapy.
Bupropion, (Zyban) works by de-sensitizing the brains nicotine receptors and has similar success rates to NRT. The course of treatment lasts around 8 weeks. It is only available on prescription under medical supervision.
Laser Stop Smoking Therapy - This has been gaining a lot of attention and popularity lately. It is a safe, drug-free method of smoking cessation method. The laser's light is helpful in controlling the smoking addiction and enhancing relaxation.
Beneficial health changes when you stop smoking:
Stop smoking and your body will start to repair the damage done almost immediately, starting a series of beneficial health changes that continue for years.
Time since quitting Beneficial health changes
20 minutes Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.
8 hours Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood drop by half, oxygen levels return to normal.
24 hours Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.
48 hours No nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.
72 hours Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.
2 - 12 weeks Circulation improves.
9 months Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function is increased by up to 10%.
1 year Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.
15 years Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Anti Aging

2009-09-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

Anti Aging Products, Substances and Techniques
By Beverly Smith
The anti aging quest of both women and men reflects the human desire to prolong life. Anti aging skin care for improving appearance or hormones, supplements for total body regeneration...
Antioxidants
As you process food for energy, your body produces substances called free radicals. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging and certain diseases.
To neutralize free radicals, your body uses antioxidants � certain vitamins, minerals and enzymes � that come from the food you eat. Some research suggests that antioxidants can prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Green Tea Extract
What makes green tea extract such an important nutrient are the large volumes of published scientific findings that validate its benefits. The active constituents in green tea are powerful antioxidants called polyphenols (catechins) and flavonols.
One cup of green tea may provide 10-40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant effects that are greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. Theoretically, green tea extract is an anti aging substance.
Lipoic Acid
This is a highly potent antioxidant that counteracts free radicals in the mitochondria, the power plants of cells where energy for all cellular activities is generated. Some scientists believe that mitochondrial free radicals play an important role in human aging, and have theorized that extra amounts of free-radical inhibiting compounds may be good anti aging weapons.
Other antioxidants you may know about include:
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B-6
• Vitamin B-12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Beta carotene
• Folic acid
• Selenium
The best way to give your body antioxidants is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. If you can't obtain all the nutrients you need from food, your doctor may recommend using supplements to make up for any deficiencies.
The bottom line is that adding a few servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet will certainly improve your health and even help with anti aging.
Hormones
Hormones are chemicals created by your body to help keep your vital organs working properly. because some hormone levels decline naturally as you age, some people believe this decline is responsible for the aging process.
Hormone supplements you might have heard of include:
• DHEA.
• Testosterone.
• Melatonin.
• Human growth hormone (HGH)
There is no convincing medical evidence to prove that these hormone supplements provide anti aging benefits. And they each have side effects. For instance, even short-term use of DHEA or testosterone may cause liver damage.
Calorie Restriction
Of the various approaches to slow down the aging process, calorie restriction is considered the gold standard.
Hundreds of studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Calorie restriction in a wide variety of species. While the effectiveness of this anti-aging regimen is likely far greater than others currently available, the difficulty of the regimen for most people is also far greater.
Reducing the number of calories you eat may be a good way to lose weight, but restricting your diet to the point that you aren't getting enough nutrients is dangerous. Calorie restriction can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss.
What you can do to live a long and healthy life
Aging is a very complex process that involves many areas of your body. There is no single product, pill or substance which could cure all of the ills of aging. Your best avenue for a long and healthy life is to keep yourself healthy and prevent chronic diseases by:
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise every day
• Seek prompt medical care when you're ill or injured
• Use sunscreen
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Get screened for diseases such as cancer and heart disease
• Maintain close ties to your friends and family

Fat Girls and Fat Women

2009-09-06T05:07:00.001-07:00

Dealing with food addiction
Anna Lynn C. Sibal
Modern society�s image of the beautiful woman is someone who fits a certain size, usually size 6 or smaller, someone with a certain kind of bone structure, someone with a certain kind of face. This image is glorified in many, many fashion magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Elle and Vogue. This image is, unfortunately, not true for the average woman, who has to struggle with size 8 or bigger, who does not have the same delicate bone structure, who does not have the particular kind of face that one would see on a model.
Not all of us are born to fit such an image of what is considered the beautiful woman. In fact, very, very few fit that given image at all. And yet, there are so many women out there who try desperately to fit that image, who will try all means available to them and that which they can afford just to be able to fit that image. Sadly, despite whatever measure we might take, some of us are just that: fat.
If we are not genetically predisposed to being overweight, there are other reasons why we are carrying around extra flesh on our bodies. It could be because we are addicted to food. And while this is not a general or a blanket statement on why women are fat, it could be because we basically have issues with ourselves that we cannot face, and we hide behind the comfort that food brings us whenever we had to deal with something that we find truly stressful.
Examine yourself. Are you fat because your genes have dictated that your body should be formed that way? Are you fat because you are lazy? Or are you fat because you cannot stop eating?
That character from the Austin Powers series of movies, the one they have named Fat Bastard, captured it so poignantly with this line: �I eat because I am unhappy, and I am unhappy because I eat.� Is it that case for you too?
If you are one of us, one of those women who are afflicted with food addiction, the first step towards recovery always involves recognition. Recognize and admit to yourself that you have an issue that you need to deal with and that you are using food to cover up for the fear, the anxiety and the sadness that you feel whenever you are forced to face something you do not want to handle.
Once you have gotten a handle of the situation, the next step would be to determine what gives you so much stress and anxiety, enough to turn to the comfort of food. More often than not, it has something to do with self-image. If it is indeed the case, that your food addiction has something to do with self-image, then the next step would be to embrace what you are and accept that you cannot be what you are not.
Most importantly, do not take this journey of ridding yourself with food addiction alone. It is so very easy to fall back into the old pattern of bingeing after being upset with something if you are dealing with it alone. Seek help with a counselor or a support group. There are others like us, like you; you need not go through this all alone.

Facial Fitness Exercises

2009-09-06T05:05:00.000-07:00

Anna Lynn C. Sibal
Being beautiful on the outside is all about keeping the face young and looking healthy. We know that the absence of wrinkles and sags, as well as having taut, toned, smooth and glowing skin are the signs of youthful and healthy beauty. Some go through so much just to maintain the vigor and agelessness of their faces, so much that they would spend a fortune on face lifts and other procedures that would keep them looking as close to 18 years old as possible.
There is, however, an inexpensive way of retaining youthful beauty, and that is through observing a regular facial fitness routine - that is, exercising the muscles of your face. The idea behind facial fitness is similar to the principle of doing a body workout: by exercising, you build up the muscles of your body and keep them toned and firm.
In case of the face, by exercising the facial muscles regularly, the muscles will be lifted enough to remove the sags, and the skin - sunny glow will be smoothened enough to remove the wrinkles. The blood circulation to the face will also increase with facial exercises, enabling the tissues of the face to repair themselves more quickly.
Maintaining a regular facial fitness routine is easy. It only takes a few minutes of your time and it can be done while watching television or waiting for the stoplight to turn green when driving. Here are a few sample exercises for different areas of the face.
Forehead. This will smooth down the wrinkles of the forehead. Place your fingers just above your brow. Then, with your fingers, pull the skin down. At the same time, try to raise your eyebrows. Repeat this ten times.
Eyelids. To deal with crows' feet at the corners of the eyes, put the thumbs at the corners of the eyes and then shut your eyes tightly. Then, with your thumbs, pull at the skin towards the forehead. Repeat this ten times.
For sagging eyelids, hold your index fingers close to the brow bone. Afterwards, raise your eyebrows. At the same time, try to close your eyes. Again, repeat this ten times.
Cheeks. Form an 'O' with your lips and try to push them forward as fast as you can. Then release the 'O' and smile as widely as you can. Repeat ten times.
Lips. Push your lips outward in a pout as far as you can, then smile. Or you can suck on your finger as hard as you can. Once again, repeat ten times.
Neck. Arch your neck backward and place your hand on your neck just under the chin. After that, let your hand slide downward and push at your collarbone. An alternative to this one would be to push your lower lip outward as far as you can and tilt your chin up toward the ceiling, resting the hand against the collarbone as you are doing so.
Chin. Push your lower lip upward as high as you can. You can also press your thumb on the bone just under your chin and then push your tongue against your lower gums as if it is trying to meet your thumb. Another thing you can do is to tilt your chin up and massage the flesh under it with your thumb with strokes directed towards your neck. These exercises will take care of the double chin.
Just like in total body workouts, facial fitness exercises take time. However, if you truly want to see results on your face, try doing this once or twice a day, five times a week. You will be able to see changes in around a month or two.

Relax at Home

2009-09-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

A lot of us have come to believe that the best way to unwind from the stress brought about by the daily grind to work and to whatever activities we have that makes our schedules jam-packed is to escape to the spa. True enough; the services we get at a spa are designed to pamper us from head to foot, making each trip a relaxing indulgence that is truly worth getting addicted to.
Sometimes, however, we do not need to go to the spa just to rest and loosen up. We can do that inside our very homes.
One way of getting the spa atmosphere at home is to just sit with your feet soaked in warm water mixed with spa salts and essential oils. This is an instant, do-it-yourself foot spa. When the skin of your feet is all soaked and soft, you can scrub away at the calluses and thickened layers of dead skin with glee. Afterwards, you can treat yourself with a nice pedicure.
For some people, the idea of relaxing at home is never complete without food. Why not cook yourself a nice dinner for one? Immerse yourself in the therapeutic rhythms brought about by the pounding, dicing, slicing and mincing that comes with the preparation of food. Make the experience a little more sensual by adding fragrant herbs in your food and by using aromatic mood candles instead of the glaring fluorescent lights. This experience will surely leave your stomach filled and your soul refreshed.
Another great way of relaxing at home is taking off your watch and just lounging about the den all afternoon. Spend the afternoon eating your favorite snacks while verging out on a daytime soap opera or a rented movie. For once, keep your mind focused on something that is not even remotely related to work.
Perhaps you can try lying in bed with head directed towards the foot of the bed and your feet up on the headboard and flat against the wall. Let your arms rest at your sides away from your body and breathe deeply. Savor the relaxing feeling of blood flowing from your legs to your head. It is a great way to de-stress the body.
If you find yourself awake early in the morning and you do not have to go to work, start off your day with a cup of piping hot coffee and drink it while sitting at your porch. Prop up your feet and take your time reading the morning paper. Or you can just sit back and breathe the morning air while watching your neighbors jog or walk their dogs.
The body needs to relax every once in a while so it can continue functioning properly, without falling to any illness brought about by stress. Going to the spa for some time off for yourself is always a good idea. However, the idea behind relaxing is spending some time not really doing anything and just letting the body rest. You can always do this at home if you do not feel like going to the spa.
By Anna Lynn C. Sibal

Breast Care for Lactating Mothers by Grath

2009-08-20T13:51:00.001-07:00

The enhancement of the breast via surgery involves implanting saline, silicone gel or hydrogel either beneath the breast, or through the areola or axilla. The surgery is over within an hour and fifteen minutes and you can return home the same day. Many vitamins will pass through to your milk from your bloodstream and are therefore under your influence. Most minerals will not. In some cases the breast has a 'saturation-point' by which you can be assured that nutrient levels will not surpass those needed by your child. But some nutrients, such as B6, manganese, iodine, and selenium will continue to accumulate. On the exercise front you must plan a routine that suits your body type taking into consideration your medical condition. It is best to consult a doctor before you begin your weight loss program involving Phentermine. Take special care if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant while using this medication. Lactating mothers must consult their doctor although there is no clinical evidence that Phentermine passes into breast milk.
Lactating mothers too often struggle with post-partum health, while at the same time seeking a reliable means of contraception that does not place her child at risk. The combined oral contraceptive pill is not a viable alternative for lactating mothers who harbor concerns over the effects of the quantity or quality of their breast milk.
Women who are breastfeeding can start progestin-only methods of contraception as early as six weeks after childbirth. An important fact to remember is that the contraceptive should be estrogen free. Hence, progestin based injectables; condoms, Progestin Only Pills (also called "the mini pill") and IUD's are the best options. If she is not fully breastfeeding, she can use the Combined Oral Contraceptive, (also called "the pill") as well.
Some mothers prefer pumping their milk to a machine because it hurts them when the child bites into their nipples. That must not be the case. It takes some getting use to. Breastfeeding will give the child the nurture, the love and the care that she deserves to have. Activists on the situation are suggesting a movement to a decree that announces neglect on mothers who stop breastfeeding their children who are less than two years old.
Wise women believe that most of the problems of pregnancy can be prevented by attention to nutrition. Morning sickness and mood swings are connected to low blood sugar; backaches and severe labor pains often result from insufficient calcium; and varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation, skin discolorations and anemias are also related to lack of specific nutrients.
During the feed, make sure that air bubbles are flowing into the bottle, replacing the milk that is drunk. If you can't see any air bubbles, while she's feeding, slowly loosen the nipple ring (the part that attaches the nipple to the bottle) until you can see bubbles. Take care not to loosen it too much, as this will cause the milk to leak all over him.
Breast massage is a concept used by women in the east since centuries. It is a simple process which can be done in the privacy of your home. Secondly, it is a easy process and doesn't take more than a few moments to accomplish.
About the Author
Read about stbotanica.com.

Healthy Aging: Simple Lifestyle Changes Improve Quality of Life by Warren Miller

2009-08-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

A healthy lifestyle begins with small steps and setting achievable goals. Getting started is easier than you might think, even for the elderly. It is never too late for seniors to take control of their health and focus on the positive aspects of aging instead of the myths and negative stereotypes. With the right mindset, seniors can embrace growing older and start on the journey to healthy aging using items found around a typical home.
"Living life to the fullest as you age can be challenging, yet exciting. Making an effort to better your health can improve your quality of life greatly," said Allen Hager, CEO and founder of Right at Home, a national provider of in-home care with 165 locations in 41 states. "Awareness and education are important to empowering seniors to age gracefully."
The following household items and activities can act as simple ways for seniors to begin their healthy aging journey.
Physical: Before undertaking any type of physical program, seniors should talk to their doctor. There may be activities seniors should avoid due to personal health situations.
* A notepad and pen - Stay on track by writing down goals and recording your progress.
* Two cans of soup - Actually, any canned goods from the pantry serve as great hand weights and can be used help to improve arm strength. While sitting in a chair, place both arms out flat in front of you and lift the can up about six inches. Repeat five times. Remember, it's not a race, start slow and increase your repetitions as you are able.
* Kitchen timer - Start with five minutes of exercise and increase time as ability warrants. Making slow, steady progress builds a routine and endurance.
* Glass of water - Among other health benefits, staying hydrated can prevent temporary memory impairment. Try to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
* Healthy snacks and meals - Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fibers and low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Make foods that are flavorful and simple to prepare. If your loved one needs assistance preparing healthy meals or snacks, consider hiring caregivers that for a few hours a week to help with advanced meal and snack preparation.
Mental Fitness: * Deck of cards - Games keep the brain working and cognitive skills healthy. Play a game of Solitaire or flip the cards over and match numbers or suits to improve memory.
* Calculator - Maintain cognitive skills and financial health by keeping close track of monthly expenses.
* Newspaper - Reading exercises the mind and helps the ability to focus. Most newspapers also include a daily crossword puzzle, which helps delay memory impairment.
Overall Well-being: * Calendar - Record doctor's appointments, including preventative care visits. Also keep track of loved ones' anniversaries and birthdays.
* Pillow - Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night is important. Commit to a regular sleep schedule and develop a bedtime ritual, such as listening to soothing music or taking a bath.
* Telephone - Staying connected with friends and family is good for emotional well-being.
There is a higher probability of healthy aging success when there is support and encouragement from a senior's loved ones. Families and friends can cheer on the seniors in their lives by giving them a "Healthy Aging" basket that includes some of the items listed above.
About Right at Home® Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companion and personal care and assistance to seniors and disabled adults who want to continue to live independently. Right at Home directly employs all care-giving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client's home. Right at Home has offices in Rockville and Bowie Maryland. For more information, contact Right at Home at (301) 255-0066, or visit http://www.rightathomemd.net.

About the Author
Warren Miller, President & CEO of Right at Home is responsible for running all facets of the Right at Home business. He has a ten year proven track record of leadership, management, and innovation. Warren Miller decided to enter into the Senior Care Industry after his personal struggle finding quality home care services for a family member.

AIDS, The Fear Epidemic

2009-08-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

By any measure, AIDS is a frightening disease. It is physically devastating, incurable, and lethal. And it is spreading at a menacing pace. Fear and misconceptions about AIDS, however, have spread faster than the disease itself.
Federal health officials stress that the AIDS virus has spread almost exclusively by three routes: by sexual intercourse, through blood contact (contamination with or transfusion of infected blood or blood products), and from an infected pregnant woman to her fetus or newborn. The only other known instances in which the virus was transmitted, say officials, involved artificial insemination or organ transplants from infected donors.
But many people remain unconvinced. They fear that casual personal contact with an AIDS victim—a handshake, a sneeze, a drink from the same glass—might lead to infection. A child with AIDS attempting to attend school can throw a community into a frenzy. An AIDS patient returning to work may find coworkers deserting the job in protest.
In short, anxiety about AIDS has itself become epidemic. Part of the problem is that AIDS is a new disease—mysterious in its origin and initially baffling in its symptoms and cause. But the impression that scientists are groping amid a welter of unresolved questions is misleading. A vast amount of critical knowledge has already been gained about AIDS, and more is being learned all the time.
The epidemic first surfaced in the late 1970s, when rare cancers and uncommon infections began appearing in a number of gay (homosexual) men. Those illnesses were linked with a severe deficiency in the body's immune-defense system—a disorder initially called GRID, for Gay-Related Immune Deficiency. As late as mid-1981, gay men were still the only known victims in the United States, creating the impression that AIDS arose from something exclusive to that group.
Elisa: Testing for Exposure to Aids
By 1985, a simple, inexpensive blood test for detecting exposure to the AIDS virus had been developed and approved for use. Called ELISA (for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), the test detects antibodies produced by white blood cells in response to the presence of the virus. Developed primarily to screen potential blood donors, ELISA has also served as a versatile research tool, greatly facilitating analysis of the epidemic's path.
Before ELISA, it was difficult to trace the spread of the virus. There was no practical way to detect it in people without symptoms, who represent the largest number of those infected. By mid-1988, about 65,000 cases of AIDS had been reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). An estimated 325,000 people had AIDS-related complex (ARC), a term used to describe a condition that includes (in addition to laboratory evidence of immunodeficiency) swollen glands, recurrent fever, weight loss, or a combination of those symptoms. When persons with ARC develop any one of a number of opportunistic infections (or Kaposi's sarcoma), they are considered to have developed AIDS.
An estimated 1.6 million to 3.2 million additional people may be infected with the virus but have no symptoms of illness. Although their blood reveals antibodies to the virus—as determined by two consistently positive ELISA tests and a more sophisticated (and costly) confirming test called Western blot analysis—they may have no other laboratory or clinical signs of disease. Most public-health officials estimate that 30 to 50 percent of those people will ultimately develop full-blown AIDS.
Even in sexual intercourse—the primary route of infection—the virus does not appear to spread easily. Like most sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS is strongly associated with a highly active sex life and multiple partners.
Homosexual Transmission
Among gay and bisexual men, the disease first appeared in those with extremely large numbers of sexual partners—a lifetime average of over 1000 partners, according to one early epidemiologic study. It's not known whether multiple sexual contacts raise the risk simply by raising the odds that a person will encounter the AIDS virus once, or by some process in which the body's defenses are worn down (perhaps through exposure to other sexually transmitted diseases), or both. All that's known for sure is that having a large number of sexual partners raises the risk.
Now that the virus is more prevalent—and the odds of catching it (among people at risk) are higher—the average number of sexual partners reported by people who contract the disease would be far less than 1000. No precise numbers, however, are available.
As yet, there's no scientific evidence that sexual practices other than anal-related sex lead to AIDS-virus transmission in gay men. However, only a few large studies have compared the effects of different sexual Indeed, caution has been the watchword among public-health officials offering preventive advice. Since more than 90 percent of AIDS cases have occurred in gay or bisexual men and intravenous-drug users, the message to those high-risk groups has stressed avoiding any possible risk. One drawback of that approach, however, is that it makes AIDS appear easier to catch than it actually is. Some public-health workers, for example, warn against deep kissing involving exchange of saliva. But there's no evidence that the virus is transmitted that way.
Heterosexual Transmission
In contrast to oral sex or deep kissing, vaginal intercourse is clearly an important route of infection. The AIDS virus can be spread by either a man or a woman during intercourse.
On a relative scale, vaginal intercourse appears to be less effective in spreading the virus than anal intercourse, and less contagious from female to male than the reverse. As yet, the risk of transmission in a single act of vaginal intercourse is unknown. But current evidence suggests that frequent or long-term sexual exposure with an infected partner or partners is an important factor in transmission.
As of mid-1988, about 4 percent of newly diagnosed AIDS cases in the U.S. can be traced to heterosexual transmission. A large number of the victims are spouses or long-term sexual partners of AIDS patients or other high-risk individuals, particularly intravenous-drug users. Another large segment includes immigrants from Haiti and central Africa, where the virus spreads mainly by heterosexual intercourse.
Reports from central Africa also show that AIDS is concentrated among urban people who are very sexually active. The average AIDS patient had more than 30 sex partners a year, including frequent contacts with prostitutes.
Overall, heterosexual spread of the infection often involves multiple sexual exposures to the virus. Even under these circumstances, however, infection is far from automatic. In a number of studies based on antibody tests, 50 to 65 percent of the regular heterosexual partners of patients with AIDS or advanced AIDS-related illness have shown no evidence of the virus in their blood. And among the wives or regular sex partners of hemophiliacs with AIDS, 90 to 95 percent were not infected.
The fact that such prolonged sexual exposure often fails to cause infection certainly argues against fears that a bathtub, toilet seat, or the air around an AIDS patient could pose a threat.
Public-health officials generally recommend using condoms during anal or vaginal intercourse and oral-genital sex to reduce the risk of AIDS-virus transmission. CDC investigators, after evaluating many studies from around the world, concluded that barrier contraceptives—condoms, spermicides, and diaphragms used with spermicides—are effective in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS. Lubricants, if used, should be water-based; petroleum products can damage latex.
One lab experiment demonstrated that the AIDS virus can't penetrate an intact latex condom. Another showed that a common spermicide, nonoxynol-9, inactivates the virus and kills the white blood cells that carry it. (Nonoxynol-9 is the spermicide in many contraceptive jellies and foams, and the active ingredient in the contraceptive sponge Today.)
Blood-to-Blood Contact
The rapid spread of the AIDS virus among intravenous-drug users fosters the impression that the virus is highly infectious. Actually, some common practices among addicts who use needles are what make them especially vulnerable. And while there is some evidence that gay people have modified their risk behavior, drug abusers have not.
In addition to the frequency of injections—at least daily in many users—intravenous-drug addicts often share their needles and syringes. Indiscriminate sharing of injection paraphernalia has become common at drug "shooting galleries," where addicts go to rent or share equipment. "Often, the same needle will be used for up to 50 injections until it is no longer usable," reports Peter Selwyn, M.D., medical director of a drug-treatment program for addicts at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York.
The experience of health-care workers, meanwhile, provides a striking contrast to the epidemic among intravenous-drug users. Seven separate studies in the United States and England have examined the outcome of needle-stick and other exposures among health workers caring for AIDS patients. Approximately 1500 people—nurses, physicians, medical students, technicians, and laboratory workers—were studied to determine whether their exposures had resulted in infection. Most of the exposures were needle-stick injuries from instruments that had just been used for an AIDS patient. The rest were direct exposures of a mucous membrane, such as a splash of infected blood into the eye or nostrils.
Despite the large number of exposures, only five of the 1500 workers developed AIDS-virus antibodies in their blood. Those five had experienced a severe exposure, such as a deep injection wound or a puncture from a grossly contaminated large-bore biopsy needle. None of the workers who had direct exposure of mucous membrane to blood or other body fluid developed infection.
Hemophilia, a genetic disorder marked by the absence of an important clotting factor, results in repeated bleeds, often into joints. Transfusions of blood products can correct the bleeding temporarily. Before routine screening of blood and blood products for the AIDS virus was initiated in 1985, many hemophiliacs became infected. Since then, the risk has been virtually eliminated.
Casual Contact: How Aids Is Not Transmitted
Detection of the AIDS virus in saliva in 1984, and subsequently in tears, sparked immediate public concern. But further research has shown that the virus is rarely present in either. When it is, the quantity is minute—probably too low, say most public-health experts, to play a role in infection. Nevertheless, as a precaution, they still warn against deep kissing with an infected person and advise special procedures for eye-care and dental personnel, who are constantly exposed to tears or saliva.
No such precautions apply to contact with drinking glasses, eating utensils, eyeglasses, and the like. All evidence shows that the risk from such items is nonexistent. The same is true for a typical friendly kiss.
Some parents of young schoolchildren also fear that a bite from an infected classmate might transmit the virus. Here again, the concern is unwarranted, experts at the CDC say. The amount of virus in saliva—if any—is considered too minuscule to cause infection, especially in a single instance of biting.
There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted by food or by any variety of insect. Nurses who have administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to AIDS patients have not become infected. Nor have children attending school with hemophiliac classmates who were infected. But possibly the strongest evidence that the virus presents no threat in casual contact comes from studies in families.
If AIDS could spread through casual contact, a patient's home would be a likely breeding ground of infection. The close personal environment of a family household would offer ample opportunities for spreading the virus.
Except for one child infected at birth, all of the 101 households examined were found to be free of any sign of AIDS virus in their blood. The researchers concluded that transmission of the virus through ordinary personal contact "appears to be minimal or nonexistent in the household setting."
The research group has continued its investigation since that report. As of the spring of 1988, it had completed examinations of more than 200 family members in more than 75 households, including reexaminations of the original subjects. None (except the one child) showed evidence of infection.
"Unlike living conditions in the United States and Europe," said the report, "living conditions in households in Kinshasa are more likely to include environmental factors favoring person-to-person transmission of infectious agents." Such conditions, the report said, included "crowding, lack of modern sanitary systems, and substantial numbers of mosquitoes and other arthropods."
The study, which evaluated 204 household members of AIDS patients, found no evidence that the virus was spread by ordinary personal contact. The researchers concluded that transmission by nonsexual personal contact "appears to be very rare, if it occurs at all."
The Kinshasa group also suggested what many American and European epidemiologists have come to realize, with profound relief: Since the AIDS virus isn't spreading in the home, transmission by casual contact in workplaces, schools, or similar settings will probably never occur.
Source: http://www.healthguidance.org/authors/716/Luis-Treacy