A Tanning Bed Where You Stand Sounds Fun

Tanning beds are manufactured for both commercial and residential use. You will find two basic formats, horizontal tanning beds, which are more commonly found in commercial and residential use, or clamshell tanning beds, which are lined with tubular, ultraviolet lamps and for your comfort, a plastic or glass bench. The tanning bed is a remarkable invention, and all you do is lie down, close the lid and absorb the UV light into your skin. Halfway through the session, turn over to ensure that you get a good, even tan. Of course, using a good tanning bed lotion is essential.

Another type of tanning bed is the stand up model, more commonly known as a tanning booth. All you do is step inside, close the door, and you are completely surrounded with ultraviolet bulbs. The booth is circular and there is no necessity to turn your body as it is exposed to UV on all sides. This type of tanning booth can be twice as fast as a clamshell tanning bed. Again, purchasing the best available tanning bed lotion is a necessity.

A tanning bed called a high-pressure bed, is going to blast you with more UVA rays and fewer UVB rays. Because the lamps are made of quartz, the internal air pressure is higher than a conventional ultraviolet lamp and that filters out the unwanted UV rays more effectively. They have a great open-cage construction with no doors. This type of tanning bed is better suited for someone with an intermediate skin color or dark tone. Most indoor tanning beds will include high-pressure lamps in the face area. According to FDA requirements, all commercial indoor tanning beds are to include a timer that automatically shuts the lamps off at a certain time. With the advance of technology, there is always some new tanning bed product on the market to benefit you and give you a beautiful golden brown tan.

By Terry Price- For all of your indoor or outdoor tanning needs remember to visit http://www.tanningbedslotionsupply.com/index.html . Your commercial tanning bed business always needs supplies at the best prices! http://www.tanningbedslotionsupply.com/tanning-bed-replacement-bulb.html

The 4 Golden Rules to Follow When Applying Acne Creams

Basically there are two types of acne treatment in common use. The first is one you apply to your skin (topical) and the second is the sort you swallow (tablets). Your medical advisor will assess which type is best suited for you. This article is about maximising the effectiveness of topical acne treatments.

Too many of us only reach for these treatments when we feel a spot is about to erupt, hoping for a miracle to occur instantly. Unfortunately all topical (creams, lotions, gels) require time, and your patience in order to be effective. You are setting yourself up for failure, if you apply the cream to a tiny spot waiting for it to disappear. Here are the 4 golden rules you should follow, if you want to make the most of your topical acne treatments:

1.Apply the cream liberally to all areas affected by the acne, even when there are no spots visible. Acne creams work below the surface and help prevent new spots from forming.

2.Applying more cream does not result in faster results. The only real consequence of doing this is a likely adverse reaction from your skin, making it look red and inflamed.

3.Acne creams often cause the skin to become dry and red. If this happens to you, get yourself an oil-free moisturiser and apply it on top of the acne treatment. Wait about 20mins before applying the moisturiser to allow the treatment to be fully absorbed into the skin.

4.If you plan to wear make-up over the treatments, make sure it is oil-free or ?acne-friendly?. Some make-up manufacturers label this specific type of product as being ?non-comedogenic?, which may help you identify suitable products. Of course you must ensure you remove all your make-up before you apply your acne treatment at night.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you?ll dramatically improve your chances of effectively treating your acne with topical treatments. Remember this type of treatment does not result in instant results.

Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of acne skin care, which you can readily research on his website.

Nail Fungus What You Need to Know About

Signs and symptoms of a nail fungus infection.

A nail fungus can be seen, smelled, or even felt once it takes hold. Here is a list of some of the most common signs and symptoms of nail fungus:

- The nail fungus may affect the appearance of the nails. They might look greenish, yellowish, or even darker colors. Some may have little white patches on them.
- Nails may get flaky, brittle and chipped.
- Debris might collect under your nails causing them to smell bad.
- Sometimes nail fungus causes the nails to split.
- Sometimes toenails get so thick that even wearing shoes or walking will be painful.

If you think that you have a nail fungus go to your healthcare provider and he or she will perform a test. This is the only way to know for sure if you have a nail fungus.

How to prevent a nail fungus from affecting your toenails?

Well-fitting shoes is always a good defense against a nail fungus. Shoes are well-fitting where there is space (about the width of a thumb) between the end of the shoe and the tip of the longest toe, preventing the toe from being damaged upon impact. Another way to prevent the nail fungus from appearing is to change socks whenever they become damp.

What to do when you have a nail fungal infection?

The nail fungus is hard to eliminate and needs treatment with proper medications, once it establishes in your nail bed. Unfortunately, in most cases, anti-fungal creams applied to the nail are useless because they do not penetrate the nail bed killing the fungus at its sourse.

However, there are strong oral medications that must be taken for months in order to be effective. But, be careful as most medications have side effects to other body organs like the liver or the skin, etc. Ask your physician to monitor side effects during treatment. This consists in periodic blood tests, usually monthly. Any of the following symptoms suggests organ damage and should be reported immediately to your physician: nausea, unusual fatigue, severe loss of appetite, skin rashes, yellow eyes, dark urine, bleeding.

Keep in mind that this list is far from being complete. If you are treating yourself for nail-fungal infection using oral medications, ask your physician for a complete list.

Article provided by http://www.nail-fungus.org , a resource dedicated to providing information on the symptoms, treatment options, and cause of nail fungus.

Botox No More Frown Lines!

Botox has been in use since the late seventies. It was first researched and developed by an ophthalmologist and was first used to treat the condition 'lazy eye'. Ophthalmologists would inject botulium toxin into tiny eye muscles to treat 'lazy eye'.

The drug was used, by surgeons and others, to correct other facial, eyelid and limb diseases such as tremors and spasms during the eighties. In fact it was towards the end of the eighties that it was first discovered that it could have cosmetic benefits. After having the injection for eye spasms it was noticed that one patient's frown lines had considerably diminished.

Botox is actually the purified product produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The drug works by weakening the muscles that cause wrinkles and frown lines. If used in its purified form and in tiny amounts Botox will relax muscles which lessen the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet.

Botulinum Toxin, or as it has become known Botox can be used to make dramatic differences in frown lines and the lines of expression we see between our eyebrows and around our eyes. All that is involved is a simple injection that has no 'down time', no healing time and leaves no scars. This injection can eliminate all frown lines.

Small doses of the toxin are injected into the specific muscles, which cause the unwanted lines of expression. This causes only those muscles to become paralyzed. Within three to fourteen days the maximum effect from the injection can be seen. The paralysis lasts from between two to five months. The only way to maintain the effect is to continually repeat the injections.

The injection is administered by the use of a very small needle and only takes a few minutes. A small number of patients have reported minor and temporary discomfort from the injection.

There is a concern that there could be the danger of botulism from Botox but if given by a trained physician and in the correct amount there is no danger from botulism. Having very large amounts of the toxin in your system causes botulism and this is usually from eating contaminated food. For any harm to be caused extremely large doses would have to be injected.

Although the most common areas where Botox is used are frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet other areas such as the neck and upper lip can benefit from the injections.

There are very few side effects that can be caused from Botox injections. And these are related to the injection solution. There could be slight discomfort from the needle and in some cases a small bruise may appear. Although rare the temporary drooping of one eyelid could be a side effect. This is very uncommon in the hands of an experienced doctor and if does happen is short lived.

Almost anyone can have Botox injections but as with many procedures there are some exceptions. Botox injections should not be used on people who suffer from neurological diseases or pregnant and nursing women.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Botox

Nail Fungus Remedy

Years ago, a nail fungus remedy meant soaking your hands or feet for hours in a solution of vinegar, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide, or applying some pungent slave or ointment that was unlikely to work very well. These treatments sometimes worked for the lucky and the dedicated, but for many people, a fungal infection in a toenail was a long term, if not lifelong problem, once established.

One of the reasons the home remedies remained popular for so long, and remain in use today, is that nail fungus medication simply was not available. Medicine has been slow to develop antifungal agents, and when they did start to appear, they worked much better for skin infections and even deeper soft tissue infections than they did for nail infections. For a nail fungus remedy to really work, it must be able to either reach the infection through the bloodstream and tissues, or penetrate the thick tough nail to reach the fungus.

Today, there is a range of nail fungus medication endorsed by the medical community. Most are systemic antifungal drugs that are taken orally and attack the growing fungus from within. There is at least one topical prescription drug that is applied to the nail like a nail polish. It penetrates the nail to reach the fungus, removing the need to take a systemic drug, but it can only be used in the earlier stages of infection. Unfortunately, a prescription nail fungus remedy is certain to be prohibitively expensive, placing it out of reach for anyone who doesn't have a drug plan that will cover it. The systemic drugs have also proven to be toxic and, although the newest versions come with less risk of side effects, many people are reluctant to take the drugs for a superficial infection.

The various problems with prescription nail fungus medication, and the imperfections of home remedies have quickly given rise to another type of treatment - the natural, or alternative healing preparations. A natural nail fungus remedy is typically a plant derivative that has been found to have antifungal properties. Essential oils of various plants, as well as ointments and teas are popular. The most promising ingredient to date is probably Tea Tree oil, an essential oil of the Australian Tea Tree that has been found to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Many preparations for the treatment of nail fungus contain Tea Tree oil in combination with other plant derivatives. A growing body of experience suggests that these preparations are the best alternative to date for treating stubborn fungal nail infections.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Nail Fungus Remedy, a blog dedicated to the treatment of fingernail and toenail fungus.

Detoxify Your Body In 30 Minutes With A Bath

Dealing with all of the environmental toxins today, can be quite aload on the body. A simple way to help combat these toxins is to take a detoxification bath. In spas today, the use of water therapy is very popular. Bathing in waters containg various healing ingrediants can help to release toxins, promote energy, circulation and well being.

This bath can be done in your very own bathtub and does not require special equipment. Hot water helps draw toxins out of the body to the skin?s surface. When the water cools, it pulls toxins from the skin. The ocean, mineral, hot springs and herbal baths have been used for centuries world wide, for their therapeutic effects.

This is the simple recipe that I regularly use to help combat toxins and detoxify my body:

• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 1/2 cup Baking Soda
• About 1/2 cup Powdered Ginger

Pour Epsom salt or Baking Soada, and ginger into a warm bath and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. After soaking, scrub the skin gently with a natural fiber like a cotton washcloth or a loofah sponge for 5 minutes. Do not remain in the tub for more than 30 minutes. Note the murkyappearance of the water, this is due to the toxins released in your bath water. Wrap yourself in a large towel or bathrobe and then cover up with a warm blanket. You will sweat for about an hour. The next morning you will feel fantastic!

You can take a detoxification bath often, or at least once a month.In addition to detoxifying the body, this bath is also helps relieve pain.

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. For more information visit Danielle's website Body Wraps Exposed.

Herpes Misinformation: Transferring Cold Sores During Oral Sex

Question: If I suffers from cold sores (herpes simplex 1) but not from genital herpes (herpes simplex 2), is it possible for me to pass on the virus to my partner during oral sex; even if I am cold-sore free at the time?

Answer: Unfortunately, yes, even though the chances are slim, either herpes virus ? Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) or Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2), can infect the mouth or genitals and can be transferred from one partner to another even if the infected partner is asymptomatic at the time.

Since there are few faster ways to ruin a relationship than when one partner give the other herpes, lets clear-up some more herpes misinformation that could save you from giving or receiving the gift that keeps on giving.

You can't tell if someone has herpes by the way they look, live or act. Eighty million Americans have herpes ? that's at least one in six adults, including that cute date who forgot to bring condoms.

Intercourse is not the only way herpes is spread. Herpes is spread from skin to skin contact. That means you can get herpes (simplex 1 or simplex 2) from kissing, performing or receiving oral sex, touch an infected area with any part of your body

Some can have herpes and not even know it. Herpes symptoms usually develop within two to 20 days after contact with the virus, however it could take longer and in some cases (especially women) the newly infected person may remain asymptomatic but still be able to pass on the virus to others.

Herpes can be spread between outbreaks, even when no signs or symptoms are present. It can also be spread by asymptomatic people who don't even know they are infected.

You can get herpes in your eyes, on your fingers and on other parts of the body by touching an outbreak. Soap and water will kill the virus on the surface of your skin, however, once you are infected, soap and water will not get rid off herpes sores and herpes outbreaks.

Aside from abstinence, there is no sure fire way to protect yourself from contracting herpes during intimacy with an infected partner. Next to abstinence, using latex condoms is the most recommended safeguard against contracting herpes, but it is not 100% effective.

If you suspect you might have some form of the herpes virus or if you have a partner that has herpes, please see your local health care provider for a diagnosis and medical advise. For more information about herpes, including clinical pictures, frequently asked questions and news about a possible herpes cure, please visit our website at www.herpes-pics.com

John Trout is an internet research specialist and web master of several information related websites including: http://www.herpes-pics.com/ where this article was first published. This informative website is an excellent source for a sound education about the herpes virus as well as the latest news about treatments and a possible herpes cure.

The Horizon Treadmill ? The Cheap and Cheerful Choice?

The Horizon treadmill company are probably best known for producing a good treadmill package that is easily affordable by even those would-be exercisers on a tight budget. With a range of features that you might expect to see on higher priced fitness equipment, a Horizon treadmill offers you a great treadmill workout without breaking the bank to achieve it.

The Horizon treadmill is available in a range of models, with price tags that range from well under a thousand dollars right up to the two thousand dollar mark. Consumers who have enjoyed the budget end of the Horizon treadmill range might think about investing in a higher spec model, to try to match their treadmill workout to their ever improving fitness levels, but reviewers would advise against such a switch ? the Horizon treadmill is a favorite in the budget category, but treadmill ratings suggest that if you are looking to spend a little more to achieve the treadmill workout you want then another choice might be more appropriate. Though the features offered on the lower price Horizon treadmill type are second to none for a budget treadmill, the experts say that the improvements you might expect to find on a more expensive Horizon treadmill simply aren?t up to scratch.

So what do you get with a Horizon treadmill? A range of features, including an easy fold system, shock absorption technology and a fan to help keep you cool while you avail of one of the pre-programmed or customizable treadmill workouts the Horizon line have to offer. But as reviewers are quick to point out, it is not the features included in the Horizon treadmill that are under scrutiny ? these are almost uniformly agreed to offer a great treadmill workout to anyone who purchases a Horizon. Rather it is the possibility of what might be sacrificed in the Horizon treadmill to offer these features at a budget price, namely the quality of the Horizon parts and the long-term durability of the treadmill as a whole.

The upside to this criticism of the reliability of the treadmill workout offered by a Horizon machine is that consumer reviews rate the customer service offered by the Horizon team as exemplary. Speedy and courteous, it seems that dealing with any flaw in the Horizon treadmill is not as fraction as painful as consumers frequently report their dealings with other treadmill manufacturers.

So if you are looking for a budget treadmill workout with all the trimmings, then a Horizon treadmill might just be the way for you to go. But if you want to upgrade down the line, choose another treadmill brand.

To find out more about Treadmills visit Peter's Website Treadmill Answers at http://www.treadmillanswers.com and find out about Cheap Treadmills and more, including Smooth Treadmills, and a suggestion for the best Treadmill

There Is Something Fishy About Triglycerides

I get a kick out of those commercials which portray conversations at the kitchen table or in the locker room in ways that we don?t normally see. Two women sipping coffee from pretty china cups might naturally start discussing headache medications or hygiene. Men might forgo the normal locker room banter for the much superior topics of foot care or that insurance that only a duck can seem to remember. Some people even get so excited about their cholesterol that they stop perfect strangers on the street to announce significant reductions in their own cholesterol levels.

Some of these commercials give us an excuse to leave the room for more pressing matters, while others make us smile in appreciation of their creativity. But there is one thing they have in common. They direct our attention to topics of great importance that we don?t naturally discuss. High cholesterol is one such topic. Fortunately cholesterol is getting more press these days. Not only do television commercials and news reports discuss the dangers of high cholesterol, but even cereal boxes are preaching the message.

Cholesterol is not the only enemy of heart health that is attracting more attention. Triglycerides are gaining notoriety in the public eye as adversarial to a healthy heart. Though triglycerides might not be the topic of choice in the average locker room I think it is safe to assume that it is of greater importance than the majority of subjects that occupy center stage in that arena. Whether or not we choose to speak of such things most of us know something of their importance and secretly hope they do not become an important factor in our lives or in the lives of those we love. But sticking one?s head in the proverbial sand is hardly proactive and does nothing to avoid potential problems. If triglycerides are an important health concern we should face the problem eye to eye and take action in true Western style.

Many doctors have not been alarmed with high triglyceride levels in their patients as long as cholesterol levels and other components of the lipid profile are within an acceptable range. That is because many believe that triglyceride levels alone do not adversely affect the heart. However, some studies are beginning to alter that thinking. For example, one study at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore demonstrated that people who are middle-aged or older having triglyceride levels above 100 are twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack, die from a heart attack or undergo treatment related to heart health than are people with triglyceride levels below 100 (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 1998). When we consider that triglycerides below 150 are within the accepted ?normal? range we have cause to rethink the importance of triglycerides.

Heart health is not the only thing affected by triglycerides. A report in the Journal of the American Heart Association stated that high triglycerides are associated with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). This conclusion came from an eight year study involving 11,177 patients with coronary heart disease and no history of stroke or TIA. Those patients who later suffered from strokes or TIAs had higher than average levels of triglycerides and lower than average levels of HDL cholesterol.

There is no lack of research supporting the thesis that high triglyceride levels, either in conjunction with other risk factors or as an independent risk indicator, puts one in a more dangerous position in relation to heart attack or stroke. There are many folks who would ignore this fact even if a duck could learn to say ?Triglycerides?. But what about the rest of us? Some of us are concerned. What can we do?

In the early 1970's two Danish researchers observed that Eskimos had diets very high in fatty fish. They expected to find that these people would have high incidence of heart disease. In fact they found the exact opposite. It was discovered that the blood platelets of Eskimos were not as sticky as those of their European and American counterparts. The researchers attributed this non-sticky characteristic to the omega-3 fatty acids consumed in the Eskimos' diet. Further studies have brought increased knowledge of the effects of fish oils and especially omega-3 fatty acids for the reduction of blood pressure and fat in the blood. Studies continue to uncover the positive effects that omega-3 fatty acids have in the treatment of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma and arthritis.

Concerning heart health, fish oils decrease the risk of sudden death from arrhythmia, decrease blood clotting, reduce atherosclerosis, help lower blood pressure and improve arterial health. More particular to this essay is the fact that study upon study has demonstrated that the fish oils in cold water fish have triglyceride reducing powers. It is no wonder the American Heart Association since the year 2000 has been preaching the importance of healthy adults eating fish.

But what about unhealthy adults already struggling with high triglycerides? The answer that many researchers are giving is, ?Eat more fish.? Or more precisely, ingest more omega-3 fatty acids. People who have elevated triglycerides may need 2 to 4 grams of EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) per day provided as a supplement. High levels of omega-3 can not be ingested through diet alone. You should consult a physician to discuss taking supplements to reduce heart disease risk. Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should do so only under a physician?s care.

Let?s face it. Our diets are not nearly what they should be. It isn?t just about calories, carbohydrates and thin waistlines. Our hearts need more omega-3. If you are a fish lover then indulge your fantasies. Eat more. If you don?t love the slimy little creatures then fish oil supplements might be your answer. Perhaps what we need is not a talking duck. Perhaps a talking trout would be more apropos to get the message out. But I suppose that would be counter productive for the trout.

For more information on triglycerides and fish oils see:

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/triglycerides.html

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/fishoils.html

Greg holds degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.

Are Fat People Just Lazy?

An estimated 64% of Americans are considered overweight. That equates to over 125 million people that are overweight. Or you can just tell it like it is, which equates to over 125 million FAT Americans, which also means that there are a lot of very unattractive Americans.

Many people think that someone being overweight has been the result of you being lazy, unhealthy, unhappy, selfish, greedy, and unattractive. This simply not true, overweight Americans are often some of the hardest working career-conscious individuals. They are overworked and often fall into weight problems because they are working long hours, without enough rest and exercise! Probably ? of the other 36% of thinner adults choose to condemn those Americans who aren?t as fortunate to have a fast metabolism and the luxury of time to exercise. These people have the time, because they also find the time to ridicule the other 64% of the population that need to lose a few pounds.

Being overweight is still considered one of the biggest sins someone can do to their own bodies , but what about the people out there with true medical problems that prevent them from being thin.? Do they still fall into the thin person?s stereotype of a FAT LAZY person? What about people who have genetic conditions that predispose them to being overweight no matter what they do?

The problem is that people who are exceptionally overweight allow others to ridicule them about their weight and some may even joke about it themselves. The misconceptions that people who are overweight won?t work, are overall lazy people, unhappy, unattractive is totally ridiculous.

Some of the most beautiful women in the world are either overweight now or have been at some time in their life. LOOK AT OPRAH! She is beautiful, but she wasn?t always the size she is now, but she was still a pretty happy woman, not to mention a huge success. If you look in the ?heftier women magazines? you will find more beautiful women than what you find on the runways of New York, it?s a fact. Heck, look at how heavy Anna Nicole Smith was!

So you might be overweight, big deal, you are a beautiful person inside and out. Can anyone thin top that?

If you want to lose weight there are many easy ways to get started. You need to look at whether or not it is a health issue. If you have a lot of abdominal fat then it can definitely cause health issues.

Glenn Freiboth is a Certified Health Advisor lives in Illinois and has helped many overweight and obese people lose weight and keep it off. Get diet and weight loss products at http://www.GetYouHealth.com

Glyconutrients For You?

Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to sweet. Hence, a glyconutrient is a biochemical that contains a sugar molecule. The prefix glyco can be placed in front of a fat, protein or any molecule and suggests that a sugar is attached. Glycobiology is the study of the sugar portion of these proteins and fats.

Glycoprotein = Sugar attached to a protein.
Glycolipid = Sugar attached to a fat.
Glycoform = Any sugar form.

What exactly are Glyconutrients?

Glyconutrients are not vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, herbs, enzymes or homeopathic drugs. They are carbohydrates. Just as there are essential proteins called amino acids and essential fats called fatty acids, glyconutrients are the newly discovered class of necessary carbohydrate nutrients.

The efficacy of glyconutrients has been established by the world's leading scientists and researchers as the key to proper cellular communication and proper cell function. Many medical professionals and research scientists believe this medical breakthrough in glycoscience will lead to glyconutrients becoming a household word within the next three years and believe Glyconutrients will soon become mandatory for overall health. With the speculation of becoming a staple nutritional supplement for all 6 billion people on Earth, even business analysts believe Glyconutrients will become a household staple.

Scientists are networking over the emergence of this new technology called glycobiology- the discovery of cellular communication! Books and articles are being published on this life-enhancing technology everyday! It is exciting to see how nutritional supplementation of glyconutrients can play a role major in supporting our bodies.

M.D. News, ~ June 2002. M.D. News, a national publication with regionalized editions in 40 major medical markets in the U.S. This 3-page article covers the science of sugars and reviews specific topics such as successes with fibromyalgia, toxic shock and diabetes.

Featured is Michelle, who in 1998 was a typical 10- year-old child with Down syndrome, attention deficit, always sick and hospitalized many times due to severe asthma attacks. Her life consisted of the nebulizer, antibiotics and steroids. That daily medical regime is no longer a part of her life since her parents, Barbara and Jacques, began giving her glyconutrient products. Michelle now has the quality of life every parent wants for his or her child, says Barbara. We know she'll get sick from time to time, but it won't be life threatening. Michelle has always been a beautiful child, but we and others have noticed that the facial features associated with Down syndrome have become less pronounced, a side benefit we didn't expect. (excerpt from Las Vegas Magazine, July/August 2001.)

There are stories like this one pouring in day after day about glyconutrients. Go and learn all you can about this exciting discovery for health and nutrition.

Learn more here:

Glyconutrients Explained

Independant Mannatech Associate and Glyconutrients advocate.

Alternative Medicine A Few Examples

Alternative medicines are considered to be new age products. Ancient oriental traditional medicine blended with rudiments of the scholastic medicine of our western world seem to have proven it's own right. Just look how many people are searching for these alternative treatment methods. We're going to take a look at a few of them here.

Acupuncture

The use of acupuncture dates back more than 2,000 years. This is a traditional medicine used in Japan, China, and other Eastern countries. The use of acupuncture is beneficial in that it stimulates areas of the body that have a direct correlation to internal organs. By placing fine needles into specific points, the body is encouraged to promote natural healing, improve function, and provide an overall boost to your system. When these needles are inserted, they go into Meridians, which are channels, somewhat like streams within the body. Just as there might be a boulder sitting in a stream blocking the flow of water, it can be the same for the channels of blood in your system. Acupuncture helps to remove these obstacles by providing stimulation, thus improving health.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a method used to help blood pressure, muscle tension, heart rate, brain activity, and other bodily functions. Basically, biofeedback is a painless system that is hooked up to your body and then through electrical signals received from tightening of your muscles, you would be able to receive those signals by a light telling you that you are tightening your muscles. This in turn trains you to be aware of when you are bringing on stress and to help you identify when you need to relax your body. Biofeedback is very successful and can be used for migraine headaches, chronic pain, high blood pressure, epilepsy, and much more, which can occur when you tense up.

Therapeutic Massage

You might be thinking, ?what does getting a massage do for my health other than to make me feel good?? Actually, therapeutic massage has many benefits. For example, it can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and promote good health. When a person gets a therapeutic massage, they are actually getting the benefit of function improvement with circulatory, muscular, skeletal, nervous systems, lymphatic, and can even help the body heal after an illness or injury. Depending on what the specific health issue is, there is a Swedish Massage, which is a more relaxing massage good for headaches, back stress, and muscle cramps, Pressure Point Therapy, helpful for some injuries as well as circulation problems, headache and muscle tension, insomnia, anxiety, and more.

Finally, Sports Massage focuses on muscle groups used for different sports. Licensed masseuse can help with the issues mentioned as well as allergies, arthritis, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, digestive disorders, myofascial pain, limited range of motion, sinusitis, and TMJ. The next time you tell someone you are going to get a massage, you can simply explain that it is for the benefit of your health.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website 1st-SelfImprovement.net Terje is a Sociologist who enjoys contributing to the personal growth and happiness of others. He tries to accomplish this by writing about self help issues from his own experience and knowledge. For example, providing self help products and products for achieving financial independence.

Dizziness When the Labyrinth Loses Balance

Dizziness can be a common dysfunction of the human immune system. Dizziness is characterized by several symptoms. The most common sign of dizziness is the sense of the surrounding world going round even as one stands or sits at one place. This type of neurological dizziness is quite different from the dizziness one feels after riding a merry-go-round, for instance. The latter is a forced effect while the former is a disease that needs prompt attention of the physician. Proper medical care and medications can definitely lessen the recurring incidences of dizziness symptoms.

Mentionably, dizziness or the dysfunction leading to the loss of semblance or physical balance occurs when the labyrinth, the main limb of balance located in the inner ear, fails to work properly. When such a situation happens, the brain stops functioning or functions irregularly thereby causing dizziness. Many of us feel dizziness after getting up abruptly or when we suddenly bend down to pick up something from the ground. Dizziness occurs as our heart beats or rhythms get a jolt and there is a fall in our blood pressure level. This is also the cause of light-headedness during the dizzy bouts.

The ailments arising from viral infection of the inner ear are the Benign positional vertigo, Meniere's disease, and Vestibular neuronitis (Viral labyrinthitis). Mentionably, Meniere's disease is a life-long state. But there are instances where this form of dizziness resolves on its own just as in Viral labyrinthitis.

Benign positional vertigo leads to rotational dizziness or vertigo when the patient is made to move in particular positions in specific directions. The generally reported positions are at those times when the head suddenly gets tilted backwards (say, when the driver abruptly jams on the brakes) or while turning on the bed. The aged people are easily susceptible to such syndromes.

People suffering from Meniere's disease also suffer recurring vertigo. They feel fullness in their ears which may also ring or they may not hear anything. Such effects may even last for more than hour. Such fits force the affected person to lie down preceded by bouts of vomiting and nausea. While Viral labyrinthitis or Vestibular neuronitis can affect kids and the aged, this dizziness disorder is generally seen among many youths. The patients suffering from this form of dizziness also fall ill due to flu or cold. Their heads feel heavy and they fail to keep their body?s natural balance. Try as they might to control themselves, they ultimately fall to vertigo. There may be a feeling of nausea, and they may also vomit. These signs of dizziness may linger on for days on end.

The prominent symptoms of dizziness are a feeling of light headedness. There are several other neurological symptoms like reduced consciousness, convulsions, confusion, headache, and appearances of white spots in front of the eyes. There are reports that many people affected by this disorder black out, have fits, vision gets blurred, feel unreal and/or see stars. More often than not, dizziness is followed by fainting.

Here our primary issue will be neurological dizziness. Dizziness is prompted by glutamate. This chemical causes disproportionate neuronal discharges which leads to the aforementioned symptoms. This syndrome can be life debilitating. If the patient is not provided resuscitation or immediate medical treatment, there may be a scarcity of oxygen. This can adversely affect the functioning of that person?s brain. First aid must be tendered within a minute after the patient suffers from neurological dizziness.

There are many causes of dizziness. Mention may be made of Bulimia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa ? two of the main eating disorders that are affecting the majority of the X-generation youth. Besides, dizziness can be due to situations that may be emotionally touching. Hyperventilation and low blood pressure are other primary causes of dizziness.

Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published one popular adventure book for children and has published more than 1000 articles for various sites. For more information log on to

http://www.worldgoodlife.com/,

http://www.worldgoodlife.com/

Yoga in Practice: Bhakti Yoga

If Yoga were like fine wine, Hatha Yoga would surely be the wine for export. It could be said that Raja Yoga and Kundalini Yoga got a fairly strong foothold outside India, as well. All of these forms of Yoga have many aspects, but the physical aspect is what lures most Yoga students - outside of India.

Bhakti Yoga, on the other hand, is a spiritual form of Yoga and is very commonly practiced within India. Bhakti Yoga is union by love and devotion to God. Therefore, this is the form of Yoga that really does have a deep spiritual aspect and a connection to Hinduism. This spiritual, and religious, aspect is possibly the reason why Bhakti Yoga has not managed to proliferate as well as Hatha Yoga, which is Union by physical mastery.

Could Bhakti Yoga be practiced by a Yoga practitioner who is not a Hindu? Let?s ask, for example, could a Christian, Moslem, or Jew practice Bhakti Yoga and stay within the confines of his or her religion? Some already do.

This could be considered sectarian Yoga, when a number of Yoga practitioners, of the same religion, gather to worship, meditate, pray, sing, or chant. Attachment to God is not reserved to any one specific religion. Therefore, in principle, Bhakti Yoga can be practiced by members of any religion.

There are many more types of Bhakti classifications, but I will name two basic classifications. Nishkamya Bhakti is praise to God for all that you have. This is appreciation and acceptance of all your situations, relationships, and everything else. Instead of being a seeker, you are now a ?finder? of all that is good in your life. In turn, you will easily be able to project loving kindness to others.

In contrast, there is also Sakamya Bhakti. This is devotion to God with the desire for gaining something. The objective could be material gain, to free yourself from an ailment, or to gain power of some kind. In time of need is when most people pray to God. This is a common thread in all of us, and surprisingly our prayers are answered in a positive way.

It is important to understand that Bhakti Yoga is much more complex than this simplified explanation that I have presented. However, the principles of Bhakti Yoga are there for all Yoga students of every religion.

Interestingly, I have heard strong arguments against ?oneness? with God. The theory is that God will only let us so close, as we are imperfect. It is true that humans are imperfect, but there is no harm in self-improvement or Yoga.

? Copyright 2006 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Astounding Information on Soft Drinks and Their Impact on Our Health and Wellness

Soft Drinks, The regular stuff!

We all know sugar sweetened soft drinks are empty calories and help contribute to the overall obesity problem in the western world. What most of us don't know is how much of an impact these have and how switching to diet drinks may be an even worse choice.

In 2000 Americans alone spent $60 billion on carbonated soft drinks and billions more on non-carbonated fruit beverages. During the same year the average American consumed more than 53 gallons of soft drinks. (Source: National Soft Drink Association). Those 53 gallons are equal to over 283 12 ounce cans each on average.

In 2004, soft drink companies produced enough non-diet soda to provide each U.S. resident with about 395 12 ounce cans, and enough diet soda for about 160 cans each, says the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

North American consumption represents more than 44% of worldwide consumption, Europe, with a per capita average of 12.7 gallons per year, represented 31%. The fastest growth in soft drink consumption is in Asia and South America. (Source Beverage Marketing Press Release June 15, 2001).

During the late 1950's the typical soft drink order in a casual or fast food restaurant contained about 8 ounces of soda. Today a child order of Coke at McDonalds is 12 ounces. A large Coke is 32 ounces and about 310 calories.

The average 12 ounce can of soda contains about 40 grams of refined sugar. That's about 8 Teaspoons! Did you ever consider you were eating 8 teaspoons of sugar with every can of soda pop? For comparison the USDA recommends that for a 2,000 calorie per day diet we should not consume more than 40 grams of refined sugars per day. In addition each can contains about 150 calories with zero nutritional value per 12 ounce can.

You can see how an extra 300 to 400 calories per day can contribute to weight gain.

Dr. Caroline Apovian, an associate professor at the Boston University School of Medicine and director of the Weight Management Center at Boston Medical Center, says one study found that the chance of becoming obese increased 1.6 times for each sugar sweetened drink consumed per day.

In addition to the calories, the sugar and the impact on weight gain and obesity, soda contains caffeine. Caffeine as we know is a mildly addictive stimulant drug that keeps us coming back for more. Research has shown that the caffeine delivered in a single 12 ounce can of soft drink is enough to produce mood and behavioral effects. (Source: Dr. Roland Griffiths in Eileen O'Conner's A sip into dangerous territory, Monitor on Psychology, 32, June 2001.

Fruit Drinks:

Like I said repeatedly in my book Living To BeYoungerwe are literally being marketed to death. I go into great detail about how ad agencies and food companies are packaging products as a healthy alternative to junk foods.

There is no better example than the healthy alternative fruit drinks marketed by the soft drink companies. These companies market non-carbonated drinks that pretend to be rich in fruit juice and nutrients, but are basically sugar water. Coca-Cola Co.'s Fruitopia and Hi-C, for example contain only 5% to 10% fruit juice but they contain as much (or more) sugar as the carbonated soda pop. Don't be fooled by the claims of added vitamins and minerals on these products packages, they are still junk food.

The sweetener commonly used in soft drinks and other foods may lead to more body fat than drinks sweetened with plain sugar. A new study shows that fructose may alter the body's metabolism in a way that prompts it to store body fat.

Fructose is a sweetener found naturally in fruits and honey and is widely used as a sweetener in soft drinks, fructose is usually found in the form of high-fructose corn syrup which contains 55% fructose.

Researchers say the findings may help explain the recently established link between rising soft drink popularity and obesity rates in the United States and other parts of the world.

In the study, researchers led by Dr. Matthias Tschop of the University of Cincinnati compared the effects of feeding mice fructose-sweetened water, a soft drink flavored with table sugar, a diet soft drink or water. The mice were allowed to drink as much as they wanted of their assigned beverage.

The mice that drank the fructose-sweetened water gained significantly more body fat than the others, even thought they decreased the amount of calories they ate from solid food.

We were surprised to see that mice actually ate less when exposed to fructose-sweetened beverages and therefore didn't consume more overall calories, says Tschop, Nevertheless they gained significantly more body fat within a few weeks.

Body fat increased 11% in the fructose group, 5% in the water group, 7% and 8% in the diet and sugar water groups.

Researchers say the findings suggest the body metabolizes fructose differently than other sweeteners or carbohydrates and in a way that favors fat storage.

Between 1970 and 1990 high-fructose corn syrup consumption increased by more than 1000% largely because the nations soft drink producers switched from sucrose (sugar) to high-fructose corn syrup.

Making syrup is the second largest use of corn in North America, feeding livestock is the largest. On average Americans consume 48 pounds of corn syrup a year. (Source Anan Duming, Junk Food, Food Junk World Watch September / October 1991)

A 2004 report showed that Americans eat 132 calories each day of high-fructose corn syrup and that figure is closer to 300 for the top 20%of Americans.

Number who are obese goes from 12% to 17.9%.

The number of Americans who think about dieting and losing weight is probably at an all-time high. But surprisingly, so too are the number of Americans who are overweight (BMI >25) or obese (BMI >30): at least 30% of the population. The percentage of children and adolescents who are overweight has doubled since the early 1970s, raising concerns for long-term health effects. Excess weight is a health risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. By mid-1999, there were 7.1 million physician visits related to weight concerns.

Let's see high-fructose corn syrup production up 1000% from 1970, obesity and overweight doubled since 1970? Tripled in England during the same period?

To my simple way of thinking, It ain't the whole answer, but it's a big part of it!

For then full FREE Special Report on Soft Drinks and Astounding information Diet Drinks visit this link.

I felt this information was important enough to provide a free excerpt of this chapter of my book, Living To Be Younger. People need to know the facts about what their consuming and the impact on their health.

We simply are not getting good information, and the result of that lack of knowledge is becoming more and more evident.

Discover the facts about the obesity and fitness issues facing us today. Discover how and why we are being medicated for chronic conditions and how you can look and feel younger naturally. Learn more, visit our website http://www.livingtobeyounger

Herbs for Anxiety: How You Can Find an Alternative to AntiAnxiety Prescription Medication

Anxiety Disorder can be a debilitating and all-consuming condition for many of those who suffer from it. Whether you are affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder or one of the many other forms of the disorder, you may have investigated the option of using prescription medication as part of your treatment.

With over 19 million people in the U.S. alone reporting suffering from some type of it, anxiety disorder is the most common of all mental health disorders. Fortunately, anxiety disorder is highly treatable, and with professional help, it can often be completely overcome. Many times, successful treatment depends only upon individual or group therapy and learned relaxation techniques. In some cases, however, anti-anxiety prescription medication is also recommended. The most commonly prescribed anxiety medications are benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, because they tend to have fewer side effects than anti-depressant medications. But benzodiazepines also carry a risk of alarming side effects and can be highly addictive, spurring many people to seek safer, more natural alternatives.

There are many natural herbs for anxiety which have been proven to effectively ease many of the symptoms of anxiety with a very low risk of side effects. Just as with prescription medications, everyone reacts differently to natural medications, and it can take time to find the right combination and dosage for your body. There are many combination remedies on the market that include a mixture of effective ingredients, and that may provide you with long-lasting anxiety relief.

Passion flower, an ingredient that is often used in natural medicine, alleviates hyperactivity, anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension -- and is even sometimes used to treat Parkinson's Disease. Passion flower soothes and calms and can lower high blood pressure.

Lemon balm is a general restorative for the nervous system, can reduce blood pressure and also calm the digestive system.

Lavender is an excellent anxiety treatment and one of the best natural panic attack treatments. Lavender is a general tonic for the nervous system and a natural relaxant.

Valerian is a popular natural ingredient that can be used as a sedative and a painkiller. It is often effectively employed as a treatment for anxiety and for insomnia, as well.

You may find that with psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation exercises or support groups, or some combination of all of them, you do not need any medication. But if you do decide to explore the option of medication, natural treatments for anxiety can provide you with safe, effective results, without the risk of side effects that prescription medications pose. Natural medications are becoming increasingly popular as awareness of them grows, and you might find that they are the right treatment for you as well.

Tess Thompson is a Homeopathic Practitioner, Reflexologist, Certified Aromatherapist, and Herbalist who contributes regularly to Native Remedies - where you can find All Natural Homeopathic and Herbal Remedies for many health conditions including natural treatments for anxiety and panic attack treatments.

Overcoming Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are usually progressive in nature if they are not treated properly. Many people who suffer from panic attacks go for months and years before getting the correct diagnosis. They suffer needlessly either because of a lack of education about panic attacks or due to embarrassment of having a problem they cannot seem to will themselves out of.

The symptoms of a panic attack include but are not limited to:

?Difficulty breathing.

?Feeling as though you are not able to get enough air.

?Racing heartbeat.

?A sense of terror or dread.

?Severe anxiety level; feeling like you are on the verge of losing your mind.

?Dizziness, trembling, choking.

?Chest pain.

?Sweating, hot flashes.

?Tingling sensation.

People who have panic attacks tend to make connections between their anxiety and certain activities. This leads them to the conclusion that if they avoid the activity then they will not have the panic attack. Unfortunately this tends to gradually make their world shrink. They become comfortable with fewer and fewer experiences. They become embarrassed by their lack of control over the panic attacks and they start to avoid friends and family. They stop going to places that were once familiar. This may include the grocery store, the mall and their church. Eventually this can impede their education and/or their career. They may do the opposite and become quite needy on friends and family. Their friends and family often do not know what is going on and thus they do not give the support that is needed. These same people may also feel their own sense of helplessness as to what they should be doing to provide relief. The person with panic attacks becomes embarrassed and frustrated. They withdraw from the help that could be available. This avoidance behavior sets the stage for depression and eventual hopelessness. But please do not ever forget that Help Is Available!

I have treated thousands of cases of anxiety/panic disorder.

If you have been having panic attacks, here are some recommendations to decrease and hopefully eliminate them:

1.Immediately seek a psychiatric evaluation. You could seek a therapist first but the therapist will most likely send you to a psychiatrist anyway. Medication is the fastest way to control the panic attacks. This will decrease the anxiety so that the therapist can get to the root of the problem and teach you a variety of anxiety reducing techniques.

2.Find a therapist who is familiar with treating anxiety disorders. Not all therapists are good at helping these kinds of cases.

3.If your psychiatrist prescribes an anti-anxiety medication, please take them as recommended. Short term usage is usually required. Keep this medicine with you at all times because panic attacks can be very unpredictable.

Mark Webb is the author of How To Be A Great Partner and founder of Partner Focused Relationships?. Sign up for Mark Webb?s ?Relationship Strategies? Ezine ($100 Value). Just visit his website at http://www.powerfulrelationshipadvice.com or http://www.therelationshipspecialist.com

Getting Rid Of Pimples In Three Easy Steps

Getting rid of pimples is not what young people should have to spend their time on. Your teenage years should be the happiest in your life, and for many that's true. But for some, pimples and acne combine to make life a misery. And it's not just teenagers either; older people too can have trouble getting rid of pimples. Here are a few tips that might help.

1. Avoid stress. Stress is bad for the body in so many ways. Many people are surprised to discover that stress can produce adverse physical effects, but it can and it does. Learn to relax more and perhaps even learn relaxation exercises such as yoga, or T'ai Chi.

You should avoid caffeine, which is found in coffee and tea. I know this may be difficult with our well-established coffee culture so evident, but caffeine will stimulate the production of hormones, which will work against getting rid of pimples and acne.

2. Avoid acid-forming foods, such as cream, milk, cheese, yoghurt, and all other dairy foods. Avoid meat and cooked fats, especially fried fatty meats. You should also keep away from products containing flour, rice and sugar.

But it's not all bad. There are lots of tasty alkaline-forming foods that are good for you. These include things like, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. Nuts are also good, though you should be sparing with these, and seeds are good too.

3. There are many home remedies that individuals have found useful in the battle for getting rid of pimples. Freshly cut garlic gently rubbed into the affected areas before going to bed, then washed off in the morning has been known to work. Others believe in using a mixture of olive oil and salt rubbed over any pimply area and washed off again after a few hours. And still others have great faith in a paste of baking soda and water applied before bedtime and kept on overnight.

As in all things, common sense and moderation is always a good guide; taking too many beers on a Saturday night will do nothing for getting rid of pimples, nor will eating huge slabs of chocolate every day. Be sensible and disciplined and you will succeed in getting rid of pimples and acne -- no matter how long they have been a part of your life!

John Coutts is an expert article author. Did you find these tips on getting rid of pimples useful? You can learn a lot more about getting rid of pimples and unsightly acne from this resource http://www.reviewphase.com/acne/

Ephedra Is It Really Dangerous?

It's so difficult to know what to take and what not to take. First, we hear that Ginkgo Biloba is good for our hearts and our brains, then they tell us is causes excessive bleeding, which can be life threatening in some situations---such as taking it prior to surgery.

Next it was Kava Kava, an ancient root that has been relaxing islanders for years, and now the media says it causes liver damage. And what about Ephedra?

While I have great respect for the medical community at large, I find it frustrating that many natural supplements are being labeled as dangerous when that just isn't the case.

Ephedra has suffered the same bad rap.

The properties of the Ma Huang plant have been healing people for 5,000 years, yet in the last 10 or 20 years, authorities are calling it dangerous. And I can tell you why. Because anytime that something makes a person feel good, there will be people who abuse and over use it. Epedra fits into that category.

Even though Ma Huang has been relieving our ancestors of various ailments---from asthma to lethargy-for centuries upon centuries, as soon as word got out in the West that one could lose weight and feel great (Ephedra speeds up metabolism and burns fat) a few people over indulged. Before too long, Ephedra was being touted as dangerous and it was temporarily banned in diet products.

Having written two preventative health books and an on-going health column, I have had the opportunity to interview many authors, researchers, and physicians, both medical and naturopaths. The one thing I have learned in all of this is that nearly anything can be dangerous in excess.

Many prescription drugs kills people every day. There are certain vitamins that would be toxic if you took too many. Not unlike drinking or recreational drugs, just about anything you consume, whether a natural or man-made supplement, has the potential to cause harm.

In conclusion, I am convinced that Ephedra has gotten an unfair reputation as being a dangerous supplement when indeed, the danger only comes when people do not pay attention to the labels on the pills or do not consult their own health care practitioner when starting a new product.

It only makes sense that a diet supplement that helps one lose weight is going to speed up the metabolism in order to burn fat, so, a person with heart disease would be remiss to partake without medical supervision. In my opinion and years of experience in a wide variety of medicinal herbs and supplements, I have found that the current Ephedra-based products on the market (when they abide by the current standard of 10 mg) are no more stimulating then two cups of coffee.

As a society, it is our responsibility to pay attention to what we consume, act responsibly, and follow the recommended dosage. When we fail to do so, we wind up having products and supplements that are otherwise useful and beneficial, taken off the market for no one to enjoy.

To learn more about using Ephedra-based products to help suppress appetite and burn fat, Click Here

Best Acne Treatments ? Prevention and Cures Should Go HandinHand

Acne is a skin condition that simply refuses to go away. It?s a nagging skin ailment that we commonly call pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, red or yellow spots, cystic nodules or scars. The acne prone age is between 12 and 25 years. But beware; it?s not just a teen trouble. Even in your 30s and 40s you may get acne attacks. Acne can cause lifelong scars, if left untreated. Hence, it is vital to be proactive about acne treatment, beginning right from home remedies. Acne treatment essentially involves the use of both preventive and curative products.

Preventive products

The natural way to keep off acne begins at home. If you wish to keep off acne, follow this home treatment attentively and be sure of great results.

- Keep your face spotless clean, by washing it often with a gentle anti-bacterial cleanser or some home-made natural product - Never use greasy, oil-based moisturizers - Never use products containing synthetic chemicals and vegetable oils - Keep your hair off your face - Never dig or touch scars - Keep skin pores unclogged with products containing sulfur plus resorcinol

However, pregnant women, kids and patients under some other medication, should consult a doc before they use such products.

Medication methods

The condition of your acne will determine the treatment options. Treatment also depends on the oil balance of your skin, your gender and your existing medications. The most proactive acne treatment is with topical products (gels, creams) containing Salicylic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tetracycline, erythromycin or a retinoid. Many times a combination of these products also works well.

Physicians also prescribe oral medications like antibiotics, hormones, and isotretinoins. Go for such acne treatment only after knowing the side effects.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment has completely cured many. Here the laser destroys the excess oil producing glands and removes scars. It is painless, harmless but costly. However, to get rid of the existing acne you need medication.

Cystic treatment

Acute cystic acne needs cystic treatments with Accutane or isotretinoin. But, there are side effects. Since most other treatments are not effective on cystic acne, these severe products are unavoidable. Chinese treatments

The Chinese method is a natural herbal acne treatment. They believe in getting to the root of the problem like liver ailments, emotional upsets, wind heat, damp heat, blood heat etc. ?They even trace acne to reasons like a stagnant qi (energy). Their natural products do help many,? says dermatologist Dr Manela Humphrey. Peel power

TCA Peels are an easy, safe and affordable acne treatment. ?They are also more effective than other clinic or spa-based treatments,? says salon specialist Mary Roberts. Peels were earlier available only through costly treatments by skin specialists, at US$ 500- 1000 per session. These same peels are now easily available at less than US$30. No prescriptions are required either.

Copyright 2006 David Maillie

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels and other for doctors offices and medispas. For more information please visit: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Throw Out the Scale

Do you know someone that is obsessed with the scale? Someone who hops on the scale morning, noon and night? And stepping off each time with feelings of frustration or disappointment? With obesity on the rise and weight loss a common household topic, its easy to become obsessed with weight, diets and the scale. This multi-billion dollar industry brings about constant marketing and advertisement on the next solution or quick fix that hits sixty five percent of American?s weight issues. The question is, what are the facts about losing weight that marketers are not saying?

Is it that we have unrealistic goals?

?How fast can I lose weight?? This is the first question most people ask before starting a diet or weight loss program. If you have this line of thinking when you start, you are just setting yourself up for failure. Sure, there are many diets out there that guarantee the loss of ten pounds over the weekend or fifty pounds in a month. The truth is, this is not realistic and for most people struggling with their weight, unobtainable. Its time to lose the quick fix mentality and realize how long change really takes. Calculate how long it took for you to get where you are today. Remember that time and know that it is going to take even longer to undo.

How much can you actually lose?

Losing one to two pounds per week is realistic. This will shock most people, especially if they feel they need to drop thirty pounds and in a limited time. Think about it. One pound of fat is 3500 calories. If you were to lose two pounds a week, or 7000 calories, that would be equivalent to three sticks of butter. That?s a lot of calories (and hard work) to shed two pounds. Would it be realistic to think that you could shed 35,000 calories (10 pounds) over a weekend?

From an exercise perspective: The average person walking on a treadmill for an hour will burn 400 calories. The average person on an elliptical for an hour will burn 600 calories. (These are just averages since fitness level plays a role in caloric expenditure). Without taking anything else into consideration that translates in 11.5 hours on the elliptical and 17.5 on the treadmill! This is excessive, unrealistic and unsafe.

From a diet perspective: even if you didn?t eat all weekend, this caloric amount could not be lost. The truth is that your body needs a certain amount of calories a day to function properly (basal metabolic rate). If you go below that calorie intake, your body will protect itself by metabolically slowing down and storing more calories as fat. This minimum daily food consumption makes large amounts of weight loss impossible in such a short period of time.

Do you see how hard it is to lose weight? There is no overnight process or quick fix that will make it go any faster. A combination of decreased calories and exercise over time will shed the pounds.

We all know someone that has gone on a diet and lost a tremendous amount of weight on the scale. If what was just said is true then how did they do that?

The problem with the scale is that it measures weight, without consideration of fat and lean tissue weight. This fat and lean tissue composition is going to make the difference not the weight on the scale. Muscle is more dense than fat. You can build muscle, lose fat, and become healthier overall and still appear to have gained weight on the scale. At the same time you are ?firmer? and wearing two pants sizes smaller. This number on the scale can cause frustration and disappointment in someone?s attempt to lose weight.

When someone first goes on a diet, which is basically a low calorie diet, they will start to drop weight (we drop weight when calories burned are more than calories taken in). A common factor of diets along with less calories consumed, is the restriction or limit in carbohydrate consumption. Glucose or carbohydrate is the fuel that feeds our brain along with our nervous and immune system. When we restrict them, our body starts to break down our storage form (glycogen) for use. Since carbohydrates are seventy five percent water this will result in the release of water from the body. A gallon of water weighs 8.5 pounds. So you can see how this could give the illusion of a victory on the scale. But remember this is just water weight, not fat weight. As soon as you return back to consuming carbohydrates (which will happen, remember glucose is the only fuel that feeds your brain, nervous system and immune system) the weight on the scale will be back. There went victory. Here?s something else that is happening. When you run out of stored carbohydrates your body will start to break down muscle to feed the brain and necessary systems. This results in additional weight loss from lean tissue and the water needed to remove the wastes of protein breakdown. If lean tissue is not available, fat will be partially broken down for fuel (cannot be completely broken down unless you have glucose in your system) and additional water will be released to remove byproducts of this process. So again when you step on the scale, you will see a change in ?weight?, but remember it is water and your muscle that you lost, not fat.

The problem with this victory is that you may have lost weight on the scale but you have also altered your body composition and not in a healthy way. Even thought the scale says you weigh less, you have lost muscle mass and now have a higher percentage of fat! Along with this change comes a sluggish metabolism and altered hormones that control your metabolic rate and appetite. Since this is a temporary fix, soon you will be back to your old ways. Chances are you will gain the weight you lost and then some.

Learning healthy eating habits along with a proper exercise regimen is the key to success. Losing the weight is only the first step. Keeping it off is something that will continually have to be addressed. It should be about losing weight for a lifetime not an occasion. Working hard for three months to go back to past behaviors will be a setup for failure. Health is a never-ending process. Its time to lose the quick fix mentality, take the first step towards a new you and throw out the scale.

References:

Katch F.I., V. L Katch, W. McCardle. Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition and Human Performance. Lippincott , Williams and Wilkins. Fourth edition, 1993.

ACSM?s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. Sixth Edition, 137-164, 2000.

Teri Mosey is an Exercise Physiologist and Instructor for Health & Fitness Certifications.

Peak Performance Fitness; http://www.peakptfit.com

Childhood Strep Throat Overview

Children and teenagers are commonly confronted with strep throat. Due to its very contagious character, strep throat can be easily acquired by children during the flu seasons. Strep throat is a type a sore throat caused by infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. Unlike sore throat, the bacterial form of the illness usually generates more intense symptoms which can persist for more than a week. Strep throat can cause symptoms such as throat inflammation and pain, enlargement of the tonsils and lymph nodes, difficult swallowing, difficult breathing, mucus-producing cough, headache, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea and fever. When it occurs in children, strep throat can also be accompanied by skin rash.

The reason why strep throat is very common among children and teenagers is that they interact with large groups of persons in kindergarten or school, rendering them very vulnerable to contracting streptococcus bacteria or other infectious agents. In order to avoid the occurrence of strep throat, it is very important to timely educate your child in maintaining a good level of personal hygiene. Proper personal hygiene is a very effective means of preventing strep throat and many other types of contagious diseases. Especially in the flu seasons, teach your child to wash his hands regularly and to avoid sharing personal items with other people. Once acquired, strep throat can be very difficult to overcome and hence it is best to take proper measures in preventing the occurrence of the illness in the first place.

When your child has a persistent sore throat accompanied by fever, inflamed tonsils and lymph nodes, it is a sign of infection with bacteria and you should pay a visit to a pediatrician as soon as possible. Before seeking medical guidance, avoid giving your child left-over medications, as you can generate more harm rather than good. Administered to very young children, even aspirin can have pronounced side-effects.

It is very important to note that strep throat doesn?t clear on itself. Unlike most sore throats, strep throat may require a course of antibiotics. Although antibiotics have various side-effects and they also attack the body?s benign bacterial flora, in present they are the best means of curing strep throat. Prescribed in the incipient stages of infection, antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin can effectively overcome strep throat, also minimizing the risk of developing complications. If the infection is serious, the doctor may prescribe a course of cephalosporins, a strong type of antibiotics.

In order to ensure a complete recovery and to avoid a recurrence of the infection, the medical treatment with antibiotics needs to be administered for at least 10 days. It is very important to follow the doctor?s exact instructions when giving antibiotics to your child. Make sure that you respect the dosage specified by the doctor and avoid interrupting the treatment prematurely. Even if the child appears to be completely recovered from illness within the first days of treatment, it is important to complete the course of antibiotics in order to minimize the chances of relapse.

If you want to find great information on different strep throat subjects check out this links. You can find great content regarding strep throat symptoms, strep throat in adults, treatment for strep throat and many more strep throat related issues.

Anti Aging Products Myth or Miracle?

If you?ve ever looked at the confusing array of anti aging products, you already know that they come in many different forms, with each designed to target a specific part of the body. Creams, lotions, pills, cosmetics, herbs, vitamins, night creams, firming creams, serums, gels, hydrators, moisturizers, facial masks, you name it, you can find it and a whole lot more. Entire sections in pharmacies and discount stores are devoted to these anti aging products and even more are available via the Internet. And those are in addition to the surgeries, injections and hair transplants that all promise amazing results.

People all over the world spend billions of dollars each year in a never-ending quest to look and feel younger. These individuals seem willing to try all the new anti aging products that hit the market. Good news for product manufacturers but perhaps not so good for consumers. That?s a lot of money to spend on miracle cures that fail to mention two important facts: the aging process is non-stoppable and it begins the moment you are born.

Before you spend too much of your hard-earned money on anti aging products, read these tips. They?ll help you separate the facts from the fiction when reading through a product?s marketing materials.

First of all, know what you?re looking for. If you?re trying to cover up age spots (those brown blemishes on your arms, face and elsewhere) look for anti aging products that are going to target that issue. Don?t buy wrinkle removers instead, no matter how promising the product sounds. Another important consideration is to be careful when applying multiple types of anti aging products. The skin is a sensitive organ and there?s only so much it can handle before irritation becomes an issue.

And most importantly, remember that none of the anti aging products will change your appearance overnight. Most are going to need several weeks before change becomes noticeable. So for the best results, be sure to proceed with caution when choosing your anti aging products.

Dennis Frank is an Internet Entrepreneur and Author of many fine websites such as AntiAgingWizard.com Please visit the website for more related articles and information about Anti Aging Products.

The Best Gym Fitness Equipment for Cardio Workouts

The range of gym fitness equipment available these days is staggering, and it can be hard to know which type of home exercise equipment you really need. What?s best for weight loss? Toning? What?s the best for cardiovascular health? Let?s focus on cardio exercises here, because it?s one thing everyone should be concerned about. Maybe your doctor has told you that you need to get your heart in better shape. Maybe you?ve been motivated by someone else who unexpectedly developed problems and you don?t want to be next. Even if it?s just a desire to ?get healthier,? cardio exercise equipment is a good way to start on the road to a healthier lifestyle.

What Exactly Makes It ?Cardio? Equipment?

A cardio workout?s primary purpose is to raise your heart rate to some extent in order to improve heart health and function. There may be other benefits to some kinds of gym and home fitness equipment (exercise bikes, for instance, can also strengthen and tone leg muscles), but cardio equipment?s primary goal is to raise the heart rate and break a sweat.

An additional side benefit of these types of home workouts is that you will also shed some weight as you burn off fat. It?s a win-win situation for most people investing in gym fitness and exercise equipment.

There are several kinds of home exercise and gym equipment that you can use for your workouts that will give you real cardiovascular benefits. Each of these has pros and cons attached with them, and you will need to decide for yourself which exercise best suits your fitness regimen.

Exercise Treadmills - Treadmills are traditionally the most popular type of cardio fitness equipment, but are fast being passed up by the elliptical trainer. Treadmills offer a great alternative to walking outside in bad weather. If you enjoy both walking and running, you can vary your speed and most come with heart rate monitors, which are always a good idea. Keep in mind, though, that this type of home gym equipment can jar your joints, so it may not be your best option if you have arthritis.

Exercise Bikes - Stationary exercise bikes allow you to sit down while biking, giving you the same chance to vary speeds. This type of home gym and fitness equipment is ideal if you suffer from back pain. Some stationary bikes also have handlebars that move as you peddle to exercise your upper body at the same time. Recumbent bikes allow you to sit back in the seat as you peddle.

Elliptical Trainers - Elliptical machines are one of the most popular pieces of home gym and fitness equipment for cardio workouts now available. You stand and work the feet back and forth, but because you don?t lift your feet and ?glide? instead, there is no jarring of the joints. With each stroke, you are also working your upper body with the poles. Fewer of these have heart monitors, but some do. Alternatively, stop exercising periodically and check your pulse rate.

With so much to choose from, take the time to consider which type of gym fitness equipment you are most likely to use long-term. Cardio home exercise equipment is only as good as how often you use it. If you end up with something that you don?t like, you won?t see long-term benefits, which is the name of the game for true heart health.

About the Author:

Kevin Urban is a freelance writer for Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com, a consumer guide to the best home exercise and fitness equipment. He frequently writes home gym reviews and has contributed articles on elliptical trainers and exercise bikes.

Copyright 2006 Fitness-N-Exercise-Equipment.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site if the author's byline is included and all links are hyperlinked.

Organ Series Skin

Have you ever wondered what the largest organ of the human body was? Contrary to what most men believe, the answer to that question is your skin. People don?t realize that yes; your skin is an organ too. A basic definition of an organ is a structure that is made up of cells or tissue that have some specific function within an organism. In terms of performing tasks, the skin has one of the most demanding jobs of all. It provides you with a protective barrier from environmental contaminants, aids in temperature regulation, acts as a detective for infections, responds to touch and pressure, aids in Vitamin D synthesis and is important for social interactions and sexual attraction.

What Is Skin?

Your skin is made up of two layers, the epidermis (outermost layer) and the dermis (innermost layer). The epidermis grows from the bottom up. The reason that this occurs is because it works to push dead skin cells to the surface. Once on the surface, it is almost invisibly flaked off. It takes about 1.5-2.5 months for the whole process to take place, about the same amount of time it takes your partner to change that burned out light bulb in the bathroom.

The epidermis is quite fascinating. It is the reason why our bodies do not shrivel up and die. Think of the skin as a waterproof barrier. There are natural oils present within the dead skin layer that prevent water loss. Have you ever made your own salad dressing? You see two separate layers: oil and water. Water cannot penetrate the fat layer. This is essentially how the skin protects itself from water invasion and evaporation. If we were to remove the epidermis, we would lose tons of water and if we were then submerged in a pool, then we would swell up like Rush Limbaugh. The reason for this is because the dermis, unlike the epidermis, is permeable to water.

Human skin is also made up of non-hair bearing skin (Glabrous) and hair bearing skin. The soles of your feet and palms of your hand consist of the non-hair bearing skin, well for most of us.

If scientists were convinced that each skin cell were worth one dollar, humans would be extremely rich. The 7 pounds of skin that covers the average human being houses about 300 million skin cells.

Skin as a barrier

As noted above, the skin prevents excessive dehydration and ?overhydration?. There are many other protective factors that the skin provides as well. For example, it protects our insides from frying when we bake in the hot sun. If we didn?t have skin, then we would have seagulls trying to pick at our cooked organs.

The skin is also essential for preventing bacterial invasions into the body. Sweat and sebum (fatty material secreted by skin glands) aid in impeding bacterial growth on the skin, which would otherwise invade the body. The skin also provides protection from physical injury. It is made up of the protein collagen, which offers great support and strength, as well as elastic fibers that give skin its flexibility. Subcutaneous fat under the skin and the epidermis layer also provide support.

Skin and Temperature Regulation

The skin acts as a heat sensor, which is very sensitive to temperature changes. The thermostat is located in the brain, particularly the hypothalamus. There are four ways that the skin releases heat: radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation. Instead of exploring the laws of thermodynamics, I am only going to discuss evaporation.

The human body favors a temperature around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When the skin starts to heat up, signals are sent to the brain to start sweating. Calm down ladies! Sweating acts to cool off the body. As water or sweat starts to build up on the surface, it is lost by evaporation, thus releasing heat to the environment. Have you ever been in a crowded room and felt really hot? The reason for this is that there is a tremendous amount of heat released by our bodies. Again, calm down ladies!

On the other hand, when the skin starts to get cold, the thermostat is turned up a notch. The body constricts blood vessels, thereby conserving heat and slowing the amount of heat to the skin. It also promotes shivering to generate heat and secretes hormones involved in heat production. The reason why the skin is less protected during cold weather is because of the high importance of your internal organs. This is one major reason why frostbite occurs.

Skin As A Vitamin Synthesizer

The skin contains a compound that is an intermediate for cholesterol synthesis known as 7-Dehydrocholesterol. This compound secreted by skin glands onto the surface of the skin, and then absorbed into the epidermis. When sunlight hits the skin, the compound is broken apart and turns into Previtamin D. From here the Previtamin D becomes activated in the body. The reason why food products have become fortified with the vitamin are because not all areas of the world support natural vitamin D conversion by the sun. Sunscreen at SPF 8 is enough to prevent vitamin D synthesis. Also, temperate regions (beyond 40 degrees North or South) have poor UV light concentrations essential for synthesis. Don?t worry about getting too much vitamin D production from the sun because the reaction is reversible. Therefore, the body stops production once it realizes that it has enough.

Skin For Social Interaction

It?s every woman?s nightmare to have wrinkled skin, or skin covered with acne. Some of the first signs of aging are changes in the skin. Overtime, the collagen and elastic fibers loosen up from natural aging, as well as from increased oxidative damage. Some examples of oxidative stress are excessive sun exposure (UV rays), smoking, and the presence of pollutants. Tanning greatly increases your risk for developing skin cancer and enhances the aging process. Although tan skin is considered beautiful, it is a short-term fix.

Acne is another problem that many women face. Acne is caused by hormonal changes, as well as clogged pores. Excessive washing of the skin with irritating astringents is not recommended. Foaming face washes are gentler on your skin than is plain soap. If you have severe acne, there are a variety of pharmaceutical products such as Differin Gel, Retin-A, Accutane, and Tetracycline available. If you don?t fall under this category, but are concerned about acne, then you may benefit from using a product that contains 2.0% Salicylic Acid.

Following a balanced diet is very important for maintaining a great complexion as well. Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis and Vitamin A supports cell growth and differentiation. Foods that have an ample amount of vitamin C include strawberries, oranges, broccoli, and mainly all citrus fruits. Vegetables contain B-carotene, which is a precursor to Vitamin A. Already formed vitamin A is found in liver and animal flesh. Vitamin E acts as an anti-oxidant and is crucial for the prevention of cellular death. Ingesting higher amounts of the following vitamins will not guarantee you better skin, actually it could be quite damaging. Don?t waste your hard-earned money on vitamin supplements. Instead, focus on getting the daily-recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water and exercising for at least 30 minutes every day.

Chris Theberge is the founder of the Nutrition and Food Web Archive, NutriWeb Designs, and Dietitian Designs. Visit http://www.nafwa.org for free nutrition and food-related resources.

Fall Warms and Cools

Choosing the right cosmetic colors can dramatically affect how you look, how you feel, and how others perceive you. Color is a very powerful thing; physically as well as psychologically. That being the case, it?s a good idea to make sure your fall colors are up to date. Appropriate selections can make you look fresh and vibrant. The wrong colors can make you look tired or even appear older! Traditional fall colors can be very exciting - shimmering golds, burnt oranges, bronzes, and ?bricky? reds?but keep in mind that these colors are not meant for everyone. The fall magazines are starting to hit the shelves now, and everyone is excited to see the new trends. Keep in mind that, just because something is trendy does not mean that it is the most flattering choice for everyone. This doesn?t mean you can?t have fun with your makeup, just choose the colors that are best for you. Remember that your skin tone, eye color, and hair color may be quite different from those of the cover model on your favorite magazine. Choose carefully.

Reds, oranges, yellows, and browns are considered warm colors, with purples, blues, and greens being considered cool tones. Sound simple? It can be. But just because you think you are a cooler tone does not mean that you can?t wear red lipstick. Try to find one that has more of a true red or blue undertone. If you are on the warmer side but you love green, look for one that has a strong yellow undertone, as opposed to a blue undertone. There is a multitude of choices and combinations; almost every color has variations that include warm and cool tones. Try not to limit yourself when shopping. There is definitely something for everyone.

Determining whether you are a warm or cool tone can be challenging at first. A simple way to get a feel for it is to try things on and experiment. If you?re in the area, visit our store and play with the testers; see what is the most flattering. What colors you are wearing when you get the most compliments? What colors do you feel the most confident in? If you have trouble being objective (as most of us do), why not book an appointment with a makeup artist? Another set of well-trained eyes is always helpful. The makeup artist will help you pick out the best colors for your unique skin tone, keep you up on the latest products and trends!

Jennifer Cinnani works as a Makeup Artist for Scott Miller ? a salon, spa, and store in Rochester, NY (http://www.scottmillerstyle.com).The beauty industry and makeup in particular have always been Jennifer?s passions, and she has extensive experience with several cosmetic lines including Bobbi Brown, NARS, Stila, Face Stockholm, Amazing Cosmetics, SkinCeuticals, and more.

Cleansing Diets

One of the most common cleansing diets is a detox diet. This is a diet that will release the toxins in the body that have been stored in the fat cells and will allow the body to excrete them and cleanse your body.

Why use a cleansing diet? This is used to eliminate toxins and other contaminants from the body. The main purposes of doing this is to:

Improve health
Feel more energetic
Improve immunity
Improve your mental condition
Aid in digestion
Help with weight loss

There are various ways to do this.

You can do a complete fast. This would entail not eating or drinking at all. Just drink water. This would be not eating or drinking anything but water Just drink water and juice-the same as above accept you would be adding juice Eat certain foods-some diets will consist of just vegetables and fruits others will be just liquids. There are many variations on this. Use herbs: Herbal cleansing has been used since ancient times. Certain herbs are used as cleansing medicines to release and excrete toxins from the body. Reduce calories: Some cleansing diets are used to reduce calories and aid in weight loss. The most common diet is one composed mainly of fruits and vegetables. Preferably these should be raw, unmodified and unprocessed. More water is recommended and complete absence of alchahol.

However cleansing diets are not without side effects. If done rapidly the toxins can be released into the bloodstream more quickly than the body can get rid of them. This condition is known as Herxheimer reaction.

This can result in:

? Headaches
? Muscle pain
? Weakness
? Insomnia
? Irritability

Herxheimer reaction: this is the name given to the body?s condition when detoxification is occurring too rapidly and the body is not being given enough time to excrete the toxins. Some detox diets will produce this effect. This often leads to people abandoning their cleansing diets thinking that the diet is making them more sick. In actual fact if they continue with their diet the symptoms diminish and they will feel healthier.

Here are some ways that people have tried to lessen the symptoms of Herxheimer reaction:

? Drinking as much pure water as they can-this in effect will help the body flush out any toxins.

? Taking more exercise-this will improve circulation and help the body work more efficiently. This could help the body work more efficiently and excrete the toxins faster.

? Getting more sunlight
? Detox baths
? Excessive sweating-with saunas, baths and use of herbs
? Avoiding refined processed foods and toxic environmental chemicals
? Aromatherapy oils are used to help aches and pains brought on by rapid detoxification

Cleansing diets have been used from ancient times and can often help you to improve your health and make you feel better. Some people do these diets on a regular basis others more seldom. However you want to do these diets you should exercise care and possibly consult your doctor before commencing on one as sometimes side effects can be severe. If you have any underlying disease especially metabolic ones such as diabetes then it is very necessary to consult your Doctor before trying any type of cleansing diets.

Zach Thompson is a Glyconutrients Consultant. His clients range from pro athletes and actresses, to cancer patients and children with Learning Disabilities. Learn the truth about nutritional supplements at: http://nutritionalreview.com/79.php