A study was done in 2002 that showed that Virgin Olive Oil might help with lowering cholesterol.
The study involved 16 healthy people. The purpose of the study was to see if virgin olive oil would help to lower cholesterol.
The people were told to not eat foods or drinks containing phenol during the study. The reason they did this was because phenol has already been proven to help control cholesterol levels. Onions, wine and vegetables as well as coffee and tea all have phenol in them.
After not eating or drinking phenol foods or liquids for 4 days... on the 5th day, the people consumed 50 ml of virgin olive oil -- about 3.3 tablespoons... with or without bread.
Then, the participants did not eat or drink anything with phenols for the next 24 hours. They ate their regular diet but also drank 25 mL of olive oil daily, for a week.
Also note that they were told to avoid high-fat foods during that period as well.
The results? After one week of taking olive oil daily (minus any "good foods and drinks... or fatty foods), the blood tests showed that the participants had higher levels of phenol and Vitamin E in their bodies.
The study shows you how powerful olive oil can be and how it can help control healthy cholesterol levels.
Please remember, though, that heating the olive oil and ingesting it that way will most likely not benefit you much. The olive oil needs to be ingested right from the bottle. Otherwise, it would not benefit you much... if any.
http://www.provennaturalcures.com is a web site that includes all natural cures that have been proven to work for problems such as cholesterol, yeast infections, ADHD, weight loss, warts, asthma, insomnia, smoking, snoring and more.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises. Cancers caused by UV exposure may be prevented by avoiding exposure to sunlight or other UV sources, and wearing sun-protective clothes. The use of sunscreen is recommended by medical organizations as a measure that doesn't help to protect against skin cancer (see sunscreen).
Like many other cancers, including those originating in the lung, pancreas, and stomach, only a small minority of those afflicted will actually die of the disease.[citation needed] Skin cancers are the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. More than 1 hundred Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008.[1]
Contents
1 Risk factors
2 Types
3 Skin cancer as a group
4 Signs and symptoms
5 Treatment
6 Reduction of risk
7 Pathology
8 See also
9 References
Risk factors
Skin cancer is most closely associated with chronic inflammation of the skin. This includes:
Overexposure to UV-radiation can cause skin cancer either via the direct DNA damage or via the indirect DNA damage mechanism. UVA & UVB have both been implicated in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer. Sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM is most intense and therefore most harmful. Natural (sun) & artificial UV exposure (tanning salons) are associated with skin cancer.[citation needed] Since sunbeds cause mostly indirect DNA damage (free radicals) their use is associated with the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.[citation needed]
Chronic non-healing wounds, especially burns. These are called Marjolin's ulcers based on their appearance, and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Genetic predisposition, including "Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Syndrome". CMNS is characterized by the presence of "nevi" or moles of varying size that either appear at or within 6 months of birth. Nevi larger than 20 mm (3/4") in size are at higher risk for becoming cancerous.
Skin cancer is one of the potential dangers of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.
Skin can be protected by avoiding sunlight entirely, or wearing protective clothing while outdoors. Skin cancer is usually caused by exposing skin to UV rays excessively.
Types
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which may be locally disfiguring but are unlikely to metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). The most dangerous type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. This form of skin cancer is causing the major part of all skin cancer fatalities.
More rare types of skin cancer include:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Merkel cell carcinoma
Kaposi's sarcoma
The BCC and the SCC often carry a UV-signature mutation indicating that these cancers are caused by UV-B radiation via the direct DNA damage. However the malignant melanoma is predominantly caused by UV-A radiation via the indirect DNA damage.[citation needed] The indirect DNA damage is caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. It has been shown, that the absorption of three sunscreen ingredients into the skin, combined with a 60-minute exposure to UV, leads to an increase of free radicals in the skin. [2]
Skin cancer as a group
Many laymen and even professionals consider the basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the malignant melanoma as one group - namely skin cancer. This grouping is problematic for two reasons:
the mechanism that generates the first two forms is different from the mechanism that generates the melanoma. The direct DNA damage is responsible for BCC and SCC while the indirect DNA damage causes melanoma.
the mortality rate of BCC and SCC is around 0.3 causing 2000 deaths per year in the US. In comparison the mortality rate of melanoma is 15-20% and it causes 138001 deaths per year.[3]
Even though it is rare, malignant melanoma is responsible for 75 % of all skin cancer related death cases[4].
While sunscreen has been shown to protect against BCC and SCC it may not protect against malignant melanoma. When sunscreen penetrates into the skin it generates reactive chemicals[2]. It has been found that sunscreen use is correlated with malignant melanoma. [5][6][7][8][9][10] The lab-experiments and the epidemiological studies indicate that sunscreen use causes melanoma.
BCC and SCC malignant melanoma
Incidence number[3] 600 000 32 000
death cases[3] 2000 (0.3%) 6500 (20%)
Signs and symptoms
There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include crabs or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, discoloration, and changes in existing moles.
Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal.
Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass.
Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. The appearance of a new mole during adulthood, or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding.
Treatment
Most skin cancers can be treated by removal of the lesion, making sure that the edges (margins) are free of the tumor cells. These excisions provide the best cure for both early and high-risk disease.
For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery.
Mohs' micrographic surgery is a technique used to remove the cancer with the least amount of surrounding tissue and the edges are checked immediately to see if tumor is found. This provides the opportunity to remove the least amount of tissue and provide the best cosmetically favorable results. This is especially important for areas where excess skin is limited, such as the face. Cure rates are equivalent to wide excision. Special training is required to perform this technique.
In the case of disease that has spread (metastasized) further surgical or chemotherapy may be required.[11]
Scientists have recently been conducting experiments on what they have termed "immune- priming". This therapy is still in its infancy but has been shown to effectively attack foreign threats like viruses and also latch onto and attack skin cancers. More recently researchers have focused their efforts on strengthening the body's own naturally produced "helper T cells" that identify and lock onto cancer cells and help guide the killer cells to the cancer. Researchers infused patients with roughly 5 billion of the helper T cells without any harsh drugs or chemotherapy. This type of treatment if shown to be effective has no side effects and could change the way cancer patients are treated. [12]
Reduction of risk
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of developing such a cancer can be reduced significantly with the following steps:
reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years
avoiding sunburns (Recent studies have shown that sunscreen does not protect from melanoma.[13])
avoiding sun exposure during the day (usually from 10 AM to 3 PM), when the sun is highest in the sky
wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors
using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation
use a sun block of about SPF 50
reapply sun block every 2 hours and after swimming
Although it is generally accepted that UV exposure is the greatest risk factor in melanoma development, some sceptics say that there is no proven data that links moderate sun exposure with the appearance of melanoma.
Pathology
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor which originates in epidermis, squamous mucosa or areas of squamous metaplasia.
Macroscopically, the tumor is often elevated, fungating, or may be ulcerated with irregular borders. Microscopically, tumor cells destroy the basement membrane and form sheets or compact masses which invade the subjacent connective tissue (dermis). In well differentiated carcinomas, tumor cells are pleomorphic/atypical, but resembling normal keratinocytes from prickle layer (large, polygonal, with abundant eosinophilic (pink) cytoplasm and central nucleus). Their disposal tends to be similar to that of normal epidermis: immature/basal cells at the periphery, becoming more mature to the centre of the tumor masses. Tumor cells transform into keratinized squamous cells and form round nodules with concentric, laminated layers, called "cell nests" or "epithelial/keratinous pearls". The surrounding stroma is reduced and contains inflammatory infiltrate (lymphocytes). Poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas contain more pleomorphic cells and no keratinization.[14]
Like many other cancers, including those originating in the lung, pancreas, and stomach, only a small minority of those afflicted will actually die of the disease.[citation needed] Skin cancers are the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. More than 1 hundred Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008.[1]
Contents
1 Risk factors
2 Types
3 Skin cancer as a group
4 Signs and symptoms
5 Treatment
6 Reduction of risk
7 Pathology
8 See also
9 References
Risk factors
Skin cancer is most closely associated with chronic inflammation of the skin. This includes:
Overexposure to UV-radiation can cause skin cancer either via the direct DNA damage or via the indirect DNA damage mechanism. UVA & UVB have both been implicated in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer. Sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM is most intense and therefore most harmful. Natural (sun) & artificial UV exposure (tanning salons) are associated with skin cancer.[citation needed] Since sunbeds cause mostly indirect DNA damage (free radicals) their use is associated with the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.[citation needed]
Chronic non-healing wounds, especially burns. These are called Marjolin's ulcers based on their appearance, and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Genetic predisposition, including "Congenital Melanocytic Nevi Syndrome". CMNS is characterized by the presence of "nevi" or moles of varying size that either appear at or within 6 months of birth. Nevi larger than 20 mm (3/4") in size are at higher risk for becoming cancerous.
Skin cancer is one of the potential dangers of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.
Skin can be protected by avoiding sunlight entirely, or wearing protective clothing while outdoors. Skin cancer is usually caused by exposing skin to UV rays excessively.
Types
The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which may be locally disfiguring but are unlikely to metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). The most dangerous type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. This form of skin cancer is causing the major part of all skin cancer fatalities.
More rare types of skin cancer include:
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Merkel cell carcinoma
Kaposi's sarcoma
The BCC and the SCC often carry a UV-signature mutation indicating that these cancers are caused by UV-B radiation via the direct DNA damage. However the malignant melanoma is predominantly caused by UV-A radiation via the indirect DNA damage.[citation needed] The indirect DNA damage is caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. It has been shown, that the absorption of three sunscreen ingredients into the skin, combined with a 60-minute exposure to UV, leads to an increase of free radicals in the skin. [2]
Skin cancer as a group
Many laymen and even professionals consider the basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the malignant melanoma as one group - namely skin cancer. This grouping is problematic for two reasons:
the mechanism that generates the first two forms is different from the mechanism that generates the melanoma. The direct DNA damage is responsible for BCC and SCC while the indirect DNA damage causes melanoma.
the mortality rate of BCC and SCC is around 0.3 causing 2000 deaths per year in the US. In comparison the mortality rate of melanoma is 15-20% and it causes 138001 deaths per year.[3]
Even though it is rare, malignant melanoma is responsible for 75 % of all skin cancer related death cases[4].
While sunscreen has been shown to protect against BCC and SCC it may not protect against malignant melanoma. When sunscreen penetrates into the skin it generates reactive chemicals[2]. It has been found that sunscreen use is correlated with malignant melanoma. [5][6][7][8][9][10] The lab-experiments and the epidemiological studies indicate that sunscreen use causes melanoma.
BCC and SCC malignant melanoma
Incidence number[3] 600 000 32 000
death cases[3] 2000 (0.3%) 6500 (20%)
Signs and symptoms
There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include crabs or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, discoloration, and changes in existing moles.
Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal.
Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass.
Most melanomas are brown to black looking lesions. Signs that might indicate a malignant melanoma include change in size, shape, color or elevation of a mole. The appearance of a new mole during adulthood, or new pain, itching, ulceration or bleeding.
Treatment
Most skin cancers can be treated by removal of the lesion, making sure that the edges (margins) are free of the tumor cells. These excisions provide the best cure for both early and high-risk disease.
For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery.
Mohs' micrographic surgery is a technique used to remove the cancer with the least amount of surrounding tissue and the edges are checked immediately to see if tumor is found. This provides the opportunity to remove the least amount of tissue and provide the best cosmetically favorable results. This is especially important for areas where excess skin is limited, such as the face. Cure rates are equivalent to wide excision. Special training is required to perform this technique.
In the case of disease that has spread (metastasized) further surgical or chemotherapy may be required.[11]
Scientists have recently been conducting experiments on what they have termed "immune- priming". This therapy is still in its infancy but has been shown to effectively attack foreign threats like viruses and also latch onto and attack skin cancers. More recently researchers have focused their efforts on strengthening the body's own naturally produced "helper T cells" that identify and lock onto cancer cells and help guide the killer cells to the cancer. Researchers infused patients with roughly 5 billion of the helper T cells without any harsh drugs or chemotherapy. This type of treatment if shown to be effective has no side effects and could change the way cancer patients are treated. [12]
Reduction of risk
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of developing such a cancer can be reduced significantly with the following steps:
reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years
avoiding sunburns (Recent studies have shown that sunscreen does not protect from melanoma.[13])
avoiding sun exposure during the day (usually from 10 AM to 3 PM), when the sun is highest in the sky
wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors
using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation
use a sun block of about SPF 50
reapply sun block every 2 hours and after swimming
Although it is generally accepted that UV exposure is the greatest risk factor in melanoma development, some sceptics say that there is no proven data that links moderate sun exposure with the appearance of melanoma.
Pathology
Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor which originates in epidermis, squamous mucosa or areas of squamous metaplasia.
Macroscopically, the tumor is often elevated, fungating, or may be ulcerated with irregular borders. Microscopically, tumor cells destroy the basement membrane and form sheets or compact masses which invade the subjacent connective tissue (dermis). In well differentiated carcinomas, tumor cells are pleomorphic/atypical, but resembling normal keratinocytes from prickle layer (large, polygonal, with abundant eosinophilic (pink) cytoplasm and central nucleus). Their disposal tends to be similar to that of normal epidermis: immature/basal cells at the periphery, becoming more mature to the centre of the tumor masses. Tumor cells transform into keratinized squamous cells and form round nodules with concentric, laminated layers, called "cell nests" or "epithelial/keratinous pearls". The surrounding stroma is reduced and contains inflammatory infiltrate (lymphocytes). Poorly differentiated squamous carcinomas contain more pleomorphic cells and no keratinization.[14]
Monday, September 15, 2008
Dry skin
Dry Skin
Dry skin can be caused by using a skin cleanser that is harsh, or by a moisturizer that isn't rich enough for your dry skin. Even the driest of dry skin can be made shining and soft with the right gentle routine.
1. First cleansing. Dry skin has to have a gentle cleanser. Try a milky liquid cleanser, a tissue-off cleansing cream, or a so-called beauty bar of superfatted soap.
2. How about moisturizing? The drier your skin is, the more hydrating ingredients you need to have in your moisturizer. Get a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or dimethicone.
3. And then there are the cosmetics. Get oil-based foundations, powders and blushes. Look for words like "nourishing", "moisturizing" or "hydrating" in the names of these products.
4. Don't forget sun protection. Dry skin is more likely to get inflamed, because it produces less oil than other skin types. Use a sunscreen year around.
Oily Skin
Be happy if you have oily skin. And the oils will help you as you age.
1. First, cleansing. Don't use alcohol astringents or harsh soaps to try to dry up the oil. These products will damage your skin, and can even cause your oil glands to increase production! Use oil-binding gel or liquid cleansers made for oily skin.
2. Then, moisturizing. With oily skin, you might not need a moisturizer at all, though you might think so if you have stripped the oil from your skin by using harsh cleansers.
If you do need one, however, use one that contains "humectants". These are ingredients which both attract and hold water. For example, sodium pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (PCA) or glycerin -- which is easier to pronounce :).
3. And...cosmetics. Use oil-free foundations which are water-based, so you don't add extra oil to your skin. Also, you can use foundations and powders which are oil-blotting.
4. As far as sun protection: You can now get oil-free sunscreens. Use them.
Combination Skin
Have you ever walked on a narrow board, trying to keep your balance? That's what you need to do with combination skin -- balance. By moisturizing the drier areas (maybe the cheeks), while you treat the oily areas (maybe the forehead and nose).
1. O.K., cleansing. The simple key here is the label. Look for something like "normal/combination skin". Don't use too much astringent on the oily areas (only once a day, if at all), or you may end up with flaky dry skin.
2. Then the moisturizing. You sure don't want to make the oily areas even more oily. So apply moisturizer just where you need it, often just the cheeks. The area under your eyes is very delicate, so if that area is dry, use a product specifically for that area.
3. On to cosmetics. Try a foundation which is water-based first. But if your forehead and nose, for example, are very oily, you may need an oil-free foundation. Apply it after using a moisturizer in your dry areas.
4. Finally, sun protection. Use an oil-free sunscreen, or an oil-free moisturizer with sunscreen added.
Dry skin can be caused by using a skin cleanser that is harsh, or by a moisturizer that isn't rich enough for your dry skin. Even the driest of dry skin can be made shining and soft with the right gentle routine.
1. First cleansing. Dry skin has to have a gentle cleanser. Try a milky liquid cleanser, a tissue-off cleansing cream, or a so-called beauty bar of superfatted soap.
2. How about moisturizing? The drier your skin is, the more hydrating ingredients you need to have in your moisturizer. Get a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or dimethicone.
3. And then there are the cosmetics. Get oil-based foundations, powders and blushes. Look for words like "nourishing", "moisturizing" or "hydrating" in the names of these products.
4. Don't forget sun protection. Dry skin is more likely to get inflamed, because it produces less oil than other skin types. Use a sunscreen year around.
Oily Skin
Be happy if you have oily skin. And the oils will help you as you age.
1. First, cleansing. Don't use alcohol astringents or harsh soaps to try to dry up the oil. These products will damage your skin, and can even cause your oil glands to increase production! Use oil-binding gel or liquid cleansers made for oily skin.
2. Then, moisturizing. With oily skin, you might not need a moisturizer at all, though you might think so if you have stripped the oil from your skin by using harsh cleansers.
If you do need one, however, use one that contains "humectants". These are ingredients which both attract and hold water. For example, sodium pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (PCA) or glycerin -- which is easier to pronounce :).
3. And...cosmetics. Use oil-free foundations which are water-based, so you don't add extra oil to your skin. Also, you can use foundations and powders which are oil-blotting.
4. As far as sun protection: You can now get oil-free sunscreens. Use them.
Combination Skin
Have you ever walked on a narrow board, trying to keep your balance? That's what you need to do with combination skin -- balance. By moisturizing the drier areas (maybe the cheeks), while you treat the oily areas (maybe the forehead and nose).
1. O.K., cleansing. The simple key here is the label. Look for something like "normal/combination skin". Don't use too much astringent on the oily areas (only once a day, if at all), or you may end up with flaky dry skin.
2. Then the moisturizing. You sure don't want to make the oily areas even more oily. So apply moisturizer just where you need it, often just the cheeks. The area under your eyes is very delicate, so if that area is dry, use a product specifically for that area.
3. On to cosmetics. Try a foundation which is water-based first. But if your forehead and nose, for example, are very oily, you may need an oil-free foundation. Apply it after using a moisturizer in your dry areas.
4. Finally, sun protection. Use an oil-free sunscreen, or an oil-free moisturizer with sunscreen added.
The Scary Truth About Skin Care Anti Wrinkle Cream
Top quality skin care anti wrinkle cream is a commodity that is hard to come by. With all of the anti wrinkle creams and lotions that are available, you would think that the search would be easier. The problem is that quality is all about the ingredients that your product contains, and most of the products on the market fail miserably in this area.
What your main focus should be when you are conducting your search is finding a manufacturer who truly believes that a skin care anti wrinkle cream should contain only fresh all natural ingredients. Finding companies like these is not nearly as easy as you would think, and here in the United States it is next to impossible.
I say that because of the way that the cosmetics companies that manufacture and sell their wares here are regulated. The FDA is the government watchdog in charge of assuring that the anti wrinkle creams and lotions that are produced here meet the highest standards for purity and safety. That is not the way that it is.
I'm sad to report that the industry that you trust to produce the highest quality skin care anti wrinkle cream is not held to any sort of gold standard at all. The FDA regulations on this industry, with an $18 billion dollar profit margin domestically, are almost nonexistent. Don't know just how lax the rules are, then you'd better sit down.
The FDA allows the U.S. cosmetics industry to put literally any chemical compound that they want to use in their anti wrinkle creams and lotions, even if they have proven to increase your risk of cancer. That may sound hard to believe, but it is absolutely true. There are a bevy of other chemicals in these products that could be severely harmful to your health.
There are chemicals that are widely used in skin care anti wrinkle cream that will cause you far more than a simple allergic reaction. How about convulsions, coma, circulatory collapse, respiratory failure, Kidney toxicity, respiratory toxicity, and paralysis just to name a few. Not only does the FDA allow this seemingly criminal practice to go on, they don't even force the companies to put warning labels on their products.
The makers of anti wrinkle creams and lotions that do business in and around Europe are far more responsible than this. The European Union regulates their cosmetics industry with an iron hand. Many of the harmful chemicals widely used here, have been banned from use in cosmetic products over there. These seem to be companies that you can trust.
The EU has formed a group of companies who have agreed to and signed the "Compact for Safe Cosmetics." This group is concerned with bringing you the highest quality skin care anti wrinkle cream, made from the safest natural ingredients that they can get their hands on. The purchase of products from members of this fraternity of responsible cosmetics manufacturers, may be the only way that you have in order to guarantee your safety when using cosmetics.
What your main focus should be when you are conducting your search is finding a manufacturer who truly believes that a skin care anti wrinkle cream should contain only fresh all natural ingredients. Finding companies like these is not nearly as easy as you would think, and here in the United States it is next to impossible.
I say that because of the way that the cosmetics companies that manufacture and sell their wares here are regulated. The FDA is the government watchdog in charge of assuring that the anti wrinkle creams and lotions that are produced here meet the highest standards for purity and safety. That is not the way that it is.
I'm sad to report that the industry that you trust to produce the highest quality skin care anti wrinkle cream is not held to any sort of gold standard at all. The FDA regulations on this industry, with an $18 billion dollar profit margin domestically, are almost nonexistent. Don't know just how lax the rules are, then you'd better sit down.
The FDA allows the U.S. cosmetics industry to put literally any chemical compound that they want to use in their anti wrinkle creams and lotions, even if they have proven to increase your risk of cancer. That may sound hard to believe, but it is absolutely true. There are a bevy of other chemicals in these products that could be severely harmful to your health.
There are chemicals that are widely used in skin care anti wrinkle cream that will cause you far more than a simple allergic reaction. How about convulsions, coma, circulatory collapse, respiratory failure, Kidney toxicity, respiratory toxicity, and paralysis just to name a few. Not only does the FDA allow this seemingly criminal practice to go on, they don't even force the companies to put warning labels on their products.
The makers of anti wrinkle creams and lotions that do business in and around Europe are far more responsible than this. The European Union regulates their cosmetics industry with an iron hand. Many of the harmful chemicals widely used here, have been banned from use in cosmetic products over there. These seem to be companies that you can trust.
The EU has formed a group of companies who have agreed to and signed the "Compact for Safe Cosmetics." This group is concerned with bringing you the highest quality skin care anti wrinkle cream, made from the safest natural ingredients that they can get their hands on. The purchase of products from members of this fraternity of responsible cosmetics manufacturers, may be the only way that you have in order to guarantee your safety when using cosmetics.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
What Foods to Eat For Memory Improvement?
Paying attention to diet is essential for our health. If you are serious about it you will be careful to include the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats (Omega 3) in your diet. By keeping with right diet you help your muscles and bones remain strong and vital organs funcition as Swiss clock.
Our brain is no different, so in order to keep it functioning properly you have to supply it with the right nutrients. Eating food rich with the right brain nutrients can help you jog your memory, remove brain fog and help your brain function as it was functioning 10-15 years ago.
When you think about it is logical that the brain, as the most important part of our bodies needs the best nutrients in order to function properly.
In the recent years several extensive studies have proven the connection between certain vitamins and minerals and proper brain functioning. Sugar for example, provides temporary quick stimulant but fades very soon after that (hour or two), and what is more when sugar rush fades we often feel even more tired and sluggish then before.
Our brain works the same, if you were to feed it only with candy bars you would not get much mileage from it, and you would experience often crashes.
Eating right is very important if you wish to improve your memory. Antioxidants rich foods have proven beneficial effect on memory improvement and they have long been hailed as the #1 cancer fighters in our bodies as well as essential for hart health.
Besides these two very important functions, we now know that they are also essential for your long-term memory improvement and it would be wise of you to make sure you include them in every meal.
Carrots and nuts, are just a few foods rich in antioxidants, naturally you can also take supplements. In addition, a Green tea is great antioxidants source, and is very beneficial for your overall body health.
Soy is another of the memory boosting natures little gifts. Eating Tofu regularly can help your memory and brain functions improve, or if you do not like Tofu, you can always drink soy milk. You can drink soy milk just as regular milk, or combine it to ad a bit more flavor to it, use your imagination, make milk shakes, chocolate soy milk, whatever you like. Soy milk is also easy to buy, you can find it in everywhere.
Most of us use some kind of cooking oil or fat to prepare our meals. Well why not use the one that can improve memory. Olive oil is the #1 choice in this matter, and it would help your brain immensely if you were to include it in your regular diet. Use it for salad dressing or for regular cooking, but try to store it in cool and dark place, do not expose it to the light when you are not using it.
Also try to ad it at the end of your meal preparation, for example ad it to spaghetti when you already drain them and place them in a bowl, or use a non-stick frying pan to cook meat and ad a bit of olive oil when it is already finished. In addition, one final tip, if you can, try to find olive oil made in Croatia. Croatian olive oil is of exceptional quality and is still produced in the old, traditional, non-industrial way.
By adjusting your diet in order to improve memory, you will help your brain as well as your body. There is no need for large changes, the only thing you need to do is just substitute bad with good foods and that is it.
Our brain is no different, so in order to keep it functioning properly you have to supply it with the right nutrients. Eating food rich with the right brain nutrients can help you jog your memory, remove brain fog and help your brain function as it was functioning 10-15 years ago.
When you think about it is logical that the brain, as the most important part of our bodies needs the best nutrients in order to function properly.
In the recent years several extensive studies have proven the connection between certain vitamins and minerals and proper brain functioning. Sugar for example, provides temporary quick stimulant but fades very soon after that (hour or two), and what is more when sugar rush fades we often feel even more tired and sluggish then before.
Our brain works the same, if you were to feed it only with candy bars you would not get much mileage from it, and you would experience often crashes.
Eating right is very important if you wish to improve your memory. Antioxidants rich foods have proven beneficial effect on memory improvement and they have long been hailed as the #1 cancer fighters in our bodies as well as essential for hart health.
Besides these two very important functions, we now know that they are also essential for your long-term memory improvement and it would be wise of you to make sure you include them in every meal.
Carrots and nuts, are just a few foods rich in antioxidants, naturally you can also take supplements. In addition, a Green tea is great antioxidants source, and is very beneficial for your overall body health.
Soy is another of the memory boosting natures little gifts. Eating Tofu regularly can help your memory and brain functions improve, or if you do not like Tofu, you can always drink soy milk. You can drink soy milk just as regular milk, or combine it to ad a bit more flavor to it, use your imagination, make milk shakes, chocolate soy milk, whatever you like. Soy milk is also easy to buy, you can find it in everywhere.
Most of us use some kind of cooking oil or fat to prepare our meals. Well why not use the one that can improve memory. Olive oil is the #1 choice in this matter, and it would help your brain immensely if you were to include it in your regular diet. Use it for salad dressing or for regular cooking, but try to store it in cool and dark place, do not expose it to the light when you are not using it.
Also try to ad it at the end of your meal preparation, for example ad it to spaghetti when you already drain them and place them in a bowl, or use a non-stick frying pan to cook meat and ad a bit of olive oil when it is already finished. In addition, one final tip, if you can, try to find olive oil made in Croatia. Croatian olive oil is of exceptional quality and is still produced in the old, traditional, non-industrial way.
By adjusting your diet in order to improve memory, you will help your brain as well as your body. There is no need for large changes, the only thing you need to do is just substitute bad with good foods and that is it.
Cost of Elderly Health Care
On average, the cost of elderly health care is $5,531 annually. Family members not only provide hands-on care but often dig into their own pockets to pay other expenses which include groceries, drugs and medicines, medical equipments such as wheelchairs, toilet seat risers and transportation. Many times family members have to miss work and lose out on their income to take care of elderly family members.
Many family members take loans, skip vacations and often ignore their own health. Government must start providing tax deductions and tax credits to family caregivers.
The expenditures incurred for elderly health care is increasing rapidly and reaching astronomical heights. Elders have many special needs when it comes to health care. One is often left frustrated when there are gaps in insurance coverage. Medicare programs offer only minimal assistance for serious health disorders.
There are some programs that cover senior citizens. It covers hospital expenses and doctor visits, even if you continue to work. All one needs to do is pay a premium every month. These programs are popular among a vast number of senior citizens.
One needs to apply for these programs before one reaches the age of 65. In case you don't then one has to pay a high premium. One also has the option of enrolling for these programs after retirement.
The premium that one pays depends on your income and which company you will be purchasing coverage from. Senior citizens with low income are also eligible for the entire coverage under Medicare.
Prescription drugs which are used to treat a wide variety of diseases and illness are fully covered if one has a private insurance coverage. If you do not have private insurance, this could be matter of serious concern. Sometimes drug prices are simply not affordable, forcing the senior citizens to forgo other needs to pay for drugs.
Recent Medicare legislation has been a big disappointment for senior citizens, as drug coverage continues to be limited and fails to reduce the rising cost of drugs. Many seniors are forced to manage their medical plan on their own.
At times, the drug industry provides free drugs to the needy who are not covered under private insurance or any government program. Retail stores in the vicinity provide drugs at discounted rates. There are various medicine manufacturing companies that offer assistance to lower income senior citizens. One can seek out these discount programs if they have a financial need.
Many family members take loans, skip vacations and often ignore their own health. Government must start providing tax deductions and tax credits to family caregivers.
The expenditures incurred for elderly health care is increasing rapidly and reaching astronomical heights. Elders have many special needs when it comes to health care. One is often left frustrated when there are gaps in insurance coverage. Medicare programs offer only minimal assistance for serious health disorders.
There are some programs that cover senior citizens. It covers hospital expenses and doctor visits, even if you continue to work. All one needs to do is pay a premium every month. These programs are popular among a vast number of senior citizens.
One needs to apply for these programs before one reaches the age of 65. In case you don't then one has to pay a high premium. One also has the option of enrolling for these programs after retirement.
The premium that one pays depends on your income and which company you will be purchasing coverage from. Senior citizens with low income are also eligible for the entire coverage under Medicare.
Prescription drugs which are used to treat a wide variety of diseases and illness are fully covered if one has a private insurance coverage. If you do not have private insurance, this could be matter of serious concern. Sometimes drug prices are simply not affordable, forcing the senior citizens to forgo other needs to pay for drugs.
Recent Medicare legislation has been a big disappointment for senior citizens, as drug coverage continues to be limited and fails to reduce the rising cost of drugs. Many seniors are forced to manage their medical plan on their own.
At times, the drug industry provides free drugs to the needy who are not covered under private insurance or any government program. Retail stores in the vicinity provide drugs at discounted rates. There are various medicine manufacturing companies that offer assistance to lower income senior citizens. One can seek out these discount programs if they have a financial need.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Health medical insurance
Health medical insurance is needed by everyone for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the cost of general medical care. While you may be able to find some medical facilities willing to offer 10 percent discounts on visits without medical insurance, this does not always help you. For example, the visit to the physician may be discounted; however the lab work will not be. It is the lab work, ultrasounds, Xrays, blood analysis and other machines and procedures that actually cost the most.
There are several types of plans available in health medical insurance. Most of the plans will be relative to the state in which you live. Certain states have different policies for what they will cover. In fact, moving from one state to the next may interrupt your coverage, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition covered by one company in one state may not transfer. There are many things to be cautious of when choosing health insurance, not the least of which is making sure that any pre-existing condition, even without any kind of lapse in health coverage, will still be covered.
You will need to look over the health medical insurance that your employer provides. There are different policies even within a business. Some employers offer an HMO rather than PPO plan. They may also pay a portion of your health insurance. To make sure that you are getting the coverage you need and at a decent rate from your employer, you will need to compare policies. You also need to make sure that the insurance will be enough for you. Some types of health care insurance may not be enough coverage through an employer for certain conditions.
When you are self employed or unemployed, there are still options out there for you. Medicaid is available for those who cannot get insurance through a regular insurance company. In other words, if you can't afford the insurance from another company or they will not cover you, Medicaid is an option. For self employed individuals, most companies will offer you insurance. The coverage will be based on the needs you specify on the application. This could mean that you chose a plan for its affordability rather than its realistic help. Unfortunately, this is a fine line that many employers cross, and the days when an employee could just ASSUME that they are getting adequate health insurance coverage are long since past.
For example, insurance with a higher deductible can be harder to reach; however you typically get a better plan because of this higher deductible. The PPO will normally pay 80 percent to your 20 percent for a doctor's visit. Medical coverage for pregnancy can also be offered, as long as the coverage is received before pregnancy becomes a pre-existing condition. You need to fully understand your medical health insurance coverage requirements before you can choose a plan that will work for you.
With self coverage policies in health medical insurance, you need to make sure the deductible you choose is something you will reach in order for the insurance to help you. You also need to make sure that the insurance company is one you can trust and that offers straightforward information regarding the policy. The legal jargon on a policy can be very confusing, but the representatives of the insurance are there to answer any questions. And if you do not ask questions, do not assume you know the answers, because in this day and age of cost cutting wherever and whenever possible, the "obvious" answer is not always the right one.
There are several types of plans available in health medical insurance. Most of the plans will be relative to the state in which you live. Certain states have different policies for what they will cover. In fact, moving from one state to the next may interrupt your coverage, especially if you have a pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition covered by one company in one state may not transfer. There are many things to be cautious of when choosing health insurance, not the least of which is making sure that any pre-existing condition, even without any kind of lapse in health coverage, will still be covered.
You will need to look over the health medical insurance that your employer provides. There are different policies even within a business. Some employers offer an HMO rather than PPO plan. They may also pay a portion of your health insurance. To make sure that you are getting the coverage you need and at a decent rate from your employer, you will need to compare policies. You also need to make sure that the insurance will be enough for you. Some types of health care insurance may not be enough coverage through an employer for certain conditions.
When you are self employed or unemployed, there are still options out there for you. Medicaid is available for those who cannot get insurance through a regular insurance company. In other words, if you can't afford the insurance from another company or they will not cover you, Medicaid is an option. For self employed individuals, most companies will offer you insurance. The coverage will be based on the needs you specify on the application. This could mean that you chose a plan for its affordability rather than its realistic help. Unfortunately, this is a fine line that many employers cross, and the days when an employee could just ASSUME that they are getting adequate health insurance coverage are long since past.
For example, insurance with a higher deductible can be harder to reach; however you typically get a better plan because of this higher deductible. The PPO will normally pay 80 percent to your 20 percent for a doctor's visit. Medical coverage for pregnancy can also be offered, as long as the coverage is received before pregnancy becomes a pre-existing condition. You need to fully understand your medical health insurance coverage requirements before you can choose a plan that will work for you.
With self coverage policies in health medical insurance, you need to make sure the deductible you choose is something you will reach in order for the insurance to help you. You also need to make sure that the insurance company is one you can trust and that offers straightforward information regarding the policy. The legal jargon on a policy can be very confusing, but the representatives of the insurance are there to answer any questions. And if you do not ask questions, do not assume you know the answers, because in this day and age of cost cutting wherever and whenever possible, the "obvious" answer is not always the right one.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Depression Relief
Many people in depression are likely to ignore this kind of mental state and leave it untreated. Actually, no matter what is the intensity of depression it needs treatment. Early treatment can keep depression from getting worse or lasting a long time. There are various treatments to cure depression.
You can listen to some music that you like to relax yourself. It doesn't have to be anything specific, just something you enjoy. Most people think that certain types of music, such as classical music and light music, work better than others, but you should experiment and see what is right for you. When you are in depression, you can pick up one piece and enjoy the wonderful melody, which may gift you a state of peace.
Take some time out for yourself, relax and read a book, do something you want to do. By doing so, you may forget the sadness temporarily and avoid depression.
Talking through your feelings may also be helpful. You can talk to a friend or relative who you trust, and they may help you with your problems and give your some suggestion to avoid depression. So, when you feel depressed, do not keep it to yourself, but talk it out.
You can try psychotherapy. Well-trained professional will involve your treatment of depression and help you with their expertise. Do not downgrade the talk between you and the therapist. Through so called talk therapy, the therapists can discern your mental illness and behavioral problems and give you effective treatments.
You must stick to the treatment. You should make sure that you should take medicines if prescribed, attend therapy sessions and follow the proper healthcare provider.
In fact, those with depression need constant support. They may feel alone and isolated when in the state of depression. This can be draining, especially if it lasts for long periods of time. Therefore, giving consistent support and understanding are critical. These tips will lift you up when you are down, but don't just use them when you are sad. Try and practice them everyday, make them a habit. You will be surprised at how these simple tips will keep the rainy days away.
You can listen to some music that you like to relax yourself. It doesn't have to be anything specific, just something you enjoy. Most people think that certain types of music, such as classical music and light music, work better than others, but you should experiment and see what is right for you. When you are in depression, you can pick up one piece and enjoy the wonderful melody, which may gift you a state of peace.
Take some time out for yourself, relax and read a book, do something you want to do. By doing so, you may forget the sadness temporarily and avoid depression.
Talking through your feelings may also be helpful. You can talk to a friend or relative who you trust, and they may help you with your problems and give your some suggestion to avoid depression. So, when you feel depressed, do not keep it to yourself, but talk it out.
You can try psychotherapy. Well-trained professional will involve your treatment of depression and help you with their expertise. Do not downgrade the talk between you and the therapist. Through so called talk therapy, the therapists can discern your mental illness and behavioral problems and give you effective treatments.
You must stick to the treatment. You should make sure that you should take medicines if prescribed, attend therapy sessions and follow the proper healthcare provider.
In fact, those with depression need constant support. They may feel alone and isolated when in the state of depression. This can be draining, especially if it lasts for long periods of time. Therefore, giving consistent support and understanding are critical. These tips will lift you up when you are down, but don't just use them when you are sad. Try and practice them everyday, make them a habit. You will be surprised at how these simple tips will keep the rainy days away.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Frequent Sex and Good Health
Frequent Sex and Good Health
Individuals engaged in active lifestyles like exercising, eating right foods, and taking vitamins should also involve frequent sex in their health regimen. While the degree of sexual activity in one's health is not a principal topic of research, many studies suggest that safe sex can do wonders for one's overall health. Safe sex practiced in a loving, intimate relationship has numerous health benefits like improved cholesterol levels and increased blood circulation. It also encourages the flow of testosterone, a hormone that plays an important role in the immune system.
Sexual intercourse burns about 200 calories, the same number of calories can be achieved by spending 15 minutes in a treadmill. In addition, sex encourages the production of endorphins, the body natural painkiller. These substances, enables a state of bliss and frees people from stress and anxiety. These factors can lead to feelings of happiness, greater health and may slowdown the aging process. An active sex life may lead to improved health and enable people to live longer and happier lives.
For Him
A medical study published by Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found out that frequent ejaculation resulting from sexual activity may help protect the prostate from cancer. This finding supports a smaller study in Australia from 2003 that found out that men in 20's who ejaculated more than five times a week were less likely to developing prostate cancer than their counterparts who ejaculated four to seven times a month. Specialists add that ejaculating regularly might lower the risk of cancer because cancer-causing substances are flushed out of the body in the seminal fluid instead of being trapped in the prostate. In addition, researchers in Queens University concluded that by having sex three or more times a week, men may cut heart attack or stroke rates by almost half. However, having sex with multiple partners may raise a man's risk of prostate cancer to up to 40% because his the risk of contracting sexual infection increases.
For Her
Sexual activity may also help prevent endometriosis, a common gynecological condition that affects about 89 million women around the world. This condition occurs when the tissue lining inside a woman's uterus grown in other places like the ovaries or the fallopian tube. This growth can cause pelvic pain and may lead to infertility. A study by the journal of Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, concluded that women who were sexually active during their menstruation were 15 times less likely to develop endometriosis than women who abstained from sex during periods. The contractions of the uterus during orgasm may help flush away menstrual debris out of the uterus. Sexual activity among women also prompts the production of estrogen which can act as a painkiller and reduce the pain of Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).
Sexual intercourse is not just the insertion of a man's erect penis into a woman's vagina. It is a process of physical intimacy that strengthens the bond among lovers. Understanding safe sex and sex within marriage may lead to improved health and fruitful marriages.
SKIN CARE
You really have to be careful today with all of the harmful chemicals that are being used in order to produce skin care; anti wrinkle cream. All of the companies that are using these dangerous additives in their anti wrinkle creams and lotions, know that they could be harming you. They simply don't care.
The number of these harmful chemicals that are too frequently added to skin care anti wrinkle cream, is appalling. There are over 4000 chemicals that are solely used to develop the fragrance in your cosmetics, and many more used as preservatives, antibacterial agents, pH adjusters, and sunscreens.
A study conducted over two years ago proved that the most widely used sunscreen agent, Oxybenzone, is a photo-carcinogen. A carcinogen is something that causes cancer, and a photo-carcinogen only causes cancer when it is exposed to sunlight. Oxybenzone is still in most anti wrinkle creams and lotions, even after two years.
There are theories that the sharp rise in melanoma cases that medical professionals have been seeing may be attributable to Oxybenzone in skin care anti wrinkle cream. The cosmetics companies producing these should have some kind of sense of responsibility when it comes to the health of their loyal consumers.
You would also think that there would be some kind of federal regulation controlling what these companies were allowed to include in their anti wrinkle creams and lotions, wouldn't you? Well believe it or not, there is a regulatory group that oversees the actions taken by the cosmetics industry.
They are ruled over by the United States Food and Drug Administration, who despite lightweight regulations being in place, do nothing to clean up the way that the U.S. companies do business. Every once in a while an individual politician will suggest that they curb the use of poisons in skin care anti wrinkle cream, but any bills that are drafted just fall by the wayside.
We cannot, without the protection of the federal government, continue to do business with these irresponsible people who put their personal profits ahead of our health. That is why I began buying my personal anti wrinkle creams and lotions from members of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.
Based in Europe, and under the stern rule of the European Union, this small band of cosmetics manufacturers have decided that they were going to do business a little differently than their American counterparts. They feel that skin care anti wrinkle cream can be both effective and safe.
Pure organic products are the only fare that they have to offer the consumer. Anti wrinkle creams and lotions containing nothing but plant oils, passion fruit extracts, proteins, natural antioxidants, vitamins, Manuka honey, Wakame brown sea algae, and many other wonderful natural ingredients.
One if the most innovative of these companies, and the place where I get my skin care anti wrinkle cream, is located in New Zealand. They have a strong reputation as a direct mail nutritional supplement and cosmetics manufacturer with a lot of integrity. Do yourself a favor, and check them out.
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