POISON IVY TREATMENTS FACTS AND CURES

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause a skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis when they touch your skin. The red, uncomfortable, and itchy rash often shows up in lines or streaks and is marked by fluid-filled bumps (blisters) or large raised areas (hives). It is the most common skin problem caused by contact with plants (plant dermatitis).


What causes a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash?
The rash is caused by contact with an oil (urushiol) found in poison ivy, oak, or sumac. The oil is present in all parts of the plants, including the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, and roots. Urushiol is an allergen, so the rash is actually an allergic reaction to the oil in these plants. Indirect contact with urushiol can also cause the rash. This may happen when you touch clothing, pet fur, sporting gear, gardening tools, or other objects that have come in contact with one of these plants. But urushiol does not cause a rash on everyone who gets it on his or her skin.

What are the symptoms of the rash?
The usual symptoms of the rash are:

Itchy skin where the plant touched your skin.
Red streaks or general redness where the plant brushed against the skin.
Small bumps or larger raised areas (hives).
Blisters filled with fluid that may leak out.
The rash usually appears 8 to 48 hours after your contact with the urushiol. But it can occur from 5 hours to 15 days after touching the plant.1 The rash usually takes more than a week to show up the first time you get urushiol on your skin. But the rash develops much more quickly (within 1 to 2 days) after later contacts. The rash will continue to develop in new areas over several days but only on the parts of your skin that had contact with the urushiol or those parts where the urushiol was spread by touching.

The rash is not contagious. You cannot catch or spread a rash after it appears, even if you touch it or the blister fluid, because the urushiol will already be absorbed or washed off the skin. The rash may seem to be spreading, but either it is still developing from earlier contact or you have touched something that still has urushiol on it.

The more urushiol you come in contact with, the more severe your skin reaction. Severe reactions to smaller amounts of urushiol also may develop in people who are highly sensitive to urushiol. Serious symptoms may include:

Swelling of the face, mouth, neck, genitals, or eyelids (which may prevent the eyes from opening).

Widespread, large blisters that ooze large amounts of fluid.

Without treatment, the rash usually lasts about 10 days to 3 weeks. But in people who are very sensitive to urushiol, the rash may take up to 6 weeks to heal.

How is the rash diagnosed?
The rash usually is diagnosed during a physical examination. Your health professional will examine the rash and ask questions to find out when you were exposed to the plant and how long it took the rash to develop. If you are not sure whether you were exposed to a plant, he or she will ask about your outdoor activities, work, and hobbies.

How is the rash treated?
Most poison ivy, oak, or sumac rashes can be treated successfully at home. Initial treatment consists of washing the area with water immediately after contact with the plants. To relieve symptoms, use wet compresses and take cool baths. Nonprescription antihistamines and calamine lotion also may help relieve symptoms. Moderate or severe cases of the rash may require treatment by a doctor, who may prescribe corticosteroid pills, creams, ointments, or shots (injections).

How can I prevent the rash from poison ivy, oak, and sumac?
The best way to prevent the rash is to learn to identify and avoid the plants. When you cannot avoid contact with the plants, heavy clothing (long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and vinyl gloves) and barrier creams or lotions may help protect you.

AROMATHERAPY..PLANT OILS THAT CAN CURE YOUR DISEASE

What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy, or essential oils therapy, is using a plant's aroma-producing oils (essential oils) to treat disease. Essential oils are taken from a plant's flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance (such as oil, alcohol, or lotion) and then put on the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. You can also massage the oils into the skin or pour them into bath water. Aromatherapy as used today originated in Europe and has been practiced there since the early 1900s.



Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that fragrances in the oils stimulate nerves in the nose. Those nerves send impulses to the part of the brain that controls memory and emotion. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating.

The oils are thought to interact with the body's hormones and enzymes to cause changes in blood pressure, pulse, and other body functions. Another theory suggests that the fragrance of certain oils may stimulate the body to produce pain-fighting substances.

What is aromatherapy used for?Aromatherapy may promote relaxation and help relieve stress. It has also been used to help treat a wide range of physical and mental conditions, including burns, infections, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. But so far there is limited scientific evidence to support claims that aromatherapy effectively prevents or cures illness.

Is aromatherapy safe?
Practitioners of aromatherapy are not specially licensed in the United States. A wide range of licensed health professionals (such as massage therapists, nurses, and counselors) may have experience and training in aromatherapy. It is important to talk with your medical doctor to see whether aromatherapy may be helpful and safe for your specific health condition.

Do not swallow the oils used in aromatherapy. Many of the oils are potent and can be dangerous if taken internally (swallowed).

Children younger than age 5 should not use aromatherapy, because they can be very sensitive to the oil. Nor should anyone use oils near the eyes or mouth, because irritation of the skin and membranes may occur.

People with certain chronic illnesses or conditions should not use aromatherapy without first consulting a doctor. These illnesses and conditions include:

Lung conditions such as asthma, respiratory allergies, or chronic lung disease. Oils may cause airway spasms.

Skin allergies. Some oils may cause skin irritation, especially in the membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use aromatherapy. Some oils (such as juniper, rosemary, and sage) may cause uterine contractions. Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.

ITCHY SKIN TREATMENT FROM ECZEMA TO PSORIASIS

Dry Skin Remedies
How can you tell if it’s just a mild case of dry skin? If your skin is dry to the touch and you don’t have a rash, lesions or other bumps on your skin, you might have an acute (temporary) case of dry skin. Lucky for you, this probably means you're just dehydrated or neglecting the body lotion, both of which can easily be remedied by drinking more water and applying topical moisturizers.

However, there are many factors that can contribute to dry skin: certain weather conditions, cosmetics, perfumes, showering too much, and even friction from tight clothing. Even age can be a factor; over the years, sebaceous glands in the skin produce less and less sebum, the oil that naturally moisturizes our skin, causing dry skin.

If you determine that you have a simple case of dry skin, try these seven helpful dry skin remedies:

1. Wear sunscreen whenever you're outside, especially when it's sunny out. Be sure to hydrate both internally and externally by drinking plenty of water and applying a moisturizer.

2. Avoid perfumed body lotions, cosmetics, bath bubbles, and shower gels.
3. Use a humidifier in extremely dry weather conditions such as on your next ski vacation.

4. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing instead of tight, non-breathable fabrics.

5. Take a daily multivitamin! Vitamins A and E, zinc and essential fatty acids all help to ease dry skin and reduce inflammation, from the inside out.

6. Don’t shower more than once a day and do not use hot water, which irritates dry skin.

7. Apply moisturizing lotions after showering or bathing to restore moisture.

Is It Eczema?
How can you tell if it’s not just a mild case of dry skin, but something more sinister? When dry, itchy skin is accompanied by scaly, red, irritated bumps, lesions or blisters, you can be sure it’s more than just a simple case of dry skin.

Millions of adults suffer from eczema, which most commonly appears on the face, hands, scalp, and wrists, as well as behind the elbows and knees (although it can appear anywhere on the body).

Eczema runs in families and is thought to be triggered by allergens such as a certain foods, pollen or animal dander. People who suffer from eczema produce a higher than normal amount of histamines, which are released during the allergic response. This excess of histamine produces exaggerated allergic skin reactions, resulting in the uncomfortable skin lesions known to eczema.

For some helpful hints on clearing up eczema in as few as 3-4 days, try these seven eczema treatments:

1. Follow all the tips.

2. Don’t scratch! Scratching only aggravates already irritated skin.

3. Be mindful of anything that touches your skin on a regular basis, such as chrome and nickel jewelry, perfumed cosmetics and lotions, clothing dyes, laundry detergents, and tight clothes – these can all trigger contact dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

4. Stay out of the sun, which can aggravate eczema symptoms.

5. Watch out for foods that can trigger allergic responses, which can aggravate eczema symptoms. Common food allergens include: eggs, chocolate, milk, nuts, shellfish, strawberries, and wheat.

6. Eat fresh! Fruits and veggies provide antioxidants and flavonoids that inhibit the allergic response.

7. Call your doctor if these eczema treatments don’t help, or if the sores become infected and start to ooze or form a crust, which indicates a bacterial infection.

Is It Psoriasis?
Eczema isn't the only skin problem plaguing adults. Millions suffer from psoriasis, a more serious form of dry skin that produces red, flaky, itchy, scale-like raised patches. Psoriasis also shows up on the fingernails and toenails, as yellowed, pitted and loose nails.

Although the majority of psoriasis-sufferers don’t experience extreme pain with psoriasis, in severe cases the pain can be so unbearable that daily activities are interrupted. The dry, itchy skin and sores from psoriasis are most commonly found on the elbows, knees, lower back, buttocks, and scalp, and are very unsightly, usually covering quite a large area.

In about 5% of cases, joint pain and swelling similar to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis accompany the painful rash.

Psoriasis is the result of abnormally fast cell replication, which causes immature skin cells to pile up on the surface and become irritated. Like eczema, psoriasis is also common along family lines, leading experts to believe the problem may have a genetic link.

Although psoriasis cannot be prevented or cured, there are a few things you can do to suppress outbreaks:

1. Follow all theese tips. And don’t scratch!

2. Unlike the advice given for eczema treatments, sunlight exposure is good for psoriasis sufferers. Fifteen to 30 minutes of sun exposure every day suppresses psoriasis symptoms. You should apply sunscreen to the unaffected areas of your skin, but never to the sores. However, too much of a good thing is not recommended: A sunburn will irritate the condition.

3. Eat fatty fish, such as herring, mackerel, tuna, salmon, and sardines, all of which supply Omega-3 fatty acids to help nourish the skin and reduce inflammation.

4. Moisturize often to reduce cracking and itching. Try aloe vera gels for their cooling effect.

5. Avoid alcohol if you notice that it triggers outbreaks.

6. Don’t smoke! Studies show that smokers are two times more likely to suffer from psoriasis, especially women.

7. Call the doctor if these psoriasis treatments don’t help or if the sores spread. Call immediately if you start to experience fatigue, fever or joint pain in addition to the sores.

TOP 10 THINGS THAT DONT CAUSE ARTHRITIS

Top 10 Things That Don’t Cause Arthritis

Are your joints acting up because of the weather? Or is your body is seeking revenge for the times when you cracked your knuckles as a kid? As comfortable as you might find these explanations for arthritis, clinical experience and research studies have yet to prove that these two myths, and a host of others, are true.

Arthritis is common: One in six adults in the United States has some form of arthritis, and with the aging of our population, that fraction is going up. But the condition is also widely misunderstood. Unfortunately, just about every aspect of arthritis is clouded by uncertainty, misinformation and myth, including how to define it, what causes it, how to treat it and how to predict its course. And misunderstanding about the potential causes of arthritis can lead to bad decisions about treatment. UltraOmega1200
What Is Arthritis?
Strictly speaking, arthritis means inflammation of a joint, which often leads to some combination of pain, swelling, redness and limited motion. There are more than 100 types of arthritis. In some cases, the type of arthritis needs to be specifically defined, because successful treatment depends upon the correct diagnosis. Gout and rheumatoid arthritis are two such examples. Other types of arthritis can be grouped into categories because the prognoses and treatments are similar.

What Causes Arthritis?
While several types of arthritis have a known cause, the majority does not. Examples of common types of arthritis with no known cause include most cases of osteoarthritis and all cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Even when the cause is known for example, uric-acid crystals cause gout when they deposit in the joint it is generally not known why some people develop gout and others with the same risk factors do not. A joint infection may clearly be caused by a particular bacterium (as proven by detection of that bacterium in the joint fluid), but that doesn’t tell you why the bacterial infection developed in the first place. An injury such as a broken bone or torn cartilage may lead to arthritis years later, but not everyone with a similar injury will get arthritis. For most cases, then, arthritis develops for no known reason. UltraOmega1200
What Does Not Cause Arthritis?
When the cause of an arthritic condition has not yet been discovered, it may difficult or even impossible to disprove a theory, even one that is improbable. Here are some of the most common, but as yet unproven, theories about the cause of arthritis.

Overuse With usual use, joints hold up well most of the time. Some people who are on their feet all day assume that knee or hip arthritis must be related; yet it clearly doesn’t explain the same type of arthritis occurring in the hands. Conversely, if arthritis is caused by overuse, right handed-persons should have more arthritis in the right hand; yet, that is not the case. Another compelling example is that marathoners and other runners appear to have no increased risk of arthritis. There are exceptions, of course: Jack-hammer operators and athletes, for instance, may develop degenerative arthritis because of repeated joint injury.

The weather or a damp, cold breeze This notion probably follows from the rather common experience of arthritis sufferers that the weather seems to affect their joint symptoms. Although my patients often describe the ability to predict weather (“better than a weatherman”), how reliably it occurs or why it happens are not certain. For example, even if a person’s joints ache more every time it is cold and damp, that does not mean the weather caused the arthritis in the first place. At the current time, there is no evidence that identifies any type of weather as a cause of any type of arthritis. Similarly, despite the testimonials of individual people, it is unlikely that sitting near an open window can cause arthritis, even if there is a cold draft.

Most medications although there are occasional exceptions, prescription, over-the-counter and complementary and alternative medications are not a recognized cause of arthritis. Again, there are rare exceptions: Corticosteroids, including ones available in pill form (such as prednisone) may cause interruption of the blood supply to the bones around the hip, causing death of the bone there (called avascular, or aseptic, necrosis). If the “ball” of the ball-and-socket joint loses its round shape due to avascular necrosis, arthritis may develop. Other drugs (such as alendronate or phenobarbital) may cause bone or joint pain but not arthritis. Similarly, diuretic drugs (“water pills”) may increase the risk of gout, but it isn’t the cause of the disease. Finally, a rare condition called “drug-induced lupus” can follow treatment with the certain medications including procainamide and hydralazine; arthritis may be a part of the reaction.

Infections and vaccinations Most infections, whether due to a virus, bacterium or other organism, will not cause arthritis, and most cases of arthritis are not caused by infection (at least as far as we know). There are infectious causes of arthritis, but they represent a small fraction of all arthritis. Important examples include bacteria (such as Gonorrhea and Staphylococcus), Lyme disease, some viruses (including occasional cases of hepatitis B hepatitis C, or parvovirus. Similarly, vaccinations, including those for Lyme disease and rubella have been linked in rare cases to the development of arthritis, but the connection to a vaccination has been unclear. Some rubella vaccines contained strains of the virus that seemed to cause arthritis more often; these vaccines were removed from the market and reports of vaccine-associated arthritis are less frequent now. The Lyme vaccine also has been withdrawn from the market, though due to poor sales, not because of side effects. Fortunately, the vast majority of people receiving the most common vaccinations never develop arthritis.

The wrong diet theories about which diet is best to prevent or treat arthritis have been around for centuries, but with rare exception and some common sense, diet does not seem to play a crucial role in arthritis. First, the exceptions: Some people find that particular foods (or alcoholic beverages) trigger attacks of gout. Secondly, there is an association between obesity and osteoarthritis, so a diet that promotes weight loss may be helpful. And in some cases, inadequate calcium or vitamin D may contribute to osteoporosis; if a fracture occurs as a result, arthritis may eventually follow. However, our current understanding of most types of arthritis comes with no strong recommendation about which foods to choose and which to avoid. It is worth emphasizing that vegetarian diets or those that avoid “nightshade” vegetables (including potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, and eggplant) are not only unproven as arthritis treatment, but there is also no compelling evidence supporting a particular food or food group as a cause of arthritis. Undoubtedly, future research will provide useful information regarding the importance of diet as a cause or treatment of arthritis.

Cracking knuckles Although you can injure a joint by overenthusiastic knuckle cracking, there is rather convincing evidence that regular knuckle cracking has little effect on joint health

Getting older Although degenerative joint disease (also called osteoarthritis) becomes more common with age, arthritis is not inevitable. Therefore, age alone cannot be blamed as “the cause” of arthritis.

Mental or emotional stress Although there are stories of people having severe emotional trauma and soon after developing an arthritic illness, there is no convincing evidence that psychological stress causes any recognized type of arthritis. On the other hand, stress can make any pain seem worse, and there is controversy regarding the relative importance of psychological stress on the development or perpetuation of joint pain without arthritis (as in fibromyalgia).

Poor posture “Slouching” does not cause arthritis, although certain types of arthritis or bone diseases can affect posture. The idea that poor posture causes arthritis probably follows a misunderstanding of cause and effect: Osteoporosis may cause a stooped posture because vertebrae collapse (called compression fractures). Arthritis in the spine may follow, but the stooped posture is not the cause of the arthritis. Another example of arthritis affecting posture (rather than the other way around) is ankylosing spondylitis, a condition in which inflammation of joints in the lower spine leads to a rigid spine (ankylosis means fusion). However, “poor posture” itself does not lead to arthritis.

Inadequate calcium intake Recommendations to take extra calcium follow the observation that without enough calcium, bones may become thin and so weak that fracture becomes more likely. That’s what osteoporosis is but osteoporosis is not arthritis, and calcium intake has rather little to do with the development of arthritis (unless, as described above, osteoporosis leads to fracture and fracture leads to arthritis).

The Bottom LineWith so many types of arthritis and so little understanding about their causes, it is understandable why many myths about arthritis circulate. In fact, it may be tempting to latch on to even a far-fetched theory about cause rather than accept the explanation that “nobody knows.” But if faulty assumptions about the cause of your arthritis lead you to adopt a difficult or unhealthy diet, or to move to a different climate, or to pursue another costly or risky treatment, you may be sorely disappointed and even less healthy than when you started. UltraOmega1200Additional research may force me to remove one or more of the items on my Top 10 list. For now, however, the most direct and honest answer most health-care providers can offer is that we simply don’t know why most cases of arthritis develop. Until better answers are available, my advice for some of the most common types of arthritis is to dwell less on why it happens and to focus more on how to get better.UltraOmega1200

NEW STUDY LINKS SUN EXPOSURE TO DEPRESION

Low levels of vitamin D and high levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands may increase the risk of depression in older adults, according to a new report.



The Dutch study, published in the May issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, supports previous speculation by researchers that vitamin D, depression and other psychiatric illnesses are linked, according to background information in the article.


Underlying causes of vitamin D deficiency such as less sun exposure due to decreased outdoor activity, different housing or clothing habits, and decreased vitamin intake may be secondary to depression, but depression may also be the consequence of poor vitamin D status, the article's authors wrote. Moreover, poor vitamin D status causes an increase in serum parathyroid hormone levels.


Symptoms of depression often appear when the parathyroid glands are overactive, then disappear after the gland condition is treated.


Since both low vitamin D levels and high parathyroid hormone levels can be treated by increasing vitamin D or calcium in the diet and boosting exposure to sunlight, the findings could bring hope to depressed seniors, the researchers say. About 13 percent of older individuals have symptoms of depression.


Researchers at VU University Medical Center, in Amsterdam, found the vitamin D levels were 14 percent lower in test subjects diagnosed with major and minor depression compared with those non-depressed participants.


Parathyroid hormone thyroid levels were an average of 5 percent higher in those with minor depression and 33 percent higher in those with major depressive disorder than in those who were not depressed.


The researchers measured blood levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone among 1,282 community residents over the age of 65. They also assessed symptoms of depression, diagnosing 26 with a major depressive disorder, 169 with minor depression and 1,087 as not depressed.


Additional studies are needed to determine whether changes in levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone precede the onset of depression or follow it, the authors said.

Vitamin D is essential for promoting calcium absorption in the gut and maintaining adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone and prevent hypocalcemic tetany. It is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosisSwanson First Time Customer Coupon - $5.00 Off

Johnson & Johnson Duragesic Pain Patch Flaw Recall

Johnson & Johnson Duragesic Pain Patch Flaw Recall:
A recall has been issued by Johnson & Johnson and Novartis AG's Sandoz on 25-microgram-per-hour patches with expiration dates on or before December 2009.

It was found that a manufacturing problem led to some of the patches having a cut in the internal reservoir lining. This cut may cause a leaking problem of the patch. The danger is if anyone touches a defective pain patch they may be delivered a dose of the prescription painkiller fentanyl which may lead to breathing problems or even an accidental overdose.

Back in December the FDA issued a safety warning on the Duragesic patch, citing improper use may cause breathing difficulties and death. The FDA continues to work with J & J on this voluntary recall and is investigating this latest issue.


Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opium-derived pain reliever first synthesized in Belgium in the late 1950s. It is a powerful narcotic that is almost 100 times stronger than morphine. It was first used in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic, but its medical use was strictly regulated as it is one of the most potent drugs ever created.

There are four main types of fentanyl in medical use today. Most are for constant delivery of pain relief and used to combat the excruciating chronic pain associated with many types of conditions. The most common type of use for fentanyl is in treating chronic pain with the Duragesic Transdermal Patch, a small device applied directly to the skin that releases a specific amount of the drug every hour.

The health risks stemming from Duragesic and fentanyl include respiratory problems, cardiac troubles, and even death.

Like any other prescription drug, Duragesic patches and fentanyl will have unfavorable side effects. These consequences could include rare circumstances like vision loss or more common complications such as impaired breathing. It is important for patients to be fully aware of the different side effects Duragesic patches and fentanyl may have on their bodies.

Side effects include:

Death
Hypoventilation
Fentanyl Overdose

Janssen Pharmeceutica discovered a potentially catastrophic flaw in their extremely popular Duragesic Transdermal Patch that could result in a leak and lead to a dangerous overdose of the narcotic fentanyl. If you've been affected by the recall, your health - and potentially your life - could be at risk.

Janssen speculated that there were over 2.2 million patches in the recalled lot numbers, with up to 22% still in use. This colossal error on the part of the manufacture exposed thousands of people to potentially fatal overdoses, but also painful withdrawal inducing underdoses. A lawsuit against the drugmakers can help prevent this from happening in the future.

HEALTHY SKIN WHILE PREGNANT WHAT EVERY MOM NEEDS TO KNOW

First there’s the morning sickness, which happens to occur at all times of the day. Next it’s weird food cravings, followed by mood swings, swollen feet and frequent trips to the bathroom. Being with child takes a toll on any woman’s body, and the nine-month process isn’t all smiles and good times. The last thing an expectant mom wants to worry about is her skin.

But hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, dietary modifications and the new responsibility of caring for a baby can have a significant effect on your skin, says New York City dermatologist, Andrea Lynn Cambio, M.D. Fortunately, though, there are ways expectant moms can prepare and maintain their skin for a truly healthy, glowing complexion.

Out with the old, in with the new. It’s time to re-evaluate your skin care stash: As a mom-to-be, take a look at all your products and decide whether they a) contain ingredients that are safe during pregnancy and b) are still ideal for your changing skin. Apply a simple rule of thumb, “If there’s any doubt, throw it out.” It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about what products and ingredients are safe for your skin and your baby.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Pregnant skin has a tendency to become dry and itchy, so moisturizing is essential. Avoid using regular soap, which strips skin’s natural oils. Also, switch to a moisturizing body wash. As relaxing as it may be, spending too much time in the bath or shower isn’t healthy for your skin, either; prolonged contact with water actually dehydrates the skin, making it look dull.

Easy on the sun. Because pregnant skin is also photosensitive skin (sensitive to sun), always make sure to wear sunscreen on all exposed areas anytime you’re going outdoors. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Many moms-to-be also suffer from a common skin condition known as melasma, chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy," where discolored patches appear on the skin. While this overproduction of melanin is benign, melasma's cosmetic appearance can be very troubling for any woman.

Using sunscreen is your best bet for avoiding melasma. Try Belli Anti Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 for both UVA and UVB protection.


In addition dermatologist Sumayah Jamal, M.D., Ph.D., tells WebMD, "You can use azelaic acid, which is good for pigment, as well as any topical vitamin C product, which helps suppress pigment naturally." WebMD also suggests, when all else fails, use foundation or concealer.


During pregnancy, your skin type also alters: The face tends to get oilier than the rest of the body so following a good cleansing routine is important. Women with naturally oily skin should use water-based moisturizers and cleansers, whereas women with dry skin should use oil-based products. If you're particularly prone to acne, try Belli Acne Clearing Facial Wash.

Stretched to the max. More than 90 percent of women will get these red or purple bands on their abdomens and sometimes on the breasts and thighs during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy. Even though most of the marks fade over time, they can still be a nuisance.


Massaging your tummy with gel or lotion will keep your stretching skin elastic, supple and less prone to the effects of stretch marks. Creams with green tea or glycolic acid are the most effective, dermatologist Ken Beer, M.D., tells WebMD. Also, many moms swear by cocoa butter.

Pamper yourself. With all those physical changes coupled with carrying extra weight, you're bound to feel pressure on your legs and feet. Treat yourself with a soothing foot and leg massage to alleviate the pain of swollen limbs. Products such as Belli Pregnancy Gift Box will work wonders.

Drink water. Constantly drinking water will not only keep your body hydrated, but it will positively affect the tone of your skin. Water cleanses the body and flushes out the toxins.

Get plenty of sleep. People who get a full night’s rest appear happier and healthier, and the same goes for expectant moms. Plus pregnant women get tired easily, so sleep becomes a necessity. Take naps frequently to conserve your strength. You’ll feel better and when your body is fully rested, so is your mind.

Work on that smile. Dental care isn’t only important to your health; it’s also vital to your baby’s well-being. Even skipping one night of brushing or flossing, according to American Baby, can trigger a dangerous domino effect with swollen or bleeding gums, gum disease and premature birth: Not brushing or flossing once can turn into repeated avoidance, which can contribute to gum disease; one study found women with gum disease were at an increased risk — four to seven times — for delivering their babies prematurely.


To maintain a healthy smile, the article suggests: At a minimum of two to three times per day, brush and floss; schedule a dental checkup during your second trimester, but don’t hesitate to make additional appointments if necessary; and take in tons of vitamin C from your diet.

And importantly, don’t forget to smile! Bringing a child into the world is an amazing experience, so smile and enjoy your part in creating life.

ACNE CAUSES CURES AND TREATMENTS

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores. Acne plagues teens—more than 85% experience at least a mild form of this condition. Severe cases can be both emotionally and physically scarring. Most people outgrow acne by their early 20s, but some people, especially women, have acne into their 40s or 50s.

What are the symptoms of acne?
Clogged pores lead to pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. These blemishes can appear on the face, neck, shoulders, back, or chest. Pimples that are large and deep are called cystic lesions. Cystic lesions can cause painful infections and can lead to scarring.

Acne treatment depends on whether you have a mild, moderate, or severe form. Sometimes your doctor will combine treatments to get the best results and to avoid developing drug-resistant bacteria. Treatment could include lotions or gels you put on blemishes or sometimes entire areas of skin, such as the chest or back (topical medications). You might also take medications by mouth (oral medications).

Mild acne

Treatment for mild acne (whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples) may include:

Gentle cleansing with a mild soap (such as Dove or Neutrogena).
Applying benzoyl peroxide (such as Benoxyl, Benzac, or Clearasil).
Applying salicylic acid (such as Clearasil, Propa pH, or Stri-Dex).
If these treatments do not work, you may want to see your doctor. Your doctor can give you a prescription for stronger lotions or creams. You may try an antibiotic lotion. Or you may try a lotion with medicine that helps to unplug your pores.

Moderate to severe acne

Sometimes acne needs treatment with stronger medications or a combination of therapies. Deeper blemishes, such as nodules and cysts, are more likely to leave scars. As a result, your doctor may give you oral antibiotics sooner to start the healing process. Inflammatory acne may need a combination of several therapies. Treatment for moderate to severe acne may include:

Applying benzoyl peroxide.
Draining of large pimples and cysts by a health professional.
Applying prescription antibiotic gels, creams, or lotions.
Applying prescription retinoids.
Applying azelaic acid.
Taking prescription oral antibiotics.
Taking prescription oral retinoids (such as Accutane).

Treatment for acne scars, Treatment may improve and even remove acne scars. Sometimes a combination of treatments works best. These treatments include:

Collagen injections, which smooth the skin by plumping the skin under the scar.
Dermabrasion, which uses a whirling wire brush to skim off scar tissue.
Laser resurfacing, which uses a carefully controlled laser to burn away scar tissue.
Chemabrasion, which uses chemicals to peel away top layers of skin.

What To Think About
Most treatments for acne take time. It often takes 6 to 8 weeks for acne to improve after you start treatment.

Some treatments may cause acne to get worse before it gets better.

If your acne still hasn't improved after several tries with other treatment, your doctor may recommend that you take an oral retinoid, such as isotretinoin (Accutane). Doctors prescribe this medication as a last resort, because it has some rare but serious side effects and is expensive.
Certain low-dose birth control pills may help control acne in women who tend to have flare-ups before menstruation.

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR COSMETICS WHAT EVERY WOMEN NEEDS TO KNOW

Do you think you have safe cosmetics? How would you know if they weren’t? In the United States, we spend around $50 billion annually on cosmetics and skin-cleansing products (according to the market research firm, Euromonitor International). With that much consumer spending in that area, you would think the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would regulate what we’re putting on our skin. The reality is that the FDA does not make a safe-cosmetics list its priority. According to the Cancer Prevention Coalition, cosmetics fall under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and are the act’s least regulated products. The FFDCA actually holds the manufacturer responsible for interpreting the terms “hypoallergenic,” “100 percent natural” and “organic.” These terms may be used without specifically defined guidelines. So whose job is it to determine which are natural, safe cosmetics and which are not? Apparently it’s ours.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
The Breast Cancer Fund has founded The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics , which attempts to open consumers’ eyes to unsafe skincare products and cosmetics. There is no “safe cosmetics list” on their website (safecosmetics.org), but what you will find are companies that have agreed not to use carcinogenic chemicals or ingredients that are suspected to cause mutation or birth defects. Furthermore, these corporations pledge to find alternatives to hazardous materials and develop substitution plans to incorporate safer alternatives. Many major companies refused to participate in this effort. For a directory of businesses that agreed to sign the pledge, visit safecosmetics.org/companies/signers.cfm. Companies are arranged alphabetically with notes about products and include website links to help you locate them.

Toxic Ingredients
The state of California has developed a list of 65 unsafe chemicals and now requires cosmetic companies to reveal any products containing those ingredients to state authorities.

The Cancer Prevention Coalition notes that The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that 884 of the chemicals available for use in cosmetics have been reported as toxic substances. Some of those toxic ingredients include:

- Parabens – Commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products, these are believed to change how hormones function, acting like estrogen, which can increase the risk of cancer and cause infertility. Examples include propylparaben and methylparaben.

- Phthalates – The typical forms of this plasticizer are dibutylphthalate (DBP), dimethylphthalate (DMP) and diethylphthalate (DEP). There is documented evidence that these chemicals can cause birth defects, low sperm counts, and contribute to reproductive toxicity in experimental animals. Most commonly found in perfumes, it is not always listed in ingredients or only listed as “fragrance.” A 2005 study conducted by The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences indicated that phthalates are harmful to male reproductive development in unborn human babies.

- Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) – When formulated in products, it can break down into formaldehyde and can also cause the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines under certain conditions.

- Artificial colors - Some artificial coal-tar colors (made from chemical by-products of coal distillation) contain heavy metal impurities that can cause cancer when absorbed through the skin.

- Silica - Crystalline silica is carcinogenic.

- Bismuth Oxychloride – Although it is the ingredient that simulates a healthy glow in many mineral-based cosmetics, it also contains arsenic, which can cause serious skin irritation.

- Petroleum -. This ingredient actually causes the opposite effect of what it is supposed to be repairing. Rather than moisturizing, it causes chapped, dry skin with repeated use. Petroleum-based cosmetics may also contain the cancer-causing impurity known as 1,4-dioxane.


Playing it Safe
When examining the labels and ingredients in cosmetics, consider the following advice from Dr. Epstein and others concerned about safe cosmetic usage:

- Not all cosmetics and skin care products have ingredient labels. For example, salon products often are not required to print ingredient listings. Avoid using any product that does not list ingredients.

- The term “fragrance” can refer to any number of chemicals, including Phthalates.

- More expensive products are not necessarily safer products. Don’t assume that because you pay more, the manufacturer cares more about your safety.

- Advertising labels “organic,” “100 percent natural” and “hypoallergenic” are not clearly defined or regulated by the FDA. Therefore, manufacturers have no accountability for using such terms other than intelligent consumers. Treat these labels like all others and read them carefully before buying a product.

- Some companies carry both safe and unsafe products, so it’s important to read all labels

Do your research: To get a safety evaluation of a cosmetics company or a specific product, visit the Skin Deep safety database at cosmeticsdatabase.com sponsored by Environmental Working Group. If you don’t want to get the e-mail updates, simply click on “no thanks” and you’ll still be transferred to the database. You can do a search for each of your own cosmetics by name, then find out its hazard level. When you click on the product name, Skin Deep breaks down the active ingredients as well as any negative chemical connections, including cancer, reproductive toxicity and allergies.

- Better known, larger manufacturers do not necessarily create safer products. When the bottom line is money, many companies are not opposed to sacrificing quality and safety.

Safe Cosmetics List
While many companies have signed the pledge for safer cosmetics, you might want to start by checking out these safe-cosmetic manufacturers:

- Everyday Minerals -. Similar to the acclaimed Bare Minerals except for one major factor: if you read Bare Minerals’ ingredients list, you’ll find bismuth oxychloride. Everyday Minerals only contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica and iron oxide. For an added bonus, they’re less expensive. For more information, check everydayminerals.com

Cleure Cosmetics. You can find safe dental, skin and personal-care products along with a makeup line at this company. Download the company’s free e-book, “Product labels: A Cautionary Tale” and shop at cleure.com.

- Afterglow -. This company has been featured in “Women’s Health” magazine and “Diet and Nutrition” which described the company’s products as “safe, organic protection for your skin, and are free of parabens, synthetic dyes and petroleum derived ingredients.” For more information, go to afterglow.com.

- Myrtle Leaf -. Advertising that its makeup actually improves skin’s health with its all-natural ingredients, this company’s products contain the ingredients seabuckthorn oil and rosehip seed extract. You can find its products at myrtleleaf.com.

- Paul Penders -. This company not only states that it follows International Organic standards, but it also includes an easy-to-use glossary that describes every ingredient and explains the purpose of each. Visit paulpenders.com for more information.

Like all healthy aspects of our lives, buying safe cosmetics requires extra time and energy. While it’s easier to just run to the drug or department store, the long-term effects may negate the value of that convenience. Educate yourself by reading labels and checking out lesser known but healthier makeup manufacturers. Live a healthier life by being a wiser consumer

WHY AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTORS AWAY

The fall season is when many thoughts turn to crisp, juicy apples. There is good reason to toss an apple into your lunch bag, briefcase or travel bags. Apples have a multitude of health benefits. The apple has been around for over 4,000 years and today there are thousands of varieties of apples worldwide. A native of Europe and Asia, the apple is now grown worldwide. The United States produces about 50 different varieties of apple, supplying approximately one-third of the world's crop. WHY APPLES ARE SO HEALTHY

Nutrition Packed Fruit
The old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away," may have some truth. Recently, researchers at the University of California-Davis reported that apples and apple juice may help protect arteries from harmful plaque build-up. In the study, adults who added two apples, or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice to their daily diet, showed a significant slowing of the cholesterol oxidation process that leads to plaque build-up, thereby giving the body more time to rid itself of cholesterol before it can cause harm. The average U.S. consumer eats about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year or about one apple per week. Getting adequate dietary fiber and phytonutrients, such as from apples, is important for good health. If your daily fruit and vegetable intake is below standard, perhaps you may want to consider Smart Supplementation

TYPE 2 DIABETIC CHOCOLATE LOVERS WANTED

If you’re a type 2 diabetic and a chocaholic, you may be able to ink a sweet deal. A study in England is looking for women willing to wolf down a bar of chocolate every day for a year. The researchers will examine whether adding flavonoid-rich cocoa to a diet provides increased protection against heart disease. But other qualifying conditions apply: Volunteers must be postmenopausal and under the age of 70. Menopausal women face an increased risk of death due to heart disease, and the risk is three-and-a-half times greater if a woman has type 2 diabetes.

The University of East Anglia study will feed volunteers special-made chocolate bars packed with flavonoids, which are believed to benefit the heart. Cocoa has long been known as a heart-healthy food because of its natural level of flavonoids. But that’s not to say you should start bingeing on Snickers bars. Many flavonoids are destroyed when cocoa is made into chocolate. And high levels of sugar and fat make most chocolate a no-no for diabetics. If you’re looking to reconcile your addiction to chocolate with good nutrition, check your local health foods store for flavonoid-heavy dark chocolate. MORE HEALTH CURES

VAGINA FISTULA SYMPTOMS , TREATMENTS , CURES

What is a vaginal fistula?
A fistula is a passage or hole that has formed between:


Two organs in your body. An organ in your body and your skin.
A fistula that has formed in the wall of the vagina is called a vaginal fistula.

A vaginal fistula that opens into the urinary tract is called a vesicovaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula that opens into the rectum is called a rectovaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula that opens into the colon is called a colovaginal fistula. A vaginal fistula that opens into the small bowel is called a enterovaginal fistula.

What causes a vaginal fistula?
A vaginal fistula starts with some kind of tissue damage. After days to years of tissue breakdown, a fistula opens up.

Vaginal fistulas are not a common problem in developed countries. But a fistula does sometimes happen after:

Surgery of the back wall of the vagina, the perineum, anus, or rectum. Open hysterectomy is linked to most vaginal-urinary tract fistulas.
Radiation treatment for pelvic cancer.

A period of inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) or diverticulitis.

A deep tear in the perineum or an infected episiotomy after childbirth.
In developing countries where women have no health care nearby, vaginal fistulas are much more common. After days of pushing a baby that does not fit through the birth canal, very young mothers can have severe vaginal, bladder, or rectal damage, sometimes causing fistulas.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal fistula?
A vaginal fistula is painless. But a fistula lets urine or feces pass into your vagina. This is called incontinence, and it causes embarrassing soiling problems that you cannot control.

If you have a vesicovaginal fistula, you most likely have fluid leaking or flowing out of your vagina.

If you have a rectovaginal, colovaginal, or enterovaginal fistula, you most likely have foul-smelling discharge or gas coming from your vagina.

Your genital area may get infected or sore.

How is a vaginal fistula diagnosed?
Your symptoms are the most clear signs of a vaginal fistula. Your doctor will want to talk about your symptoms, as well as any surgery, trauma, or disease that could have caused a fistula. For a physical exam, your doctor will use a speculum to look at the vaginal walls. You may have other tests, such as:

Putting dye in the vagina (and maybe the bladder or rectum) to find all signs of leakage. Urinalysis to check for infection.
Blood test (complete blood count) to check for signs of infection in your body.
Your doctor may also use an X-ray or scope to get a clear look and check for all possible tissue damage.

How is it treated?
If you have a vaginal fistula, you will most likely need surgery to repair it. Before surgery, your doctor will see whether the tissue is healthy or needs to heal first.

You may need medicine or wound care to heal the tissue before surgery. If you have inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor will not do surgery during a symptom flare.

If you have a large rectovaginal fistula, you may first have a colostomy. This is to keep the fistula clear for the surgery. After the fistula repair heals, the colostomy is taken out.

After fistula repair surgery, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. See your doctor right away if you have signs of infection, such as a fever, tenderness, swelling, or redness

SUE SIMMONS SAYS FUCK ON NATIONAL TV SEE AND HERE THE VIDEO

Sue Simmons from NBC 4 News New York gets caught on tape saying fuck, watch the Sue Simmons vidio online here .

GETTING OLD THE HEALTHY WAY: A GUIDE TO HEALTHY AGING

Getting older is a natural part of life. How you will feel as you get older depends on many things, including what health problems run in your family and the choices you make. If you take good care of your body and learn positive ways to deal with stress now, you can slow down or even prevent problems that often come with getting older.


It’s never too early or too late to change bad habits and start good ones. No matter when you start, a healthy lifestyle can make a difference in how you feel and what you can do.

What determines how healthy you will be as you get older?The changes you'll go through as you get older depend on a number of things. One is your family history (genetics). If your family members have diseases or ongoing (chronic) health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes, then you may have a greater chance of having those problems yourself. But just because your risk is higher, it doesn't mean you will definitely have the same problems. In fact, the lifestyle choices you make can help reduce your chances of getting illnesses that run in your family. And even if you do get a family illness, choosing to exercise, eat right, and learning to deal with stress can keep the illness from destroying your ability to enjoy your golden years. THE POWERS OF HOMEOPATHIC HGH

What kinds of changes should you expect as you age?Changes as you get older are usually gradual. Certain physical changes are common. Your metabolism (how fast your body can burn calories) slows over time, which means that your body needs less food energy than before. Also, most people start needing reading glasses between ages 40 and 50, and many have some hearing loss later in life. Starting in your 50s, bone aging increases. Also starting around age 50, you may notice changes in sexual function—it's normal to have a slower sexual response.

Most vital organs gradually become less efficient with age. The kidneys are less able to keep enough water in your body. And the heart can start to show signs of wear and tear caused by years of eating the wrong foods and not exercising. So as you get older, it’s important to exercise, drink plenty of water, and eat the right foods. Doing these things will help your body work well for a longer period of time.

What do you need to do to feel your best as you age?One of the most important things you can do for your health at any age is exercise. Exercise keeps your body strong, and it helps with how you feel. People who stay active are less likely to get depressed. Exercise can be anything from walking to gardening to working out at the gym. The important thing is to be active almost every day. No matter what your age or condition, there is a type of exercise that's right for you. Always ask your doctor whether it is safe for you to start an exercise program.

Your mental and emotional health are also important. Protect or improve your emotional health by staying in touch with friends, family, and the community. People who feel connected to others are more likely to thrive than those who are not. And try to keep stress at a minimum. In addition to getting regular exercise, you can take charge of how stress affects you by taking 20 minutes a day to just relax.

Protect or improve your memory and mental sharpness by keeping your brain active through learning, doing crossword puzzles, or playing cards or strategy games. Depression can be a serious problem for older adults. If you think you may be depressed, seek help—antidepressant medicine and counseling can help treat depression.

Other good health habits can help you stay at your best:
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Avoid salty foods and foods with a lot of fat in them, such as fried foods.

Remember that sexually transmitted diseases can affect anyone at any age, so safe sex is a must.
If you smoke, try to quit.
Don't abuse alcohol or drugs.

New Research Shows That HGH Encourages the Breakdown of Alzheimer’s-Linked Protein

A new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has touted the potentially life-changing benefits of HGH. The antioxidant has been shown to significantly affect the breakdown of beta-amyloid, a key ingredient of plaque commonly found in the brains of those who have died from Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists tested various other antioxidants and chemicals for the study, but resveratrol clearly stood out from the rest. It was the only substance that was able to successful combat the Alzheimer’s-linked protein, and researchers are optimistic that resveratrol represents a significant step in the understanding and treatment of one of modern society’s most debilitating and tragic diseases. We did a little research ourselves, finding the strongest amount of HGH you can find without a perscriprion come from Resveratrol.
Barbara Walters has spoken on the powers of Resveratrol and it's cures, Resveratrol/

Featured on Barbara Walters Special “Live to Be 150… Can You Do It?”
Professor David A. Sinclair is the Director of the Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging at Harvard Medical School and the co-founder of Sirtris Pharmaceuticals. Sinclair made the discovery by randomly testing tens of thousands of cells in hopes of finding the chemical or chemicals that would activate the protein that he found to be the key to resetting the biological clock. When his results continually led him to resveratrol, the biologist was not surprised. After all, scientific research has been touting the benefits of drinking red wine for years, and until recently red wine was the most readily available and highly concentrated source of resveratrol.

Sinclair soon realized that in order to maximize the benefits of resveratrol, one would have to consume nearly 1,000 times the amount that is found in a bottle of wine on a daily basis. Rather than recommending a daily alcohol overdose, the biologist began to test the feasibility of resveratrol supplementation. In clinical trials Sinclair discovered that supplementing resveratrol for mice eating a high-fat diet resulted in a 30% increase in lifespan and a noticeable decrease in significant health problems such as heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. Because resveratrol works on the same gene in humans as it does in mice, called SIR T1, the potential health benefits derived from human supplementation are potentially limitless!

Source: ABC News (Apr. 1, 2008)

Resveratrol Destroys Cancer Cells and Enhances Effectiveness of Radiation Treatment

A study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology showed that resveratrol exhibits a variety of ground-breaking cancer-fighting qualities, including:
Combating and killing cancer cells by targeting the cell’s energy source from withi
Improving the efficacy of radiation treatment by weakening proteins that resist treatment
Decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy by increasing the resistance of healthy tissue The results of the study have led to a sense of optimism in the scientific community that resveratrol will be an integral part of the successful treatment of various forms of cancer and could serve to extend the duration and improve the quality of human life.

Source: CBS News (March 28, 2008)

Scientists Believe Resveratrol May Treat Diabetes & Other ConditionsChinese researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai have found that resveratrol’s chemical compound make it an extremely promising candidate for the treatment of diabetes and other serious medical conditions. Researchers focused their study on the discovery that resveratrol improved the sensitivity of mice to insulin, making resveratrol an attractive approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes, a condition in which human cells lose their sensitivity to insulin. The study found that resveratrol activates an enzyme called SIRT1, which subsequently suppresses the activity of an insulin-suppressing molecule called PTP1B.

Researchers also concluded that much more resveratrol than could be obtained through consumption of red wine would be necessary to achieve the maximum benefit of the chemical and advised finding alternative sources, including dietary supplementation, to increase daily consumption of resveratrol.

Destroy Cancer Cells and Enhance Effectiveness of Radiation Treatment The Power Of HGH

A study published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology showed that resveratrol exhibits a variety of ground-breaking cancer-fighting qualities, including:

Combating and killing cancer cells by targeting the cell’s energy source from within. Improving the efficacy of radiation treatment by weakening proteins that resist treatment.

Decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy by increasing the resistance of healthy tissue.

The results of the study have led to a sense of optimism in the scientific community that resveratrol will be an integral part of the successful treatment of various forms of cancer and could serve to extend the duration and improve the quality of human life.

Human growth hormone (hGH) is the master hormone of the body, responsible for many effects on growth, development, immunity and metabolism. hGH is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain, and is usually released during sleep in pulses in response to positive and negative signals from the hypothalamus.

The amount of human growth hormone in a healthy adult declines about 14% per decade after age 30 and by the age of 80 is usually totally depleted in the body. The decrease in hGH levels seen with aging may result in detrimental health consequences such as reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength, decreased bone density, increased fat, reduced energy and exercise capacity and reduced immunity.

Homeopathic hGH is a highly diluted form of injectable hGH, providing many of the same benefits of the injectable hGH without its side effects. Clinical results suggest that homeopathic hGH provides a safe, effective, pure and affordable method to optimize physical and mental functioning. hGH is considered by many to be the ultimate anti-aging therapy as it affects almost every cell in the body, rejuvenating the skin and bones, regenerating the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, and bringing back organ and tissue function to more youthful levels.

The effects of homeopathic HGH are cumulative and vary depending on the individual, but users report noticeable initial benefits like deeper sleep and increased mental clarity, and mood elevation after 2-4 weeks, and often report weight loss, increased energy, increased lean muscle mass, and a more youthful appearance after 2-6 months of use. The rejuvenating effects of hGH are all encompassing, acting on both the mind and body.

THE BOY WHO CAN'T SLEEP

A 3-year-old boy's rare medical condition keeps him awake around the clock.

Super Ubiquinol CoQ10

MORE GREAT HEALTH VIDEOS AND DISCOUNT HEALTH AIDS

THE 4 DIET MYTHS YOU NEED TO SEE

There's nothing better we can do for ourselves than to become healthy through proper nutrition, but most people don't even come close to eating a healthy well-balanced diet.

As a matter of fact, many people who think they're eating healthy really are victims of our society's 4 diet myths. These myths are propagated by fad diets that advise cutting out essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly

Myth 1:
Certain Food Groups Should Be Eliminated


Many fad diets emphasize the elimination of certain food groups or eating primarily only one or two food groups. Your body needs a balanced diet that supplies you with the diverse nutrients that will keep you healthy.

Your body needs water, vitamins, protein, fat, minerals, energy (carbohydrates), fiber, and oxygen. Eating a diet rich in fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, and seeds will help you rebuild your immune system, which will in turn help you to stay healthy.

Myth 2:
You Have To Eat Meat To Get Enough Protein

Your body needs 30 grams of protein each meal. Meat and dairy products are very high in sodium and fat. Fruits and vegetables have at least one gram of protein in them.

Myth 3:
Eliminate Fat From Your Diet

Your body needs 50 grams of fat each day. You don't want to eliminate fat completely from your diet because it helps your joints and muscles work smoothlyRaw nuts, olive oil, and avocados are a rich source of nutritious and healthy fats. Look closely at the foods you buy and stay away from hydrogenated fats

Myth 4:
You Have To Go Hungry To Lose Weight

The average woman should never eat less than 1,200 calories/day and the average man should never eat less than 1,800 calories per day.

If you feed your body natural foods, then you'll have no need to go hungry. You can pretty much eat all the fresh fruits and vegetables you want, and it will not adversely affect your weight.

In order to maximize the nutritional value of your foods eat them in as natural a state as possible. Avoid chemicals, especially those found in water. Fluoride, for example, is a poison.

Although as a treatment for teeth it can prevent cavities, it does no good to ingest it, but rather acts as a poison in your body.

Conclusion


By getting back to nature and the foods your body was designed to run on, you can stay fit, maintain an optimal weight and build up your immune system so that you live a longer, more energetic life.

THE HEALING POWERS OF HERBS

Ah, the wonder of herbs. What would our meals be like without a little cilantro, basil, or oregano to spice things up? Bringing a new level of flavor to a dish, fresh herbs are actually a dream come true for those of you out there who are counting your calories. Though their tiny leaves may pack a mighty flavor punch, herbs are virtually calorie-free! If you’re eliminating fat, sugar, or salt from your cooking, rely on herbs to bring your diet to a whole new level!

We often use dried herbs out of convenience, but if you want to spruce up your cooking, why not try them fresh? The difference between fresh herbs and their dry counterparts is the drying process causes some tastes to be lost so their flavors are somewhat decreased. Fresh herbs have more subtle flavors, though they are more delicate. But don’t worry; we’ve got some tips to cover all your fresh herb cooking needs!

Over-cooking fresh herbs can diminish their flavor. Add them in at the tail-end of your cooking process in order to obtain the maximum taste. For instance, try not to cook them in soups, stocks, or other liquids for over an hour. For some great roasted potatoes, add a little fresh rosemary at the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Recipes usually call for dry herbs instead of fresh. As a general rule, use three times the amount of fresh herbs that any recipe calls for because their flavors are often more subtle than the dry ones.

If you want to kick your fried foods up a notch, add some finely chopped fresh herbs to your batter and crumb mixes. One restaurant secret for working with roasts, seafood, and poultry is to rub the meat with herbs before cooking. To do this, chop the fresh herbs and add a little salt and pepper to flavor. Then simply rub the seasonings on!

Though fresh herbs are perishable, proper storage prolongs their shelf-life. Store a bunch of them in a refrigerator with their stems in water. If you have loose leaves, keep them in the coldest part of your fridge in perforated bags. Be careful, though, because too much moisture heightens decay. To avoid this problem, shake the herbs as dry as possible before storing and place a moist paper towel underneath them.

Herbs are known to help us feel more satisfied with our food. We tend to be more satisfied with our meals when they contain a little zest. Best of all, if you really take the time to savor these flavors, you end up feeling more full and eating less! You can find fresh herbs at your local grocery store, specialty food markets, and even growing in your backyard. Try a little experimenting with a sprinkling of fresh mint, bay leaves, or sage and see how your meals take on a whole new flavor!

BACK TO GOOD HEALTH: SPINAL MANIPULATION

If you suffer from back pain or a spinal ailment, you might have been told to seek chiropractic treatment. Millions of Americans are currently being treated by a chiropractor for such pain-related causes as muscle strains, sports injuries, poor posture, accidents, and general misalignment in the body.

The theory behind chiropractics is that your overall health is closely related to the way that your body is structured. Consequently, this hands-on approach to spinal adjustment is said to help the body to heal and re-align itself without the use of surgery or medication. Spinal manipulation is used to increase the flexibility of your joints so that the injured tissue will not obstruct your mobility and range of motion. The ultimate goal of your chiropractor is to ease and prevent future pain, as well as to restore damaged joints, tissue, and ligaments.

When you first visit a chiropractor, he will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical examination so that he will be able to determine what kind of treatment will best suit your needs. A common treatment may include adjustments where the doctor will massage and manipulate your joints using applied pressure with his hands. Depending on your personal needs, the chiropractor might encourage some type of rehabilitation or even a nutritional program.

Chiropractics is widely considered to be a safe, alternative treatment to chronic lower back pain. Studies have shown that it is even effective in treating neck pain and headaches, which are often caused by various types of strains. However, you should still speak to your primary care physician before seeking chiropractic treatment.

CANCER PREVENTION STARTS IN THE KITCHEN

We all know that a healthy diet can help keep your body fit, trim, and healthy, but there are some foods that can even help you to avoid breast cancer. Although there are other factors (such as genetics) involved in breast cancer, a little healthy eating can hardly hurt! The following seven strategies to cancer-free cooking might very well save your life

1.Viva la produce. That’s right, getting your recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies can help you to protect against cancer. They’re chock-full of antioxidants, which are substances that fight against potentially deadly carcinogens. Studies show eating five servings of produce a day can reduce your risk of cancer. So try to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day.

2.Reduce fat. In addition to helping you keep your body slim, a diet low in saturated fat can potentially reduce your cancer risk.
3.Indulge in some Calcium. Studies have shown women who have a sufficient amount of calcium in their diet significantly cut their risk of breast cancer. Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are not only tasty, but they’re also extremely healthy. If you’re avoiding dairy entirely, try eating almonds, calcium-fortified soy products, and leafy greens.

4.Add some flaxseed to your favorite foods. Flaxseed might not sound appealing, but it gives yogurt, cereal, and ice cream a wonderful crunch and texture. They’re also a great source of lignans, a compound that inhibits the growth of estrogen-dependant tumors.

5.Drink in moderation. A little known fact about drinking is alcohol can raise estrogen levels in your body. This can interfere with the way in which your body uses folic acid, an essential compound that has been shown to prevent cancer.

6.Reduce your amount of grilling and barbecuing. Heterocyclic amines, compounds which are shown to cause cancer, form on your meat when you put it on the grill. Plus, when fat drips on the heat source, it forms another carcinogen that binds to your meat. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from the barbecue, but if you can’t resist the temptation, try cutting your meat into smaller chunks, which reduces the risk that these harmful compounds will form.

7.Increase your fiber intake. Foods rich in fiber contain essential antioxidants which protect your body against cancer.

Don’t forget early detection is the best form of prevention. Make sure to get regular mammograms and perform self-examinations. Talk to your doctor to see what other proactive steps you can take to prevent breast cancer.

SPRING CLEANING GOT YOUR ALLERGIES FLARED UP? TRY THIS

Nasal irrigation is a cheap and easy way for people with spring allergies, nasal congestion, stuffy noses and post-nasal drip to get relief, says Dr. Melissa Pynnonen, co-director of the Michigan Sinus Center and an assistant professor in the University of Michigan's department of otolaryngology.


Nasal irrigation involves rinsing the nose and nasal passages with a solution made with a quarter-teaspoon of kosher salt, eight ounces of warm tap water and a quarter-teaspoon of baking soda.

There are a number of ways to administer the solution. For people who've never done nasal irrigation, Pynnonen recommended using an eight-ounce squeeze bottle and squirting four ounces of the solution into each nostril. The solutions exits through the opposite nostril. Opening your mouth and making a "K" sound will prevent the solution from coming out of your mouth.


Some people use a neti-pot, which looks like a miniature teapot. When using a neti-pot, the solution is poured, rather than squeezed, into the nose. Turkey basters or syringes like those used to suction a baby's nose also work.

"For most patients, the benefit of nasal irrigation is that it does a great job of treating symptoms that otherwise aren't well treated with medicine," Pynnonen said in a prepared statement. "Nasal irrigation can be considered a first-line treatment for common nasal and sinus symptoms. It's often more effective than medications," she concluded.


Nasal irrigation alone may be sufficient to control mild allergy symptoms in some people, but others may need to use medications in addition to nasal irrigation.

So long as children are old enough to cooperate, it's safe to give them nasal irrigation, using a smaller amount of solution, Pynnonen said.

HIGH BLOOD PRESURE WHILE PREGNANT PREVENTION TOOLS

If your blood sugar level is too high when you are pregnant, you have gestational diabetes. It usually goes away after the baby is born.


High blood sugar can cause problems for you and your baby. Your baby may grow too large, which can cause problems during delivery. Your baby may also be born with low blood sugar. But with treatment, most women with gestational diabetes are able to control their blood sugar and give birth to healthy babies.

Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely than other women to develop type 2 diabetes later on. Once you have type 2 diabetes, you always have it. You may be able to prevent type 2 diabetes if you stay at a healthy weight, eat healthy foods, and exercise.

What causes gestational diabetes?The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps your body properly use and store the sugar from the food you eat. This keeps your blood sugar level in a safe range. When you are pregnant, your body makes other hormones that can make it harder for insulin to work. This is called insulin resistance.

A pregnant woman can get diabetes when her pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep her blood sugar levels within a safe range.

What are the symptoms?
Because gestational diabetes does not cause symptoms, you need to be tested for the condition. This is usually done between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. You may be surprised if your test shows a high blood sugar. It is important for you to be tested for gestational diabetes, because high blood sugar can cause problems for both you and your baby.

Sometimes, a pregnant woman who has symptoms has been living with another type of diabetes without knowing it. If you have symptoms from another type of diabetes, they may include:

Increased thirst.
Increased urination.
Increased hunger.
Blurred vision.

Pregnancy causes most women to urinate more often and to feel more hungry, so having these symptoms does not always mean that a woman has diabetes. Talk with your doctor if you have these symptoms, so that you can be tested for diabetes.

How is gestational diabetes diagnosed?
Almost all women are tested for gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. If your doctor thinks you are more likely to get gestational diabetes, you may be tested earlier.

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed with two blood tests. In the first test, your blood sugar level is tested 1 hour after you drink a small cup of a sweet liquid. If your blood sugar is too high, you will need to do a longer, 3-hour glucose test. If your blood sugar is still above a certain level, you have gestational diabetes.

How is it treated?
Many women with gestational diabetes can control their blood sugar level by changing the way they eat and by exercising regularly. These healthy choices can also help prevent gestational diabetes in future pregnancies and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Treatment for gestational diabetes also includes checking your blood sugar level at home and seeing your doctor regularly.

You may need to give yourself insulin shots to help control your blood sugar. This man-made insulin adds to the insulin that your body makes.
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