What's Hiding Under Your Nail Polish?

What's Hiding Under Your Nail Polish?
My nails are thick, yellow and seem to have something
growing underneath them. I'm not a dirty person, how did
this happen? I get asked this question more times a week
than I can count. Why do some people have nasty toenails
that look like little mountains of yellow, thick rock?
Fungus is the most common culprit! And most women's answer
is to cover it in toenail polish until it spreads and
becomes painful. Men just wear closed toed shoes and hide
the problem. Either way, this common infection is often
ignored until it becomes a real pain in the toes!

Toe nail fungus strikes across class, ethnic, age and
hygiene lines. In fact, one study showed that almost 50% of
people over the age of 40 have experienced some type of
toenail fungus. Fungal infections are incredibly common,
but are more prevalent in athletes (due to chronic toenail
trauma from shoes) and the aged or infirmed (due to a
decreased immune response).

The typical athlete's foot fungus, called a dermatophyte,
is the same fungus that infects your toenails. Fungus loves
a moist, warm, dark environment, like in your shoes between
your toes. The toenails can have a whitish, chalky
superficial infection or a yellow to brown discoloration
under the toenails that seems to eat and destroy the nail
as it grows. Long standing fungal toenail look like thick,
brownish-yellow mountains growing on the end of your toes.
The thickness makes them painful and susceptible to a
secondary bacterial infection. This infection can be quite
dangerous and has been linked to gangrene in diabetics.

How is toenail fungus diagnosed? Diagnosis of toenail
fungus, or onychomycosis, can only be made by a toenail
biopsy. Your podiatrist can take a small piece of the
leading nail and send it for a special stain that shows the
fungus. A PAS stain is usually faster and more accurate
than a fungal culture, because often the fungus does not
grow in the laboratory. Do not assume you have
onychomycosis. Psoriasis and other skin disorders as well
as chronic trauma can look like fungus. Also, a melanoma
under the nails can mimic fungus, but can be deadly if
there is a delay in diagnosis. If you suspect you have
toenail fungus, don't delay, see your podiatrist today!

How can I prevent toenail fungus?

1. If you get regular pedicures, bring your own instruments
or go to a spa that sterilizes their instruments in an
autoclave (like our in-office spa, Health Steps DFW).

2. Clean your toenail clippers with alcohol before you use
them if you do your own toenails and make sure to replace
Emory boards and orange sticks regularly.

3. We also recommend you regularly clean your shoes with
either antibacterial spray like Lysol or even better an
antibacterial with an antifungal like Mycomist (Gordon
Laboratories) at least once a month and dry them with a
hairdryer.

4. Changing socks regularly (even a few times a day if you
have sweaty feet) and keeping your feet clean and dry is
also helpful.

5. Keep your athletic shoes dry and also change them
regularly. If you exercise regularly, buy your athletic
shoes a half size larger than your street shoes so you
won't bash your toenails as your feet swell with exercise.

How is toenail fungus treated? There is a lot of
misinformation out there about toenail fungus. I have never
told my patients to use white iodine, Vic's Vaporub or
organic cornmeal soaks on their toes. There is no evidence
I can find that it works (If you know of any scientific
evidence please send it to me).

Topical therapy should have some penetration of the nail
plate like Formula 3 Tolnaftate oil (tetra Corp), Nailstat
(Tripod Labs), or prescription (now generic Penlac)
ciclopirox nail lacquer. This should be coupled with a nail
treatment plan from your podiatrist.

If this doesn't work after several months, oral medication,
like terbinafine (generic Lamisil) or itraconazole (generic
Sporonox) may be needed. Remember, no matter how you treat
fungal toenails, it takes at least 6 to 12 months for the
toenails to grow out completely. A combination of oral and
topical medication has the best long-term results, but
still does not have a 100% cure rate. Relapse is also
common, so it's important to play offense (treat the
fungus) and defense (try to prevent the fungus) at the same
time.

Don't ignore nail fungus...it's an infection, not just a
cosmetic problem!

----------------------------------------------------
For more information on foot and ankle health, visit our
website at http://www.faant.com or my blog at
http://www.myrundoc.com . For a podiatrist in your area,
visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
consumer website at http://www.footphysicians.com .

A Secret Yet Simple Exercise for Muscle Building

A Secret Yet Simple Exercise for Muscle Building
Whenever I receive e-mails from people wanting to know what
is the best way to build muscle fast and gain weight, the
first thing I tell them is squats.

If you have read any of my past articles or newsletters
then you know that I put a huge emphasis on squats when it
comes to gaining weight and building muscle mass as fast as
possible. Nothing can ever substitute for squatting hard
and heavy, not more exercises, supplements, nothing.

If you've been having trouble gaining weight and/or putting
some muscle mass on your frame, then I suggest you start
doing some serious squatting. If you have been squatting
but still aren't seeing results, I would then suggest that
you take a look at your squatting poundage's. Almost 90% of
weight trainer's problems with gaining weight and muscle
mass can be solved just by getting serious about squatting.

However, if you have been squatting for a while and are
getting good progress but want to take a break while still
gaining muscle mass consistently, then perhaps you should
try what I believe is the next best yet simple exercise for
muscle building: parallel dips.

Next to squats, parallel dips are the fastest way to build
muscle on your upper body. Now, what I am NOT talking about
is how many dips you can do. This is great for athletes and
muscle endurance, but I would assume that if you're reading
this article that you are looking for ways to build muscle
fast.

In order to utilize dips as a tool for further upper body
muscle mass development, you need to treat them just as you
would treat any other exercise for the same purpose, and
that is low to medium amount of reps with progressively
heavier weight. If you have never done dips with added
weight before, you are in for a treat. They are defiantly
more demanding then most upper body exercises, but the
results they produce are just as good if not better.

What I love about parallel dips is that they are one of the
few exercises that will add massive bulk to your chest,
shoulders, and triceps all at once. This is by far one of
the best upper body exercises for strength training as
well, and you can get a terrific pump from them too!

My favorite way of doing dips is from the late John
McCallum's book The Complete Keys to Progress. Here is how
he broke it down on how to do them for the best possible
results:

-First start out with either body weight or really light
weights tied around your waist for a set of five.

-Do a second set of five with a little more weight. -Next
jump to your best poundage's (you'll have to experiment
with this to find out what weight is good for you) for
three more sets of five.

-After you finish your first five sets, finish off by doing
ten more sets of eight with much lighter weight with only
thirty seconds in-between each set. Continue to strip the
weight off each set if necessary.

-The weight for the last 10 sets doesn't matter, just focus
on no longer then 30 second rest periods and getting a
really good pump.

Try these out for a while and try to add weight to your
three heavy sets for each workout. You don't need to do
this more then twice a week, even once a week for some is
enough. Also, don't do to many other upper body exercises
on days when you are doing these dips, as you will soon
discover, you won't need to, let alone have enough strength
left to!

As always with a weight gain and muscle building program,
don't ever forget about your diet and nutrition, and
especially don't cut yourself short on protein while doing
the dips. This exercise alone will take a lot out of you
and you MUST make sure to put a lot of protein and other
nutrition back in.

----------------------------------------------------
Derek Manuel is the author of the best-selling How to Gain
Weight and Build Muscle for Hardgainers. If you want to
learn how you too can gain 20 to 30 pounds of solid muscle
in as short as 8 weeks, or if you just want more quality
information on how to gain weight and build muscle, please
visit http://www.hardgainers-weight-tips.com

Alzheimer's Disease The Early Warning Signs

Alzheimer's Disease The Early Warning Signs
Alzheimer's disease has been hitting the headlines quite a
bit recently, partly due to the fact that well known and
best selling author Terry Pratchett OBE has a form of the
disease and partly because recent research has highlighted
that the number of people developing Alzheimer's disease is
on the increase. However, many people are still unaware of
what Alzheimer's disease actually is, what to expect if you
or someone close to you is diagnosed with it, and how to
spot the early warning signs.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease was first described in 1906 by German
neurologist Alois Alzheimer. It is a progressive disease
affecting the brain that ultimately ends in death. Over
time, plaques and tangles develop and the brain
deteriorates and atrophies due to a loss of neurons and
synapses in the cerebral cortex and some sub-cortical
regions of the brain. As the disease and the subsequent
brain damage progresses, the symptoms become more and more
severe. How long the process takes from onset to death can
vary considerably from person to person.

How common is it?

It is in fact the most common form of dementia affecting as
many as 5 million Americans and just over 400,000 people in
the UK and approximately 24 million people worldwide.

What causes it and who gets it?

Alzheimer's disease is generally associated with elderly
people as it often begins over the age of 65, and the
greater the age, the greater the risk, however, there is
also an early form of Alzheimer's disease that is
relatively rare but which progresses more rapidly.

Both men and women can develop Alzheimer's but women seem
to be slightly more at risk than men. Other risk factors
include medical conditions affecting the heart and
arteries, environmental factors such as smoking, and diet.
There isn't a definitive cause; nether is there an
established genetic link, although research is currently
being done in this area as some families do seem to show a
genetic tendency, particularly if two direct relatives have
the disease. Other environmental causes that have been
suggested in the past include exposure to magnetic fields,
or to aluminium, but these have never been scientifically
validated.

What are the early signs and symptoms?

The most common early symptom reported is memory lapses.
Although some memory loss is perfectly normal as we age, in
people with Alzheimer's disease there is a much faster
decline as well as other cognitive problems that become
increasingly evident.

It is usually the sufferer's family and friends that will
first notice that someone isn't behaving in the way that
they used to. For example, short term memory lapses become
more common and the individual finds it difficult to
concentrate on tasks that they once found easy. Personality
changes may become evident as well as problems with
communication.

Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can include
any or all of the following:

- Confusion
- Apathy
- Avoiding social contact
- Irritability and anxiousness
- Forgetting names and places on a regular basis
- Repeating oneself often in a short space of time
- An inability to get organised, plan and think coherently
- Difficulty with daily routine tasks and making decisions
- Difficulty with arithmetic, reading, writing and other
cognitive tasks
- May become disorientated in familiar places
- Indulging in strange behaviour

It is important to note that these symptoms do not
necessarily indicate that someone is in the early stages of
Alzheimer's disease as these same symptoms can occur as a
result of other completely unconnected factors.

In the early stages, an individual may be able to
compensate quite well for these problems and will continue
to live and work independently for some time. However, the
nature of Alzheimer's is that the symptoms will always get
progressively worse, severe dementia is inevitable.

What is the prognosis?

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease so treatment is of
a palliative nature. As the disease progresses, an
individual's ability to function independently will decline
until eventually they lose control of their mental
faculties and all bodily functions. If the disease is
diagnosed early, then there is some evidence that with a
good diet and the right kind of support and care, it may be
possible to delay the progression of the disease; however,
this is not conclusive.

One of the most devastating aspects of this disease is the
effect it can have on family and friends who are forced to
watch their loved one deteriorate to the point that they no
longer recognise them. Indeed, there is a higher rate of
depression amongst carers of people with Alzheimer's
disease than those with Alzheimer's themselves.

Many people with Alzheimer's stay at home, particularly in
the early stages, and are cared for by family. There is a
great deal that can be done on a practical basis to ensure
that the individual suffering from Alzheimer's remains as
independent as possible for as long as possible, as well as
help and support available for those who care for them.
There are a number of organisations that have been set up
with the primary aim of doing just that. You can find out
more information about what is available in your area by
speaking to your doctor or other health care professional.

----------------------------------------------------
Depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions
that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information
about depression and selp help come and visit
http://www.fightingdepression.co.uk

Human Tissue Scandal Rocks Medical World

Human Tissue Scandal Rocks Medical World
In February 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
ordered human body tissue recovery and distribution company
Biomedical Tissue Services, Ltd. to cease manufacturing
human body tissue. The report was the culmination of a
years-long investigation into ethical and health violations
in the recovery of human body tissue to be used in
transplants, skin grafts and other medical procedures. With
the order, the FDA both recalled Biomedical Tissue
Services' existing tissue products and prevented the firm
from any further manufacture of tissue products, citing
repeated violations of body tissue regulations.

The Human Body Tissue Industry - An Overview

Human body tissue is harvested and used in a variety of
medical procedures, including, but not limited to bone and
skin grafts, dental implants and organ transplants. These
tissues are acquired by so-called "tissue banks" from
universities, morgues, hospitals, and funeral homes. The
tissue banks are regulated by federal and state laws, which
require them to report these acquisitions to the family
members of the deceased and perform industry-standard tests
to determine whether the tissues are free of disease and
fit for donation. The FDA has submitted detailed rules that
regulate every aspect of the human tissue industry's
acquisition and distribution process in an effort to
prevent dangerous infected tissues from getting onto the
market.

However, the human body tissue industry is largely
unregulated. There are hundreds of tissue banks throughout
the United States, but less than eighty of these belong to
the American Association of Tissue Banks, a peer
organization that accredits and inspects tissue banks. In
addition, only a few states perform monitoring and
licensing on these tissue banks. In addition, critics of
the tissue donation system cite often-inadequate training
and oversight at tissue bank facilities.

The consequence of this negligence in the human tissue bank
industry is often severe: donated human tissue is often
infected with diseases that then are passed on to
transplant recipients. Tissue transplant infections can be
due to pre-existing disease (not caught through proper
screening), contamination because of unsterile conditions,
or cross-contamination when the tissue is exposed to other
infected tissue. The illegal sale of human body tissue puts
patients at risk for the contraction of serious health
conditions, including but not limited to HIV, hepatitis,
and other infectious diseases.

Biomedical Tissue Services Under Fire

The FDA order regarding Biomedical Tissue Services exposes
the severe flaws of the unregulated human body tissue
industry in this country. The FDA's investigation revealed
significant breaches in ethical and health codes at the
company's facilities, where industry-standard practices
were not followed and donors were inadequately screened for
infectious diseases and donation suitability. In addition,
the company has been implicated in the illegal acquisition
of human body tissue from cadavers whose families did not
give consent.

Biomedical Tissue Services also kept inadequate records of
tissue origins and sales and was implicated in falsifying
death certificates. The FDA specifically named Michael
Mastromarino, D.D.S., CEO and Executive Director of
Operations for Biomedical Tissue Services, in its order.

If You've Been Affected

If you or a family member has been affected with ill-health
side effects from contaminated tissue transplants, contact
a medical malpractice attorney immediately. It may be
possible to recover financial damages and compensation for
medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other
causes of action.

----------------------------------------------------
LegalView, the number one resource for everything legal on
the Web can be found at http://www.LegalView.com/ . Here,
individuals can find the latest on the Singulair risks,
mesothelioma jury verdicts or even the most recent cereal
recall, which can be found at
http://cereal-recall.legalview.com/ .

How To Keep Fit And Stay Looking Young

How To Keep Fit And Stay Looking Young
One of the signs of aging is wrinkling. Another sign is
arrival of those brown spots on the skin, what Grandma
called "liver spots." Skin dries out, thins and becomes
less elastic and resilient. While no one has discovered a
miracle anti-aging cure yet or the fountain of youth,
doctors and scientists have discovered some ways to delay
the onset of some of the symptoms of aging.

Wrinkles are caused by the loss of collagen in the middle
layer of skin called the dermis. This layer is made up of
collagen and elastin fibers. These proteins are what
support the skin and make it resilient.

Other components of this layer are capillaries, lymph
nodes, hair follicles, nerve and muscle cells, seat glands
and, most importantly for this discussion, sebaceous
glands. These sebaceous glands produce an oily protective
substance that that lubricates and waterproofs the skin and
hair. As they get older, they produce less and less of this
lubricant, the skin dries out and wrinkling occurs. Another
symptom is the loss of collagen that causes the droopiness
and tired-look that comes with old age.

Regular exercise nourishes all three layers of the skin. It
improves circulation, providing the skin with oxygen, fresh
blood and nutrients. This increased blood flow also draws
toxins out of the body and improve the condition of every
organ, not just the skin. The increased blood flow created
by exercise helps promote the growth of collagen that, in
turn, plumps up the facial skin eradicating wrinkles and
adding vibrancy to the skin. Sweating, a byproduct of
exercise, improves the health of the skin by flushing out
toxins, which also adds to a youthful glow.

Exercise has been proven to relieve stress. Stress is tied
in very closely to the aging process and wrinkles.
Prolonged stress increases levels of free radicals, speeds
up the breakdown of proteins, can suppress the immune
system and generally accelerates the process of aging.

Of course, it is important to exercise properly and keep
hydrated while doing it. Moisturizing inside and out makes
good sense.

No smoking. Not only does smoking constrict the blood
vessels in the dermis that reduces the flow of nutrients
and oxygen to the skin. The facial expressions caused by
smoking also accelerate wrinkling. Pursing the lips,
squinting to keep smoke out of the eyes and the sucking in
of the smoke all put repetitive stress on the muscles of
the face.

----------------------------------------------------
Looking after yourself and looking young is easy when you
have access to the best skin care products:
http://www.LifeCellHealth.com

4 Myths on Women and Weight Training

4 Myths on Women and Weight Training
Guys...your wife is watching your biceps getting bigger! Is
she jealous? Does she want to start "bodybuilding" but is
afraid of getting TOO big? She secretly wants that finely
chiseled body, too!

Here's how she can build muscle for a lean, sexy physique
without the fear of embarrassing you with bigger arms as
you walk down the beach...

There are a lot of myths around women and bodybuilding and
they just don't seem to die. I'd like to share with you an
article that sheds light on women and weight training that
will pave the path for your wife or girlfriend to adopt the
bodybuilding lifestyle with you.

That's right. We're going to bust the women and weight
training myths right NOW!

Who better to do that than a woman who weight trains and
understands your wife's fears regarding women and weights?

Women and Weight Training Myth #1 - Weight training will
make woman huge and manly.

BUSTED - Like most people, when you think of women and
weight training you automatically relate that image to the
professional female bodybuilder strutting her oiled-up
mammoth physique across stage and striking a pose.

What's NOT mentioned is that 99.9% of the professional
female bodybuilders supplement with steroids to develop
superhuman muscles.

By the law of nature, women do not produce near the amount
of muscle building hormone, testosterone, necessary to
build huge swollen, vein-popping muscles. A woman is just
not capable of building that type of massive muscle simply
by lifting weights.

Bottom line: Weight training will NOT make a woman big and
overly muscular.

Women and Weight Training Myth #2 - Women who weight train
will lose their breast size.

BUSTED - (pardon the pun) Breast tissue is made up of
primarily fat tissue. A loss of body fat will results in
smaller breast size.

Weight training develops muscle tissue. Adding strength
training will develop the underlying chest muscle on a
woman and can add more shape to her upper body, creating
those eye-pleasing and sexy curves. In addition, a good
chest training program will add stunning high cleavage for
that perfect fit in a dress or bikini.

To put it bluntly, the only way for a woman to lose her
breast size is if she loses a lot of body fat.

Women and Weight Training Myth #3 - A woman's muscle will
turn into fat if she stops weight training.

BUSTED - There is an astronomical amount of women who won't
weight train for fear their muscle will somehow magically
turn into fat if they stop weight training.

Again, muscle and fat are two completely different tissues
responsible for their own functions. Muscle is
metabolically active (calorie burning) and fat is
metabolically inactive (fat storing).

Muscle CANNOT Ever, In Any Case, turn into fat any more
than fat can turn into muscle. One can only build or lose
muscle OR gain or lose fat. The two separate tissues are
not interchangeable.

Women and Weight Training Myth #4 - Muscle weighs more than
fat.

BUSTED - It's no wonder women believe this ridicules
statement. Dr. Phil has been known to say it in his highly
publicized weight-loss book.

It's a fact that a pound of muscle and a pound of fat weigh
the same, a pound. What most women don't realize is that a
pound of muscle is denser and takes up less space than a
pound of fat.

Therefore, having more developed muscle on the female frame
with less body fat will make her leaner, tighter, and give
off that "toned" look they are after.

Bottom line: Adding natural muscle mass through weight
training accentuates a lady's femininity.

Endless Benefits for Women Who Weight Train:

Has training partner by default

Improves stamina

Improves sex life

Lifts and shapes the booty

Relieves depression

Builds a shapely physique

Improves posture Controls weight

Builds positive self-image

Creates a positive attitude

Builds character

Boosts immune system

Clears the mind

Creates more energy

Benefits other sports

Raises resting metabolic rate

Slows the aging process

Decreases chance of injury

Builds a stronger heart

Creates an anti-aging effect

Improves digestion

Relieves chronic pain

Builds stronger bones

Improves circulation

Improves flexibility

Lowers LDL (bad)

Increases HDL (good)

Lowers hypertension

Lowers risk for cancers

Lowers risk of heart disease

Lowers the risk of diabetes

Makes you a happy partner

A woman with a well-shaped body through weight training
will feel better about herself. In addition, she'll better
understand the process you go through to develop your
physique, and have a better appreciation for weight
training.

There's a special bond with a couple that trains together.

----------------------------------------------------
Karen Sessions has been in the fitness industry since 1988.
She is a nationally qualified bodybuilder and holds two
personal training certifications. She has written 6 ebooks
on fitness and has helped hundreds of clients transform
their bodies.

http://www.Iron-Dolls.com
"Use of this article is authorized provided it is
reproduced in full, and all web URLS are active hyperlinks
directed to the author"

This is still one of the oldest myths in boxing training workouts.

This is still one of the oldest myths in boxing training workouts.
The most needed and under trained bio motor ability I'm
talking about is maximal strength. I'm going to explain
briefly why you want to lift heavy weights, and why in fact
they won't make you slow as boxing skill trainers
religiously believe to be the case.

Lifting heavy weights will make you slow is a myth that has
been around for many years. It doesn't sound like it's
going to be dying anytime soon either. This myth comes from
boxing skill coaches who know nothing about exercise
physiology and strength/conditioning. Ask any coach what is
their main goal in training their fighter? Their answer
usually is, to make their fighter faster, and more powerful
for their upcoming fight The fact of the matter is that
most fighters are bloody weak! These coaches don't
understand that to get fast, you first have to get strong.
To get strong, you have to lift heavy weights. Performing a
hundred push ups and lifting light weights for over 25 reps
won't get you strong. Performing high reps won't, but high
reps are often what a boxing skill coach will tell his
fighter to use.

Boxing skill coaches also fail to understand that strength
and speed, are the prerequisites for power. So to be
powerful, you have to be strong and fast. There is no other
way around this formula. If you ignore it, you don't reach
your full potential.

Now don't get me wrong, if you do nothing but lift heavy
weights, they can make you slow. The key is though you must
combine speed strength exercises with your strength
training to increase the rate of force development. This
combination of training means will then make you more
explosive. The thing I question is, don't you increase your
rate of force development hitting the speed and double end
bag? Yes you do. Keep in mind, by rate of force
development, I'm talking about how fast you move an object.
That's the key, how fast you move. If you wanna be fast,
you have to move fast.

So even doing eight weeks of a base strength training block
won't make you slow. You can then add more speed strength
exercises in the next block, or plyometric exercise in
conjunction with strength training to increase the RFD.

The results of adding these training means is you have a
fighter who is truly faster and stronger. That's what ends
fights quick, explosive power. To be explosive you first
need to be strong so you can be fast. Speed is born from
strength. Weak fighters aren't fast for a reason. Once you
are strong and fast you are powerful. Once you are powerful
behind sound skill, you are a dangerous fighter. I hope
I've shed some light on this old wives tale for you. The
next time you hear a boxing coach say lifting heavy weights
will make you slow, you will know better to listen to that
ignorance.

----------------------------------------------------
Go to http://www.boxingperformance.com to get a 21 day
trial membership for elite boxing training videos ,articles
and interviews with top coaches. Rob Pilger creator of
http://www.TheUltimateBoxingWorkout.com is a Certified
Strength/Conditioning Specialist and Level II USA Boxing
Coach.

What a Pain in the Butt!

What a Pain in the Butt!
Anne was running the White Rock marathon in Dallas in 2007.
It was a cold, wet day, and by mile 18, she had a "cramp"
in her hamstring and into her butt. It continued to get
worse and worse as it got colder and colder. First she
described that her fourth toe went numb, then the entire
bottom of her foot. By the time she got to mile 24, she
relates being freezing, wet, miserable, and could not feel
her left foot or calf! Quit? Never! It's not even in her
vocabulary....Although her running friends that were doing
their best to drag her to the finish kept encouraging her,
Anne was convinced she had somehow severed her sciatic
nerve with the muscle spasm in her butt! What was going on?
Piriformis syndrome!

Anne had just experienced a very rude introduction to her
piriformis muscle. This muscle arises from the sacrum,
passes through the sciatic notch (an opening in the pelvic
bone) and attaches to a bony prominence on the side of the
thigh bone (greater trochanter). The piriformis muscle acts
in outward rotation of the hip. The sciatic nerve exits the
spinal cord and passes through the notch in front of the
piriformis (in some people the nerve actually passes right
through the muscle).

What went wrong that day around White Rock Lake? Anne
irritated her piriformis muscle by getting tired (because
her pre-race training had been, when she was being honest
with herself, less than adequate), which caused her to
overpronate, and then she coupled that with running on
uneven surfaces and progressively colder temperatures which
caused Anne to tighten all of her muscles shivering anyway!
As the piriformis became inflamed, it swelled and
compressed the sciatic nerve, which caused her foot to
become progressively numb.

Most piriformis injuries are caused by overuse or by forced
rotation of the hip caused by running on uneven surfaces.
You can also irritate your piriformis by falling on your
butt and having a direct blow! Pain can usually be elicited
early in piriformis syndrome with direct palpation or
stretching of the muscle. Anne describes pain enough to
jump off the massage table pain when her piriformis was
palpated for a month after the marathon!

Why me? Look at your training schedule and you may see an
answer. Anne did! Worn out orthotics and not enough miles
coupled with an unusually cold day! Other factors come into
play like tight hip adductor muscles and excessive
pronation. If your adductors are tight, the piriformis has
to work harder to abduct the hip before it can help in
outward rotation. Also, when your foot excessively pronates
(or rolls in) when pushing off, your whole leg rotates
inward and the piriformis acts to externally rotate your
hip and has to work overtime every time you push off.

Can I keep running with piriformis syndrome? Yes and No. In
the early stages, you can run; if you continuously stretch
before and after, as well as making sure you warm up the
piriformis before running. Decrease your mileage at least
30-50%, slow down and avoid hills and speed work as well as
uneven surfaces. If you are finding that the muscle pain is
causing you to alter your gait, slow down and start therapy
before you end up with another injury. Think of it this
way, as the piriformis tightens, the pelvis is actually
pulled upward which gives you a functional leg length
discrepancy. This can cause major biomechanical injuries to
your other foot and leg! In other words, piriformis
tightness in the left hip can cause arch or knee pain in
the right leg!

What else could it be? The best answer to piriformis
syndrome is to get a true diagnosis from a sports medicine
physician. Lumbar spine injuries like a herniated disc or
degenerative arthritis as well as a pelvic stress fracture
can mimic piriformis syndrome. A complete physical exam
should highlight the culprit muscle and x-rays or even an
MRI may be needed to rule out other possible causes.

Piriformis syndrome is treated with physical therapy,
pelvic manipulation, tons of stretching,
anti-inflammatories, functional orthotics or shoe inserts
to align your gait, deep tissue massage and manipulation,
and even the dreaded cortisone shot to the butt in some
cases. Very few people need surgical release of the muscle
for complete relief of symptoms.

After Anne experienced piriformis syndrome, I bet she will
never joke about a pain in the butt again! Be smart!
Maintain your core strengthening routine, wear your
orhtoics if you pronate excessively, stretch your hip
adductors, and strengthen your abductors to ward off the
dreaded piriformis syndrome!

----------------------------------------------------
For more information on foot and ankle health and running
injuries, visit our website at http://www.faant.com or my
blog at http://www.myrundoc.com . For a podiatrist in your
area, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
consumer website at http://www.footphysicians.com .

If You Don't Like Tax and Spend, Then You Probably Hate Diet and Gain

If You Don't Like Tax and Spend, Then You Probably Hate Diet and Gain
It's that time of the year again, folks. If you haven't
filed your taxes, then I'm sure you are hoping that
extension is approved. Don't worry, I understand most are,
and I wish you the best.

While I don't want this to be a discussion of the merits of
either political party's monetary policy, what I do want to
do is talk results from a different policy of taxing and
spending. That policy refers to one too many people buy
into-dieting to lose weight.

As a nutritionist, I have seen too many people diet,
repeatedly, with the same result-gaining weight. Yes, they
do lose weight at the beginning-and that is because all
diets work. The problem is that once you go ON a diet,
eventually you'll go OFF the diet, and any weight lost will
come back (I suppose you could say there is a return on
your investment-unfortunately this is one investment you'd
rather not see grow).

What happens when you lose weight, and lose it quickly (as
with many of the low carbohydrate, very low calorie diets)
is that a large part of that weight loss is water loss.
And, unfortunately, part of that weight loss is muscle
mass. Some of it will be fat, but sadly, not as much as you
want to think. When you are on a diet that deprives you of
foods you like, eventually your desire for that food
overcomes your desire to eliminate it from your life, and
so you start eating. Not only does the weight return, but
usually, you gain back more than you lost. Instead of
gaining back the muscle and the water, you wind up gaining
primarily fat. Now, that wasn't part of the original plan,
was it?

People need to give up dieting and learn to become at peace
with food. It is a risk for many people, but those who
have tried it know what it is like to no longer be afraid
of eating and being obsessed with their weight.

Becoming "at peace with food" is a journey that involves
developing a new relationship with food. Instead of being
marked by frustration and disappointment, by fear and
competition between you and the food you eat, food will
take its place as one of the many activities in your life,
along with family, friends, working and being active. And,
like these other activities, it should be
pleasurable.

In order to be at peace with
food, you need to learn about yourself and why you have the
relationship you do with the food you eat. Like all
relationships, your relationship with food took time to
develop, and it will take time to change.

So, as April 15 comes and goes, along with filing your
financial history for the last year, and assessing what
changes you have made (and need to make), you can also
consider filing a plan for changing the way you assess your
dieting and eating behaviors. While it won't be easy
(changing age old behaviors never is), consider it, shall
we say, a good investment in your future.

----------------------------------------------------
If you would like more information on becoming At Peace
With Food™, as well as access to interesting articles and
links to nutritional resource websites, visit=>
http://www.AtPeaceWithFood.com/freetips.html

Whip Yourself into Shape with Body Detox Recipes

Whip Yourself into Shape with Body Detox Recipes
In this article we will discuss several body detox recipes.
But before we get to that it's important to understand what
is detoxification and why do we need to do it?

The pollution your body is exposed to daily, and your
consumption of various types of junk food, coffee, aerated
drinks, alcohol etc leads to the accumulation of various
toxins in your body. These toxins are harmful, some are
even poisonous substances that need to be cleaned out of
your body at regular intervals, other wise they might prove
seriously detrimental to your overall health.
Detoxification is the procedure by which you rid your body
of toxins. Body detox methods not only improve health but
also keep you in shape.

Body detox methods cleanse various internal organs of your
body like your liver, kidney, lungs and even your skin. So
depending on the organ and depending on your taste and
preferences you can choose from a number of body detox
recipes. A body detox recipe is a combination of
ingredients that make up a healthy diet and cleanse your
body, revitalizing your entire system.

Here are the various body detox recipes:

Body Detox Recipe #1 Lemon Detox Recipe: add two
tablespoons of brown rice syrup to two table spoons of
lemon juice, add a glass of water. Drink this whenever you
suffer from pangs of hunger, this body detox recipe becomes
the substitute of all solid food for up to couple of weeks.
Even when you are not following a detox regimen you can
easily replace a meal each day with this invigorating
drink, add a bit of grated ginger to taste if you like.

Body Detox Recipe #2 Fresh Fruit Detox Recipe: chop fresh
fruits like banana, apple and strawberries and toss them
into a salad. This is not only a potent body detox recipe
but a tasty one as well, add extra soft tofu and honey and
voila! You have a delicious dessert.

Body Detox Recipe #3 Apple Detox Recipe: this one requires
you to live on apple drinks, cider, apple and apple sauce
for as long as the detox process is on.

These are the easier fruit based detox recites which are
great to cleanse your body with. Some other body detox
recipes include:

Body Detox Recipe #4 Gazpacho Soup: this is a Spanish
recipe, and it is basically a healthy veggie soup made of
cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic and moistened
bread mixed with olive oil, vinegar, ice water. It's served
cold and is excellent for detoxing.

Body Detox Recipe #5 Alkalizing Raw Soup: it is a
nutritious vegetable soup which again is very effective as
a body detox recipe. It is similar to the earlier one, it
is a soup made of avocados, spinach, cucumbers, red and
green pepper with other veggies.

Body Detox Recipe #6 Mediterranean Diets: Mediterranean
diets are low on fat and carbohydrates and they provide us
with healthy alternative to the oily food we consume every
day. Delicious Turkish and Greek recipes are available
online as body detox recipes.

The trick to a body detox is to be on the look out for the
perfect body detox recipe which provides you with wholesome
food, fresh veggies and fruits, herbal tea, raw nuts etc.
before starting your detox always take a week's break from
junk food, caffeine, etc and prepare your body for the
detox regimen by eating light but healthy food.

----------------------------------------------------
John Khu is a health enthusiast and author of a new eBook
titled "Body Detox Tips". He is devoted to educate others
on the benefit of body detoxification. He is also the
owner of the website called http://www.bodydetoxtips.com
which provides complete and up-to-date information.

10 Ways to Effective Communication With Your Doctor

10 Ways to Effective Communication With Your Doctor
One of the most important things in taking care of yourself
is understanding your doctor's advice well enough to carry
it out. While that sounds simple enough, here in the
United States studies have shown that approximately 90
million people don't understand their doctor's advice well
enough to follow it at home. And that can be dangerous,
especially for the diabetic. For the diabetic, caring for
their illness is a big job. There are lots of things to
remember and lots of things to do. And just about the time
you think you have it all figured out, you go in for your
routine check-up. And wouldn't you know it! When your
tests results come back, you get a phone call from your
doctor's office. You are told to change meds or take meds
at different times, etc. It's no wonder we sometimes get
confused.

However, not having a good understanding of your doctor's
orders, whatever your illness, can be more than just
confusing. Studies have shown that those who don't fully
understand their doctor's orders are almost twice as likely
to die within a five year period than those who do have a
good understanding! So it is vitally important to leave
your doctor's appointment with a clear understanding of
what you should do. And remember this, doctors are used to
medical terms and sometimes their advice becomes rote as
they repeat it over and over to their patients. It is up
to you to make sure you leave their office with all your
questions answered and any confusion explained away. Here
are some tips to help you as you work to increase your
"health literacy":

1. Ask your doctor or health care professional to explain
any medical terms you do not understand.

2. If you receive a diagnoses you never heard of, ask the
doctor to explain exactly what it is and to spell it for
you. When I was diagnosed with leukocytoclastic
vasculitis, I had no idea what that was. I asked my doctor
to explain it and write it down for me. He wrote the words
down for me then told me it was a very rare disease. He
then excused himself and came back into the room with a
large medical book. He opened the book to my disease and
read to me from his medical book. This wouldn't have
happened if I hadn't asked. But he was glad to do it when
he realized how important that was to me.

3. If they speak softly and you have trouble hearing, tell
them so. Make sure you hear everything they say!

4.Many of our health care professionals are from foreign
countries. If you have a problem understanding their
accent, don't be embarrassed about it. Ask to have a
nurse, etc in the room to explain anything you have trouble
fully understanding.

5. Many times our doctors seem to be in a hurry. Remember
that you are as important as the next patient. If they
rush through your instructions, ask them to slow down.
Don't be embarrassed to ask them to repeat something.

6. Ask questions. There is no such thing as a "dumb
question" where your health is concerned.

7. Ask for information pamplets, etc. if you don't fully
understand your illness. Or ask your doctor to write down
information resources for you.

8. Take a family member or trusted friend with you and ask
them to listen carefully and make notes for you if needed.

9. Ask your doctor for an explanation of tests results
even if they are normal. What is "normal" and what does it
mean in your case?

10. When your doctor gives you a prescription, have him/her
explain to you what it is, why you need to take it, and
clear directions for taking it. Then make sure the
information on the prescription matches what your doctor
told you. This is just an outline of ten ways to help you
better understand what transpires when you visit your
doctor or health care professional. You can probably add
others. The main thing to remember is this. You are given
one life. Make sure you take care of it. And that means
making sure you and your doctor communicate effectively.

Copyright © 2007, Linda/diabeticenjoyingfood. All rights
reserved.

----------------------------------------------------
For more of Linda's writings and recipes, go to
http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com

Jock Itch: All About The Fungal Infection

Jock Itch: All About The Fungal Infection
Jock itch is so named because a large percentage of male
athletes get affected by this fungal infection. But it can
be seen in anybody as an infection in the anal, genital and
thigh areas of their bodies. This skin infection is very
much similar to a ringworm and the most affected part is
the groin area of the body of both sexes, but more commonly
in males. These appear in the form of red patches in which
the patient feels severe itching sensation. Standard
anti-fungal treatments are used to treat jock itch, the
symptoms of which include itching and red patches in the
groin area, mostly confined in the area near the anus,
surrounding skin and inner thighs.

These are characterised by red patches defined with dark
borders. These patches are raised, form scales and can also
ooze. Patches are in the shape of a ring and their colour
is darker at the edges than at the centre. Normally, jock
itch is simply identified by seeing the condition of the
skin, but in case of doubt, the fungus can be identified by
performing a biopsy. Jock itch can also be called as tinea
cruris, which is caused when a fungus belonging to the
dermatophyte family gets multiplied on the skin of the
groin area. It gets multiplied mostly in the humid and hot
places, for which the groin area is perfect. Anybody who
gets in contact with an infected person, or shares his or
her towel or clothes may catch jock itch.

People who wear tight under garments and sweat very much
are more susceptible to jock itch. Another factor that
contributes to the infection is obesity, eczema, AIDS and
diabetes.
Anti-fungal ointments, creams and powders can be used in
cases of mild jock itch. But if the problem is not able to
be solved in more than 15 days, then it is better to
consult a doctor, who will prescribe some oral anti-fungal
medications.

Sometimes, scratching a lot can add to the problem by
causing bacterial infections. To prevent this, the doctor
will tell the medications to relieve itching also. Some
preventive measures for jock itch are to keep dry the groin
area, as it is more prone to the infection. Wearing tight
fitting clothes and clothes that cause friction on the body
should be avoided as far as possible. Sharing towel with
other people should also be avoided because this is a
communicable infection. The infection can also be
transmitted from one person to another while having sex or
while coming in close contact with the infected person.

Taking bath regularly and keeping the vulnerable areas
clean is also important to avoid the problem. Even if
someone catches the infection, scratching the area should
be avoided as far as possible, because this will only
worsen the problem. Some people are more prone to jock itch
and they catch the infection time and again. They should
regularly use an anti-fungal powder on the groin area after
drying it and consult the doctor for further treatment
procedures.

----------------------------------------------------
More articles about jock itch symptom and treatment are
available at following website:
http://www.jockitchcare.com
http://www.jockitchcare.net

Why do my feet hurt?

Why do my feet hurt?
"When your feet hurt, your whole body hurts." -Socrates.

If you have experienced foot pain in your lifetime, you
know this statement to be true. The human foot is complex.
It contains 26 bones (the two feet contain one quarter of
all the bones in the human body), 33 joints, and over 100
tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Foot ailments are among
the most common of our health problems. Although some can
be traced to heredity, many occur from the cumulative
effect of years of abuse and neglect. The average person
walks 115,000 miles (the equivalent of more than 4 ½ times
around the world) during their lifetime. Studies show that
75% Americans experience some type of foot pain during
their life, yet many do not seek medical treatment because
they believe that foot pain is a normal part of life. Pain
typically is a sign that body is telling us that there is
something wrong, and therefore, should not be ignored.

Heel pain is one of the most common ailments of the foot in
adults. The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot and
is the first part of the foot to contact the ground during
the gait cycle. A fibrous band of tissue called the plantar
fascia attaches to the bottom of the heel bone and acts as
a shock absorber for the foot and arch. Poor mechanics of
the foot, engaging in strenuous activities (especially
running), obesity, standing for long periods of time, and
wearing shoes that do not offer enough support cause
inflammation along the plantar fascia. This results in pain
that is typically more severe in the morning or at the end
of the day after prolonged activity. Heel pain can usually
be treated successfully with conservative measures. Adding
an arch support to your shoe, stretching, and icing are
some of the things one can do to alleviate pain. If
symptoms persist, a podiatrist may recommend custom molded
arch supports (orthotics), prescribe medications,
administer cortisone, as well as other forms of treatment.
Heel pain can be relieved in most cases following such a
treatment regimen. Patients that do not respond to
conservative measures may be candidates for a technological
breakthrough. A new procedure called Podiatherm helps
relieve pain by blocking the sensation of pain from the
nerves around the heel pain. It is performed under local
anesthesia and during a single, fifteen minute office
visit. There are no restrictions afterwards.

Another common cause of foot pain is bunions, which are
painful bumps on the big toe joint. Bunions worsen over
time and cause redness, tenderness and pain along the big
toe joint. Initially, focus should be in modifying one's
shoe styles to relieve pain. Narrow-toed shoes and high
heels should be discarded for more supportive, wider shoes.
If symptoms do not improve, padding may help relieve some
of the pain. If a bunion continues to cause discomfort, a
surgical procedure called a bunionectomy may be performed.
In most cases (depending on the severity of the bunion),
patients may walk in a special shoe after surgery and
return to tennis shoes after 4 weeks.

As stated earlier...when your feet hurt, your whole body
can hurt. In many cases, foot problems are due to poor foot
mechanics. Poor foot mechanics coupled with a change in
your gait to offset pain can lead to lower leg pain, knee
pain, or back pain. Foot pain is not normal and should not
be accepted as a way of life.

Some foot health tips are as follows:

1. Select and wear the right shoe for the activity you are
engaged in (for example, running shoes for running).
2. Trim your nails straight across. Be careful to not cut
too far back on the sides as this may lead to an ingrown
nail.
3. If you are diabetic, it is important to check your feet
daily and see a physician at least once a year for a check
up.
4. Alternate shoes-don't wear the same pair of shoes
everyday.
5. Running shoes should be changed every 300-500 miles.
6. If you have foot pain or are diabetic, avoid going
barefoot.
7. Make sure your shoes fit properly. Purchase shoes later
in the day when feet tend to be larger due to swelling.
8. Walking is a great exercise for your heart and your feet.

----------------------------------------------------
Dr. Jaryl Korpinen of Premier Foot and Ankle is a Foot and
Ankle Specialist in Plano and McKinney, Texas. He has
appeared on television and radio programs to discuss
various foot and ankle conditions.
http://www.premierfootankle.com

Are Energy Drinks Potentially Harmful?

Are Energy Drinks Potentially Harmful?
Energy drinks are a multi billion-dollar industry. It
seems like you can't walk into a gym, health food store,
and liquor store or by a vending machine without seeing
some sort of "Pick me up" or energy related drink. This
article talks about the potential risks or damage that
these drinks may cause.

What Are The Ingredients?

-Caffeine, a very well known stimulant found in coffee,
chocolates, and now in energy drinks. Caffeine may cause
you to lose calcium through your urine. Caffeine has the
potential to over stimulate the adrenal glands and this
weakens them with persistent and chronic use, which causes
fatigue.

-Sucrose is a sugar that is 50% glucose and 50% fructose.
The sugar glucose is used as energy in every cell of our
bodies. In contrast, fructose must be metabolized in the
liver. Animals tested with large amounts of fructose
developed fatty deposits in their livers, which resembled
the damage cirrhosis does on a human beings liver. Fruit
contains fructose and glucose, but they also contain fiber.
On the other hand, commercialized sucrose doesn't have the
fiber content of natural fruits.

*Here are potential risks for consuming processed sugar:

-Sugar decreases growth hormones

-Sugar feeds cancer cells

-Sugar increases cholesterol levels

-Sugar can cause drowsiness

-Sugar contributes to diabetes

Our bodies change sugar 2 to 5 times faster into fat in the
bloodstream than it does starch. The list of potential
risks for sugar consumption is actually greater than what
is shown.

Sucralose is a denatured sucrose, but its preparation
involves chlorinating sucrose. Chlorine is a carcinogen.
Thereby substituting three hydroxyl groups for three
chlorine atoms increases the chances of coming down with
cancer.

In addition, Sodium Chloride is an ingredient that raises
blood pressure. It can possibly harm the cardiovascular
system. Also, it may increase the mass of the left
ventricle, thickens and stiffens conduit arteries.

In summary, many of these energy drinks contain all if not
several of the above ingredients. In addition, individuals
that I know have told me that they feel a sudden crash a
few hours after consuming these drinks and the "jitters"
within the first few hours.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided herein should not be construed as
a health-care diagnosis, treatment regimen or any other
prescribed health-care advice or instruction. The
information is provided with the understanding that the
publisher is not engaged in the practice of medicine or any
other health-care profession and does not enter into a
health-care practioner/ patient relationship with its
readers.

----------------------------------------------------
To find out even more information on health check out
http://www.regainurhealth.com . The author is a credidle
health researcher.

Benzene - A Hidden Threat

Benzene - A Hidden Threat
Did you know that the toxic effects of benzene exposure can
show up as late as 29 years after the first exposure?

Clearly, the health risks of occupational or other benzene
exposure are grave. Benzene, classified as a "Class A"
carcinogen by the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA), is
an extremely harmful chemical that is responsible for
diseases such as Hodgkin's disease, various respiratory and
skin disorders, and even leukemia.

Though benzene has a strong odor, it is clear and
colorless. It is contained primarily in paints, solvents
and dyes, and occupational risk is greater in the oil and
petroleum industry, where benzene is used in refineries.
Exposure to benzene is also possible in printing presses
and the paper and pulp industries.

Public and Private Benzene Claims Collect Big Compensation
Dollars

If you have been injured by benzene exposure, take heart -
benzene litigation is a growing field and has resulted in
several multi-million dollar lawsuits in recent years. The
biggest civil settlement ever in Arizona history was in a
benzene case in which Unocal (Union Oil of California)
agreed to pay $675,000 for benzene groundwater
contamination in Tempe, Arizona.

In December 2001, Exxon-Mobil was ordered to pay $8.2
million in civil penalties and additional monetary damages
due to benzene groundwater pollution in New York City.

But cities and states have not been the only beneficiaries
of large benzene settlements - individuals have also made
inroads into compensation for benzene exposure and injury.
The largest settlements have gone to the families of
victims who died of benzene-related illnesses. For example,
Mobil was forced to pay over $6 million to the family of a
68-year-old man who died of benzene-related leukemia.

Don't Wait Too Long to Pursue Your Benzene Claim

If you have been stricken with a benzene-related illness or
injury, don't wait until you are on your death bed to
collect your rightful damages and compensation for toxic
benzene exposure. Contacting an experienced
benzene/environmental toxin litigator can help give you
access to the compensation you deserve. Compensation which
can help defray the medical bills and pain and suffering
associated with benzene and its many toxic effects.

Clearly, no amount of money can ever restore health or make
up for the years of suffering experienced at the hands of
occupational or other benzene exposure, but pursuing a
benzene claim can have more than monetary benefits. It can
convince companies to be more responsible about the sale
and promotion of products containing the toxic carcinogen
benzene.

Remember to seek medical attention immediately if you are
suffering from benzene exposure.

The short- and long-term effects of benzene can be
devastating to your health and your family's security, so
don't put off that doctor's visit if you suspect your
recent health troubles are due to benzene poisoning.
Unfortunately, benzene's effects are insidious and often
hard to detect. It's up to you to seek appropriate medical
attention and, if possible, pursue your benzene-related
claim with a competent and experienced legal advisor.

----------------------------------------------------
Visit LegalView's information portal at
http://www.LegalView.com to learn more about this and other
legal issues afflicting millions of Americans. Learn about
the latest in prescription drug controversies such as the
Chantix recall, Singulair side effects or the Avandia
risks, which can be found at http://avandia.legalview.com/ .

Can Drinking Water Slow The Effects Of Aging?

Can Drinking Water Slow The Effects Of Aging?
As we age, our skin becomes drier. Our production of sebum
decreases, and our cells are more prone to losing moisture.
Dry, lined skin is the result.

Doctors tell us that drinking enough water is the key to
keeping all of our cells hydrated, including those of our
skin. Is drinking lots of water really beneficial to the
skin? Can it slow the signs of aging, reduce wrinkles or
ease problem blemishes? Let's look at the role of water in
the skin.

Our bodies are composed of 70% water. Skin is the largest
organ of the body. It follows that our skin contains a lot
of water! Our cells need constant hydration. Although
moisturizers are useful in keeping skin from drying out,
nothing can take the place of drinking three to four pints
of water daily.

Water purifies. It increases blood flow efficiency to help
carry toxins out of the body. This happens on both a
systemic and on a cellular level. This aids the transport
of toxins through the kidneys and liver, which are
filtering organs, preventing them from traveling to cells
all over the body. Water also helps the body flush waste
from individual cells, keeping them healthy. As well as
helping to transport toxins and impurities away from the
skin, it also carries vitamins and minerals into the cells.

Dry skin is, of course, the first sign that your body is
not getting enough water. The resultant fine lines will
deepen into serious wrinkles. Baggy skin under the eyes is
another sign. If you gently pinch the sensitive skin under
your eye and it does not quickly bounce back to its
original shape, this can be a sign of dehydration. Puffy
eyes and dark circles are also results of not getting
enough water.

Blemishes are often a problem for those in the aging
population. The buildup of oils and impurities in the
cells of the skin leads to redness and inflammation.
Those eight ounces of water every day can help to gently
flush away excess oils and toxins that lead to blemishes.

Using a good moisturizer is a great weapon in your battle
against aging, blemished skin. Quality moisturizers have a
rich formula that will lock in the natural moisture in your
skin, increasing the benefits of all that water you're
drinking! In addition, the very best moisturizers have
ingredients including a wide variety of anti-oxidants,
collagen stimulators and wrinkle aids will keep your skin
looking and feeling young, smooth and blemish-free.

----------------------------------------------------
Don't trust just any moisturizer. This one has all the
right ingredients: http://www.LifeCellHealth.com

What Are Those Products On Your Dressing Table Really Doing To Your Face And Complexion?

What Are Those Products On Your Dressing Table Really Doing To Your Face And Complexion?
If you look in your bathroom cabinet or on your dressing
table, you will notice the number of high-priced skin
products, creams, moisturisers, toners... you name it, that
are residing there. It's not wrong to say, that if you were
to add up the price of all the products, it'd run into many
hundreds, if not thousands of pounds. How did looking good
get to be so expensive?

Well, what you really ought to know is that you are paying
an enormous amount for the advertising of any beauty
product, the celebrity who may be endorsing it and the
whole PR surrounding it. So, when you see all these
products stacked up in your house (and maybe even your
friends' and relatives' houses) what you should probably be
doing is getting out your calculator and seeing how much is
being spent. Most likely, you'd be shocked at how much
you've spent.

A dramatic way to change things is simply to use a few
natural products, to follow certain techniques and tips and
get a little smarter about your own beauty routine and how
to treat your complexion. However, the problem is that the
lure of a big glitzy style advertising promotion is almost
certain to get our attention. What a rip-off it all is.

Quite frankly, there are a number of low cost products and
natural ingredients you'd normally find in your kitchen
that would be more beneficial to the complexion than the
high priced, chemical-infested products you find for sale.
Items such as vinegar, honey, yoghurt, carrot, olive oil
are all available at your local supermarket and if you
apply the ingredients in the right way, you'll see a
freshness and radiance in your complexion that you just
wouldn't believe.

For example - did you know that you can use honey to bring
an imbedded pimple to a head? Just cover the blemish with
a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it before you go
to bed. The honey kills the bacteria and speeds healing.
Once you know certain little secrets, you too will be on
the road to PERFECT SKIN. And, you'll find that you'll no
longer be tempted by the lure of glitzy-style advertising
and all those high-priced potions and lotions.

If you took a poll of your family and friends and asked
them if they'd like clearer, fresher looking skin as
opposed to being glamorous with embarrassing complexion
problems, I think you'll find that most would love cleaner,
fresher, radiant looking skin. However, it doesn't have to
be one or the other. You can have both! Whatever you look
like today, once you begin taking simple steps to change
things around, there's nothing to say that you can't become
the fresh-faced, energetic and lively person that you once
were. It all starts with becoming aware and informed about
how you can change your complexion for the better.

You see, most have us have bought into the hype that in
order to have great looking skin and to feel great about
ourselves, we need to have deep pockets filled with money.
Then we can buy all the high-priced skin products out
there. And also, most of us have bought into the lie that
we need to get our self-worth based on the look and
complexion of the 'stars' who are promoting one high-priced
product after another yet are getting enormously paid for
the privilege!

Once we begin the process of taking ownership for the way
we look and the way we feel, it's true to say that the
youth, vigour and bounce can certainly return to our lives.
And, it's not as difficult or mysterious as the 'secret
potion makers' have us believe. It's your right to have
great, healthy-looking skin. And, with the right guidance
and the right help and instruction, it can be just around
the corner for you , no matter how you presently rate your
skin condition.

It all begins with a shift of mind, and a difference in
thinking. Not all of us are blessed with good features and
excellent bone structure. However, we can have radiant
complexions and super smooth skin by applying the right
moisturisers, eating the right foods, and thinking positive
thoughts. Looking good is not as difficult or mysterious
as the 'secret potion makers' would have us believe.

----------------------------------------------------
Maureen Lewis is the Author of Secrets to Looking 5, 10,
15... Even 20 Years younger ' Without Cosmetic Surgery or
High Priced Potions. You can contact her on
maureen.lewis@virgin.net Or, you can go to her website
which you can see at http://www.lookyearsyoungernow.com

Honey and Cinnamon Remedy

Honey and Cinnamon Remedy
The combination of honey and cinnamon has been used in
oriental medicine for centuries. Cinnamon is one of the
oldest spices known to mankind and honey's popularity has
continued throughout history. The two ingredients with
unique healing abilities have a long history as a home
remedy. Cinnamon's essential oils and honey's enzyme that
produces hydrogen peroxide qualify the two "anti-microbial"
foods with the ability to help stop the growth of bacteria
as well as fungi. Both are used not just as a beverage
flavoring and medicine, but also as an embalming agent and
are used as alternatives to traditional food preservatives
due to their effective antimicrobial properties. People
have claimed that the mixture is a natural cure for many
diseases and a formula for many health benefits:

1) HEART DISEASES: Apply honey and cinnamon powder on bread
instead of using jam or butter and eat it regularly for
breakfast.

2) ARTHRITIS: Apply a paste made of the two ingredients on
the affected part of the body and massage slowly.

3) HAIR LOSS: Apply a paste of hot olive oil, a tablespoon
of honey, a teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath, leave
it for 15 min and wash.

4) BLADDER INFECTIONS: Mix cinnamon powder and honey in a
glass of lukewarm water and drink.

5) TOOTHACHE: Apply a paste of cinnamon powder and honey
and on the aching tooth.

6) CHOLESTEROL: Mix cinnamon powder and honey in boiled
water or green tea and drink.

7) COLDS: Make a glass of lukewarm honey water mixed with
cinnamon powder to help boost your immune system during the
cold season. It may also help to clear your sinuses.

8) INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on a spoonful of
honey taken before food relieves acidity.

9) LONGEVITY: Regularly take tea made with honey and a
little cinnamon powder.

10) PIMPLES: Mix honey with cinnamon powder and apply paste
on the pimples before sleeping and wash away the next
morning.

11) OBESITY: To reduce weight, daily drink a mixture of a
teaspoon of honey with half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder
boiled in water with an empty stomach in the morning about
half an hour before breakfast.

12) BAD BREATH: Gargle with honey and cinnamon powder mixed
in hot water so that breath stays fresh throughout the day.

Honey plus cinnamon together besides being a amazing
potential cure for so many illnesses, their total fragrant,
sweet and warm taste is also a perfect match for the
palate. The combination adds a magic effect to the taste of
cakes, breads, biscuits and rolls and is known to make many
winning recipes in the world of delicious food, such as the
famous, easy-to-make, kids' favourite classic - honey and
cinnamon butter toast!

----------------------------------------------------
Ruth Tan is the owner of the website Benefits of Honey at
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com which is an immensely
rich, quality resource on honey and its benefits, and a
plethora of health-related issues.