Women Beauty

Get A Healthy Whiter Smile

2008-10-26T02:38:00.000-07:00

Taking care of your teeth means more than scrubbing with a good toothbrush two times a day with a flouridated toothpaste, and travelling to the dental surgeon two times a year, but those are the basics for nurturing for your smile. As we get older, difficulties with awful teeth and gums start to display in periods of yellowing, chipping or sensitivity. With age, teeth misplace their whiteness and start to yellow: one sure-fire way to take years off your look is by whitening your teeth with a dwelling or expert whitener.

The reality about over the contradict whitening toothpastes
Many toothpastes assertion to be "whitening", but when you read the mark, you'll glimpse the only hardworking component is fluoride. Fluoride is essential for stopping cavities, but it doesn't do a thing for whiter teeth. Other over-the-counter "whitening" goods encompass ovenbaking soda and peroxide. Baking soda wisdom works by friction: it polishes stains from teeth. But, if your enamel is slim in locations, ovenbaking soda can wear it farther, revealing the dentin level under the enamel. When that occurs, you breeze up with a dark location or pit in the tooth. These locations often emerge along the gemlike, where enamel tends to wear away routinely and is weak. Whitening toothpastes can't rectify damaged enamel: it takes a journey to the dental surgeon to restore the missing level with bonding.

Strengthing and fixing damaged tooth enamel
Worn enamel arrives with age: it furthermore seems in junior persons who grind their teeth, persons who consume many of acidic nourishment, and persons with bulimia whose enamel has been damaged away by stomach acids. People with chronic heartburn or unpleasant reflux infection may furthermore have enamel damaged off by unpleasant, but for bruxers (or persons who grind their teeth), the enamel arrives off because of the force used by the jaws. The enamel flakes or chinks off under the pressure. If you grind your teeth, your dental surgeon will suggest that you wear a artificial evening guard over your teeth at night.

Natural tooth whitening remedy and goods
Peroxide is the classic at-home tooth whitening ingredient. Toothpastes like Rembrandt comprise peroxide in a dosage that, over a time span of weeks or months, has a bleaching sway on teeth by six shades or more. Depending on your teeth's sensitivity, you may favour slower-working toothpastes to quick-acting whitening kits. Bleach can make teeth perceptive, so if you try a tooth-whitener, proceed slow at the start, and perhaps two it with a sensitivity-reducing paste for example Sensodyne.

Professional dental surgeon tooth whitening
If you're in a rush, you can have your teeth professionally whitened in about an hour at the dentist's for round $300. Your dental surgeon may use a blend of topical bleaching gel and a lightweight activator to get your teeth super-white in no time at all.

Whiten your teeth without a journey to the dentist
If you don't desire to spend some century dollars, you have other options. Rembrandt has a new two-hour whitening scheme (Rembrandt 2-Hour White from www.drugstore.com) that values dishes and a gel to whiten teeth in a much shorter time than the common two-week time span required for other whiteners. You depart the dishes on for 20 minutes, then take them out for 10 minutes, alternating until the two hours are up. Or you can try other well liked at dwelling whiteners, like Crest White Strips, which take about a week to entire the whitening process.

How to Prevent Chronic Halitosis

2008-10-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

I one time took a class in Argentine Tango, which was set up in order that men and women certainly swapped partners while discovering the stylized steps. That was alright, but there was one friend who had none tempo, and three minutes of endeavouring to tango with him (counting to himself and still falling short his steps miserably) was like a faltering, cursing lifetime. But promenading with that poor klutz (I'm no Pavlova, by the way) was not anything contrasted to the man whose wind was so awful, I had to battle to contain my own wind or easily proceed mad. In the couple of steps where we turned away from each other, I had to gasp for a new wind of air, then turn for the next hellish step into the miasma. I sensed awful for the man at first: apparently, taking a tango class wasn't going to make him well liked with women as long as he could not eliminate his awful breath. But shortly, I begun to despise him: how could he not understand the effect his wind had on others? Why wouldn't he masticate a mint, for bawling out loud?

It was so awful that I really advised telling him, a total outsider, that he should masticate gum so I could accept to promenade with him. I didn't have to proceed that far, though, because in the end, I contacted a beautiful, sexy, middle-aged psychologist who was not only a fine and graceful person who promenades, but who stunk pleasant and admired to promenade with me. He organised to display up in front of me more and more often in the colleague swaps, and shortly, I barely danced to the melodies with any individual else.

Preventing awful wind from happening or not less than influencing others
I brush my teeth about five times a day, and masticate gum too. I good swish of mouthwash can be rather refreshing after a garlic topped up evening serving of food as well. But there have been times when forays into Vietnamese preparing nourishment or beer-and-pizza-with-the-guys has left my mouth less than new, which is why I convey gum in my purse for emergencies. This is a fast, provisional answer to curing lunchtime awful breath. While some persons pledge by wind mints, I've discovered that they don't do much for eradicating your wind one time they're gone.

Natural Solution to Stop Bad Breath
If you don't desire to get into any grave wind medications, there easier more natural goods available. For super-halitosis crises, you can use Breath Assure, which is not anything more than capsules of parsley oil. You don't masticate them (I endeavoured it one time and was paid with a powerful, sugary, oily flavour that made me gaze like my friends' feline the day we endeavoured to give him Benadryl to decrease the enlarging from a arachnid bite. The vet didn't identify the kind, just the dosage, and the fluid baby-dose Benadryl made him foam at the mouth for two hours. It was exceedingly unnerving.) The parsley oil works wonders, eradicating garlic wind and enhancing the wind for hours. Maybe that's why Greek, Turkish and Arabic cuisines blend parsley with lemon and garlic for relishes, salads and sauces.
If you are on a designated day and in a pinch with wholeheartedly no wind avoidance procedures on hand, try consuming the parley sprig most bistros location of their plates as decoration. It's free, effortlessly accessible, and it works! Just be discreet so your designated day doesn't apprehend on to your halitosis worries.

Causes of Bad Breath
Bad wind that arrives from nourishment is effortlessly completed off by scrubbing your teeth, scraping your tongue, flossing, gum masticating or the aforementioned Breath Assure, but chronic awful wind can be a symptom of other difficulties wellbeing difficulties for example tooth breakdown, sinus contamination, gum infection, or stomach problems. Eating disorders can furthermore conceive halitosis from the stomach acids churned up by hunger or by vomiting. If you (or the friend in your tango class) know-how chronic awful wind, the first thing to do is get to your dental surgeon for a checkup. After ruling out likely dental care matters, your dental surgeon may suggest a visit to the medical practitioner to direct out other illnesses.

Home Treatment Remedy for Halitosis
Old mouthwashes comprised alcoholic beverage and mint flavorings. New mouthwashes encompass zinc and chlorine dioxide. Zinc halts the method that conceives the sulfur mixtures in the mouth, which are mostly to blame for initating awful breath. Chlorine dioxide murders the sulfur that's currently present. You may conclude to add mouthwash to your normal hygiene program if or not you have other wellbeing matters that need to be settled in alignment to halt chronic halitosis for good.

Pedicures and Foot Care Tips for Year Round Pretty Bare Feet

2008-10-24T02:29:00.000-07:00

The foot: an intriguing part of the human anatomy. When we’re born, they take our footprints, persons enumerate our toes and tickle our soles to discover that magnificent baby gurgle. At that astonishing age offspring can really take contain of their feet to masticate reflectively on their own toes. Long before we’re strolling, our parents are packing them into minute little cowhide Oxfords, hiking boots or even minute running footwear, I estimate because they’re just so darned cute. Once we do start strolling, we take our feet for granted. They get us where we desire to proceed, and that’s just fine.

But one time we’re developed and endeavouring to fulfill our sexy destiny, we become cognizant of feet as aesthetic accessories. Turns out, they are more than just balancing devices, locomoting appendages. Feet have the astonishing capability to be exceedingly cute, or they can be downright hideous. Women's feet are generally nicer than men's, and the base fetish is a widespread obsession amidst men. In detail, China one time made the base the prime object of feminine sexy attractiveness, subjecting women to footbinding because minute feet were advised the most attractive. We still contain to the perfect of minute feet, which interprets why it's so hard to find women's footwear in broader that "B" width. It furthermore recounts pointy-toed footwear, stilettos and other trendy footwear that makes your legs gaze magnificent, but can turn toes into what one scribe recounted as "scrambled monstrosities".

Sexy feet, repulsive feet, are not generally a issue of luck. A allotment counts on the care and upkeep regime established by the foot-owner. At an unconditional, bare smallest, feet should be clean. I signify, you stroll on them, don’t you! What if you were stuffed into a cowhide display all day, strolling through parking allotments, jogging in reserves, buying, doing laundry, tapping intolerantly in line at the bank. Feet bear from need of air, from footwear that don’t respire, from sweaty situation on warm summer asphalt. Daily scrubbing with lather and a fastener brush is a good start, but it’s only a start, if you desire good-looking feet.

When it arrives to toenails, there is no in-between. Clean, wholesome, well-groomed toenails are sexy. Grubby, long, unhealthy toenails are nasty, and not to be tolerated. Toenails should be well-brushed with soapy water, clipped short and tidy with clippers, and treated with anti-fungal surgery if fasteners are discolored, broad or peeling. Even young women can get athlete’s base (always wear flip-flops at the gym, at the pool, at the reserve, in any wash that is not your very own), and there topical medicines that can therapy it. (If you don’t understand what athlete's base is, it’s a fungus that determinants feet to set alight, itch and peel).

Assuming your feet are clean and wholesome, the step to attractiveness is a short one. Keep your feet glossy by utilising a pumice pebble a twosome of times a week, wipe them with lotion like Upper Canada Peppermint Foot Cream to hold them supple, and use a clear polish if you don’t like blazingly tinted toes. No one converses about it (except in women's investigations class), but women augment hair on their toes. If your toes are fuzzy, you can wax them to add to general base smoothness. Get a pedicure for that expert polish, but don’t let them slash your cuticles, whose sole reason in life is to hold your feet protected from infections.

Showcase your sexy feet in strappy date-night sandals, sexy vocation pumps or stupid, weekend, jelly thongs with a shiny toe ring for an accent. (Never wear a toe ring and an anklet at the identical time –it’s a gigantic Fashion Don’t). Hiking boots are perfect for long strolls, and they furthermore gaze cute with ragg socks in wool or cotton fabric and tweed skirts. Boots habitually gaze magnificent, and the longer they are, the better they look. (There is a limit—boots that proceed past the knee shout "Dominatrix!" and may not be the gaze you’re endeavouring to project.

Stop a Nail Biting Habit with Proper Natural Nail Care

2008-10-23T02:17:00.000-07:00

Stop fastener biting. Break your toddler or child's custom early.

Beautiful hands and fastener care start with basics, and not having raggy, bleeding cuticles is a prime step in having presentable hands. Granted, one of the hardest customs to shatter is to halt fingernail gnawing, but it’s furthermore one of the more disfiguring things that can occur to a hand. We all understand somebody who bites their fasteners to the fast, then begins on those ragged cuticles. Nail-biting generally begins in early childhood as a toddler with some persons not ever outgrowing it, while other ones only revert to nail-biting in times of stress.

A digit fastener gnawing therapy that assisted remedy 18 year vintage girl's difficulty from when she was a child.

I understand a New York woman who halted gnawing her fasteners when she was eighteen, because she liked to be a air journey assistant, and she had read in one of those “How to Be a Flight Attendant” tour guides, that gnawed fasteners would hold her from being acknowledged into “Smile School”. (It was a long time before, when airlines furthermore had age limitations for stewardesses.) I adored her substantially as she halted through sheer willpower.

At first, she went retro and was dressed in hand-coverings a lot. She furthermore begun bearing a fastener document in her purse in order that when a fastener got divide or roughened, she could be careful of it on the spot. She was dressed in hand-coverings because taking off a hand-covering to gnaw a fastener is a large way to make yourself hesitate and address, and then halt the demeanour before it starts. She not ever did become a air journey assistant, but she did have her hands photographed for a bulletin publicity for the Chicago manicure and fastener salon that she frequented and one time more a couple of years subsequent for a Los Angeles fastener care and manicure salon.

Nail care and fastener gnawing products
There are some goods on the market to halt nail-biting, super-hot or acrid things to decorate on your nails. I've perceived some nail-biters state that the nasty flavour didn't halt them, but they should work for some people.

Finally, for nail-biters and non-nail-biters alike, hand elite right before bed is a large way to hold your skin smooth. When things are looking uneven (or if you’re a biter who’s endeavouring to quit), you can get some magnificently slim cotton fabric hand-coverings, slather on a hand elite like Sephora’s Bliss Glamour Glove Gel and hand-covering up until morning. The cotton fabric will hold the hand elite off the pillows and on your hands where it belongs. And for a genuine spa-treatment, get some little cotton fabric socks and give your feet the identical experience.

Nail polish displays off those fingers.

And for a little certain thing additional try a pleasant brilliant fastener polish for your next manicure. OPI fastener goods give a large expert complete that examines like you went to a manicure salon or spa. But purchaser beware of the "fake" acrylic manicure. Your own natural fasteners are better than utilising phony "glue on" nails. If your manicurist doesn't correctly clean tier devices, acrylic fastener submission can origin the feared fastener fungus that has to be particularly treated for months at a time. My recommendations save the acrylic french manicure for a exceptional happening or event like assisting the Boston symphony in a very dark sleek gown.

How to Polish, File, and Buff Nails Like a Professional Nail Salon

2008-10-22T02:16:00.000-07:00

Are you fatigued of paying out thousands of dollars each year at the tack salon? If you’re like most of the nation allocations are tighter than ever. To recompense for high gas costs and the getting higher cost of sustenance, tanning and massages salons are observing a descent in customers due to the economy. In augmentation, more women are forgoing their once a week visit to their certified tack technician and are doing their tacks at home. However, recognising how to suitably buff and organise their tacks can be a challenge. If not wrapped up in the right way, you can truly severe impairment your nails. So, take a view at these not hard steps and study the correct way to buff nails.

Use Salon Products and Tools
There are thousands of fastener goods on the market today and understanding which devices you need to correctly buff your fasteners can be tricky. However, if you visit your localized attractiveness shop you will need to choose up only a couple of products. First, a handheld fastener buffer is absolutely crucial on your register of supplies. These gaze alike to emery boards; although they have some distinct tinted panels and emerge more like a foam block. You may furthermore desire to catch a couple of containers of tinted polish or OPI polish in French white if you’d like to give yourself a French manicure.

Before Filing or Buffing…..
Before you start filing away at your fasteners, there are a couple of things you should do first. Be certain to eliminate all vintage polish with a mild digit fastener polish remover. Look for those without acetone for the gentlest results. After getting relieve of the polish, soak your hands in moderately hot soapy water for 10 minutes. This will make suppler your fasteners and skin to permit you to not only buff your fasteners better but furthermore eliminate the redundant cuticle areas. You can make your own homemade hand spa by loading a large basin with moderately hot water and supplementing a little allowance of scented bathing tub oil to the water. After soaking your hands, be certain to dry them completely.

Buff Nails the Right Way
To start, catch your fastener buffer and document your fasteners as you commonly would (rounded, rectangle or oval). With the roughest edge of the buffer, start to buff your nails. Use a softly side-to-side shift when doing this. The major reason of this stage is to glossy out any foremost ridges your fasteners may have. Next, use the next roughest edge of your buffer and replicate the process. This will farther work any ridges out of your fastener area. To complete the buffing stage, utilize the smoothest part of the buffer to polish your fasteners until they shine.

Be certain not to be too uneven when you are utilising the first couple of edges of the buffer. These are intended to only be utilised softly on the nails. Being too hard-hitting can lead to a divide or portion in the fastener, which is nearly habitually tough to fix properly.

Tips for Professional Salon Results
After you’ve effectively buffed your fasteners, address taking your homemade manicure to the next level. Grab your very well liked lotion (with or without sun block) and a two of clean cotton fabric hand-coverings (socks will work if you don’t have gloves). Lather your hands in the lotion, put them into the hand-coverings and delay for 10 minutes. When you drag your hands out, clean and dry them well. You will find they are unbelievably natural and soft! Be certain to swab your fasteners well, request a peak outer garment of polish and start decorating them in your yearned color. Allow the first outer garment of polish to set and request another slim coat. Finish with a peak outer garment and permit it to dry.As you can glimpse, getting attractive fasteners doesn’t inevitably need an costly journey to the salon. So, rather than of expending cash on artificial acrylic fasteners this time of the year, address taking the natural path and doing your fasteners and toe fasteners yourself at home!

Eye Shades

2008-10-21T23:43:00.000-07:00

Your eyes are the most exciting and expressive feature you have, so emphasizing them with make-up is extremely important.

Your eye can be divided into three parts, when it comes to makeup:

The eyelid
The center, or depth area
The brow bone

One-third from the base of the lashes to the crease line, and two-thirds from the crease line to the eyebrow. You can achieve this proportion with well judged make-up.

Choosing the right colours for your eyes is extremely important for outstanding effect. Professional make up artists follow these basic rules:

BLUE EYES - all the metallic(s)- gold, bronze, silver and silver greys, mauve, brown pink and fleshly tones.
BROWN EYES -gold, bronze, khaki pewter ,navy blue, mauve pink and fleshy tones.
GREEN EYES -gold, bronze ,grey, earthy tones, fleshy tones.

Keep the basic principles of light and dark in mind while applying color. Dark color recedes areas, light bring areas forward.

Tips for pretty eyes

Eye makeup application asks for, practice and patience. Once you have mastered the art, eye makeup will become a matter of minutes and seconds. Eye makeup involves three steps of applying,
Mascara
Eyeliner/ eye pencil
Eye shadow

Applying the mascara

Before applying mascara, consider curling your lashes with a lash curler to open up your eyes. This is helpful to frame the eyes, especially if your lashes are short.
To curl eyelashes with a lash curler your should start by squeezing in "steps" from the lashline to about 3/4 of the way toward tips.
To apply mascara, place your finger about mid-lid or on your eyebrow and pull up in order to hold your lid taut.
Holding the wand horizontally, sweep on mascara from roots to ends. Apply only to lash tips at first. Roll the wand slightly as you move, wiggle the wand slightly from side to side, along the lashes to distribute mascara evenly.
Allowing lashes to dry between coats thickens the lash while avoiding clumps. Let the mascara dry for a 4-5 minutes. Don't hurry, relax and wait. This point is where the wet mascara can smudge easily and leave messy marks where you don’t want them. Check your work before you begin the second coat, blinking can cause the wet lash ends to leave tiny mascara marks on your lids. Clean with a Q-tip or disposable applicator as you go, as needed.
Once the first application has dried, apply a second. For thicker lashes, carefully apply mascara to the upper side of the lashes as well. Wait and let it dry before you continue.

Don't:

Do not overload your eyes with mascara in hopes of creating lusciously thick lashes. Result, a look that is thick, smudgy, and unattractive.
Don't apply a second coat until the first one has fully dried.
Don't apply a mascara that's too dark. If you've got blonde, red, or brown hair, stick with a brown or darker brown shade. Using a dark black color will create a look that is way too dramatic.

Applying the eye-liner

Lining the lashes is a great way to add extra flair to your eyes. It's simple to apply and can be done in mere seconds.
Determining the right color to use is a cinch. If you've got blonde, red, or light brown hair, go with a brown shade. If you've got dark brown or black hair, use a black eyeliner.
Unload some of the liner (if using liquid liner) After removing the brush from the tube, stroke it over the opening several times to minimize the amount of liquid on the tip.
Get real close to the mirror. Tilt your head back till you've got a good visual of your lash line. While holding the brush between your index and thumb, prop your pinkie on your cheek for stability. Keep your mouth slightly open to relax the facial muscles...this will make you less likely to blink.
If you choose to use a pencil eyeliner, Extend a very thin pencil line as close to the lashline as possible, along the most inner part of the upper lid near the nose. This is a place often forgotten but add an attractive natural definition to the eye.
Apply a thin stroke from the inner corner of your eye's upper lash line all the way out to the outer corner. If you want to line the lower lashes go light as a line too heavy on the lower lashes can give an un-natural, owl-like effect on the eyes.
Line the lower lash line with a pencil. Take an eyeliner pencil, and using the same body positioning, put the pencil at the mid point of your lower (outer) lash line and take the line to the outer corner.

Note: Eyeliners can be worn with or without eye shadow. But... if you're wearing eyeshadow, you must apply eyeliner. Also, don't want to line the entire lower lash line, unless you have big eyes.

Applying eye shadow

You can own as many as you like, but no one needs to wear three eye shadows at the same time, two shades- a base and a defining tone are enough.
Always keep your eyes moisturized. Wrinkles causes make-up to "cake-up" in your wrinkles so please don't let your precious eyelids and upper eyes dry out.
Follow it up by applying a light yet normal layer of foundation on eyelids and upper eye area.
For the base, choose a darker color and apply it to the inner third of the eyelid and "run" it to about half way to the corner of the outer eye.
When applying eye shadow to the crease of the eye, keep your eyes open and slightly tilt your head backward. This will enable you to better see the shape you are creating and allowing the shadow to go into the crease.
The contour will be a lighter shade of whatever base you chose and will begin at the remaining two thirds of the area shown and should "run" out to the end of your eyelid but should subtly blend in with your base at the inner one third. (The colors you choose will be those that match your "wardrobe" of the evening of course).
The accent gets applied to the lower "fold" of the eyelid as you "stretch" your eyelid by closing your eye and raising your eyebrow at the same time. Apply a fine line of the lightest shade of eye color that matches your "palette" to this area.
The highlight is what makes your brow appear to be "higher". It is usually a white or the lightest color. Once you have "painted" all the minute areas of your eyes.
Blend them with a big, soft, blending brush. Sweep the brush up and away from your eyes toward your temple. Sweep in the direction of your lashes.
Use the spiral brush or lash comb to give lashes a final brush-through, after they’ve dried to remove any clumps and give lashes a more natural look.
If you apply mascara to lower lashes, go light. Apply by brushing the lashes with the wand in a vertical position to sweep across lashes or apply gently lash by lash. Adding too much mascara on the lower lashes can be aging to more mature eyes.

EYES SHAPE SECRETS

If you have small eyes never apply liner to the inner rims; put it above or below the lash line.
Flesh coloured eyes shadows, brushed on to your brown bone will open your eyes. When using colors stick to sweeping one shade over the eye rather than several.
If you eyes are very round, apply a natural (not black) kohl pencil around the whole eye; if they are very narrow or almond-shaped, open with the brown shaped trick and/ or pencil the outer corner.
Plucking your eyes brows will make the whole eyes area seem larger. Do not go mad as thin eyes brows look awful, but just clean up the area beneath the arch by plucking out hairs that are not part of the main brow the difference will be startling.

Eyebrows tips

The following tips will help you care for and maintain those well-groomed eyebrows:
Don't over-tweeze. Always follow the "less is better" approach.
Follow the natural shape of the brow.
Never apply colour in heavy, solid lines. Rather, use light, fine, feathery strokes to simulate the natural eyebrow hairs.
Eyebrows should always be a few shades lighter than your hair colour - never darker! When they are darker they look artificial and have a tendency to distract attention from the beauty of your eyes.
Never shave your eyebrows - they will only grow back stronger and more coarse.
If your brows are a bit flaky or scaly, lubricate them at night with a little Vaseline or castor oil.

Managing Heel Pain

2008-10-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

Heel pain is generally the result of faulty biomechanics (walking gait abnormalities) that place too much stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues that attach to it. The stress may also result from injury, or a bruise incurred while walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces; wearing poorly constructed footwear; or being overweight.

The heel bone is the largest of the 26 bones in the human foot, which also has 33 joints and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments.

Conditions that cause heel pain generally fall into two main categories: pain beneath the heel and pain behind the heel.

Pain Beneath The Heel
If it hurts under your heel, you may have one or more conditions that inflame the tissues on the bottom of your foot:

Stone bruise: When you step on a hard object such as a rock or stone, you can bruise the fat pad on the underside of your heel. It may or may not look discolored. The pain goes away gradually with rest.
Plantar fasciitis: (subcalcaneal pain) Doing too much running or jumping can inflame the tissue band (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain is centered under your heel and may be mild at first but flares up when you take your first steps after resting overnight. You may need to do special exercises, take medication to reduce swelling and wear a heel pad in your shoe.
Heel spur: When plantar fasciitis continues for a long time, a heel spur (calcium deposit) may form where the fascia tissue band connects to your heel bone. Your doctor may take an X-ray to see the bony protrusion, which can vary in size. Treatment is usually the same as for plantar fasciitis: rest until the pain subsides, do special stretching exercises and wear heel pad shoe inserts.

Pain Behind The Heel
If you have pain behind your heel, you may have inflamed the area where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone (retrocalcaneal bursitis). People often get this by running too much or wearing shoes that rub or cut into the back of the heel. Pain behind the heel may build slowly over time, causing the skin to thicken, get red and swell. You might develop a bump on the back of your heel that feels tender and warm to the touch. The pain flares up when you first start an activity after resting. It often hurts too much to wear normal shoes. You may need an X-ray to see if you also have a bone spur.

Initially, your doctor may instruct you to apply ice for 10 minutes several times a day (especially after activity and at bedtime), using an ice bath or cubes in a bag. If the problem persists he/she might prescribe painkillers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Foam heel cups or shoe inserts (called orthotic devices) may also be helpful.

Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm (not hot) water, using a mild soap, preferably one containing moisturizers, or use a moisturizer separately. Test the water temperature with your hand.

In addition below are, stretching and strengthening exercises for the Achilles tendon and the calf muscles that will help you heal faster. These exercises are to be done barefoot.

Do heel raises to help stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia .
While sitting on a chair, grab a towel with your toes as if you are going to pick up the towel with your foot. Repeat this exercise several times a day.
Strengthen your leg muscles by standing on the ball of your foot at the edge of a step and raising up as high as possible on your toes. Relax between toe raises and let your heel fall a little lower than the edge of the step.
Walk on your toes only, then walk on your heels only, then walk backward to the starting point. Carry hand weights (10 to 20 pounds) to increase the value of these exercises.
Stand straight with your hands against a wall and one leg slightly behind your other leg. Keeping your heels flat on the floor, slowly bend both knees. You should feel the stretch in the lower part of your leg. Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat the stretch 6 to 8 times. This stretching exercise may be helpful for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis and calcaneal apophysitis.
Lie down with your upper body supported on your elbows. Tighten the top of the thigh muscle of one leg. Raise your leg on a count of 4, hold for a 2 count, and then lower the leg on a 4 count. Relax your thigh muscles. Then tighten the thigh and repeat. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions each day. Once your leg gains strength, do the exercise with weights on your ankle. This strengthening exercise may be particularly helpful for patellofemoral syndrome.
Lie on your stomach. Tighten your thigh muscles and slowly raise your injured leg off the floor on a 4 count. Hold the leg up for a 2 count, and then lower the leg on a 4 count. Relax your thigh muscles. Tighten the thigh and repeat. Do 3 sets of 10 repetitions each day. Once your leg gains strength, do the exercise with weights on your ankle. This strengthening exercise may be helpful for hamstring strain.
Walk or run barefoot whenever possible.
Practice stress reduction techniques to relax your muscles—and your mind. These have been shown to help relieve pain. For instance, try tensing and releasing the muscles in your body from your head to your toes.

As the pain decreases and your strength improves, gradually return to your usual activities. Exercises that keep your full weight off your feet, such as bicycling or swimming, will help you maintain fitness during recovery. Only a relatively few cases of heel pain require more advanced treatments or surgery. If surgery is necessary, it may involve the release of the plantar fascia, removal of a spur, removal of a bursa, or removal of a neuroma or other soft-tissue growth.

Know Your Nail Type

2008-10-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

Fed up with spending time on your nails only for them to snap minutes after your manicure? Well, if the products you're using aren't right for your nail type, you could actually be killing your nails with kindness. Truth is, just like skin and hair, nails come in types- five, in fact. Nails can be dry, brittle, damaged, sort or normal, and they need to be treated accordingly. Here's how to diagnose your particular nail type - and how to treat it property.

Dry Nails
Dry nails lack lustre and look dull; plus, if you run you r thumb over the nail, it will drag slightly instead of sliding cleanly across. The secret to treating dry nails is to rehydrate them - vitamin E is fantastic for this (just like it is on dry skin) so open vitamin capsule and rub it directly onto the nails morning and evening. It'll also help if you always wear a moisturizing base coat to hydrate the nails twenty - four/seven and prevent further drying by switching from soap to hand washes. Finally, steer clear of pearlized polish. The ingredients used to make them sparkly can be dehydrating.

Brittle Nails
Gently press the sides of your nails together. If your nail doesn't bend, chances are you have brittle nails. These have no moisture left in them at all. Which also means they have no flexibility and shatter as soon as they bash on something. This causes most people to reach for the nail hardener, but this is the worst thing you can do as it makes the nail even more rigid. It's better to boost flexibility by oiling the nails nightly with almond oil instead. The shape of your nails will also add strength. The best is a squoval shape ( where the sides of the nail are left straight and only the top is rounded ), as this helps the nail absorb shocks better.

Damaged Nails
If your nails are flaking or splitting, you have damaged nails. These are most commonly caused by severe dehydration. Help them with a treatment base coat to heal the nail, but make sure that, as you apply it, you stipple it into any flaky spots (just like you would cover peeling paint). This will prevent air bubbles forming under the polish and stop flaking - which is important, as flaking polish takes nail cells with it, increasing damage.

You also need to ensure that the cells that grow through next time are strong and healthy, so use cuticle oil twice daily; if the cuticle is supple, the new cells can push through more easily so they arrive at the nail bed in the best of health.

Soft Nails
If your nails bend at the slightest touch and rarely grow past your fingertip you've got soft nails. To get them back into shape, you need to harden them up. The simple way to do this is to apply a nail hardener or try rubbing in a little essential oil of elemi (order this at health food stores). In fact, any oil will help strengthen soft nails as it keeps out their main enemy, water, which softens them even further.

Always wear gloves when you're washing up and apply hand cream after washing your hands.

Normal Nails
If you have none of the above problems - your nails bend slightly when pressed, look pink and shiny and will grow easily - you're lucky, you naturally have normal nails. Try to keep them that way by moisturizing them regularly with hand creams, and avoiding harsh detergents and overly hot water.

Felon

2008-10-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

A felon is a severe infection of the pulpy tip of a finger, usually caused by infection with Staphylococcus bacteria occurring as an abscess of the distal pulp.

Fingertip pulp is divided into numerous small compartments by vertical septa that stabilize the pad. Infection occurring within these compartments can lead to abscess formation, edema, and rapid development of increased pressure in a closed space. This increased pressure may compromise blood flow and lead to necrosis of the skin and pulp.

Cause
A felon usually is caused by inoculation of bacteria into the fingertip through a penetrating trauma. The most commonly affected digits are the thumb and index finger.

Common predisposing causes include
Splinters,
Bits of glass,
Abrasions,
Minor puncture wounds. A puncture wound means you impaled yourself on some foreign body.
A felon also may arise when an untreated paronychia spreads into the pad of the fingertip.
Felons have been reported following multiple finger-stick blood tests.

Symptoms
Patients present with rapid onset of severe, throbbing pain, with associated redness and swelling of the fingertip. The pain caused by a felon is usually more intense than that caused by paronychia. The swelling will not extend proximal to the distal interphalangeal joint. Occasionally, the high pressure in the fingertip pad will cause a felon to spontaneously drain, resulting in a visible sinus.

Diagnosis
Bone and soft tissue radiographs should be obtained to evaluate for a foreign body

Treatment Options
If diagnosed in the early stages of cellulitis,
A felon may be treatment with elevation, oral antibiotics, and warm water or saline soaks.
Tetanus prophylaxis should be administered when necessary.

If fluctuance is present, incision and drainage are appropriate. The preferred techniques are a single volar longitudinal incision or a high lateral incision . Your doctor will make the whole finger numb by injecting an anesthetic once into each side of your finger, just beyond the knuckle of the hand. Then he or she will make one or more small cuts in the tip of your finger to allow the pus to drain out. A narrow gauze strip may be left in the wound to hold it open for continued drainage. The gauze may need to be replaced every day or two as it absorbs bacteria and debris from inside the wound. A doctor usually will prescribe antibiotics that work against "staph" bacteria infections, such as dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen, Pathocil) or cephalexin (Biocef, Keflex, Keftab).

Incision techniques not recommended include the "fish-mouth" incision, the "hockey stick" (or "J") incision, and the transverse palmar incision. These incisions are more likely to result in painful, sensitive scars and damage to neurovascular structures.

Postoperative care includes loose packing, splinting, and elevation of the hand for approximately 24 hours. Dry dressing changes with twice-daily saline soaks, range-of-motion activities and, eventually, scar massage may accelerate return to normal activity.

The recommended length of treatment varies from five to 14 days and depends on the clinical response and severity of infection.

Consult a hand surgeon for more complex cases.

Skin Foods

2008-10-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Unlike our body ,the skin too requires special nutritional attention to keep looking fresh and healthy . Try to incorporate these foods into your diet pattern for a healthy body and skin.

Clam chowder
Carrot and orange soup
Chilled mint and cucumber soup
Spinach borscht
Pea, mint and lettuce soup
Parsnip and apple soup
Smoked salmon ramekins
Smoked mackerel pate
Chicken liver pate
Guacamole
Tabbouleh
Artichoke and avocado salad
Tomato and tarragon vinaigrette
Brie and porcini tart
Apple, dolcelatte and walnut shrudel
Radicchio and grape salad
Chicken with melon, grapes and asparagus
Pear and walnut salad with watercress
Spinach and watercress roulade
Gado gado
Pasta vongole
Salmon and lemon lasagne
Smoked mackerel and spinach fishcakes
Salmon and asparagus risotto
Salmon and celery ledgeree
Chicken strognoff with tarragon
Somerset steak and cider pie
Minted meatballs with yoghurt sauce
Fruite compate
Mixed fruit with butterscotch sauce
Oranges in caramel
Apple and fig crumble (with oat, topping)
Cinnamon apples and plums
Blackberry and ricotta pancakes
Flapjacks

Applying Blusher

2008-10-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

How to apply blusher

There's no one correct way to apply blusher. The method you use depends on the type of look you want to create.

For a natural healthy glow

Apply foundation (and if necessary powder) as normal. Smile - where your cheek is naturally at its fattest is where blusher needs to go to create a natural look.
Apply blusher in a small circle, blending well. For the best results, try gel blusher. Powder over the top.

For sexy cheekbones

Using powder blusher, sweep colour in an arc following the line of your cheekbone up from the apple of your cheek to your hairline. Keep colour light and blended - you want a wash rather than a stripe of colour.
Add a little shimmer on the highest point of your cheekbone nearest your eye.

Easy Blusher Tips

It's important to keep your brushes clean, otherwise, they'll gather bacteria and transfer it onto your skin. This will inevitably cause spots and blackheads.

An effective and quick way to clean your blusher brush is to use baby wipes. These will also clean any other make-up brushes you may have.

For a sun-kissed sheen

Using a blusher brush containing only a hint of bronze or pinky-brown powder, sweep colour along your cheekbone and then up round your hairline across your forehead. Again be careful that it doesn't look like a stripe, just a brush of colour. Repeat on the other side so the colour joins.
If you have gone too heavy with the bronzer, wipe the blusher brush clean and then use it to blend. This will soften the colour. Another trick which will help reduce the colour further, should you feel you need it, is adding a little translucent powder over the top. Be careful not to build up too much powder though, as this will just make your skin look caked with make-up.

Adding Sparkle Eyes

2008-10-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Add a Sparkle to Your Eyes

Diet is of vital importance for the health and beauty of the eyes. People using their eyes for long hours or working either in extremely bright or in dim light must necessarily take care of their eyes.

A balanced diet of milk, butter, fruits, green vegetables and proteins should be taken for the proper care of the eyes. Each of the essential nutrients needed by the body plays some part in the health and beauty of the eyes.

Healthy mucous membrane, or the normal flow of tears, determines the sparkle in the eyes. A good diet is also essential to the health of certain tissues, known as mucous membranes, which line the tear ducts and tear glands.

The ideal diet is the natural and uncooked food. Fresh fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes, peaches, papaya and pomegranate; green vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, spinach, turnip tops, root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, carrots, onions and beetroots; nuts, dried fruits and dairy products being the most essential ones.

Genuine whole meal bread is the best and most suitable. Cereals are also necessary but they should be consumed sparingly. .

Digestion and health of the body can be altered due to excessive intake of jams, cakes, pastries, white sugar, white bread, tea and coffee, together with meat and fish.

Alcohol, Constipating or wind/gas forming foods and other intoxicating substances are also harmful and should be strictly avoided.

Riboflavin and vitamin B2 are necessary for visual health. Green leafy vegetable, milk, cheese, egg, citrus fruits, banana, tomato, brewer's yeast, almonds and sunflower seeds etc are valuable natural sources of this vitamin. Dull eyes and abnormal vision due to riboflavin deficiency can thus be found in almost any person who fails to eat these foods.

Raw carrots contain vitamins and help to maintain the eyes in a healthy and bright condition. Therefore they should be taken liberally.

Effect of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is the most essential constituent for normal and healthy eyes. Therefore liberal amount of vitamin A must be continuously supplied by the food.

Cod liver oil, whole milk, curd, butter, egg yolk, pumpkin, carrots, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, mango papaya, orange and melon are a valuable sources of this vitamin.

The eyes may become sensitive to bright lights and the person may suffer from visual fatigue and a consequent feeling of tiredness if vitamin A is in short supply.

Visual fatigue and sensitivity to light grow progressively and becomes more pronounced in case of the severe deficiency of this vitamin.

An adult should have at least 10,000 units of Vitamin-A daily in order to keep the eyes normal, beautiful and bright.

Hair Problems

2008-10-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

SPLIT ENDS

Split ends are caused when hair is damaged, either by harsh shampoos, too much direct from the sun or a hair dryer, perming or bleaching or very often simply because the tips of hair are very old.

The only cure for split ends is to have them trimmed off; if left, they may split further up the hair, making it look dull and lifeless.

HEALTHY HAIR : In top condition, the scaly outer shell, or cuticle, of each hair lies flat and smooth along the whole length of the shaft.

Split End Treatments :

Mix 1 tsp honey with 2 Tbsp olive oil, then beat in 1 egg yolk. Massage on hair in small sections. Wrap head with shower cap for 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo.
Massage hair and scalp with warm avocado or olive oil. Wrap hair securely in a towel. Leave oil on hair about 8 hours or overnight. If left on overnight, put a shower cap over head to avoid staining pillows and bedding. Wash hair, then rinse with a vinegar /water solution.
Hot Oil Treatment :

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup boiling water
Place olive oil and boiling water into large glass bottle or jar with a lid. You may need to wrap a towel around the bottle to avoid burning yourself. Shake very well until oil is emulsified. Massage into hair, taking care not to burn your head. Put a shower cap or plastic bag over your hair and wrap your head in a hot towel that has been soaked in hot water then wrung out. Leave mixture on your hair for 1/2 hour, then shampoo as usual.

VERY-GREASY HAIR

Mainly due to hormonal problem, the sebaceous glands tend to become overactive and produce too much sebum.

Tips on managing Greasy hair :

Avoid too much brushing of hair because it might further stimulate the oil glands that are already over-active.
Wash your hair every third or fourth day or even more frequently, depending on individual comfort. A good nourishing liquid shampoo is often the best answer.
Excessive oiliness if neglected can lead to falling hair. If treated in time it can be prevented.
Wear your hair in easy-to-manage, well cut style. Light perming can help as it lifts the hair slightly away from the scalp, making it less easy for the sebum to travel up the hair shaft.

VERY -DRY HAIR

May result from hereditary or hormonal problems-or due to a result of damage caused by over-use of heated rollers, hot hair dryers, perms and bleaches.

You can protect your hair :

By using very mild shampoos and good quality conditioners.
By having them trimmed regularly.
By going in for once-weekly hot oil treatment. Use warm olive or almond oil and massage it carefully into the scalp and hair.
Leave the oil on overnight, if possible, by covering the hair with a plastic bath cap and a toweling turban. Wash the oil off the next day by applying diluted shampoo directly to the scalp before applying water.
Mayonnaise Conditioner. To recondition the hair, shampoo hair with homemade shampoo or a shampoo from the natural foods store. Rinse and towel dry. Apply regular mayonnaise (not salad dressing) to the hair. Massage in. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, shampoo again lightly and rinse with an apple cider vinegar and water solution.

Athlete's Foot

2008-10-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

A fungal infection of the foot that produces cracked, sore, itchy skin between the toes. Most common in teenagers and young adults.

Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a common, persistent fungal infection of the feet that particularly affects the skin between the toes. The condition can be caused by several types of fungi that thrive in warm, humid conditions. A foot inside a shoe is the perfect place for the fungus.

What are the Causes?

Athlete's foot often affects teenagers and young adults, who tend to sweat more and wear enclosed footwear, such as trainers, for long periods. It is rare in children. Athlete's foot can be picked up by walking barefoot in communal areas that are warm and humid, such as changing rooms and poolside.

Sweaty feet, tight shoes/socks, not drying one’s feet well after swimming, bathing, or exercising all contribute to the development of athlete’s foot.

What are the Symptoms?

Athlete's foot most commonly occurs between the fourth and fifth toes and produces the following symptoms:

Cracked, sore, and itchy areas of skin.
Flaking, white, soggy skin.
In some people the skin becomes very sore and even bleeds a little.
Athletes foot may also produce itching and burning of the feet.
Some times, the infection spreads on to the sole or the sides of the foot or affects the toenails, which then become yellowish, thickened, and brittle.Toenail infections cause scaling, crumbling, thickening, and even partial loss of the nails. These changes can also result from other conditions such as psoriasis, injury, and aging. Untreated, athlete’s foot can result in blisters and cracks that may lead to secondary bacterial infections.

People who have athlete's foot are more susceptible to ringworm of the groin, another fungal infection. Those with acute tinea infections may develop similar outbreaks on their hands, typically on the palms. This trichophyde reaction, also known as tineas manuum, is an immune system response to fungal antigens (antibodies that fight the fungal infection).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by visual observation of the symptoms. The podiatrist eliminates the possibility of a bacterial infection by performing a microscopic examination of skin scrapings to determine the type of fungus causing the infection. Other tests include growing a fungal culture from skin scrapings and examining the patient's foot under an ultraviolet light.

Treatment Options

The affected area can be treated using an over-the-counter antifungal preparation available in form of creams, powders, and sprays, which should be applied at least twice a day .It is important that you continue to apply the preparation to affected areas for a few days after the symptoms have cleared up to make sure that the infection is eradicated.

If over - the - counter preparations do not help or you are unsure of the diagnosis, consult your doctor, who can give you further advice about treatment or prescribe a antifungal drug. The most effective chemical treatments these days are the imidazoles, eg miconazole and clotrimazole. If the infection becomes systemic, stronger antifungal medication may be prescribed. These drugs include griseofulvin (Fulvicin® and Grisactin®) and concentrated forms of terbinafine and itraconazole. Griseofulvin can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and numbness, so it is used as a last resort.

If the infection is bacterial, a course of oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

Prevention

To prevent the infection from recurring, you should wash your feet at least once a day, more frequently if they become sweaty, and
Dry them thoroughly between the toes.
Avoid tight footwear, especially in the summer. Sandals and “flip-flops” are the best warm weather footwear.
Wear cotton or synthetic running socks which absorb sweat and change the socks daily or more frequently if they become damp.
Dust an antifungal powder on your feet and into your shoes.
At home, it may help to wear open - toed shoes or go barefoot.

Dressing Slim

2008-10-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

No matter what size, age, height, or weight you are, you can look younger, thinner, and better than ever with these transformation techniques for makeovers.

Before choosing your clothing you have to know what you are going to do! If you think you will head down to Fiordland National Park in the winter with a cotton t-shirt a pair of Jeans and a swannie your chances of survival are very slim. Being prepared is everything!

Here are my tried-and-true secrets for camouflage dressing that will work for you.

After utilizing these tips, you will be amazed by your own transformation that not all those gorgeous creatures you see in magazines, TV, and movies are anorexic, attached to their treadmills, or creatures from another planet.

They are just real people, who know how to accentuate the positive and downplay the negative.

Tips for figure flattery :

Match your hose (or slacks), to your shoes. Legs look longer and thinner when hose is toned to skirts and shoes.
Pleated trousers conceal tummy bulges, so if this is your problem stick to those pleats. An A-line skirt emphasizes body length while hiding thighs. The longer the vertical "line" of the total look the more slimming.
Use a shirt like a jacket or a tunic. Choose a generously cut shirt in a heavy or lined fabric. It's an elegant look over slim pants, flowing gently over every possible skin.
Dress in one color. Wearing one color from shoulder to shoe streamlines the body. It's called monochromatic dressing. If you don't want to limit yourself to just one color, choose colors that are closely matched. If you really want to look thin stick to darker colors. Darker, duller, cooler colors recede and are more slimming than lighter, brighter, warmer colors which advance. You may also wear lighter and/or brighter (cool) hues, but use them to create focal points as opposed to wearing them from head to toe. Your focal points will generally be high and/or on the inside: above the fullest line of bust and/or down the entire length of the garment usually in the center-front position..
If you have a chubby neck, choose v-neck lines.
They create the illusion of a longer, leaner body.
Solid fabrics are more slimming than patterned. They are more so by degree. The more they look like a solid, the less they enlarge; the splashier they are the less they slim. A splashy print with a black background worn with solid black will usually create as much impact as any personality might crave.
To bring attention to the face and away from the body, wear a choker and matching earrings.
A long jacket is a "pounds parer." It can make any outfit look elegant while hiding figure flaws.
Choose a low-heeled shoe that is cut low on the instep. Stick to a thinner, more graceful heel.
A loosely fitted vest can hide a thick waist. Wear belts in a low slung manner or gently held around the waist. Always wear control top pantyhose with Lycra. A body suit can eliminate bulge. It also gets rid of unsightly panty lines and fabric pulling.
Choose a well-fitted jacket. A look that is too loose or boxy tends to add pounds.
Simple styling is most slimming. Cuffs, pockets, and buttons can add width to the body.
For the most part, squares and circles are not particularly slimming. Vertical rectangles are probably the most useful; they would be seen in a straight shift for example
Wear prints only at the slimmest part of your body. Stay with smaller rather than big flowery prints.
Look for fabrics that drape the body. This would include light wool, cotton, and rayon.
Don't make the mistake of going for all long pieces. Go for contrasting proportions. Mix a longer jacket with a shorter skirt, shorter jacket with pants, etc. Also, if you use a center panel in a dress to create verticals, make sure the panel is less than one third of the width of the garment. More will broaden. (If the panel is a different color; it is most effective if it is the lightest or the brightest.)
Try to observe these rules at work in the clothes you wear, and in the clothes others wear. There's no better way to get the benefit of these principles than to study them and master them and experiment in your own wardrobe.

Foot Massage

2008-10-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

A foot massage can be performed at any time you wish or as part of a home pedicure procedure. The following illustrations depict some standard foot massage techniques that a nail technician might perform on a client during a pedicure. Wear lose, comfortable clothes and sit comfortably with your back supported.

For massage you'll need :

2 teaspoons (10 ml) castor, jojoba, soybean, or extra-virgin olive oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop German chamomile essential oil
1 drop geranium essential oil
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly. Yields 1 treatment.

Start by relaxing your foot. Hold your foot so that one hand is on the sole and one on the top. If using a massage oil or lotion, protect clothing and furniture with a towel or two. Rub oiled or creamed hands together vigorously to warm them before beginning the foot massage. Working from your ankle to your toes. Massages it with long, firm strokes. Stroking, stimulates circulation and warms the foot.

Holding your heel in one hand and your toes in the other circle your foot five times clockwise then anticlockwise. This will loosen the joints and relax the foot.

Starting with your big toe, stroke the length of each toe in turn and, when your reach the tip, pull gently to stretch it out. Repeat this three times. Pulls and Squeezes can be very calming.

Using our thumb and starting at your big toe move along the line of pads just below your toes. Press on each one firmly before moving on to the next. Work your way to your little toe, then change hands and, using your other thumb, work your way back. Repeat twice.

Holding your toes in one hand, use your thumb on the other hand to press along the sole, pressing in a line from the base of your big toe to the center of your foot, following the line of the metatarsal. Repeat on all your toes, then repeat on the top of your foot following the same line. This will help in releasing tension in the inner and outer longitudinal arches.

Starting at your heel, use your thumb to press along the inside edge of your foot all the way up to your big toe. Press firmly and follow the line up over your instep. Then repeat on the outside edge of your foot, from your heel to your little toe.

Finally, massage the lower half of your sole, using firm pressure. Rotate your ankle, both clockwise and anticlockwise, as in step 2. Repeat step 1, using long, firm strokes from ankle to toes. Put on a cotton sock and repeat the massage on the other foot.

Chapped Hands

2008-10-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Chapped hands are a result of very dry skin, occurring as a result of reduced moisture, or water, content of the skin. The surface of the skin holds a certain amount of water. When the water content decreases, the skin becomes dry, itchy, and uncomfortable.

Most of us have our pet peeves about our hands. Some have dry coarse hands; others have cold clammy hands. Some have soft thin delicate hands where the skin tears easily. A little knowledge would help you to exposed to minor cuts, burns and bruises in the kitchen or while doing chores.

Symptoms of Dry, Chapped Hands :

Hands that are chapped usually have the following characteristics:

Roughness
Dryness
Redness
Peeling
Cracking
Sensitivity
Tenderness
Causes and risks Factors :

Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to dry skin. Their skin tends to become drier, with age.
Dry air, resulting from winter's low humidity and the use of indoor heat, can cause skin to dry out.
Long, hot baths and showers can also make skin dry.
Factors that increase a person's risk of chapped hands include the following:
Frequent hand washing, which may be associated with the person's job
Prolonged exposure to cold, dry weather
Sunburn or windburn
Allergic reactions to skin care products
History of a skin disorder, such as eczema
If chapped hands are left untreated, the person may have -difficulty doing things without wearing protective gloves, recurrent skin conditions such as outbreaks of eczema or skin inflammation, infections, which may occur when bacteria enter cracks in the skin

Here are some household tips to rectify the problem.

SUGAR AND OIL :
Take 3 tablespoons of sugar, one tablespoons of oil (any oil, vegetable oils, olive oil or almond oil will do). Mix the sugar and oil, beat to a blended consistency. Rub into the hands. Keep rubbing for 5 -7 minutes, then rinse well with warm water. The dead coarse skin is removed and the hands appear soft and clean.

SUGAR AND LIME:
Take one tablespoon lemon juice, one tablespoon sugar, one tablespoon water. Lightly mix all these ingredients and rub all over the hands. Keep rubbing it in till it starts to dry. Rinse with water. Softens coarse hands.

HONEY LEMON JUICE AND OIL:
Take one-teaspoon oil (any oil, vegetable oils, olive oil or almond oil will do), one teaspoon lemon juice, one tablespoon rose water. Mix well together. Rub over crusty elbows, knuckles and other hardened areas. Keep rubbing it in, then after 5 - 7 minutes rinse off. This not only nourishes the skin, but also keeps it soft.

LEMON JUICE AND BARLEY POWDER:
Take one tablespoon barley powder, one tablespoon lime juice. In case barley powder is not available, boil barley for 10 minutes. Extract the juice and mix it with lime juice. Apply on the finger joints to get rid of dark circles. Rub well into the skin. Leave it to dry and then apply and rub again. After it has dried, then rinse off. Softens and whitens the knuckles.

POTATO JUICE:
Take two potatoes, peel and grate them. Extract juice of these potatoes. Apply all over the hands, especially over the knuckles and finger joints. The potato juice can also be applied over scars left by wounds, cuts or burns. If used regularly, it helps to eliminate these scars and lightens dark areas around the knuckles and finger joints.

ONION JUICE:
You can relieve minor kitchen burns on the hand just by rubbing a raw onion on the burn. Take an onion, cut it into half and rub on the burned area. It immediately reduces inflammation and relieves pain.

COLD MILK:
Did you know that blisters on the hands while cooking, can be cured with a cold milk compress if applied immediately? Put some cold milk on the blister; dab it two or three times on the blisters. It soothes immediately and actually aids healing.

TURMERIC POWDER:
So often hands get minor cuts while chopping vegetables or while performing other household chores. In cutting your fingers or hands, immediately apply turmeric powder onto the wound. It stops bleeding and aids healing.

GELATIN:
For those people who have split nails and cracked hands, a good 'soak' in gelatin will certainly help. Take a packet of gelatin or lemon jelly, pour it into a cup of hot water. Make a packet of gelatin or lemon jelly, pour it into a cup of hot water. Make a paste and put it to set. When it has set, soak the hands in this jelly, keep rubbing the nails and cuticles as well as the hands. Keep them soaked for at least 15 minutes. A regular use of this treatment prevents cracks on the skin of the fingers and the cracking and splitting of fingernails. Eating jelly also helps promote a healthy growth of nails.

BUTTERMILK AND ALMOND OIL:
Take one tablespoon almond oil and one cup buttermilk. Mix well, apply on the hands. Massage well, let it dry, then apply again. Repeat this till all the solution is used up. Use this at night, before bedtime. Wear cotton gloves and sleep. Next morning, rinse well. This treatment ensures that the hands remain soft and maintain a good skin texture.

Wrist & Hand Workout

2008-10-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

Injuries to the wrist and hand commonly occur following a fall. Reaching out instinctively to break the fall often damages the wrist, resulting either in a fracture or in a strain to the ligaments that hold the bones together. Initially, there will be swelling and bruising; then, as the tissues heal, movement will feel restricted and painful. If the wrist has been in plaster, the hand and wrist often feel vulnerable when the plaster comes off; any movement may be difficult and painful.

For these injuries it is important to start with simple movements and progress gently. Be prepared for some soreness, but expect this to settle a few minutes after you stop exercising.

Arthritis can make the finger joints painful and swollen. At first they are likely to be too sore to exercise, but once the heat and swelling has subsided, gentle exercises help to restore mobility. Consult a professional for advice before you start.

Below is a list of Wrist and Hand exercises:

GRIP RESISTED FINGER FLEXION
Sit at a table with your arm resting on it, elbow bent. Grip, squeeze and manipulate a soft ball, lump of play dough, handful of cotton wool or the like, making your fingers do the work.

WRIST LIFT RADIAL DEVIATION
Starting in the same position as for the Grip exercise, left, put your hand on its side with the thumb pointing upward. Moving from the wrist only, lift your hand off the table, Relax and repeat.

FIVE-FINGER EXERCISE WRIST EXTENSION, FINGER EXTENSION & COORDINATING FINGER MOVEMENTS
Starting in the same position as above, place your palm flat on the table. Moving from the wrist, lift your fingers off the table, Relax and repeat. Then, keeping your palm on the table, lift and lower one finger at a time. Relax and repeat. Drum your fingers on the table, lifting each finger in turn. Repeat.

FINGER DEXTERITY COORDINATING FINGER MOVEMENTS
Starting in the same position as above, touch the tip of your little finger with your thumb. Move your thumb to the tip of your fourth finger, then your middle finger and finally your index finger. Work back the other way and repeat.

THUMB
Touch your thumb to each finger in turn then stretch out into the "hitch hiking" position. Aim to place the thumb as low down the finger as possible.

WRIST DEVIATIONS
With arm resting on table and hand hanging off the table, slowly turn hand to side. Hold for 5 seconds and slowly return to starting position. Turn hand to other side. Hold for 5 seconds and slowly return to starting position.

WRIST EXTENSOR STRETCH
With arm resting on table and hand hanging off the table and elbow straight, slowly grab the hand and slowly bend the wrist down until a stretch is felt. Hold for 5 seconds and slowly return to the starting position.

WRIST CIRCLES
Sit in neutral position with your arms resting on your armrests. Slide your forearms forward slightly and make loose fists with both hands. Inhale. Exhale and slowly rotate both wrists outwards, letting your forearms follow the movement. Rotate outwards ten times, continuing to breathe. Keeping your hands in loose fists, rotate inwards ten times, continuing to breathe. You should feel a slight stretch in your wrists during the rotations. Increase the range of the circles slightly if you don't feel a stretch.

WRIST STRETCH BACKWARDS
Sit with elbows on a table and palms together. Lower your wrists to the table until you feel a stretch and hold this for 5 seconds. Note you must keep your palms together.

WRIST STRETCH WITH ELBOWS STRAIGHT
Place arms on a table. Move your body over your hands until you feel a comfortable stretch in your forearms. Hold for 5 seconds.

MORE
Listen to your body, keep the back of the neck and spine lengthened and the rib cage lifted. Remember to breathe as you work with the different exercises.

It is far better to perform the exercises gently 4 times a day than to be very forceful once a day.
If your progress is slow you may benefit from expert advice and treatment from a physiotherapist or hand therapist.

Alopecia

2008-10-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

Alopecia in Women

Hair loss in women can be transient (synonyms = temporary/telogen effluvium/non-genetic) or permanent (genetic/androgenetic alopecia). Alopecia, or hair loss, can occur in any body area but is particularly noticeable when it affects the scalp.

Hair loss can be temporary or permanent.
Alopecia is not always associated with ill health, but it may cause embarrassment.

Causes

Alopecia in women may be attributed to three factors: aging, hormones, and genetics.

Patchy hair loss is usually due to alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease, which causes that cause bald patches to appear on the scalp. Areata is Latin for "round" or "circumscribed", which means that people suddenly see bald spots here or there, or little, tiny short hairs that are broken off.

In alopecia areata, the affected hair follicles are mistakenly attacked by a person's own immune system (white blood cells), resulting in the arrest of the hair growth stage. Alopecia areata usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald patches on the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis).

If the hair loss has any unusual features-suddenly a lot of hair is coming out, if hair is coming out in a bizarre or unusual pattern, even if it's very severe, premature general thinning of the scalp, see a dermatologist.

Female Pattern Baldness

Generalized hair loss is normal in elderly women as a result of menopause. After the hormonal changes of menopause, many women find that the hair on the head is thinner, while facial hair is coarser. In women, usually the degree of hair loss is not as extensive as it is in the male population. The most common cause of alopecia in women is oversensitivity to the hormone testosterone, producing a characteristic pattern of hair loss. Women with older female family members who endured thinning of the hair are more likely themselves to be subjected to androgenetic alopecia. In the Jan. 30 Science magazine, researchers revealed that the gene harbours a mutation in family members afflicted with alopecia universalis.

Treatment Options

Women seeking treatment options for alopecia should stick to treatment options approved by the established medical community. Consult a dermatologist who will probably be able to diagnoses alopecia areata by the appearance of your scalp.

One medication, which has been approved, by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female pattern baldness is Minoxidil, used topically on the scalp. Minoxidil (Rogaine for women) has been proven to show minimal improvements in 50 percent of women and moderate improvements in 13 percent. Minoxidil requires a twice a day application of either the 2-percent or 5 percent solutions. Any gain achieved with Minoxidil will be lost if the patient stops using the product.

Corticosteroids

Injected into the hairless patches may be effective in promoting re-growth. If your scalp has patchy scarring, you may need a skin biopsy to diagnose the underlying cause. Scarred areas may be treated with topical corticosteroids or antifungal drugs, but if the damage is severe and has affected the hair follicles, it is unlikely that new hair will grow.

Hair weaving, hairpieces, or change of hairstyle

Hair weaving, hairpieces, or change of hairstyle may disguise hair loss and cosmetically improve your appearance. This is often the least expensive and safest method of treating female pattern baldness.

Suturing of hairpieces to the scalp is not recommended as it can result in scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp. The FDA because of the high rate of infection has banned the use of hair implants made of artificial fibres.

At all costs, you must avoid hair loss treatment methods, such as shampoos or pills that promise miracle cures for hair loss.

Facial Masks

2008-10-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

How to use a Mask

Masks are fun to use and can help clean pores, absorb oils, and give the skin a radiant glow

Wash your face. Always wash face in upward, circular motions. Always do to your neck whatever you do to your face. After washing face, remove residue with a wet cloth and splash thirteen times. Masks work best when they're applied to clean, dry skin.
Follow directions. Don't keep a mask on longer than suggested. Not keeping it on long enough will be a waste of money and time.
Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water after removing your mask.
Follow up with your favorite toner or freshener, and then apply your moisturizer or night treatment.
Choosing a face mask:

Those of you with a normal skin, can go for a mask, once a week. For oily skin, two to three times a week is a great way to keep oil and breakouts at bay. If you have dry skin, a hydrating mask once a week can really help, but keep the deep cleansing varieties for once-a-month treatments.

AVOCADO AND HONEY NOURISHING MASK
A good feed for dry, ageing skin.

1/4 ripe avocado
1 teaspoon runny honey
2 teaspoons Greek live yogurt
2 drops jasmine or rose essence
Preparation & Application:

Mash the avocado very thoroughly with a fork, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Apply quite thickly to the face and leave on for at least 10 minutes. Wipe off with a dry muslin cloth, then rinse the cloth in warm water to remove the rest of the mask.

After such a rich mask, it is a good idea to refresh your skin with a toner, such as a rosewater toner.

CUCUMBER AND CLAY TONIC
A good tonic for normal-to-oily skin.

5 cm (2 in) piece of cucumber
4 teaspoons green clay
2 teaspoons brewer's yeast
Mix all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. If a little watery, add another 1-2 teaspoons of clay.

TURMERIC AND EGG FEED
A luxurious facial feed for tired and dry-to-normal skin.

1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons turmeric
2 teaspoons brewer's yeast
2 teaspoons pollen grains
2 dessertspoons jojoba essence rosewater, to blend
Whisk the egg yolk and then add the remaining ingredients. This mask is easy to apply but rather sticky, so sponge off carefully and it will leave your skin beautifully smooth

EGG FIRMING MASK
This mask can take years off your face - for an evening !

1 egg white
4 -6 teaspoons kelp powder
1 drop geranium essence
Lightly whip the egg white until white and bubbly but not stiff. Thoroughly mix in the kelp powder geranium essence. Smooth thinly over the face and wait for it to dry thoroughly before wiping, then rinsing, it off.

FULLER'S EARTH FACIAL MASK
Suitable for all skin types.

1 tablespoon Fuller's Earth.
11/2 - 2 tablespoons rosewater (for a medium - to - oily skin) or
a small quantity of a rich face lotion (for a dry skin)
Mix the ingredients thoroughly then apply with a natural bristle beauty brush. If you are using rosewater, keep the mask moist with thin slices of peeled cucumber. Leave for 10 minutes then remove with warm rosewater. Pat dry with a fine - textured towel.

Additional Homemade Facials

Mix 1 1/2 teaspoons honey, the juice from 1/2 of a lemon, and 3-tablespoon yoghurt. Stir in 1 whipped egg white. Apply to face and let set about 15 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water.
Make a paste from a little oatmeal and water. Apply to face and let it dry. Then wash off with lukewarm water.
Mash half of an avocado and apply to entire face. Let set for about 20 minutes and then wash off.
Mash 1/2 banana and add 1-tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoons sour cream. Apply to face and let set for about 10 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water.
Two tablespoons of cornmeal mixed with enough water to make a thick paste makes a great inexpensive facial mask. Gently apply to face and wash off.
Soak 1 cup dried apricots in water until softened. Puree in blender or food processor with 2 tablespoons skim milk powder. Apply to face and let set about 15 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water.
In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 cucumber, 1-tablespoon yoghurt, a few strawberries, and 1-teaspoon honey. Apply to face and let it dry. Then wash off with lukewarm water.
To loosen blackheads, combine equal parts baking soda and water in your hand and rub gently on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Hair Coloring

2008-10-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

You must knowing some important findings on hair coloring products. Here are several basic types of hair dyes on the market:

Temporary hair colors
Which are applied in the form of rinses, gels, mousses, and sprays. They coat the surface of the hair and usually wash out within two or three shampoos.

Semipermanent dyes
Penetrate into the hair shaft, but not as deeply as permanent dyes. Although semipermanent dyes do not rinse off with water, they do fade and wash out of hair after about five to 10 shampoos.

Long-lasting semi-permanent
A newer category that promises to last through 24 washings. In general, the more permanent the color the better the grey coverage and the more accurate the color. This is a better choice than the semi-permanent if you have a lot of gray to cover.

Permanent hair dyes
Especially those that lighten and color in one process. These formulations penetrate deeply into the hair shaft and don't wash out. Permanent hair-coloring products consist of two components that are packaged separately and mixed together immediately before application. One package contains a solution of hydrogen peroxide (usually 6%) in water or a lotion base. The other package usually contains an ammonia solution of dye intermediates and preformed dyes—called couplers. The primary intermediates are ortho or para diaminobenzenes, aminohydroxybenzenes, and to a lesser extent dihydroxybenzenes that develop color on oxidation. If you are trying to cover gray, you'll have the most success with this group of dyes.

Research has shown that some of the substances in hair dyes are readily absorbed through the skin and scalp during application.

The new study’s findings indicated that women and men who dye their hair frequently might be at increased risk for hematopoietic cancers. The early studies showed an association between hair dye use and increased risks for multiple myeloma (cancer of cells in the bone marrow), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system), and leukemia (cancer of blood-forming cells) in both sexes, and ovarian cancer in women. Almost all the early studies indicated that increased risk might be restricted to long-term or frequent hair dye users, particularly users of dark hair dyes.

First timers should:

Pick a color as close to your natural color as possible.
Worry less about brand name and more about desired color.
Choose a temporary or semi-permanent formula.
If you color your hair at home, please be sure to read the instructions carefully and do a patch test before hand. This is especially important if you change from one brand to the other. Medications you are taking can also make you more sensitive to hair color, which may result in itching or burning of the scalp.

A safer way to cover grey or change your own natural color is to have highlights and lowlights added, so the actual product never touches the scalp.

Preventing Cataracts

2008-10-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Cataract is a vision – impairing cloudiness in the eye’s lens. Cataracts are common in older adults – nearly half of those over 75 have them – and millions of operation is performed each year to replace the clouded lens with an artificial one. But the condition can be prevented before it reaches that point. The latest research on cataracts suggests three ways in which women in their fifties may reduce their risk:

Take a supplement of a least 362 mg of vitamin C every day.
Eat plenty of brightly colored fruits and vegetables rich in the plants chemicals known as carotenoids.
Don’t smoke.
Carotenoids prevent the less common but especially troublesome posterior sub scapular type of cataract. These cataracts affect vision more than other types because the opacity (cloudiness) is located further back in the lens. Women who eat a diet rich in carotenoids are less likely to suffer form this type of cataract- as long as they are non- smokers. Smoking and diabetes are the two biggest risk factors for cataracts.

Vitamin C, carotenoids and folate (a B vitamin also shown to reduce cataract risk) have something in common. They‘re all antioxidants meaning that they reduce the damage that occurs as a result of normal chemical reactions in the body‘s cells. Such oxidative damage may contribute to cataracts. Vitamin C also seems to retard the clumping of protein in the lens that creates the opacity.

In a separate study carried out in Baltimore, USA, researches found that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) offers women some protection against developing nuclear and posterior sub scapular cataracts.

Protective vegetables and fruits

Carotenoids are plant compounds that help to safeguard your precious vision. You can get you fill of these protective nutrients by eating plenty of these colorful fruits and vegetables, like

RED VEGETABLES:

Tomatoes
Red peppers
ORANGE VEGETABLES:

Carrots
Pumpkin
Butternut squash
Sweet potatoes
DARK GREEN VEGETABLES:

Spinach
Watercress
Kale
Spring greens
Broccoli.
ORANGE FRUITS:

Mango
Papaya
Cantaloupe

Nails and Your Health

2008-10-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

During a health check up, your doctor may examine your nails, which will often reflect not only the state of your health, but also what you're been eating -- and what you're lacking. Thin, peeling nails, or nails with white spots or ridges, mean your body is running short of zinc. You should incorporate more legumes, beans, mushrooms, brewer's yeast, and whole grains into your meals.

Are your nails spoon -shaped or fluted ? This may signal a lack of iron and/or vitamin A. Load up on your greens, sprouts, carrots, melon and pumpkin. Eat small portions of iron -rich liver and other red meat. Brittle nails may be a sign that you need more biotin, which is found in yeast mushrooms, grapefruit, watermelon. bananas, and strawberries. It could also mean you need more iron --easily obtained from red meat, greens and carrots --or that you lack zinc.
Fragile nails and nails that show horizontal or vertical ridges could mean a deficiency in vitamin B. Carrots, spinach, brown rice, melon, and walnuts are good, natural sources.

Poor nail growth could mean you're not getting enough zinc. Hangnails can be painful and look red and inflamed. You may want to try adding foods that are high in folic acid like barley, bran. legumes, lentils., and mushrooms. vitamin C could also help: orange, citrus, guava, amla, and all green vegetables are good sources. Avoid taking supplements to improve nail health as too much of any single vitamin could also lead to brittle and fragile nails. Get your vitamin from food. When you nourish your whole body, nails will automatically begin to look healthier.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Cause:
The usual culprit is nail polish. besides the vicinity of the nails, the reddish itchy spots may appear on delicate skin areas such as the eyelids of the neck or face, touched by the nails.

What to do:

take an antihistamine tablet and dab on calamine lotion.

BRITTLE BREAKAWAYS

Cause:
The main villain is lack of moisture. Each time you put your hands in water the keratin swells and shrinks when dry. this weakens the bonds that hold up the nail matrix. Too long nails and faulty filing can also have a similar effect.

What to do:

Soak for ten minutes at night in baby oil or olive oil.
Keep nails short.
Use a file with a sponge centre.
A coat of white iodine strengthen snails.
Use oil based, not acetone removers.
If a nail starts to break cut it.
If you need to show off your nails, patch up the crack. tear off a small corner of thin paper from an unused tea bag -- as wide as the nail break and about 1/2" long. Apply quick drying glue to the nail tear and let it dry. Next saturate the centre of notch with glue and place on the nail. Moisten the rest of the patch with glue and fold it around the torn part and under the nail. Smoothes the paper edges down with a little glue and the sides of a tooth pick and buff lightly. polish.
If any glue geys on your skin remove with a cotton bud dipped in remover.

CHEWED -TO-THE -QUICK

Cause:
Stress, habit, nervousness

What to do:

When you get the urge to bite do something else your hands. Sit on them, wiggle them in the air, create stuff.
A regular manicure is a good incentive.
Keep cuticles tidy.
Consider nail wraps while you wait for them to grow.
Get " No Bite " or " Stop That Bite " from your chemist.

CRACKED UP, DENTED, SPOTTY
Cause:
Injury to the nail matrix, specially under and lunula.

What to do:

It takes two to six months to grow out. In the meantime keep clipping.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Cause:
Trapped moisture.

What to do:

Use ant fungal ointment. wait till the infection has cleared before using polish. Throw away products used on infected nails.

INGROWN TOE NAILS

Cause:
A nail cut too short, curved at the corners, too-tight shoes resulting in the nail cutting into the flesh causing pain, swelling and inflammation.

What to do:

Dip a cotton bud in antibiotic ointment and push under the nail edge. If infection and pus sets in, consult a doctor.

SPLIT, SORE CUTICLES
Cause:
Picking, biting, dryness, or extra zealous clipping which leads to tougher, more unmanageable.

What to do:

Massage regularly with a nourishing cream to keep moisturized.
Soak hands in warm sudsy water for a few minutes before easing cuticles back to soften them.
Push back gently with an orange stick.
clean away the skin clinging to the nail using the flat side of a nail file.

PEELING WEAKLINGS

Cause:
Illness, overuse of harsh detergents, nail glue and acetone remover, faulty filing, too much exposure to water

What to do:

Wear rubber gloves for household chores.
Use oil based polish removers.
Try a soft grain nail file and leave the sides alone.
Don't buff.
Keep hands out of very hot water.
Massage hand cream or hot almond oil into cuticles and nail after washing hands or at bedtime.

YELLOW MENACE

Cause:
Cigareyye stains, cheap or too drak nail polish, acetone remover.

What to do:

With a swab dipped in diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Insert into half a lemon and twist back and forth.
Keep polish -free for a while.

Ulnar Neuropathy

2008-10-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Ulnar neuropathy is an inflammation of the ulnar nerve, a major nerve that runs down into your hand. It supplies movement and sensation to your arm and hand. Ulnar neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, or pain into the arm and hand on the side of the little finger. Bicyclists call this condition "handlebar palsy".

Bicyclists are especially prone to this condition because of the repeated shocks and bouncing that can occur while holding the handlebars when riding. Other activities that involve stress on the hands and wrists may also irritate the ulnar nerve and cause ulnar neuropathy.

Cause and Occurrence
The ulnar nerve may get inflamed in several areas as it travels from your neck to your hand. The ulnar nerve is commonly inflamed during bicycling from repeated shocks or bouncing while your hand is holding onto the handlebar. The nerve may be stretched when held in the lower position of a drop handlebar. Other activities that involve repetitive movements of the wrist may cause ulnar neuropathy

Symptoms
Basically, symptoms of handlebar palsy include ;

Tingling
Numbness, or
Pain on the outside or middle of the forearm; this sensation of discomfort may run all the way to the little finger.

It’s important to note, too, that during early stages of the injury symptoms might be limited to tingling (the familiar “pins-and-needles” sensation) while riding with drop handlebars; this distress should disappear if one removes the hands from the lower position on the bars. If ignored, however, the tingling can rapidly progress to numbness and intense pain.

In fact, the pain can be sufficiently intense to prevent cycling altogether, except for pedalling a stationary bicycle without placing the hands on the handlebars

Treatment
Treatment for this condition may involve anti-inflammatory medications, wrist splints, or therapeutic exercises. Wrist splints may help to reduce the discomfort. When you are bicycling, it might help to wear padded gloves. Try adjusting the position of your hands on the handlebar, such as by changing your grip from the top to the sides of the handlebar. In case of need the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or B vitamins.

Rehabilitation Exercises
You may do all of these exercises right away.

Neck Range of Motion Exercises
Neck Rotation: Sit in a chair, keeping your neck, shoulders, and trunk straight. First, turn your head slowly to the right. Move it gently to the point of pain. Move it back to the forward position. Relax. Then move it to the left. Repeat 10 times.
Neck Side Bend: Tilt your head so that your right ear moves toward your right shoulder. Move it to the point of pain. Then tilt your head so your left ear moves toward your left shoulder. Make sure you do not rotate your head while tilting or raise your shoulder toward your head. Repeat this exercise 10 times in each direction.
Neck Flexion: Bend your head forward, reaching your chin toward your chest. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Neck Extension: Bring your head back so that your chin is pointing toward the ceiling. Repeat 10 times.
Scapular Range of Motion: Stand and shrug your shoulders up and hold for 5 seconds. Then squeeze your shoulder blades back and together and hold 5 seconds. Next, pull your shoulder blades downward as if putting them in your back pocket. Relax. Repeat this sequence 10 times.
Elbow Range of Motion: Gently bring your palm up toward your shoulder and bend your elbow as far as you can. Then straighten your elbow as far as you can 10 times. Do 3 sets of 10.
Wrist Range of Motion: Bend your wrist forward and backward as far as you can. Do 3 sets of 10.
Straight Finger Flexion: Make a right angle with your knuckles and keep your fingers straight. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
Finger Squeeze: Practice squeezing items between each of the fingers on your injured hand. You can use paper, pens, and sponges. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times for each finger.
Grip Strengthening: Squeeze a rubber ball and hold for 5 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10.

Prevention

Check out the following tips to avoid this painful problem:

Make sure your bike fits. When purchasing a bike, see that you are properly measured. Serious biking enthusiasts should consider consulting a professional who can advise on appropriate fitting techniques.
Padding is key. Padded gloves and handlebars cut back on stress and possible injuries.
Sit Right. Sitting in a more upright position puts less weight and pressure on hands and wrists.
Rest Up. Rest periods while biking long distances and between bike trips are recommended. Changing hand position on the handlebars frequently when biking can also help reduce the risk of injury.
See a doctor with any injuries. PM&R physicians can recommend the right balance of exercise, padding, and bracing to help avoid chronic injuries.

Eye Check-ups

2008-10-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

Good eye sight can only be maintained by having regular eye check-ups done by an ophthalmologist.

Most people go through in life without any disease of the eye, while others might need corrective lenses at some time. Regular eye check-ups help in early detection of any problems that might make a difference between good eyesight and blindness.

In a typical examination, an ophthalmologist determines how much a person can see without corrective lenses, and if the need arises tries to improve the vision by selecting suitable option.

The first step involves the assessment of how well both the eyes work together (binocular vision), then he/she will carefully examine the inside and outside of the eyes. He/she will measure the pressure inside and outside of the eyes. Patients above 40 and younger ones that have near relative with glucoma need to get the pressure inside the eye tested.

This will follow checking of the width, or field of the vision and then color vision.

Normal sight is classified as 20/20 which means that you can read letters of a fixed size on a chart at a distance of 20 feet. A measure of 20/32 indicates that you can read a line at 20 feet which another individual with normal vision can read at 32 feet.

Sun and Skin

2008-10-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

You need to understand that excessive sun can be the skin's worst enemy. Therefore it is essential that you adopt following guidelines into your daily routine to protect your skin from the harmful radiation of the sun.

Avoid excessive exposure to the sun between the hours of 10.00 AM to 3.00 PM. When the radiation of the sun is intense.
When you are in the Sun, wear protecting clothes, such as hats, long sleeves and use sunscreen.
Never to use tanning beds as they are increasing source of skin damage and ageing.
Use a sunscreen on exposed areas of your skin everyday. When choosing one, select that protects you from both kinds of UV radiation-UVA & UVB.
Use sunscreen that has Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. An SPF of 15 means that you can stay in the Sun 15 times longer than you normally could before your skin begins to burn.
Apply the sunscreen liberally and half an hour before you go out in the Sun so that the sunscreen is well absorbed into your skin.
You might have to try several before you find one that does not cause any skin reaction.
But above all, you need to remember that the best protection against skin cancer and other damage is to avoid the Sun.
Harmful Radiations Of The Sun
The sun emits three form of radiation infrared, visible and ultraviolet. Infra red and visible light are valuable because they provide warmth and the ability to see. Ultraviolet rays can be harmful depending on their wave-lenght:- UVA (longest), UVB (middle length) and UVC (shortest). Each one them penetrates the atmosphere and affects our health in different ways.

UVB Rays: These rays are absorbed into the epidermis and can cause skin cancer by altering the normally well-organized behavior of cells. By breaking down the collagen and elastin building blocks they can create , by further causing wrinkles, clumping up the protein, weakening the walls of small blood vessels and spider veins etc.

UVA Rays: These rays can be as harmful as UVB rays. UVA is absorbed into the epidermis and pass through the dermis. They remain in high intensity all day long and not just peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. unlike the UVB rays.

UVB and UVA rays can both damage the protecting covering of eyes known as Cornea. The resulting damage to the lens and the retina may cause cataract and visual acuity problems.

The sun also affects the immune system UVB and particularly the UVA rays can damage the langerhans cells, which are important component of immune system within the skin. UV rays can damage the WBC (White Blood Cells) as well, rendering them important in face of the enemy. In addition damage to the langerhans cells and WBC can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system leading to vulnerability of the skin to viruses and other diseases.

UVC Rays: These rays are absorbed in the ozone layer and if small amounts of these rays succeed in passing through, they are absorbed in the epidermis of the skin.

Protecting With a Sunscreen

Sunscreens are available in the market in the form of creams, gels, lotions, sprays and ointments. They contain various agents which have been proven to protect the skin against the rays of the sun.

Para-amino-benzoic acid or PABA, PABA esters (glycerol, padimate A, padimate O, or octyl dimenthyl PABA) and cinnamates are agents which are effective in protecting the skin against UVB rays. Benzophenones (oxybenzone, methoxybenzone and sulfisobenzone) and Parsol are effective in protecting against UVA rays.

To totally protect your skin, select a sunscreen with a combination of two of these agents, one of UVA rays and one of UVB. Take the help of a dermatologist to chose a product that suits your skin type. Also, at the same time pass a test on hand before applying it on the face.

Some factors need to be considered while choosing a sunscreen:

Does it protect my skin or do I have signs of sun exposure?
Is it too occlusive and sticky?
Do I break on pimples when I use it?
Do I break out a rash?
Depending on these factors you can pick a sunscreen from the options available :

If you have a dry skin avoid using tretinoin (Retin-A, Stieva-A, Retisol-A, Refuva-A, Renova, Vit A Acid) which tends to dry the skin, a cream base can be a better choice e.g. Ombrella 15 or Photoplex). Retisol-A is particularly good because it combines a broad-base sunscreen with tretinoin and a moisturizer in a single cream.
If you participate in sports or swim, sunscreen that will not wash off immediately are recommended (Ombrella 15 or Presum 29 are useful)
Thus , the need of sunscreen varies with the skin type, your daily activities, geographical locations and climatic condition. As UV rays are reflected from sand, sun, water, snow and ice. The frequency of application of a sunscreen, too will vary with your activities. If you work out-of doors, whether in winter or summer, several applications of high SPF sunscreens throughout the day will be required.

How To Apply A Sunscreen

The key to an effective use of sunscreen is to:

Be diligent about their application.
Apply them regularly and in adequate amounts. Thinly applied sunscreens markedly decrease the sun protection factor.
Apply sunscreen on your children regularly as well, to the exposed areas of their body.
Cleanse the skin, before application (sunscreen).
Apply sunscreen (min 15 SPF) to areas of body which will be exposed to the sun.
Apply moisturizer if necessary.
Apply make up.
Reapply the sunscreen if needed throughout the day depending on the amount of sun exposure and your rate of perspiration.
Sunscreen are most effective when they are applied to cool, dry skin, so they should be put on 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. The reason being:

The sunscreen needs a cool dry surface to bind to the top layer of the skin.
There is a possibility that you might get a heat or sweat rash from the sunscreen if applied when the skin is hot because the sweet pores are open.
How To Be Safe In The Sun

Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15, such as Ombrelle 15, daily to sun exposed areas of the skin.
Apply the sunscreen about 30 minutes before sun exposure when the body is cool and dry so it will bind better to the skin.
Reapply sunscreen throughout the day according to the amount of sun exposure you receive. If you are participating in sports which make you perspire, reapply sunscreen every hour.
Protect the sun exposed areas of the body all year round.
Apply adequate amounts of sunscreen, one ounce for one body for one application. If you are using adequate amounts of sunscreen, you should be purchasing it as regularly as you purchase toothpaste. High-risk areas for cancer such as the face and hands should receive an extra dose of sunscreen. If you don't mind the look of a total block, use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on the particularly sensitive areas such as the nose and cheek bones.
Be thorough in your application: sun exposed skin which is not covered will burn.
If you are wearing loosely woven clothing, put sunscreens on underneath them. The sun also penetrates wet clothing easily.
Wear waterproof or water-resistant sunscreens if you plan to be in the water. Waterproof sunscreens last for 1 1/2 hour and water resistant sunscreens for about 30 to 40 minutes. They should be re-applied to dry skin allowing a bonding period of 20 minutes before re-entering the water.
Wear 100% UV-protected sunglasses that wrap around the eyes. Darker sunglasses do not necessarily filter out the UV rays unless they are specially coated.

Is Women Beauty Skin Deep?

2008-10-11T04:04:00.000-07:00

Natural beauty is translated in millions of different ways and can be connected to many different types of things in and on the human body. To be able to radiate natural beauty one does not need to add or take away something to make it perfect. It is said that beauty is sole deep and that beauty is in t eye of the beholder. The statements are only true if you make them to be in your life.

Evert living person living on this earth has some kind of natural beauty within and out them. People are all different yet we all want the some things in life and beautiful is one of the ways we want to recognized in. no one wants to be ugly and no one is. Natural beauty is contained in everyone and it determines how people look at you and how they perceive you.

People mostly women always want to find out how they can maintain and inhanse their natural beauty the right way. Inhansing natural beauty should not have to be hard. And it should not require a lot of make up. A cleaner face with less make up seems to look a lot better than an over done face. People try to make themselves more beautiful by putting allot of makeup and this hides the beauty of a person instead of enhancing it.

The Things You Can Do To Look More Beautiful Naturally

Make up is an option to help you radiate natural beauty though if to much be used it can hide the beauty of your face. A natural beauty tip when it comes to make up is that the less you have on your face the more your natural features are shown. The face is very important are the first place people looking at before you make an impression.

The eyes are also important on your face so using the right color around your eyes is important to enhance the color and shape of your eyes. The other important tip is to take care of your skin and to make is as clear and smooth as you can.

Doing things like drinking more water and eating more fruit can make your skin clearer from the inside out. Using a light foundation on your skin can make your skin toned making you look beautiful but what is even mare important is getting a cleanser that will open your pores. Also using a blush or bronzer nwill enhances tour cheek bones and makes you look radiant.

The natural beauty of a person is what you make of it and embracing and celebrating what is beautiful about you is what makes you feel beautiful. It is and will always be what you make of it.

Getting Perfect Brows

2008-10-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the eyebrows are the gutters that stop rain and other substances from falling straight down off the roof and into the windows. You don't notice gutters on a house. Not when they're in good repair, that is. When they start falling down and buckling and become scruffy and peeling, it's hard to look at anything else.

An eyebrow brush should be in your make-up case to shape and control brows. If need be, use a dab of gel to coax them to stay in place.

Did you know that it can take up to eight weeks for plucked brows to grow back? And that if they have an attitude, they won't grow back at all?
If your brows need a little help, fill them in with an eyebrow pencil but be sure to use light strokes. No heavy hand work.
Eyeshadow also works - apply with a stiff wedge shaped brush.
A trick to make your eyebrows seem thinner: Apply colour only in the centre of each brow.
To emphasize the natural shape of the brows, use a brush and a little bit of gel on them.
There is another great little product available to hold the brows in place - colourless mascara! Works great.
A FEW weeks ago, I received an e-mail from a reader who wanted to know how to make her eyebrows look like the ones you see in magazines. You know those perfect arches! Well, magazines have this little thing called an air-brush. It makes just about any part of you look flawless. So readers, that explains the perfect brows. But I did do some digging to see what we can do to make our brows more presentable. Here are a few things that might not have been tried yet.

Drop The Years
Did it occur to you that the wrong shaped brows could add an additional five kilos and if that isn't bad enough... an additional five years? If you aren't convinced, take a trip to the market and do a little people watching. You will be amazed at the brows you will see!

No More Eyebrow Raising
The next time you are out, glance at a few foreheads. You will probably see a lot of horizontal lines, and it is something that can be prevented or at least slowed down. And how do you do this? Stop raising your eyebrows a few zillion times a day. This is simply a habit that can get out of hand.

And don't go trying to create an arch when you don't have one. You will end up with unnatural-looking brows and even worse... the arches could be different over each eye. Tidy up unruly hairs, but work with what you have.

Who Would Have Thought!
Did you know that simply pulling a tight T-shirt over your head could ruin your eyebrows? Tiny hairs suddenly go in every direction. Get into the habit of grooming your brows with each make-up application.

Big Brows
You can't change them so think about tidying them up. Remove any hairs between the brows and those that are beneath but straggly. If they are sparse, fill in as directed above. Did you know that well-groomed brows can actually open up your face? It's true and they can also help lift deep-set eyes or make small eyes look larger.

Tweeze Right

Pick a natural light source your tweezing.
Place a warm washcloth over brows for five to 10 minutes.
Exfoliate brow with a washcloth to help free up any (potential) ingrown hairs.
Pull skin taut and remove unwanted hairs as close to the root as you can and in the direction of the growth.
Tips

Tweezing or snipping should be done weekly. Attempting to accomplish the entire brow in one sitting will likely lead to mistakes.
Teething gel for babies can be used to deaden the pain if you find tweezing very uncomfortable.
Avoid tweezing (if possible) around your period. It simply hurts more at this time.

Enhancing Your Nails

2008-10-10T22:29:00.000-07:00

Nail enhancement is a broad term that encompasses several methods of augmenting your natural nail. Actually, in some instances, enhancements have less to do with enhancement and more to do with making eye-catching additions, hence the commonly used term "fake nails". Women Fitness offers you information about the following nail enhancements:

Note: If you get nail enhancements, you'll be returning to the salon every 2 to 6 weeks- depending on your nail's growth and how you take care of them- for a "touch-up". This is for getting your nails' newly grown area enhanced so that it matches the rest of the nail.

Wraps
Nail wraps use sheets of fiberglass, linen, or silk to add a strong, protective layer to the nail, which in turn helps nails grow longer without breaking. To create nail wraps, your nail technician takes small pieces of fabric mesh and sticks them to your nails with an adhesive typically one of those nail glues that reminds everyone of super glue. After buffing the enhancement a bit to create a smooth surface, your nail technician applies a sealant to help keep out moisture and discourage the wrap from lifting.

Acrylic nails
To create acrylic nails, a nail technician mixes together two ingredients called powdered polymer and liquid monomer. When combined, the powder and liquid react to form a plastic-like paste. This paste is smoothed onto the nail, where it hardens, at room temperature. Acrylic nails are a good choice for anyone who wants long nails that are virtually indestructible.

If you are sensitive, you should avoid acrylic or porcelain nails. The monomer used in acrylic and porcelain nails is an irritant that can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.

Porcelain nails
Porcelain nails are similar to acrylic nails, except that they use a finely ground, glasslike material in the powder. They are applied just like acrylic nails and are good for creating a hearty, long nail. The finish is a bit more natural-looking than acrylic nails, making them a better choice for those of you who like to wear pale, sheer nail colors.

Gel nails
Gel nails, or gel systems as they are also called, are a newer type of nail enhancement that are created by applying layers of resin to the nail; these layers combine and harden to form a solid nail. Depending on the formula a particular nail technician uses, nails are hardened with an ultraviolet light or under ordinary room lighting. Gel nails are among the most natural-looking of the nail enhancements – something to keep in mind if you want nails that look like your own, only longer and stronger.

Using nail tips
Nail tips are one of the oldest forms of nail enhancements. Preformed plastic nail shapes are applied to the natural nail plate with nail glue. Sometimes they cover the nail from the cuticle to the end, but more frequently they are applied midway down the nail plate. To get a smoother finish, some nail technicians may apply acrylics, gel, or wraps over either the natural "untipped" nail or both the natural nail and the newly affixed nail tip. The entire shape is then sanded and filed into the length and shape you want.

You can buy nail enhancement kits to do yourself. However, because of the chemicals involved in their application, the best option is to visit a nail technician.

Nail art
Perhaps you're someone who loves to express herself through her appearance. For you, a shockingly bright, colored nail isn't enough. You want to set yourself apart from the manicured crowd. From the sound of it, you are a nail art kind of girl. Nail art is not so much a way to augment nails' length as it is a way to enhance their appearance.

There are several ways you can dress your nails up. Transfers much like the transfers you got from cereal boxes, and stuck on windows or your own body as a child- are an easy way to add decoration to your nails. Most nail salons have a selection of seasonal designs, such as snowflakes, as well as standard designs, such as roses. These are embedded in slightly sticky nail varnish. When nail varnish is dry, a layer of top coat keeps transfers secure.

Decorative nails
Nail jewelry can be expensive 14-karat gold, but it is usually made of cheaper silver or gold-colored metals. Most nail jewelry comes in simple designs, such as initials, stars, and hearts; it is applied just like nail transfers. For those of you with very long nails, there is another type of nail jewelry: earrings for nails. If you're interested, your nail technician will actually pierce one of your nails and install a stud or a small hoop. Nail detailing, sometimes simply called nail art, uses extra-fine paintbrushes and several colors of nail varnish, which your nail technician uses to paint scenes onto the nail. The finished product depends greatly on your nail technician's skill as a fine artist.

Many dermatologists feel it is important to take several 2-week to 1-month "rests" a year from nail enhancements. As, nail enhancements trap the natural nail underneath, causing the nail plate to atrophy. Rests allow the weakened natural nail to grow stronger.

Remember:

Having the right tools makes home nail care easy.
It's not difficult to give yourself a manicure or a pedicure.
Many nail-product ingredients are strong allergens. Always read the labels!
When visiting a salon, pay attention to its hygiene practices.
If you can't grow your own nails, you could try nail enhancements.
For the adventurous, nail art and jewelry are an option.

LASIK Surgery

2008-10-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

LASIK stands for “laser-assisted intrastromal in-situ keratomileusis,” a vision correction procedure in which a flap of 160-180 microns depth is cut in the front of the cornea, the flap is folded back to expose the stroma of the cornea, an excimer laser ablates (reshapes) the exposed stroma, and the flap is folded back down.

The anterior layers of the cornea (epithelium, Bowman’s Layer) are preserved (unlike in PRK, in which Bowman’s Layer is burned away by the laser and does not grow back), and there is much less post-operative pain than with PRK, as well as lower incidence of dry eyes, hazing, and scarring. Healing time is much faster than for RK or PRK, and patients can see right away (I was seeing 20/25 the very next day, and 20/20 a couple of days later). The surgery corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, but cannot fix presbyopia. If you needed reading glasses to see up close beforehand, you’ll still need them afterwards (unless you opt for monovision, but you may still need the readers anyway).

Various essential steps in the direction of a safe & successful surgery are laid down below. They are vital safeguards to make sure that you have a safe surgery with the best possible chance of a good outcome.

Get your eyes screened you eye diseases, keratoconus, or retinal problems, prior to the surgery (as all these problems disqualify you for surgery).
Your surgeon will perform a cycoplegic refraction, in which he will give you drops to paralyze your eyes’ ability to accommodate, so that he can get a very accurate refraction.
Cease to wearing soft contacts for at least one week prior to this exam, and hard contacts for at least four weeks, and you may not wear them again between the exam and your surgery (they can leave some residual misshapenness in your cornea that can cause inaccurate surgery).
When you arrive at your laser center, a map, called a corneal topography, will be made of your eye. This map will be used to help the laser select a program, called a nomogram, to tell it how many pulses to deliver to various spots on your cornea to produce the intended correction.
Your refractive error will be double-checked, possibly by using an autorefractor, but definitely by hand with the phoropter (that funky mask-shaped device your eye doctor uses to determine your prescription).
You will be given drops to anesthetize your cornea, and measurements will be made by tapping your cornea with a pachymeter to determine your corneal thickness. You’ll see it, but you will not feel it. FYI, average corneal thickness is about 500 microns at the center, tapering to about 300 microns at the edges.
You will be given more numbing eye drops, and your face will be washed with an antibiotic cleanser. You’ll also receive antibiotic eye drops and either diazepam (the generic name for Valium) or iorezepam (the generic name for Ativan) to help you calm your nerves. Make sure that you don’t take too much of the medication, because you need to be awake during the procedure!
You will lie in the operating chair, which is motorized and will draw you up under the operating microscope and laser. The eye that is not being treated at the moment will be taped shut, and your operative eye will have its lashes taped back with a surgical drape. You will be given much more powerful anesthetic drops (usually Tetrocaine, a cocaine derivative). These sting a little until they take effect. The surgeon will ask you if you can still feel the stinging, and will continue to apply the drops until you can't. Your cornea is very sensitive, so make sure you get all the medication you need so that you feel nothing when your cornea is touched.
POST-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT :

After the procedure, you’ll suddenly feel heavy and sleepy, you will be put in the waiting room for about 20 minutes for your corneas to bed down some more, and may fall asleep. Your eyes will be checked under the slit lamp microscope to verify that your flaps are properly bedded down, and then you’ll be sent on your way, but you will NOT be allowed to drive, so make sure you have someone with you.
You will be asked to use a dark pair of wraparound sunglasses, every time you go outside for the first week. Make it a point to use good sunglasses regularly afterwards, since exposure to UV has been suspected in causing haze in LASIK patients.
You will also be asked to use plastic eye shields that you should tape over your eyes every night before going to sleep so that you don’t rub your eyes and accidentally dislodge your flaps before the epithelium re-grows over the edges.
The first 5 days are critical—you do not want to dislodge the flap! After that critical period, you’re not going to move the flap without surgical tools .
You will also be asked to make use of some steroid drops, some antibiotic drops (ofloxacin is best), some artificial tears (patients in Canada get this nifty tear gel instead), and possibly a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drop. Use them all religiously, and follow instructions.
Make sure you wash your hands before doing anything at all with your eyes, so that the chance of infection is minimized. An infection under the flap can cause scarring that can blind you, so do take extra care!
For about three months, you may experience fluctuations in your acuity. You may see really well one day, and not so well the next. Be patient— because there’s no blood supply, the cornea heals slowly. It can take three to six months for vision to stabilize. Don’t even think about getting an enhancement until at least three months have passed!
But can you ? Should you ? While many problems that dogged earlier techniques have indeed been ironed out, many experts fear that the ads may be misleading. Even the surgeons who perform the techniques admit that only about half of all patients end up with 20/20 vision six months.

HOW BLIND ARE YOU ?

The acuity of your vision depends largely on the shape of your cornea, a transparent cap that covers the iris and pupil. As light enters the eye, the cornea helps focus the incoming image. If your cornea' s too steeply curved, you're nearsighted -- distant object look blurry. Too flat and you're farsighted, unable to sharply focus on people or object close at hand. If you have an astigmatism, your cornea is steep and flat by turns. In theory, at least, refractive surgery can eliminate all the flaws by slightly changing the cornea's shape.

But take note : If you're suddenly found yourself struggling to read the phone book or thread a needle, chances are the lenses of your eyes have started to stiffen, as happens in most adults by age 45. None of the surgical techniques introduced thus far can eliminate the need for reading glasses.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ?

In 1978 eye surgeons began to use a technique called Radical Keratotomy (RK ),which is essentially a series of incisions made around the iris to flatten the cornea. That eased myopia, but the deep cuts were painful as they healed into scars that often clouded vision. In 1987 Photorefractive Keratectomy ( PRK ) produced better results by using a laser to more lightly sculpt the cornea, but haziness and discomfort often persisted.

The solution was LASIK, developed around 1990. LASIK skips scraping the top of the cornea in favour of sculpting beneath its surface ; it's known as " flap and zap " in surgery circles. The doctor first numbs the eye, then carefully slices across the cornea a flap the thinness of an onion skin and hold it out of the way. Next with the eye looking like a peeled grape, the laser goes to work shaving off less sensitive cells underneath. After about a minute, the flap's replaced, and the procedure's over. The flap re-adheres to the eye much like a plastic warp. Recovery time's quicker than with PRK, and there's little pain ; most people return to work in a day or two.

LASIK'S success rate is impressive, too -- at least in the hands of experienced surgeons. Many are delivered with 20/ 20 vision, while another 20per cent get at least 20/40. LASIK was initially built for just nearsighted patients. Today, the procedure can help those who are mildly to moderately farsighted or who have an astigmatism as well.

But every operation has a margin of error, and with LASIK the trickiest part is creating the flap. If it's not quite right --too ragged, for instance --and the surgeon goes ahead and does the lasering the eye won't heal " correctly," and there may be scarring. To reduce the chance of a mishap, experts advise patients to choose a highly experienced surgeon from a reputable hospital who has enough humility to know when to call off the procedure.

Unfortunately, certain side affects aren't predictable and can never be undone If the calibration of the laser is off --which can happen in the hands of even the most skilled doctors -- you could go into the operating room nearsighted and end up a bit farsighted, or vice versa. And about 5 percent of patients struggle with chronic glare after LASIK, or see halos around bright lights. Such complications, especially noticeable at night or while driving, can be a nuisance for some people and a nightmare for others.

you shouldn't consider LASIK if you have diabetes or any other medical condition that threatens eyesight, or if your lens prescription has appreciably changed in the previous five years The stronger your lens prescription, the higher the risk of side effects ; there's simply more to be done in the eye. It also helps to have a fat wallet: LASIK runs to about Rs.22,000 per eye and insurance companies do not cover the cost.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?

In the end, how satisfied you're likely to be with LASIK depends mostly on how poor your vision is beforehand and bothersome you find contacts or glasses. If even a mild improvement in vision would make you happy, you 're less likely to be put off by the risks or common side effects.

Remember : No procedure can guarantee that you'll never wear glasses or contacts again. Even at their most effective, LASIK just buy a little lens -free time. Surgery or not, nearly everyone eventually needs glasses to read.

Greying Hair

2008-10-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

Grey hair is a familiar sign of ageing. The age when greying starts depends on your genetic inheritance, but around 50 per cent of Caucasians find that half their hair has turned grey by the age of 50.

Loss of hair colour is due to a gradual decline in the production of a pigment, melanin, in the hair bulb. White hair has no pigment, and gray hair has some but not as much as a red, black or brown hair. Not all hairs respond in the same way or at the same time. So the graying process usually is gradual. You can't prevent graying. If you look at individual hairs on a greying head you will see a full colour range, from the original shade to white - all along each hair. and from one hair to another. The first grey hairs usually appears near the temples. Then the greyness spreads to the crown, and later to the back of the head.

Apparent rapid greying may be due to the selective shedding of pigmented hair in a person who already has some grey hairs, which are retained. This kind of shedding usually takes several months. But it can occur in a few days, when the effects are dramatic, since the person's grey hairs would not have been so obvious until the darker hairs were lost. Loss of hair colour before the age of 35 is termed premature greying.

Excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol, meat, and fried, oily, greasy, spicy, sour, and acidic foods can reduce the moisture and nutrients reaching the hair follicles and may lead to premature greying.

A drop in melanin production may be caused by a lack of the mineral copper. Eat foods such as crab, oysters, sunflower seeds, cashews and almonds, which have significant amounts of copper.

To obtain better results, iron & iodine should be taken in form of sea food. Besides fish, which is the main source of iodine, the requirement of this mineral can be met by adequate intake of carrots, bananas & similar other vegetables & fruits. Carrots are especially useful in furnishing fresh blood & maintaining the health of the hair.

All three of these vitamins, belonging to B group, should be supplied at one time preferably in a form which gives all B vitamins, such as yeast, wheat germ & liver. The three anti-grey hair vitamins can be produced in the intestinal track by bacteria. Thus drinking a litre of yoghurt daily with a tablespoon of yeast before each meal will be an excellent remedy for the prevention & the treatment of premature greying of hair. If one wishes to take tablets of calcium pantothenate & paba, they should be taken in addition to the yeast & yoghurt & not as a substitute for them.

Avoid foods loaded with artificial colours and preservatives, as these put a strain on your digestive system and can lead to dry, brittle hair and a dehydrated scalp. Too many carbohydrates, such a pasta and bread, can diminish levels of antioxidants in your body that are needed to neutralize free radicals.

Instead of reaching for a packet of hair dye, try some natural applications. Sage or tea will temporarily coat the hair shaft, hiding the grey. Grey hair tends to be coarse and wiry, owing to a lack of moisture. Apply a hair mask once a week. Olive oil, avocado or banana are excellent nourishing masks.

Hair cannot really turn white "overnight" - this is an urban myth. Hairs grow with the pigment already inside them. As hair is dead there is no process by which the melanin throughout a hair can be destroyed rapidly by natural causes, rather than chemicals (although it may be bleached by sunlight over many years).

DAILY EATING PLAN FOR GREY HAIR
The rapid greying that occurs when pigmented hair falls out to reveal underlying grey hairs can be delayed by keeping your hair as healthy as possible. If you are going prematurely grey, drink plenty of water and fruit and vegetable juices. Fresh juice is full of antioxidants that help detoxify the body and protect the pigmented hairs that remain, and so delay the onset of premature greying.

BREAKFASTS
Porridge with prunes and apricots, strawberry starter smoothie

LUNCH
Chicken salad with soy dressing with a wide variety of vegetables

DINNER
Vegetable and bean soup with wholemeal pita bread

DESSERT
Fresh fruit salad and natural yoghurt

Home Remedies

Certain home remedies have been found useful in the prevention & treatment of premature greying of hair.

The foremost among these is the use of Indian Gooseberries or amla which is valuable hair tonic for enriching hair growth & hair pigmentation. The fruit cut into pieces should be dried, preferably in shade. These pieces should be boiled in coconut oil till the solid matter becomes like charred dust. The darkish oil is very useful in preventing greying.

The water in which dried amla pieces are soaked overnight is also nourishing to the hair.

This water should be used for the last rinse while washing the hair. Massaging the scalp with a teaspoon of amla juice mixed with a teaspoon of almond oil or few drops of lime juice, every night has proved beneficial.

When curry leaves are boiled in coconut oil, the oil forms an excellent hair tonic to stimulate hair growth & bring back hair pigmentation.

The butter made from cow's milk has the property to prevent premature greying of hair.

This can be massaged into the hair roots twice a week.

Ribbed gourd or torai, boiled in coconut oil is another effective remedy to prevent premature greying of hair. Pieces of this vegetables should be dried in the shade. These dried pieces should be soaked in coconut oil & kept aside for 3-4 days. The oil should be boiled till the solid is reduced to the blackened residue. This oil should be massaged into the scalp. It will help enrich the hair roots & restore pigment to the hair.

Eyelashes Care

2008-10-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

When some hair is left on the brush after brushing, we see it as normal; and in case of heavy hair lost there are many ways to strengthen it. But when eyelashes come out many women are lost, they try to use less eye makeup, but do not strengthen their eyelashes. In the following article you will find out, how to take care of eyelashes so that they are fluffy and luxuriant.

Eye Makeup Removal
Daily we use mascara and eye shadows, so the top priority in taking care of our eyes should be taken by the removal of makeup. Before bed makeup should be removed from the eyelashes so that the eyes and the eyelashes can rest during the night.

Plant oil or your regular makeup remover can be used to remove makeup. The makeup should be removed with soft movements without strong pressure or stretching force on the skin – the skin around eyes is very sensitive. It is done with spiral movements from the roots to the ends of the eyelashes. Camomile or black tea potions are also good for washing up the face; they cut off insignificant inflammatory processes.

Brush the Eyelashes
Eyelashes demand attention and care in order to be silky and well-groomed, they have to be brushed every morning and every night with a special brush (mascara brush can be used as well) oiled with warm castor or olive oil, in this way the growth of eyelashes is improved, and they become stronger and softer. Burdock and rose oils also have a universal softening effect on eyelashes and eyelids. When the procedure is done systematically the growth of eyelashes intensifies and they become silky.

Herbal Compresses for Fluffy Eyelashes
To make your eyelashes especially fluffy you can try an old reliable recipe – eye lotion. Make a decoction with the flowers of calendula and cornflower. Pour three tea spoons of each plant with boiling water. Leave the mix for three days, then it is ready to begin applying 15-20 minute compresses. The decoction should be of homeroom temperature. Using only cornflower decoction is also helpful.

Alternative treatments work slowly but surely. The token of success is the regularity of application.

6 NEW WAYS OUR CELEBS LOSE WEIGHT

2008-10-10T03:24:00.000-07:00

6 NEW WAYS OUR CELEBS LOSE WEIGHT

PENELPE CRUZ
Crave-control pills
"I can't live without my Bs," says the 33-year-old size 10 star. She takes B vitamins to control sweet cravings and improve her mood.
Reality rating 10/10
"B vitamins help regulate metabolism," says Nicki. "They also help stabilise blood sugar, making cravings for sweets far less likely."

MEL C
Whey smoothies
The Spice Girl, 34, keeps her size-12 figure trim, her blood sugar balanced and her cravings at bay with a breakfast blend of whey protein and water.
Reality rating 7/10
"Whey protein is filling, energising and can even help fight ageing," says Nicki. "And pure protein eaten in the morning suppresses the appetite for the entire day."

TRINNY WOODALL
Fat-flushing juice
After a fatty meal, the 43-year-old size-8 style guru drinks grapefruit or pineapple juice because the fruit acid stops the absorption of fat.
Reality rating 10/10
Er, could it get any easier? Trinny's trainer, Brendan McCarthy, suggests opting for organic and sugar-free juices for maximum nutrient punch.

PINK
Detox day
For one day a week, size-10 Pink, 28, will only eat green foods to calm her digestion, absorb more nutrients and reduce cravings.
Reality rating 6/10
Pink's trainer, Gregory Joujon-Roche, says: "Start the day with an apple, celery and cucumber smoothie and green grapes, have salad for lunch and steamed veg for dinner."

KATIE PRICE
Sauna squeeze
When size-6 Katie, 29, was preparing for a photo shoot, her trainer, Mark Anthony, advised her to reduce her daily two-litre water intake by 250 millilitres each day for a week, and have saunas to reduce excess water.
Reality rating 2/10
Mark says it should only be done once a year – any more and you could wreak havoc on your kidneys.

CARLY ZUCKER
Cut the caffeine
The size-8 WAG, 25, was told by her trainer, Paul Ellis, that coffee dehydrated her, making her moody and tricking her into thinking she was hungry.
Reality rating 7/10
Paul says: "Reduce food cravings by replacing coffee and tea with green tea.

10 CHOCOLATE BARS FOR UNDER 200 CALORIES
We've had it absolutely hammered in to our heads that if you're going to snack on chocolate, make it dark chocolate. The higher percentage of cocoa in your chosen bar, then the better it is for you. But what about when you just want a good, old-fashioned choccie bar from the corner shop? Standing there for 30 minutes analysing the wrappers to find out which bar has 10 less calories than another can be slightly embarrassing, so we've done that for you and come up with our top 10 not-as-naughty-as-you-might-think treats.

1. Kit Kat, Nestlé
Calories in 2 fingers of Kit Kat (21g): 106kcal

2. Fudge, Cadbury's
Calories in 1 Fudge bar (25g): 110kcal

3. Milky Way, Mars
Calories in a 26g bar Milky Way: 117kcal

4. Bounty, Mars
Calories in 1 Bounty bar (28g): 135kcal

5. Aero, Nestle
Calories in 1 Aero bar (31g): 164kcal

6. Flake, Cadbury's
Calories in 1 Flake bar (32g): 170kcal

7. Buttons, Dairy Milk, Cadbury's
Calories in 1 pack of Buttons (32.5g): 170kcal

8.Creme Egg, Cadbury's
Calories in a Creme Egg (39g): 174kcal

9. Maltesers, Mars
Calories in a pack of Maltesers: 183kcal

10. Crunchie, Cadbury's
Calories in 1 Crunchie bar (42g): 200kcal

And our number one rule is: if you decide to have a chocolate bar as a treat, enjoy it! Don't feel guilty if you indulge yourself once in a while.

CREDIT: Large bucket of salted popcorn (397 calories) = DEBIT: Cycling for 45 minutes

GADGET WORTH EXERCISING FOR
Fitness fanatics will love the Nike+ SportBand. Worn like a watch, it measures time, distance, pace and calories burned, then allows you to store all the info on your computer (www.nikeplus.com).

DID YOU KNOW?
A candlelit dinner might be romantic, but it won't do your waistline any favours. Researchers at the University of California found that lower levels of light encourage binge eating, so turn up the dimmer switch. And swap the light bulb for a blue one – another study found that blue is the least appetising colour for food (since the brain associates it with poison), so you'll eat less.

A HOT WAY TO LOSE
A dash of Tabasco sauce could be all it takes to shift your beach bulge. A study in the British Journal Of Nutrition found that women who seasoned their food with hot sauce ate 200 fewer calories than those who didn't. Just keep a glass of water handy!

KEEP A DIARY
We all know that keeping a food diary can help you slim, but what if we told you it could double the amount of weight you lose? Well, that's exactly what a major study in America has discovered. "The more food records people kept, the more weight they lost," says Dr Jack Hollis, who led the study. "Slimmers who kept daily food records lost twice as much weight as those who didn't bother. It seems that writing down what you eat encourages people to consume fewer calories." Now, where's that pen?

START RIGHT
Next time you dine out, don't deny yourself a starter. A study at Pennsylvania State University found that women who ate a first course of soup reduced the total calorie intake of their meal by a fifth compared with those who didn't have a first course. In other words, fill up on minestrone soup and the chances are, come dessert, you won't be so tempted by that Mississippi mud pie.

SPORT IS SEXY
The fastest way to shift weight is to sweat it off. A study at the University Of Colorado looked into the habits of more than 5,000 successful slimmers and found that they were all very active, burning an average of 2,800 calories a week through exercise. Gym-phobes need not be deterred, though. Another study concluded that having sex three times a week can burn as many calories as running 30 miles (50 kilometres) per week. We know which we'd rather do!

SEIZE THE DAY
It seems Britain's obesity epidemic might have as much to do with our cloudy skies as with our monster appetites. Sunlight is vital for the production of vitamin D, but a recent study showed that some Brits, especially those living in the north, don't get enough. And, as vitamin D is vital for controlling appetite and suppressing hunger hormones, the only solution is to get outside more. And no, another holiday is not the answer – you need sustained sunlight all year round, and don't forget it was bingeing in Benidorm that was to blame for your excess baggage in the first place!

SLIM FOR PEANUTS
Saying adios to flab could be as simple as spreading peanut butter on your toast. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity showed that women who snacked on the nutty goo had their hunger reduced for up to two and a half hours, making them less likely to binge throughout the day.

AND FINALLY…
Ditch the sangria. The real reason French women don't get fat? It's all that Merlot. A recent German study found that red wine contains a compound called resveratrol, which reduces the growth of fat cells. Bottoms up!

www.h-magazine.com

Aging Skin

2008-10-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

Growing older does not have to be riddled with physical suffering and emotional alienation. It can usually mean growing better. Scientists unraveling ageing are gaining new insights researching with yeast, fruit flies, mice and monkeys. Among the many theories, the most accepted are :

Error accumulation theory: Biochemical processes in the body break down over time with accumulation of ' free radicals or diminution of growth hormones. Normal repair mechanisms in the cell lose ability to mend all breakdowns, leading to wide - scale tissue damage This results in diseases like cancer and degeneration or ageing. The most notorious are free radical. There molecules are waste product electrons that fail to combine with oxygen on our blood to be safely excreted from the body. Free radicals are highly toxic and cause tremendous damage, including destroying DNA.

How to fight it: If free radicals are destroyed by antioxidants then it's logical that boosting them should arrest cellular degeneration. While studies have shown that a diet rich in fresh fruit, vegetable and legumes contains a battery of beneficial anti-oxidants, there is no evidence whatsoever that mega doses of vitamins slows ageing. " It's one thing to have antioxidants delivered to a cell and another to take a pill and expect it to do the same thing, "says Dr Ambrish Mithal, a top endocrinologist at Delhi's Apollo Hospital." No study has shown that Vitamin E helps diabetics or heart victims -- the answer lies in eating fruits and vegetable. "

Glucose browning: Our bodies normally respond to sugar by releasing insulin which changes the sugar to fat for storage. With age obesity our cells become resistant to insulin. Unconverted glucose molecules are released and combine with blood proteins to wreak havoc. This erratic accumulation of sugar is known as Advanced Glycosylation End ( AGE ), creating complex, unwanted cellular structures in the body.

How to fight it: Since the 1930s, scientists have been aware that a severely restricted diet -- consuming between 30 and 60 per cent less calories than normal -- increases the life span of a variety of species. The theories range from slower metabolism to reduced body fat causing less glycosylation and less oxidation as free- radical production is delayed.

Programmed cell death: Biologists know of ' suicide genes ' which cause degeneration. Massive cell death in embryonic development and that of the immune and nervous systems suggests genetic programming leads to ageing. Scientists have isolated at least there types of suicide genes and the discovery that these are part of our genetic code reveals the biological basis of programmed death. That means there's more to ageing than world of bio - genetic waste.

How to fight it: In the brave new world of bio -genetic engineering, scientists are experimenting with a range of Longevity Assurance Genes that protect against ageing. There, if introduced successfully into an organism, can completely reverse ageing in human skin, brain, blood vessels.

Declining hormones: Sometime in our 40s or early 50s the testes and ovaries stop producing adequate testosterone and estrogen. Menopause has a broad ageing effect on the body ranging from the reproductive, to circulatory muscular - skeletal systems. With age, the hypothalamus in the brain fails to respond to biochemical signals and many glands stop functioning.

How to fight it: While HRT is not new, DHEA, a growth hormone, can stimulate an inactive hypothalamus to start spitting up youthful biochemical's. The incidence of and tumours is reduced and growth hormone levels are restored. However, effects are reversed when treatment stops.

To uncover causes of ageing and antidotes is the next step in the quest for youth. But arriving at our destination will open a whole new set of ethical, demographic, social, economic and other dilemmas that might make us nostalgic about the good old days when humans died by the hand of God or sickness. Who wants to live forever ? Medicine can prolong life, but the quality of those extra years are in our hands.

Taming the Beast Within the Good Old Fashioned Way

2008-10-06T04:21:00.000-07:00

Panic attacks can hit anybody, and over the years, each household has devised its own ways to treat the disorder. While it’s not feasible to go from house to house to learn them all, a short list of the common ways to treat panic attacks is collected here. Trying out some of them may be the fastest way to overcome persistent anxiety disorders.

One direct way of fighting the menace is self awareness. Let yourself acknowledge that you’re over breathing and allow the moment to pass naturally. By freeing your mind from being stifled, your heartbeat will soon go back to normal and you’ll regain control once more. Another solution is to drink water. In the midst of accelerated breathing, gulp a glass of water or more while in a standing position. Hyperventilation can make you dehydrated, and to counter that, you need to drink more water.

Some other types of panic attacks cure are more concentrated with vitamins, diet and all other health effects that are correlated to anxiety disorder. Lack of vitamins and certain minerals can also contribute to anxiety attacks. Calcium, magnesium and b-complex vitamins supplements are good for the body’s mental health whilst refined sugars – artificial sweeteners, caffeine – namely coffee, tea and cola sodas, alcohol and drugs are detrimental to one’s health. The science behind the avoidance of these particular types of food is that caffeine is a stimulant and it propels the function of the body. Escalated heart rate is also a component of anxiety attack and increased heart rate can trigger an attack. On the other hand alcohol and drugs are known to use up the body’s supply of vitamins and nutrients during their metabolism.

When you feel the onset of an anxiety attack, quickly find a place to lie down and practice this breathing exercise. You breathe from your diaphragm by taking in air from your nose and expanding your tummy on inhale and then slowly exhale through your nose while deflating the abdomen. If you become light headed, stop for a few seconds then continue again. This belly breathing will naturally slow down the heart rate. As the panic sensation goes away, you can reward yourself with a hot bubble bath, relaxing music and a hot drink.

Another tried and tested panic disorder help method that has a legion of fans is using lavender essential oil. Dab some drops of lavender onto a cotton ball and put it in a lock zip-up bag. When you feel like you are about to experience an anxiety attack, draw the cotton ball to your nose and smell the calm and relaxing aroma of lavender. Lavender is a proven relaxing agent and will redirect the mind to a calmer state – aromatherapy always calms explosive and temperamental nerves. Some other remedies that people swear by are taking magnesium glycinate capsules and 500-2000 mg of niacinamide a day. They work the same as valium and other drugs but without the resultant side effects. In addition, a bottle of capsules costs far much less than the average bottle of valium.

Holistic approaches are responsible for a number of traditional cures that are never outdated. Acupuncture, meditation, prayer and yoga are developed by experts and have always been around for those who are willing to try them out. Different people resort to different methods for the control of their disorder. The best way to find a cure that works is to be experimental and open-minded enough to give other practices the benefit of a doubt. Whilst some home remedies are restricted to people of a certain spiritual descent, Shiatsu and Tai Chi Chuan, there are other more universal treatments that are easier to adopt.

About Author Thomas J Bronson :
As a leading expert in the field of www.anxietydisordercure.com/articlesdirectory/ panic disorders help and panic attacks treatment, Thomas Bronson is always on the lookout for ways to http://www.anxietydisordercure.com cure panic attacks. For more information on anxiety attack medications, visit his site today for more information.

Beauty Tips For Beautiful Skin

2008-10-06T03:51:00.000-07:00

So often we only think about how are bodies look for a couple of weeks before our summer holidays, and then again as the party season looms. For anyone blessed with a body like Elle McPherson that may be ok, but for the rest of us mere mortals a regular body care routine is required if we're not going to be caught out by a sudden heatwave in May or a surprise bash in November.

For beneficial effects a bodycare routine should be as thorough and regular as a facial skin care routine. A daily shower and the occasional splash of body lotion is rarely enough. A thorough bodycare routine consists of cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, followed by special beauty treatments to treat any specific beauty concerns and a choice of fake tan or gradually tanning skin care product for anyone wanting to avoid the 'milk bottle look'.

Body brushing is a great aid to soft smooth skin especially when used regularly before showering. Regular use improves circulation and the appearance of cellulite giving your skin a refreshed healthy looking glow. It helps to discourage the skin from sagging caused by broken elastin and collagen fibres. Regular body brushing is believed to help strengthen the immune system by encouraging lymphatic drainage and the removal of toxins and waste. Natural bristle brushes are best and there are a variety of shapes and sizes available to choose from.

Exfoliating is the second step in an effective skin care routine for the body. Tired looking skin will be replaced with a revitalized healthy glow. Exfoliating bars, creams, gels and lotions are just as effective as each other. The best to choose is down to personal choice. Products with soothing ingredients or moisturizers will be kinder to the skin. Use in gentle circular motions and follow with a good quality moisturizer. Choose the right product to suit your skin type. Rich creams and oils are great for dry or mature skin, whilst light lotions are ideal for younger or more oily skin types.

A moisturizing cream, lotion or body oil can be replaced with a special beauty treatment for anyone with particular skin care concerns. There is a wide choice of cellulite creams, skin firming lotions, stretch mark creams and toning body balms available. Regular, gentle massage with these beauty products will help to firm and tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of any imperfections. For an intensive moisturizing beauty treat book an occasional spa treatment and enjoy the benefits of a relaxing treatment and massage.

A soft, smooth, firm toned body is only a few bottles of beauty products away. However, to ensure that you are ready for that unexpected party invitation it's wise to have a self tanning beauty product to hand. A gradual self tanning moisturizer will build a natural looking tan in a few days. But if time is of the essence reach for an instant fake tan. They're quick and easy to apply and give a golden sunkissed look to the skin in minutes. Follow these few simple steps and you'll never be caught unprepared.

French Manicure Instructions Guide to the Right Design and Polish for a Natural Look Without Going to the Nail Salon

2008-09-19T09:02:00.002-07:00

The French manicure is often considered the most elegant thing you can do with your fingernails, since it combines perfect polish with a natural look that looks smooth and classy. If you're going for a job interview or just want perfect hands to show off a new ring, the French manicure is ideal. The French manicure can easily be done at home, with some patience and the right tools.

Tips for Beginning any Salon Quality Manicure at Home
Any manicure starts with scrubbing your hands, filing your nails and caring for your cuticles. Use a diamond file instead of the cheaper metal ones: it's about a dollar more expensive, but it files much quicker and smoother. For a classic French manicure, your nails shouldn't be dragon-lady long, but should have a smooth, oval shape that's slightly elongated to make the most of the white nail tips. You're going to need:

Instruction Guide to a French Manicure
A base coat in a subtle, neutral color like pale peach, nearly-not-there pink, or beige. The contrast comes with the white nail tips, which point up the hint of color in the base coat.

- White polish for the tips.
- Nail tip guide strips
- A clear top coat.

After filing your nails and tending to your cuticles by softening them and pushing them back away from the half-moons, paint your entire nail with the base coat color and let it dry. If you have chronic problems with getting the nails on your second hand painted cleanly, you may want to start by putting a little petroleum jelly on the skin of your fingers around the nail. The petroleum jelly keeps the polish from sticking to your skin if you should slip up while painting, making for easy clean-up and a neater look overall.

Using French Manicure Stencil or Template Products
Once the base coat of polish is completely dry—never try to rush this step—put the nail tip guides on your fingernails. Apply the strip guide to the area where your actual finger ends. The white tip of your nail shouldn't comprise more than 20% of the overall fingernail when you're done. Make sure to place the guide strips on each finger so that the tips of your nails are the same length for each.
Once the guides are in place, you can brush white polish onto your fingernails. This is a time for especial care, so that you stay with the guides and get no white polish on the lower part of the nail. Don't remove the guides until the white polish is completely dry, or you'll ruin the tips.

Once the white tips are dry, remove the guides. If they leave any sticky residue behind, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to take it off. Don't forget and use nail polish remover or you'll ruin your whole manicure!

Professional Salon Finish to Any Mani or Pedi
Finish your French manicure by painting the entire nail with the clear top coat of polish. This does two things: it helps your manicure stay fresh longer by protecting it, and it gives a shiny and unified gloss to each nail.
You can buy a manicure in a kit, great for the new DIY nail maven, because they come with designs, color options, style ideas, instructions and all the products you need for a manicure or pedicure. You can try the new manicure polish pen, buy fun stencils and templates or go for a natural look with a brand like Sephora, Opi or Sally Hansen. For professional looking fingers and toes, you don't need a history of salon work: you can get everything you need online or from your local drugstore. And for a quick version of the French look, you can buy a nail whitening pencil. Slide it under the edge of your nail to white the tip, et viola—instant (not as elegant, but very nice) manicure!

Stop a Nail Biting Habit with Proper Natural Nail Care

2008-09-19T09:02:00.001-07:00

The first thing we can all do in having good-looking hands is to keep them
clean by washing regularly. It’s amazing how many people (guys especially, but some women and girls too) walk around with grubby non manicured finger nails. Get a nail brush and put it by the sink, so it’s convenient whenever you wash your hands. An added plus of a nail brushing your fingers is the way it feels: those soft bristles and the luxurious soapy lather take your hands on a daily very mini spa vacation. Always follow up with a nice hand cream or lotion to keep your hands moisturized.

Stop nail biting. Break your toddler or child's habit early.
Beautiful hands and nail care start with basics, and not having raggy, bleeding cuticles is a primary step in having presentable hands. Granted, one of the hardest habits to break is to stop fingernail biting, but it’s also one of the more disfiguring things that can happen to a hand. We all know someone who bites their nails to the quick, then starts on those ragged cuticles. Nail-biting usually starts in early childhood as a toddler with some people never outgrowing it, while others only revert to nail-biting in times of stress.

A finger nail biting cure that helped remedy 18 year old girl's problem from when she was a child.

I know a New York woman who stopped biting her nails when she was eighteen, because she wanted to be a flight attendant, and she had read in one of those “How to Be a Flight Attendant” guides, that bitten nails would keep her from being accepted into “Smile School”. (It was a long time ago, when airlines also had age limitations for stewardesses.) I admired her greatly as she stopped through sheer willpower.

At first, she went retro and wore gloves a lot. She also started carrying a nail file in her purse so that when a nail got split or roughened, she could take care of it on the spot. She wore gloves because taking off a glove to bite a nail is a great way to make yourself pause and consider, and then stop the behavior before it starts. She never did become a flight attendant, but she did have her hands photographed for a newspaper ad for the Chicago manicure and nail salon that she frequented and once more a few years later for a Los Angeles nail care and manicure salon.

Nail care and nail biting products
There are some products on the market to stop nail-biting, super-hot or bitter things to paint on your nails. I've heard some nail-biters say that the nasty taste didn't stop them, but they must work for some people.

Finally, for nail-biters and non-nail-biters alike, hand cream right before bed is a great way to keep your skin smooth. When things are looking rough (or if you’re a biter who’s trying to quit), you can get some wonderfully thin cotton gloves, slather on a hand cream like Sephora’s Bliss Glamour Glove Gel and glove up until morning. The cotton will keep the hand cream off the pillows and on your hands where it belongs. And for a real spa-treatment, get some little cotton socks and give your feet the same experience.

Nail polish shows off those fingers.
And for a little something extra try a nice bright nail polish for your next manicure. OPI nail products give a great professional finish that looks like you went to a manicure salon or spa. But buyer beware of the "fake" acrylic manicure. Your own natural nails are better than using fake "glue on" nails. If your manicurist doesn't properly clean tier tools, acrylic nail application can cause the dreaded nail fungus that has to be specially treated for months at a time. My advice save the acrylic french manicure for a special event or occasion like attending the Boston symphony in a black sleek gown.

Home Manicure Tips: How to Polish, File, and Buff Nails Like a Professional Nail Salon

2008-09-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of spending thousands of dollars each year at the nail salon? If you’re like most of the country budgets are tighter than ever. To compensate for high gas prices and the rising cost of food, tanning and massages salons are seeing a decline in customers due to the economy. In addition, many women are forgoing their weekly trip to their professional nail technician and are doing their nails at home. However, knowing how to properly buff and prepare their nails can be a challenge. If not done correctly, you can actually damage your nails. So, take a look at these easy steps and learn the correct way to buff nails.

Use Salon Products and Tools
There are thousands of nail products on the market today and knowing which tools you need to properly buff your nails can be tricky. However, if you visit your local beauty store you will need to pick up only a few products. First, a handheld nail buffer is essential on your list of supplies. These look similar to emery boards; however they have several different colored panels and appear more like a foam block. You may also want to grab a few bottles of colored polish or OPI polish in French white if you’d like to give yourself a French manicure.

Before Filing or Buffing
Before you start filing away at your nails, there are a few things you should do first. Be sure to remove all old polish with a gentle finger nail polish remover. Look for those without acetone for the gentlest results. After getting rid of the polish, soak your hands in warm soapy water for ten minutes. This will soften your nails and skin to allow you to not only buff your nails better but also remove the unwanted cuticle areas. You can make your own homemade hand spa by filling a large bowl with warm water and adding a small amount of scented bath oil to the water. After soaking your hands, be sure to dry them completely.

Buff Nails the Right Way
To begin, grab your nail buffer and file your nails as you normally would (rounded, square or oval). With the roughest side of the buffer, start to buff your nails. Use a gently side-to-side motion when doing this. The main purpose of this phase is to smooth out any major ridges your nails may have. Next, use the next roughest side of your buffer and repeat the process. This will further work any ridges out of your nail area. To finish the buffing phase, utilize the smoothest part of the buffer to polish your nails until they shine.
Be sure not to be too rough when you are using the first few sides of the buffer. These are meant to only be used gently on the nails. Being too aggressive can lead to a split or chip in the nail, which is almost always difficult to repair properly.

Tips for Professional Salon Results
After you’ve successfully buffed your nails, consider taking your homemade manicure to the next level. Grab your favorite lotion (with or without sun block) and a pair of clean cotton gloves (socks will work if you don’t have gloves). Lather your hands in the lotion, put them into the gloves and wait for ten minutes. When you pull your hands out, wash and dry them well. You will find they are incredibly natural and soft! Be sure to wipe your nails well, apply a top coat of polish and begin painting them in your desired color. Allow the first coat of polish to set and apply another thin coat. Finish with a top coat and allow it to dry.As you can see, getting beautiful nails doesn’t necessarily require an expensive trip to the salon. So, instead of spending money on artificial acrylic nails this season, consider taking the natural route and doing your nails and toe nails yourself at home!

Maximum Cardio

2008-09-18T23:48:00.002-07:00

Depending on your goals and body type, different amounts of cardio may be required. A lean “hard-gainer” trying to add mass may benefit from only one or two cardiovascular sessions per week. On the other hand, someone like myself who is extremely prone to storing fat and sensitive to carbohydrates may require 3 or more sessions in order to maintain peak physique. Since you can only get better at a particular exercise by performing it, those interested in running marathons or participating in endurance events such as a triathlon must increase their frequency of cardio in order to prepare for the event.

MAXIM 1: Your body type and goal for training will dictate the type, frequency, and length of your cardio

When your goal for cardio is general health, you have a few decisions to make about what type of cardio you will perform. Many people enjoy taking long, slow runs. Enjoying cardio is important, so if you find an enjoyable method of cardio, there is no reason why you should discard it. The same decision should influence your choice for timing. Many people claim that you must perform cardio first thing in the morning and/or on an empty stomach to see maximal benefit. I disagree. If you have trouble waking up or putting a full effort into morning cardio, and will get a much more vigorous workout in the evening, then why not do it then? Perform cardio when you feel the best, when you are ready and know you will stick with it and give it 100%.

MAXIM 2: Find cardio that you enjoy, and do it when you feel you have the most energy

There are many styles of cardio. There is some debate about what cardio is best for you. People preach about training in the “zone” of a particular heart rate for maximum fat burning benefit. While it is true that your body will utilize more fat for energy during this period, this is not the entire picture. Moderate cardio means your body will recover quickly - your heart rate will return to normal within a short period. Intense cardio, which elevates your heart rate beyond the “zone”, may not burn as much fat during the exercise, but your body will take longer to recover. Your body must process waste and your heart rate will remain elevated for hours after the bout of exercise. You will burn more calories throughout the day, and therefore you will receive a superior benefit.

To better understand this, let’s consider a situation where you burn 200 calories during exercise. You have a choice: you might burn those calories walking at a brisk pace and reading a book, and it will take you 1 hour. Or, you might burn those calories performing short sprints followed by periods of moderate jogging, and you will burn those calories in 20 minutes. While the “hour” cardio kept you in the “zone” for fat burning, guess what? The 20-minute cardio elevated your heart rate and took you into an anaerobic zone where your body accumulated an “oxygen debt” - a need for oxygen and fat burning to help flush waste from your system and recover from the intense exercise. So during a 24-hour window, you will burn MORE than the 200 calories, and therefore be closer to your fat loss goal.

While there is no hard, scientific evidence to support this next maxim, I truly believe in it. I have witnessed this not only in my own transformation, but also with countless others as well.

MAXIM 3: The less time it takes to burn the same amount of calories, the more calories you will expend later that day

This maxim may seem confusing, but it’s very simple. It means that if you are going to burn 200 calories, when you burn that 200 calories in 20 minutes instead of 1 hour, your metabolism will increase throughout the day and you’ll end up burning MORE than 200 hours when that day is done. This is why high intensity interval cardio, like that recommended in David Greenwalt’s book, The Leanness Lifestyle or the “20-Minute Aerobic Solution™” which is recommended by Bill Phillips in Body-for-LIFE™ is so effective - it burns the most amount of fat in the shortest period of time

Just because high intensity cardio may burn more calories doesn’t make it superior to moderate cardio except with respect to calories burned. There is some evidence that you may improve your cardiovascular health more quickly with high intensity cardio, but this is no reason to discard your long runs. If you have a busy schedule and wish you fit 3 short, 20-minute sessions, then intensity is the way to go. If, however, you truly enjoy your long bike ride or jog on the weekends, then go ahead and do it - you will still be improving your health and burning calories, and if it is something that you enjoy, you will stick with it! Remember, too, that if you are training for a marathon, all of the 20-minute high intensity cardio in the world will not prepare you fully to run 20+ miles. You must perform the moderate, long duration cardio to prepare your body for the event.

This leads us to another maxim. Your heart rate can provide you a lot of information about your training. Over time, your resting heart rate should decrease. Mine went from the high 60’s to a current value of 48 due to my cardiovascular conditioning. When you train with weights, you can use a heart rate monitor to see what your target heart rate is (weight training will take it to the anaerobic levels, or about the maximum heart rate you would want to train at) - this will provide much better feedback than a generic formula. By tracking your heart rate, you can monitor your effort. If you train today at 160bpm then have a lousy day and don’t feel like you’re receiving any benefit, use your heart rate as a guide. As long as you are pushing hard enough to hit that 160bmp mark again, you know you are getting at least the same intensity from your training as the time before.

MAXIM 4: Use your heart rate as a tool for feedback about your progress, not as a “RULE” for fat loss (i.e. the “zone”, etc)

Many people are very intrigued by the readouts on machines when they perform cardio. Unfortunately, those numbers are based on generic equations that fit the “general population” rather than you as an individual. For example, calories burned are based on your weight. A 200-pound person at 8% body fat will have the same formula applied as a 200-pound person at 30% body fat. However, the more that you train and the leaner you are, the less calories you will burn during the same activity. In this example, the 8% person will actually burn fewer calories than the 30% person, due to their level of health and amount of lean mass. There are also issues with metabolism, activity throughout the day, nutrition, and many other factors that are not taken into account.

Does this mean that the readouts are worthless? Not at all. In fact, they are very useful. When I did my morning run this morning, the readout said that I burned 610 calories in 30 minutes. While I may not have truly expended that amount of energy, it is a great reference for me. Why? Because the next time that I perform cardio on that machine, I’m going to push myself harder and try to burn 650 calories. Again, I may not actually be burning 650 calories, but you can be certain that if the readout gives me that number, I will be working harder next week than I did today. So it is a great tool to gauge your own progress. It is also a great tool to mix up your style of training. If I do a high intensity workout and burn “400” calories, then I know if I come back and perform moderate training, I can shoot for “400” calories and expend about the same amount of energy during the activity.

MAXIM 5: Do not take the readouts on cardio machines literally - use them as a scale to gauge your own progress

It is interesting to learn the various ways that different styles of cardio expend energy. A slow, moderate run may take 45 minutes to burn 400 calories. However, the same amount of calories might be expended in a 15 minute, high intensity run. This is due to the fact that your heart rate becomes extremely elevated, and your muscles begin performing extreme work in order to help you accelerate through the intense periods. On the same token, a “slow” jog on a steep incline may burn the same amount of calories. In this situation, your body is fighting against gravity, so again you are still performing “high intensity” effort despite the slower pace.

As a final ingredient, consider variety. I can guarantee that if you always use the treadmill, your body will become so efficient at using the treadmill that you will begin to burn fewer calories doing the same workout. On the other hand, if you perform treadmill work one session, stair climber work another session, then go for a jog, you will continue to see the benefit of increased calorie expenditure. If your training permits, try to build in as much variety as possible. This will keep the fat melting off and continuously improve your cardiovascular condition.

MAXIM 6: Variety is key - whenever possible, vary not only your style of training (i.e. moderate, high intensity, etc) but also the terrain or equipment that you train on

I often have clients complain that they don’t have access to the right equipment to perform much variety with cardio. If you simply purchase an inexpensive jump rope, you can easily train two different exercises: jogging, and jump roping. Now consider different styles of training: moderate (low intensity), high intensity interval training, and just high intensity training (where you try to elevate your heart rate and maintain that throughout the duration of the exercise). This alone provides 6 different possibilities for a cardio session, which is more than enough variety to change things throughout your training cycles.

Cardiovascular exercise is an important component of general health. While certain people may require different amounts and types of cardio, everyone should engage in at least a little cardiovascular activity each week. There are many methods for training which all have their advantages. You should learn what works for you and what you truly enjoy so that you will continue to perform cardio and reap benefits of good health.

Don’t let someone fool you into thinking cardio isn’t necessary. Even if you are in top shape, a little cardiovascular exercise can still benefit your general health. The key is to change the style and frequency of cardio to suite your lifestyle and fitness goals. Consider various styles of training, different terrains, and new types of equipment to train on. As always, learn your body and don’t use any one else’s rules to dictate your training. Keep a good journal, and find out what works for you. Peak cardio is a sure way to move closer to your peak, natural physique.

You deserve to hear this topic covered in amazing detail as part of the 5-CD audio program, Lose Fat, Not Faith - pick up your copy online at Natural Physiques today!

About the Author:
Jeremy Likness, the CEO of Natural Physiques (a division of Golden Summit Inc) is a Certified Fitness Trainer and Specialist in Performance Nutrition. He has coached clients around the world to lose fat, gain muscle, and live healthy after losing over 65 pounds of fat himself. He is the author of the internationally-selling e-Book, "Lose Fat, Not Faith" that has been sold in over a dozen countries. Visit Jeremy at http://www.naturalphysiques.com and join him on his weekly coaching call at http://www.become-your-best.com.

8 Ways to Fall in Love with Fitness

2008-09-18T23:48:00.001-07:00

No, it's not impossible. You can fall in love with exercise instead of having that dreaded feeling every time you lace up your sneakers. The trick to falling in love with fitness is finding something you love to do, and trying new things because you may discover a dormant passion for line dancing, snow shoeing, or even something as exotic as fencing. It's time to uncover your inner athlete and fall in love all over again!

Balls, Bosu and Barrels – If you were the kid who was always climbing the monkey bars and ropes at the park, you'll have tons of fun getting fit with these fitness tools. Exercise balls can be used for all kinds of abdominal exercises, a Bosu is a neat device for balance training and core stability exercises, and you can use a small barrel for practicing Pilates – all in the comfort of your own home. So next time your at the park with your kids, they'll be chasing you on the monkey bars!

Square Dancing – This energetic style of dance may look strange to you – but it's great exercise – and great fun! This folk dancing tradition has existed in Canada for hundreds of years and has maintained its popularity as a social activity often deemed "friendship set to music." Now this form of dance is even more popular as people are doh-si-dohing their way to being fit! Don't knock IT before you try it! You may forget you're getting fit because you're having so much fun!

Snowshoeing – Snowshoes are thousands of years old, and Native Canadians used to use snowshoes as a form of transport. Only in the last century has snowshoeing become a recreational sport. Now, Canadians across the country are strapping on their snowshoes and heading for the trails to spend some time outdoors, at one with nature, while boosting cardiovascular fitness and toning their backsides. Today's modern snowshoes are typically lightweight, aluminum frames with fabric decks and strap bindings as opposed to the classic bent-wood frames crisscrossed with rawhide strips. In recent years, many celebrities have talked about the physical benefits of snowshoeing, especially when it comes to toning your glutes and quads.

Snowshoes are inexpensive compared to skis and snowboards, and snowshoeing is not a difficult sport, but don't let that fool you into thinking you are not getting a good workout. Using poles, whether specially designed for snowshoeing or made for cross-country skiing, they will help you maintain balance and give your upper body a good workout too, especially when you're doing some intense climbing.

Buddy Up! – It's no secret that having a fitness buddy helps get you going. Let's face it, when your doorbell rings at 6 a.m., you're not going to hide under the covers and ignore your buddy. Or, when your work buddy grabs you for your daily lunchtime power walk, you're less likely to sit at your desk and graze. A workout buddy provides a little extra incentive to get you going, and a little less response time to say no to exercise!

Feel Good in Fun Clothes! – Remember the old adage about how when you look good, you feel better? This goes for the gym too. If you buy yourself some fun fitness clothes that you feel good in, you are more likely to have more confidence in yourself and as a result, push yourself harder at the gym. Stores like Winners and The Bay offer great deals on workout clothes that are able to stand up to any fitness test. Remember, if you look the part, you're more likely to feel the part!

Bring the Outdoors Inside – So what if the temperature is way below zero and the wind chill is making you shake like a leaf. Quit lamenting warm days gone by, and bring your beloved outdoor sports indoors. Shed all your layers, and find an indoor rollerblading rink, grab your tennis partner and hit your local tennis club, climb the rock wall at your local YMCA, hit a spinning class, or throw on your bathing suit and swim laps at your local pool. Create your own warmth, and you won't be missing those days any longer.

Position Yourself Properly – Sometimes watching others can give you just the boost you need to get going at the gym. Look around you and position yourself next to someone who inspires you and watch yourself take off! You'll soon be running to keep up with them...

Take Your Toddler With You– Most mothers never know when they'll be able to squeeze in a little exercise time while running their kids around all day. Nowadays, many gyms have daycares, but if you don't want to leave your children, you can exercise with them! Of course, you can run around outside all together, play in the snow, and build snowmen. But, if it's too cold, why not try a kid-friendly Pilates video? Most companies which sell Pilates videos have kid-friendly ones too. Your kids will have a blast getting fit with you while trying all those fun exercises!

About the Author:
Richard Moore is the Founder an President of Everything Health and Beauty! For Men and Women Our WebMall is quickly becoming one of the most trusted and easy to use collection of shopping stores to create a fun and relaxing online shopping experience...and we are constantly searching for other stores with quality products great prices and top notch customer service. If there is a shop you like...please tell us about it and we will do our best to put it on our site. Our goal is to have everything you need for your Health Beauty Fitness and Wellness needs...all in one place. Everything Health and Beauty! http://www.everythinghealthandbeauty.9k.com

Treadmills – Keep On Running

2008-09-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

There are advantages to the use of treadmills as part of your exercise program. A treadmill provides a wonderful cardio for your heart, your lungs and your movement. It is low impact on joints, making it easier and less painful training. It is an excellent training for pregnant women. Because it is low impact and cardio-vascular in nature, it builds endurance which no doubt during labor.

Carpets are easy to use and they are not particularly expensive than the models below. The use of a treadmill will help you lose weight and body fat. A non-physical benefit from a treadmill may be that they do not much room. Oh there are some that could use a chamber ensemble, but if space is the question, then you can find the manual carpets are powered by your movement only once. Really do research and talk to professionals about which might be appropriate.

It is better to compare different models. What type of features you want on your carpet? Some things to watch when you compare different models. It can be overwhelming because all you really want is to develop. The engine type is important because it can affect the size of your machine. The belt trackers are the most important things to consider.

It is the placement of the belt operation and the type of belt movement that you are working. You want a belt that moves smoothly on the rollers instead of being jerky. Did you ever see a belt check in the market that starts and then jumps and jumps and starts again? If the movement is on your carpet as there can have more impact on your joints than necessary and may cause injury.

The length and width of the belt is something else to watch. A belt that is too long can cause run-off "the end of the belt. A belt that is too narrow will not necessarily support your position. Try the machine if possible or one so much as far as possible.

The type of slope and the percentage of the slope will affect training and the impact on your joints. Many carpets door adjustable so that the progress you, you can increase the inclination of where you are on foot, as you would on a steep hill. The speed, how fast moving belt and should be adjustable. What is the minimum and maximum speed? Knowing this will help you plan your training and make it more effective.

One of the features you should look on your carpet to monitor the console is a heart rate monitor. You can make your workout more beneficial if you know your resting heart rate and your target heart rate is the more you get to get the maximum benefit from your market. The console will also display your speed, your time and the distance you have covered.

It is imperative that you learn how to properly execute your carpet before trying to use it. The control panel should be easy to read. Does the control panel be used without the software? You do not want a noisy treadmill. Although there will be a little noise, you do not want the noise to be overwhelming.

Is the noise level acceptable to you? How thick is the belt? A thin belt can wear more time for you want a belt that is thick enough to last long. Some belts began to stretch. To help make your carpet last sure to regularly check the belt has not stretched or cracked everywhere. Make sure the monitor is working properly.

Other factors to take into account how heavy the machine. Some shipping companies will only bring to your door, then up to you to do it in the house and put in place. How is it seems important, because if you do not like how it looks in your home you are less likely to use it. Will it be easy to store when not in use? Most likely, it will occupy the same space when not in use if you want May to consider (before you go to the house) if it is acceptable.

Your carpet should be situated away from walls to prevent injury from falls. It should be about eight feet to a ledge, wall or window. Son and all food must be out of walk areas or tape to avoid tripping someone to entry into or out of your carpet.

Here are some tips on using your new treadmill. Before arriving on the belt straddling the belt and make sure it is set to the correct speed. Keep your eyes before your eyes follow your feet. Be sure to stay in the heart of the belt to prevent some slips and falls.

(c) www.1st-4-fitness-equipment.com

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About The Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Home Fitness Equipment which includes Home Gyms, Exercise Bikes, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information. http://www.1st-4-fitness-equipment.com.

How to Start a Walking Program

2008-09-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

Did you know that walking is the number one participation sport in the world? Walking is one of the best things you can do for overall health and wellness. When you walk you use more muscles than any other sport. In fact, walking uses almost all of the 650 muscles and 203 bones found in the human body. So what are you waiting for?

There is not much involved in starting a walking program. You can start immediately and you don’t need a coach to teach you how to walk. The equipment required to start is minimal and relatively inexpensive.

Important Equipment

The most important piece of equipment you will need is a good pair of walking or running shoe. Most shoe stores and sporting goods stores should be able to supply you with a good selection. You can also check out some of the online stores, you will find some good sources at DrLeonards.com or FootSmart.com. You may also want to think about getting yourself a pedometer. Pedometers are handy little gadgets that can measure your distance and time and help you keep track of your progress.

Why am I walking?

Now that you have your equipment and are ready to go, it might be nice to know why you are starting a walking program. The health benefits of walking are many and include the following:

· Helps with weight loss.
· Helps to reduce blood pressure
· Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
· Relieves stress
· Boosts overall energy levels
· Strengthens the heart and reduces the risk of heart disease
· Studies have shown that walking relieves depression and anxiety
· Strengthens your body
· Burns almost the same amount of calories as running

How should I start?

Since walking uses almost all 650 of your muscles it is a very good idea to warm up before you begin a walk. This will loosen up your body and help to avoid injury. Click on the link for some great warm up exercises.

How long should I walk?

You should build up to walking for about one hour. Your current fitness level will determine the length and time of your first walk. Some people will only be able to walk around the block, others will able to walk the full hour. Do what you feel comfortable with and build from that point. Keep a log to measure your progress. As you become fitter, increase the pace and distance.

Personally, I like to measure my walks in distance. A pedometer will be of great assistance. Measuring your walk in distance helps to compensate for days when you might walk a little slower or faster. After your first few walks try to achieve a brisk pace where you may be puffing a little but you can still talk. Remember, there is not much difference in the amount of energy (calories) expended by walking or running a specified distance.

After you have finished your walk don’t forget to cool down. Try to spend about 5 minutes walking slowly. This will allow your heart, lungs and blood flow to return to normal gradually. This decreases strain on your heart and can help to prevent muscle strain and soreness.

JUST DO IT!!!

Hey, you’ve seen the commercials. Now you just have to commit yourself to walking on a regular schedule. Make it part of your routine just like brushing your teeth. It’s easy to do and doesn’t require special training or equipment. Just do it!

About the Author:
Mike Brooks has been a life long follower and proponent of the fitness lifestyle. Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has come to the realization that being healthy is a choice and encompasses not only proper diet but also a fitness regimen that includes the mind, body and soul. Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site www.ultimatehealthreport.com.

Understanding Relation Between Diabetes and Yeast Infections

2008-09-06T04:24:00.000-07:00

Diabetes is a condition that has many associated health problems attached to it. One such is the possibility of developing yeast infections although many people might not be very expressive about the problem if they are suffering from it. Many feel that a yeast infection is a source of embarrassment and would not like to openly discuss about it.

But, this is an important complication of diabetes that one should not ignore as many diabetics who have trouble keeping their blood sugar levels under control suffer from yeast infections. This mainly occurs as increased levels of glucose in the body affects many other bodily mechanisms and has an influence on the immune status of the body.

Most diabetics have lot of trouble sticking to a strict regime and keeping their diet under regulation and control. Although diet management plays a vital role for every diabetic to help keep diabetes in check, it is also of importance in keeping other complications of diabetes under control. This not only affects the physical and mental wellbeing of the person, it also has an effect on the social and emotional wellness of the individual. A person constantly suffering from any illness is more likely to remain withdrawn and become very irritable and remain aloof from the support of friends and family members.

Many a times, yeast infections have turned worse and severe causing extreme effects in terms of symptoms although it is usually not so. But, usually the symptoms caused by the infection is generally very simple to treat and overcome but when it gets severe, especially in a person already suffering from other problems due to diabetes, it can cause severe stress on the health status of the individual.

As it is generally a source of embarrassment, women might be tempted to douche before consulting a doctor. This however, is not advisable as the doctor will then see the after effects of douching. This may alter the symptoms at physical examination and mislead the doctor while making a diagnosis of the condition. So, when you are seeing a doctor in a suspected situation of yeast infection it is best not to douche before you go for the consultation.

You can discuss with your doctor on the line of treatment, and you will either be prescribed a proper medication or the doctor will let you know about some over-the-counter product that you can use. Doctors generally prefer giving a prescription to a medication that you can use. But, ensure that you discuss about other medications you are on so that the doctor will know if there is any possibility of undue adverse interactions between the medications you are taking.

Whatever be treatment modality you are opting, it is essential to complete the entire course of the treatment while treating yeast infections. This can prevent the possibility of recurrence of infection and resistance to the medication. Even though you do not find any visible signs and symptoms of the condition, the causative factors are still existent and will take some time to completely get nullified. So, if you stop medication as soon as your symptoms disappear without completing the course, the infection can again surface. This is especially true for diabetics as their immune levels and capacity for healing is generally below normal.

Although yeast infection can occur in anyone, diabetics are more prone to them and need more special care to see that they get proper remedy for the problem.

About Author Larry Do :
Before you buy anything, check out the excellent free report on www.ezycure-yeastinfection.com home remedy for yeast infection, and www.ezycure-yeastinfection.com natural cures for yeast infection

Explore Colored and Disposbale Contact Lenses

2008-08-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

There are four options for people with poor eyesight: glasses, contacts, surgery, or bumping into things. Glasses suit some people just fine: other people feel self-conscious in glasses and prefer contacts. My friend Wes detested his glasses, but was too lazy to take care of his contacts. He frequently slept in them; rarely cleaned them. So Wed went around with red-rimmed, swollen, crusty eyes for a couple of years. Since this was before they invented truly extended-wear lenses, he opted for having laser surgery for his nearsightedness. He had to have it redone in one eye (his eye changed shape again after the surgery), but that was more than ten years ago, and he loves his lens-free lifestyle.

Another friend of mine, Rebecca, hated her glasses so much that she just refused to wear them--all through school. It made life hard for her because she was very nearsighted and couldn't even see people's faces in the hallways. The second Rebecca heard about contacts, she started badgering her mom for them, and when she was fifteen, her mom finally decided that she was old enough. She's worn contacts for 24 years, and only wears glasses late at night, too watch TV.

With contact lenses, you have several options in terms of how long you'll wear them, how permeable and comfortable they are, and whether they're fit for regular nearsightedness or astigmatism, where the eye is shaped differently and needs a more highly customized lens. By far the most options you have when it comes to contact are the number and type of salines, cleaners, disinfectants and eyedrops available to you. Particularly if you have allergies or sensitive eyes, the right saline matters, and the most expensive isn't always what's right.

It's amazing really, that more people don't have problems wearing contacts: it's kind of a weird thing to stick a piece of plastic in your eye, which was pretty much designed to keep anything that's not an eyeball out of the eye. But with the miracle of science, someone who can't read a book unless it's perched on her nose can drive a car across the country with the aid of two small pieces of plastic and a bottle of salt water.

Some of the problems lens wearers experience are dry, itchy eyes, redness, burning, or infection.

Rebecca, the glasses-hater, had to switch to lenses that she changes once every few weeks, after her optometrist diagnosed her with an allergy to protein deposits on her regular lenses, which only needed replacing once a year. The new lenses cost more than double the price of the old ones, but she didn't really have a choice, because she couldn't wear her old ones at all. With contacts that you throw out every couple of weeks, the protein deposits don't have much time to become an issue before the lenses are replaced with new ones.

If your eyes are bothering you consistently, you might start by switching salines. Rebecca has a hard time, being allergic to soaps, perfumes, various chemicals and latex. She had been using the saline for sensitive eyes when she suddenly developed a new allergy and wound up using the generic, non-sensitive formula again. Changing salines solved the problem, which was nice, because she wasn't crazy about her red, puffy eyelids.

If you decide to wear contacts, keeping them clean is the best way of avoiding problems with irritation and infections. Keeping lenses clean is pretty simple. Always wash your hands before taking lenses out or putting them in again. Change the saline or disinfectant in your lens case daily, and make sure to use disinfecting methods either by buying the combination disinfectant and saline, or by using a heat unit.. Use enzymatic cleaners on a weekly basis to remove deposits on extended-wear lenses, and rinse them well after enzyming them.

If you're scrupulous about lens hygiene but still have troubles, you may have an allergy. Talk to your optometrist, and try changing salines, cleaners or lenses.

Do and Don't for Normal Skin

2008-08-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

Normal skin is certainly the type of skin easier to take charge, but only because it is normal does not mean it does not require basic care. Like any other type of skin, normal skin should always be washed daily and hydrated to prevent dry skin or acne. Here are some do's and don'ts of normal skin.

Do not smoke. Have you ever noticed the skin of someone who is a smoker? It seems tissue paper thin and is likely in wrinkles. Even if you do smoke, stop to prevent this from happening to you.

Do not sunbathe. Do not deceive you, there is no tanning safer. Any kind of sun exposure to cause damage, wrinkles, liver spots and even skin cancer.

Do not touch or rub your face. To touch your face to transfer oil from your skin which can leave plugged, which can cause acne to develop.

Do not wash your face with soap because it can irritate the skin. Always choose a mild cleanser, preferably without dyes or perfumes.

Do not wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and again before going to bed.

Always take off your makeup before going to bed, no matter how late it is or how tired you are. Makeup will clog the pores on the left if for too long, which can cause acne to develop.

Do not always use a moisturizer. Even if you do not have oily skin in particular, moisturizing can help hydrate the skin. Without hydration, the skin may become dry and possibly promote wrinkles.

Do exfoliate once a week. Scrub removes dead cells, which in turn promotes the growth of new cells in the skin and leaves your skin smooth research.

Do not use sunscreen to protect your face when you go out in the sun. Our faces are the most exposed parts of our body and it sees the sun more. Use a moisturizer with a SPF of at least 15 or use a sunscreen in conjunction with your moisturizer.

What kind of perfume should I wear in winter?

2008-08-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

When asked what kind of perfume should I wear in winter, the real question is reminiscent of perfume smells of the season and mood. During the summer, light fragrance always entitled to obtain memories of warm days on the beach, enjoy the sun and water. The scents are fruity or recall the spring and summer flowers. The fragrance of winter, on the other hand, tend to be somewhat heavy and evoke images of autumn cool and crisp winter day. Instead remember when you were lying on the beach, you think to take a long walk through leaf litter or his birthplace in a warm coat.

In winter, most people wear increasingly heavy clothing. Unlike the spring and summer, there is not as exposed skin. Fragrances worn during the winter should be able to overcome most are covered with clothes, and one of the reasons fragrances tend to be a little stronger. The scent of musk is an excellent example of a heavy scent more appropriate for winter than summer.

Perfumes Winter scents that reflect the flavors of holidays and days of winter cold. For example, perfumes May wooded have a style or remind the wearer of holiday desserts with vanilla beans. Winter fragrances are generally worn so that the flavor is not overpowering. A smell of perfume winter should be a subtle fragrance that the holder is reminiscent of the sexy heat.

What kind of perfume should I wear in winter? When you ask this question, the answer is to wear one that works well for you. The same fragrance will produce a different result on each person. What smells good on a May smell quite different on your body. When choosing a perfume scent of winter, select the scents that reminds you of the season.

Safe And Successful Stretch Mark Treatments

2008-08-06T04:27:00.000-07:00

Stretch marks leave unwanted scars on the skin that can be annoying. With the development of different methods of treatment, these unwanted marks can now be treated.

Stretch marks are normally caused by a lot of factors. These may be pregnancy, weight loss, and body building while taking steroids and growths spurts. Marks can be usually seen on hips, thighs, abdomens, buttocks, lower backs and arms. The good news is that they can be treated in different ways depending on the degree of damage of the skin.

The natural stretch mark removal is the most common method used. This is done with the use of creams and lotions. Some are even in the form of diet and exercises. Lotions and creams help to regain skin surrounding the substance by way of stimulating the combination of collagen and elastin. Some of these products contain Vitamin E, rose hip oil, plant oils, shea butter, and cocoa butter. However, this method may not be very effective in treating stretch marks. Some of these products may treat or remove stretch marks but it does not completely remove the marks.

The employment of laser technology is one of the most effective stretch mark removal methods. The laser will burn the skin bearing the stretch marks. The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) are used in this technique. This involves continuous treatment until the mark is totally gone. Once the mark is removed, a new skin will develop and it will replace the old skin. The laser method is pretty safe and is without any side effects on the patient. The patient may experience minor effects but these are all temporary.

On the other hand, the surgical stretch mark treatment is one of the most common and helpful methods in treating this skin problem. A surgical operation is conducted to the affected area of the skin. In many cases, the skin just below the belly is removed because this is typically the area that easily gets stretch marks. Surgical procedure is ideal for mature stretch marks. Though it is effective, it requires a lot of time for the patient to recover compared to other methods.

A non surgical alternative is done through a cosmetic dermatology. It is one of the prevalent treatments for stretch mark elimination and is effective for newer scars. This procedure includes chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and blue light therapy. Microdermabrasion which is derived from dermabrasion, involves blasting micro-crystals to purposely sand the superficial layer of the skin. Dermabrasion on the other hand, is utilized as a rough procedure aiming to clear the damaged skin layer by the use of a diamond phrase.

Fortunately, there is a proven stretch mark prevention available. It comes with ingredients such as antioxidants, elastin boosters, enzymes, and collagen. These help a lot in controlling the degrading of cells due to overstretching. This treatment does not use any synthetic chemicals or man made drugs. It only comes from a biological active molecule that has the most complete and balanced results created to repair the damaged skin. It is extracted from the living cells of creatures which have the ability to cure or repair their damaged skin.

This extracted product comes in two versions with specific purposes. One is to prevent marks while the other treats rough or mature stretch marks. Furthermore, possible harm to the skin can be prevented by recapturing the skin’s normal tissue composition. It can be attained by biological molecules formed by proteins and enzymes. These supply essentials of a healthy skin such as glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and elastin.

While there are quite a few types or methods of stretch mark treatments, it is still important to consult experts before undergoing any medical procedure or using any commercially available products. You must remember that these procedures do not produce the same results as others. Products or methods that work well with other people might not be effective for you or worse it may even expose you to serious danger. In addition, some of the advertised products do not actually work at all. There are few issues that have to be considered. These issues include the sensitivity and quality of your skin as well as the possibility of chemical reactions that might endanger either your health or your skin. Your dermatologist can identify if you have any allergic reactions to any chemical products.

About Author Jayesh Bagde :
For more information on Celebrities with Stretchmarks please visit our website http://stretchmarktreatments.net/celebrities.html

Acid Reflux Symptoms Recognizing The Warning Signs

2008-08-06T03:57:00.000-07:00

The wise have always said, "Prevention is better than cure". Similarly, recognizing the potential symptoms of acid reflux disease at an early stage will allow you to cure it more easily and timely. So watch out for the warning signs before it is too late.

Medical experts have found out that a heart burn and acid regurgitation are the main symptoms of this disease. However, some people with this disease may not suffer from a heart burn at all. Hence, it is very important to learn about other symptoms of this disease in order to reach out for medical assistance on time.

Here are some of the most common warning signs you need to watch for when trying to recognize whether you have an acid reflux in your stomach.

Potential acid reflux symptoms:

a)Burning sensation inside the chest

The burning sensation usually begins in the region just behind the sternum or the breastbone. It may then start traveling to the throat. The sensation is common just after you eat something. The discomfort may last for a few minutes and up to as long as several hours. Rush to a doctor if you are suffering from a burning sensation in the chest for a long time.

b)Difficulty in swallowing

The state of dysphagia or trouble with swallowing is also experienced with people suffering from acid reflux. This happens when food is unable to pass from the mouth via the esophagus to the stomach as it normally does. You may experience a sensation of food sticking inside the throat after eating. There is also a feeling of chest pressure, choking or burning after eating. It is also common to experience difficulty swallowing each time you try to eat. Don't waste time. Get yourself evaluated by a physician. This may also be a symptom for esophageal cancer or erosive esophagitis.

c)Bitter or sour taste inside the mouth

This can occur as soon as the contents inside the stomach reflux up inside the esophagus. The contents usually reach the back of the throat, leaving a sour or bitter taste inside the mouth.

d)Chronic coughing

This is a rare symptom. Some patients may suffer from chronic coughing due to acid reflux inside their stomach. This is usually a result of refluxed stomach acid getting aspirated.

e)A burning feeling inside the throat

This is a type of burning sensation usually high up inside the neck. This occurs on a lower level but the burning sensation may bring a lot of discomfort to you. You would experience the worst effect when you swallow food. The sensation can result due to the irritation when the contents of the stomach have refluxed up inside the throat. The situation may get worse. Hence, it is important to visit a health care practitioner as soon as you can.

f)Wheezing or symptoms similar to asthma

Asthma and GERD are closely associated. According to a study, most people suffering from asthma will also experience gastroesophageal reflux.

Visit your health care practitioner as soon as you observe any one of the symptoms mentioned above.

Great Come Back of Brown Hair

2008-07-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

It is time to listen to the brown-haired women. All that is now the mode is blonde, brown and yellow-brown. Donna Karan, Chanel, Valentino presented their latest haute couture collections on the brown-haired women. Such as actresses Kate Beckinsale, Juliette Binoche and Natasha McElhoe also persuade us that everything is beautiful sunset.

The Oreal Paris has chosen a brown hair Virginie Ledoyen to advertise their latest makeup trends. Even the most famous Hollywood blondes have decided to darken their hair. Cameron Diaz as Jenny in "Gangs of New York" had his hair dyed in the shade of reddish brown. Like Drew Barrymore, who in the wake of "Charlie's Angels" door brown hair. This should give you a clue to Donatella Versace, a famous fashion designer, who has just been announced one of the few women desperately style in the world of fashion. Why? The reason is simple: she lightens her hair too. If you are afraid that after you change your hair color, your chances with men falling rapidly, we want to calm you down. The men have not set their preferences or another. In Britain, 69% of men is absolutely certain that dark hair is much more attractive.

You get what you want
If your complexion is that of a hot sand and eyes are brown, you should choose warm honey brown or caramel color. In line preferably L'Oreal Paris May you choose light golden amber or clear. In the series of Garnier Nutrisse the best shade for you the light is golden brown hair, and in Open Color L'Oreal Paris, which is line with less quantity of ammonia, you must go to golden brown . If you do not want to change the color of your hair permanently, then you should try coloring Casting conditioning shampoo L'Oreal Paris in the shade of brown.

If your complexion is the color cold, you should choose dark brown ash tones. You can find them in the Decore cream color palette by Wella. Cream color palette offers intensive Schwarzkopf: blond, light, medium and dark brown. Options are offered in the line of shampoos Instant Color Palette colors by Schwarzkopf.

Women who have natural dark circles under the eyes should avoid a shade of the color of their hair. To make your face look more cheerful, you should try to clarify your hair with a little more just strings of hair. If you have just a hair, you should try a wig on the dark before you decide to dye hair. You notice that even when the light is brown almost black from your natural hair color.

What is all dark hair person should know

Dark hair needs cut perfect. Mal carelessly hair cut and style is more sensitive.
Focus on the packaging. Dark hair absorbs light. If hair is neglected and faded, it is much more noticeable on dark hair than blond.
Dark shades of hair make the eyes more visible. May you use brown or black eyeliner and then to do better.
If you turn 45, be careful about using dark paint on your hair. Too much contrast between your hair and complexion will make you much more.

Taking Care of Normal Skin

2008-07-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

If you have what we consider normal skin, congratulations! You have the kind of skin the rest of the fight to achieve. Even if you have an oily T-zone cheeks with snow or your skin changes with the seasons, which oilier skin in the summer and skin dryer in winter, you are considered as having skin normal. But just because your skin is normal, does not mean you do not need to take the time to keep your skin healthy. Here are some tips to take care of your normal skin.

Basic care includes washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and again before going to bed. You must use a mild cleanser that will not irritate your skin. Toners are refreshing for your skin, but are not completely necessary for your skin type. Always avoid toners that have alcohol as an ingredient because they dry the skin. The application of a moisturizer will help keep your skin moisturized. Try to choose a moisturizer with a sun of at least SPF 15.

Weekly masks can help your skin and the environment, if you live in a very dry or in a city with a lot of pollution. Purifying mask and moisturizing masks can help keep your skin healthy and can be used in rotation if you prefer. Another important part of your routine should be to exfoliate once or twice a week, which will help to clean your face of dead skin cells and allow healthy skin to breathe more easily. However, be careful not to exfoliate too, because this could cause lasting damage.

Finally, keep your skin looking healthy by drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and follow a healthy diet with plenty of fresh food.

Hoodia Facts And Fiction

2008-07-06T04:02:00.000-07:00

Short of flying to Africa and scouring the Kalahari Desert for a Hoodia Gordonii plant, it's hard to find 100% pure Hoodia on the market just yet. However some forms, that the plant is sold in, are more potent than others.

The biggest reason that you want to use the most effective form of Hoodia is to ensure that your appetite is supressed successfully. Most people fail to loose weight because they give in to the hunger and cravings. If you manage to use a potent form of Hoodia, you could well be on your way to loosing weight successfully because you will not feel hungry all the time.

Hoodia products come in many forms in the market place. The most common is the capsule, which when taken orally, is broken down in the body to absorb the ingredients. Capsules also give the most bang for the buck.

Liquid Hoodia supplements work quickly because the body has less work to do in order to get the Hoodia into your system. This might be the preferred option to capsules although Hoodia does not have to be in liquid form for it to be effective. The capsules work just fine. Hoodia Elixir comes in different potency levels, too, just like capsules.

You want to compare the products on the market to find a Hoodia supplement that delivers the highest level of Hoodia, and not a tiny percentage just so the manufacturers can "claim" it's a Hoodia product.

The more potent the product is when it comes to evaluating its Hoodia levels, the more you're going to pay. Consumers are willing to pay a high price for the purest form of Hoodia because of its ability to suppress your appetite and increase energy levels unlike any other natural supplement.

Hoodia can also elevate a persons mood and make them feel much better within themselves. The feeling can be similar to the feeling that one gets after exercise.

Some companies now have their own Hoodia farms located in South Africa so that they can create and manufacture dietary supplements to be sold on the global market. This alone shows how much the producers believe in their product. Other companies have to mix the doses of Hoodia they get with other fillers because they don't have access to a Hoodia growing facility. They are the producers that you should try and avoid.

Just because you invest in a supplement that's not 100% Hoodia in its purest form doesn't mean you won't lose weight. But try to get a supplement that has the maximum amount of Hoodia in it and your weight loss results will be maximized while your side effects are minimized. To further benefit your weight loss, you should follow a good exercise plan. The easiest way to do this would be to go to your local gym and ask one of the fitness instructors to make you a custom plan. If you follow the plan and have a good diet incorporating Hoodia, you should have no problems loosing weight.

How to Prevent Chronic Halitosis By Learning What Causes Your Bad Breath

2008-06-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

I once took a class in Argentine Tango, which was set up so that men and women constantly exchanged partners while learning the stylized steps. That was okay, but there was one guy who had zero rhythm, and three minutes of trying to tango with him (counting to himself and still failing his steps miserably) was like a stumbling, cursing lifetime. But dancing with that poor klutz (I'm no Pavlova, by the way) was nothing compared to the man whose breath was so bad, I had to fight to hold my own breath or simply go mad. In the few steps where we turned away from each other, I had to gasp for a fresh breath of air, then turn for the next hellish step into the miasma. I felt bad for the man at first: clearly, taking a tango class wasn't going to make him popular with women as long as he could not get rid of his bad breath. But soon, I started to hate him: how could he not know the effect his breath had on others? Why wouldn't he chew a mint, for crying out loud?

It was so bad that I actually considered telling him, a total stranger, that he should chew gum so I could bear to dance with him. I didn't have to go that far, though, because in the end, I met a lovely, sexy, middle-aged psychologist who was not only a fine and graceful dancer, but who smelled nice and liked to dance with me. He managed to show up in front of me more and more often in the partner exchanges, and soon, I hardly danced with anyone else.

Preventing bad breath from occurring or at least affecting others
I brush my teeth about five times a day, and chew gum too. I good swish of mouthwash can be quite refreshing after a garlic filled dinner as well. But there have been times when forays into Vietnamese cooking or beer-and-pizza-with-the-guys has left my mouth less than fresh, which is why I carry gum in my purse for emergencies. This is a quick, temporary solution to curing lunchtime bad breath. While some people swear by breath mints, I've found that they don't do much for eliminating your breath once they're gone.

Natural Solution to Stop Bad Breath
If you don't want to get into any serious breath medications, there simpler more natural products available. For super-halitosis emergencies, you can use Breath Assure, which is nothing more than capsules of parsley oil. You don't chew them (I tried it once and was rewarded with a strong, sweet, oily taste that made me look like my friends' cat the day we tried to give him Benadryl to reduce the swelling from a spider bite. The vet didn't specify the type, just the dosage, and the liquid baby-dose Benadryl made him foam at the mouth for two hours. It was extremely unnerving.) The parsley oil works wonders, eliminating garlic breath and sweetening the breath for hours. Maybe that's why Greek, Turkish and Arabic cuisines combine parsley with lemon and garlic for relishes, salads and sauces.

If you are on a date and in a pinch with absolutely no breath prevention methods on hand, try eating the parley sprig most restaurants place of their plates as decoration. It's free, easily available, and it works! Just be discreet so your date doesn't catch on to your halitosis worries.

Causes of Bad Breath
Bad breath that comes from food is easily finished off by brushing your teeth, scraping your tongue, flossing, gum chewing or the aforementioned Breath Assure, but chronic bad breath can be a symptom of other problems health problems such as tooth decay, sinus infection, gum disease, or stomach problems. Eating disorders can also create halitosis from the stomach acids churned up by hunger or by vomiting. If you (or the guy in your tango class) experience chronic bad breath, the first thing to do is get to your dentist for a checkup. After ruling out possible dental care issues, your dentist may recommend a visit to the doctor to rule out other illnesses.

Home Treatment Remedy for Halitosis
Old mouthwashes contained alcohol and mint flavorings. New mouthwashes include zinc and chlorine dioxide. Zinc stops the process that creates the sulfur compounds in the mouth, which are largely responsible for causing bad breath. Chlorine dioxide kills the sulfur that's already present. You may decide to add mouthwash to your regular hygiene program whether or not you have other health issues that need to be resolved in order to stop chronic halitosis for good.

Hair Straighteners - Top 10 Review

2008-06-07T23:48:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to create the smooth, shiny appearance of the hair pin right. Here is a review of the first ten methods of straightening hair, in no particular order.

Shampoo and Conditioner: There are many shampoos and conditioners on the market today to help encourage your hair to recover, but most should be used in conjunction with another product. Be sure to look for products that can help protect your hair from the heat of blow drying or ironing, and choose a very good conditioning.
Silicone serum: Adding a touch of silicone serum give your hair shine, but watch as a little goes a long way.
Straight Blow Dry wind drying is an effective way to straighten your hair, but it should be used with a product protection and you must use a weekly salary packaging to keep your hair healthy. Remember that the heat is not as important as a good strong airflow.
Ion Conditioning Blow Dryers: A new concept in hair drying time, these blow-dryer send negative ions for the hair, replacing the moisture and protect the hair, but also reduce drying time.
Recovery balm: Usually used in conjunction with blow drying or ironing, a pickup balm can help reduce frizz, especially in wet weather, and protect dry hair.
Lines of chemicals: chemicals lines should always be applied by a professional, as everyone's hair is different. The good news is that the lines chemicals may keep the hair straight up to six months, but the hair needs a large number of air conditioning, blow dryer should be used sparingly, and adding color could damage the hair.
Thermal reconditioning: This new procedure, which was developed in Japan, is a way to straighten hair, and is good for all hair types. The disadvantage is that it takes a long time and can be very expensive.

Finally, we will take a look at three different types of irons recovery:

Ceramic Hair lines: Hair irons have ceramic plates have very smooth surfaces, generally do not have edges that captures the hair, and heat very quickly, within thirty seconds.

Guidelines Titanium Hair: Hair irons titanium plates infuse the hair with negative ions that help protect the hair and helps prevent color fading hair.
Hair Lines Steam: Steam is an effective way to recover the hair, but beware of products hurts that will eventually break or cause water to spill over you as you iron your hair.

Plastic Surgery Dimples The Secret Of An Endearing Smile

2008-06-06T04:04:00.000-07:00

We always admire perfect beauty the way we are dreaming of it. We adore beautiful celebrities and appreciate the almost perfect looks and body of any beauty pageant candidates. It is all about your looks that people start to notice you. These beautiful and stunning celebrities or the doll like beauty pageant candidates are either endow naturally with beauty and good physical structure or enhanced by needles and knives of plastic surgery.

The plastic surgery procedure can reshape and hide your unwanted body parts and preserves youth such as wrinkle free skin. Nowadays the increasing demand to be beautiful is not limited only within the body parts such as nose, abdomens, youthful skin but also a perfect smile through plastic surgery dimples.

Let us understand first why everyone is not gifted with dimples on their cheeks. These invisible indentions on the cheeks are dominantly inherited. This genetic inheritance of dimples can either be visible on two cheeks or on just one side of the cheek. Though most of the population admired the dimples on the cheeks, it is actually considered as a facial defect in the medical field. This is caused by the irregular growth of the muscles in the cheeks. Hence, you can notice that there are children with dimples on their cheeks and as they grow older, it starts to vanish. This is because the improper cheek muscle growth which caused the dimple is now fully developed.

Now with the new innovation of cosmetic technology, there is now a surgical procedure to implant dimples on the cheeks to attain the perfect smile you have been dreaming and admiring. Though people generally like dimples, other cultures perceive it as a sign of greater chance of fertility, good fortune and a better probability of marriage proposals.

It is always preferential to have dimples on both sides of the cheeks. However for a perfect smile through plastic surgery dimples, it is advocated to start off with a single dimple on one side of the cheek. Apart from the healing time, it will also allow the surgeon to calculate and view the depth and shape which will copied the same on the other side of the cheek. Doing the dimples on both side of the cheeks together will have greater possibility that the dimples will not appear the same in terms of its depth and shape.

The patient can actually decide the shape of the dimple. Though such preference will only be limited, the options can be either a large or small dimple. Opting for a large dimple, the effect on the check will be more ovoid or referred to as a less circular. It is more highly recommended to leave an impact of having a naturally dimple. Such options of the shapes of the dimples will greatly vary on the surgeons as they have their own methods and techniques.

The plastic surgery dimples are actually considered as a minor surgical operation. The patient can come to the surgical center for your dimple creation and leave on the same day. It is an outpatient procedure hence you will be injected with local anesthesia only.

Do Vitamins Help Fighting ACNE?

2008-06-05T23:48:00.000-07:00

With so many Americans do not follow a healthy diet, it is not surprising that many of us do not receive the correct amount of vitamins and minerals we need. May he also explain why acne, which struck adolescents and adults for centuries, appears to be increasingly important. In fact, there are vitamins that can help fight and prevent acne, and the best way to get them to eat foods rich in vitamins. In this article we take a look at some of the best vitamins, you must look in your diet to help fight acne.

Vitamin A, also known as beta-Carotin or retinol, is very important for your skin, because when there is a deficiency, the skin tends to look dry and rough. It should also consume vitamin A with vitamin E, vitamin A as needed fat that is found in vitamin E in order of the body to digest well.

Vitamin C, long known for its help in the fight against colds, is an antioxidant. Most forms of vitamin C are not absorbed through the skin, but can be found in a wide variety of foods, including citrus.

Vitamin D comes to us through the sunlight. While too much sun exposure is bad for your skin, there are certainly advantages to be it in small doses.

Although vitamin E is generally considered useful healing, it may also be useful in the fight against acne, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that it should be taken in small doses.

Niacin helps open blood vessels, helping the smooth flow below the skin. Unlike the other vitamins mentioned, niacin can be effective as a mask directly on the skin.

Lose your hair?

2008-05-11T23:48:00.000-07:00

Hormonal disorders, under-nutrition, taking certain types of medications, stress are just some of the reasons that may cause thinning and loss of hair. Extensive falling hair is one of the most common causes to consult a dermatologist by men and women often these days.

Often, there is no reason to be anxious and, in fact, there is no need to panic. You should be concerned about your hair loss if you lose more than 100 hairs a day.

Why did we lose our hair?

There are several factors responsible for our loss of hair.

The mechanical reason to lose his hair, for example, hair style, as a pony tail or a bob. These hairstyles hair to be too pressed. In such cases, you simply change your hairstyle. If you change early enough, your hair will grow back completely. However, if you wait too long, your hair loss in May remain with the disappearance of your hair follicles.
Hair loss occurs as toxic for various reasons, especially if an organization is intoxicated with arsenic (As), thallium (Tl) or mercury ((Hg). If talasemia ago some characteristic changes in the structure of hair that can be observed under the microscope. Alopecia development is about two weeks after the toxin, and finally hair loss is almost complete. But generally the hair grows again in six to eight week. In case of poisoning of the body first, a patient is given an antidote to save his life.
Superior hair loss during and after the contagious disease is caused mainly by high body temperature and, moreover, some toxic factors and Food May gap that seems a disease develops. Superior hair loss that usually appear between 2 and 4 months after the fever has disappeared. Hair grows on its own initiative. Strengthening the body, some vitamins and minerals are also given to patients. People who suffer from syphilis also facing hair loss, which will be extended or May instead of coordination in its character. Of course, this type of illness needs kind of treatment that helps the growth of new hair, too.
Systemic diseases that cause baldness, for example, lupus erythematosus, but also hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The treatment of hair loss in these cases is closely related to the treatment of the disease base.
Drug-induced baldness is due, for example, cytostatics and immunosuppressants which are used not only in the treatment of chronic cancer, but also in dermatology in the treatment of diseases such as: difficult cases of psoriasis, or systemic Collagenosis pemphigus. Hair loss is likely to appear in a third week after the drug is given. After we stop giving the medicine and, in some cases, despite news of him giving a patient, the hair grows again.
Hair loss May also be caused by taking antithyroid drugs, anticoagulants and contraceptives. When we take contraceptives, however, the growth of hair is never completely ceased.

Hair loss is also linked to certain diseases of the skin and scalp diseases. For example, baldness of fungus usually appear in hair type inflammatory Focus (es). The treatment in this case, means giving the patient's oral and local antimycotic remedies.

Baldness of Women

Women may suffer from two kinds of characteristics of baldness: Women androgenic alopecia, which is quite rare and appears mainly after menopause, baldness and progress.

Androgenic alopecia is conditional on both hiperandrogenism, ie the highest levels of androgens and genetics. Hair loss usually takes place at the front and ankles on top of a head. It is often accompanied by the saturated fat of a scalp. When hiperandrogenism was diagnosed, it is necessary for the diagnosis and monitoring treatment endocrynological.

In other cases, it is assumed that hair follicles in May to become too normal level of androgens in the body. This type of "oversensitivity" May be signed with Uncongenial factors, for example, genes. Some estrogen contraceptives or the anti-androgen May be taken (for example, Diane 35). For external use must take the tablets with estrogen, for example Alpicort E, and Loxon or Regaine, which help to cure baldness in men. Any medicine, oral and external use, should be taken under the strict supervision of a dermatologist. If you seborrhoea diagnosed May you try on your own initiative or Seboren which seboradin below production tallot.

Extended form of alopecia May be a symptom of various diseases, such as the declining level of iron in blood serum, which seems sometimes no symptoms of anemia, or neuroses, or hormonal disorders. These women, who have a genetic predisposition to the culture of bald, in May that some detergents in many hair cosmetic products such as hair sprays, shampoos or paints can cause hair loss. This chronic disease is often the cause of the sensation of a scalp tension.

Extensive alopecia treatment of women must begin with the exclusion of all other diseases. May, then you try to use contraceptives such as androgenic alopecia. If there is stress in the skin of the scalp, the patient should be given May high doses of vitamin E. Some medications like sterydes, Alpicort or lotion May Neril be used in parts of the scalp. In any case, it must stop hair dyed or agitated. To wash their hair should be used only very mild shampoo without dyes or perfumes, for example Freederm PH Balance.

Each case of alopecia must be carefully examined by a dermatologist and other specialists to determine the best treatment. It is also important to remember that the re-growth of hair May take 2 to 3 months because of the specificity of the growth cycle of hair.

Did you know ...?

Waxing hair, both chemical and mechanical causes that the change of scene is the hair, ie from the resting phase to the phase of growth.
Haircut had no influence on the growth of hair.
Trichotillomania, pulling his hair is symptoms of psychopathy and it is typical for neurotic children.

After the birth-alopecia

In pregnancy, estrogen secretion is highest stops hair fall out. After delivery the level of these hormones is lower. And the work itself, causes that many hair bulb go to the catagen phase. Extensive alopecia May occur between the 11th and 16th weeks after birth. However, the hair grows again within six months without any treatment whatsoever.

Destructive factors

The hair loss in May became wide because of some hormonal disorders, for example, dysadrenocorticism or malfunction of the thyroid, pituitary glands or sex. Hair loss is also caused by malnutrition, and some amino acids and some shortcomings Metals such as zinc or iron.

There are types of hair loss in May that causes stress and some psychiatric disorders. Another factor is damaging radiation. The high dose of radiation, ie 350 R, results throughout the hair loss after several days. Hair grow again, however, after six weeks. The dose that causes permanent hair loss is 1500 R.

Other adverse factors, such as paint or hair hair lotions so permanent, they damage from a hair that grows on the hair bulb, not a bulb itself hair.

Alopecia Areata

It usually occurs in men and children, but occasionally there are also women. In this type of alopecia, there are a few areas around a hairless scalp. The reason for this has not yet been found. The likely explanation is that this disease has genetic self immunological or source. Treatment should be taken under medical guidance and lasts for many months.

Taking Care of Dry Skin

2008-05-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

Some of us experience dry skin during the winter months, especially if we live in a dry climate, but there are others who suffer from dry skin throughout the years . Characterized by a fine texture, with very small pores, dry skin look beautiful when you're young, but does not care what you age can lead to premature wrinkles, wrinkles and deep expression flaky or irritated skin. Caring for dry skin should not be difficult, however. Here are some tips on how to take care of dry skin.

Basic care should always include washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Avoid soap, as it can dry out the skin, try a gentle cleanser formulated for very dry skin. Also, avoid using very hot water, both for washing your face and in the shower, as hot water can also dry the skin.

If you use a toner, make sure it contains no alcohol, that alcohol can also irritate your skin and hair-do. Moisturizing is also an important part of your routine skin care. You'll need a rich moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and you want May to try a moisturizer rich in winter and a light moisturizer during the summer.

Scrub helps promote the regeneration of healthy cells by removing dead cells, which contributes to healthy skin breathe better, although those who have dry skin should do it once a week to avoid irritation of the skin. Make sure you use a mild scrub that is still applicable and a mask or hydrating moisturizer after.

You can also keep your skin healthy by drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and follow a healthy diet with plenty of fresh food for many nutrients and vitamins. Foods that are rich in omega-3 as salmon and flaxseed, may help improve your skin.

Taking Care of Oily Skin

2008-05-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

Oily skin is characterized by skin that is shiny and oily to the touch and has large pores. Oily skin is caused by glands that overproduction of secretions from the skin. This can lead to both black and white heads development on the skin. The good news is that oily skin is generally strong and durable and is less prone to wrinkles and expression lines develop. But just because you have oily skin does not mean you're doomed to have acne forever. It simply means following a healthy routine skin care that can help keep these secretions additional minimum. Here are some tips on how to care for oily skin.

Basic care of oily skin begins to wash his face at least twice a day, and three times if possible. Although oily skin May be durable, many ingredients of the strongest products in skin care are not necessary and a cleaner can be used. If you are constantly fighting against acne, May you want to try a cleanser that has salicylic acid. Cleaning the face on a regular basis is more important than using a cleaner for oily skin. Still, soap and products with alcohol should be avoided. Soap can irritate the skin, while alcohol can dry skin.

A very important point for those who suffer from oily skin is to always remember to take your makeup before going to bed. Leave on the composition keeps skin to breathe properly and blocking the pores can lead to the development of buttons or black heads. No matter how late you go home or how tired you are, always make it a habit to remove your makeup at the end of the day.

If you normally use a toner, you can continue as long as it does not contain alcohol. The jury is to determine whether the toner can help your skin or not, as many cleaners modern ingredients that refresh the skin, but it can help eliminate the residue of cleansing and it feels good on the skin.

Moisturizing is still important, even if you are the fight against oily skin. Try using a moisturizer designed for your skin type, which moisturizes your skin after other products have done their work to further reduce secretions.

What You Need To Know About Tourmaline Hair Dryers

2008-05-06T04:05:00.000-07:00

Many hair devices are coming out today. It has also continued to improve. Before, many are hesitant to try the different hair products because they damaged the hair. These new development allow people to use the products and enjoy its benefits. One of the promising hair devices is the tourmaline hair dryers. You may have heard about this because of its claim to have good effect on your hair even after blow-drying it. To understand what it is and can do for your hair, read on.

What is tourmaline?

These are gems with variety of colors. Its compounds are composed of different elements. These are iron, sodium, lithium, and potassium. Each of these gems is unique from each other. None of them is identical. Some of the tourmalines have two or more colors and most of them change when exposed to light.

What is so special about it?

These gems generate negative charges. Specifically, they produce ions and infrared. When incorporated with your hair dryer it helps seals in moisture. This happens because the released negative charges of the blower cancels out the positive charges of the hair. The hair strands release positive charges when combed. The strands of hair repel from each other because they have similar charges causing it to fly away. Hair has cuticles as well; the positive charges cause them to open. This gives the hair a dull and unhealthy look. After canceling the positive charges, the cuticles lock the moisture in the hair. This creates your hair to be smoother and healthier.

Other benefits of using the tourmaline hair dryers:

• These dryers have advance designs; created to give users ease. Most of them are lightweight and easy to manage.

• The hair dries faster. The negative charges do not only cancel the positive charges in the hair. They also break the water into small molecules. The hair easily absorbs the water molecules. This cuts down the drying time to a significant level; thus, exposing hair to heat in short period.

• They are good for the hair. Unlike the traditional hair dryers, these leave the hair smooth and healthy. The key is with the negative charges. Closing the cuticles and locking in the moisture hydrates it. This nurtures the hair.

• You can enjoy professional result at home. If you own one of these dryers, it is relatively easy to achieve the bouncy hair you have always wanted without the frizzy feel. Everyday can turn into a good hair day.

The uses of tourmaline in hair dryers have made a positive change in the process of hair drying today. Now, men and women alike can stop worrying about damaging their hair whenever they use a hair dryer. Thanks to the negative charges generated by these dryers. They cancel out the positive charges that cause dry and frizzy hair. The negative charges break the water component making it easy for the water to be absorbed. This in turn shortens the time spent in drying the hair. All these benefits make the dryer an instant hit.

Shape Eye Brows with Threading, Waxing and Plucking with Tweezers

2008-05-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Eyebrows are tricky creatures. You know how they’re supposed to look, but sometimes they don’t want to cooperate, and because they’re growing out of your head, they have a semi permanent character that defies wishes and good intentions.

One of the many problems of eyebrows is the fact that if they aren’t the right color, they can either dominate your face or disappear entirely. Their unfortunate (but necessary) proximity to your eyeballs makes it a pretty major no-no to just sweep the haircolor across each brow and hope it doesn’t drip into your eyes. That’s why the goddess of practical beauty created the eyebrow pencil, an unsatisfactory solution, but sometimes better than nothing if your eyebrows happen to be very pale.

Shaping Your Eyebrows: How to get the perfect arch shape
Shape is also crucial, and if your eyebrows are coarse, creating and maintaining the ideal shape is difficult because pulling out individual hairs can leave large gaps, or severely shorten the length of a brow if you happen to pull out the half-inch hair on the very end.

The perfect eyebrow starts above the inside corner of your eye (over the tear duct), and ends at the outside corner, above your eyelashes. Eyebrows should have an arch: in nature, it’s rarely where it should be, which is a frustrating commentary on standards of beauty. Ideally, the arch happens over the iris, the colored part of your eye. It should be gentle, so if you’re planning to reshape your arch, take it very, very slowly. Do a hair or two a day, and err on the side of caution. Hasty plucking can give you a surprised look that lasts for weeks.

How to Pluck Eyebrows with Tweezers: The Do's and Don'ts
Many women pluck their eyebrows with tweezers. Some wax them, but wax is tricky because it’s hard to get an accurate shape. And some go to a hair removal salon to try "threading." Although threading is newly popular in the United States, it is a centuries-old technique of hair removal practiced in India. The eyebrow experts say never, never to pluck your eyebrows from above, but always to pluck from the bottom of the brow. I say, if you have some wild or stray or bushy hairs growing above your brows, feel free to pluck them. I did it once, and nothing bad happened to me.

I read somewhere that it’s okay to trim your eyebrows. I think this is good if the single hairs are long and thick. You can pluck some hairs and trim the others, brushing them up, evening the ends (be careful not to trim too much!), then brushing them down checking again and again as you go along.

Use Eyebrow Gel to Keep Your Brow Shape Neat after Tweezing
Finally, keeping your brows neat can be done with special eyebrow gel, or you can use a little hair gel to smooth them and keep them shapely.

Pedicures and Foot Care Tips for Year Round Pretty Bare Feet

2008-04-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

The foot: an interesting part of the human anatomy. When we’re born, they take our footprints, people count our toes and tickle our soles to hear that wonderful baby gurgle. At that amazing age babies can actually take hold of their feet to chew reflectively on their own toes. Long before we’re walking, our parents are cramming them into tiny little leather Oxfords, hiking boots or even tiny running shoes, I guess because they’re just so darned cute. Once we do start walking, we take our feet for granted. They get us where we want to go, and that’s just fine.

But once we’re grown and trying to fulfill our sexual destiny, we become aware of feet as aesthetic accessories. Turns out, they are more than just balancing tools, locomoting appendages. Feet have the surprising capacity to be extremely cute, or they can be downright hideous. Women's feet are usually nicer than men's, and the foot fetish is a common obsession among men. In fact, China once made the foot the primary object of female sexual beauty, subjecting women to footbinding because tiny feet were considered the most attractive. We still hold to the ideal of tiny feet, which explains why it's so hard to find women's shoes in wider that "B" width. It also describes pointy-toed shoes, stilettos and other fashionable footwear that makes your legs look wonderful, but can turn toes into what one author described as "scrambled monstrosities".

Sexy feet, repulsive feet, are not usually a matter of luck. A lot depends on the care and maintenance regime established by the foot-owner. At an absolute, bare minimum, feet should be clean. I mean, you walk on them, don’t you! What if you were stuffed into a leather show all day, strolling through parking lots, jogging in parks, shopping, doing laundry, tapping impatiently in line at the bank. Feet suffer from lack of air, from shoes that don’t breathe, from sweaty conditions on hot summer asphalt. Daily scrubbing with soap and a nail brush is a good start, but it’s only a start, if you want good-looking feet.

When it comes to toenails, there is no in-between. Clean, healthy, well-groomed toenails are sexy. Grubby, long, unhealthy toenails are nasty, and not to be tolerated. Toenails should be well-brushed with soapy water, clipped short and neat with clippers, and treated with anti-fungal medicine if nails are discolored, thick or peeling. Even girls can get athlete’s foot (always wear flip-flops at the gym, at the pool, at the park, in any shower that is not your very own), and there topical medicines that can cure it. (If you don’t know what athlete's foot is, it’s a fungus that causes feet to burn, itch and peel).

Assuming your feet are clean and healthy, the step to beauty is a short one. Keep your feet smooth by using a pumice stone a couple of times a week, rub them with lotion like Upper Canada Peppermint Foot Cream to keep them soft, and use a clear polish if you don’t like brightly colored toes. No one talks about it (except in women's studies class), but women grow hair on their toes. If your toes are fuzzy, you can wax them to add to overall foot smoothness. Get a pedicure for that professional polish, but don’t let them cut your cuticles, whose sole purpose in life is to keep your feet safe from infections.

Showcase your sexy feet in strappy date-night sandals, sexy career pumps or silly, weekend, jelly thongs with a silver toe ring for an accent. (Never wear a toe ring and an anklet at the same time –it’s a huge Fashion Don’t). Hiking boots are ideal for long walks, and they also look cute with ragg socks in wool or cotton and tweed skirts. Boots always look wonderful, and the longer they are, the better they look. (There is a limit—boots that go past the knee scream "Dominatrix!" and may not be the look you’re trying to project.

Vitamins and Weight Loss

2008-04-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

Vitamins play an important role in the struggle to lose weight, but do not be fooled by "rapid weight loss" gimmicks pills and supplements. The safest and healthiest way to lose weight through diet and exercise program, and all vitamins to help you lose weight can be found in a wide range of healthy food choices. In addition, when you gradually lose weight through diet and exercise, you're less likely to gain the weight back. Here are some vitamins that will help you lose weight and types of food where you can find them.

Vitamin B2 helps promote health and metabolic thyroid production, which in turn allows you to burn calories more efficiently. Foods rich in vitamin B2 in particular, milk, eggs, liver, kidneys, almonds, hard cheese and green leafy vegetables.

Vitamin B3 also helps regulate the production of thyroid hormones and also helps your body tolerate blood sugar. Foods rich in vitamin B3 include meat, chicken, turkey, tuna, eggs, salmon, barley, oats, cheese, dried fruit and brown rice.

Vitamin B5 helps us use fat to burn energy, instead of muscles and helps to produce energy. Foods rich in vitamin B5 include poultry, meat, liver, kidneys, eggs, nuts, wheat germ, beans, oats, barley and vegetables.

As vitamin B2, vitamin B6 helps regulate the production of thyroid hormones and metabolism. Foods rich in vitamin B6 include beef, poultry, eggs, sardines, mackerel, dried fruits, cabbage, brown rice, bananas, avocados, wheat germ and wheat.

Vitamin C helps the body in a number of different ways, but it helps those trying to lose weight to convert glucose into energy. Foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, green peppers, black currents, kiwis, Brussels sprouts, lemons, oranges, cabbage and strawberries.

While choline is not considered a vitamin, because it is produced by the liver, there are only a part of the vitamin B complex and helps the metabolism to work efficiently. Choline deficiency can lead to accumulation of fat in the liver. Foods rich in choline include beef liver, beef heart, egg yolks, cucumbers, cauliflower and peanuts.

Like choline, inositol is a part of the vitamin B complex and helps the metabolism to work efficiently. Foods rich in inositol include beef liver and heart, eggs, soy, nuts, whole grains and citrus fruits.

How to Revitalize My Natural Hair Color

2008-04-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

A man or woman in May asking the following questions: It is possible to learn how to revitalize my natural hair color? The answer is "yes"! There are several ways a person can make their natural color look fuller and more intense, so that all its natural beauty is presented. Specialized hair products are designed to restore the natural color of hair that faded or add sparkle to-back hair that has become dull.

Many people have spent years have colored hair, permed and highlighted. After some time, hair can become dry and dull due to exposure to chemicals. It is good to give your hair a rest, so to speak, and let your natural color shine. Revitalizing the natural color of hair can be done using products that strip the hair of chemicals in the weighting of hair. It is necessary first of May to hair color as close as possible to the natural color as possible. By restoring the natural color, your hair will be bright and bouncier.

Even if you have never colored hair, time and aging can cause hair to become dull research. Hair cells produce less pigment means that the hair turns into a lighter color. Finally, the hair will be gray. Hair care products with a violet eliminate flatness associated with gray hair. They can also add sparkle and shine so you can be gray with style.

Of course, some people have never colored their hair and no gray hair, but need to revitalize their natural hair color. In some cases, the condition affects hair color. Hair that is severely damaged due to exposure to sun or dulled because of the state of health can be restored with a pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner that restores hair shine and flexibility. These products can make the pigment color hair by moisturizing and conditioning hair, he looks healthy and full.

Girly Girl's Beauty Guide to Camping & Outdoor Vacations

2008-04-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

If you want to maintain your beautiful image, never go camping. You may be able to survive a hike of beauty with some waterproof makeup products that can stay put for up to 18 hours. But if you'd like to experience Yosemite or Yellowstone and would rather sleep under the stars than at the Best Western, you don't have to give in entirely to Mother Nature's plan to cover you in dirt, sweat and mosquito bites. Read on for tips to being as gorgeous as possible at the campground of your choice.Ideally, you can start each day with a warm shower. Look for campgrounds that provide running water and "comfort stations", bathrooms with showers and sinks. Hot water (or warm water, in a pinch), is a great cleanser for a gal who's spent the days wandering through the underbrush. If you must, even a cold shower may be preferable to none at all. Most national parks have campgrounds with restrooms, but they get booked up early, so make sure when planning your trip to make your reservations in plenty of time to get a prime location.

Now, here's what to bring with you when you meet Mother Nature face to face.

1. Bug repellent
If there's a lake or a river, if temperatures are in the seventies or higher, if humidity is over 50%, you'll be wanting mosquito repellent. If you're planning to have children ever, read the label before buying repellents: some can cause reproductive harm. (Let's not take this particular moment to discuss why the FDA allows the sale of products that are known to cause birth defects. Then, we'd have to talk about the tobacco industry, and the petroleum industry, and we don't have time for that just now.)

After three days in a national park and a couple of five-mile-hikes through mosquito-infested meadows, I found a product called Herbal Armor, (available from www.allterrainco.com) a combination of citronella, peppermint, cedar, lemon grass and geranium oils in a base of beeswax and natural vegetable oils that kept me bite-free for the rest of the trip. I didn't test it at peak bug times, but I liked its natural, petrochemical-and-cruelty-free makeup. With the West Nile virus still growing and spreading west, bug repellents are becoming more than comfort products--they're important protection from a nasty illness.

2. Wet Wipes
A way to wash without running water. Nice smell, antibacterial. Portable. Perfect.

3. Water, and Lots of It
Drinking water is always important, and if you're hiking, you'll need even more of it. Best-case scenario, you'll have drinking water at your campsite and will just need to pack in enough for the hike. If you happen to have water for washing too, that's even better.

You can wash in streams (use biodegradable soap) and lakes, but don't drink water unless you know it's potable (there are signs at campgrounds saying whether the water is potable and can be drunk, or not). Water fresh from a bubbling spring is certainly attractive, but if a deer or raccoon (or gopher or bear) has also been attracted to water upstream from you, it may very well be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. If you're in parkland or Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, or even federally managed "wilderness", the water may also be contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, runoff from logging and mine tailings, and god-knows-what. I guess the lesson here is, find out as much as you can about where you're going before you leave, and make your bathing plans accordingly.

4. The Right Clothes
You can buy clothes with UV protective qualities combined with breathability. Try REI or other outdoor clothing retailers. You should have a hat, not only to keep the sun off, but to protect your head from hanging brambles, and, in cold weather or rough country, a knit cap to sleep in is also a good idea. (I have a friend who once woke screaming because a field mouse, also screaming, had gotten tangled in her long hair.)

Clothes should fit closely enough that they won't catch on things when you're running from a bear, but loosely enough so that nothing chafes. People with sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate long hikes in heavy denim, the seams of which can rub delicate skin. Cargo pants in cotton blends may provide smooth fabric with extra storage space in the form of pockets. (But if you're more concerned about looking svelte than in extra pockets, skip the cargo pants: they tend to make most of us look hippy.)

Layering is crucial, because you're going to heat up when hiking, cool down after camp's setup, and maybe get really cold in the mountain evening. My favorite outdoor piece is an ultra-thin, silk long-john shirt I found at a thrift store five years ago. It weighs about an ounce, but slipped on under a shirt, provides the equivalent of a whole sweater's worth of warmth.

5. Animal Repellents
Animal repellents such as pepper spray, bear spray and dog spray can all be essential safety and self defense items that are perfect for the outdoors. You never know what type of dangerous situation your could find yourself in out in the wilderness either with a human attacker, wild bear or vicious mountain lions. A defense spray on hand will give you time to escape to safety.

Take Care Of Your Eyes With Natural Eye Health Medicine

2008-04-06T04:11:00.000-07:00

Your eyes are said to be the window of your soul. The way you perceive the entire world is heavily dependent on your eyes. So not having good eye health means more than not being able to read signs; it means you could be greatly misperceiving the world around you.

That is the reality of eye health neglect. Our eyes bring so much to our lives. They are used to work with and to see the world around us.

Natural eye health is the proactive way of taking care of your eyes. Working on computer screens can strain your eyes, making them red and painful.

Natural eyes care teaches you the best way to take care of your eyes, which starts with your rebuilding and maintaining all the membranes in your eyes.

It is important to understand that proper and effective eye care starts inside. While a carrot can help, it alone cannot mend all the damage that your eyes sustain on a daily basis.

And natural eye health methods will educate you on the type of foods you can consume so that your eyes do not sustain consistent cellular damage every day. It is sad to think that our eyes work so hard for us, yet we do so little to take care of them.

We just expect them to do everything, yet we selfishly neglect them. If you want your eyes to stay strong in the future, then you need to do the work now. There is no better time to start learning about natural eye health.

That way you will find the methods that will help you keep your eyes healthy before they begin to deteriorate. Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you didn't have your eyes? Think about it. It is a small investment to make for something that does so much for you.

Enjoy and take pride in the fact that you live a naturally healthy lifestyle and that you know that you are taking care of all your body's assets.

Good Program To Fight Back Pain

2008-04-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

Before anything else, a diet that has an average amount of oils got from fish helps to lubricate your joints and reduces the risk of back pain for you; so it's a wise plan to contemplate taking similar diets every so often, especially if you hurt from back pains on a steady basis.

Stretching out one's body oft serves as a "right away" reliever for back pain by relieving the pain that follows it; so check that you cultivate the habit of stretching your body.

In the event that you experience back pain when carrying big furniture or big machines, the first thing you have to do is to lie on your back on the floor with your knees and hips bent and place pillows under your knees to relax the pressure off your back.

A loss of sensation around your foot, groin, rectal area or leg, following a case of back pain is a symptom of many more severe challenges below the surface; when such ensue, it's time to have a serious session with your physician and when you do, don't hold anything back regarding incisively what you're feeling. Now and again back pain can be so painful that it renders the sufferer not capable of moving; in this kind of serious case of back pain, the best thing to do is to get a person to call the physician and attempt to lie still as much as possible.

Back pain has been medically classified into acute back pain, also well known as impermanent flare ups that are caused by sprains or soreness of ligaments and chronic back pain which encompasses back pain that is much more long lasting and much more tasking than the acute back pain. Martial arts isn't only perfect for the mastering of self defense tactics... it's also a means of toning the muscles and making sure that back ache has a slim likelihood of happening; one of such martial arts is tai chi, a marshal art that increases the flexibility of the body via slow fluid movements.

Somebody who lives a sedentary life is more prone to suffer back pains than a person who is active; this is due to the fact that inactivity leads to stiffness of the joints and weak muscles which can give way under the slightest pressure.

Your yearning to learn all you can regarding back pain and the different remedies can be fulfilled on the Web where you can access numerous websites that confer elaborate and really exhaustive clues regarding it.

To end this article, it's worth knowing that, a day to day dose of calcium in your diet will make certain that the possibilities of back pain occurring are lessened due to the fact that it improves your backbones and lends support to your overall body balance.

Get A Healthy Whiter Smile With Toothbrush, Toothpaste & Whitener Products Professionals Use

2008-03-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

Taking care of your teeth means more than brushing with a good toothbrush twice a day with a flouridated toothpaste, and visiting the dentist twice a year, but those are the basics for caring for your smile. As we get older, problems with bad teeth and gums start to show in terms of yellowing, chipping or sensitivity. With age, teeth lose their whiteness and begin to yellow: one sure-fire way to take years off your appearance is by whitening your teeth with a home or professional whitener.

The truth about over the counter whitening toothpastes
Many toothpastes claim to be "whitening", but when you read the label, you'll see the only active ingredient is fluoride. Fluoride is necessary for preventing cavities, but it doesn't do a thing for whiter teeth. Other over-the-counter "whitening" products include baking soda and peroxide. Baking soda wisdom works by friction: it polishes stains from teeth. But, if your enamel is thin in places, baking soda can wear it further, exposing the dentin layer beneath the enamel. When that happens, you wind up with a brown spot or pit in the tooth. These spots often appear along the gemlike, where enamel tends to wear away naturally and is weak. Whitening toothpastes can't fix worn enamel: it takes a trip to the dentist to replace the missing layer with bonding.

Strengthing and repairing worn tooth enamel
Worn enamel comes with age: it also appears in younger people who grind their teeth, people who eat a lot of acidic foods, and people with bulimia whose enamel has been worn away by stomach acids. People with chronic heartburn or acid reflux disease may also have enamel worn off by acid, but for bruxers (or people who grind their teeth), the enamel comes off because of the pressure exerted by the jaws. The enamel flakes or cracks off under the pressure. If you grind your teeth, your dentist will recommend that you wear a plastic night guard over your teeth at night.

Natural tooth whitening remedy and products
Peroxide is the classic at-home tooth whitening ingredient. Toothpastes like Rembrandt contain peroxide in a dosage that, over a period of weeks or months, has a bleaching affect on teeth by six shades or more. Depending on your teeth's sensitivity, you may prefer slower-working toothpastes to quick-acting whitening kits. Bleach can make teeth sensitive, so if you try a tooth-whitener, go slow at first, and maybe pair it with a sensitivity-reducing paste such as Sensodyne.

Professional dentist tooth whitening - $$$$
If you're in a hurry, you can have your teeth professionally whitened in about an hour at the dentist's for around $300. Your dentist may use a combination of topical bleaching gel and a light activator to get your teeth super-white in no time at all.

Whiten your teeth without a trip to the dentist
If you don't want to spend several hundred dollars, you have other options. Rembrandt has a new two-hour whitening system (Rembrandt 2-Hour White from www.drugstore.com) that uses trays and a gel to whiten teeth in a much shorter time than the usual two-week period needed for other whiteners. You leave the trays on for 20 minutes, then take them out for ten minutes, alternating until the two hours are up. Or you can try other popular at home whiteners, like Crest White Strips, which take about a week to complete the whitening process.

Lose Weight - Not too Fast

2008-03-18T23:48:00.000-07:00

One of the best things you can do for your body to get rid of that excess body fat and lose weight. But it is tempting to try weight loss pills or accident plans that promise a quick solution. The truth is that the safest and most effective way to lose weight and keep it off to follow a healthy diet and exercise program. Do not forget that May took years for you to gain weight. Why you expect it to go away in a week? It must work, but the rewards are worth it. In this article we will learn why it is important to lose weight, but not too fast.

Everyone knows that the best way to lose weight is to burn more calories than we consume. That said, many of us take this thinking too far and drop the number of calories we consume drastically. This can be dangerous and can lead to long-term health problems. We need a minimum amount of calories that our body works correctly, and if you exercise, May you need more calories than you think.

Here is what happens to your body when you follow a diet that is low in calories: First, your body will use up its stores of carbohydrates, or glycogen and water with which it is stored in the liver and muscles. Once the body has used this source of energy, it begins to use proteins that are found in muscles, which can leave you feeling tired and irritable.

Soon, metabolism slows, forcing your body into a kind of starvation mode. At that time, the body begins to store calories as he does not know when it will be more.

Worse still, when crash dieters resume their old eating habits, since they often want to do, the body does not know how to handle the new influx of calories, and begins to store and this weight gain.

Not every body is the same and the amount of calories you need May not be the same for other members of your family. To be sure you get the calories you need to lead a healthy life, talk to your doctor or nutritionist.

About Essential Oils

2008-03-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

Essential oils are very powerful and concentrated oils extracted from plants, leaves, flowers, roots, buds, twigs, rhizomes, heartwood, bark, resin, seeds and fruits. Essential oils are in gland secretion in cells or plant life. Aromatic substances are formed and stored in certain organs of a plant as a by-product or because of its metabolism. Each essential oil has its own plan that is absolutely unique. The combination of plants plans, the energy of the sun, soil, air and water gives each individual's perfume oil and healing properties (antibiotics, hydration therapy etc) and its flavors (citrus , Flowers, plants and timber).

It must also be stated that essential oils have positive influence on our mental, and spiritual provision.

The top note (the head) is bracing, refreshing and improves concentration. These are ethereal, delicate perfume ad costs that will last about half an hour (citrus oils).

The heart notes (middle) gives harmony and peace. This note, accounts for one side of the sensual fragrance. These are floral aromas that develop in higher temperatures, and approximately 4 - 6 hours.

The base note (below) is stabilizing, strengthening and help to regain energy.

These are heavy, sweet, deep and long-term development of oil after 30-60 min and last for about 8 hours (wood and lumber).

Some species are included in the blast heart or heart - down notes. They have a double effect. First, heart-high note is to stimulate, smoothing and adjusting, while the heart notes below strengthens and brings harmony.

Taking Care of Combination Skin

2008-03-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

Combination skin is generally characterized by two extreme types of skin, such as fat and dry skin, which occur on the same side. If the presence of a T-oilier area is considered normal, the extreme of a very oily T-zone and the presence of acne with larger pores with very dry cheeks and small pores are considered combination skin. In some cases, this could be caused by a skin condition called seborrheic eczema, a visit to a dermatologist May be in order to help your skin to find the right balance. Caring for this type of skin can be difficult, but it can be done. Here are some tips to care for combination skin.

The first line of defense in combination keeping the skin is clean skin. Avoid using soaps and cleansers that are colored or scented, as they may irritate the skin. Also avoid using cleaners that are formulated for oily skin, which can irritate parts of the skin is dry. Use a mild cleanser at least twice a day, and to try three times if you can. Experts disagree whether today toner is needed in your skin routine, like most modern cleaners help keep your skin rejuvenated. But the ink may help remove any residue of cleanser and does not feel good on the skin. If you normally use ink, you do not need to stop until you are not using a toner that contains alcohol because it can severely dry skin.

Always use a moisturizer after you wash your face. You can try a moisturizer formulated for combination skin or normal to oily. Moisturizing can help even the fatty parts of the skin, such as cleansing worked to remove excess oil and moisturizing cream helps keep skin hydrated.

Finally, always remove your makeup before going to bed. Leave on the composition will clog the pores and help buttons and a black head to develop. No matter how tired you are or how late you go home, always used to remove your makeup at the end of the day.

Taking Care of Wasted Skin

2008-03-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

Wasted skin is characterized by skin that is ravaged by the environment. Stress, smog, pollution, lifestyle and other factors can leave their mark on the skin, leaving the search for fatigue or even discolored. This is often because the skin does not receive enough oxygen. If you live in a city populated or are under great stress, do not worry, as there are things you can do to help keep your face fresh and healthy. Here are some tips to take care of the skin wasted.

The first step in the fight against the wasting of the skin is to wash your face regularly. Avoid using soap because it can irritate the skin. Instead, try a mild cleanser and wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. This is especially important if you're dealing with pollution or smog.

The toner can be used to remove any residue remains of the cleanser and also the skin feel updated. Be sure to avoid the ink containing alcohol, because it too can dry the skin. Moisturizing is also an important part of your skin routine, as it will help keep skin hydrated. Try a moisturizer for your skin type or advertising to feed or regeneration of properties, and the best are those that contain an SPF of at least 15.

Other advice to the healing of your skin is lost in trying to use a humidifier in your home or where you work, if you can, that can help keep your skin moisturized, try moisturizing masks or regenerative once a week, and make sure you get plenty of rest. Also, make sure you get a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. A healthy diet can go a long way in keeping your skin looking healthy through the water keeping your skin hydrated and size of vitamins and other nutrients found in fresh food.

Tone your Backside with These Daily Exercises

2008-03-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Chances are you’ve heard of Curves, Nautilus and the Buns of Steel video. However, if you’ve tried it all and still don’t have a toned back side, you may just need a new approach. Butt toning and thigh exercises are often the most feared, leaving many women with butt flab left without tone. However, with these simple and effective daily tips you can quickly have the best gluteal muscles on the block!.

Reach Behind Move
Equipment Needed: A sturdy wall for balance and optional light-weight dumbbells.

Instructions: Stand a few feet away from a wall, facing it. Place your hands flat against the wall. Slightly bend your knees. Keeping one foot on the floor, lift the other foot off the floor. Keep your knee bent, supporting your balance. Be sure to keep the abs tight, the hips slightly forward and the torso almost parallel to the floor.

Reps: Start with 2 sets of 10 reps (or 10 on each side). Take a one minute break in between each set. To make this more difficult, hold light-weight free weight dumbbells in your hands throughout the exercise.

Lunge With A Rise
Equipment Needed: A stair and dumbbells.

Instructions: Stand about 2 feet away from the first stair on the staircase (or away from your stair-stepping bench). Hold a dumbbell in each hand and step forward onto the stair with your right foot. Allow your left heel to rise off of the floor, with the knee slightly bent toward the floor in a lunge position. Repeat the process with the opposite leg. This will greatly start slimming the buttocks, glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps.

Reps: Start with 1 set of 10 reps each day. To make this move easier, you can choose to do it without a stair and practice it on flat flooring.

London Bridge Lift
Equipment Needed: None

Instructions: Lie flat on your back and bend your knees. With your feet flat on the floor, place your arms at your sides. Squeeze your butt and lift your hips off of the floor for a count of two. With your hips in the air, extend one leg out toward the sky. Lower your leg and hips. Repeat the move with the opposite leg.

Reps: Start with 2 sets of 10 reps each day. To make this move easier, you can choose to not extend your legs. Instead, you can only work on lifting your hips.

A buttocks workout is a fitness must when it comes to overall training. You can quickly learn how to firm your rear muscles and experience cellulite and fat reduction in your buttocks and thigh area. These exercises paired with cardio workouts (or Pilates and yoga) can give you a sexy butt in no time!

Cure a Common Ingrown Toenail With a Foot Bath Home Remedy

2008-03-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

Although most foot care experts say that clipping toe nails straight across helps prevent in grown toenails, you may still fall victim to one anyway: it doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, it can happen to anyone. Shoes that don’t fit right can cause an ingrown nail, as can just being on your feet or walking a lot. If a nail is becoming ingrown, you’ll first notice that it’s feeling tender where the nail is pushing into the side of your skin. You may find yourself favoring that foot, or pressing your toe against the inside of your shoes.

If you don’t catch it soon enough, the toe will become inflamed where the nail is digging into the soft skin of your toe. People who ignore their ingrown toenails end up having surgery, because things can get infected pretty fast. I saw a picture of a neglected toenail once, and I’ll never get the image out of my head.

If you think you’re getting an ingrown toenail, soak your foot in hot water, and even add some lavender or tea tree oil to help soften the skin further. After you’ve given it a good soak, say twenty or thirty minutes, see if you can pull the embedded nail up on the corner, lifting it away from the skin. You can use a nail file for this delicate operation, just barely, slowly sliding it under the edge of the nail. Be careful that your hand doesn’t slip –the pain will be enormous. (I probably don’t have to tell you to be gentle –the agony in your toe will make you ever so careful!)

Sometimes it takes more than one soaking to get the nail soft enough to lift from the skin. Especially if you have thin, sharp nails, they are more likely to bite into the sides of the toe. If you don’t succeed the first time, dry off your poor foot, dab on lavender or tea tree oil (they both have antiseptic and antibiotic properties) or some Neosporin, and try again tomorrow. In the mean time, stay off your foot as much as possible, and when you put your shoes on in the morning, first wrap your toe with a thick, soft bandage to cushion it.

A newly ingrown toenail will usually concede de-feet (har-har) after three or four days of gently soaking and cautious prying. Once the nail lifts past the skin, trim the nail with a small pair of scissors, and if your toe’s not too sore, file it smooth. Now you will have a tender, pink channel in your toe where the nail once pressed. Keep it bandaged and clean. To prevent infection, apply antibiotics after bathing until your toe doesn’t hurt anymore.

If the toenail is stubborn and you can’t get it out after several tries, hobble off to the doctor, who will put it to rights for you.

Ingrown toenails are like ear infections: some people go their whole lives without having a single toenail upset, and others are plagued by then. Once you get one, it’s more likely to recur, so make sure you treat your feet nicely, buy good shoes that fit right, and pay attention to any toe pain that arises.

I like to read the old books on how to be beautiful, and one important adage is to buy the most expensive shoes you can afford, even if your feet are strange sizes and your shoes have to be custom-made. It makes sense, considering the importance of foot health to daily life. Bad shoes can add corns and bunions even to young feet, and they affect your posture and back health. Not sexy topics, but prevention is everything when it comes to caring for your ten dancing toes!

Dark Under Eye Circles Treatment & How to Hide or Lighten Them with Makeup

2008-03-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

Most women over thirty will at some point wonder how to get rid of under eye circles. There are three ways to attack the problem of dark under-eye circles: prevention, topical application and cosmetic restoration. Holistic prevention, while being the easiest solution for some people is also the least effective for most.

What Causes Under-Eye Circles & Darkness
Dark circles under the eyes tends to be a genetic issue and practically unavoidable if dark under eye areas run in your family. But for people whose genetic background doesn't predispose them to dark circles, the easiest solution may be to get some sleep and drink a lot more water. One of the first signs of fatigue or dehydration is dark circles that appear under the eyes. The under-eye skin is thin, with a membrane that runs between a fatty layer and the outer layer of skin we see. When your body needs water, it shows up around the eyes first. Drinking liquor causes dehydration, as does over consumption of sugar and caffeine. Stress also causes under eye puffiness. Diet can impact your face too, especially if you have food allergies, and sulfites in wine can wreak havoc on the delicate skin around your eyes. So, once again, the answer nobody wants to hear: you might be able to banish undereye circles from within by taking care of your health.

Natural Home Remedies for Dark Under Eye Circles
But home remedies can only do so much. If your dark under eye circles don't budge even after a long nap and eight glasses of water a day, it's time to go the cosmetic or make up route. There are lots of options here, some more useful than others. Moisturizers are helpful mainly in that if you have lines around your eyes, the shine from the moisturizer will help lessen them and create a lighter look. Look for moisturizers with natural ingredients such as avocado oil, sesame, Vitamin K and Vitamin E. Moisturizer also works well as a base for under eye makeup like concealer because it smoothes the skin and makes it easier to apply a tinted cosmetic. There are no make-up secrets here: moisturizer will help other makeup keep from caking.

Best Beauty Product to Hide Dark Eye Circles
The best beauty product for under eye circles is concealer, and most makeup artists agree that it's important to use one with a slight golden color, as yellow tones counteract dark ones. Chamomile has long been known as a natural remedy for skin, and some concealers contain this ingredient which can help cure as it covers. Concealer is great for dealing with dark circles as long as you get the right shade and apply it correctly. Some women make the mistake of choosing a concealer that's too light: then you wind up with reverse-raccoon eyes, where the whiteness under your eyes looks strange and somewhat alien. The ideal concealer is usually a shade lighter than your foundation. To some extent, the area under the eyes is somewhat shadier than the rest of your face because the eye sockets naturally are somewhat receded into the face. If your concealer is too light, your eyes will disappear in the glare.

Non Surgical and Surgical Treatments to Correct Puffy Under Eyes
If you're tired of trying to erase your circles with eye cream, you may be looking for a treatment or even a cure. Looking tired all the time can affect your morale as well as the way people treat you. There are non-surgical options to eliminate puffy or dark undereye areas: injections performed by cosmetic surgeons can fill the hollows, and need repeating every three or four months. A really good ocularfacial surgeon can tighten the skin of the eyelids, reducing the puffiness and eliminating the dark circles for years to come. Called blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery can get rid of dark circles, puffy upper or lower eyelids and hollow, tired looking eyes. If you go this route, make sure to find a specialist who has done thousands of eyelids, ask to see before and after pictures and check with the local medical board to check the surgeon's history with other patients

Losing Weight Are There Any Disadvantages?

2008-03-01T23:48:00.001-08:00

Keep your body in shape is the best way to ward off disease and help you live longer, life complete. For those who are overweight, weight loss may be difficult but rewarding road. If there are drawbacks to lose weight, they are most often because of the way the weight was lost or how quickly. There are also some cases where weight loss can be a sign of disease. In this article we take a look at some of the disadvantages of weight loss.

The best way to lose weight is to follow a healthy diet and exercise regime, but some are tempted by the weight loss of fat schemes following an accident or the food supply. Crash diets are notoriously difficult to follow and often long-term sustainable results. These schemes are often composed of very low-calorie meals, leading to the loss of carbohydrates and water stored in the body, instead of fat.

Most people resume their normal eating habits after the accident following a diet, which leads not to return the weight loss, but also more weight. The reason is that the body goes into starvation mode when it does not receive the amount of calories they need, and once the calories are increased when the diet there, the body does not know how to deal with new amounts and the stores instead of burning it.

The best way to lose weight without danger is to forget trying to lose weight in a short period of time and do so safely by following a healthy diet.

However, sometimes the weight loss is a sign of the disease. If you have not changed your diet or exercise habits and are losing weight, it could be a symptom of problems such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism and even some types of cancer. If you think you've lost a lot of weight without changing your habits usual May you wish to consult your doctor.

Shoud I Lose Some Weight?

2008-02-06T23:48:00.000-08:00

Maintaining a healthy diet and following an exercise regime are the best ways to remove the disease and live a long life full. Unfortunately, gaining weight and obesity have been a growing problem not only in the United States, but worldwide. With more and more our busy lives, we leave ourselves rarely enough time to eat a balanced meal or take the time to exercise. In this article we will discuss why maintaining a healthy weight is so important and how to know if you need to lose weight.

Lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle are very important in preventing a number of diseases and disorders. Being overweight can put extra strain on the heart, causing high blood pressure and may lead to heart disease. The exercise helps build bone health and can prevent or delay the onset of osteoporosis. Not only exercise is good for the body, but it is also good for the mind. The exercise of press serotonin, which regulates mood. It can leave you feeling happy after a good workout and can relieve stress. Exercise can also relieve the tensions, stressed muscles after a long day.

Get in better shape not only help you in the long term, but will give you a better idea of self-confidence. Let's face it - there is much discrimination there for people who are overweight. Fitness will make you feel better about yourself.

If you do not know if you need to lose weight, try to calculate your BMI, or body mass index. This calculation, based on your height and weight, you can give an approximation of the amount of fat in your body. To calculate your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide by your height in inches twice. The goal is to have a BMI between 18.5 and 25, while 25 states and more overweight, while over 30 is obese.

Caring For Hands and Nails Naturally

2008-02-06T04:16:00.000-08:00

Hands and nails get an extreme work out everyday. Most normal daily activities involve the use of your hands. Washing dishes, cleaning the house, and other things require the use of strong chemicals that are extremely harsh on the skin and nails. Products you find in the store to help treat hand and nail problems often contain chemicals too. The solution is to opt for a treatment plan that does not require you to use any form of chemical substance. There are a number of perfectly natural remedies that you can use to make your nails look and feel as good as new. By using a few easy tips you will be back on track in the form of good looking nails.

The best way to heal your nails is to make the remedies at home. This will ensure that the stuff you use is perfectly natural and wont cause any adverse effects. There is only one way you can be sure you know the beauty products you are using are safe – you make them yourself. Many fruits, vegetables, oils, and other common household supplies contain natural ingredients that can care for and pamper your hands and nails. Plus, the cost of creating your own products is a fraction of what you pay for overpriced merchandise in the store.

Soaps often times can be drying, causing the skin to become easily irritated. Making your own gently hand scrub is an effective way to add moisture back into your skin. You probably already have the necessary ingredients at home right now. All you need is 2 tablespoons of plain oatmeal, 1 ½ teaspoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and a ¼ cup of water. Let the oatmeal soak in the water for about ten minutes. When the oatmeal is soft, add the lemon juice and the oil and blend well. Rub the mixture into your hands. Let it stay on your skin for about 2 minutes and then rinse with clean water. Add a good moisturizer following the scrub to add extra nourishment to your skin.

For an overnight deep conditioning treatment, mix together a ½ cup of coconut oil, ½ cup of granulated sugar and the juice of one lemon. Rub mixture all over hands. Brush off excess sugar with a soft cloth and put on a pair of cotton gloves. Go to sleep with the gloves on. They will help the oil absorb into the skin. When you wake up in the morning, your hands will be silky smooth.

Nails often get dull and discolored from chemicals and other environmental pollutants. Simply drop a denture cleaning tablet into a cup of water and soak your nails for ten minutes. The tablet will whiten and brighten your nails, as well as your dentures. Dry, brittle nails are also easy to treat with this simple remedy. Combine a teaspoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of olive oil in bowl and mix well. Massage the mixture into your nails and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off oil with warm water and a mild soap if necessary. The solution will both recondition and brighten your nails.

The best thing about homemade stuff is the fact that it is same. You are not bothered about side effects it may cause because of some of the chemicals that might be used in the cream or solution. Just a bit of research and some hard work will go a very long way for you.

About Author Debrah Dragon :
Debrah Dragon writes for Beauty Items, a website about everything beauty-related - beauty tips www.beautyitems.com/tips/, beauty salons www.beautyitems.com/salons/, beauty products www.beautyitems.com/products/, etc. Debrah is also a featured at http://www.ArticleKing.com

Good perfume advice

2008-02-05T23:48:00.000-08:00

Try to keep your scent in the dark and cold so they can stay long term.
Do not splash perfumes on silk, because it leaves stains.
If you want to use scents that cause allergic reactions, try to spray on your purse or your hair or parts of clothing that do not directly affect your skin.
If you want to know if you are allergic to certain perfumes, spray lightly on your wrist or inner part of your elbow. If, after about an hour you notice any reaction, it means that perfumes are not for you. It is best to perfume your body before dressing, because you can spray over your body and then he will not leave stains on your clothes.
Most fragrances are designed to last about four hours. Some of them in May last longer, but then they change their scent. Therefore, it is advisable to use perfumes once or twice more during the day.

Temporary or Permanent Hair Extensions: Do they Damage Your Hair?

2008-02-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Celebrities all over the world have used wigs and hair extensions for years. Today, hair extensions (both temporary and permanent) are available not only to the rich and famous, but to everyone. Now, anyone and everyone can change their style with simple products like HairDo.
Hair extensions are basically hair additions that can change the length or volume of your hair. While most believe they’re only used to make your hair longer, the opposite is true. They can make your hair appear fuller or even shorter. In addition, hair extensions can give you temporary braids or dreadlocks.

Types of Hair Extensions
There are several types of extensions. Hair extensions are typically wefted or sold loose. Wefted hair is synthetic hair that is sewn onto a base and used in the art of hair weaving. Loose hair is not bound on a base. Permanent hair extensions can last for up to four months or more, if maintained. Most often this type of extension is attached by a professional. Temporary hair extensions are most often used for a special event and then removed. This type of extensions can also include clip on varieties and are almost always safe for natural hair. The loose hair type of extensions is often used for fusion services. It can even come in pretipped versions where it’s bound into tips or plugs. Glue is often used to attach the hair in a natural way, where it blends in with the other hair on the head. However, the glue used to attach extensions can damage your hair by splitting the ends. You almost always need to get a major cut after the extensions are removed.

Safe Washing of Hair Extensions
The easy thing about hair extensions is their washing and styling care is not challenging. You can style them as you would natural hairstyle. However, gentle shampoo should be used. To remove the extensions you should visit the professional who added them for a chemical removal treatment process. Or, you can simply remove them at home by twisting them easily until the seal snaps.

One of the most popular items on the market is HairDo, the line of extensions by Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves. This line offers both human hair styles and Kanekalon Vibralite modacrylic fiberous styles. They’re well made and are hardly noticeable. The clip on system is easy for anyone to insert and doesn’t cause any damage to your hair. You can get an instant pony tail, braid, or even straight hair without visiting a professional. Simpson and Paves give the average person the opportunity to get celebrity salon results, at home!

Winter Weight Loss – Stoking the Internal Fire

2008-02-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

Winter of weight loss may seem like a daunting task, but all it takes is the same discipline applied during the summer months. It is tempting during the winter to stop worrying about weight and fitness, because there are holidays and cold weather to contend with, besides the fact the body is usually completely covered. Winter of food can also be heavier and more fattening because of a lack of abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits as those found during the summer. Instead, stews winter sauce, chili, beef and creamy soups are consumed and the result is Creeps weight over the months.

You can maintain or lose weight in winter as you do in the summer. Weight loss winter requires the same health and fitness rules. These include eating a healthy diet, corresponding with the calories consumed and calories expended make a lot of exercise. There is no reason to withdraw to the kitchen or stop exercising during the winter. There are many ways to maintain an active lifestyle that includes walking and cycling. You can also avoid heavy meals carbohydrates that are typical winter menus and books on the pack.

Even if you put on some pounds during the winter, winter weight loss should become a priority as soon as you realize the weight has crept on you. You do not have to wait for the snow to melt or air to warm up. You can start a gym routine during the winter, which can then be taken outdoors during the spring. You must also create balanced meals healthy focus on using winter vegetables and fruit year instead of fats and carbohydrates. When it is cold outside, turning to the refrigerator or nibbling worth the trouble is too easy.

Winter of weight loss is something most people face at some point in their lives. Following a sensible diet and establishing a fitness can quickly melt the pounds.

Herbs as an ACNE Treatment

2008-02-03T23:48:00.000-08:00

Acne is a skin disease devastating that can not zap our self-esteem. Although there are hundreds more against the clinic and treatments available, many people prefer to use homeopathic and non-chemical means to treat acne. Although there are several herbs that can be useful in the fight against acne, beware of herbal remedies that promise to eliminate acne overnight. Many herbs should not be taken over a long period of time, it is best to consult a doctor or a dermatologist, using herbs to fight acne. In this article we take a look at some herbs that are known to work as an acne treatment.

Several herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help the swelling and redness that is associated with acne. Some of these herbs are calendula, better known as pot worries, and can be found in ointments, liquids, and infusions; German chamomile, or wild chamomile, a member of the sunflower family, is often seen in a form of tea, witch hazel, is an ornamental plant.

Its bark and leaves are used as an astringent while the extract is in liquid form or tea. Licorice root is a plant native to southern Europe and Asia and is known as an ingredient in candies of the same name, while the root is used for a number of different medical purposes.

Tea tree oil is another useful herb because it is very effective in killing bacteria. Although studies have confirmed that tea tree oil can slow the growth of P. acnes, the bacterial strain associated with acne, it also seems to be less severe on the face as benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil can be found in a wide range of products, including cleansers face, and should only be used topically.

Winter Skin Care – Trapping the Moisture

2008-02-01T23:48:00.000-08:00

Winter skin care requires changes in your normal skin care routine and choice of products. In winter the humidity drops meaning there is less moisture in the air. In addition, winter usually means blustery winds and drying that are almost as direct attacks on the skin. The result is dry skin and the development of a condition commonly called "winter itch." It can be a painful uncomfortable and condition, but fortunately there are ways to deal with winter sends the attackers retreat.

Too many people buy a moisturizing cream and insist on using it year round. One of the first rules of winter skin care is to adapt your beauty to recognize the changing weather conditions. Instead of light, water-based packaging, you should start with an occlusive moisturizer. The occlusive moisturizer is that oil and cream base, as opposed to mixing oil and water. It is thicker and can trap moisture from the skin. To get the most from your moisturizer, it should also include vitamins and other ingredients that keep skin soft.

There are other steps you can take in conjunction with the development of moisturizers to prevent dry skin in winter. Winter skin care should include a routine that is followed religiously every day. The first rule of thumb is not to wash the skin with hot water drying. Secondly, after a shower or bath, apply moisturizing cream immediately to seal in the moisture content just to add to your skin and while the pores are open. Thirdly, it is important to exfoliate your skin faithfully once a week to get rid of flaking skin cells dry and discover new skin is in much better shape to cope with the winter air sec.

Recommended Winter skin care tips can help you avoid uncomfortable, irritating and unsightly flaking skin dry air creates. With the right moisturizer, your skin may look healthy during the winter months as it does the rest of the year.

Pillow Creases – What a Strange Line!

2008-01-29T23:48:00.000-08:00

Find pillow in the folds of your face can be a bit alarming. You wake up in the morning and discover a whole new depth of the wrinkles that was not there yesterday. Pillow increases occur because of sleep on a pillow or wrinkled when the skin is pulled and creased. Fortunately, this is not a smooth ride and of itself within a couple of hours. But with a couple of hours waiting for wrinkles disappear when in a hurry to get to work?

When you sleep, the skin is busy making its regeneration. By pressing the skin of your face against the pillow in the same position for hours, good movement may be hampered sanguine. This is one reason why people wake up with swollen faces and folds boring pillow. In addition, skin May actually look red and irritated too. To get rid of a pillow crease quickly, you can wash your face with warm water and then rub in a skin moisturizer to restore flexibility.

To prevent the pillow folds, the obvious solution is to sleep on their backs if possible. If you must sleep on the side, using a silk pillowcase which reduces wrinkles. Also, make sure you regularly use a moisturizer to keep your skin flexible and able to rebound quickly. Although the pillow are not permanent creases rides, they can cause skin problems during a period of time. Standing in the face wrinkles are caused by the breakdown of collagen due to aging and muscle repeated in the same manner, ie frowning or squinting can cause wrinkles between the eyes. Pillow repeated folds can cause skin problems in the same way.

The best approach is to prevent the folds of the pillow departure. You can do this by sleeping on the back, using silk pillowcases, and equally important, applying a moisturizer at night that protects the skin.

Put on Firmness Posture

2008-01-28T23:48:00.000-08:00

Nature has given into the skin of personal energy sources. However, stocks of energy cells Peter gradually from 25 years ago. Sometimes the two as the reason for aging skin, loss of wet, and in the operating result of external factors, particularly stress and UVA radiation, which reached with light skin sunny . All this helps to reduce the amount of fibers, which are the internal scaffolding skin (after the loss of their 30 years can run to more than 1% per year). The result for the loss of firmness and contained cells.

Fortunately, we can implement lack of energy in our skin! It is good to act quickly, invest in the beauty of your body, so it can stay as long as possible in a form filling. However, a regular moisturizing balm, not enough any longer. Improving the firm balm Q10 Plus NIVEA body affects the skin more deeply the parties, providing intensify its natural substances. This new formula of this product, which contains Q10 koenzym Force and energy supply, penetrates deeply into the skin, it stimulates the natural production of energy, it supports cell function and corrects much elasticity of the skin.

STEP 1. Create your whole body

New, sophisticated Firming Q10 NIVEA body balm formula promotes the synthesis of collagen and new. The remaining lasting moisturize. Balsam and just soak it is good for every skin type.

STEP 2. Wrestling with Cellulit

If you need more intensely firming, you want to deal with "orange peel" problem, you can combine the application of balm to the application of modeling profile Q10 cream NIVEA body. Apart from energy complex, it is enriched with Izo - soya protein, which intensify the joint tissue and restore Natural fibers game. You will see the first results after two weeks of daily application of cosmetics. To ensure the effective strength to scale the cream, turn movements in strategic locations, where softness of the skin loses more often - in the stomach, thighs and buttocks.

On your legs make small circles at the same time, using higher pressure at the top. This technique helps Tsiyon of the skin, stimulates the lymph and blood circulation and helps the natural functions of the cells. It allows you to model the thighs, making them more flat belly and the elasticity to turn the buttocks. It is worth spreading cream all over your body, because it can easily bring good appearance of your body.

Methods of Skin Tightening – Turning Back the Clock

2008-01-26T23:48:00.000-08:00

There are many ways to skin tightening used by dermatologists. In fact, there are also products you can use at home now following a minimum of skin tightening if you can not request the services of a doctor. The methods range from lotions containing anti-oxidants and a variety of vitamins and production of collagen boosters of invasive procedures such as cosmetic surgery.

Creams, skin tightening should be used throughout your life. But at some point, if you use them or not, age is catching up with the skin. The damage caused by sun exposure and natural aging causes a breakdown of collagen, which is what gives our skin soft and fleshy look. As the amount of collagen decreases, the skin begins to sag. At that time, you need to search in May one of the other methods of skin tightening.

Of course, is more radical cosmetic surgery. Fortunately for those who want to avoid surgery, researchers have been busy developing non-invasive means of skin tightening. For example, a popular method is Botox injections that made relax the muscles of the face to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. There are several other types of charges derma on the market that are injected under the skin surface. These include Sculptra, Lipodissolve and Fraxel laser treatments.

Another popular methods of non-surgical skin tightening uses radio waves to "remodel" the structure underlying the skin. This procedure is called THERMAGE. Skin tightening another procedure called Titan uses infrared light to produce similar results. Laser technology is constantly improved and adapted methods of non-invasive skin treatments.

D'you are interested in finding skin tightening treatment, it is important to consult your dermatologist first. There are many good lotion and cream products that you can use on the face and body. As the body ages, skin will start loosening notable in many places other than the face - the upper arms, thighs and abdomen area, for example. When the news specially designed treatments no longer work, there are many non-invasive, you can request that the next step. Normally, surgery such as tummy tucks, liposuction and face lifts are considered as a last resort option for many men and women.

Winter Make up - Matching the Season

2008-01-21T23:48:00.000-08:00

The key to the successful implementation of the winter is done keeping in mind the harshness of winter and clothing traditionally darker. Unlike the summer with his light and clothing, humid days and sunny winter day consists of dry and warm clothing. Winter must take into account the weather and reflect the heavier clothing and dark colors. This means that you put away the foundations of summer light and color of eyes and make moisturizers oil-based, protection mat foundations and shadows fall and winter colors like gray and brown.

Winter represent should start with a day of oil moisturizer that prevents the skin from drying due to low humidity and cold. At night, it is important to use a moisturizer with a weight of essential vitamins and other ingredients to rejuvenate the skin immediately after showering to seal in moisture. When you choose a foundation for the winter, the matte finish is more appropriate than the bright shiny finishes. The eye shadow colors should reflect the colors of your winter clothing to create a unified and meticulous. In addition, the bags under the eyes which is common in winter can be minimized by the skillful use of very pale yellow in front of the cream.

It is typical for people to have pale skin in winter than in summer. Winter represent should be applied in a way that adds color and vitality to your skin. In summer, the rose is facing due to sun exposure with its dose of vitamin D. In winter, the lack of winter sun ways to include a slight tint that matches the skin without being obvious. The base should be one shade lighter in order to make the skin look brighter.

These are just some tips for the application of winter up that can make your skin look radiant and healthy despite the dark cold weather.

Foundation for Autumn

2008-01-16T23:48:00.000-08:00

Foundation is an essential part of your makeup routine. It should be like your second skin, only better! A good basis for face includes a moisturizer, concealer if you need it, and the foundation. Just as we change our wardrobe with the seasons, our makeup needs will change as well. Creating a natural look is important and choosing the right tools for your skin is the best way to put your best face forward. In this article we take a look at some helpful tips for the foundation in the fall.

In the fall, our skin begins to transition from the summer sun in pale shades of winter, and it is important to use a foundation that exactly matches your skin. When choosing a foundation for the fall, always try to test the basis before purchase, and whenever possible, test in a good light. Natural light is best when it is available. Test the foundation on your skin and let it set for a couple of minutes. Often, the background color will change when it comes into contact with the natural acids in our skin, so that the color of the bottle May not be exactly the same for everyone. Also make sure the color blends well in your chest.

In recent years, trends of the foundation have been natural to research, light skin, even in autumn and winter, and you wonder how he can make the difference between research on grains, and create a look natural. Start your routine with a moisturizer, which will help the Foundation to go smoothly. Apply concealer that you need in front to hide or conceal dark spots, for example. Apply the foundation with your fingertips in small quantities to help create the natural look. Remember that you can always add more money if you need it.

Foundation for Summer

2008-01-15T23:48:00.001-08:00

Changing your makeup style with the seasons is a natural evolution that your wardrobe. In the hottest summer months, your goal is to create a new, natural look and the foundation can help you get there. Those who are fortunate to have flawless skin May be able to go without it, in winter, but the rest of us still prefer to use foundation to help smooth the skin. Simply because it is hot, does not mean your looks have to suffer. Here are some tips on using the Foundation during the summer.

An important thing to remember when it comes to is that your skin is probably worse in summer than in winter, so you May need to buy a foundation that matches your skin this summer. It is always preferable if you can buy foundation in a place with lots of light, and natural light where possible, so you can have a better idea of how you look when you leave the house. Try to test a small amount of base before you buy, because the color can react with skin and at the end of a color slightly different from how it looks in the bottle. Remember to make sure the color blends well with your neck.

The type of foundation you use May depend on how hot it is where you live. If you live in the hottest part of summer temperatures, try to find a foundation that offers stay-power, which will help the foundation stay in place even on the hottest days. Choose a liquid on a cream, allowing your skin to breathe and remain healthy. Always apply a moisturizer before the foundation, which will help ensure that the Foundation is on the right and creates a uniform color. If you already have a foundation of love, but you want to adapt it for summer, try combining a small amount with such a small amount of moisturizer, which will be thin and you provide a light coat.

Best Shampoos for Straight Hair

2008-01-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

Straight hair is very thin and can be difficult to charge. Although how the hair style will affect how your hair is straight, shampoo may also play a role in how your hair is right. The type of shampoo you use can help add volume to thin hair and help maintain a clean and protected. In this article we will discuss what you should consider when buying a shampoo for the hair straight or if you want to encourage your wavy hair right.

When we look at the right shampoo for the hair right, be sure to avoid cream shampoos that are formulated for curly hair because they can increase the hair and cause it to look greasy, therefore on the lookout for shampoos clear. Look for shampoos that advertise formulas fine, straight hair or soft. An important ingredient in the right shampoo hair is directly panthenol, experts estimate that can penetrate the hair follicles and ensure that each strand thicker.

These fines, often direct their hair oily hair waiting for the day after a shampoo, but it will depend on the product. Do not be afraid to experiment with how often you can go between the shampoo because the less you shampoo, the better it is for your hair.

If you have curly hair and want to encourage it to recover, you can benefit from shampoos that are formulated for hair. Reorganization shampoo may help in reducing frizz and flyaway hair, encouraging the hair to be smooth and straight.

Often, shampoos recovery should be used in conjunction with another style method if your hair is naturally curly, but this type of shampoo will certainly help protect the hair. For best results, be sure to choose a turnaround shampoo that contains no alcohol, resulting in dry hair.

Mascara for Spring

2008-01-12T23:48:00.000-08:00

Spring brings higher temperatures and the return of color, both in nature and our style. Just as we change our wardrobe with the tower of the season, we also change our makeup. Mascara is an important element of any makeup routine, and the change of season is the perfect time to shed your winter mascara and try something new. To avoid eye infections, mascara should be replaced every three months, so what better time that the change of seasons?

Makeup for spring is usually a return to softer, warmer colors, and mascara is no exception. For a light spring look, go sparingly on the eyeliner and a light coat of mascara to help focus on the eyes. For best results, remember that this is not the formula that determines mascara thick lashes or a fine, but the type of rod. A small brush will help you reach the corners of your eyes as a comb and brush will help keep separate the lashes.

Spring is also an excellent opportunity to try new color mascara. If you're just skin or who just shades of hair, consider using the basis of brown mascara, especially for the day. Not only shades of brown mascara give you a look warmer, but also give you a more natural look. However, Brown is not for everyone, May and red-eye or not even be noticeable on those who have dark hair or skin colors.

Another option for those who have naturally long lashes is clear mascara, which will help maintain the lashes up and contribute to all naturally warm look. Black mascara is always appropriate for a dramatic evening look, and can even make your eyes seem to be white, do not be afraid to use darker shades in the evening.

Make Up for Older Women – Natural Woman

2008-01-10T23:48:00.000-08:00

Makeup for older women should serve two purposes. First, it should add color faded. Then, she must hide minor defects and wrinkles, as far as possible. However, it is important to understand that represent older women are not intended to layer in the face of foundations and colors that are trying to look young women. They are intended to highlight the natural beauty mature, which can make a younger woman as a by-product but as a goal. Women with mature skin is as beautiful as the dewy young - only in a different way.

To begin, the Foundation for mature skin should be close to average weight. Traveler skin wrinkles and a heavy foundation can actually make wrinkles look deeper. If you have mature skin, you should always opt for the lighter side or sheer foundations. A pure or medium-weight, Fondation de reflect light and cover many flaws. An oil-based foundation should be applied on top of a day moisturizer designed for mature skin.

A basic rule for the application to compensate for older women is not to use too. When the makeup is too heavy and not blend into your skin or highlight your best, it can actually make you look older. We have all seen women who obviously think more is better, but it is wrong when it comes to mature skin. In addition, your eye shadow and eyebrow color should blend into your skin. The shadows should be used based cream, because they moisturize while hiding defects. The appearance of dark bags under the eyes can be minimized with a concealer which is one lighter than the shade of your foundation.

Another council to apply for older women to use a very small amount of blush on the cheeks that creates a vibrant, rather than clownish look. Also, to make older women should include lipstick with moisturizer of the formula. Older women lips dry and often need hydration.

A rigorous selection and application to compensate for older women may improve women mature beauty. Soft and application of color to highlight the natural beauty while minimizing signs of aging, usually results in the fusion of years.

Information about perfumes

2008-01-08T23:48:00.000-08:00

The fact that the types of perfumes are so many May be surprising. May you easily feel lost with so many new fragrance being introduced into the global market each year. Although there is no officially confirmed the split, each new perfume has some features that allow its classification to one of the following groups:

Floral fragrances
These fragrances are the most popular and they also cause less controversy than they are received by customers. The floral fragrances are designed to be around the smell of a single flower, for example, read in Diorissimo Dior (1956), or around the floral bouquet, for example, Pleasures by Estee Lauder (1995).

Flavors of fruit
These perfumes are usually defined as costs of perfumes and light. They use the aromas of melon, lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit or orange blossom. The most popular fragrances of this type are: Tommy Girl by Tommy Hilfinger (1996) and Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani (1995).

Ocean perfumes
These scents are the newest types of synthetic fragrance based on fresh ingredients that smell like the ocean.

Green Perfume
These perfumes are made distinctive flavors and fresh fragrance reminds you of the environment, for example: wood, grass, sour apples or lavender. Now the familiar scent of this kind is fine by Estee Lauder (1986).

Oriental perfumes
These fragrances are associated with the Far East. Their base is designed around exotic spices and flowers, sandalwood and resin. The first fragrance of this type were introduced in 1925 by Guerlain as Shalimar. Oriental perfumes are very strong and in the eighties when it became very popular, they are also prohibited by the owners of some large companies in their office buildings.
Oriental scents are not in fashion all the time. However, those who like them are usually very fond of them. A typical example is Obssession here by Calvin Klein in 1985.

Cyprus perfumes
These perfumes are the smallest yet most unique group of fragrances. Therefore, women who love this fragrance is always love, and those who can not bear, will never wear. The base note here is oak moss scent that gives it a unique flavor from the ground. Then, other notes Ciste labdanum are added. The notes are: patchouli, rose and bergamot. The examples here are the classic Clinique Aromatic Elixir (1972) and recently by Gucci Rush (1999).

How choose perfumes for yourself

2008-01-04T23:48:00.000-08:00

The division of perfumes by the hair and skin types is no longer valid due mainly to changes in our daily diet that has become varied. Therefore, every woman in May to choose the fragrance she loves and wants to focus on his intuition, taste and personality. The only criterion should it do to know if she likes the smell or not is to spray a little perfume on the skin.

Do not decide to buy the best-known brand of perfume or one that is "above" yet. May this not be a good idea.

To make a good choice, you must go to the perfume early in the morning when you can feel better things. However, if you have a cold or if you are tired, you put on your visit to another day.

Try own perfume, unscented skin. During a test, you should only try three different flavors because your nose will not be able to recognize more perfume.

Do not feel the top of the bottle or the cap, because you smell the perfume is not true. May you smell an odor of alcohol instead. You should not try perfume on the piece of paper, but on the skin.

When you spray perfume on your skin for the first time, wait about thirty seconds, until the alcohol evaporates. Then you'll be able to know what the beginning of fragrance notes are. The top notes are very volatile, evaporates quickly and do not last very long. The base note had a profound influence on the mixture. They are very long (exit 20 minutes to 2 hours later) and at the same time, fix other species.

If you've decided which flavor to choose, buy the smallest bottle of it. The expiration date of perfume is usually up to three years from the date of manufacture. Even if you do not use your scents often they change in May.

Different fragrances are tailored to different age groups or for different occasions. For example, a young woman green perfumes are more appropriate than Eastern. But for evening meetings or dates, you should bear heavier, more sensual types of light rather than those who, in turn, are able to use daylight.

Flavors are fresh and refreshing summer soft spicy flavors can make you happy when winter comes.

Healthy Pregnancy Information on Proper Beauty Care, Exercise & Nutrition

2007-12-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

Women are having babies later in life, and many women are into their forties before the biological time bomb goes off, leaving them thinking, "Omigad: I've just got to have a baby RIGHT NOW". The sudden baby urge is a phenomenon that has never been explained satisfactorily, and now, with women starting high-powered careers in their twenties, and realizing fifteen years down the road that, in the struggle of getting that MBA they forgot to do things about getting pregnant, it isn't so much explored as it is attacked with calendars, hormones, thermometers and implantations.

It's safer than ever before to have a late-life child, but Down syndrome and other birth defects do become more likely, and complications that result in injury to the mother are more likely too. The fact is, our bodies are vastly different at forty-something than they are at twenty-something; less resilient, longer to heal. Modern medical care makes it possible for preemies of under one pound to grow into healthy adults, and with today's understanding of the importance of planning, nutrition, and supplements such as folic acid, older moms experience much less risk than they did even ten years ago.

If you're pregnant and in your late thirties to early forties, you probably have inner and outer resources than younger women. You've probably planned your pregnancy, painted the nursery and are emotionally ready for motherhood. You may even have money saved for your child's education. So, with all your ducks in a tidy row, it may seem even more unfair that morning sickness, fatigue, bloating and blotchy skin are dancing attendance on your upcoming blessed event.

It may not be a surprise to you that many of the things you should be doing to stay healthy during pregnancy are also the things that will keep you looking your best, even in those early, wretched and retching, weeks. Read on for before, during and after beauty tips for pregnant ladies and brand-new moms.

1. I know you think you should be and could be Superwoman. You could try, but you'll probably just wear yourself out, and frankly, they don't give awards for Superwomen. If you can afford it, cut back on the work hours, take every sick day, holiday and personal day off, and don't even think about taking a shorter-than-usual maternity leave.

2. Rest. Step away from the computer, put your feet up, close your eyes, read a book, listen to music. Sleep doesn't count as rest, by the way: your normal nighttime sleep is also still required. Rest in between meetings at work, take naps on weekends, and avoid social events you don't really want to attend anyway by saying quietly (and with just a hint of gravity), "Oh, I'd love to, but I can't. I have to rest."

3. To assist you in resting, consider having groceries or dry cleaning delivered, go out for a meal once in awhile instead of cooking at home, and enlist the aid of those who live with you in things like doing the dishes, putting stuff away, or cleaning the tub. You might feel guilty before the baby comes, but once that wee creature arrives, you'll kick yourself for not having pre-trained your family to help.

4. When you aren't resting, exercise. Take walks, go swimming or take water aerobics, do whatever activities your ob-gyn says is okay for your particular stage of gestated bliss. Exercise is great for the skin, perks up the mental attitude, keeps the kilos down, and promotes your baby's health too.

5. Obviously, you won't smoke, take dope, use over-the-counter medications, or drink alcohol. Pay attention to your caffeine intake, too (remember, what Mommy does, Baby does too). Also, watch the sugar. Diabetes occurs more frequently in older pregnant women, and watching your diet can help keep your blood sugar under control.

6. Undereye circles sometimes come along with morning sickness because you get dehydrated, and it shows up in the thinning skin under the eyes. Drink plenty of water throughout your pregnancy.

7. Buy the prettiest maternity clothes you can find. Subsiding into sweats for months on end will compound any feelings of unattractiveness you may experience. Your body will certainly grow rounder--even around the ankles--but that's no reason to give up on fashion. Fashion loves you, and will always take you back.

8. Your skin color may change during pregnancy, and you may need to buy different shades of makeup. Some lucky women look fabulous between months four and eight: their skin glows, their eyes sparkle. If you are one of these women, count your blessings. If you're one of the other 90%, treat yourself to an occasional facial.

9. Some women get acne from the drastic hormonal surges of pregnancy. Check with your doctor before using anything remotely medicinal: your skin may absorb chemicals that aren't good for the baby. The acne is temporary, and will disappear once your body's hormone levels have evened out.

10. During your pregnancy and after the baby comes, accept help when it's offered. Lots of new moms feel that they should be able to do everything themselves, but in fact, it takes a village to keep Baby's laundry done. Line up a reliable sitter before the birth, so that as soon as you can, you can go out for dinner or a movie without worrying. Let friends cook you dinner, and coerce family members into chores. Fatherly creatures should also be pressed into service when it comes to hourly chores such as feeding, changing or holding Baby.Training your partner in baby-tending does more than get you some extra sleep: it helps Dad and Baby bond.

Beauty Tips For Teens

2007-12-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Let's face it. Being a teenager means being self-conscious, pretty much all the time. and, if you're a teenage girl, especially one whose skin, complexion or overall appearance is not "picture perfect" that can make the whole experience even worse. (This of course, can apply to any girl, depending on her frame of mind). Fortunately, here are some beauty tips that can come to the rescue for your face and skin type, so you can meet the world refreshed and ready, as well as some make-up and safety tips for when you're going out and having fun. All this said, always remember that true self improvement comes from within, and that while looking good on the outside, in terms of being presentable and attractive, are always find a strive for, but never define who you are.

Facial Skin Care Tip
Some people can confuse the physical transformation that comes with putting makeup on, with a sort of personal transformation, but again this is not the truth. When you feel beautiful inside, you will be more attractive to others on the outside. Makeup will not do it.

From a practical physical standpoint, it is a good idea to remember that your skin needs to breathe. It is important to keep your skin as natural as possible- so try and keep makeup is minimal as is necessary and keep going, "all-out" for special occasions like parties.

Mirrors with good high quality lighting are great for examining your skin – although the first time you take a really good close look it can be a loud and shocking personal alarm to take some fast action, if you’ve neglected your skin. Beauty tip no 1 is to take a close look at it at home and ensure before you do that you’ve done a good job of makeup removal. This can especially be true in the summer, when the excess heat can cause problems faster, if you've left any makeup on your face for an extended period of time.

If your face is usually dry: Before you shower, apply a rich moisturizing mask or thick layer of moisturizer. The moist heat helps the mask plump up fine lines and creases temporarily. Apply a heavy layer of petroleum jelly to lips. At the end of the shower, use a warm damp washcloth to gently massage off both treatments, and then use a naturally made loofah to bring out a natural, healthy glow.

If your skin is naturally oily: Use toner before and after you get out of the shower, before, to clean off any oil that has risen to the surface during sleep, and again when you get out to take off any oil that has surfaced from the heat of the water.

If you have combination skin, only apply toner masks to the "T" area on your face, you could cause your cheeks to redden from applying toner there.
Dab yellow or skin-tone concealer on blue under eye circles. Stay away from lighter skin tone or white cover-ups. You can get free samples to try out in the privacy of your own home and samples are available for all skin tones.

Hair Care Tip
Dwayne, the African-American Culture contributing hair care expert, shares a secret beauty tip on how to prevent hair breakage while you sleep for all hair types, not just black women. Spilt ends have a tendency to get caught on the cotton and your tossing and turning will actually pull the caught pieces out of your head. So little by little, if you were wearing a cotton scarf to protect your hair while you sleep, you may actually be making it worse! It is highly recommended that you either wrap your hair up in silk or satin scarves at night or sleep on silk or satin pillows.

Indian Ethnics.com, has some good Indian (and non Indian as well) beauty tips on make up and skin care for teens. Here's the secret: If you are getting ready for a night on the town, choose a foundation closest to your natural skin tone, and foundation that is to be sure to blend it past your jaw line and across your neck (so it doesn't look as though you're wearing a mask). When it comes to eye shadow, choose a color slightly darker than your eyes.

Beauty Accessory Ideas
As far as accessories, a hot gift idea for a teen with a low-budget can be decorative jewelry, that doesn't necessarily have to come from Tiffany's. There are plenty of places online where you can shop for attractive and very reasonably priced items. Believe it or not, the way you move can actually be one of the most attractive or off-putting features you have. When you can move more gracefully and assuredly, that puts out an air of confidence which will make a difference to matter what it is you are or are wearing. Consider taking a dance lesson, enrolling in some sort of after school sport like gymnastics where you can learn more control over your balance and agility. You may think, what does this have to do with looking good when I'm going out to a party- but once you've got grace and agility in what is referred to as your "muscle memory", it will make a difference in all areas of your life.

And lastly, I always think, especially if going out at night, that taking the time to buy pepper spray, even if it's a teeny little canister that goes on a keychain can be one of the best "accessories" you can own for your own and your loved one's peace of mind. It's probably one of those things you'll never need to use that you'll always be happy you have.