Serious Skin Care Treatment

When you have a healthy and radiant-looking skin, people instantly assume that you are taking real good care of your body, particularly your skin. The skin is actually regarded by many as a mirror of oneself, in which it is a reflection of how one takes care of his body.

Of course, to keep our skin looking beautiful and young, proper skin care is really necessary. See, there are a lot of skin care regimens that people can adapt and practice everyday, and there are also a number of skin care products available in markets today that are formulated to maintain the natural suppleness of the skin.

Meanwhile, skin care does not necessarily have to cost you a lot of money. As for skin care products, learn how to choose products that are not too expensive yet provide excellent skin maintenance results. Treatments, on the other hand, do not really need to be high-end and costly. Simple treatments like facial are usually the ones needed by the skin.

What is a facial treatment?

A facial is a form of serious skin care treatment that nourishes, exfoliates, and cleanses the skin, thus, promoting a well-hydrated, smooth, and clear complexion. This type of skin care is in fact regarded as one of the most popular and in-demand spa and salon treatments today.

There are a lot of tools and equipment used in facial treatments. Among them are the following:

   1. Facial chair or bed
   2. Magnifying lamp
   3. Facial steamer
   4. Small trolley
   5. Cotton and cotton pads
   6. Gauze
   7. Towels
   8. Head covering
   9. Facial massager
  10. Cleansers, astringents, sanitizers, moisturizers, creams,
  11. Facial masks

What are the basic procedures in a facial treatment?

The following are the basic steps in a facial treatment:

   1. Facial cleansing
   2. Skin analysis
   3. Exfoliation using steaming
   4. Extraction of blackheads
   5. Facial massage to relax the body and stimulate the skin
   6. Application of facial mask
   7. Application of protective creams and toners

How often should you get a facial treatment?

According to dermatologists and skin care specialists, people should get a serious skin care facial treatment every four to six weeks. The ideal number of times to have facial treatments is four to five times a year. Those who have skin complications like acne may need to get a facial more often than the usual recommended times to get it.

As for the cost of the treatment, it varies depending on the price offerings of spa and salon establishments. The packages and add-ons on the procedure make the cost of the treatment higher.

Furthermore, those who cannot afford to get a facial treatment at spas and salons can opt for a home-made facial treatment. A quick facial regimen that can be practiced at home includes that following easy-to-do steps:

   1. Splash your face with warm water.
   2. Massage your face using olive oil.
   3. Thoroughly scrub your face with a half-teaspoon of sugar.
   4. Wipe your face with a warm wet cloth.

Asian Massage Therapy

There are several forms of ancient Asian massage still being practiced in the world today. Asian massage techniques are ancient healing rituals developed over the centuries in India and the Far East. Thai massage, shiatsu and asian massage are becoming more and more popular in the west as more people become interested in pilates, yoga and other more holistic forms of exercise and relaxation.

Thai massage actually started in India. It is a form of massage using guided stretching and Meridian pressure point therapy in combination with an ancient breathing method called “Pranayama.” This technique uses breathing techniques to relax and cleanse the body while strengthening the nervous system. Sessions usually end with a ritualized final relaxation that most customers find intensely restful.

Chinese acupressure or “tui na” was developed over 5000 years ago. By applying pressure to the body at certain key points, the acupressure therapist helps the body to activate its own self-healing abilities. Acupressure has been used for centuries to treat back pain, headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety. It is deeply relaxing and can have the added benefit of assisting the patient with weight management.

Japanese Shiatsu is another type of massage developed in the Far East. It concentrates on energy rebalance and physical well-being using the thumbs, palms and fingers to apply pressure to certain areas of the body. Benefits of this type of massage include rebalancing of the bone system, enhanced circulatory function, maintaining balance of the nervous system and greater skin and muscle flexibility.

Indonesian Javanese massage is a system of massage that uses all parts of the hand, including the knuckles, to knead and massage the muscles. Usually a massage oil is used to facilitate the therapy. This massage works on the muscles and nerves to relieve tension, back pain and aid in the healing of fractures. Of all of the Asian massages, this is the most robust, and the massage is often painful, although greatly beneficial in the long run.

Whatever your preferences, there are many ancient Asian massage treatments to choose from. Explore your massage options by adding one of these interesting and beneficial massages to your health regimen.

Effects Of Steroids

Steroids are available as anabolic-androgenic steroid drugs, anti-estrogen drugs, and growth hormone and peptide drugs. These drugs are powerful performance-enhancing drugs. There is a wide range of available steroids, such as Anadrol ® (oxymetholone), Dianabol (methandrostenolone), Testosterone, Stenox, Clomid (clomiphene citrate), Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalifil citrate), Evista (raloxifene), etc.

There are many effects of steroids. The positive effects of steroids are visible when they are used for several medical purposes including stimulation of bone growth, appetite, puberty, and muscle growth. The effects of steroids (anabolic) impressive when they are used for the treatment of several chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS. There are anabolic effects of steroids in protein synthesis, muscle mass, strength, appetite and bone growth.

The anabolic effects of steroids are superb when they are used in treating conditions, such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence, which are resulted due to abnormally low amounts of testosterone production in the body.

However, side effects of steroids have made them controversial drugs, but the side effects of steroids are linked with steroid abuse. There are a number of side effects of steroids, if they are over-used wrongly for wrong purposes. Some of the side effects of steroids include elevated cholesterol (increase in LDL, decreased HDL levels), acne, elevated blood pressure, hepatotoxicity, and alterations in left ventricle morphology.

These side effects of steroids have made these drugs stand among the abused drugs. Listed as Schedule III in the Controlled Substances Act, steroids are controlled drugs in United States. Canada and Britain also have laws controlling the use and distribution of steroids.

Break Free from Drug Addiction

Death is nearly always accompanied with questions. Whether we are facing our own death or the death of someone we love, we seek for answers. But people seek answers differently. Some people ask for guidance, attend counseling sessions, go to bible studies, or seek support groups that would help them cope with  a loss of someone.

All change that exists within the mind causes stress and most people at some stage try to avoid the pain of grief. They may search for a substitute for the relation that is lost, like if a woman lost a husband, they may marry again quickly, or adopt another child in place of the one they lost. But other people who can not cope with grief and who wants to avoid the pain turns into addiction.

Defining an addiction is tricky, and knowing how to handle one is even harder. An addiction is said to be  an uncontrollable compulsion which provides temporary relief from “inner pain.” Addiction means a person has no control over whether he or she uses. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both.

According to research, approximately 27 million Americans either use illicit drugs regularly. There are also around 70 percent of illegal drug users that are employed and contribute significantly to workplace absenteeism, accidents and injuries, decreased productivity, increased insurance expenses, employee turnover costs, and on-the-job violence.  In 2001, the estimated total number of drug addicts had already reached 15.9 million Americans aged 12 or above.  This estimate represents 7.1 percent of the population aged 12 years old or older. Almost 16 million are estimated to need immediate treatment for drug addiction.

Drug addiction involves compulsively seeking to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological, and physical effects. Certain drugs are more likely to cause physical dependence than are others. While not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, many people do.

Experts have theorized that some people, particular those addicted to drugs, may have deficiencies in their brain reward systems. Other drug users gravitate toward their “drug of choice” to “self-medicate.” Heroin, for instance, is remarkably effective at “normalizing” people who suffer from delusions and hallucinations (mostly schizophrenics). Cocaine can quickly “lift” depression, or enable a person with attention-deficit disorder to become better organized and focused. For these people, addiction is a troubling side effect to their adaptive attempts to relieve their own suffering.

Drug addiction treatment typically involves steps to help one withdraw from using a substance, it should also be followed by counseling and attending self-help groups to help one resist addiction again. There are many substance-dependent people who make it into therapy show a profound inability to calm and soothe themselves especially when they are experiencing stress.

A physician may prescribe narcotics to relieve pain, benzodiazepines to relieve anxiety or insomnia, or barbiturates to relieve nervousness or irritation. Doctors prescribe these medications at safe doses and monitor their use so that a person addicted will not be given too great a dose or for too long a time. Still, the best way to prevent an addiction to an illegal drug is not to take the drug at all.

Breaking a drug addiction is difficult, but not impossible. Support from the doctor, family, friends and others who have a drug addiction, as well as inpatient or outpatient drug addiction treatment, may help  someone beat drug dependence. Recognizing the problem as soon as possible is critical. One should get help right away and should not be ever afraid to ask for guidance so that an addicted person boost their chances of staying drug-free.

Asthma Treatment

Many of us try to be free of asthma symptoms nearly all the time, provided we follow medical advice. Been able to breathe deeply and naturally filling the lungs with pure, fresh air. Be free of asthma drugs and strengthen your entire respiratory system helping to enhance natural immunity and to support proper functioning. When you can enjoy an active healthy lifestyle is a key to success.

Some people get severe asthma attacks may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Looking for asthma treatment information is the key to eliminating asthma and allergy symptoms effectively and safely. To truly have a significant, lasting change in the health and quality of your life what would that give you?. So what are the facts and information you need to help you take the right steps to reduce your asthma attacks hospital stays, and chronic illness.

To Be healed of your asthma and asthma illness,  to breathe easily, calmly and in a natural and relaxed way.

Become as free of the dependance on your asthma medicine and its side effects.
 
Enjoy your night time rest and wake up feeling great and  zest for living.
 
Have the power to make these positive changes in your health and in your life.
 
Be relieved of the agony of watching your child struggling for breath at times .

This is you aim go and locate the information you need and do something about it. There are numerous internet websites out there that may give advice and information on asthma, go get you research done and help yourself or wife.

Diabetic Diets

After being diagnosed with diabetes, one has to come to terms with it and make a few changes to their lifestyle. At the most, they will be put on a new diet plan.   One does not have to skip meals or avoid eating food that one has always loved completely in order to follow a diet plan. In fact, skipping meals only increases the sugar levels in one’s body.

For instance, fried, pureed or oily items can increase one’s blood sugar levels. Choose foods items that can act as a healthy substitute to these such as low fat dairy, meat substitutes, green vegetables and fruits.

A diabetic diet is a balanced diet featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, fats, proteins and most dairy products. Although diabetes cannot always be completely cured, it can be brought under control. It is essential to moderate one’s food intake and do regular exercise in order to maintain a healthy diet.

Eating fibrous food items can also reduce one’s weight considerably. These also help reduce the sugar levels in turn. Some instances of fibrous foods are oat bran, beans, rice bran, and cereals and so on. Garlic helps keep diabetes at bay. It is rich in potassium, zinc and sulphur and helps reduce blood-sugar levels.

Avoid salty foods, as they can increase sugar levels. Since one might already get enough salt from vegetables or other natural foods, they should reduce its intake.

Last but not least one should be constantly in touch with a physician who can help them to not only prepare an effective diet, to also take steps to keep their diabetes under control.

Best Known Ways to Quit Smoking

When you have finally come to see that your smoking habit has caused damage to your health, and wallet, and general well being, and you have decided that you would like to quit it is good to know that there are a lot of ways to quit smoking.

Quitting smoking depends on many things. It can be fast, or slow, but one thing for sure is that quitting rely on your determination, as well as the help of others. Whatever method you try, you should be mentally prepared for the difficult period that follows your last cigarette. This difficult period is caused when the nicotine your body is addicted to is withdrawn from your body. Withdrawals occur when your body reacts to the lack of nicotine that it has become reliant on.

The sudden impulse to give up smoking is known under the name of "cold turkey" and it is the result of a personal choice. Among the gradual ways to quit smoking may be enumerated the nicotine replacement therapy, the individual or group therapy, some modern and non-medical methods such as acupuncture, kabala practices and others but also physical exercises.

It is incorrect to say that you are addicted to smoking because in fact you are addicted to nicotine and to the idea of a routine. The moment you try to provide the required quantity of nicotine to which your body was used while you were a smoker all you have to do in rest is to keep your hands busy and to work on your psyche. This way you'll certainly quit this vice.

Acupuncture, hypnosis, laser therapy are some modern methods that come in the help of those who want to quit smoking. Due to the fact that they are rather modern tools their efficiency for a one hundred percent success has not been completely demonstrated.

The first step towards a successful decision to give up smoking is to find a strong motivation. This must be sought in your own person, inside you. Nobody can convince you that you should quit your vice if you are not really determined that you actually want to do this. And also it depends on you which of the ways to quit smoking best suits you, if you think that you are able to do it on your own or to ask for assistance. If you want to choose the latter variant you have several alternatives.

For best results font give up. If one way doesn't work for you, try another. Everyone is different, and so are the methods of smoking. What works well with one person wont necessarily work well with another.

A real Breath of Fresh Air

The other day while browsing various gadget sites I came across an interesting looking device called a Goodsphere Bubble.  Having spent many years and having some surgery to reduce the effect of snoring. I decided to invest in one of these Air purifiers.

I read up on the information of the product and a summary is given now.
A goodsphere bubble provides the following benefits.

It  eliminates nasty odours from cooking and smoking all though I do not smoke some of my friends do and this would be a significant benefit.  The other main benefit is that you can change the different aromas it can generate by buying the separate aromas available.

The goodsphere bubble acts as an ioniser which converts the positive ions within the room atmosphere to the more friendly negative ions in the atmosphere.  The negative ions makes the air feel fresh without giving off black marks like some of the other  types of ionisers.

The goodsphere bubble also acts as a humidifier last year I had a humidifier and it did make quite a difference. It broke and I have not had time to replace it.  I know that this significantly reduced the amount of snoring I produced over night.

So having read the sales page and knowing that people are coming to stay soon I decided to invest in one of these goodsphere bubbles. I was amazed when it arrived fairly quickly and that it was fairly idiot proof in operation.

I unpacked the item filled with water I had also bought the apple orchard essence with the kit. I added the added correct amount of essence and turned on the unit.  The goodsphere bubble provided almost instant fresh air smelling of apples and now it has become one of the most essential items in the house.

The effect that these bubbles produce is so dramatic that I immediately ordered a second device. I now have two spheres working in my house and I have had many comments from friends and neighbours on how this works, where can I get one and how much are they.

I also did some experiments in recording myself asleep to see if this has any effect on my snoring it remarkably does have the effect of significantly reducing the overnight snoring. This is really important to me and my relationship with my fiancée. Also the unit can clearly be seen taking the dust out of the air as the water quality goes from clear to dull.

Each essence lasts for around 24 hours you simply clean the unit and add fresh water and fresh essence. We now have an extensive range of essences for the goodsphere unit and the house always smells with a distinct agreeable aroma. Our favourite has been the rose blossom and its like working in the flower fields and meadows and has made a vast improvement to my life.

The unit also comes with the option to have an LED base which illuminates the device through a spectrum of colours so not only does it smell good it also looks good and really adds something special to the room.
The aroma therapy qualities include the ability to combat and neutralize harmful bacteria such as MRSA, E-coli and salmonella. This has been the best buy of the year so far, very impressed.
This article can be used under the standard terms and conditions of this website.
© 2007 Andy Bolton 39 Liverpool UK

Drink More Water

After a little research it is apparent that nobody really knows where the saying that you need to drink 8 cups of water per day comes from. Some people trace it back to a study in the 1980's, and other people claim that doctors starting telling people that amount because it was a good goal, but didn't have any scientific research to back it up with.

Either way, the point is clear, water does wonders for your body, and your brain. Water is well known to cleanse your body of harmful chemicals through your intestines and also throughout your urine tract. Without proper water intake, our bodies break down very quickly, in a matter of days. Without food, however, some people can live for a week or two. That just shows how important water is to our bodies.

Here are 3 quick tips for taking in more water.

1. Always have water available.

I like to buy the 12 ounce bottles of water and keep them in the fridge. Whenever I go to the gym I grab a bottle. On my way out the door to work, I grab a bottle. Before a trip that will be 30 minutes or longer, I grab a bottle. When I watch a movie, I grab a bottle.

Whenever I am sitting watching TV or a movie, I will keep the bottle in my hand with the lid off. I take a lot of little sips until the bottle is gone. A great way of making sure you drink more water is to make sure it is easily accessible.

2. Keep it cold.

I don't know many people who like to drink room temperature water, I sure don't. If you keep your water cold, you will drink more. I make sure there is always ice in my freezer, this make it very easy to have a cold glass of water anytime.

3. Chose water in restaurants.

Whenever I go out to eat, I always drink water with some lemon. The lemon adds a little spunk to the taste and the water is always nice, cold and refreshing. After a short time you will stop craving your old drink of choice and will begin to appreciate the taste, or lack of taste, that water provides.

Give water a shot and your body will be thankful!

Tips to a Better Sleep

Many Americans are having difficulties falling asleep at night. Instead of sleeping and dreaming they roll around in their beds trying to fall asleep. The result usually is people not rested enough in the morning and tired all day. This results in stress and less performance on the job or at home. We have developed a list of 6 powerful tips that have helped us to achieve better sleep.

1) Room temperature: Keeping the temperature in your bedroom at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or below is recommended. Too often an overheated bedroom is causing sleep problems. Scientific studies show that the body can better relax with temperatures at 70 degrees or slightly below.

2) Reduce caffeine. A recent study showed that caffeine is not metabolized efficiently and fast enough at night. The effects of caffeine last much longer than most people expect. The result is difficulty falling asleep. Studies have shown better sleeping patterns if no more caffeine is consumed after 6.00 PM.

3) Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will keeps the body from reaching the deeper stages of sleep, where the body does most of its healing and resting. The result of drinking can be a very light sleep or difficulty falling asleep in general.

4) Beds are for sleeping. If you are used to watch TV in bed or even work while being in bed, you may find it much harder to relax and to fall asleep. Remove the TV and do not work in bed. Sleep requires your brain to slowly shutdown and any distraction will cause sleeping problems.

5) Go to bed at around the same time every day. Don't change your bedtime back and forth. Having a certain schedule developed it will be easier to fall asleep pretty much at the same time every day. A recurring schedule will help your body to get into a sleep pattern and make it easier to fall asleep.

6) Remove the alarm clock from your view. Starring at the time will only create the feeling that you have to sleep, but you are not. These worries will make things even worse. Losing the feeling for time by not seeing the actual and how long you have been awake has shown to improve healthy sleep.

Finesse Female Facial Hair Removal

Female facial hair can be embarrassing. It often appears first during puberty and then gets darker and coarser after the age of thirty five, when facial hair removal becomes an important issue.

Most female facial hair appears over the lip and on the chin, but many females have unwanted hair on their jaw, cheeks and neck. Fortunately, there are a number of different ways to finesse female facial hair removal.

First and foremost, a female should determine the underlying cause of her facial hair before deciding on a removal method.

Females who are pregnant or nursing often notice an increase of facial hair. They should speak with their doctor before using any hair removal method that uses energy, chemicals or drugs.

Females who have high levels of androgens, (a steroid hormone, such as testosterone or androsterone, that controls the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics), creating facial hair may obtain prescription oral medications from a medical specialist.

Tweezing is probably the method most often used to remove female facial hair. But while it's okay to use tweezers for eyebrows, it really isn't for other female facial hair. It's painful, time consuming usually needing to be done on a daily basis, and over time, tweezing can damage the skin.

Some females believe they can conceal their facial hair by bleaching it, but then, under make up and in bright light their face looks, "furry".

Topical creams for female facial hair removal, available only by prescription, inhibit the growth of new hairs for about 50% of the females who have used one.

Shaving with a wet razor is not recommended as a female facial hair removal method because hairs grow back very quickly and the stubble appears thicker and darker.

One can remove unwanted female facial hair with a hair removal cream or lotion known as a depilatory. But don't be surprised if you get pimples as a reaction to the harsh chemicals.

A facial wax is a clean, fast and easy method for removing female facial hair for up to 6 weeks. But, many experience swelling and redness in reaction to the hairs being literally yanked out.

Electrolysis is an unpleasant form of female facial hair removal because it involves inserting a needle into the follicle, (the skin depression from which the hair emerges), of each individual hair, which can cause swelling, redness, pinpoint scabbing and even scarring. Electrolysis requires anesthesia, is expensive and needs to be done regularly for 1 or 2 years to achieve final results.

Laser treatments for female facial hair removal can provide results within six to eight treatments - If you can afford the hefty cost. Because laser hair removal involves a hot laser light, "zapping", the hair follicles, these treatments require the use of a topical anesthetic.

One last thing - If you do your own research you'll discover there is one more hair removal method that will help you finesse your female facial hair.

Contemplating Breast Enhancement

Anyone contemplating breast enhancement should meet with the plastic surgeon beforehand. Selecting a plastic surgeon might not be an easy task or a task that should be taken lightly. Like all surgery, there are risks associated with breast enhancement surgery and this should be investigated.

It might be a good idea to first ask any family members or friends who had had their breasts enlarged, about their opinion on the surgeon that handled their case. In this way, you will be able to find out all the positive and negative information about a plastic surgeon.

After you have decided on a plastic surgeon for your breast enlargement surgery, the next step will be to meet with the surgeon. During this time you will be able to ask the surgeon about how many of these procedures they have done, or if they are certified. Almost all surgeons will have a portfolio showing a breast enhancement photo of any previous patients they have completed.

While the before and after breast enhancement photo should not be the sole reason for choosing a plastic surgeon to enlarge your breasts, this photo can be used as a way to determine if the surgeon is able to do the results you are looking for. Looking at a before and after breast enhancement photo can also help to give you an idea on how you would like your own breasts to look, if you are not sure about what size to go up to.

Other than the breast enhancement photo, it is wise to judge a potential new plastic surgeon on their manner on which they relate and listen to you. Your plastic surgeon should be able to answer your questions intelligently and give you reassurance that they are skilled enough to complete the procedure.

Pueraplus is a premuim grade Thai traditional herbal formula derived mainly from White Kwao Krua (Pueraria Mirifica) which contains Phytoestrogens (Natural Plant Estrogen). After many years of research from Thailand, the studies indicated that this herb shows estrogenic and rejuvenate effects to the female body especially at the breast, hip, facial skin, body skin, hair and vaginal epithelium. Thus elevate the appearance of the female secondary sexual characteristics and also the skin beauty.

ALL Natural Dietary Supplement
Hight Phytoestrogen (especially isoflavonet):
* Increases sensitivity and vitality
* Promotes silky shiny hair
* Enhances breast and skin appearance
* Serves as a anti-wrinkle agent
* Enhances physical and mental ability
* Serves as a fountain of youth

The Power of Stretching

Your muscles ache from a good stretch. This is quite normal and is part of the process. Stretching has seemingly been with us and particular with athletes since the beginning of time.

A very key point to good stretching is to hold the stretch for at least seventeen seconds. This is a pearl of wisdom gleaned from a ballet teacher a few years back. She said that any stretch under 17 seconds was just not effective.

The 17 second rule is exceeded in the high intensity Bikram's yoga where stretches are held for about 30 seconds. Don't forget the high level of heat that is used in Bikram's to extract that last little bit of stretch out of your muscles. An interesting twist that is not necessary to gain benefits from stretching. But, it can't hurt, right?

So what kind of benefits can you expect from stretching? That's an easy one. Have you ever seen the movie, Blood Sport? Did you know that Frank Dux could truly stretch his body to the extreme. The actor that played him was quite elastic as well.

Great elasticity is also something you might see in well trained Spetsnaz(Russian)agents. They often work out with Russian kettlebells too. They are for superior strength gains and the ability to withstand ballistic shocks.

Why are stretching and flexibility considered important to these people? Stretching gives one the ability to have explosive power available at one's fingertips without the need to warm up. Of course most of us are not martial artists or agents. But, you'll be happy to know there are plenty of other benefits.

Let me give you an example. After learning to sit in the full lotus position for long periods of time, my ankles became very flexible. One day I was walking along and my left foot fell into a pothole. This mishap pushed my ankle sideways to about 90 degrees from it's normal position.

Amazingly, this didn't even hurt, not one bit. If my ankle hadn't been so flexible, I may have suffered a sprained ankle. At the very least, it would have hurt for days.

Key point: stretching helps us to avoid injuries. Not only that but if you do have a muscle, tendon or ligament injury it should heal faster, theoretically speaking.

Stretching actually grows the ligaments, tendons and muscles being stretched. They really grow longer over time.

Check with your physician before undertaking any type of exercise, including stretching.

Learning about Ayurveda

It is the science of preventive health (take care of health so that disease does not get a chance to get in) and the living habits that check over indulgence in physical senses, going against conscience and natural resistance to the call of the soul (refusal to enjoy the present moment) .

Ayurvedic Treatment

What if when someone is already ill ? It deals with internal medicine (kayachikitsa), surgery (Shalyachikitsa), Treating eye,ear,nose and throat (shalakyachikitsa),  Pediatrics, gynecology and osterics treatment ( kaumarabhritya)  and  mental health (bhutavidya).

Body Elements & Constitution (Prakriti)

There are five elements of which the human body is made up of :  akasha (ether), Vayu (air), Agni (Fire), Jala (Water) and Prithvi (earth).

Because of the above five elements,  all human beings are constituted with a combination of two or three primary ones.  Those are called body humours or Doshas:  Kapha, Vata and Pitta.  Any person is easy to treat with the identification of his/her category.

Vata category is combination of space and air elements : People are fearful, illogical and insecure. Skin is dry. They have thin hair. They have dark brown or grey eyes.  Vata activates the nervous system, hearing and speech and the persons is a great enthusiast with creativity. However, the state of his mind gets imbalanced easily because of which he gets diseases like insomnia, cramps and constipation.
Pitta category is fire element : These people are achievers, intellectual, fiery, angry, judgemental, with clear voice and precise expression. They have soft and fine hair.  Eyes are blue,  grey and hazel. They are good leaders and warm personality when healthy. Because of  emphasis on  metabolism and anger, they suffer from acidity, ulcers and rashes and also thinning of hair occurs.

Kapha category is(water and earth element :  They have thick lustrous hair. Eyes are blue or brown. People have great endurance capacity with calm and steady mind. They are capable of forgiveness and intense love.  Sometimes they are greedy and possessive.  Kapha is the lubricant that keeps the joints working, keeps the body vibrant and balanced with immunity. Too much of it leads to lethargy, congestion, allergies and weight gain.

Nature of ailments

After the Prakriti is decided, one should know the nature of the diseases(Vikriti).  It is imbalance obviously, but there are tow extremes to every imbalance, either deficiency or excess. Those are  heavy-light, slow-sharp, cold-hot, unctuous-dry, smooth-rough, solid-liquid, soft-hard, stable-mobile, subtle-gross, and non-slimmy-slimmy. When corrected, Prakriti or original constitution is restored.

These 20 characteristics that  with regards to one’s basic constitution will decide the treatment.  These may be caused by wrong foods causing improper digestion, wrong sleeping habits, improper mindset, anxiety etc.

The other type of ailment is clogging or blockage (Ama) for life energy to circulate for vitality. When this is corrected, it produces energy, perfect immunity, physical strength and hence a general sense of bliss which is summarised in Ayurveda in one word called Ojas.

Some Herbs and Minerals
Malabar nut : bronchitis, asthema, boosting immune systems
Bael : Digestive system
Garlic : lipids and cholesterol
Asparagus : Female reproductive system and lactation
Aloe Vera : Hair and skin treatment
Neem : blood purifier and anti-fungal treatment

Get Ready For Summer

For a healthier you when warmer weather rolls around, it can be wise to think S.P.R.I.N.G.!

Start Early: If you know that losing weight will make you feel more comfortable in more revealing fashions, look into a weight-loss program now.

Plan Your Results: Science has found that a healthy rate of weight loss is no more than two pounds a week. So if you're expecting to drop 40 pounds in a month, you'll be disappointed. Instead, use a realistic and specific weight-loss goal to set yourself up for success. Identifying your goal will help you achieve it and can motivate you to keep making progress along the way.

Renovate Your Recipes: Have your cake and eat it, too. Simply substitute unsweetened applesauce for a third of the oil or butter in your cookie and cake recipes; the end result will taste just as good without the extra calories and fat. You don't have to give up your favorite recipes, just find little ways to make them healthier. Many Web sites, including www.weightwatchers.com, have "renovated" versions of favorite recipes.

Identify Your Best Fit: Learn about different weight-loss programs and determine which will work best with your lifestyle. For example, Weight Watchers guest policy lets prospective members sit in on a meeting, free, to see what it's all about-and to listen to members share what works and laugh about what doesn't.

Navigate Your Neighborhood: Incorporate a walk into your daily routine. Walking is one of the few activities a person can benefit from at just about any fitness level. A pedometer can help you track your distance and improve it step by step.

Gauge Your Commitment: Many people think that they would look better in their swimsuit if they could drop a few pounds.

Carb Addict - Yes or No?

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about carbohydrates? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about carbohydrates.

Now that we've covered those aspects of carbohydrates, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered. 

It has been estimated that three out of every four overweight people are addicted to carbohydrates.  But what does this mean? In essence, it means that you have too much of the hormone insulin in your system.  This insulin prompts you to eat often and to consume the wrong types of foods.  Some of the tell-tale signs of carbohydrate addiction include fatigue, mood swings, and migraines which can be caused by low blood sugar.
     
A carb addiction can lead you to consume a whole bag of  pretzels at one sitting, or to indulge in half a cake at dinner time.  Your body is conditioned to eat as many carbs as possible.  Thus, it may seem that at times you’re never really satisfied—no matter how much or how often you eat.
       
On the official Carb Addicts plan, you eat two meals composed of vegetables and protein; the other meal consists of protein, vegetables that are not filled with starch, and carbohydrates.  During this last meal, known as the reward meal, you can even eat dessert.   The trick is to skip the carbs for two meals each day.
         
The authors of the program believe that, if you follow this regimen, you will lose your cravings for carbohydrates in time.  If your urge to consume carbs does not disappear by the second week of the program, they recommend checking your diet to see whether you are following the program closely.
         
With the Carb Addicts plan, like other diet plans, you need to closely monitor your portion sizes.  All of your hard work will be in vain if you allow yourself to over indulge in sweets—even if it is for only one meal a day.  Also, you need to make sure that the protein you consume is not high in fat.  You may want to eat fish, chicken with the skin removed, or lean meats when trying to obtain a protein source.
         
Another important aspect of the Carb Addicts plan is that you are not permitted artificial sweetener except during your reward meal.  This can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re accustomed to sweetened coffee in the morning.  However, it can be well worth the deprivation in the long run as you see those pounds melt away.
           
There is no set time for the reward meal; however the authors of the plan recommend that the meal take place in the evening.  This is because it can take 12 to 24 hours for the body to overcome carbohydrate overload.  There is also a psychological advantage to having the meal at night.  It gives you something to look forward to all day long.
           
You should begin your reward meal with a salad, such as a Caesar salad or an Oriental salad,  then divide the rest of the meal into thirds:  One third should consist of low-carb vegetables, one-third protein, and one-third carbs.  This formula has proven successful in enabling individuals to achieve long-term weight loss.
           
As with many other meal plans, the biggest challenge for those who are on the Carb Addicts Diet is the ability to stick with it.  Dieting can be hard work, no matter what kind of rewards await an individual at the end of the day.  Your commitment will enable you to stay with the program, even when it becomes particularly challenging.
           
Surf the World Wide Web, and you’ll find a number of testimonials offering glowing reviews of the Carb Addicts Diet.  But you should keep in mind that results can differ from individual to individual.  While some people might see rapid weight loss with the Carb Addicts plan, others may see only moderate weight loss.   The success of the program may depend on your own individual physiology.
           
Is the Carb Addicts Diet a fad?  It all depends on who you talk to.  While some people see it as a significant dietary breakthrough, others view it as just a passing fancy.   Medical experts disagree as to whether the Carb Addicts Diet represents sound nutrition.  In the end, you, in consultation with your personal physician, will have to decide whether the Carb Addicts Diet will work for you.      

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about carbohydrates.

A Speedy Recovery with SmartLipo

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 300,000 people in the United States underwent invasive surgery in 2006 to remove fat from within their bodies.  Liposuction is a procedure that is performed on a daily basis in the US, and one that often requires additional surgery to remove excess skin remaining when a bulk of fat is simply removed from the body.  For many people, liposuction can be a traumatic experience.

Fortunately, technology often holds the key to open doors that lead to improvement, especially in liposuction.  SmartLipo is one exemplary case.  This relatively new procedure is growing rapidly, servicing a steady flow of patients who wish to see firsthand if SmartLipo works as well as reported.  Dubbed by some as a "medical miracle," SmartLipo has made believers out of many clients.  SmartLipo does what it claims, and does so very well.

Traditional Liposuction - invasive and risky 

Liposuction has been performed on millions of people in the years following its introduction in 1982.  Although the surgery is performed often, the technique is quite invasive, and the outcome of the fat removal is in the hands of the surgeon, quite literally.

The cannula, or tube, used in traditional liposuction is between four and six millimeters in diameter and requires an incision that often requires stitches.  After the painful procedure is complete, patients can expect to wear compression bandages for at least six weeks.  Bruising and tissue damage is a common complication with traditional liposuction.

SmartLipo - advanced technology with minimal invasion

SmartLipo is far more advanced than traditional liposuction.  Rather than manually moving the cannula through the area of fat removal, plastic surgeons use a much thinner cannula (one millimeter in diameter), which has a laser affixed to the end.

Also known as laserlipolysis, SmartLipo does not suck the fat cells out of the body.  Instead, the laser is used to melt the fat cells in the area of treatment, and the heat from the laser helps seal off blood vessels to minimize bleeding.  Connective tissue is not bruised or traumatized as it commonly is in traditional liposuction procedures.

Another added effect of undergoing SmartLipo is that collagen is produced by the body as a response to the heat of the laser.  Generally, plastic surgeons inject patients with collagen to add firmness to saggy areas.  As a great side effect, SmartLipo actually helps sculpt the body by firming the skin as fat is removed. This process continues from within the body for approximately three months.

Generally speaking, most patients who undergo SmartLipo treatment are back at work within two days.  As tissue trauma and bleeding is so minimal, compression bandages are only recommended for up to two weeks, simply as a precaution.  The site of the laser's insertion is unnoticeable and requires no stitches.  Compared with traditional liposuction, which can require up to six weeks of bandaging, stitches, and even additional surgeries to remove excess skin, SmartLipo is certainly the fastest, most advanced and effective method to permanently eliminate the body of fat in problem areas.

Black Hair Care: How To Take Care Of Cornrows

Cornrows and braids are one of those timeless styles that have crossed all gender and ethnic gaps. In fact, nothing is more beautiful than heedful of intricate braids and rows and no two styles are exactly alike. That is why more and more people are choosing to express themselves and their individual style through braiding and rowing.

But as with all styles, cornrows come with their own special challenges and problems. One of the most obvious problems associated with any tight braiding technique is breakage. While black hair has fewer tendencies to break than Caucasian hair, it can still take a great deal of abuse if the braids are not done and cared for properly. In addition to breakage, you can also experience dull, frizzy and dry hair as a result of wearing cornrows or braids.

To avoid all of these drawbacks and to keep your braids looking shiny and neat, follow the following care tips:

· Choose your artist wisely – As with any artistic field, braiders come in many levels of expertise. Be sure to choose one that has been in the business for a good while. Also, ask to see sample photos of the stylist’s work. This will give you a good idea about their level of expertise.

· Grow hair to proper length - In order to get a good braid, your stylist has to have enough hair to work with. A good rule of thumb to follow on length is 10cm for straight hair and a minimum of 5 cm for curly hair.

· Cleanse without disrupting – Granted, shampooing your hair with all of those rows and braids is not an easy task. To clean down to the scalp without disrupting your style you can use a shower massager or dental water pick.

· Wrap to prevent frizz and breakage – When you’re sleeping, your hair comes into constant contact with your pillow and your movements cause friction and tension to be applied to your braids. This can result in fly away hair, frizz and breakage. To avoid this simply wrap your head with a do rag or cloth before sleeping.

· Keep salon appointments – If your braid artist tells you to get a trim every 6 weeks, do so. And if he or she tells you to get your braids redone within a certain time frame, be sure that you do. This will help keep your braids looking neat and fresh.

How To Do Cornrow Braids - Learn how to to this simple braiding technique.

Cosmetic Dentistry - A Closer Look?

Cosmetic dentistry has come to mean different things to different people. A big reason for this is because there are so many procedures performed in and out of the dentist's office that have been put into this category.

Of course, all cosmetic dentistry procedures must be carefully planned with expected outcomes clearly discussed but it can be a procedure as relatively simple as reshaping a few teeth.

The past few years, one of the most requested "cosmetic dentistry" procedures is tooth whitening. It's literally taken America by storm. Tooth whitening can be approached in a number of different ways. It simply depends on your budget and what type of results you desire.

The most cost effective method is purchasing over-the-counter products, which will normally produce "acceptable" results to systems using trays made from impressions of your teeth. The trays are created in a dentist's office and are used with one of several whitening (bleaching) agents. For those who want a one-shot approach, there are also a few different in-office systems that usually employ a very bright light to enhance the speed and efficacy after whitening.

Something to keep in mind is that if you are someone with dark colored or excessively grey teeth whitening may not be as effective as you would have hoped. Of course, if your teeth are like this your dentist should discuss this beforehand. In addition, if you've had a high number of fillings, crowns or other dental procedures of this type on your teeth then bleaching may not be the right option for you either. Tooth-colored bonded resin fillings and bonded porcelain fillings and crowns on the back teeth would certainly fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry.

Colored resin that matches the color of your teeth is a material that can often be bonded to areas of the front teeth. This resin can be shaped and sculpted to repair fractures of the front teeth, close spaces and reshape teeth. There are a number of advantages to this procedure. First, it can usually be done in one visit. Two, it's conservative. Three, it can look very nice and four, it's less expensive than some other options. A few disadvantages would include the life expectancy of this process is somewhat limited (usually five to seven years). Plus, staining and discoloration occurs over time, strength is much less than with porcelain and resin bonding has esthetic limitations depending upon the size of the case.

The gold standard in restoring a beautiful smile is bonding porcelain veneers or laminates directly to teeth. Under the direction of a skilled dentist and staff (including ceramist) porcelain veneers can create incredibly beautiful and natural smiles. The advantages are unsurpassed beauty, longevity and strength. On the other hand, two disadvantages are cost (can be very expensive) and that some minimal tooth structure needs to be removed.

There are many other cosmetic dentistry options available which should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist. Of course, one of the most important elements for you is to find a dentist that has the skill, experience and aesthetic eye to give you a beautiful smile.

A great smile is an under-appreciated asset. First impressions are important in all aspects of live (personal and business) and one of the first things people see and judge when they meet someone are their eyes and smile.

Studies by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) have shown that people with attractive smiles get better jobs, are held in higher regard, normally make a better impression and in many instances make more money. But another less obvious benefit is the increase in esteem and confidence that comes with a smile you can be proud of.

It is such a freeing experience for someone who hides their smile to start smiling big and confidently.

Advice On Buying Maternity Wear

Just because you are 8 months pregnant with a stomach out to there, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still care about your appearance. In fact, when you’re feeling hormonal and down in the dumps, a good shopping trip for stylish maternity wear may be exactly what you need.

General advice

The first instinct pregnant mothers have when shopping is to go directly for something that is large and baggy. Please avoid this as maternity clothing that is layered or has bold prints or horizontal stripes will only make you seem bigger. Everyone knows that black is slimming so if you want to appear smaller, go for maternity clothing in one solid color. Don’t compromise your style. If you find maternity clothing too plain, try going to plus size stores or shop at your usual haunts but buy a bigger size. This will allow you to go for styles that you would normally have preferred pre-pregnancy.

Maternity wear budget

Be careful with your budget though, as you have to remember you won’t be that big for that long! If you want to save money, borrow other people’s maternity clothing. Most mothers’ keep their maternity clothing in case of future pregnancies or as a keepsake and they’ll probably be happy to let their used maternity clothing be used by you. Or, you could try yard sales or consignment shops for a good bargain.

Shoes

If you are well into your pregnancy, you don’t want to buy high heels. Flat shoes or flip flops are the best way to go. If you must have heels in your shoe, try kitten heels as they are not that high and will be comfortable to wear.

Maternity formal wear

The best kind of formal wear won’t hide your shape. Be proud of your new pregnant shape and show it off. Formal wear for expectant mothers can be found in suits or dresses. The most common colors are black or midnight blue as it is one solid color that is slimming to all shapes. The best maternity dresses are empire cut, which means it is cut right under the bust, to provide maximum room for movement of your growing belly. Maternity suits are also alternative and very flattering to those who are four to five months pregnant.

Maternity swim wear

If you are only four to six months pregnant, you can probably get away with going to plus sized stores and purchasing larger swimsuits as maternity swim wear. In this way, you will get a greater range of swim wear to choose from without having to change your style. Maternity swim wear is not readily available all year round so make sure to head straight to your favorite maternity clothing store when the sun comes out if you’re planning a tropical holiday during the winter.

Whatever your shape or size, you are bound to find maternity wear for any occasion! Don’t just stick to the boring styles you often see in maternity stores; be inventive when mixing and matching to create your own maternity wear style!


How to Dress for Pregnancy without Maternity Clothes

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are natural and synthetic steroid hormones, which enhance the cell growth and division, resulting in the growth of many types of the tissues, particularly the muscle and bone. Anabolic Steroids are also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids.

Anabolic Steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids, are the synthetic derivatives of the naturally occurring male anabolic hormone testosterone. Different anabolic steroids have different combinations of the androgenic and anabolic properties. ‘Anabolism’ is the metabolic process of building the larger molecules from the smaller ones. The words anabolic and androgenic are originated from the Greek – anabolic, means ‘to build’ and androgenic, meaning ‘masculinizing’.

Anabolic steroids were first discovered in the early 1930s. These have been used for the various medical purposes including the stimulation of the bone growth, muscle growth, appetite and puberty.

Anabolic steroids are widely used for the chronic wasting conditions such as AIDS and cancer. These can generate certain physiological effects including the increase in the protein synthesis, muscle mass, appetite, strength, and bone growth. In spite of their positive side, when these are taken in excessive amounts, these result in many side effects such as high cholesterol level – rise in LDL, fall in HDL levels, increased blood pressure, hepatotoxicity and alterations in the left ventricle morphology.

Testosterone and di-hydrotestosterone are the physiological effects of the anabolic steroids. If it is taken during the time of pregnancy, then it can affect the development of the fetus.

 The maintenance of the muscle and bone mass in the adulthood including the stimulation of the puberty growth spurts, including the hair growth, sebaceous gland oil production, and sexuality, are also affected by the intake of excessive amounts.

Anabolic steroids are androgenic and generate the androgenic effects in the human body. Androgens stimulate the myogenesis that is the muscular tissue’s formation. The androgens also cause the hypertrophy of the both types of the muscle fibers. Various types of the anabolic steroids bind to the androgen receptor for varying degree depending on their chemical structure.

Anabolic Steroids--A Physician's Perspective 

Avoid Bad Breath

Bad breath can be a serious issue.  No one wants to be known as having bad breath.  However, brushing regularly and mouthwash may not always be effective.  Here are some tips about avoiding bad breath.

If you are suffering from bad breath, brushing and rinsing your mouth  may not be an effective remedy.  There are many reasons why people have bad breath.

Besides eating potent foods such as onions and garlic, most dentists have found that the top bad breath contributors are a dry mouth or sinus infection.  Even if you are following an oral hygiene regiment, these two contributors can still cause bad breath.

 If you have dry mouth you can easily counter by constantly keeping your mouth moist by a lozenge or drinking water regularly  However, if you have a sinus infection, you will need to see a doctor for a prescription to rid yourself of it..  Most people don’t even realize that they have a sinus infection, but bad breath can be an indicator of one.

So if you are trying to avoid embarrassment look into these tips or see your dentist or doctor to avoid bad breath

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath with Home Remedies

   

A Healthy Approach To Stress

Different people get bothered for different reasons. A big sports game, an office presentation, deadlines at work, even other people and relationships --- all these can cause us stress. This feeling of mild anxiety can cause different outcomes, even negative consequences. A student can fail his or her exam simply by being stressed out or when he encounters a mental block that prevents effective study or getting the right answers to an exam.

Stress, as a normal human reaction, is the body's reaction to rising challenges and tough situations.  Everyone, in some way or another, encounters stress whenever possible. It is simply inevitable.  People and events tend to clash, therefore resulting in stress. People work, play, study, do things everyday, and it is impossible not to feel stressed at one way or another. At this point, when people do not want to experience any much of this, they turn to medications for anti stress, also associated with anti-anxiety for instant relief.

A healthier approach to relieving stress is by practicing stress techniques that can maintain the person's state of balance and regulation in both body and mind.  Exercise is a stress technique that is not only good for your physical health but also helps relieve a person's tension and frustration.  Sports and other fitness routines are excellent ways to relieve tension.  Many people who want to manage stress go to a boxing class, join a cycling club,  or engage in other exercise activities that would allow them to release their stress.

Aside from exercise, another useful technique is to practice deep breathing, which gives the person a feeling of relaxation.  Proper breathing counts and rhythm is used as stress techniques that eventually lead to more relaxation.  Relaxation activities such as Yoga or Tai chi can also eliminate stress by relaxing the mind and body, and thereby relieving stress patterns around the body.  Yoga and tai-chi also helps develop concentration and positive body awareness.

These Oriental arts have been practiced by millions of people for centuries and medical research have documented the beneficial effects of these modes of exercise. By moving slowly with ease and always in a state of relaxation, the person performing these activities will feel good, and soon the feeling of relaxation will follow.  Muscle relaxation also works in relieving stress.

By deep breathing and constant contraction and relaxation of different body parts, the person will feel relaxed every after contraction, which also releases stress. Massage therapy also helps fight stress. Massaging your scalp, putting pressure on your shoulders or even your eyes can really decrease stress in that certain part of the body.

People should take a second look at these stress techniques. But for those who have tried every massage or stress management technique, taking a prescription drug may very well be the last option.  However, the use of these medications almost always have side effects. But with proper doctor's advice, the use of safe and proven drugs may help people who need fast relief.  There are a lot of healthy ways to beat stress.

Breast Cancer: What Women Should Know

From relative obscurity, breast cancer has become one of the leading causes of deaths among women in the world. In 2001, about 200,000 cases of breast cancer have been reported in the United States, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in the US. It is, in fact, the most common malignancy problem that is affecting women in North America and Europe today.

But what is breast cancer and how do people get it? 

Breast cancer occurs when malignant tumors in the breast grow and start to affect other tissues in the body. There is still no clear indications how tumors are created but what is often observed is that cancerous cells usually comes from ducts or glands.

Although women’s health organizations advise women to massage the breast daily and to feel for any lumps, it may a long time before a cancerous cell get big enough for us to feel it. By that time, it may already be too late. Doctors make use of mammograms for their diagnosis.

Breast at risk

All women are actually at risk, with the risk increasing with the presence of some risk factors that are already part of the natural cycle, for example, aging. Family history of breast cancer can also significantly affect the prognosis as heredity has been found to play a role. Women who got their periods before they were 12 years old and those who never had or had children after 30 years old are also more likely to develop breast cancer.

There are also risk factors that medical science can help alter such as hormonal problems through replacement therapies. Women are also advised to decrease their consumption of alcoholic drinks, exercise every day and decrease the use of birth control pills. Breastfeeding has been found to decrease the risk of breast cancer development.

Although there are some factors that women can avoid to prevent breast cancer from developing, cause and effect relationships between these factors and breast cancer is still debatable. For women who are already at high risk, doctors often recommend a drug called Tamoxifen, which is known to decrease the risk by as much 50 percent when taken in five years. Still, like all medications, Tamoxifen has side effects such as hot flushes, vaginal discharges and sometimes even blood clots. Taking the drug can also lead to pulmonary emobolus, stroke and uterine cancer, although these are all isolated cases.

Another avenue that women can go to is Vitamin A, which some studies show to be effective in decreasing the risk. Still, research is still in the initial stages and nothing has been proven yet. Other things that are being linked to the breast cancer fight are phytoestrogens, which can be found in soya, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.

But until something concrete is found in research, the only thing that women can do to ensure that they are safe from breast cancer is early detection. This can be done through daily self-examinations as well as annual check ups and mammogram tests. It is also important that women know the beginnings of breast cancer. Here are some of the signs that they should watch out for.

Lumps in the breast and in the underarms
Scaling of the skin of the breast and of the nipple
Redness in the skin of the breast and of the nipple
Changes in the size of their breasts
Discharges from the nipple

If these signs are observed, it is best to consult a specialist so that you can know whether you have breast cancer or not.

How to Check Yourself for Breast Cancer

  As defined, breast cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Its cause is still quite uncertain, but it happens when there is an abnormal growth of breast cells. It is considered to be the most common cancer in women, although men can also suffer from it. 

 Older women are more prone to developing breast cancer, however, in rare cases; younger women have been diagnosed with the illness. Learning how to check yourself for breast cancer involves several steps that you can do personally or with the assistance of experts or specialists. Time is essential and early detection is the most important thing

A Life With Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a medical condition that refers to a lateral or rotational curve and deformities in the spine.  There are different types and causes of scoliosis. A congenital scoliosis is a condition that has developed after birth while an idiopathic scoliosis develops as a secondary symptom of another condition. Scoliosis can affect anyone and serious cases can be physically debilitating.

Scoliosis causes the spine to develop or curve into a C-shape or into other directions.  It is often painful but some conditions during adolescence not cause too much discomfort except for the obvious physical or skeletal imbalance. Celebrities who have been diagnosed with scoliosis include Isabella Rosellini, Renee Russo, Liza Minelli, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

To get proper diagnosis, a person must consult an orthopedist who specializes in spine diseases and bone abnormalities.   The orthopedist will usually ask the patient to undergo the following examinations:

Physical Examination – Your doctor will check your  back, chest, hips, legs, and even the skin.  The doctor will look for imbalances or structural abnormalities in your shoulders, legs, and chest.   Specifically, the doctor will look to see of your head is centered over your shoulders, and whether opposite sides of your body look even.  Another easy way to detect scoliosis is to examine whether your pant legs drop at equal length.

X-ray – If you have unusual, persistent low back pain or a large spinal curve, the doctor will ask you to take an x-ray examination.  The x-ray of your back will give a more detailed picture of the spine and the curvatures.

Curve Measurement -  Using the X-ray image, the doctor will measure the curve and determine what kind of therapy or treatment is needed based on the degree of curvature. Curves that are greater than 20 degrees need immediate medical treatment, which may include surgery.


Kinds of treatment for scoliosis

There are different approaches in the treatment and management of scoliosis, as shown below:

Bracing - This is recommended for children or adolescents whose curves progress to 30 degrees and beyond. Bracing allows the spine to be held in a straighter position and prevents the progression of the curve.

A brace will not make your spine straight but it will help improve the posture and reduce the curvature.  The commonly prescribed brace is called the Milwaukee Brace which consists of metal uprights attached to pads and positioned on the hips, rib cage, and neck;  and the Underarm Brace which is made of plastic and is placed around the rib cage, abdomen, and hips. Bracing is also prescribed for other types of neuromuscular disease such as spinal muscular atrophy.

Surgery – When bracing fails to give the desired results, surgery is often seen as the next option. Bracing might not work for everyone. The main purpose for surgery is to join together the bones of your curve and realign the vertebrae.  The surgical procedure is called spinal fusion.


Coping with scoliosis

To cope with scoliosis, some patients get a massage or a similar therapy session that helps improve body alignment, flexibility, and posture. Aquatic exercise can also improve a scoliosis patient's posture and balance. Acupuncture is also used as an alternative method for reducing pain and discomfort brought about by scoliosis.

Your world need not stop from spinning just because you have a spine problem.  Scoliosis patients can still lead happy, active lives.  People with scoliosis can still participate in sports and other physical activities.  Remember, physical fitness is important for people with back and spine problems.

Scoliosis Surgery-My recovery

This is my surgery and recovery video from scoliosis/spinal surgery. Going into it I was scared for my life, and looking at these other videos to recovery didn't help much. I documented my process through everything and it turned out to be a phenomenal recovery! I was up and walking the day after the surgery and by the third day I could do a lot on my own. So anyone with scoliosis, I say surgery was a great decision for me and could be for you too! It IS possible to have a fast recovery! Maybe someday I can change someones life through this video.

Baldness Cures and Treatments

The most common cause of hair loss, especially in men, is androgenetic, or male pattern baldness.

 Mid-teens or puberty starts the ‘balding’ process for individuals whose genetics predispose them to baldness.

The normal production of hair by the follicle is altered by the pubertal increase in testosterone production resulting in an increased production of DiHydroTestosterone.



Hair strands become thinner, grow slower and fall out at shorter lengths with each cycle until eventually the follicle stops production altogether.  The case becomes severe when the follicle is lost permanently and hair production literally comes to a halt.

In an attempt to obtain a normal looking head of hair or to slow hair loss, American male population alone reportedly spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on lotions and potions, tonics and aerosol spray cover-ups, toupees, and hair-plug transplantation.  And then there are the more sensitive procedures like hair transplant and scalp surgery. The great lengths of search for baldness cure goes on.  As such, the U.S. economy generates something close to $1 billion annually in revenue generated by the treatment of baldness.

Indeed, the great hair cure has been sought for centuries, however, until recently men has come to their senses that when they age between 18 and 80 they loose their hair at a rate closely related with their age.  This is no hair fluke, so to speak.  Research revealed that 12% to 80% of men ranging in ages from 18 to 80 experience cosmetically moderate to significant hair loss from the front to rear crown area of their head.  Of the respondents, younger men where in early stages of hair loss, while older men were completely bald over the entire crown area of their heads.  In this regard, “It comes with age” appears to be a qualified statement.

And so, over the last 40 years, medical doctors have sequentially stumbled upon several hair loss cures and treatments loss.

Exotic topical creams and liquids in the form of lotions and potions, even shampoos and conditioners with ‘natural ingredient’ claims may simply regenerate hair growth.

Aerosol hair spray cover-ups are merely colored powders or fibers that simply color the scalp and thicken thinning hair.  The appearance of an almost natural thick-looking hair is temporary and deceiving.  Its name actually says it all – cover-up!
Several highly publicized alternatives offer real potential promise.  One potent alternative is a topical drug called Minoxidil® which has been proclaimed to somewhat slow hair loss and in very few cases, to stimulate hair regeneration, albeit limited.  Very recently the brand Rogaine® -- a topical alcohol mixture consisting Minoxidil® is demonstrating relative effectiveness.  Sufficient scalp penetration is advised to achieve best results.

The latest hair loss product is generically called Finasteride, an antiandrogen that inhibits the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.  It is being branded in the market as PROPECIA® and PROCAR®.  The pill taken orally/once a day claims that it can regenerate hair growth on bald or balding areas of the scalp.

Another alternative discovery that is slowly gaining popularity is rather procedural and involves meticulous process. The technique uses surgical scalp transplants to redistribute remaining hair on the scalp to balding or completely bald areas of the scalp.  But the procedure, however credible, is not easily accessible to majority of the balding population because of its high cost and maintenance.

With the still growing concern for hair loss, a more realistic and easier to achieve method now runs on prevention rather than cure.  This observation is regarded as more practical approach since most cases of progressive baldness can be identified at an early stage.

Best review hair loss cure for men-women + Hair loss treatment and regrowth