All idea about Health, Fitness, Weight Loss

Using Weight Loss Drugs Helped Me to Diet Safely

2006-10-03T03:36:00.000-07:00

Using Weight Loss Drugs Helped Me to Diet Safely

extra pounds? Sometimes, I got so disheartened by all the fancy new fad diets and miracle cures, because it didn't seem to matter what I tried, I just couldn't lose an inch. Ok, so that's a little exaggeration, but I really have followed through on some of these diet and exercise regimes only to show minimal results from maximum effort. After giving known diets and exercise a fair crack at the weight loss whip, I decided to take a cautious look into weightloss drugs.

Most of us have heard the horror stories regarding the long term use of diet pills and the like, so although I was a little uncomfortable with the idea of using any kind of weightloss drugs, I thought little harm could come out of a bit of simple research. My thoughts on these have changed somewhat since looking up some facts online regarding drugs to loose weight.

One of the first things I discovered is that it's foolish to use weight loss drugs purely for trivial cosmetic purposes. Folks that just need to loose a little excess fat for bikini season or similar, should simply work out and eat right for a few weeks. Weightloss drugs are mainly for folks who suffer from obesity, but even then, they are used in conjunction with, and not instead of, more traditional weight loss programs. So, the misconception that you can watch the pounds just drop off while slouching in your favorite arm chair eating donuts, just aint gonna work.

In actual fact, weightloss drugs work their best when used in combination with healthy diet and regular exercise. There are basically 2 types of weightloss pharmaceuticals: Drugs that reduce the dieter's appetite and those that reduce fat-absorption. I also discovered that weightloss drugs are pretty low risk when taken under medical supervision. That is, prescribed by your doctor if he or she thinks your condition warrants them, and monitored for effectiveness and potential side effects.

So what are the potential side effects? Well, some of the most common may include such things as headache or dizziness, restlessness, tremors, nervousness or anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea or constipation. There are more serious though rarer complaints, which is why anyone should consult their doctor prior to making any decisions regarding the use of weightloss drugs for diet. Don't forget to ask the doctor for a list of the potential side effects of any drugs he might recommend too, this way you'll be better able to make an informed choice.

I'm happy to report that I've been on a weight loss program of action for a few months now, and I'm seeing great results for my efforts at long last. My doctor had prescribed me some weightloss drugs and also referred me to a nutritionist. I have a healthy eating plan, a regular exercise regime, and a controlled use of diet pills for a duration. I'm one happy camper, but I can't stress enough the need to get professional advice prior to taking any course of weightloss drugs or new eating patterns.

Linda Fletcher is a proficient writer and webmaster for Slender Folks dot com where she writes on such issues as The Zone Diet and The Free Diet Plan. She also has many other health and weight loss related pieces on the site.

Fill-Up, Not Out For Weight Loss

2006-10-03T03:35:00.000-07:00

Fill-Up, Not Out For Weight Loss

Hello, my friend,

I guess you could call me a simple kind of girl.

I love simple. I hate complicated. Complicated confuses me.

For too many years the food-weight-health connection seemed so complicated, and more than a little confusing.

Sound familiar?

And then one day I had an “ah-ha” moment—took me long enough.

It started with a very simple question:

“Which foods prevent cancer?”

Simple answer: “Whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, of course—everyone knows that.”

The next simple question:

“Then why weren’t we taught as children to fill-up on whole fruits and vegetables?”

Good question, don’t you think?

After years and years of reading and research, I have never ever, not even once, heard that steaks, hamburgers, ham, chicken, turkey, cheese, yogurt, spaghetti, brown-colored white bread, pizza, French fries, dried-up cereals, milk, pastries, chips, sweets, or even coffee (ouch—that one hurt) prevent cancer?

Have you?

Yet, those were the very foods that filled our lives and our bellies every day and almost every meal.

I know I’m simple, but that just doesn’t make sense.

And this is even more confusing.

If we all know now how good fruits and vegetables are for us, then why do we still banish them to the sidelines while making meat, dairy, refined breads and cereals, processed foods, and salty and sweet snacks our starting star players?

Now that’s quite the stumper question, isn’t it?

So I’ll ask it one more time: “Why aren’t we filling up on the disease warriors—fruits and vegetables—instead of the disease fertilizers when we know better?”

Simple question with a not-so-simple answer as you and I both know.

The bottom line is: it’s tough to change habits, likes, and dislikes that have been deeply grooved into our minds and lives since birth.

Besides that, sickness and diseases happen to other people—not to us. We just don’t connect the dots between what we eat and how well and how long our bodies serve us—until “it” happens to us.

Let’s face it. We all love the foods our mamas and our culture taught us to eat. They are mmmm-mmmm good! They are our buddies, our good friends. They offer that warm, fuzzy feeling for any and every occasion, happy or sad.

The thought of giving them up makes us dig in our heels even deeper, just like a bratty little kid: “No way!” we say.

B-I-N-G-O! I’ve got a very simple idea—that’d be me—simple.

Instead of thinking about what you “have to” give up to lose weight and gain health and a fit body, how about this?

Think about what you “get to” add. Completely sidestep that place of deprivation and sacrifice.

How about adding the best-for-you foods? Fresh fruits and vegetables. And, while you’re at it, fill-up on these foods; satisfy your hunger drive.

Simple suggestions to ponder:

=>For breakfast: ADD and fill-up on fresh fruits throughout the morning. No, not just a half of a banana or one apple, but enough whole fruits to satisfy and fill you up. (Of course, watch it if you have diabetes.)

=>For lunch: ADD and fill-up on a large green-leafy salad with at least 10 different vegetables, like two kinds of lettuce, spinach, sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, onion, avocado, radishes, broccoli, or whatever you like.

=>Try a salad dressing made with no oil—even olive oil (I know, it’s confusing, isn’t it?) adds layers to our layers and makes us ripe for diseases. I use freshly squeezed half of a lemon and balsamic vinegar. Yes, it takes some getting used to, but once you do, it’s good—huh, Jean? (Jean finally tried it and actually liked it—a lot.)

=>For dinner: ADD and fill-up on a vegetable salad first, then ADD steamed vegetables second, then ADD a yam or potato topped with pureed avocado, tomato, onion, and seasoning of your choice.

AFTER filling up on nutrient-rich, calorie-low (hint: vegetables are KEY in weight loss and health gain) whole plant foods, if you choose to eat one of your traditional favorites with calories, fat, and/or cholesterol, then have at it. The beauty is: you will automatically eat less of it keeping you on track for your own personal weight loss, health, and fitness goals.

=>For snacks: ADD fresh fruits, cut-up vegetables, and uncooked, unsalted nuts and seeds.

There you have it, my friend. Eating for your ideal YOU is really this simple. Think addition, not subtraction.

We make it complicated, especially we women. I know—as a mother of three grown kids, I’ve been there, done that, not doing it anymore.

I love the freedom of simple: no complicated recipes, no long hours at the grocery store, no fussing over what you’re going to eat the next meal, no big prep work, or messy clean-up.

And the best part: no baby-sized portions that leave you hungry and desperate for more. Eat until you’re satisfied and full—what a novel idea!

Think like me: simple.

Which foods prevent cancer, along with most of the other life-robbing diseases? Your true friends—fruits and vegetables.

Fill-up on those foods.

You will be thrilled with the results of simple thinking and simple actions: Steady, but sure weight loss, along with a higher level of health, fitness, energy (fruits and vegetables are our best sources of energy), activity, purpose, and joy.

“Body first, everything else second; or there are no seconds.” – Dr. Leslie

Dr. Leslie Van Romer is a health motivational speaker, writer, and lifestyle coach. Visit www.DrLeslieVanRomer.com for more inspiration.

About Pregnancy Calendars

2006-09-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

About Pregnancy Calendars

A pregnancy calendar is a fun and informative way to keep track of your pregnancy and ensure a healthy outcome for you and your baby. For most women, pregnancy and birth is one of the key points in life and a pregnancy calendar will help you live the experience to the fullest. Detailed week-by-week information about the bodily changes happening to yourself and your baby, as well as handy advice regarding everything from nutrition to exercise, are just some of the things pregnancy calendars have to offer.

Standard features of most pregnancy calendars include: how to take care of yourself throughout each stage of pregnancy; tips on how to meet increasing nutritional needs while staying physically fit; and how much weight you should gain during pregnancy. Some may also include a detailed outline of your baby's weekly development and instructions from the experts on how to ensure that you both progress the way that you should. Many pregnancy calendars can be customized to fit your own unique personality and include spaces for a diary and a record to keep track of doctor's appointments and other important dates.

Pregnancy calendars are fun to use and, best of all, they are often free or cost a minimal amount. Many internet sources offer free downloads of pregnancy calendars and a simple online search will reveal dozens of choices. Most can be personalized and some websites will even send you e-mail alerts as important milestones draw near. Some pregnancy-related or Women's and Children's Health magazines offer a free pregnancy calendar to paid subscribers.

Huggies offers an excellent pregnancy calendar while American Adoptions has an online version accompanied by weekly updates. American Baby and Pregnancy Weekly both have calendars that are available online and can be personalized. Baby Fit features a week-by-week, development-specific pregnancy calendar while Baby Center has create-your-own pregnancy calendar options and tools. The choices are endless and the results amazing. Many people treasure their pregnancy calendars as keepsakes or use them to compare with future pregnancies.

Most pregnancy calendars are very simple and user-friendly. Anyone can understand them and the facts are presented in a clear-cut, down-to-earth manner. The hardest part for most people is calculating the due date, but this is usually provided by your physician. Even if it is not, most pregnancy calendars include instructions on how to calculate the due date that are easy to understand for even the most math illiterate person.

Pregnancy is no longer just a 9-month waiting period for the big day. With the help of a pregnancy calendar, expectant mothers can become actively involved in all the exciting changes of pregnancy, while at the same time benefiting their health. A handy source for expert advice, it can also do much to alleviate anxiety, as the due date looms closer. The truth is, a pregnancy calendar is just one excellent way to make the most of your pregnancy.

Celia Nemart writes about family and medical issues on the internet, Celia is a dedicated mother that is aware of the dangers of the lack of information about Pregnancy Calendar and pregnancy.

Weight Loss : The Top Ten Things You Dont Want to Hear About Losing Weight

2006-08-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Top Ten Things You Dont Want to Hear About Losing Weight

(But What You Need to Know if You Want to Get Fit!)

10) No, you won't end up looking like the latest hot young model/singer/actress!

Let's face it: your body is your body. It's the only one you've got. Can you still look great? Sure! But there are some things you can't change. You can't make your legs longer or your feet smaller. You can't grow five inches or elongate your torso. You have what you have, so work with it! Concentrate on making a healthy and fit you instead of wishing you looked like someone else. You don't have to be perfect to be attractive. A strong, fit body as well as the self-confidence it brings can make any person attractive!

9) It's better to be muscular and weigh more than to be flabby and weigh less.

I've said it so many times: I'd much rather be 135lbs and muscular than 120lbs and flabby. I've been both, and 135lbs with a lower percent of body fat was definitely better! I was smaller, stronger and had much more energy. So, don't always seek that magical number on the scale, but look at your total body composition instead.

8) You can't get fit in a week.

Okay, well, you can, but only if you're one week away from being in peak condition and you keep working out. Otherwise, forget about it! If you want to look good for that class reunion or because you'll be in a bikini soon, then get moving way before that. Or better yet, get moving for your own health and not for "things" like reunions and bikinis.

7) You need to put some effort into it.

You want to get fit? You have to work at it. You have to plan it, you have to schedule it, and, most importantly, you have to do it. No excuses. Sitting on the couch, telling yourself you should be doing something will not burn up a lot of calories. If nothing else, get out there and start walking. And while you're out there walking think about a plan of action for a healthier you and get started on it today - not tomorrow!

6) You need to exercise.

Can you lose weight just by diet alone? Sure, you can! But if you want to get fit, you need to exercise those muscles, including your heart. And that heart won't get any exercise if you're sitting on the couch, eating broccoli. Lose the weight that you need to lose and you'll just end up with a thin, but flabby, body. Get moving! Weight training is ideal, but if you're really not into weight training, find an activity you like to do that work all your major muscle groups.

5) You need to eat properly.

Putting aside any low carb/low fat/high protein controversies, the simple fact is, if you want a fit body, you need to nourish it. Protein, carbs and fat are important, but vitamins and minerals are key elements that your body needs, too. No matter what way of eating you're following make sure you're getting enough vitamins and minerals. Add a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit to your diet. The next time you go grocery shopping, linger around the produce section and not only pick out some old favorites, but experiment a little by trying something new!

4) You can't lose weight overnight.

You didn't gain it overnight -- or in two months -- and you're not going to lose it overnight -- or in two months. Think of getting fit as a train leaving the station: you start off slow, gather speed and then off you go! Patience is the key here. Look for consistent trends. If you're really not losing fat and getting stronger after a couple of months, then you need to sit down and honestly analyze what you're doing. Keep a journal to help you know how you're really eating and exercising.

3) You can't spot reduce.

Genetics will decide where the fat will come off. Doing 1000 crunches won't reduce your belly fat. Nor will 1000 leg lifts get rid of the fat on your inner thighs. Your body does not burn the fat it needs from the body part that you're exercising. Your body will burn fat much like an onion is peeled, a layer at a time, if you will. So, don't overdo it on the exercise for one specific body part and look to getting your whole body in shape.

2) There are no quick fixes.

That's right, you heard me. There are no quick fixes. None. Put all those pills, potions, contraptions and miracle diets in the garbage where they belong. Learn the basics about how your body gains muscle and loses fat, so you won't get sucked in by another scam again.

1) Fitness is a lifelong commitment!

So, you faithfully work out and eat properly and you've reached your goals. Now what? Well, now you've got to keep doing it for the rest of your life, that's what! You can't just work your way to being fit and then stop, because you'll end up exactly like you were before. Fitness is a lifelong commitment. And, you want to know a secret? It isn't easy! And anyone who says it is easy is trying to sell you something. Make fitness a lifelong ambition and you'll reap the rewards of a long and healthy life, filled with energy, strength and an overall sense of well being.

Suzanne Hiscock has been interested in fitness and nutrition for over 16 years. She is the owner of FitWatch Inc. and developer of the FitWatch Fitness Tracker, an online food and exercise tracker. You can visit the site at http://www.fitwatch.com for a variety of fitness calculators and tools.

How You Can Erase Low Back Pain Using the Latest Medical Techniques!

2006-08-14T07:55:00.001-07:00

How You Can Erase Low Back Pain Using the Latest Medical Techniques!

"If you're one the nine out of ten adults in the United States who suffers from low back pain, I have good news for you!" states Dr. Nathan Wei, a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland.

"Low back pain is the most expensive work-related injury as well as the third most common reason for a surgical procedure," Dr. Wei adds.

The spine is a complex collection...

It consists of bones, called vertebrae, and the joints that allow them to interact; discs that separate the vertebrae from each other; the spinal cord and nerves; the soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments that help hold the spine together. Your spine has 3 major functions including protecting the spinal cord, supporting the body in an upright position, and allowing the body to move freely.

The four major categories of low back pain are:

? Mechanical- arising from either trauma or repetitive motion

? Degenerative- usually from arthritic causes

? Systemic- arising from medical illnesses

? Stress-induced

Mechanical causes are responsible for more than 90% of back pain and the most common cause of back pain is probably muscle injury due to strain or sprain. Other common causes include disc herniation, spondylolisthesis (a condition where the vertebra slips on the one below it), spinal stenoiss (narrowing of the canal that carries the spinal cord), scoliosis (curvature of the spine), osteoporosis (a disease where the bones become fragile and break), and arthritis. Bone tumors are another potential cause.

"Treatment is entirely dependent on diagnosis!"

Dr. Wei says, "There are simple ways to help your back. For instance use the log roll technique to get into and out of bed. Think of your body as a log, and make sure you move it as a unit... rolling into and out of bed."...
He says, "use the same idea when getting into and out of your car. Don't twist or stick one leg one way and the other leg a different way. Move your body as a unit..."

Check your work area

Make sure your computer, chair, and other parts of your work environment are "friendly" to your back. Good support for your low back as well as your legs is important.

Exercise regularly

Dr. Wei reminds us, "...Stretching is important for your spine?Since rotation is a key movement and the upright position is part of our daily routine, we need to incorporate exercises that stretch and strengthen those muscles that are important for twisting and for posture."

Space Age Treatment

"A new addition to our low back pain tool kit is a procedure device called intervertebral disc decompression or IDD. It helps decompress the vertebrae non-surgically, and non-invasively. Studies to date have shown a response rate of up to 86%," adds Dr. Wei

Dr. Wei concludes, "Surgical procedures are a last ditch effort...and should be reserved for patients who have pain unresponsive to conservative treatment or who have a progressive neurologic problem."

Dr. Wei (pronounced "way") is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians.
For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to:
http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com

Weight Loss : Real Weight Loss Begins Today...With Cliff Kuhn, M.D.s Fun Factor Diet!

2006-08-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Real Weight Loss Begins Today...With Cliff Kuhn, M.D.s Fun Factor Diet!

Weight Loss is something that many Americans struggle with. In this article, Cliff Kuhn, M.D. will teach you why your weight loss techniques so far have been unsuccessful, and how to correctly lose weight - and keep it off!

P.T. Barnum, who dedicated his life to entertaining the masses, often relied on size-related adjectives to sell his attractions. His posters and announcements were peppered with words like mammoth, extraordinary, colossal, and gargantuan.

Unfortunately, if you're like most of us those words might be used to describe you as well. Americans have an obsession with weight loss and with good reason; the percentage of overweight people in the United States is doubling every ten years - from 1 in 200 in 1986, to 1 in 50 in 2000. Without some weight loss, pretty soon there won't be enough room for us all on this continent!

We've identified a curious paradox: Americans are obsessed with weight loss and spend billions on it each year, yet 140 million of us are overweight or obese - and that number grows (pun intended) each year. With all that energy and money thrown at it, why can't we experience more weight loss and why do we pack it on in the first place?

Why Do We Gain Weight...and Where is the Weight Loss We Crave?

Let's quickly move beyond simple, though true, solutions. We intellectually "know" that there are only three things necessary for weight loss (outside of a medical condition): eating the correct foods, eating less, and getting more exercise. We "know" these things are true, yet why don't we do them?

The answer is simple and, luckily for you, so is the solution. As you learn the following diet you will realize that with a little willingness and discipline you need never worry about weight loss again. You will come to believe, in short order, that you will have as much weight loss as you desire and you will never gain it back because you will understand how logical and powerful my diet is!

Let's just be honest about it - we love food! Eating is an enjoyable ritual and we commonly use food to reward ourselves because it feels good to eat. Whenever we feel unfulfilled or frustrated (when we need affirmation or esteem) we are naturally drawn to fill that void with food. When we're lacking pleasure in our lives we rely on the eating ritual to make up the difference.

And this formula works; overfilling ourselves with food does fill our emptiness. It works so well that, just like any addict, we become gluttons - regularly overstuffing ourselves and/or eating too much "comfort" food to fill our emotional void. The end result, despite our best intentions, is a constant, steady weight gain because we're using food for a purpose it is not intended - support.

The Solution to Your Weight Loss Problems

The healthful solution I've created to fill your emptiness exists already inside you because you were born with it. Unlike food, this solution fills your void while also fostering lasting and sustainable health, vitality, energy, and fitness. Instead of food, what you need is the natural medicine of humor because humor and fun are the most accessible and constant sources of energy and support known.

Because it is an energy, fun is readily and abundantly in you and around you. Once you learn to find more fun in your relationships, your work, and your home life I guarantee you will quickly do away with those excess pounds - and they'll never return. And the best news is...I will teach you exactly how to do this using my Fun Factor Diet.

My Fun Factor Diet is based upon my unique prescription, The Fun Factor, because The Fun Factor delivers you to new heights of health, wellness, and success. Years ago a terminally ill patient, Lisa, taught me about the incredibly powerful natural medicine of humor. I used Lisa's lessons to create my Fun Commandments, eventually molding them into my unique prescription, The Fun Factor, capable of producing health, energy, and vitality that others will envy.

My Fun Factor Diet works because it is based on my Fun Commandments and, thus, enables you to unleash your powerful humor nature on every aspect of your life. As you learn to have more fun in your relationships, your work, and your home life, you will rely less and less on food to meet your emotional needs. With the Fun Factor Diet the urge to overeat melts away, along with the excess pounds because you will be using food for its natural purpose - sustenance.

And, as a bonus, since my Fun Factor Diet is based on fun, you will laugh more frequently. Laughter is an excellent form of aerobic exercise; a hearty, belly laugh produces the same physical response as thirty minutes on the Stairmaster. When you laugh it gives your heart and lungs a good work out so...you are burning additional calories just by practicing my unique diet!

The Fun Factor Diet

Step One: Go the Extra Smile

The first strategy of my Fun Factor Diet is to Always Go the Extra Smile. Smiling is a deliberate and controllable behavior that almost always calms inner stress and attracts outward fun. Smiling unleashes the natural medicine of humor anytime and anywhere because it has a profound physical and emotional impact.

The key is to increase your conscious effort to smile constantly, especially when there is nothing in particular to smile about. Before you begin an activity, you remind yourself to smile first; before each conversation, you remind yourself to smile. You'll soon be wearing a genuine smile on your face everywhere you go because the good results you experience will create a self-fulfilling prophecy.

And here is the beautifully powerful weight loss secret behind the first Fun Factor Diet strategy: your internal physiology is fooled by your smile. Whether spontaneous or forced, your body thinks you're having fun when you smile, whether you are or not, because smiling activates the pleasure centers of your brain. By smiling you literally become more physically relaxed and enjoy a greater sense of fulfillment and enjoyment.

The amazing benefit of this Fun Factor Diet tactic is that the lessening of your internal agitation decreases your cravings to eat when you're not really hungry. And, as a bonus, your smile attracts more social attention - leaving you less time to stuff yourself because people are mysteriously attracted to you without quite knowing why. By Going the Extra Smile you're well on your way to weight loss by filling your emotional void with fun rather than food!

Step Two: Be Willing to Laugh with Yourself

Step two in my Fun Factor Diet is to Be Willing to Laugh with Yourself. This is not a step of humiliation or self-denigration because those things are definitely not fun; it is a strategy of being willing to take yourself lightly. Easing your harsh expectations you impose on yourself, relaxing some of your self-administered pressure, sets the stage for astounding personal gains (or in your case personal "losses")

At this stage of my Fun Factor Diet, you will make a deliberate effort to take yourself and your expectations less seriously. You will adopt a kindlier stance toward your fears and inconsistencies because you have been much too hard on yourself. The results will be a dramatic lightness (both figuratively and literally) of mind, body, and spirit.

Freed from the tyranny of your unrealistic expectations, you will be able to relax and have more fun. Things you have dreaded doing in the past will become enjoyable activities because you won't have expectations of perfection. Combined with your commitment to Go the Extra Smile, you will find your use of food to calm and comfort yourself almost extinguished because taking yourself lightly helps you see yourself as, literally, less "heavy."

Step Three: Stay Focused, yet Flexible

The third step in my Fun Factor Diet makes the most dramatic difference in your actual eating habits and provides the mechanics of your weight loss. The employment of my Fun Commandment, Stay Focused, yet Flexible, keeps you grounded in the moment, the here and now, because it challenges you to give 100% attention to what you are doing right now. Staying Focused, yet Flexible provides the dramatic weight loss breakthrough you've been waiting for because your entire paradigm of eating is about to change!

On the Fun Factor Diet you Stay Focused, yet Flexible by not engaging in any other activity while you are eating. Activities that have commonly accompanied your eating are to be shunned while putting food in your mouth - including reading, watching television, or socializing at get-togethers. With the exception of reasonable table conversation, eating becomes a focused activity for you, not connected with any other behavior because you are about to halt the underlying cause of your weight gain.

Once you begin disciplining yourself to separate eating from all the pleasurable and stressful activities with which you have associated it, you will discover a disturbing fact: you will be shocked by how much you've been using food as both a stress reliever and a pleasure enhancer. Your weight loss can be dramatic when you change your use of food from pleasure enhancement and stress relief to simple nourishment. You're ready for this change because, with the first two steps in my diet, you've already begun to fill your emotional and spiritual void with fun rather than food.

This step of my Fun Factor Diet has two primary benefits: you become more acutely aware of your opportunities for fun away from food, which allows you to become even more effective at satisfying your emotional needs with fun, and by eating with full focus you increase the enjoyment and appreciation for your food, which allows you to use food as nourishment rather than pleasure. When you combine having fun apart from food with getting greater enjoyment from the food you are eating, you experience weight loss because you are no longer using it in a contrived and artificial fashion!

Step Four: Practice Wanting What You Have, Rather than Getting What You Want

The final step in my Fun Factor Diet will make your weight loss permanent because it centers you in the unique paradigm of lasting success. My Fun Commandment, Practice Wanting What You Have, Rather Then Getting What You Want, increases your awareness of gratitude because it stops the merry-go-round of always needing "more" to feel satisfied. Ongoing gratitude for what you have has the amazing benefit of making it possible to get and keep more of what you want.

We all make the mistake of taking for granted the things we truly value and focus, instead, on all the things we want that we do not yet possess. This focus makes us desperate and puts conditions on our happiness, because our success never satisfies us and we only wind up needing more. If you ever want to have more fun in your life (as you're going to be doing on my Fun Factor Diet), you begin by counting the blessings you already have because that will make your weight loss, and other achievements, lasting and real.

Becoming adept at this portion of my Fun Factor Diet does two things: it continually reminds you of the many gifts you've already been given and it decreases your appetite for those things you think you want will. Realizing that you have everything you need to be happy today eases the stress of not having everything you want because all the pressure is gone - you're already a success! The end result of this strategy is that you will not feel as empty, resulting in greater weight loss from a lowered desire to fill your void with food.

Filling yourself up with gratitude is not a platitude, so to speak, because it works in real practice. You eat in excess to fill an emotional and/or spiritual void, not because you are hungry; you eat too much to provide yourself with emotional comfort, fulfillment, and reassurance. The strategy of Practicing Wanting What you Have, Rather than Getting What you Want, actually fills this emptiness in a meaningful, lasting manner because your emotional appetite is satisfied by the things that really sustain it!

Smiling fools your body and attracts socially fun attention, Taking Yourself Lightly releases you from the tyranny of your unrealistic expectations, Staying Focused, yet Flexible teaches you to use food for nourishment rather than fun, and Wanting What you Have allows you to fill your emotional void with fun and gratitude rather than food. There you have it... weight loss from the natural medicine of humor and my Fun Factor Diet!

Welcome to a Life Free from Weight Worries...Start Right Now!

Here are some simple, easy steps you can take right now to prepare yourself for permanent, painless weight loss.

Subscribe to my Fun Times newsletter. The Fun Times is all about using your natural power of humor to increase the quality of your life - including your physical appearance. The Fun Times is 100% free, and is delivered instantly, every week, to your email inbox. If you sign up now, I'll also throw in a copy of my "Stop Your Seriousness" Ecourse and my book, Ten Ways You Can Be Happier...Right Now! which will show you how you can use my Fun Factor prescription in your life to increase your success!

Check out The Fun Factor. This prescription has changed so many lives for the better - it would be a shame if you passed it up. Check it out here if you're sick of being overweight and are ready for weight loss once and for all!

By the way, in one of his museums, P.T. Barnum found that he was having trouble getting the crowds to leave once they had seen all the attractions. So he devised a clever sign, elaborately lettered to draw as much attention as possible, which read "This Way to the Egress"

Most of the patrons expected to see some bizarre animal that Barnum had collected from one of the far corners of the earth when they followed the sign through the door. What they didn't realize, however, was that "Egress" is simply another word for "Exit." Funny...and true.

Today you begin your "egress" from excess weight and from all your worries surrounding it. Start using my Fun Factor Diet right now!

Clifford Kuhn, M.D., America's Laugh Doctor, teaches people and organizations to be more healthy and successful through the use of fun and humor. A psychiatrist, and the former associate chairperson of the University of Louisville's renowned Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Kuhn now dispenses his prescription for turbo-charging your health, success, and vitality from http://www.natural-humor-medicine.com/EZA1. On his website you will find tons of fun, free ways for you to maximize your sense of humor, and enjoy a life others will envy.

Yoga For a Beginner

2006-08-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

Yoga For a Beginner

Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you start to discover all of the wonderful benefits that yoga has to offer. When you first begin yoga, there are several things you can do to make your experience positive.

The following are ideas you might want to consider as you begin your yoga journey.

Types of Yoga
It is a good idea when you are doing yoga as a beginner, that you choose a style that matches your fitness level, personality, and health condition. Review what each type of yoga has to offer so you can choose a class that is best suited to you.

Yoga Instruction
Yoga for a beginner is best practiced under the supervision of an experienced teacher. It is important to maintain proper body alignment. A good teacher will make corrections so you don't injure yourself and can also offer modifications if you have any physical restrictions. A teacher can also help you go a little deeper into a pose so you get the most from your practice.

You can find beginner yoga classes at many studios and gyms. Often the first class is free, so you can try different classes to see which ones you like best.

Yoga Attitude
An important point to realize about yoga for a beginner is that it is non-competitive. You are not trying to stretch farther than other people in the class or even keep up with them. You are paying attention to your body, and while you want to challenge it, you also want to listen to it. If, at any point during your practice, you begin to feel pain, either ease up a little, or come out of the pose. It is more important to honor your body than to try to do a pose perfectly.

Breathing
The most important point in yoga for a beginner is to breathe correctly during the postures. In yoga you breathe in and out through your nose in order to allow yourself to breathe more deeply. Breathing helps you get relaxed and it also helps you move more deeply into the poses. If you feel an area of tension in your body, you can direct your breathe to that spot to help it release. If, at any time during a pose, you find that you cannot breathe deeply, either ease up or come out of the pose. Breathing correctly is one of the most important goals in any yoga practice.

Yoga for a Beginner Kit
You might want to get a beginner yoga kit, which usually includes a sticky mat, a strap, and one or two yoga blocks. Some also include a yoga video so you can supplement your classes with practice at home.

Preparing for Class
Do not eat a heavy meal fore several hours before your class. Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. Do drink water, both before and after your practice in order to keep your body well hydrated.

Yoga for a beginner is the first step on a journey of ever increasing self-awareness, a greater level of strength,

Della Menechella is a yoga and fitness enthusiast who has been involved in fitness for over thirty years. Here website http://www.beauty-fitness-yoga-source.com is filled with practical information about how you can make yoga and fitness a positive part of your life.

endurance, and flexibility, and a deeper sense of peace. Have fun and enjoy everything along the way!

Weight Loss : 3 Ways Going with the Flow Will Make You Fat - And What To Do About It!

2006-08-14T07:46:00.001-07:00

3 Ways Going with the Flow Will Make You Fat - And What To Do About It!

Wanna know the truth? If you're going to be slim, you're going to have to swim against the current. You're going to have to take charge of your body and make your own decisions?cause if you go with the flow today, I guarantee that you're going to be fat.

Here are 3 reasons why:

#1) Rampant Portion Sizes

'Supersize it', 'Biggie Fries', 'Value Meal', 'Super Big Gulp' - phrases that we use so commonly, it's hard to believe that we'd have to explain what they mean to someone from another era.

Restaurants have blown their portion sizes so big in the name of providing 'value' that one meal could feed a small soccer team.

Considering that your stomach is roughly the size of your fist (but thank goodness it stretches!), the portion sizes you get today in the average restaurant could probably fill 5 or more stomachs.

But we're told to get our money's worth right? So go ahead and eat up. That way you can spend your money going to the doctor for obesity related health problems later. That's truly getting your money's worth!

#2) Diet as Religion

Diets boast a stellar 2-5% success rate (that's a 98% FAILURE rate by the way). And yet if an alien landed in North America, he (or she) would be convinced that our society must be built on the value of dieting.

Billboards, magazines, books, television shows, ads, even restaurant menus?everywhere you look you're inundated with the latest diet, diet food or diet plan. Diets are touted as the ONLY solution to weight loss.

We have more diets on the market now than ever before. We have more people on a diet now than ever before - and yet we continue to get fatter?is there ANY POSSIBLE connection here?

#3) Escalator Generation

Go with the flow and you'll enjoy a multitude of worldly conveniences. You can microwave your dinner in 5 minutes, load your dishwasher in 2 and pay the dog walker in 1. You don't have to walk to the store - just hop in the car. Your kids don't have to go swimming - they've got a new Xbox game. Don't bother taking the stairs because there's an elevator.

You can sit at a desk for long hours without even getting up from your chair. And when you do come home from work - you have the luxury of flopping on the couch and watching 'Friends' while eating takeout.

Go with the flow my friend and you'll expend less energy while eating more. Oh - and you'll also be told that taking a pill is the only way to solve the problem of your ever-increasing waistline.

One of the best photographs I ever saw was of the front of a gym. There was a staircase leading up to the gym with an escalator beside it. And you guessed it - people were taking the escalator UP to the gym! The only guy on the stairs was walking DOWN them. That pretty much sums up the problem.

Unfortunately, if you go with the flow in our world today, chances are very high that you're going to get fat. BUT by knowing what you're up against, you can take steps to go against the flow. By taking a stand, taking charge and making positive choices for your body - you can live slim and healthy in a world skewed towards weight gain.

Discover how to lose weight WITHOUT diets, drugs or surgery. There IS an easier way. To learn the secrets of the masters click here:

http://www.weightmasterycoach.com

The Check Doctor Credentials Theory

2006-08-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

The Check Doctor Credentials Theory

In 2003, there where more than 890 million doctor visits in the U.S. according to the (CDC) Center for Diseases Control and Prevention. "More now than ever consumers are not only researching their doctor, but are also demanding the highest quality of health care" says Hugo Gallegos, President of MDNationwide.org.

Check Doctor Credentials

Doctor information (reports) such as check doctor credentials, medical doctor ratings, doctor background checks , and check surgeon quality, just a few years ago scarcely existed. Most doctor credential information pertaining to disciplinary actions and so on, where kept on the hush side. Now, all that has changed, consumers understand that experience varies from doctor to doctor. With more companies offering doctor credential information consumers are spending more time researching their doctors.

A doctor background check can be accomplished in a variety of ways depending what the consumers wants. Example: If a consumer wants to find out if his or her doctor has ever had disciplinary actions issued against them, the Federation of State Medical Boards (excluding National Practitioner Data Bank) has more doctor disciplinary report information than any other establishment in America, and the cost is $9.95 per report.

Pros

1. They are the undisputed heavyweights of doctor background checks for disciplinary actions.

Cons

1. They only specialize in disciplinary doctor reports.

If consumers want to view medical doctor ratings on particular doctors, their are different choices available. It is not clear what their methodology is based on, however, a popular choice seems to be Health Grades Inc. They have a wide selection of doctors nationwide to choose from, however with such an enormous database, you might want to double check your info for accuracy.

Pros

1. A huge medical doctor ratings database, bigger selection of doctors

Cons

1. Methodologies are not clear

2. Database is so big that keeping updated information is nearly impossible.

For consumers who prefer only a top specialist based on extensive surveys performed, there are three well-known establishments claim they have the best doctors in America. Each one has their own methodology in place, some more extensive than others. They are MDNationwide Inc, with more than 3,000 of the best doctors in America, the Best Doctors establishment with more than 30,000 best doctors in America, and the Castle Connolly establishment with more than 4,500 best doctors in America.

Pros

1. Methodology is much clearer

2. Only elite doctors, based on surveys conducted, are added to these databases.

3. Licensure status, certifications and other credentials are researched.

4. Best doctor databases are smaller, therefore information is easier to update.

5. YOU Get a FREE top Doctor Search

Cons

1. Because the number of best doctors is a small percentage, there is less to choose from.

2. Best doctors do not reside in every zip code or city, therefore you may need to travel several hundred miles.

MDNationwide Inc is a comprehensive source for unbiased advice about America's Top Doctors. Visit us at
MDNationwide Inc
Hugo Gallegos-Author/President of MDNationwide.org Inc
Copyright 2004

Weight Loss : 8 Proven Weight Loss Tips

2006-08-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

8 Proven Weight Loss Tips

There are a lot of "crash" diets out there that promise that you'll drop a considerable amount of weight in days or a week.

I have tried a few of these, and in my experience the weight always comes back on, just as quickly since the weight loss tips given are not something that will work with your body.

One thing you don't want to do if you are actually serious about losing weight is to follow these fad diets and their ridiculous weight loss tips.

After their ineffectiveness has been proven time and again, people will start to wise up to that particular diet, and will head off in search of a new craze.

Lets be honest, people are always searching for new weight loss tips because they want to lose pounds and they want immediate results, but this is just wishful thinking.

To lose weight permanently and effectively it will be a rather slow progress, all depending on your metabolic rate and how much you need to lose.

There are however some proven tried and true weight loss tips for aiding in the weight loss process, and I can make you familiar with them.

Weight Loss Tip 1
Don't skip breakfast. Whatever you do follow this advice, because otherwise you are much more likely in fact prone to binge later in the day.

Weight Loss Tip 2
Don't eat anything for at least an hour before going to bed.

Weight Loss Tip 3
Don't snack while watching TV. It's acceptable to eat a meal while watching television, but never is snacking at this time acceptable.

Weight Loss Tip 4
Substitute fruits like; bananas, watermelon, plums, peaches, and oranges for sugary treats like; cookies and candy.

Weight Loss Tip 5
Substitute honey for sugar, and carob powder for chocolate in all recipes. These taste just as good if not better when used properly.

Weight Loss Tip 6
Eat more vegetables. This can even be enjoyable if you have a good cookbook like Good housekeeping's latest edition.

Weight Loss Tip 7
Avoid unnecessary high calorie foods. Instead of a high calorie salad dressing for instance try cottage cheese or yogurt to improve the salads taste and peel of the pounds.

Weight Loss Tip 8
Exercise at least a half hour each day for five days out of the week. Biking on a stationery bike while reading is a great form of exercise to slim legs.

In conclusion there is nothing stopping you from losing weight except yourself. Get off the "I can't do anything about my weight problem" bandwagon and start dropping pounds today!

For more of Beth's expert advice visit her Website now.

Nine Things You Should Know About Yoga for Children

2006-08-14T07:38:00.002-07:00

Nine Things You Should Know About Yoga for Children

Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents, who are considering Yoga for their children. For your child, Yoga is much more than a kid's fitness class. Just like adults - kids need time to learn to deal with life's daily pressures, too.

Make sure your child starts with easy postures, and be patient with your child's progress. Some beginner children can often be more flexible than advanced adult Yoga practitioners, but they don't know their own limitations.

Discover your child's real passions. When your child wants to go to Yoga class, it is much better than what you want for your child. This is not to say that you should avoid guidance. However, it is not advisable to push a child into a Yoga class, if your child doesn't enjoy it - no matter how popular Yoga may be. All children are different, and what is good for one of your children, may not agree with another.

Encourage your child to see the deeper benefits of Yoga: Learning to live within the moment, and appreciating the present situation, instead of focusing on desires, these are built-in mental assets of Yoga practice. Enhanced concentration skills are another benefit that will result in improved academic performance.

Look for a qualified Yoga instructor, who has experience in teaching children. Make sure the child's Yoga instructor has adequate experience.

Watch your child practice, with his or her, Yoga teacher, and make sure you are comfortable with the environment, policies, and safety guidelines. Rules and discipline policies are usually in place so that each child can learn Yoga and get the most out of their experience.

For your child's safety at home: Parents who are not familiar with Yoga, should not let their "beginner Yoga children" practice anything beyond beginner techniques, without a competent Yoga instructor's approval. Once your child's Yoga instructor gives approval of home practice, you are fine. This one safety factor should encourage parents to learn Yoga, practice with their children, and live a healthy life.

A smaller kid's Yoga class is actually better than a larger one. This insures that your child's Yoga instructor can pay close attention to each student during practice session.

Price should not be the top factor in choosing your child's Yoga teacher. Would you choose the cheapest dentist, clothes, or car? Very often, "you get what you pay for."

Lastly, with steady practice, you should expect to see your child gradually gain self-esteem, stress management tools, self discipline, enhanced academic performance, and improved athletic skills.

Paul Jerard, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Hot Yoga - Bikrams Twenty Six

2006-08-14T07:38:00.001-07:00

Hot Yoga - Bikrams Twenty Six

Even though the world population has shifted from mainly rural to mainly urban in the last decade, there are still lots of folks like me who live in the sticks. Doing things like taking a yoga class becomes a different thing in our case from driving to the neighborhood gym. Since I live 40 miles from the nearest town large enough for yoga studios, when I decided to take a class, I was more interested in the schedule than I was the type of yoga. I couldn't afford to be picky if I preferred not to wait around for a couple hours after getting off work. So I looked in the phone book, and didn't pay attention to anything but the schedule. There it was: M-W-F at 4:00. Perfect. I don't know what rock I'd been living under, but the word "Bikram" writ large across the ad in the yellow pages didn't trigger the term 'hot yoga' in my mind, and that left me in for a big surprise.

I showed up with a comfy pair of sweatpants and a long- sleeved t-shirt. As the woman at the desk was giving me a little orientation information - explaining that the room was heated to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit - I realized that my concept of yoga clothes weren't going to work here. Apparently, I wasn't the first to make this error. Susie told me they had loaners. Now, it's been a while since the last time I wore hot-pants, so when she handed me the little scrap of shorts, I thought, "No way." She said, "Trust me, you'll fit right in."

Susie continued, giving a few more orientation tips, which started to seem like a set of warnings. "Our first-time students are encouraged to rest whenever you feel you should - kind of take it gradually. The instructors just ask that you do your best to stay in the room for the entire time." What? Were we still talking yoga here? I'd seen pictures. Sure, I might not be able to balance on one leg while holding the other one over my head at my first try, but come on. How hard could it be to stretch as far as I could go and stop there? Why would I get desperate to leave the room?

Her next suggestion: "OK, I see you brought a bottle of water. That's good, but you'll be tempted to drink a lot, and I recommend you just drink sips - not too much at a time." Hmm. What was I getting into here? It sounded like I was facing some kind of ordeal - not what I had in mind at all since I was thinking of yoga as a peaceful, low- impact way just to stretch and keep my aging body flexible and strong.

Once I was dressed in the little bit of shorts, I opened the door to the yoga studio and was met with a rush of hot, stultifying air. Oh goody. I walked to an open space, spread my mat, lay on my back, and understood exactly what she meant by asking me to at least stay in the room. I was already dripping sweat, and we hadn't even begun the class.

Ninety minutes and twice through the 26 poses later, I was indeed still in the room. In the non-competitive, supportive atmosphere I had been completely guided to go to my edge, but not so far that I would be turned off by struggle. In fact, I was exhilarated. I lay on my back at the end, eyes closed in the peaceful, very hot room, and knew I'd be back for more.

Carina Snowden is a contributing author to href="http://apexyoga.com">Apex Yoga News the leading
resource for yoga information. Visit Carina's archive of
articles at http://www.apexyoga.com/

Medicine : How Distressing is Social Phobia?

2006-08-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

How Distressing is Social Phobia?

I remember a friend in college who would blush, sweat, and tremble when required by a teacher to speak in class. A few weeks before the presentation, he'd be anxious, agitated, and couldn't sleep. Because I was still a student then, I didn't have any clue what he was going through. But I knew that something was terribly wrong.

A few years ago while in the airport, I noticed a man who'd wait for everyone to leave the washroom before he'd use the urinal. He wasn't comfortable that someone would see him urinate.

In retrospect, I can say (now that I'm a psychiatrist) that those two individuals might have suffered from Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). I just hope that they are doing well now but the symptoms that they manifested at the time were consistent with this devastating illness.

How bad is Social Phobia or SAD?

Social Phobia or SAD is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by extreme fear, anxiety, or distress when exposed to a social gathering or when doing something before a group of people.

Public speaking is the most common situation that exposes the individual's social fears. An individual suffering from this disorder develops significant anxiety symptoms such as sweating, fast heart beat, tremulousness, and restlessness when making a presentation or giving a minor talk. Even small corporate or committee meetings can cause grave distress.

Urinating in public washrooms, eating in fast food restaurants, writing in front of people or signing documents in a bank can also trigger feelings of fear and discomfort. Individuals with this illness are preoccupied with being embarrassed or criticized by others. Some patients feel that people are so focused on them and are only waiting for blunders to happen.

So Social Phobia can be devastating to a lot of patients and their families. Because of their difficulties in a social milieu, some of them have eventually lost their jobs, friends, and spouses. It is an illness that has wrought havoc to many. It is therefore vital that Social Phobia should be recognized and treated without delay.

Is there any treatment for this illness?

Fortunately, some newer antidepressants such as paroxetine and venlafaxine are known to work and have caused significant relief to a lot of individuals. However, these medications don't work right away. They need to be taken daily for a few weeks to see any benefit. Moreover, the medications' maximum effect may occur within 6-8 weeks or longer. To maintain stability after feeling "normal," patients may have to take the medication for several months to a few years.

In addition to medications, cognitive-behavioral intervention also works well. By restructuring the person's cognition, patients eventually learn to face social situations without fear and uncertainty.

Dr. Michael G. Rayel - author (First Aid to Mental Illness-Finalist, Reader's Preference Choice Award 2002) psychiatrist, and inventor of Oikos Game: A Personal Development and Emotional Skills Game. For more information, please visit www.oikosgame.com.

Acne : An Introduction to Acne Treatment

2006-08-14T07:34:00.001-07:00

An Introduction to Acne Treatment

Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. Acne affects almost all teenagers as well as a growing number of adults. It attacks all kinds of skin - with little regard to race or gender - on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. It can take the form of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, nodules and cysts - even permanent scars. Often, acne clears up after several years, even without treatment. Sometimes, however, action needs to be taken.

Acne is formed when skin cells inside hair follicles shed too fast and clump together, plugging up the follicle and causing a pimple. While mostly genetic, acne can be aggravated by any combination of stress, hormonal activity, hyperactive sebaceous glands, accumulation of dead skin cells, bacteria in the pores, skin irritation or scratching of any sort, anabolic steroids, medications containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), moisturizer overuse, hair removal, lithium, barbiturates, androgens, or exposure to high levels of chlorine compounds.

Many acne sufferers think they have no recourse but to wait it out and pray that theirs is not a severe case. Today, an overwhelming variety of preventions and treatments exist to combat every kind of acne, from the humblest of whiteheads to the most vicious cystic inflammations. From kitchen to pharmacy to natural food store to dermatologist's office, there are dozens and dozens of treatment routes you can take, depending on your case of acne.

Over-the-counter topical treatments are your first line of defense against acne outbreaks. Benzoyl peroxide is the most popular chemical for this type of treatment, coming in such sommonly known brands as Clearasil, Oxy, and Neutrogena. It is important to treat acne early on, as all treatments are actually preventions against later outbreaks. For more severe cases, there are oral and topical prescription medications, as well as traditional or laser surgery.

Acne Treatment Info provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment Info is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.

Acne : Do Roasted Peanuts Cause Acne?

2006-08-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

Do Roasted Peanuts Cause Acne?

Many people wonder what the active cause for acne to occur on an individual really is a result from and some folks even attribute it to roasted peanuts. The truth is acne, zits and blackheads can be caused from a variety of reasons. Your diet is really just one small piece of the acne causing problems. Other factors include exercise, cosmetics, diet, hormones, hygiene, medications, shaving and stress. For the subject of this article I'll stick with the diet portion and how it can influence your resistance or encouragement of acne.

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne preventative care is a healthy diet along with a vitamin regiment that should prevent any sort of zit or blackhead outbreak. Here is a small list of healthy vitamins, minerals and other supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts:

Vitamin A,
Vitamin B Complex,
Vitamin C,
Vitamin E,
L-Carnitine and
Zinc

In terms of diet the following measures can be taken with the hope of preventing an acne outbreak or at the very least minimizing further outbreaks of zits and blackheads. It's recommended that you add more fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts to your regular diet. This can be accomplished by eating more salads, dried fruit and nut snacks and by drinking more juices.

It is recommended that you decrease your daily intake of caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates. There have been some clinical studies showing that caffeine can increase the levels of stress hormones inside your body, provoking or worsening acne conditions. This means you should cut back on your consumption of tea, coffee, chocolate and other beverages containing caffeine. The same advice goes for sugar and refined carbs. For instance white bread, rice, flour, and pasta can result in an insulin surge, resulting further in an excess of male hormones that stimulate skin to discharge lots of sebum, which in turn leads to clogged pores allowing bacteria to grow and acne to appear.

Finally it is also recommended that you decrease your dietary intake of red meat and dairy products. Since both are more difficult for our bodies to digest and some researchers say that when the body puts forth an increased effort in the digestion of high levels of animal protein, waste products are not completely processed as usual, instead they can shed slowly, blocking pores, causing acne.

Hopefully these few diet tips will help in your quest to stop the appearance of acne, zits and blackheads. And remember it hasn't really been proven that roasted peanuts cause acne.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com. He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and home acne treatment information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Acne : Mineral Makeup a Natural Acne Cure?

2006-08-14T07:31:00.001-07:00

Mineral Makeup a Natural Acne Cure?

Mineral makeup may offer new hope for acne sufferers. Because mineral makeup has several unique qualities not offered in any other makeup product that make it ideal for helping cure acne.

To understand how mineral makeup can cure your acne it is necissary to look at the seven causes of acne:

1. Genetics. Sadly, nothing can change your genetics. If your parents had acne as teenagers there is a good chance that you will too.

2. Hormones. During adolesence, hormones called androgens become active and stimulate oil glands in your skin, increasing oil production. This, in turn, clogs pores, causing pimples and blackheads.

3. Stress. Although stress doesn't actually cause acne, it can add to the problem by affecting hormones.

4. Diet. Many times what you eat has been shown to cause acne. Most of the time acne is an adverse reaction your body has to a food allergy.

5. Washing your face too often. This can irritate the skin making acne worse.

6. Medications. Many medications can cause acne or make an existing condition worse. Read labels or talk to your paharmacist to find out if acne is a side effect.

7. Using greasy skin care products and oily cosmetics. Most makeup falls into this category.

While these are the casuse of acne it is important to remember that acne is ultimately a result of bacteria growing in clogged pores. Bacteria is organic and thus cannot grow or multiply without the presence of water. This is where mineral makeup plays an almost magical role in curing acne.

Mineral makeup is made of natural minerals derived from the earth, these minerals are not only inorganic but they are also extremely resistant to water. They actually act as a shield on your face keeping bacteria feeding moisture away from your pores. Mineral makeup is not soluable in water so even if you put water directly on your face the minerals will not be absorbed and the water cannot pass through.

Mineral makeup does not clog pores either. Because it is so finely milled during production, the granules are much smaller than your pores. This not only prevents acne from forming, but makes the makeup extremely easy to blend into the skin with a very flawless look and conceals problem areas very well. If you suffer from a break out the finely milled minerals are very effective as disguising it.

Because of these and other unique qualities mineral makeup is known througout the world as the skin care makeup and recommended to acne sufferers by dermatologists. Ultimately, it does not matter what the cause of your acne is, without water to feed the bacteria, and something to clog the pores and hold that moisture in acne cannot form or worsen. If you suffer from acne, mineral makeup may end up being your best friend.

Find more Mineral Makeup information at http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info. Get the facts, ingredients, and benefits as well as advice about which brands are the best.

Acne : Why You Will Never Achieve Long-Lasting Acne Free Skin With The "External" Acne Treatments Today

2006-08-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Why You Will Never Achieve Long-Lasting Acne Free Skin With The "External" Acne Treatments Today

Most of the acne treatments out there just don't have what it takes to get rid of acne.

This is simply because most (or shall I say all) of the acne treatments out there are doing, is just masking the symptoms of acne. And doing absolutely nothing to stop the real cause of acne. Therefore, once you stop using acne treatment, acne will come back again and again every time you stop using it.

This is why acne sufferers continue buy acne treatments month after month (year after year).

And in some cases, most acne treatments will make your acne conditions worse. This is because some acne treatments contains harsh chemical that's not good for your skin, causing it to irritate, itch, peel, and skin dryness.

If you really want to get rid of your acne and achieve a long-term acne free skin. You have to correct the very root problem that is causing acne. You need an internal acne treatment and not the external acne treatments you see today.

You should know that acne is just an external feedback to a much larger problem happening on the inside of your body, and not your skin itself.

So you really need to stop looking at your skin as the problem because acne has nothing to do with your skin and everything to do with what's happening on the inside of your internal system.

Houa Yang is the author of "The Definite Guide To Acne Free Skin." It reveals the same method he personally used himself to get rid of acne in 3 days and stop it from ever coming back for the past 4 years...without any prescription drugs or acne medications! For more info visit: http://www.howtogetridofacne.com

Acne : Acne Prevention Tips

2006-08-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

Acne Prevention Tips

Preventing acne is an extremely difficult thing to do. There really isn't a cure for it, yet it drags yourself esteem way down. So just what can an acne suffer do to help minimize breakouts? Here are some basic tips to help control your condition.

Wash Your Skin Gently:

When you wash you should be very careful about how hard you press or rub your face. If you press to hard it will irritate your skin. This can also break open any pimples that you currently have. So, be sure to press lightly when washing and drying your face.

Dont Pop those Zits:

Popping pimples is a really bad idea. By breaking them open you can leave scares and cause more infection.

Avoid Stress:

Stress will cause you to have a breakout. You need to make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy, and take time to have some fun. This will be one of the hardest things to do when trying to prevent acne.

Loose Clothing:

Loose clothing will be much more easier on your skin when your working out. Tight clothing will cause the sweat and oil to be absorbed into your skin more then it needs to be. Loose clothing will also allow for less irritation from the clothing itself.

These are just some general tips to get you started with your acne prevention. If your acne has gotten out of hand you should always go see your family

Tyler Casselman runs the healthy skin protal at Healthy Skin 4U

Acne : Use Essential Fatty Acid To Help You Prevent or Eliminate Your Acne

2006-08-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

Use Essential Fatty Acid To Help You Prevent or Eliminate Your Acne

To eliminate or clear your face of acne it will require you take a variety of health steps. The use of essential fatty acids is but one step. I have identified 10 different steps but will only discuss one step in this article - using essential fatty acids.

Getting sufficient essential fatty acids is of prime importance in clearing acne. It's these fatty acids that help to control the production of excess androgens - the hormones that surge during the teen-age times It is androgens, which causes excess sebum oil to clog your hair follicle and contribute to creating your acne.

The three fatty acids you need to get daily are:

ทomega-3

ทomega-6

ทomega-9

When you are deficient in these essential fatty acids, you will have,

ทA weaken immune system

ทInflammatory disorders

ทPoor skin

ทSkin eruptions and other wounds that won't heal

ทSebum production increases (this is what happens

when you have acne)

ทSebaceous glands size increases

Eating essential oils are necessary to provide you the right oils that are used in the sebaceous glands. These oils can come from straight vegetable oils or from oils in specific foods such as nuts and seeds.

Here's what you need to do. Use flax seed oil (omega-3 oil) and olive oil (omega-6 oil) in your salad. These are the best oils to eat and are called polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The other oil that is even better for you is called monounsaturated fatty acid or omega-9. This oil is found in avocados and somewhat in olive oil.

Most diets people have contain an excess of omega-6 oil (olive oil), so mostly likely you need to concentrate on getting more omega-3 oil (flax seed oil) into your diet.

You can get omega-3 oil from,

ทavocados

ทsesame seeds

ทpumpkin seeds

ทwalnuts

ทdark leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, kale)

ทwheat germ oil

ทsalmon

ทsardines

ทalbacore tuna

Or, you can take one to two tablespoon of flax seed oil, omega-3 oil, each day. This will give you the amount of omega-3 oil that your body needs. You can add this oil to your morning cereal, soups, smoothies, salads and other liquid foods.

You can get omega-6 oil from,

ทolive oil

ทflaxseed oil

ทflaxseeds

ทgrape seed oil

ทpistachio nuts

ทolives

ทsunflower seeds

ทchicken

ทevening primrose oil

ทpumpkin seeds

ทpine nuts

Taking 2-3 tablespoons of omega-6 oil a day will give you the amount of this oil that you body needs.

So, to control those androgens and help your body reduce the production of acne or pimples start using more essential fatty acids.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. His information can be seen at http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

Acne : Emotionally Dealing with Acne

2006-08-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

Is There A Solution For Acne?

re there acne solutions that really work? If you are plagued by acne this may be a question that you have asked. There are acne solutions that really work and this article will give you some ideas of what you can try so you will be able to find some acne solutions that really work.

Acne solutions that really work idea #1: Check to see if you have a food allergy. Believe it or not this can be the reason for some very nasty cases of acne.

Acne solutions that really work idea #2: If you have problems with digestion this can cause acne because the stomach contains too much acid and then your body can't absorb nutrients you need.

Acne solutions that really work idea #3: Try drinking more water. You should drink six to eight glasses a day because the water will help your body systems to work properly.

Acne solutions that really work idea #4: Be careful that you do not eat too many foods that contain iodine.

Acne solutions that really work idea #5: Many people find that when they cut down on milk, sugar, refined processed food, meats that are high in fat, nuts and white flour, acne is not a problem.

Acne solutions that really work idea #6: Balanced sea salt is a good substitute for iodized salt and can help those with acne.

Acne solutions that really work idea #7: Foods that are high in trans-fatty acids can be a cause of acne. Stay away from these foods.

There are acne solutions that really work and the information above should be helpful if you are faced with acne problems.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com. He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne treatment information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Acne : What is Acne?

2006-08-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

What is Acne?

What is acne? Acne is a term attributed to plugged pores, commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads, pimples, and even cysts or nodules, occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Follicles, often called pores, often get blocked with sebum (oil), which normally drains to the surface, and a bacteria propionibacterium acnes, begins to grow. Both whiteheads and blackheads start out as a "microcomedone" which then become skin blemishes called comedones. Acne can be upsetting, disfiguring, sometimes leading to permanent scarring.

There are different types of acne. A white head is a lesion where trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface. A blackhead, on the other hand, is a lesion where trapped sebum and bacteria partially open to the surface and turn black due to the skin pigment melanin.

A papule is a small solid lesion slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. A pustule, again, is a dome-shaped skin elevation containing pus: a mixture of white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It often has a hair in the center. A macule is a temporary red spot left by a healed acne lesion. It is flat and pinkish, with well-defined borders that can persist for days to weeks. A number of macules can contribute to the "inflamed face" appearance of acne. A nodule is a solid dome-shaped or irregularly shaped lesion, characterized by pain, inflammation and extending into deeper layers of the skin. It may cause tissue destruction resulting in scarring.

A cyst is a sac-like lesion containing white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria. It may be severely inflamed and painful, extending into deeper layers of the skin and can result in scarring.

Who gets acne? Acne affects teenagers mostly; however it can occur in adults of all age groups also. Acne starts between the ages of ten and thirteen and usually lasts for five to ten years. It normally goes away on its own in the early twenties but can stretch into the late twenties or thirties or even beyond. Some people get acne for the first time as adults.

The treatment of acne is not difficult at all. Following a clear regimen helps considerably. Gentle cleansing plus plenty of 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide gives a clear skin as Benzoyl peroxide kills the acne bacteria well. A little itchiness after an application is quite normal, and some people also experience redness of the skin for the initial couple of weeks. However, this will definitely get better because it will cure the acne and prevent any new outbreaks.

Lana Hampton is the webmaster of http://www.theacnecenter.com. Visit her site today for the latest acne information, treatments and product reviews.

Acne : Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosacea Conscious

2006-08-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosacea Conscious

Acne and rosacea patients take note- you must know about proper skin-care and cosmetic usage to successfully manage your sensitive skin. This is the counsel of Dr. Diane Berson, who runs a dermatology practice in New York City.

A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.

Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize possible skin irritants.

Some of Dr. Berson's recommendations for caring for sensitive skin include:

Selecting mild cleansers. Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the skin.

Rosacea patients should not use alcohol-based products such as toners or astringents.

Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing. Julie Harper, M.D., who directs a clinic to treat acne at the University of Alabama at Birmingham laments, "Teenagers think they have acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse."

Using moisturizers. Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati says that when the skin's moisture barrier is intact, it helps the skin to combat environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin's barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with the least amount of ingredients.

Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.

Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.

Using noncomedogenic sunscreens. Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.

Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.

Preservatives. The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.

The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is ensuring the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skin's primary defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen.

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com)

Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1, 2004 Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient problem. May 1, 2002.

E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.

Naweko San-Joyz writes health and beauty articles from her home in San Diego. She recently published "Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne" (ISBN: 0974912204). Naweko is presently working on title called "Skinny Fat Girls, Why we're still not getting this diet thing" (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in May of 2005. To challenge and verify her research, San-Joyz trains for figure competitions.

Acne : Acne and Skin Problem Myths Debunked

2006-08-14T07:17:00.001-07:00

Acne and Skin Problem Myths Debunked

Isn't skin a wonderful thing to have?

An obvious benefit of skin is that it protects our bodies' internal organs from harmful elements like dirt, insects, bites, toxic chemicals, nasty weather, and the like, and it certainly is more attractive than what's underneath.

When skin is healthy it's nice to look at, but when it's diseased, it can not only affect you physically, but more painfully can cause stress and social problems.

Like the common cold, acne and similar skin diseases can be treated and covered up, but cannot really be cured. The best treatment is prevention and knowledge about what makes your skin happy, so that you can avoid skin care enemies and breakout triggers.

The real cause of acne can vary from individual to individual, but some factors can be stated with relative certainty:

1. Acne occurs when pores or hair follicles become blocked or clogged.

2. There are basically 4 types of acne manifestations: whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and nodules.

3. Acne can appear pretty much anywhere on the skin, though it causes the most concern when it shows up on the face. The worst forms of acne break out, however, on the chest and back, and most commonly on males rather than females because of hormonal differences.

4. There are many common myths and untruths about acne, rosacea, and other skin care problems.

Some acne myths include "you'll outgrow it, so leave it alone", "being out in the sun helps acne", "acne problems are directly or indirectly proportionate to sexual activity", "acne visits dirty people", "acne is contagious", and too many more to list in this short article.

The sad thing is that belief in the myths can be devasting, in that proper treatment is avoided, and lifestyle changes that don't need to be made can take away pleasure unnecessarily.

For example, at one point in my life, I truly believed that I was allergic to chocolate and that it caused my breakouts. Whenever I would succumb to the temptation and have "just a little" I would stress out waiting for the red spots, and sure enough they would appear.

After several years and much experimentation, I learned I had no allergy, the stress was a trigger for me, and a new over the counter face scrub has kept me in the clear ever since.

Knowing what triggers your breakouts can be the difference between constant battles and healthy skin. The Internet is a wonderful place to get the information you need, so stop stressing out and learn what it takes to put your best face forward.

Dennis Becker has developed a free e-Course titled "Ultimate Acne Prevention and Treatment Guide" which debunks the myths and shows you how to look great consistently. The e-Course, along with other skin care articles can be accessed at:

http://www.skin-care-advice.com

Acne : Emotionally Dealing with Acne

2006-08-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

Emotionally Dealing with Acne

It is a fact that nearly 17 million people in the United States alone currently have acne. Thus, acne is the most common skin disease. However, if so many americans are afflicted with this skin disease, then why is there a social stigma with acne? Due to the ever increasing social and media pressure on americans to become as beautiful as they can be, acne can be a detering blow. If acne is untreated, then it can lead to disfiguration of the skin and permanent scarring affecting self esteem for years to come.

First, acne must not only be treated physically, but emotionally as well. Since acne predominantly affects teens during puberty, which is a stage of generally low self-esteem as the body develops, acne can cause deep emotional scars as well. How does a teen, who is constantly bombarded by media influences telling them that they have to look perfect, accept acne as a common problem that should have no effect on their personal worth? There are several tips that these teens can do that can help overcome acne emotionally.

Attend Motivational Summer Camps
Join Clubs at School
Participate in Sports
Develop a Talent
Work at a Part-Time Job
These tips help build self-esteem that acne breaks down. For instance, if a teen participates in sports, then not only will they feel that they are part of a group (comradery) but also revel in the accomplishments of the team. A Part-Time job gives the teen a sense of worth, that they can be a valuable part of the work force. The money earned helps gives the teen more self-worth, that they have earned it. If the teen has a natural talent, such as music, the parents can encourage the teen to develop the talent.

Developing a talent not only instills within the teen a healthy work ethic (practice), but seeing the gradual improvement will help boost self-esteem. Perhaps the largest resource that teens can use to overcome the emotional scars of acne is their parents. If parents talked to their teens regularly, and have open conversations with their teen about their acne, then the teen will feel less ashamed of their dilema. Parents can also relate their own experiences with acne, since most americans deal with pimples and zits at least in some point in their life. Parents can also get advice from other parents on how they have helped their teens deal with acne.

On AcneRelief.org there is a forum where both parents and teens can write about their own experiences with acne, and learn from what others have written.

While acne can be devestating for teens during the developmental years of puberty, the worst scarring can be emotional, not physical. Teens should always remember that acne is a common skin disease that affects many americans. If acne is hurting their self-esteem, parents can boost their self-worth by maintaining open conversations with their children and encourage activities such as clubs, sports, and developing talents.

Dan Goggins is a recent college graduate with interests in small businesses and family life. You can read family and business advice at his website.

Acne : Acne - Prevention And Treatment

2006-08-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

Acne - Prevention And Treatment

Acne is the most common skin related ailment in the United States, and although it is non-lethal it can have very detrimental psychological effects due to its highly visible nature and the scarring it can cause on the skin. Acne can effect all age groups but it is most prominent in the 12-24 age group.

Acne is most common among teenagers. It is caused when excess oil on the skin (which is ordinarily absorbed or let out of the pores) clogs the pores causing sores which are often called pimples, zits or spots. Teenagers often suffer from hormonal imbalance in the oil producing glands during puberty, this can cause too much oil to be produced leading to acne.

Acne typically occurs on the face, neck, and upper body. It is most commonly found on the face, this is particularly bad since it is the most visible place the acne can occur. Facial acne can cause great embarassment to its sufferers.

It is not understood why some people never develop acne whereas some people suffer chronically from it. As already mentioned hormones have a great role to play in acne formation, in particular the male sex hormone androgen. This hormone is produced in the bodies of boys and girls at puberty and can cause acne to develop. Changes in hormones caused by pregnancy or contraceptive pills can also induce acne.

Hormones are not the only factor present in acne formation. Surpisingly, while not really inheritable, acne can be traced along hereditary lines. So a family history of acne can raise the chance of young people in that family contracting it at some point in their puberty. One good measure you can take to prevent acne is to ensure you keep clean. Uncleanliness can be a factor in acne development (although by no means is it the only factor). Humidity and pollution can lead to acne also by blocking pores.

On the other hand, there are many popular myths and delusions about what causes acne. Acne does not occur as a result of stress, or of eating chocolate and greasy food.

Also, acne is not an infectious disease, i.e. it cannot be transmitted by touch or through a sexual intercourse (like Chlamydia ~ which is also a skin disease but is transmitted sexually).

Acne prevention, if possible at all, is very difficult. What can be done is to take the necessary measures not to make it worse. In most cases, a visit to the dermatologist is mandatory in order to prescribe treatment but still there are remedies that do not involve drugs.

The most important rule is to keep one~s skin clean and not to squeeze the pimples. Squeezing the pimples temporarily removes your enemy from your face but it does not remove the cause for the disease and what is worse ~ if the pimples get infected, more treatment will be needed.

As already mentioned, hygiene is very important for keeping acne under control. When skin is dirty, this places an additional burden on the pores, thus making oil secretion even more difficult. Therefore, it is recommended always to use clean towels (preferably paper ones, since they cannot have been used by somebody else before you) to wipe one~s face. Also, often change your pillowcase, because it is another item that frequently comes into contact with the face.

Using specially designed cleaning lotions can help to remove oil, sweat and acne-producing bacteria from the face, just take care not to scrub your face too hard as this can irritate any pimples on your face and make the acne worse.

David Perzman is the owner of
ACNE Life -- lots of information and resources on Acne containing articles and a free newsletter.
For all the information you want, go to:
http://www.acnelife.com

Acne : Cystic Acne and Some Natural Treatments

2006-08-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Cystic Acne and Some Natural Treatments

More severe cases of acne tend to be characterized not just by the presence of pimples and blemishes, but also by the formation of nodules or cysts. Acne that involves the development of cysts is called cystic acne.

A cystic acne lesion is much larger than a regular pimple, sometimes 5mm or more in diameter. These lesions can be hard and painful. Cystic acne lesions are filled with pus but should not be squeezed. Squeezing a cystic lesion can lead to a worse infection and inflammation. The lesions are prone to scarring and should be taken care of by a dermatologist, who often uses procedures to reduce swelling and to lessen the likelihood of scar formation.

In severe cases of cystic acne, it may be a good idea to consult a dermatologist about treatment. But there are many holistic remedies and preventative measures one can take against cystic acne. An alternative medicine practitioner should be consulted about some of these holistic remedies, while other more common procedures can easily be performed at home with no medical supervision.

Many dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners believe that cystic acne can be controlled to some degree through diet. Cystic acne is often the result of an unknown allergic reaction to particular foods.

The first step in controlling cystic acne through diet is to experiment with the systematic elimination of certain foods. It is also helpful to add certain foods to your diet that are known to help in the recovery of severely acne prone skin.

Sugary foods and foods that contain milk or dairy products are commonly the trigger for cystic acne. As you experiment with eliminating these food types, be sure to read package labels closely so that you are not ingesting sugar and dairy products unknowingly. Be aware that it may be several weeks before you notice a change.

Foods containing trans-fatty acids are also a common irritant to skin prone to cystic acne. Foods like margarine, shortening, fried foods, salty snacks, soda, and meat contain trans-fatty acids and should be avoided.

Many people who suffer from cystic acne find that the addition of fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin A carotene can help to ease their condition. These foods include dark leafy vegetables, and yellow-orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, yams, and squash.

It is also helpful to drink up to four quarts of purified water a day to eliminate toxins and to help the transportation of essential nutrients to the skin.

Cystic acne can also be aggravated by stress. Alternative medicine practitioners often suggest making yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation part of your daily activities. These activities can help to reduce stress levels, thereby decreasing the skin's tendency to produce cystic acne lesions. Getting enough sleep is also essential in holistic therapy treatments.

Sufficient and appropriate cleansing is also an important part of holistically taking care of skin prone to cystic acne.

To clean your skin effectively, wash it gently twice a day using warm water. Do not scrub or use harsh cleansing agents that are abrasive or high in Ph, which can aggravate the condition. Mild soaps are more effective. To dry your skin, pat it gently with a soft towel.

If you are considering treating cystic acne holistically, these tips are a good place to start. You may wish to consult an alternative medicine practitioner about further herbal and holistic therapies.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Acne : Acne Program - Step 12 Change The Way You Think

2006-08-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Acne Program - Step 12 Change The Way You Think

Your thoughts have a lot to do with why you have acne. Most people will not even give this idea a single thought. You can get rid of acne without changing your way of thinking, but your thoughts will create some other illness that you might not see.

Most illnesses begin with the way you think, the way you are, or your basic philosophy. Your thoughts create chemicals that flow into your blood and affect the function of your entire body.

So if you have acne, it was created by the way you think. If you have ulcers, heart problems, or anything else, these were created by the way you think. Your thinking prevents you from eating and doing the things that you need to do to have good health or clear clean skin.

If you have acne or any disease, it is an opportunity for you to stop and think about why you have it. Acne is an expression of your thinking. Everything about you - the way you walk, the way you talk, the way you dress, that way you eat, the diseases you come down with, the way you do everything - originates in your thought process.

Here is one place to start your self-examination.

Start by being more accepting of yourself. What I have learned in the past is that no matter how much you put yourself down or how critical you are of yourself, it will not change the world around you. The world and you are still the same.

So, just get over it. Stop fighting who you are.

Accept yourself as you are and get on with the purpose of your life. Just get on with it. Don't worry about what other people are thinking and doing. That's their problem not yours.

You need to learn how to "face yourself." When you have acne you may not want to look at yourself and "face who you are?"

If you have acne, there is always some underlying emotions and feelings that are being expressed by your acne. Look into yourself and try to see what you are saying with your acne.

If you cannot find it, see if you can relate it to constipation. Constipation and a toxic colon is typically the cause of acne. But to go one-step further, all physical illness are created by some emotional unbalance that you are holding onto.

Acne can be a representation of repressed traumas that you have experienced as a child when you were growing up. I know you may not want to hear this. But, Acne can be an expression of those traumas trying to burst out of the repressive mechanisms that your body creates to prevent you from facing these traumas until you are ready to do so.

Some effort has to be make to connect and release these traumas, otherwise as you clear your face these traumas can move to some other parts of your body where they will be unseen and destroy tissue and body functions.

If you have a negative thought, ask yourself this question, "does this thought or idea help me or others become a better person?" If not, then let go of this thought and move on to a better thought and a better place in your life.

Good Luck To You

Follow the 12 steps for getting rid of acne and you will get results. Follow these steps and your face will clear and become smooth and lovable.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call "natural-remedies-thatwork.com." More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

Acne : How to have beautiful Face Skin Free of Acne

2006-08-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

How to have beautiful Face Skin Free of Acne

To have beautiful, soft, radiant skin you need to eat plenty of the right fresh fruits, vegetables, fiber, and water. Water and fiber are critical because it helps to move out toxins using the regular channels of elimination rather than using the skin as an exit point.

A word of Caution: Sudden face or body eruptions can indicate a potentially serious medical condition. If your blemishes look large and like welts, this could be caused by a serious medical condition and you would need to see your doctor immediately.

You can deal with you acne or skin problems by, also applying known nutritional and herbal remedies that give you better health and give your skin the nutrients it needs.

The beauty of your skin is a reflection of the health of your organs and upon your psychological condition. The way the inside of your body looks like is reflected on your face, physical appearance and your thoughts.

The amount of work you put into clearing your acne will determine how quickly you clear your face. By being consistent in following good health practices, you will be able to get rid of your acne.

If your acne is heredity, it is not true that you cannot do anything about it. If you know that other members of the family have had acne and previous generations also, then you are susceptible to acne. Knowing this, you can now arm yourself with some powerful nutritional and hygiene habits that will prevent acne from taking hold.

Traditional Medical Acne Treatments

I do not recommend using medications for acne, such as,

* Benzoyl peroxide - opens pores to kill bacteria

* Antibiotics - erythromycin, tetracycline - kill bacteria everywhere it goes in your body and skin.

* Retin A - helps to break open plugged pores, prevents new plugged pores, and helps to prevent scarring.

* Topical steroid, cortisone derivative, drug

These drugs and many others have serious side effects that you will want to avoid. If you are dark skinned and are using Benzoyl Peroxide, you can end up spotting your face as a side effect.

Most of these medications take three to ten weeks to provide results.

All my recommendations are for natural methods to relieve acne.

Different Remedies

In future articles, I will be outlining some of the remedies and steps you need to take to clear your acne. These remedies and natural foods that you use will not only help beatify your skin but will also help you to get rid of acne.

You may have to experiment to determine what works for you. By providing you with many choices, this gives you the best possible chance of you succeeding in gaining better health for your face. Also, not all remedies provide the same benefits to each person.

So this is where your experimental skills come in. You may have to test a few things, but in the process you will be learning about how to take care of your body. This information will stay with you a lifetime.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call "natural-remedies-thatwork..com." More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at:
http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

Acne : Clear Skin

2006-08-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

Clear Skin

Want clear skin?

Clear, beautiful skin is the object of desire for many, and thanks to modern nutraceutical and cosmetic technology, a new natural acne and blemish fighting supplement offers powerful skin clearing benefits as well as skin toning, smoothing and age prevention.

Just as certain popular prescription skin clearing medications, this acne supplement helps clear existing acne and blemishes, but in addition to that it also helps to heal and smooth old acne scars and give the skin a refinished surface by delivering just the right amounts of key antioxidants and natural hormone balancing agents to the skin, eliminating damaging free radicals and restoring skin tone and clarity.

While the primary purpose of this skin supplement is to clear the skin of acne blemishes and residual scarring, many of its ingredients also serve a double purpose of skin clearing and antiaging.

Several ingredients used in the formula are known to help firm and "plump" the skin, thereby reducing lines and wrinkles, as well as helping to reduce the appearance of any scarring from old acne blemishes. This precise combination of natural compounds actually helps destroy the free radicals that are responsible for the chemical reactions that cause damage to and breakdown of collagen, the skin's biggest support system.

So, how can these antiaging properties can also lend themselves to clear, beautiful skin?

Think of your skin as an artist's canvas and think of collagen as the wood and nails that support that canvas. The artist's canvas is stretched on small supportive beams of wood, attached by small nails. The canvas (skin) is taut because of the fact that it is stretched and firmly supported by the wood and the nails (collagen - skin's biggest support system).

Over time, or perhaps because of some type of trauma, the nails and wood (collagen) supporting the canvas (your skin) will break down, causing the "canvas" to pucker (skin's equivalent sagging and loss of tone). This skin sagging results in higher visibility of acne scarring since the tautness that held it up is now slackening it's hold, creating a "crater" effect or "puckered" effect, making the acne scarring more visible.

So, do you see the benefit of combining skin clearing agents with skin firming agents? It's truly the best way to attack acne problems and get on the road to clear, beautiful skin!

Danna Schneider is the webmaster of CosmeticsGalore.com, a cosmetic and beauty product review site. The acne treatment discussed in this article can be found at http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/acuzine-reviews.html

Acne : Whats The Real Cause Of Acne?

2006-08-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

Whats The Real Cause Of Acne?

Most acne medications only mask the symptoms of acne and does nothing to stop the real cause of acne. This is why people buy acne products month after month (year after year). And every time they stop using the product acne would come back again and again.

What you need to do is find out what the real cause of acne is and stop it.

So what's the real cause of acne?

Acne occurs when your body contains more toxics than your kidneys and bowels can remove. (Your kidneys and bowels are the two primary channels of elimination that your body expel toxics and waste products through.)

These toxics can be the accumulation of fat stored chemicals the liver can not wash out or there may be a problem with fat digestion, fat accumulation, food allergy, or even the accumulation of hormones that your body produces.

Once these toxics build up, your kidneys and bowels can get overloaded and clogged up, causing it to not function properly. When that happens some of the load will be dumped onto your liver. One of your liver's main roles is to metabolize pile up fat into usable energy for your body.

This means, your liver will be doing some of your kidney's work. So now, your liver gets overloaded and it too will not work at full capacity.

What happens when your bowels, kidneys, and liver gets overloaded?

When that happen your body will expel toxins through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). And this is when acne occurs. This is when your skin starts to breakout.

But whatever the toxic source is that's causing this problem, acne is a sign that your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, waste products, or hormones.

It is a sign that your liver is growing weaker in its detoxification abilities (and it will continue to grow weaker if you do not do what it takes to get rid of the toxics in your body).

So if you think that acne is your only problem, think again, your liver, kidneys, and bowels are getting weaker every time you breakout.

Hair Loss : Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?

2006-08-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?

The effectiveness of modern hair loss treatments is clear for all to see, but many people simply prefer not to use strong chemicals or non-natural substances.

If you fall into this category, does this mean you'll just have to accept an ever-decreasing head of hair? The answer to this is an unequivocal NO!

Many natural hair loss remedies, both traditional and contemporary, have shown their worth in reducing and reversing hair loss. They are also perceived as being free from side effects and even deliver additional health benefits.

Why then, don't we hear a lot more about these natural hair loss remedies? Simply because claims of cures cannot be made without FDA approval, and obtaining the FDA seal of approval involves lengthy and expensive scientific research that only major companies can afford. Even the biggest companies could not recoup the costs of such a process as no-one can control the rights to common natural substances such as basic foods and vitamins.

The big question however is, do natural hair loss remedies work? Firstly, hair growth at root level is a living part of the body that depends on sound nutrition, just like any other part of the body. The importance of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional elements in maintaining healthy hair cannot be disputed.

Secondly, the role of herbs and plants in treating numerous ailments is receiving increased recognition after years of neglect, and hair loss is no exception. Many herbal remedies for both internal and external use are offering new hope to people suffering from premature hair loss.

Thirdly, traditional hair loss remedies may still have something to offer. Ancient literature and folklore reveal that our ancestors went to great lengths to treat thinning hair. Some of the more acceptable traditional approaches are now being incorporated into many potential treatment regimes.

Other articles in this series tackle each of these areas in much more detail but you can find out more now by visiting the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Natural Hair Loss Remedies to find out more about the issues covered in this article.

Hair Loss : A Better Understanding Of Laser Hair Removal In 5 Minutes

2006-08-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

A Better Understanding Of Laser Hair Removal In 5 Minutes

Men and women from all walks of life are turning in increasing numbers to laser to remove unwanted hair from their bodies. The most popular areas are faces, backs, legs, armpits and bikini lines. The latest machines allow specialists to remove hair from virtually any part of our bodies, as long as it is fully grown hair and not just peach fuzz. After six months of treatment, we can expect that somewhere between 60 and 95 percent of the treated hair will be gone.

Does laser hair removal work for everybody?

Laser hair removal works best with people who have light-colored skin and dark hair. The latest lasers work with almost all skin types, but generally speaking, people with darker skin and light-colored hair (white, grey or red) are not good candidates for laser.

If laser does not work for you, there are many other techniques you can explore, such as waxing, sugaring or electrolysis.

How does it work?

Hair grows from follicles, which are located underneath the skin. Follicles are dark in color because they contain melanin-the protein that gives color to our hair. Laser generates heat as it goes through the skin and it is attracted by the darker color of melanin. The laser rays generate enough heat to kill the follicles and prevent new hair from growing while not damaging the surrounding skin.

Our hair grows in cycles, which means that only some hairs are growing at any given time while others are dormant. Laser techniques can only target active hair so you usually need several sessions a few months apart to target all the hair in a particular area.

What about laser hair removal costs?

The American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that the average session costs $388. Laser hair removal prices vary according to the area that you want treated. For example, the price of treating your upper lip is significantly lower than treating your legs or your back. Generally speaking, you can expect laser hair removal costs to range somewhere between $200 and $600, depending on the area you are treating and your clinic.

Even though laser hair removal prices can be steep, you should keep in mind that laser techniques are much more comfortable than the alternatives of electrolysis or waxing and that the results will last for years.

What should you look for in a doctor?

There are literally thousands of places offering laser hair removal, but not all of them employ certified technicians. To be on the safe side, it is best to consult with a dermatologist trained in laser hair removal. During your initial consultation, your doctor will first decide whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. After that, he or she will explain the procedure, ask for your medical history and give you a number of instructions to prepare for the session.

How can I prepare for my session?

Avoid tanning. Tanned skin increases the chances of skin discoloration. Also avoid waxing or plucking the area to be treated. Instead, shave the area two to three days before your appointment and allow some stubble to grow back. Some doctors might recommend that you apply a cream with lidocaine-a mild anesthetic-an hour before the session begins.

Is it safe?

Laser hair removal is a safe technique. After each session you might experience some redness and mild swelling, but this should quickly go away. It is recommended that you avoid the sun and strenuous exercise for a few days after the treatment. In some rare cases, patients might experience pain and blisters. In extreme cases, permanent scarring or skin discoloration can occur.

Jim Stacey is an editor at the Laser Hair Removal Directory where you can find more information and listings of laser hair removal providers across the United States.

Hair Loss : Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?

2006-08-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?

Hair Loss : Treatments That Offer Hope To Hair Loss Sufferers

2006-08-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

Treatments That Offer Hope To Hair Loss Sufferers

Many people experiencing premature hair loss simply resign themselves to a process that is as inevitable as growing old. This is a positive and healthy reaction to what is a natural process for many. But for others the onset of premature balding or excessive hair loss represents a traumatic development that causes untold worry and suffering. This too is a legitimate reaction regardless of whether the hair loss is caused by hereditary factors or some other more complex cause.

Should these sufferers just grin and bear it? No, they should not because there are a number of potentially effective treatments they could utilize, depending on the nature of their hair loss. In this article I will outline some of the most popular hair loss treatments currently available in order to reinforce the fact that hair loss can be treated. The next article in the series will look closely at the treatment regimes best suited to specific ailments such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.

At present only two medications have been approved as hair loss treatments by the FDA. These are minoxidil, better known as Rogaine, and finasteride, better known as Propecia. Several other drugs have proven to be effective in combating hair loss, dutasteride for example, but have not yet been approved for this particular use.

Finasteride was originally developed to treat enlarged prostate conditions but a low dose version was subsequently approved for the treatment of hair loss in men. It tackles the causes of male pattern baldness by preventing the conversion of 5-alpha-reductase into DHT. Given that DHT is the main male hormone linked to hair loss, reducing its production by two thirds has a major impact on controlling this type of baldness.

Research has shown that 83% of men studied were able to maintain their hair count and 64% experienced regrowth by the end of a two year period. It should be noted that finasteride is approved for use by men only as the drug can have serious effects on unborn male fetuses. Women should therefore only consider using this drug under the strict supervision of a physician.

Dutasteride (Avodart) is a new medication for use in treating prostate conditions and, although not yet approved for the treatment of hair loss, it does offer exciting possibilities. It works in a similar way to finasteride but reputedly reduces overall DHT production by over 93%. As is the case with finasteride, women should consult their physician before using dutasteride.

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the other hair loss treatment approved by the FDA and it is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Applied topically, its main benefit is its ability to stimulate regrowth thus reversing the effects of pattern baldness. Many users combine the application of minoxidil with other hair loss treatments like Propecia to achieve maximal results, but others experience satisfactory outcomes using minoxidil on its own.

Several studies have shown that certain non-drug products promote hair regrowth but none have yet been approved by the FDA. This is partly due to the prohibitive costs involved in conducting trials to prove that the products are effective for the purpose of marketing them as hair loss treatments. Many individuals and dermatologists nonetheless recommend use of certain non-drug treatments as an alternative or complement to drug therapy.

In many instances the treatments are based on natural ingredients that stimulate similar responses to those of the prescribed drugs but without the side effects. The information provided here presents a sample of products that have been subjected to testing or at least have had their effectiveness supported by independent feedback.

One such product is Arcon Tisane which has become Europe's top selling natural supplement for hair loss. It comes as a capsule and sub-lingual spray containing saw palmetto and fenugreek stimulating a response similar to that of finasteride by inhibiting the production of DHT. Arcon Tisane has been clinically tested and has received widespread media coverage of its success in combating hair loss.

Calosol is a relatively new product aimed at helping alopecia areata sufferers. It consists of a shampoo and an accelerator applied daily in order to stimulate hair roots, reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair. Early indications suggest that Calosol can contribute significantly to easing this distressing and difficult to treat condition.

Fabao 101 is a treatment that comes in varying formats, each designed to tackle a particular form of hair loss. The common factor to each product is their derivation from natural plant sources. It was developed by a dermatologist and has received many international awards.

Folligen copper peptide products are designed to help create an environment that improves scalp health, reduces hair loss and stimulates hair regrowth. It can be used by both men and women. Studies at over 30 leading universities and medical research institutes have established the effectiveness of the technology utilized in Folligen products.

Tricomin is another treatment that targets the delivery of copper to the base of the hair follicle and it too has been clinically proven as an effective treatment for stopping hair loss and stimulating regrowth. It can be used safely with other hair loss treatments and can be especially useful in complementing the effects of finasteride and minoxidil.

Revivogen is an all-natural hair loss treatment that reduces DHT production, blocks the androgen receptors and stimulates hair growth. It is used topically and has no known side effects.

Shen Min is another natural hair loss treatment designed to restore and regrow all types and stages of hair loss. It is safe for both men and women. Shen Min contains a blend of Chinese herbs and comes in various forms to suit most people.

ThymuSkin was developed by German scientists to fight hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Due to the high success rates the product was developed for use by the general public to combat all types of hair loss. Clinical studies conducted in Europe show that ThymuSkin hair loss treatments could help to stop baldness and regrow hair for 67% of men and 95% of women.

Hopefully this article has demonstrated that many treatment options are available to hair loss sufferers. The next article in this series will develop the theme further by examining the treatment regimes that have proven effective in tackling specific forms of hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss.

Hair Loss : What Are The Common Hair Loss Causes?

2006-08-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

What Are The Common Hair Loss Causes?

One of the most worrying aspects of hair loss treatment is the tendency of so many people to seek solutions without first determining what has caused their loss in the first place.

At best, sufferers may waste money on inappropriate 'wonder cures' or even legitimate treatments that unfortunately are not suitable for their particular needs. At worst, some people may be risking their health by self-prescribing powerful pharmaceutical drugs. I don't have a problem with hair loss sufferers saving money by purchasing cheap generic drugs on the internet, but I feel strongly that they should at least seek confirmation from their physician that a given drug matches their individual needs.

Before examining the most common causes of premature hair loss we need to understand that some shedding of hair is perfectly normal. Hairs grow from follicles that are tiny organs in the skin designed to grow a single hair that follows this repetitive cycle:

1. Lengthy growth period (Anagen Stage) - this phase usually lasts between two and seven years with an average growth rate of six inches (15cm) each year.

2. Short transition period (Catagen Stage) - this period of transition lasts for roughly two to four weeks. During this phase the hair shaft becomes detached and moves upwards within the follicle.

3. Resting period (Telogen Stage) - this phase lasts about three months allowing the hair to detach itself prior to falling out.

At this point a new hair begins to grow thus repeating the normal cycle of hair growth. Unfortunately a number of factors can interfere with the natural hair growth process leading to forms of hair thinning or premature baldness.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, probably accounting for as much as 95% of pattern hair loss for both men and women. It is usually associated with aging and develops in predictable stages over varying periods of time. Each follicle follows a genetically programmed growth cycle with some follicles coded to remain active for a shorter time than others. This results in the development of the hereditary baldness patterns that are so familiar to us all.

For this type of baldness to occur, the following factors must be present:

1. A genetic predisposition for hair loss to occur (as explained above).

2. The presence of male hormones.

3. Aging - in other words, enough time for the first two factors to exert an influence.

All men and women produce male hormones such as testosterone and DHT. These have a useful role to play in both sexes but obviously occur in widely differing concentrations. It is the higher levels of androgens found in males that explains why this form of hair loss affects men more than women.

In brief, these hormones affect the hair growth cycle as follows:

1. High levels of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme occur in some cells of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands.

2. 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into DHT.

3. DHT causes the terminal hairs to miniaturize.

4. This leaves short, soft, fluffy vellus hairs that provide inadequate scalp coverage.

5. The growth phases gradually become shorter until these hairs are lost for good.

Alopecia areata is thought to be an immune system disorder that causes follicles to stop producing hairs in patches on the head. In severe cases it can advance to the stage where all hair on the head is lost (alopecia totalis) or even a complete absence of body hair results (alopecia universalis).

In most cases the hair will reappear on its own but until then, the condition can be very distressing to sufferers particularly as its cause can be difficult to determine. If you feel you may be suffering from this form of hair loss, seek the advice of your physician who will carry out a physical examination and conduct blood tests to help determine the cause.

Telogen effluvium is characterized by a general thinning or shedding of hair over a period of months and is most commonly found in people who have recently experienced trauma. Common causes include childbirth, major surgery, severe illness, psychological stress and chemotherapy. The good news is that the abnormal growth behavior associated with telogen effluvium is temporary and reversible.

There are numerous other less common hair loss causes that need to be discounted before a course of treatment is chosen. Traction alopecia is the loss of hair from constant pulling, usually as the result of hair styling. Broken hairs can result in thinning, often caused by excessive styling or exposure to chemicals and sun. Finally, severe illnesses or nutritional deficiencies can cause side effects that may include degrees of hair loss.

I hope this brief article has gotten across the message that diagnosing the real causes of hair loss is not always a straightforward process. Once you and your physician have identified a cause, then you can work towards restoring your hair to its former glory. And the good news is, most forms of hair loss can be treated successfully. The next article in this series will look at some of the best hair loss treatments currently available.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss.

Hair Loss : Are Hair Loss Treatments Just One Big Scam?

2006-08-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

Are Hair Loss Treatments Just One Big Scam?

The hair loss industry is not one that inspires great confidence in most people. I have to admit this is perfectly understandable given the damage caused by the many rogues and charlatans who have abused the trust of far too many vulnerable people - people who have received worthless and even dangerous products or advice in exchange for their hard earned cash. The end result is the prevalance of a stigma that the industry is hard pressed to shake off.

But is this perception really justified nowadays? Are there no genuine treatments that sufferers can turn to in a bid to treat the ravages of premature hair loss? The simple answer is YES, there are several safe, affordable, accessible and effective hair loss treatments currently available. Some have even been approved by FDA for the treatment of hair loss conditions while others draw on natural remedies as the basis for commercially available products. Whether or not any of them are suitable for a given individual depends on a number of important factors.

First and foremost, every individual must determine the exact cause or causes of his or her hair loss. This may appear to be an over-simplistic statement but the truth is, most people undergoing a course of treatment for hair loss have proceeded on the basis of self-diagnosis. Given the fact that premature or excessive hair loss is often associated with underlying medical conditions, this is perhaps not the most sensible course of action.

My advice in all cases is to seek the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner because the consequences of not doing so may be serious in a small number of cases. Even where all the evidence points to the onset of hereditary male pattern baldness it would probably be best to seek advice, if only to rule out other factors.

Once the cause of hair loss has been properly diagnosed you will be in a position to choose a suitable form of treatment. This may range from the prescription of drugs aimed at balancing disrupted hormone levels to the topical application of minoxidil to reduce the symptoms of male pattern baldness.

Hair loss may be caused by many factors including changing hormone levels, illness, stress, overuse of strong chemicals, excessive traction, poor grooming practices, side effects of medical treatment, poor nutrition, weak immune system and the effects of aging. The good news is, all of these can be tackled with reasonable hope of success but only if you choose the right treatment.

The next article in this series will look closely at the various causes of excessive hair loss and outline suggested treatments that are both affordable and accessible. If you take only two things from this article, please take these suggestions on board:

1. Always seek the advice of your physician before undergoing a hair loss treatment regime.

2. Don't despair, there's often a simple explanation for excessive hair loss and even hereditary loss or male pattern-type baldness can be treated successfully for most people nowadays.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss.

Quit Smoking : The Best Ways To Quit Cigarette Smoking For Good

2006-08-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

The Best Ways To Quit Cigarette Smoking For Good

Like any other addiction, the smoking phenomenon has a plethora of marketers and snake oil salesmen ready to leap upon your misery. You will get pills, injections, patches, books, support groups, books and even the idea of genetic modification as ways to quit cigarette smoking.

But listen. There is only one way which can truly beat the cigarette habit, and that is to simply stop smoking. It is a wonderful concept, because it is so simple in statement, and yet many people find it incredibly difficult to successfully execute.

Out of the many ways to quit cigarette smoking, the only method which has a mass of anecdotal evidence to support it is that of quitting cold turkey. Now, that is not to mean you can't use a secondary method to help you with quit the cigarette habit cold turkey; on the contrary, that is encouraged.

I smoked 40 cigarettes a day for a decade, yet I was able to quit very quickly and without any of the side effect such as weight gain, dizziness, cravings or a change in temperament. Ostensibly I simply packed in the smokes cold turkey, but in order to do that successfully, I had to rewire my brain by looking at the habit differently.

Out of the many ways to quit cigarette smoking, it was hypnotherapy that did it for me. Now, I know it is likely you think of hypnotherapy as going into a seedy office with an even seedier man who has a pencil moustache and swinging medallion. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Hypnotherapy does not involve going into a trance. It doesn't even have to mean leaving your home. There are plenty of books and CD products which act as hypnotic therapy. Using hypnotherapy to kick the cigarette habit is really quite simple - it changes your views of smoking. Whereas you might argue that smoking helps you shed anxiety, hypnotherapy will question whether that is really the case. In essence, hypnotherapy removes the reasons you have for smoking. If you have no justification to smoke, then you won't feel the need to pick up a cigarette.

Nicotine patches, nicotine gum, herbal cigarettes and the like are all ineffective ways to quit cigarette smoking. Smoking is primarily a psychological addiction, and these remedies don't cure the psychological bond you have with cigarettes - they just strengthen it. How many times have you gone to the cinema for three hours without smoking? In fact, I'm willing to bet that the only time you did want a cigarette was when you actually thought about the fact you had not smoked for a while.

In conclusion, it is essential that you break the psychological addiction to cigarettes. The only way to break the psychological addiction is to break down the thinking patterns your brain has developed over the course of your smoking career. The best way to do this is through hypnotherapy. If you are intent on quitting the cigarette habit, ensure you don't replace one dependency with another one.

Jonty Smith is packed in his 40-a-day smoking habit this year, and did it quickly and painlessly. His story and secrets of how he managed to beat the habit are available for free reading at (http://www.How-I-Stopped-Smoking.com)

Quit Smoking : Quit Smoking Inside Your Head

2006-08-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

Quit Smoking Inside Your Head

According to the last census in 2004, there were 44.5 million smokers in the US, of which 70 percent wanted to quit smoking. 31 million people, who light up every day, want to kick the habit, but just can’t seem to get over the hump.

This, despite the serious proliferation of patches, gum and pills that are supposed to help you quit smoking with relative ease by slowly cutting back the amount of daily nicotine intake. Unfortunately, for most to quit smoking it takes more than just a systematic system of dosage reduction. What is required is reprogramming of the way your mind and emotions work.

Smoking for many people is a tension reliever. If, on a daily or even hourly basis, you fire up a smoke and tell yourself it’s good because you’re blowing off steam, coping or keeping yourself from going on a destructive rampage, then you give the cigarette all the power it needs to control your life.

Forget about the physical addiction to nicotine. Caffeine is probably a mightier beast to tame. Forget about all the extra preservatives and chemicals the major brands slip into the cigs to make them burn faster and taste better. Yes, those too are addictive and require willpower to disentangle from, but the hardest part about kicking the habit is all the emotional baggage tied up with taking your cigarette break.

In your mind, you’ve created a mini vacation out of taking a puff. Cigarettes are saving you.

In the self-help and addiction world there are things called affirmations. If you do anything on a daily basis, it becomes a habit - exercise, writing in your journal, flossing your teeth. Habits can be very potent because there is an inherent power in doing something repeatedly and making it part of a daily ritual. The cumulative effect of habit.

Habits take even stronger holds in your mind. The way you say things and think about things and work things out in your mind is very, very important. In fact, research has shown this very process to be the primary shaper of your life. If you’re negative and say negative words, think negative thoughts and expect the worst, well, in all likelihood that’s what you are experiencing and what you will continue to experience. Conversely, positive affirmations are tools to improve your life and get things back on a fulfilling path.

Anyway, you have a habit of smoking. The physical act of pulling out a cigarette and lighting it and sucking it down is enough over time to make it so. If you attach to the physical act of smoking, a ton of “positive” associations like, “It’s a break, a relief, a stress reduction,” you have a very powerful affirmation telling your mind, body and emotions that you should continue to smoke.

Telling yourself, “I can’t cope if I don’t smoke,” is stronger than any of the physical addictive traits that smoking comes packed with. So, that is where you need to do your work, if you, like 31+ million people in the US have admitted, wish to quit smoking. You can do it, but for it to stick and be effective over the long haul, you have to work the mental and emotional aspect of it.

Step one – Detach the next time you’re craving a cigarette and while you are smoking observe what’s going through your mind. See how you position smoking as a sort of safety net or even a lifeboat. Even all those aholics anonymous groups realize the first step is admitting a problem or issue exists. And, if you can step back and observe yourself as you go through the ritual of smoking, you will start to see and understand the intricate inner workings that keep you smoking.

Step two – Find a program that clearly shows you on a mental, emotional and spiritual level, why you are addicted and helps you resolve the issues that trigger the “I need a cigarette” response. Of course, working on those issues is often a lifelong process, so replacing cigarettes with a positive action like exercise is often a good stopgap.

Step three – Forget the patches, pills and gums. They don’t work long term. You simply need a really good program that uses such tools as affirmations, Nuero Linguistic Programming and/or hypnosis.

You can Quit Smoking today.

Quit Smoking : Cannabis- Narcotic with Therapeutic Effects

2006-08-10T06:37:00.000-07:00

Cannabis- Narcotic with Therapeutic Effects

Cannabis has connection with mankind for thousands of years. Cannabis has psychoactive and therapeutic qualities. The cannabis plant can grow up to five meters in height in the wild. It flowers between the fag end of the summer season to late autumn. The earliest reference to cannabis has been some Chinese records written in 2800 BC. Cannabis is a wild plant in many Asian countries. Cannabis is widely deemed to have originated in India. Many indigenous communities across the world have been using cannabis for several purposes like religious, recreational, and medical. Many physicians prescribe medications having cannabis to patients suffering from such ailments as glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, HIV, and cancer, besides several others. Cannabis also provides the vim to the heart and the results have been proved to be akin to a person exercising regularly in the gymnasium!

Nowadays, cannabis is identified as a drug. Cannabis is banned in many countries. Often, cannabis users deprived of the drug have been found to be aggressive in nature. In other words, cannabis is addictive psychologically. The effect is quite similar to steroids that are anabolic in nature. What is more, addicts of several hard drugs have been found to be the sources of major sociological or health problems. But a study has shown that cannabis users are less prone to create such nuisances. More than 400 chemicals constitute cannabis. Cannabis has been used by many indigenous people because of its psychoactive effects. The primary psychoactive element in cannabis is ‘THC’ or tetrahydrocannabinol.

Too much of cannabis smog can adversely affect the blood pressure process and a person can even faint due to this effect. People having a history of such health problems like circulation and heart disorders, besides schizophrenia must totally avoid cannabis. Such people can have complications even if they become passive smokers. Habitual cannabis smokers suffer from lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchitis. Moreover Therefore, the best way to avoid being a cannabis addict is to say ‘NO!’ to the drug the first time ever. There is always the risk of a habitual cannabis user taking to more harmful psychoactive drugs like cocaine and heroin.

The cannabis plant, Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica, is also known as hemp, cannabis, and marijuana. Cannabis is nicknamed variously as grass, resin, dope, herb, pot, smoke, puff, weed, marijuana, and ganja, besides the hundreds of other names. Despite the bans, many youth have been found to be hooked to cannabis across the globe.

Cannabis has more tar as well as carcinogens (agents that cause cancer) than tobacco. It is to be noted that this drug affects the body more than alcohol, tobacco, and amphetamines. In fact, cannabis is more addictive than the aforementioned three popular addictive elements.

The strongest and concentrated form of cannabis oil is manufactured from the cannabis resin. The resin is dissolved, filtered and finally evaporated. In the United Kingdom, this oil is bracketed along with cocaine and heroin and is a drug under the Class A classification. The cannabis resin is extracted from the cannabis buds as blocks. These cannabis blocks are then heated and crumbled when they become ready for use.

The hue of the cannabis resin can vary from green to dark brown. This form is popularly called ‘hash’, ‘soapbar’ or ‘black’. The herbal form of cannabis is known as ‘skunk’, ‘weed’ or simply ‘grass’. It is prepared from the dried or powdered buds of the cannabis plant. Researches on cannabis have thrown up interesting data. Take for instance the finding approximately 46 per cent of people in the age group from 14 to 30 have been hooked to cannabis even if temporarily. What is more, 50 per cent of these people have subsequently returned to the herb. Cannabis smoking has been found to be more popular then net surfing in the USA. While in the UK, as much as 78 per cent of the people held for drug related offences have been found to possessing cannabis.

Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published one popular adventure book for children and has published more than 1000 articles for various sites, as such
http://www.betterlivingsite.com/,

http://www.shapeuphealth.com/,

http://www.lifesourcewellbeing.com/

Quit Smoking : Smoking Sucks: How I Quit Smoking!

2006-08-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Smoking Sucks: How I Quit Smoking!

I quit smoking my last year in the Air Force, and at that time, it was not easy to quit. And, that's because back then (1970), smoking was fashionable...it was the "thing to do," and it was trendy, etc. If you didn't smoke back then, you were some kind of square or cube. People smoked everywhere...on talk shows; in eating places; at work, etc. And, there were cigarette ads everywhere...on television, radio, newspapers, magazines. on billboards. At that time, smoking was acceptable...but, not any more!

When I was growing up, my father made a belt out of leather for my mother to use on as kids if we mis-behaved, and my mother used it when necessary! She used to keep the belt in the bottom drawer in the kitchen, and when I heard that bottom drawer open, I knew somebody in the family was in trouble! It was the discipline of my mother, that helped me to accomplish things in my life that I would have never attempted before.

When I enlisted in the Air Force, it was four years of discipline that helped me to accomplish things in my life that would be difficult without it. So many things in life require discipline such as losing weight; starting and finishing a job; building a website and completing school, etc. So, it was discipline that helped me to quit smoking, etc.

Peer pressure was a factor as well, and I had to decide if peer pressure would have an effect on my quitting smoking! Peer pressure is not just for teen-agers. Peer pressure will follow us all to the grave, by those who want us to go in a different direction with our lives! Yes, there were people who didn't want me to quit. They would do such things as: blow smoke in my face; leave a pack of cigarettes laying around for me to see; light up a cigarette in front of me and so forth.

These were negative people, who couldn't quit smoking themselves, and they didn't want anyone else to quit smoking either. They're what I call "excuse-makers." People who always have an excuse as to why they CAN"T do anything! They never talk about what they CAN do, and they're the jealous and resentful type! In writing this piece, I am not a crusader or an activist for anything. If people want to commit suicide one puff at a time...be my guest! I don't really care!

Thirty years ago, smoking was the "in" thing to do, but how things have changed! Today, smokers are slowly being pushed off the planet, by those of us who place a high priority on our health, and the health of those around us.

I was never a heavy smoker...about a pack a day, but that was a pack too much! I quit smoking in the most unusual way, and that was by getting sick. I got the worst cold, flu and chest congestion that I had ever had. But, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise...a silver-lining in my life! You see, I tried to quit smoking twice before and couldn't do it, so I didn't know what to do. Back then, there were no medications and patches to help like they have today.

Getting sick was lucky for me and I'll tell you why. With the stomach flu, where I couldn't keep food down; a deep chest congestion and all the rest that went with it, I was miserable! The last thing I wanted was a cigarette! (YUK) And, during this awful time in bed, I went about TEN days without a cigarette, and YAHOO was I excited! TEN days without a smoke, and this turned out to be the beginning of the end...the end of smoking! TEN days without a smoke, and who knows, maybe I could go all the way, and then it was 11 days...14 days...without a smoke and I felt I was on my way to quitting.

Like the little train that could...I know I can...I know I can...I was headed up the steep mountain. I thought that if I could just get to the 30 day mark, I think I could make it. It would be quite an accomplishment starting out! Agony; depression and suffering is how I would describe the next few days. I had to stay out of my whining and self-pity mode, and just keep going straight ahead. Up the mountain I went...16 days without a cigarette...21 days...I was going crazy!

FINALLY, 26 days...28 days...and 30 days without a cigarette! I DID IT! (Yahoo!) I loved to "X" out all those days on the calendar, which was a feel good feeling for sure. I thought the first 30 days would be the toughest part, but there was a long way to go. With all the temptation around, it would not be easy the rest of the way, and it wasn't!

Week after week and month after month, I struggled in my effort to quit smoking, and now I would never give up! This was the best start I had ever had, and I intended to make all the way. I think quitting smoking or losing weight, is not so much a physical challenge, but requires a "mental toughness!" The discipline and sacrifice it took to think I can do it...I can do it! Month after month I continued on my journey.

When all the dust settled, to took me about TEN months, to get the cravings for a cigarette out of my system, to finally quit smoking! I DID IT! (Yahoo!) More than 30 years have gone by now, and I have not so much as touched a cigarette during this long period of time, and I don't plan to either. Why would I want to put poison back in my body?

To show you how serious smoking affected me, I was married for 19 years. When I first met my wife she smoked, but it was back in the 1970's, so I thought nothing of it. But gradually, over the years, smoking became an irritant to me. I told my ex wife that I would help her quit smoking, but I think she never wanted to. As time went on, she was always coughing and choking on a cigarette. First thing in the morning...a cigarette! Last thing at night...a cigarette! She was always coughing and choking and I was getting upset! We began to fight more and more over smoking!

It got so bad, that we were not even talking to each other much anymore as we used to. If two people are arguing and fighting with each other on a regular basis, they will soon not like each other! That's just human nature. So, what I am trying to say here, is that smoking played a part in our break-up! Who wants to kiss an ash tray anyway?

Today, (2006) I am single, and smoking is a very serious issue with me. I am so concerned about my health as I get older, that if a woman crosses my path and she smokes...she might as well keep going. I have zero tolerance for smoking!

email; humordoctor@aol.com
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Quit Smoking : Diseases Caused by Smoking Made Sal's Dad Angry

2006-08-10T06:28:00.001-07:00

Diseases Caused by Smoking Made Sal's Dad Angry

This is Sal's story.

It's about diseases caused by smoking, and if you start this story, read it to the end, but don't start if you're squeamish.

Sal's Dad died angry. And guess what? Most smokers die angry, and Sal said not only was her Dad eaten up by cancer, he was eaten up by vitriol against himself and the tobacco companies.

Before Sal's Dad got caught with one of the predictable diseases caused by smoking, his favorite saying was, "I'll give up smoking when I'm ready." And he did give up... but he wasn't ready.

No way was he ready to give up life, but that goes grimly hand-in-hand with giving up smoking when you have no choice, ready or not.

He wasn't ready to face the long slow decline, the complete takeover of life as he had known it.

Nothing else was important - money; the nearly finished bathroom with the imported Italian tiles; his precious daughter Sal's engagement party; the gardening club trip and lots of other things he had looked forward to.

Sal's Dad agonized and beat himself up over his past decisions. Cell by cell his body died as he re-lived each cigarette by cigarette he had smoked with regret. Many of the diseases caused by smoking have warning signs, but Sal's Dad had just grabbed another cigarette to help relax and cope whenever he had felt out of sorts.

He was not ready for nature's hand. How dare this happen to him. Oh if only, if only...

No smoker is EVER ready. Many famous people who died before their time used their fame and money to campaign and rail against smoking, as they gasped, moaned, screamed, dribbled, oozed and hacked slowly from this world.

The original Marlborough Man - this tough, tanned cowboy riding on his horse, looking healthy, sexy, rich and popular - desperately made a video to help other smokers, as he succumbed to one of the diseases caused by smoking - cancer. But just as desperately, the big tobacco guns destroyed every copy they could find. (There are still a few underground grainy copies left in the US.)

What about sexy Humphrey Bogart, star of many great films and arguably the finest film ever made - "Casa Blanca." His signature line was lighting 2 cigs at once and then passing one to a beautiful woman, saying oh so coolly, "One for me and one for my chick." He died of lung cancer aged 56 at the height of his career and life.

Smoking diseases got to handsome Yul Brunner before he was ready too, and he passionately implored young people not to start, as he struggled to the end.

Ayn Rand, highly intelligent, famous author and founder of Objectivism, was quoted as the world's most rational woman leader from the late 50's to early 70's. In her day it was so cool to smoke that she declared she distrusted people who didn't smoke! Lung cancer claimed her early in 1982.

Can you see today's "beautiful people," the stars of screen and sport who smoke, struggling in agony, with tubes in where most of their throat used to be, or with legs amputated because of gangrene due to lack of blood flow, or being implored by a nurse or a loved one to keep breathing, as each breath sounds like hail on a roof and their whole chest wants to explode?

Forget about them, can you see yourself if you're a smoker for that matter? The diseases caused by smoking don't care who they claim and when. They don't care if you've got plans for your future.

Every single cigarette is dragging you towards an early, angry and regretful end.

There is nothing more precious than life, which is why you automatically look before you cross the road - to avoid danger.

You can be careful around traffic.

You can be careful what you eat.

But you can't be careful with smoking - you smoke or you don't - no compromises... just bitter regrets, like Sal and Sal's Dad.

Megan Carter's website, The Ultimate Quit Smoking Guide http://www.quitguide.com is right up-to-date with information to make quitting smoking a breeze. A novel free gift is yours with a subscription to Hot Quit Newsletter.

Quit Smoking : The Dark Side Of Quitting Smoking

2006-08-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Dark Side Of Quitting Smoking

Thinking of quitting smoking?

Relax.

I used to be in your position. I know the score. I smoked 40 cigarettes a day for years and, amazingly, the thought of quitting cigarettes actually managed to make my supersonic pulse race even faster. So I urge you to relax, even if you are entertaining the thought of kicking the cigarette habit.

There is nothing I hate more than new born non-smokers. You know the guys - those people who smoke for decades, pack it in, and then start ticking you off over your habit. I fought for the rights of smokers when I did smoke, and I still battle for smoker's rights as a non-smoker.

Now. Let me tell you how a non-smoking life has worked out for me. I'm guessing you believe there is no hotter hell, as you would inevitably think about cigarettes all day long, suffer from immense cravings, mood swings, weight gain, sweating etc. To be honest, nothing could be further from the truth.

Kicking the cigarette habit was a piece of cake for me. I don't say that to rub it in your face - I say it because it could be just as easy for you too. All you have to do is choose the right method in order to quit. If you decide that quitting smoking has to be a struggle, then you will struggle. If you work on debunking the reasons you have to smoke, then you won't smoke and you'll be perfectly happy about it.

Life has been good since I stopped smoking. I don't miss it and, strangely enough, it actually looks quite foreign to me. I no longer remember what inhaling a cigarette feels like. I now run several miles a day, which just instils plenty of energy. I'm fighting fit and in the best shape of my life, which is wonderful in terms of my interaction with the opposite sex. I find I can function for longer and be more productive - all my procrastination has gone. And the best part? I'm much richer - I suddenly find that I have cash bills in my wallet that aren't being spent.

Dark side to kicking the cigarette habit? Can't really think of one, to be honest. I'm sure others who have tried to quit smoking will give you some horror stories, but you really shouldn't listen to them. There is absolutely no good reason why quitting smoking should be a difficult chore. If anything, it should be something you thoroughly enjoy from the moment you extinguish that final cigarette. Just ensure you choose the right method when you do make the decision to stop.

Jonty Smith packed in his 40-a-day cigarette habit in early 2006 after spending only 4 hours trying a new method. He has made his story and method free for viewing at his website (http://www.How-I-Stopped-Smoking.com)

Quit Smoking : How To Make The Right Choices To Help You Quit Smoking

2006-08-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

How To Make The Right Choices To Help You Quit Smoking

The first thing you have to do in order to be successful in your quest to stop smoking is to make a conscious choice that you have that goal. The mechanics of how you go about achieving your goal will vary among different people with some using the patch, some under going some kind of hypnosis or other therapy, and other medicinal products that are available in the market place.

As with any addictive substance, for someone who is attempting to quit smoking they will need some kind of support group in most cases. For many people just the fact of having the support of friends and family can be the catalyst that makes them stop, others may need the encouragement and accountability that is afforded through an outside support group. There are surely support groups in your area, but there are many available online as well.

Positive results can be had when attempting to quell your habit if you get friends involved in helping you to reach your goal. Having the moral support of your peers and friends is a big motivator in behavior modification which is why many commercial support groups and advertisements for stop smoking aids stress the interaction between people as being important.

For people who feel the need to use medicinal aids to help them stop their nicotine cravings there are numerous drugs available including nicotine gum, the nicotine patch as mentioned above, and other substances that endeavor to help wean the body off of cigarettes by using nicotine sources that don't cause harm to your body like smoking does.

There have been many drugs recently approved by the FDA that are nicotine free which work to free people from the nicotine habit by replacing the body's need for nicotine with a craving for something that is less harmful which is then lessened gradually to rid one of their addiction.

Additionally there have been some new anti smoking vaccines recently tested and approved by the FDA that can be included to help those who can't seem to stop any other way. This is kind of a bizarre method to me that introduces a virus in the body of the smoker that causes a reduction in the need for nicotine.

Everyone has their own reasons to stop smoking, some may be cosmetic, and some personal, but the main reason for anyone should be for good health. It is a known and proven fact that cigarette smoking is linked to a laundry list of maladies.

Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more about Quit Smoking Support at http://www.quitsmokingplus.com

Quit Smoking : Stop Smoking Products that Double Your Chance of Success

2006-08-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

Stop Smoking Products that Double Your Chance of Success

Once you have made the decision to stop smoking, you have a wide variety of methods to help you keep your resolve. Many smokers have successfully quit for good by combining nicotine replacement therapy with a medication called bupropion, or Zyban. Statistics indicate that using these products together will almost double your chance of stopping smoking for good.

Nicotine replacement therapy is delivered in the form of a gum, skin patch, nasal spray, or inhaler. These products provide a substitute source of nicotine, without the other harmful toxins found in cigarette smoke. When you use any of these products, they will reduce or eliminate the withdrawal symptoms that plague smokers when they quit smoking. It is recommended that you continue using these products for between three to five months. Each month, you will decrease the amount of the product used, to taper your nicotine dependence.

Zyban is a prescription medication that you get from your physician. This drug works directly on the chemicals in your brain that cause nicotine cravings. You will start taking this medication about two weeks before your planned quit date. This way, the drug will be at the optimum level in your body to help you battle the nicotine cravings. You will continue taking this medication for seven to twelve weeks after you stop smoking.

The prestigious New England Journal of Medicine published a study that found combining Zyban with nicotine replacement therapy is an effective way to help people permanently stop smoking.

Both Zyban and nicotine replacement products offer extensive stop smoking programs and support systems to help you permanently quit smoking. By combining these products, and taking advantage of the support programs they provide, you will double your chances of stopping smoking for good.

Gerri Stone publishes tips to help you stop smoking at http://greatquitsmokinginfo.com/

Quit Smoking : Get a Stop-Smoking Vaccine to Help You Quit

2006-08-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

Get a Stop-Smoking Vaccine to Help You Quit

If you have been smoking cigarettes for one year or many years, you’ll know how addictive they are. Your body gets used to the nicotine and the smoking habit, and it lets you know when you need to have a smoke break. What if you could free yourself of that craving, and improve your health at the same time? A stop-smoking vaccine, or injection, can help you do just that.

There are various methods and products available to help you quit smoking, and each one of them is effective for some people but not for others. Some of these methods include natural herbs, nicotine-free cigarettes, nicotine gum and patches. One of the methods that has proven to be most effective, with over 70 per cent of smokers having success in quitting, is the stop-smoking vaccine.

The vaccine, which must be administered by a doctor, works rapidly once you receive it to block the receptors in your brain which recognize and crave nicotine. Stopping the craving for nicotine is the most difficult and important part in quitting smoking, and the results of this vaccine show themselves almost overnight. Once you no longer have to worry about craving nicotine, you will have more energy and willpower to devote to breaking the smoking habit.

Along with the need for nicotine, there is simply a habit in stopping for smoke breaks, having something in your hands, and the social part of talking with others about your day while having a cigarette. You can learn to replace these habits with other, healthier behaviors that don’t make you crave a cigarette. Try talking on the phone, or going outside for a five-minute walk. Even chewing gum can help break old habits.

Your doctor will be able to provide you with all of the information you need on stop-smoking vaccines, including how effective it will be for you, if there are any possible side effects, and what the cost will be. Although the cost of the vaccine is not incredibly high, you may consider it out of your budget. But take a minute to think about two things: how much you would spend on cigarettes over the course of your life, and what types of health problems you could end up with from smoking. This helps to put the cost of the vaccine in perspective, and you’ll realize that it is definitely worth investing in.

Learn more about stop smoking injections at http://quitsmoking.activitiessite.com/

Quit Smoking : Beating the Nicotine Smog - Simple Steps

2006-08-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

Beating the Nicotine Smog - Simple Steps

We daily burn money! And, all for nothing! The smoke costs us money and the smog also ultimately bleeds us white! Still we can’t say ‘NO!’ to smoking. So, Beware! The villain is nicotine! In fact, nicotine is one of the most addictive of materials on earth. The worst part of it is that nicotine has millions of people in its throes. Nicotine can have serious effects on a person’s health. It is always advisable to stay away from nicotine. What is more, nicotine smog can affect the passive smokers as well. In fact, researchers have found that passive smoking is very dangerous. Irrespective of whether a person is a smoker or a passive smoker, the indisputable fact is that both can contract heart problems over a period of time. Smoking cigarette can also lead to asthmatic problems. These ailments raise their heads after a person crosses his middle ages. And needless to say, the person then will have to fight a really tough battle to even breathe! The culprit is the habit of smoking with nicotine being the catalyst!

Nicotine enters the human body mostly through cigarettes. When a person starts smoking, the nicotine emanating from the burning cigarette affects the person’s brain. That portion of the person’s brain gets affected which is directly connected with the pleasure modes of the person. Nicotine works on a person’s pleasure highways. As a result, nicotine compels the brain to play with a set of pleasure trips.

Once a person gets a flavor of these pleasures, it becomes rather tough for the person to bid goodbye to nicotine. Ultimately, a person becomes totally dependent on nicotine not only psychologically but also physically. Smoking conjures up an aura of positive wellbeing as it hikes the volumes of dopamine and neurotransmitter to the brain. Under such circumstances, a person fails to quit the habit. On the other hand, such pleasure feelings force the person to smoke more. On the other hand, this is also the reason why a person trying to quit smoking cigarettes starts getting the withdrawal syndromes. These common withdrawal symptoms are anxiety and depression. They are also accompanied by the person becoming easily irritable. He/she may also lose appetite and have problems in moving the bowels.

The withdrawal syndrome results from the brain not getting the artificial means of augmenting pleasure as the very nicotine sources, the cigarettes, are not there. In simple words, the neural highways are deprived of the hitherto regularly supplied catalyst, the nicotine.

There are innumerable medications that claim to help the people quit smoking. However, one thing is for sure, though. One quits smoking more then a hundred times! Hence, the most plausible way to say goodbye to smoking is to first convince yourself that you do need to quit smoking and that too immediately. You can start mind control exercises to condition your mind in such a way that you would refuse the next urge to smoke a fag.

Many people take to chewing gums. The constant munching can be a good exercise for your jaws and the gums. These sweetened gums are, however, not recommended for the diabetics. Alternative medicines have a whole lot of medications to help the people quit smoking. One vital herbal medicine is just a tincture of oats (the garden variety and not the oat straw) to beat the fag feeling.

There are also immense psychological effects of a person’s mental outlook taking effect on the person’s body language. There are instances of person carrying in their pockets dummy cigarettes. The moment they feel the urge to smoke, they whip out the dummy fag and they feign smoking for a few seconds. But, thank god this is a fag sans the smog.

After all, it is all in the mind. Think and thank your strong will power. Say No to nicotine today for a better future.

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

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Quit Smoking : When You Just Can't Quit Smoking Cold Turkey

2006-08-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

When You Just Can't Quit Smoking Cold Turkey

The fight to quit smoking can either be taken on alone or you can take advantage of various assistive treatments and accessories that can help you in your efforts to quit smoking and stay quit. Luckily for you there's no shortage of treatments for people who want to quit smoking (that's you of course). No matter where you live you'll find a resource nearby that can help you quit the habit. You can choose from prescribed medications, patches, gums, inhalers, hypnosis, self-help groups, laser therapy and of course special clinics where they "train" you how to quit through various methods.

Nicotine replacement therapies are one of the most popular paths for many quitters to take. You can choose from nicotine patches, gums and nasal sprays. Beyond that you can start look at prescription treatments like Chantix and Zyban - the two most popular pills to help you quit. Both of these treatments basically attempt to wean you off nicotine and to reduce or remove the pangs and withdrawal symptoms that most(but not all) smokers experience.

Both Chantix and Zyban are prescription only medications. Do not attempt to take either of these medications without first consulting with your family doctor or a qualified medical professional. There are contraindications for these treatments for people with hypertension and epilepsy for example - never just assume because the medication is approved that it's safe for anyone to use.

Many people are now also looking to alternative medicine for help with their smoking habit. Herbal cigarettes have become far more popular on the basis of this. Smoking is smoking however. Inhaling a herbal cigarette versus a normal cigarette will mean that you're avoiding 90% of the toxins but you're still forcing your lungs to inhale and process smoke - which is something they don't enjoy. Herbal cigarettes also tend to be quite pungent and won't prove to be popular if you decide to smoke in a bar or at a party. Imagine a burning rose bush and you'll have the general idea of what they tend to smell like.

Another popular alternative to modern medicine is either acupuncture or acupressure. While dismissed as quackery by some doctors the more open minded medical practitioner recommend these treatments in addition to normal medication or nicotine replacement therapies - a synergistic approach if you will. Both acupressure and acupuncture focus on specific parts of the body and by applying pressure there the trained alternative healer can reduce your nicotine addiction issues, boost your immune system and even increase the release of endorphins into your body. Endorphins are the feel good chemicals your body releases under certain conditions - like when you sneeze for example - that massive sense of relief and elation is due to endorphins.

If you've tried everything (all of the above) and still can't quit smoking then it's time to look at using a clinic that specializes in helping you quit. Some of these clincs (those by Allen Carr) offer effective treatment within the same day. I've personally seen people quit smoking after attending one of his clinics - the only single downside of this is that there's no record of how many people stay quit after attending any clinic to help them quit smoking.

You're not alone when you're trying to quit and neither are you short of treatments and aids to help you end that nasty nicotine addiction once and for all.

This article was provided by QuittersGuide where you can learn about how to quit smoking.

Quit Smoking : 5 Wonderful Benefits I Have Gained Since Quitting Smoking

2006-08-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

5 Wonderful Benefits I Have Gained Since Quitting Smoking

I had a 40-a-day smoking habit for a decade, but finally managed to quit earlier this year. Since then, I've encountered many wonderful benefits which have come as a direct result of smoking cessation.

Don't you find it tiresome always hearing about the negative effects of smoking? Or even the negative effects of quitting smoking? I think it's about time you heard what kicking the habit can actually do for you in real, pragmatic terms…and I'm going to use my own experiences as examples. So here are five excellent benefits I've gained since packing cigarettes in.

1. My weight has gone right down. In fact, I'm in the best physical shape of my life. It amazes me how people scaremonger about putting on the fat after stopping smoking; you hear all sorts of arguments ranging from decreased metabolism to increased appetite.

Well, as far as I'm concerned, leaving smoking behind actually restored all the energy I had lost. Previously I felt like I was living in a permanent state of my head being covered by a plastic bag. With the recovery of energy, I've been able to reinvest that back into exercising and, consequently, I am weighing in at a lean 165 lbs - a total loss of 60 lbs.

2. My prospects in dating have improved. There are two main reasons for this. The first is the knock-on effect of the weight loss - not only has that increased my confidence and brought out the "real me", but it has also made me dramatically more physically attractive to the opposite sex.

Secondly, whether we like it or not, smoking is now an anti-social habit. If we light up anywhere these days, we're going to get a raised eyebrow. By packing in the habit, I've shown prospective dates that I am not owned by the habit, and that I have the mental strength to conquer such addictions. You too can quit the habit, get yourself a wonderful partner, and attribute the turnaround to packing in cigarettes.

3. I am much more productive than I used to be. Again, this is directly linked to the restoration of energy I have experienced. When I smoked, I used to be constantly lethargic, never managing to wholly focus on a task, and dragging my feet wherever possible.

Nowadays, I take on tasks with gusto. With all the energy I now have and the improved self-esteem and courage, I am a bubbling individual who is desperate to get stuff done. I used to attribute my fatigue and lack of proactivity to depression, but now I believe it was completely down to the idleness that smoking brings about.

4. I am in the best financial health of my life. I have saved over $2000 since I stopped smoking, and that has gone straight into my savings account. That is a $4000 swing on my financial destiny, and really goes to show how smoking can cripple your cash flow situation.

A remarkable occurrence you will notice after packing in smoking is how your wallet or purse suddenly finds itself stuffed with cash. When we smoke, we routinely hand over cash notes every day of the week; after quitting, you'll notice they start piling up. You'll never be short!

5. I am the happiest I have ever been. All of the factors I outlined above contribute to my overall state of happiness, and the bar has never been higher. Do not underestimate the significance of this, for surely there is nothing more important in life than being happy.

Think about it. Since quitting smoking I have become lean and physically fit, seen a dramatic boost in my confidence, self-esteem and ego, find myself on a sound financial footing for the first time in years, am actively involved in sports clubs and consequently find myself in new social groups, can complete just about any goal I set myself, and am enjoying the heck out of the dating scene.

All of this has been achieved in a growing snowball manner from the moment I extinguished my final cigarette. If you wish to emulate some of my results, then you too will need to take that decision. I quit smoking using a very easy way that only took 4 hours to learn from home, but you may choose to do it a more difficult way. Either way, it makes little difference - you will always need to look to the long-term. It is what you do today that defines who you are tomorrow.

Jonty Smith packed in his 40-a-day cigarette habit within 4 hours of trying a custom program. If you also wish to quit smoking for good in the comfort of your home, then you can read Jonty's complete story and method at his website: (http://www.How-I-Stopped-Smoking.com)

Quit Smoking : Three things to help you Quit smoking

2006-08-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Three things to help you Quit smoking

We have all tried to quit smoking at some point in our life. Some of us have tried to quit cold turkey, while others have used one or more of the numerous products for sale. You may have even tried the hypnotherapy or laser methods to help you kick your habit. For some of us these methods help, others end up quitting these and going back to the cigarettes. There is a saying that I have heard on TV and Radio and it goes something like this “Do not quit, quitting”. This is very true and unfortunately very sad, for many of us that have fallen to the addictions of nicotine. Well I am going to share with you three things I have done to help me to kick the habit.

The first thing I did when I began to quit smoking was to get my family behind me. Now I am not talking about those family members that live outside your house. Your house should be a smoke free zone while you are kicking your habit. My wife smoked for a few months and then she quit. This one was really easy for me, as my house was going to be smoke free, as soon as I put the cigarettes and lighter away. I just needed her help and that of my kids to remind me why I was quitting.

The second thing I did was to remove all smoking essentials from the house. These are the ashtrays, lighters, alcohol, and the smokes. I also cleaned the walls, curtains from the smoke residue and used Febreze to freshen the air. This made it so I wouldn’t see or smell the cigarette smoke. There by making it easier to deal with the cravings that was sure to follow. The first three days are the hardest and that is where on of the many nicotine drugs can come in to help ease that time.

The third thing I did was to find something to keep my hands busy. You might think this is a crazy idea but if you really think about it, this makes sense. You spend all these years putting your hand to your mouth. That is a habit that is physical and comforting to us. We associate cigarettes with moods and use them as a calming mechanism. By this means we have developed another habit within a habit. We get addicted to the nicotine and then we get addicted to the motion of putting our hand to our mouth all day long. I smoked 45-50 cigarettes a day before I finally quit. Figure if I put my hand to my mouth 10 times for each smoke that is 450-500 action each and every day. I had to find something to take that place and I found mine in playing with my kids more, which the absolutely loved. You will and should find yours.

It took me many years to finally kick the habit and I am happy that I have done so. I wish you luck with your addiction and if you finally kick the habit, I would love to hear about your story on how you did it.

Jon Irwin is a writer for FML, a group dedicated to helping people with addictions. You can find the lastest resource at http://www.lastsmoke.info.

Send any email inquiries to office@lastsmoke.info.

Quit-Smoking : Psychological Effects of Smoking

2006-08-10T05:31:00.000-07:00

Psychological Effects of Smoking

The mishmash of physiological and psychological effects provides many positive reinforcements that smoking quickly becomes an established habit. As the term tolerance implies, a smoker actually becomes accustomed to having a certain level of nicotine in his or her body. In fact, research studies have shown that (without realizing it) smokers regulate the number of cigarettes they smoke in order to maintain their own personally preferred level of nicotine. For example, smokers who are given a very high nicotine cigarette will puff less often than usual, so they don’t take in more nicotine than their preferred amount. Likewise, with a low nicotine cigarette, the smoker will take more puffs than usual, in order to get that preferred amount of nicotine.

To ease these withdrawal effects of nicotine after quitting smoking, many smokers must continue to take in their usual amount of nicotine. This is a sign of “physical dependence” on nicotine. Doctors define physical dependence as a change in the body’s functioning that is produced by repeated administration of a drug, such that continued doses of the drug are needed to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

But that’s not all. Smokers also become accustomed to the psychological effects of smoking. After the smoking habit is established, the smoker needs to smoke in to feel “normal.” In other words, the effects produced by nicotine, and the behaviors associated with smoking, become necessary to maintain the person’s optimal state of well-being. This condition is referred to as “psychological dependence.”

Jason D is a former smoker and the author of http://quitsmoking.pharmacydiscountrx.com, a quit smoking website that takes you step by step on how to quit smoking.

Quit Smoking : Quit Smoking Lozenges - The Secret to Quit Smoking is Simply Using the Right Supports

2006-08-10T05:30:00.003-07:00

Quit Smoking Lozenges - The Secret to Quit Smoking is Simply Using the Right Supports

Stop smoking is a difficult task. You are going to encounter any kind of psychological and physical discomfort and this will make you more and more uncomfortable until your decision weakens and you finally restart smoking.

These discomforts can be lightened recurring to appropriate quit smoking products. Quit smoking lozenges are one of such products and a very popular one for many reasons.

A reliable quit smoking product has to satisfy all the following:

It must be easy to carry with you; quit smoking lozenges are OK as they are in the form of a small candy.
It must deal with the nicotine addiction symptoms (nervousness, anxiety, sweating, headaches, depression, etc) that make smoking cessation an impossible task for many smokers. Quit smoking lozenges can help you with these. Soon after you start taking the quit smoking lozenges you will discover that your cigarette desire diminishes and so does the nicotine addiction.
It has to reduce the withdrawal symptoms and especially the cravings. The use of quit smoking lozenges will in fact reduce the cravings (which are may be the hardest part of all).
It must help you if you are a fast early-day smoker (i.e. you wake up in the morning and then you light up your first cigarette in less than half an hour); quit smoking lozenges are particularly good for these people as most lozenges come in various forms depending on this time-factor.
Should possibly give you a way to avoid undesired quit smoking effects that are threatening your success. I’m referring especially to weight gain, a typical ex-smokers problem that tends to prevent women to stop smoking. Quit smoking lozenges are helping you also with this issue, as they will not only keep your mouth busy, but they will reduce your appetite.
Should be easy to access and buy. The most popular quit smoking lozenges are available at most of the drug stores and in many online shops including Amazon. You can find online promotions to save some money and auxiliary services and support to help you quit smoking.
So quit smoking lozenges are a very good product that supports your quit smoking efforts. You can find a review of other popular quit smoking products at http://quit-smoking.thesolution2.com/Main/Quit-Smoking-PRODUCT01-W-quit-smoking-product.php.

As usual, remember that quit smoking lozenges (as any other quit smoking products) can help only if you want to match your quit smoking desire with engagement and a change in behaviour. The quick version of this is: “Just decide to stop smoking, do it and stick to it”. Maybe your first week will be terrible but if you survive without your cigarettes, you will discover that it is really not that hard to stop smoking.

Mark Tern is the author of the Quit Smoking Special Report you can get for free at http://quit-smoking.thesolution2.com/ where you can discover How to Leverage Your 5 Resources to Quit Smoking. Check also his quit smoking blog at http://quit-smoking-solution.blogspot.com for articles about quit smoking.

Quit-Smoking : The Best Way To Quit Smoking, Don’t Burn Your Future

2006-08-10T05:30:00.002-07:00

The Best Way To Quit Smoking, Don't Burn Your Future

A number of years ago smoking a cigarette in public was kind of the "chic" and fashionable thing to do in many social environments. For many years there has been kind of a social conditioning for smoking. It’s presented as equivalent to wearing a nice suit or a fashionable hat. Something everyone should "use" if they ever want to be included in the "winners" side at the end of the game. Regretfully, the game is over already for many smokers that had to suffer the most common consequence of smoking, which is an early death.

The most active ingredient in a cigarette and the one that is involved in causing the heavy addictive characteristics of tobacco is the naturally occurring liquid alkaloid better known as Nicotine.

While there are thousands of chemicals in a single cigarette, including the naturally occurring ones and also those added by cigarette manufacturers, it is Nicotine that produces all the good feelings that draw people back for another cigarette again and again.

During the manufacturing of a cigarette, producers use tobacco having a Nicotine content of normally around 5 percent of the plant by weight. Packed cigarettes, contain 8 to 20 milligrams (mg) of nicotine (depending on the brand you prefer to smoke), but only approximately 1 mg is actually absorbed by your body when you smoke a cigarette.

But you do not need industrial amounts of Nicotine in your body in order to become addicted to cigarette . This minimal quantity of Nicotine that you absorb with each cigarette you smoke is more than enough to make you beg for more, and more cigarettes.

Nicotine readily diffuses into your body through the following channels: Skin, Lungs and the Mucous membranes such as the lining of your nose or your gums. That’s why you will get equally addicted to nicotine even if you just chew and spit tobacco.

Even considering that Nicotine takes a lot of different actions throughout the smokers body (many of them very bad), what it does once it has arrived to the brain is responsible for both the good feelings you get from smoking, as well as the irritability you feel if you try to quit; i.e., the brain becomes addicted. Within 10 to 15 seconds of inhaling the smoke of your cigarette, you will probably be feeling nicotine's effects. Nicotine initially causes a rapid release of Adrenaline, the "fight-or-flight" hormone. The effects of this hormone are the familiar: Rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and rapid, shallow breathing. All this state of high alertness caused by adrenaline also tells your body to dump some of its glucose stores into your blood.

And if we consider that Nicotine itself may also block the release of the hormone insulin. This all means that nicotine puts people in a hyperglycemic state, having more sugar than usual in their blood torrent. So you become kind of a part-time diabetic with each cigarette you smoke and with the long term consequences this condition brings.

The health problems associated with using nicotine-containing products are far worse than any benefits you may feel at the beginning. The average person will be in high risk of; Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke and Emphysema.

It should be mentioned that many of these illnesses are actually caused by other chemicals in cigarette smoke or in smokeless tobacco products, different to Nicotine. The biggest problem with nicotine is how easily it makes you become dependent on smoking or chewing tobacco, with all the chemicals it brings into your body. Which lead us to the conclusion that Nicotine-free cigarettes are not much healthier, maybe less addictive but equally dangerous.

When trying to quit smoking you will surely have this symptoms, arising due to the lack of nicotine in your blood stream. Irritability , Anxiety, Depression, Craving for nicotine. And yes, no one denies it; quitting cigarette smoking can be a real nightmare for many people.

For many smokers, even a day without Nicotine is excruciating. Statistics indicate that every year, millions of people try to break the nicotine habit but only 10 percent of them succeed. Will you succeed?

If you’re still struggling with your smoking addiction and need help, visit:

=> http://www.askingplanet.com/QuitS

Quit-Smoking : Quit Smoking - Overcoming Anxiety

2006-08-10T05:30:00.001-07:00

Quit Smoking - Overcoming Anxiety

For those people that smoke and have ever thought about quitting smoking there are many challenges to overcome when you do decide to quit. One of those challenges is overcoming anxiety. Just thinking about quitting smoking can bring on anxiety not to mention the feelings associated with anxiety after quitting.

The first step for dealing with the anxiety associated with quitting smoking is to recognize and know that you will be faced with many challenges. For most, quitting smoking is not easy. Nicotine is highly addictive and your body has grown accustom to having nicotine in it. When you cut off the supply of nicotine to your body it will begin to experience withdrawals and you will find yourself with the urge to smoke.

Before you Quit Smoking develop a plan of action on how you will deal with the anxiety you will experience from quitting smoking. Determine what kind of lifestyle changes you can make that will help alleviate these feelings. You won’t be able to do away with them altogether but you can lessen their effects and get through them.

There are many different ways you can deal with anxiety after quitting smoking. Depending on your interests and what you have time for, will determine what works best for you. You know yourself better than anyone so whatever you do make sure your plan is doable. If time permits and you enjoy exercising you may think about joining a gym. Exercising is a great way to combat anxiety. Find ways to relax, take a walk or a hot bath to relief the tension in your muscles. Think about the reasons why you want to quit and the benefits associated with quitting smoking. Get involved with a support network, you can find many different ideas on how others have dealt with anxiety after quitting smoking. Make time in your busy schedule to just relax, whatever that may be. Read a book, watch a movie, or take up meditation. The key to overcoming anxiety is to find those things that help you to relax. Remember, it will pass.

There are other alternatives you may want to consider such as, prescription drugs that can help you Quit Smoking. Talk to your doctor about the options available. Good luck on quitting smoking, you can do it!

Jason D is the author of http://quitsmoking.pharmacydiscountrx.com, a quit smoking website that takes you step by step on how to quit smoking.

Quit Smoking : Quit Smoking Countdown

2006-08-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

Quit Smoking Countdown

I don’t rightly know of any positive reasons for smoking, but there sure are a lot of negative ones out there: It’s deadly to your health, it stinks to high heaven, it costs a fortune to smoke (double that for quit-smoking remedies and then starting up again), it’s forbidden everywhere you go and you’re frowned upon if you do. So, tomorrow just might be a good day to quit. Yeah, that’s a good idea--tomorrow.

Day 1: Today is the day - supposed to Quit Smoking. But darn, if I don’t have that presentation to prepare for. Can’t blow that now, can I? The boss would kill me!

Day 2: I really need to relax today. Let go of some stress. Not a good day to try that Quit Smoking thing. I’ll do it tomorrow for sure.

Day 3: Going-away party for Joe tonight. I’ll be putting a few away. Drinking and quitting smoking don’t mix well, you know.

Day 4: I’m really not in a good mood today. Too much partying! Best not to add fuel to the fire. Going to need my cigarettes today.

Day 5: I was going to quit today for sure, but what do you know, the car wouldn’t start. Not a good way to start my day!

Day 6: By 8:00 a.m., no cigarette. Then I met Mary for coffee. Jeez, she smokes like a fiend.

Day 7: I still have a half-carton left. They’re much too expensive to waste.

Day 8: I think I’ll slowly reduce the number I smoke each day until they’re all gone.

Day 9: My daughter has this annoying habit of biting her fingernails. It drives me crazy trying to make her quit. Where are my cigarettes?

Day 10: I forgot I was going to quit today. I lit up and then it was too late. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow!

Tomorrow is always a day away that never comes.

Find out how you can quit smoking easily.
http://www.travelwebbase.com/quit-smoking.html

Quit-Smoking : Are You Ready To Quit Smoking and Improve Your Health?

2006-08-10T05:23:00.000-07:00

Are You Ready To Quit Smoking and Improve Your Health?

Contrary to the common belief that smoking addiction is not comparable to alcohol or marijuana addiction, the truth is that nicotine addiction can be equally as strong and deadly as any of these other addictions. In fact, if you calculate the total number of people who die yearly of all other addictions combined, they would not add up to the total number of premature deaths attributed to cigarette smoking.

The most active ingredient in a cigarette and the one that is involved in causing the heavy addictive characteristics of tobacco is the naturally occurring liquid alkaloid better known as Nicotine. And it’s a fact that tolerance to this drug usually develops. With the consequence that increasingly larger doses become necessary with time to achieve the same desired effects. Smokers experience this addictive phenomenon as their cigarette consumption gradually increases from what was a sporadic and occasional use at the beginning to a required daily consumption of one or many more packs.

An addictive substance, in this case Nicotine, becomes a totally consuming necessity to its user, usually resulting in what is considered by our societies as an anti-social behavior. A number of people have argued that cigarette smoking fails to fulfill this requirement regarding the ill-behavior. It is true that most smokers do not resort to ill and deviant behaviors to maintain their dependency, but this is so because most smokers do manage to easily obtain the full complement of cigarettes they need to satisfy their addiction. But when the time comes that smokers are deprived of easy accessibility to cigarettes, the situation becomes totally different and ill-behaviors arise.

It is curious to observe these behaviors, as for example during WW II, in many concentration camps in Germany, prisoners by rule were not given enough food to fulfill minimum caloric nutritional requirements, so they were literally starving to death. A common and notorious practice among smoking prisoners was trading away their scarce food rations for cigarettes to smoke (!). Even today, in underdeveloped countries, such as Bangladesh, many parents with starving children are willing to sacrify essential food for their children in order to buy cigarettes. This is in no way a normal behavior. For many smokers, even a day without Nicotine is excruciating. Statistics indicate that every year, millions of people try to break the nicotine habit but only 10 percent of them succeed. Will you succeed?

If you’re still struggling with your smoking addiction and need help, visit:

http://www.askingplanet.com/QuitS/1

Weight Loss : You Can Because You Can

2006-04-09T01:34:00.000-07:00

Weight Loss: You Can Because You Can

By Naore Rome

Game Theory seems to find relevance even in an academically remote subject like weight loss, which is far removed from the logical nature of the strategically leaning science. It is true that the theory is practically applicable to the study of Economics, Defense Strategies, Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy and other realms of Science and Ethics. However, it rather came as a surprise when an aspect of the theory was utilized as a remedy for overweight by a professor of Economics at Yale, and surprise it did with the outcome of the application.

In a recent experiment broadcasted on ABC’s primetime live Barry Nalebuff, Economics professor at Yale, confronted five overweight subjects to lose 15 pounds in their own ways, within a given timeframe or else face the shame and humiliation of their “before-experiment” body in tiny swim suits going live on ABC primetime. Barry capitalized on a particular characteristic of Game Theory, ‘immediate consequence is more threatening’ to the tilt. It was a shocker of sorts when four subjects managed to fulfill the condition, even with the lone under par lady managing to shed 12 pounds.

Foreboding of shame did the trick, where everything else on earth from prescription pills to dietary supplements failed to perform. With the impending threat of going primetime live on a channel with sky high ratings, in a shape they would hate to see themselves, they went in for the kill. But what propelled them to turn the impossible into a possibility? All these ballgames are played out in the precinct of the mind. It is not the dramatis personae of external and alien entities playing a catalyzing role in their weight loss game; it is all about faith moving mountains.

We tend to forego the long-term implications of obesity, as the immediate and momentary niceties and concerns of life get an overwhelming top priority. There are no impending threats looming large round the corner that would require us to take a serious contemplation on weight loss. Immediate care and considerations for our health is a far cry, when the danger of obesity and overweight seems far off. There are no pressing threats that need an instant dose of remedy, so why care? Every obese person knows that obesity is neither a comfortable condition nor an enviable position to be in. But with the threats due to overweight a long way off and the other needs of the hour aplenty, where is the time for weight loss?

Only when the short-term as well as the long-term perils and hazards of obesity and overweight are infused in the minds of the obese and the overweight, would they start self introspection leading them to take up corrective and curative measures to stay fit. Well, one needs to remember that only the tough gets going when the going gets tough, so you better get going when the going is easy. Ask yourself the reasons to lose weight; you will surely get to know the ways to lose weight as time is still on your side. The ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of weight loss will make a sea of difference, only if you are determined.

The Yale professor has used Game Theory to capitalize on the element of fear in the subjects to draw out their inherent determination, creativity and capability to give a counterblow to obesity and overweight. What about combating obesity and overweight with no fear factor butting in? Without any premonition of ignominy and infamy acting as impetus for weight loss, you definitely can do it. Pool your innate resources together and trust your ability, remember, “You can because you can”.

Naorem is a freelancer who writes on various health issues.For the latest writeups on weight loss, obesity, depression, anxiety and the likes, log on to http://www.phentermine-effects.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naore_Rome

Weight Loss : Fat Burning Foods and Weight Loss

2006-04-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

Fat Burning Foods and Weight Loss

We all know about foods that are good for us and have various proven benefits. But many people aren’t aware that there are actually fat-burning foods, which help kick-start your body into shedding excess weight. These wonder-foods can increase the number of fat calories your body burns – they’re like little diet-helpers, stimulating your metabolism. They are known as ‘free foods’, and as you’d expect they are low in calories. However, some of them actually have ‘negative’ calories, meaning that your body burns more calories metabolising the foods than it absorbs from the food itself. Add them to your diet and see the effect for yourself!

The great news is that such ‘superfoods’ contain real health benefits in addition to their amazing weight loss assisting properties. These benefits make them ideal components in any weight loss programme. You may be surprised to discover where to find some of these great little helpers.

You normally think of chilli as being found in traditionally unhealthy meals and snacks, but it contains capsaicin, an active ingredient which as a thermogenic agent helps to increase metabolism and the burning of calories and fat. Capsaicin is unsurprisingly found in many natural weight loss formulas – it is believed to be an appetite suppressant. Cayenne was shown by two Japanese studies to increase metabolism of dietary fats in women – it also showed a modest reduction in appetite. Capscaicin does even more than this – it has been shown to relieve sinusitis, psoriasis, migraines and arthritis, improve circulation and stomach conditions and even inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It also works as a good all-round painkiller.

Then there’s bee pollen – again you might associate that with unhealthiness, as bees can give a nasty sting, but their pollen is quite different. It’s a virtually complete food with an amazing composition of nutrients, enzymes and phytochemicals as well as being 40% protein. It’s meant to stimulate the metabolism as well as helping to flush fat from the body due to its high lecithin content. Pollen also makes for a good appetite suppressant, but has no negative side effects.

You still might not be shaking bee pollen over your dinner, but coconut oil is more likely to be found in your supermarket or kitchen. It’s a saturated fat, and helps to get rid of unwanted body fat, unlike polyunsaturated fats like processed vegetable oils. It really is a low-fat fat, unique from animal saturated fats with its medium chain fatty acids – these are absorbed directly and used straightaway for energy. Sufferers of diabetes, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, thyroid imbalances, and viral, bacterial and fungal infections have all found that coconut oil helps their condition.

Another ‘nasty’ natural ingredient with surprising benefits is the nettle. The stingy plant we were all told to stay away from as children contains the neurotransmitter serotonin, which calms and raises the spirits. It also functions as an appetite suppressant, as it plays a part in the feelings of fullness experienced after eating. Serotonin supplements have been designed to fight food cravings and help slimming. Decreased levels of serotonin have been found to be directly linked to overeating obesity. Nettles are reputed to improve weight loss for this reason. They’re also very mineral dense and are detoxifying and cleansing for the body – amazingly they are also great for the skin, hair and nails, thanks to their sulphur content.

Here’s the really good news – chocolate can help you lose weight! Cacao or pure chocolate contains chemicals that increase serotonin levels in the brain and suppress the appetite. Serotonin levels can be raised by the amino acid tryptophan in cacao as well as the action of monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). These decrease our body’s ability to break down serotonin so that more of this neurotransmitter remains in the brain, creating feelings of fullness for longer. Cacao is also a great source of antioxidants and has potent aphrodisiac properties, healthy minerals and mood-boosting compounds such as PEA, known as the ‘love chemical’. Make sure you get unrefined chocolate, though – commercial products are full of sugar, hydrogenated fats, milk, additives, agro-chemicals and solvents which cancel out the benefits.

The benefits of green tea have been widely reported. One study indicates that substances in green tea extract may actually promote weight loss. The catechin flavonoids in green tea may alter the body's use of norepinephrine, a chemical transmitter in the nervous system, to increase the rate of calorie burning. Green tea also lowers cholesterol, reduces the risk of stroke, protects against cancer, prevents teeth cavities and has anti-inflammatory properties. And it even has a pleasant taste.

Another beneficial supplement which is becoming more and more well-known is omega-3 fish oil. These serve many different bodily processes – they’re especially good for the heart and the immune system, but also help with arthritis, skin conditions, pre-menstrual tension, mental function, improving memory and reducing depressive symptoms. It reduces insulin levels in the body – insulin promotes the use of fat for storage and reduces the use of fat for fuel, hence lower insulin levels mean greater conversion of fat for energy rather than storage.

Omega-3 is most abundant in oily fish like sardines, salmon and mackerel. Plant sources include flaxseeds (the richest plant source), walnuts, pumpkin seeds, green leafy vegetables, evening primrose oil, wheat germ and spirulina.

It’s possible to boost your immune system, lower your cholesterol, improve your energy and generally give your health a big help by eating the right foods. The body is usually in a state of homeostasis, meaning that your body automatically tries to keep its internal environment constant. Exercising more and cutting calories makes your body adjust, making changes to stop you losing critical body fat – push it too far and it goes into survival mode, grimly hanging on to all the calories it can. What you need to do is understand metabolism and coax your body to release stored fats.

There are two metabolic phases – anabolism and catabolism, which occur constantly and simultaneously. If you don’t eat enough or give your body the right nutrients it will go into a heightened state of catabolism, meaning you build less muscle – this is slow metabolism. To lose weight and improve your health you should aim for high metabolism – a greater degree of anabolism.

You may in fact need to eat more in order to lose weight – it’s not as simple as saying ‘just eat less’. Your body will hang on more tightly to calories if it doesn’t get enough nutrition. If you eat more calories more frequently you raise your metabolism. If you get your calorie intake right, you will see improvement and feel it too. This is where ‘negative calorie’ foods come in. Eating them makes the body exert more energy than contained in the foods themselves, so just eating them gives you a potential for net loss of calories.

Along with that omega-3 fish oil, these foods are all negative calorie foods:

Vegetables: Asparagus, fennel, gourd, aubergine, broccoli, leek, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, marrow, cauliflower, peppers, celery, chicory, radish, spinach, cress, tomato, cucumber, turnip

Fruit: Apricot, blackberry, mandarin orange, cantaloupe and honeydew melon and watermelon, clementines, peaches, plums, damsons, raspberries, grapefruit, rhubarb, guava, strawberry, lemon, tangerine.

So where do I go from here, well it’s easy, eat the right amount of calories you need for that day, exercise moderately daily and snack throughout the day on the negative foods that are listed above and your waist line will begin to change for the better.

Copyright 2006 David McEvoy

Dave Mcevoy is an award winning personal trainer he also runs a high quality supplement site

http://www.mind1st.com
http://www.mind1st.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Mcevoy

Hair Loss : Depilation: Depilatory Hair Removal

2006-03-30T00:46:00.000-08:00

Depilatory Hair Removal

Depilation refers to the process of removing visible hair above the skin.

Unlike other temporary hair removal options like waxing and sugaring, depilation does not take the hair out by the root so the hair removal lasts a few days at best. In this regard, it is a very short term method of hair removal.

Popular methods of depilation include shaving and the use of chemical depilatory creams or lotions that are applied directly to the unwanted hair and are then rubbed or rinsed off after a period of time resulting in the hair being removed above the skin.

Because it can refer to various methods of hair removal (ie. shaving, use of depilatory products like creams or lotions) discussing the benefits and considerations under one umbrella is difficult since various depilatories offer different pros and cons.

In general terms, depilation tends to be a cheap method of removing hair temporarily but is one that needs to be done regularly to achieve hair removal since the hair tends to grow back quickly.

If you choose to use chemical depilatory creams or lotions, you might find the smell of some products overpowering and may find that they irritate your skin. You also have to be careful when applying chemical depilatories to ensure you only remove hair that is meant to be removed!

When it comes to shaving depilation, you have several options at your disposal including manual blade razors and electric shavers. Both manual blades and electric shavers are technologies that are being improved all the time so you're best to evaluate your options and determine what works best for you and your skin rather than simply relying on the opinion of others.

Temporary and permanent hair removal technology is evolving constantly and is relevant to both men and women who want to remove unwanted hair.

For more information on hair removal options, visit http://www.PermanentHairRemovalTips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Mueller

Hair Loss : Laser Hair Removal: Ruby Laser Hair Removal

2006-03-30T00:44:00.000-08:00

Laser Hair Removal: Ruby Laser Hair Removal

The Ruby laser is an infrared laser and was the first laser hair removal system on the market. As such, it has a longer track record than other laser hair removal options but is also an older technology.

Ruby lasers tend to be ideal for people who have light-colored skin and dark hair.

A Ruby laser works by emitting a pulse of light from a handheld device that is held up against the area of skin to be treated. Once the pulse has been delivered, the practitioner moves to the next area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area has been covered.

Since it's an older laser technology, there are other newer laser hair removal options that are becoming more readily available than the Ruby laser and that might be more effective, too.

Plus, there are also light-based hair removal systems on the market also based on newer technology that instead of using laser, use a pulsed light to get rid of unwanted hair that many people are turning to and that are widely available.

Still, the Ruby laser has a long track record that generally shows that it can offer long-term hair reduction when operated by a skilled and trained professional. The amount of pain felt by the patient tends to vary on a case by case basis.

Long term success and possible side effects of the hair removal will also vary by patient.

Temporary and permanent hair removal technology is evolving constantly and is relevant to both men and women who want to remove unwanted hair.

For more information on hair removal options, visit http://www.PermanentHairRemovalTips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Mueller

Hair Loss : Hair Removal Tips For Men And Women

2006-03-30T00:43:00.000-08:00

Hair Removal Tips For Men And Women

I'm not a big believer in universal statement unless it's absolutely 100% truthful. When I read about a hair removal option offering "permanent hair removal" or "painless hair removal" I'm sceptical.

When it comes to hair removal, you'll quickly find that you need separate fact from fiction, truth from hype. Just because a product is marketed as offering something, it doesn't mean that it actually does it or that it will work for you specifically.

Here are some hair removal tips to consider when you are weighing your options for hair removal.

Ensure your chosen hair removal practitioner has the necessary training, skills and experience to perform the treatment. This is especially true in the case of laser and light-based treatment.
Understand all possible side effects before undergoing any treatment.
Learn to tell the difference between fact and hype when it comes to marketing claims about various hair removal options.
Fully understand the treatment plan of the option you choose ie. how often will you have to take treatment? The more treatments = more cost to you.
When appropriate (ie. with laser and light-based treatments) check to see if the processes are government approved.
The bottom line is to ensure you do your research and properly weight your options and the cost, possible side effects and effectiveness of each.
Temporary and permanent hair removal technology is evolving constantly and is relevant to both men and women who want to remove unwanted hair.

For more information on hair removal options, visit http://www.PermanentHairRemovalTips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Mueller

Hair Loss : Permanent Hair Reduction: Is It The Same As Permanent Hair Removal?

2006-03-30T00:41:00.000-08:00

Permanent Hair Reduction: Is It The Same As Permanent Hair Removal?

Due to legal reasons, you'll find few legitimate hair removal practitioners who will claim to offer permanent hair removal if they're smart and if they're ethical.

Try to find a practitioner who will put their claim of permanent hair removal in writing with a guarantee.

Currently, the only hair removal option that is widely considered to offer permanent hair removal is Electrolysis.

For legal reasons, it's difficult for other hair removal practitioners to promise something that they can't actually prove 100%.

For example, if you go in for hair removal treatment and one year later there is hair growing in the same area, does this mean that the hair removal didn't deliver "permanent hair removal" or is this new hair that has simply grown from dormant hair follicles that were not above the skin when you went in for the hair removal treatment?

How would a hair removal practitioner prove that it is new hair?

How can you prove that it isn't?

Again, they probably won't agree to put a plain English 100% money back guarantee together that states that they stand by their claim of permanent hair removal.

How can they?

The reality is that you'll most likely find that you'll be told that their service might offer permanent hair reduction and not permanent hair removal.

In other words, their service might reduce the amount of unwanted hair you have but won't necessarily achieve a 100% elimination of unwanted hair.

As time goes on there may be other hair removal options that come onto the market that can also make the claim of permanent hair removal but for now, Electrolysis is the only one that truly can.

Because Electrolysis involves treating each hair one by one, it may not be the most time or cost effective option for dealing with large body areas such as your back or even your arms and legs if they have a lot of hair you want removed.

If that's the case, you might consider other options such as laser and light hair removal that don't offer permanent hair removal but are capable of clearing larger areas of hair relatively quickly and possibly offering permanent hair reduction.

As with other hair removal options, do your research and consult with people you trust for the answers you need.

Temporary and permanent hair removal technology is evolving constantly and is relevant to both men and women who want to remove unwanted hair.

For more information on hair removal options, visit http://www.PermanentHairRemovalTips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Mueller

Hair Loss : Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Hair!

2006-03-30T00:39:00.000-08:00

Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Hair!

Hair loss in men

Hair loss and thinning hair have been sensitive issues for men throughout time. Recently, medical science has eventually identified the main cause of hair loss. At present, it's a known medical fact that hair loss stems from both genetic and hormonal causes. Androgenetic Alopecia or even "male pattern hair loss" is implicated in ninety five percent of hair loss cases. The key is a hormonal byproduct called DHT (dihydrotestostrone). The even more DHT that gets put into your body, the even more your hair follicles turn into thinner and finer until the hair is permanently wasted.

DHT and hair loss

DHT is 1 of many male hormones in the body. DHT is developmentally vital early in a man’s life; however, it appears to be a cause of hair loss as men get older. DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces obvious hair.

Doctors believe that excess DHT is an apparent cause of hair loss The causes of hair loss aren't well defined; however, researchers have uncovered that men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of DHT in the balding area of their scalps. Individual hair usually follows a cycle of expansion, falling out, and new expansion. However increased levels of DHT are believed to contribute to the shortening of the expansion phase and a shortening of the time it takes for the hair to fall out. This results in thinning of the hair on the scalp.

Provillus blocks DHT (dihydrotestostrone) from getting to your body, which is 1 of the major causes of hair loss. The Breakthrough formula of Provillus was designed to block DHT and supply the proper foods to your body specifically tailored to block hair loss and to help you regrow hair naturally. Strong, sound hair begins with the proper nutritional building blocks. You do not have to hold off until there's a problem to end it! Provillus supplements your body's natural supply of these vitamins and lets the tiny follicles below your scalp receive exactly what they want to manufacture beautiful, full-bodied hair.

Active Ingredients For Hair Loss And Regrow Hair!

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that survives in 3 major chemical forms: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. It performs a wide kind of functions for your body and is essential for your fantastic health and hair expansion. For instance, vitamin B6 is needed for even more than one hundred enzymes involved in protein metabolism. It's also essential for red blood cell metabolism. The nervous and resistant systems require vitamin B6 to function efficiently, and it's also needed for the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.

Biotin is section of the Vitamin B complex and is a vitamin supplement necessary for sound hair, scalp and nails. Biotin will help with the condition of the hair and the scalp as well. Just put...Biotin is Hair Food.

Magnesium is an essential mineral and plays an crucial role in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, neuromuscular transmission bone structure and hair expansion.

Zinc is necessary for a fit body, and is also of apply in fighting skin problems like acne, boils and sore throats. It's further needed for cell division, and is needed per tissue of the hair, nails and skin to be in top form. Zinc is further utilized in the expansion and maintenance of muscles.

Saw Palmetto acts by lowering DHT in the body and by blocking five alpha-reductase. Saw palmetto blocks the receptor sites on cell membranes that are expected for the absorption of DHT. Since Saw palmetto blocks the employ of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a similar causative factor in Androgenetic Alopecia, it's a powerful herb in this hair expansion formulation.

Nettle root blocks two enzymes, 5a-reductase, which makes the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and aromatase enzyme, which makes estrogens. Studies showed that nettle root extract was efficient in inhibiting these two enzymes which was a leading cause of hair loss.

Gotu Kola is related to the and supports the integrity of hair expansion, collagen and skin. It can help heal minor wounds and skin irritations, help assure blood vessel integrity, and promote circulation throughout the body, including to the brain. A long-standing tonic rejuvenator, it's said to help concentration and memory.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima) The oil extract from pumpkin seeds is also a natural hair loss remedy that is believed to effect levels of testosterone in the body. The beneficial effects of pumpkin seed extract as a hair loss guide are however under investigation. It's believed that the extract infects the androgen levels of diseases and so might have an influence on the androgens that are responsible for hair loss.

Eleuthero Formerly Siberian Ginseng, (Glandular) is a member of the ginseng family, though it's of a different genus than more popular ginsengs like the Panax kind. Along with more ginsengs, it's an extended history of being utilized to help restore concentration, increase energy and promote fit hair and nail expansion.

Uva-Ursi soothes, strengthens, and tightens irritated & inflamed tissues. The herb neutralizes acidity in the urine, increasing urine flow, so reducing bloating & water retention, making it beneficial for hair expansion.

Muria Puama plays an significant role in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, neuromuscular transmission bone structure and hair expansion for both men and women. Also help with stress management, nervous system stimulation, virility, and overall health.

For more information about hair regrow and stop hair loss please visit Hair Regrow And Stop Hair Loss

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jasmine_Yap

Hair Loss : Laser Hair Removal: The Nd YAG Laser Hair Removal Option

2006-03-30T00:37:00.000-08:00

Laser Hair Removal: The Nd YAG Laser Hair Removal Option

The Neodymium: Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser is also commonly known as the Nd YAG Laser. It is a newer form of laser hair removal treatment than the Ruby, Alexandrite and Diode lasers so less long term research is available on its ability to remove unwanted hair long term.

Nd YAG lasers are not only used for hair removal but in some cases are used for tattoo and pigmented lesion treatment.

Nd YAG has a long wavelength compared to other laser hair removal options. Longer wavelengths such as the one provided by the Nd YAG laser results in less energy being absorbed by the skin than with other laser options.

Before Nd YAG laser treatment occurs, the patient has a carbon-based lotion spread on the area to be treated that is used to absorb most of the laser energy.

Anyone like myself who has ever had pulsed light hair removal treatment is familiar with the clear gel that is applied to their skin that is used to cool the skin to avoid burning.

As with other laser hair removal options, the success of hair removal and possible side effects of the hair removal will vary by patient. Also, the skill of the practitioner will also go a long way in determining your success or lack thereof.

Temporary and permanent hair removal technology is evolving constantly and is relevant to both men and women who want to remove unwanted hair.

For more information on hair removal options, visit http://www.PermanentHairRemovalTips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Mueller

Hair Loss : Laser Hair Removal: Unwanted Hair Removal For Men and Women

2006-03-30T00:36:00.000-08:00

Laser Hair Removal: Unwanted Hair Removal For Men and Women

Laser hair removal came into commercial prominence back in the early 1990s. Its introduction offered men and women the opportunity to remove large amounts of unwanted hair relatively quickly and with the possibility of achieving long term results.

Laser hair removal works by passing laser energy through the skin to heat the hair follicle to a point that results in the follicle being disabled or destroyed. This is done without the surrounding skin being damaged.

A realistic end result of repeated laser treatments could produce what might reasonably be described as a permanent reduction in the amount of visible hair that you have.

In other words, the amount of unwanted hair decreases over time with repeated treatments and the hair that does grow back tends to be finer and visually less noticeable.

Referring to laser hair removal treatment as a permanent hair removal option is not a realistic statement since there are many individual factors that will help determine the success of your treatment.

At the end of the day, your personal situation (ie. the color of your hair, the shade of your skin, the amount of hair to be removed, the location of the hair to be removed, etc) will determine the long term success or lack thereof of your ability to achieve long term or even permanent hair reduction using laser treatment.

Also, the skill of the practitioner operating the laser is vitally important to your success and safety.

Temporary and permanent hair removal technology is evolving constantly and is relevant to both men and women who want to remove unwanted hair.

For more information on hair removal options, visit http://www.PermanentHairRemovalTips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C_Mueller

Hair Loss : Hair Loss Solutions - How to Help Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Hair

2006-03-30T00:33:00.000-08:00

Hair Loss Solutions - How to Help Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Hair

Hair loss and male-pattern baldness is an affliction suffered by thousands of men, and can be a real source of insecurity and embarrassment for those not ready to lose their hair or shave their head. Even worse, and more devastating are the younger cases where the hair loss process begins long before a man even reaches his thirtieth birthday. So what are your options if you are one of these men, uncontrollably losing your hair before your time?

Well, you can do what many others do – shave your head for the sake of uniformity. Lots of men look great with a shaved head – it just fits their personality and style, and they seem comfortable that way. For those unwilling to give up on their hair, there are hairpieces or plugs, neither of which have been perfected to the point of being undetectable, and both having a societal stigma as being somewhat tacky and undesirable.

The other option, of course, is to try one of the hair loss products that several reputable manufacturers now offer, both in prescription and nonprescription form. While there is still no “magic pill” that can unflinchingly promise every man (and woman) who takes it will re-grow their hair, there are some very promising and effective hair loss products and treatments currently on the market and also in development.

Propecia, Rogaine (Monoxadil), Avacor and Proxiphen are just a few of the top prescription and nonprescription hair loss products on the market today, and they’ve all had varying degrees of success in re-growing their client’s hair. Since the demand for hair loss products is so great, there have been many non-prescription hair loss alternatives recently introduced in an effort to offer men (and women) a more economical and convenient alternative to re-grow hair and prevent further hair loss.

There are also several vitamins that have been specially formulated both for thinning hair and to promote the speedy growth of healthy, shiny hair. Vitamins for thinning hair and faster hair growth and re-growth are usually a varying combination of several key amino acids, biotin, vitamins B6 and E, and zinc. Many who take vitamins of this nature do report thicker, more lustrous and healthy hair, but if your goal is to actually re-grow hair and not just thicken thinning hair, then you would probably want to consider a more serious hair loss supplement or treatment that specifically targets balding and hair loss.

Here's a little tip to help stimulate hair growth – massage the scalp. This is an age-old hairstylist tip to help stimulate the hair follicles, unclog any blocked oil glands in the scalp, and help promote a healthy scalp and new, healthy hair growth. Plus, it’s relaxing and it feels good, so it’s not such a chore!

Hair loss supplements can range from pricey to reasonable, tested and untested, and clinically proven vs. not clinically proven. You have to use good judgment and do a little homework on the internet, or by reading consumer reviews, testimonials and surveys to see what really should work best for your situation. Some even offer money back guarantees or some sort or money back for unused portions.

Now, let’s talk about being proactive in preventing future hair loss. Many times, the underlying cause for premature hair loss and male pattern balding is hereditary, but it can also be brought on by a hormonal imbalance of the male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens. Correcting a hormonal imbalance many times can stop hair loss. This example can be seen in women who notice hair loss shortly after they’ve had a baby. The cause for this is a drop in hormones that kept much more hair on the head than normal during pregnancy because the levels of this hormone are unusually high at this time.

Some medications can also cause or aggravate hair loss. Typically these medications are blood thinners, gout medication, chemotherapy medications for cancer, too much vitamin A, birth control pills and antidepressants. Avoid tight or “pulling” hairstyles like high or tight ponytails and cornrows, and also stay away from harsh chemical treatments such as perms and other potentially volatile, damaging hair treatments.

Typical hair loss treatments, prescription and nonprescription, usually take about six months before you can tell they are working, so patience is a must. There is no overnight fix to hair loss unfortunately. As long as you are comfortable with your chosen hair loss remedy, and have planned a preventative and maintenance course of action, that’s really all that matters.

Visit Herbal Hair Loss Remedies for more information on how you can naturally regrow hair and keep your existing hair. Danna Schneider is the webmaster of Herbal-Therapeutics Effective Herbal Remedies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danna_Schneider

Hair Loss : What Is Normal About Hair Loss?

2006-03-30T00:28:00.001-08:00

What Is Normal About Hair Loss?

It is important to note that shedding of hairs is a natural process with anything from 100 to 300 hairs randomly shed each day. In this article we'll look at two distinct aspects of normal hair loss. Firstly, we'll examine what is actually involved in the hair growth cycle. Secondly, we'll assess the natural progression of hair loss over time.

Hair is composed of long, twisted keratin fibers that are protected by a coating of keratinized cells. Just below the surface of the skin lies a cluster of active cells known as the dermal papilla and it is from here that the hair grows into its follicle.

This growing fiber eventually hardens and grows out from the scalp. At this stage the hair fiber is dead with only the root tip containing living cells.

In a little more detail, the hair growth cycle, consists of three distinct stages:

1. Anagen stage - a phase of growth that can last between two and seven years. On average, each hair grows about six inches (15cm) per year.

2. Catagen stage - a phase of transition that lasts roughly two to four weeks. At this time the hair shaft detaches from the dermal papilla and moves up within a shrinking follicle.

3. Telogen stage - a resting period that lasts about three months allowing the hair to detach itself from the follicle before falling out. After this, the cycle repeats itself unless other factors intervene to prevent repetition of the cycle.

Clearly time has a role to play in the development of hair loss for both men and women. Humans are born with varying amounts of soft and fine body hair. Through time some of this hair becomes stronger and develops further characteristics such as colour and texture. Up to the onset of puberty the hairline is characterized by a low spread across the forehead. For men, this continues only for a few more years.

As men progress through their twenties the hairline takes on a more mature look typified by recessions to the frontal temporal regions and accompanied by slight thinning elsewhere. This concave appearance doesn't necessarily equate to premature balding as it is all a question of degree.

The Norwood Scale is an extremely useful tool in developing a hair growth strategy as it allows you to establish your own degree of hair loss in a way that is understood by physicians and other hair loss experts. More importantly, it can help to set your mind at rest and allow you to differentiate between normal hair loss that does not require remedial action and more extreme loss that calls for immediate action.

You can assess the extent of your own hair loss by following the link below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com, website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Normal Hair Loss to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Mitchell

Hair Loss : Prevent Hair Fall and Dandruff the Natural Way

2006-03-30T00:28:00.000-08:00

Prevent Hair Fall and Dandruff the Natural Way

Hair loss and dandruff are one of the most irritating disorders that can even make a person depressed at times.

There is a huge market for hair disorders such as hair fall, dandruff, alopecia etc. Companies are making a quick buck and exploiting in the name of herbal remedies. Many of these remedies are not purely herbal and may contain some herb as a component with inorganic and harmful chemicals as the prime component. Such products give only temporary relief, for example, anti-dandruff shampoos widely marketed, give relief only for a day or even lesser period.Ofcourse, there are genuine products in the market and the companies need not be pointed out for it is not their fault alone, but also of consumers who wants a quick remedy! Application of such temporary remedies and easily accessible products is not the right solution for the hair disorders, the solution lies in the age old systems of traditional medicine.

Such traditional medicine with modern science and technology can throw some effective long term and easy to use remedies. While I don’t remember at this point of time any such ready to use natural remedy manufactured by companies, I am suggesting some time tested age old traditional or natural methods for containing hair fall and dandruff. Though some of the methods are cumbersome or the ingredients not readily accessible, this is the only way and natural way for preventing as well as curing the irritating disorders.

The ripened fruits of Soap nut, botanically called Sapindus emarginatus, are soaked in hot water for 10-15 minutes and then crushed with hand in the same water to get the extract.The extract can be daily used beneficially with no side effects as a shampoo. It gives rich lather and can be compared in lathering property to synthetic lathering agents generally found in manufactured shampoos.

Another time tested natural shampoo, is the thoroughly ground powder of Blackgram, which should be made into a viscid paste with which the hair is washed and the scalp massaged. This is a good soap for the body also. For starters, the paste when applied, may be rough as compared to the soap, but a beautiful soap with all goodness.

Both the above, Soap nut juice and Black Gram powder are natural shampoos, with no loss of natural oil from the body and in addition are anti dandruff.

Prior to head bath the following applications are useful

Prior to shampooing or head bath, the scalp is thoroughly massaged with a combination made of crushed fenugreek seeds and sour curd. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash with the shampoos suggested above.

People who do not like to apply oil in day times may apply oil like pure coconut oil before going to bed and then shampoo the natural way in the morning. This restores the lost oil from the scalp.

Another remedy widely used in India and known as a c-vitamin rich fruit all over the world, Powder of Indian Gooseberry is an excellent rejuvenator for the hair. It brings lustier, prevents or contains dandruff and helps strengthen the roots.

There are several such remedies, but access to the raw materials or genuine products is a problem in addition to the time consuming preparations. At least choose a product that has less of synthetic components and more of naturals. Never go for a shampoo full of chemicals, just because it gives tons of lather!

Ravikumar Uppaluri hails from Kaikalur, Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh State in India. The famous Kolleru bird sancturay, a fresh water lake that attracts birds from as far as Siberia, is located near Kaikalur. Kolleru lake once vast, beautiful and sheltering scores of birds and other animals is on the verge of extinction.

The author Holds a Masters degree in Agricultural Sciences and is cofounder of an organization involved in Nature conservation and sustainable development. The author has profound interest in the fields of medicinal plants, natural products and organic farming. The author can be reached at uravikumar@yahoo.com Visit http://www.geocities.com/uravikumar for more information on Kolleru lake.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ravikumar_Uppaluri

Hair Loss : Natural Hair Loss Remedies

2006-03-30T00:26:00.000-08:00

Natural Hair Loss Remedies

Fact: There is no sure-fire way to prevent all hair loss.

However, some methods that have been used work on some people. Here are some suggestions for natural remedies to hair loss.

Massage

Massaging the scalp in general for a couple of minutes a day can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles and in mild cases stimulate some hair growth in minor cases of temporary hair loss.

There are several electric massagers on the market that have an attachment for scalp massaging as well. An oriental method called Qi Gong (pronounced Chi Kung) has been used to increase circulation to the scalp and face also.

Aromatherapy

A blend of six drops each of lavender and bay essential oils in a base of four ounces of either almond, soybean or sesame oil massaged into the scalp and allowed to sit for 20 minutes has been used by aroma therapists to stimulate the scalp.

Saw Palmetto Extract

There is a definite connection between the prostate and hair loss for men. Saw Palmetto has been found to work in fighting benign prostatic disease by lowering levels of DHT, which is a known cause of androgenetic alopecia.

Saw Palmetto extract is an effective anti-androgen and shows promise as an effective treatment for hair loss prevention. More information on Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Women on oral contraceptives or hormone therapy should not take Saw Palmetto.

Nettle Root Extract

Nettles are rich in vitamins A and C, several key minerals and lipids that can be beneficial to the hair. Nettle Root Extract has been used successfully in Europe as an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase in treating BPH.

Rosemary and Sage

Rosemary and sage are two herbs that have shown benefit traditionally when used externally. Boil together in water rosemary, sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock. Then strain the loose herbs from the liquid and use the liquid to wash the hair daily.

Jojoba Oil

If you are predisposed to seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, or dandruff, you could consider using jojoba oil. Mexicans and southwestern Native American nations have used jojoba oil traditionally for centuries to promote hair growth and the control of dandruff. Jojoba oil is great for hypoallergenic skin because it is a great moisturizer and mimics the scalp's own sebum.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has been used by Native Americans, Indians and many in the Caribbean to promote healthy hair and prevent hair loss. Aloe's can help the scalp by healing it and balancing the pH level of the scalp while cleansing the pores. A common preparation of Aloe Vera gel with a small amount of wheat germ oil and coconut milk is used as a shampoo and has traditionally shown great benefit.

Henna

Henna is a traditional Indian herb that acts as a natural conditioner and is excellent for the maintenance of healthy hair. It can help heal the hair shaft by repairing and sealing the cuticle, protecting hair against breakage and loss of shine.

Polysorbate-80

Polysorbate-80 is an FDA approved surfactant that is also approved as a food additive. Although not proven, Polysorbate-80 is said to remove deposits of DHT and cholesterol from the scalp. Polysorbate-80 is being recommended by some naturopathic practitioners as an application for the scalp approximately 15 minutes prior to shampooing.

Cleansing and Detoxification

Cleansing should be a major part of your regimen to maintain and grow hair. Many scalp related diseases are directly the result of toxemia, while toxins in the body adversely affecting the body's systems indirectly affect other conditions. Cleansing can be performed through oral means regularly and occasionally by enema or colonic irrigation.

More remedies for detoxification

Psyllium husk

Fiber is vital to cleansing, and most North American diets are deficient in natural fiber. Psyllium husk is a bulking laxative agent that can be used to safely move waste through the colon. Psyllium is a very good substance as it gently scrubs the walls of the colon to remove waste that is stuck to the walls.

Exercise

Finally, although exercise does absolutely nothing directly to grow hair, most holistic practitioners recommend it. Exercising can improve blood flow, the delivery of oxygen to the cells of the body, and help the digestion of foods, all things that aid the health of hair follicles.

Disclaimer: The advice here is not presented from a medical practitioner. Any and all dietary and medical planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. This information does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

--- Copyright 2005 Priya Shah

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Priya Shah is the Editor of The Glutathione Report, a newsletter featuring regular updates on the health benefits of glutathione. For a comprehensive report on hair loss, see Hair Loss Prevention Secrets.