health care

Cancer drug erases man's fingerprints, doctor says

2009-05-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- A Singapore man undergoing treatment for cancer was detained for four hours by U.S. immigration officials after the drug he was taking caused his fingerprints to disappear.

Foreign visitors undergo mandatory fingerprint screening when they enter the United States.

Now, the unidentified man's oncologist is asking patients taking the commonly used drug, capecitabine, to carry a doctor's note when they travel to the United States.

The oncologist, Eng-Huat Tan of the National Cancer Center in Singapore, described the encounter in a letter published in the current issue of the cancer journal Annals of Oncology.

The 62-year-old cancer patient, identified as Mr. S, eventually was allowed to enter the United States and visit relatives after officials determined he did not pose a security threat.

According to the oncologist, the patient had neck and head cancer that had spread. He responded well to chemotherapy.

To prevent a recurrence, doctors placed him on capecitabine, marketed in the United States as Xeloda.

Finding a 'center' in a weight loss journey

2009-05-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

By Elizabeth Landau
CNN

(CNN) -- Giyen Kim recently posted a picture of scrumptious-looking jalapeno corn muffins, along with the recipe, on her blog. But after baking them, Kim didn't even take a bite.

The past six weeks have been "a roller coaster" for Giyen Kim of Seattle, Washington.

The people who did eat the muffins at the potluck dinner told Kim they loved them, but she restrained herself because she's trying to lose weight.

"I tried a little bit of the batter, but I've been trying to stay away from wheat," she said.

Kim, 35, is one of several iReporters who have been sending in updates on the changes they want to make in 2009. Kim's goals were to lose weight and jump-start her career as a writer. Share your story with iReport.com

Right now, she says in her latest video update, she's trying to find her "center," and adjust from there.

"I've found that it's extremely difficult to lose weight the slow way, which is gradually and without making a lot of extreme dietary changes," she said in the video. "So, now I'm trying to change these long-term habits and eat more healthfully for the rest of my life. And, wow, I'm having a tough time."

At the beginning of the year, Kim, of Seattle, Washington, weighed in at about 190, and wanted to return to her pre-pregnancy weight of 120. She succeeded in losing 10 pounds in February, and initially felt more motivated to keep up with her weight loss.

New York principal's death linked to flu virus, hospital says

2009-05-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (CNN) -- An assistant principal of a New York middle school who was hospitalized with the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, died Sunday from flu complications, hospital and state officials said.

New York City Health Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden reports a rising tide of flu in the city.

1 of 2 It's the sixth death in the United States that health authorities have linked to the virus.

"It is with great sadness tonight that we learn that New York has lost one of its residents to an illness related to H1N1," New York Gov. David Paterson said.

Mitchell Wiener, 55, assistant principal at Intermediate School 238 in Queens, died at 6:17 p.m. Sunday, said Andrew Rubin, a spokesman at Flushing Hospital.

"We believe he had complications of the swine flu," Rubin told CNN Radio, adding that once Wiener was admitted to the hospital, he was listed in critical condition. However, he wouldn't say whether Wiener had any pre-existing medical conditions.

Last week, when city and state officials announced that four students were infected and that a school official in Queens was "critically ill" with the virus, Mayor Michael Bloomberg did not name the official but described the staffer as an assistant principal who "may have had other health problems."

Swine flu cases rise worldwide as Mexico lowers its alert level

2009-05-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

GENEVA, Switzerland (CNN) -- The number of confirmed cases of swine flu jumped to 1,025 on Monday, comprising 20 countries, the World Health Organization said.

The death toll climbed as well as Mexico's health minister announced that a 26th person in the country was confirmed to have died from the H1N1 virus, also called swine flu.

There has been one confirmed death outside Mexico, a Mexican toddler who was in the United States visiting relatives.

The WHO said there were no immediate plans to raise its alert to the highest level, Phase 6. That designation would mean "that we are seeing continued spread of the virus to countries outside of one region," WHO Assistant Director-General Keiji Fukuda said at a news conference.

"If you are seeing community outbreaks occur in multiple regions of the world, it really tells us if the virus has established itself and that we can expect to see disease in most countries in the world."

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 286 confirmed cases across 36 states, 60 more cases than the day before.

The numbers are expected to increase. Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC's interim deputy director for public health, said Sunday, "We believe we're just on the upswing here."

WHO says no sign flu outbreak slowing

2009-04-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor Maggie Fox, Health And Science Editor

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A Mexican toddler in Texas has died of the new swine flu virus, the first confirmed death outside Mexico, as the World Health Organization said the outbreak showed clear signs of spreading around the world.

Nearly a week after the threat first emerged in Mexico, Spain reported the first case in Europe of swine flu in a person who had not been to Mexico, underscoring the threat of person-to-person transmission.

"It is clear that the virus is spreading and we don't see evidence of it slowing down at this point," Dr. Keiji Fukuda, WHO acting assistant director-general, told a news briefing.

With Germany and Austria reporting cases, bringing the number of affected countries to 9, Fukuda said the WHO was moving loser to raising its pandemic alert to phase five, the second highest level possible.

U.S. officials said that a 22-month-old boy had died in Texas -- the first confirmed U.S. swine flu death -- but they added that he was on a family visit from Mexico, where up to 159 flu fatalities have been recorded.

Dr. Richard Besser, acting head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the country now had 91 confirmed cases in 10 states from New York to California.

"We're going to find more cases. We're going to find more severe cases and I expect that we'll continue to see additional deaths," Besser said.

President Barack Obama, who on Tuesday asked for $1.5 billion in emergency funding to fight the disease, said the death showed it was time to take "utmost precautions" against the virus.

Wall Street opened higher on Wednesday even as data showed the U.S. economy shrank at a steeper pace than expected and traders looked beyond flu fears for hopeful signs that the recession may be abating.

Financial markets are keeping an eye on the spread of the virus, but so far the economic impact has largely been confined to the tourism and pharmaceutical industries.

Unless a significant number of deaths start to be reported from a number of countries, raising the possibility of an even slower recovery from recession, analysts predict the impact on stock, bond and currency prices is likely to be limited.

TOURISM HIT

France said it would seek a European Union ban on Thursday on flights to Mexico. Argentina and Cuba have already stopped flights from Mexico.

The EU, the United States and Canada have advised against non-essential travel to the popular tourist destination, as nearly all the cases so far, in Canada, New Zealand, Israel and Spain, have been linked to travel from Mexico.

The WHO said there was no plan now to call an emergency committee meeting to raise the pandemic alert level, which could take place if it were confirmed that infected people in at least two countries were spreading the disease to other people in a sustained way.

The WHO's Fukuda, who earlier said the outbreak may end up as a "very mild pandemic", said the report of the Spanish case involving a person who had not been to Mexico suggests the virus is spreading more easily among people.

"There are cases which are occurring in people who have not traveled," Fukuda told a news briefing. "What we are looking for overall is whether we see many kinds of those infections occurring that suggest transmission is occurring independent of travel."

Spain's El Mundo newspaper said the Spanish patient had recent contact with someone who had visited Mexico.

H1N1 swine flu poses the biggest risk of a large-scale pandemic since avian flu re-emerged in 2003, killing 257 people of 421 infected in 15 countries. In 1968 a "Hong Kong" flu pandemic killed about 1 million people globally, and a 1957 pandemic killed about 2 million.

The new strain contains genetic material from avian, swine and human viruses and appears to have evolved the ability to pass easily from one person to another.

It cannot be caught from eating pork products but Egypt ordered all its pigs to be slaughtered and some countries, led by Russia and China, have banned U.S. pork imports.

The World Trade Organization said on Wednesday it had not been told officially of any such bans, and the EU and Japan said they would not follow suit.

In the United States, where pork producers have voiced outrage over the trade bans, officials began referring to the outbreak as the 2009 H1N1 flu.

Obama's newly confirmed Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius held her first news conference on Wednesday seeking again to reassure the public

"We are determined to fight this outbreak and do everything we can to protect the health of every American," she said.

SCHOOLS, PYRAMIDS CLOSED

The outbreak has deeply affected life in Mexico and ravaged tourism, a key earner. Mexico City was unusually quiet, with schools closed. Many parents took their children in to work.

All Mayan and Aztec pyramid ruins, dotted through central and southern Mexico, were closed until further notice.

Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova said more than 1,300 people were in hospitals, some of them seriously ill, out of a total of about 2,500 suspected cases.

"In the last few days there has been a decline (in cases)," he said. "The death figures have remained more or less stable."

Seasonal flu kills 250,000 to 500,000 people in a normal year, including healthy children in rich countries.

Health agencies advise frequent hand-washing and covering sneezes and coughs to help stop the spread. Experts generally agree that face masks, especially the surgical masks seen on the streets of Mexico City, offer little protection.

(Reporting by Maggie Fox, Doina Chiacu and Will Dunham in Washington, Jason Lange, Catherine Bremer Alistair Bell and Helen Popper in Mexico City, Eric Burroughs and Tan Ee Lyn in Hong Kong; Writing by Andrew Quinn, editing by Anthony Boadle)

FACTBOX-Defences against swine flu in Europe and Africa

2009-04-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

28 Apr 2009 10:58:00 GMT
Source: Reuters
April 28 (Reuters) - Governments around Europe and Africa acted to stem a possible flu pandemic as the virus spread from Mexico to North America and Europe.

Here is a guide to some of the precautionary steps being taken around Europe and Africa:

* Star denotes new or updated entry:

EUROPE:

AUSTRIA -- Has stocks of antiviral drugs sufficient to treat 4 million people (half the population), and has secured production capacity for prophylactic vaccines for the entire population. It has also stockpiled 8 million protective masks.

* BRITAIN -- Advises nationals against non-vital travel to Mexico. It also said routine consular and all visa services at its embassy in Mexico City had been suspended. Has antiviral stockpiles to provide treatment for 50 percent of the population should they become ill.

-- Travel firm Thomson Holidays said it had decided to repatriate its customers from Mexico and to cancel flights bound for Cancun on Tuesday.

* BULGARIA -- Sofia airport boosted checks of passengers arriving from countries affected. Two thermal scanners have been installed at the airport. Customs officers are also checking the luggage of passengers arriving from Mexico, the U.S., Canada and Japan to ensure they are not importing pork products.

* CZECH REPUBLIC -- Circulated general information on the viral strain to hospitals, doctors and general practitioners. Has stocks of 2 million doses of Tamiflu, enough to treat one fifth of the population. At Prague Airport, information boards on swine flu have been put up and medical exams are available.

DENMARK -- A general pandemic plan is in place since bird flu scare. Denmark has stockpiled Tamiflu.

* FRANCE -- Is now strongly advising against travelling to Mexico. Has reinforced checks at airports, especially for people returning from Mexico. France has a stock of more than 30 million antiviral treatments, composed of 24 million doses of Tamiflu and 9 million doses of Relenza.

GERMANY -- Advises nationals against non-vital travel to Mexico.

GREECE -- Has "strategic stocks" of Tamiflu and other antivirus medicine.

ITALY - Pamphlets are being handed out to passengers at Rome's international airport although there are no restrictions on travel. Italy has 10 million doses of Zanamivir (Relenza) and 60,000 doses of Tamiflu as well as enough Tamiflu powder to make 30 million doses.

NORWAY -- A "pandemic committee" will be assembled this week. Authorities have stored flu medicine covering one-third of the 4.7 million population.

RUSSIA -- Health ministry recommends Russian citizens avoid trips to Mexico.

Aircraft personnel arriving from the Americas have been instructed to look out for passengers with flu-like symptoms. Planes, on which cases are suspected, should be taxied to special zones, and passengers and crews examined by medics.

-- Imposed curbs on meat imports from Mexico, a number of U.S. states and the Caribbean.

SPAIN -- Distributing leaflets to passengers arriving from Mexico, advising them to report to a health centre if they suffer symptoms. Spain has a stockpile of 10 million doses of Tamiflu. Flights to Mexico are being equipped with face masks and gloves.

UKRAINE -- Ban on imports of live pigs and pork meat from countries where cases of swine flu have been recorded. This applies to Mexico, the U.S., Canada and New Zealand. All shipments received after April 21 will be subject to the ban.

AFRICA:

* EGYPT -- The authorities have increased medical staff at Cairo airport to check passengers arriving from Mexico and will monitor them during their stay.

* ZAMBIA -- Has formed an emergency task force to deal with a possible outbreak of swine flu.

Swine flu: What it is, how to fight it

2009-04-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

By Liz Szabo, USA TODAY
It's a common respiratory ailment in pigs, but this strain appears to bea subtype never before seen in pigs or humans. Here are answers to questions you may have about swine flu.
Q: What is swine flu?

A: It's a common respiratory disease in pigs that doesn't usually spread to people. When pigs catch this flu, many get quite sick, and 1% to 4% die, according to the World Health Organization. In the past, people have sometimes caught swine flu if they worked directly with pigs.

Q: How is this swine flu virus different?

A: This strain appears to be a subtype not seen before in humans or pigs, with genetic material from pigs, bird and humans, according to WHO. Unlike most cases of swine flu, this one can spread from person to person, said Richard Besser, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at a White House press conference Sunday. One of the confirmed cases in the USA caught swine flu from a spouse, who had been to Mexico.

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Q: Were pigs the carriers of this virus?

A: It's closer to say that pigs were the mixing bowl for this virus. Birds can't pass bird flu to people. But pigs are uniquely susceptible to getting flu viruses that infect birds. Experts have long worried that a pig would catch a bird strain of the flu and then the virus would mutate inside the pig to a form that could also infect other mammals. That may be what happened in this case. Pigs can also be infected with more than one influenza virus at a time, allowing the viruses to share genes, called "genetic reassortment," creating new and potentially much more virulent viruses.

Q: Can you catch swine flu from eating pork?

A: No, according to WHO. Pigs coming in to slaughter facilities are monitored for flu symptoms, and those that are ill are not allowed to enter the food supply. Cooking also kills the virus. People who work with pigs, however, can catch the virus. The Department of Agriculture is conducting tests to confirm that the food supply is safe, said Janet Napolitano, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Q: Is there a vaccine against swine flu?

A: No, but government scientists could try to create one, according to the CDC. "We've identified the virus," Besser said. "Should we decide to manufacture a vaccine, we can work toward that goal very quickly." CDC scientists don't know if this year's flu vaccine offers any protection.

Q: What about antivirals? Can they prevent swine flu?

A: This strain of swine flu does appear sensitive to the antiviral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu, but not to amantadine, or Symmetrel, and rimantadine, or Flumadine, Besser said. With normal seasonal flus, if taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear, antivirals can help people recover a day or two sooner. Doctors sometimes prescribe antivirals to household members of people with the flu to prevent them from getting sick.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, lack of appetite and coughing, although some people also develop a runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, according to the CDC.

Q: What should you do if you have these symptoms?

A: Stay home from work or school, to avoid spreading your illness to other people, Besser said. Don't get on an airplane. People should call their doctors to ask about the best treatment, but should not simply show up at a clinic or hospital that is unprepared for their arrival.

Q: How can people protect themselves?

A: As always, people should wash their hands frequently, Besser said. In the past, the CDC has said there isn't conclusive evidence to support using face masks. Surgical masks are designed to prevent the wearer from spreading germs, but may also catch large respiratory droplets if someone sneezes nearby. In a 2007 statement, the CDC said these masks could be worn if someone needs to go to a crowded place, such as a grocery store, for a short time. N95 respirator masks filter out 95% of particles to prevent the wearer from breathing them in. These must be fitted properly around the nose to create a seal, so they can make breathing difficult.

Q: What does it mean for the government to declare a public health emergency?

A: While the declaration "sounds more severe than it is," Napolitano said Sunday, it will free up funds and allow health officials to use medications and tests that aren't normally used. The government also issued a public health declaration during recent floods in North Dakota and Minnesota, she said, and noted that the government often issues such declarations when hurricanes are approaching. The federal government is also releasing 25% of the 50 million doses of antiviral medications in the nation's Strategic National Stockpile, Napolitano said. The Department of Defense is also making 7 million doses available.

Q: Why has the virus been so much deadlier in Mexico, where 1,300 have become ill and more than 80 people have died, than in the USA?

A: "What we've seen in this country is not anywhere near the severity of what we're seeing in Mexico," Besser said. Doctors don't yet know why cases have been milder in the USA, where only person has been hospitalized, although 20 cases have been confirmed, Besser said.

More information is available at www.cdc.gov.

Flu outbreak closes theaters in Mexico

2009-04-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

Commercial exhibitors plan to remain open
By John Hecht

April 24, 2009, 07:20 PM ET
MEXICO CITY -- A swine flu outbreak forced Mexico's government to shut down state-run theaters Friday, and it appears that the Mexican boxoffice will take a hit this weekend as health officials urge people to stay out of confined places with crowds.

Health officials here are scrambling to contain a swine flu virus that has killed about 60 people and infected hundreds more. Schools, museums and government-owned theaters were closed Friday. Several indoor concerts were canceled or relocated to alternate outdoor venues.

Commercial exhibitors were planning to stay open, but weekend attendance figures may drop considerably if people heed the government's advice to steer clear of enclosed spaces that draw large crowds. Videocine's "Igor" and Paramount's "I Love You, Man" are opening in Mexico this weekend. Fox's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" hits theaters next Friday.

Mexico flu deaths raise worries of global epidemic

2009-04-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

By MARK STEVENSON, Associated Press Writer Mark Stevenson, Associated Press Writer
MEXICO CITY – At least 16 people — and possibly dozens more — have died from a swine flu virus in Mexico, and world health officials worry it could unleash a global flu epidemic. Mexico City closed schools across the metropolis Friday in hopes of containing the outbreak, and tougher measures were being considered.

Scientists were trying to determine if the deaths involved the same new strain of swine flu that sickened seven people in Texas and California — a disturbing disease that combines pig, bird and human viruses in a way that researchers have not seen before.

The World Health Organization counted at least 57 deaths in Mexico, but said it wasn't yet clear what flu they died from.

"We are very, very concerned," WHO spokesman Thomas Abraham said. "We have what appears to be a novel virus and it has spread from human to human."

WHO raised its internal alert system Friday, enabling the agency to divert more money and personnel to dealing with the outbreak. "It's all hands on deck at the moment." Abraham said.

President Felipe Calderon cancelled a trip and met with his Cabinet to coordinate Mexico's response. The government has 500,000 flu vaccines and planned to administer them to health workers, the highest risk group.

There are no vaccines available for the general public in Mexico, and authorities urged people to avoid hospitals unless they had a medical emergency, since hospitals are centers of infection. They also said Mexicans should refrain from customary greetings such as shaking hands or kissing cheeks.

But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Americans need not avoid traveling to Mexico, as long as they take the usual precautions, such as frequent handwashing.

Mexico's Health Secretary, Jose Cordova, said only 16 of the deaths have been confirmed as the new swine flu strain, and that government laboratories were testing samples from 44 other people who died. At least 943 nationwide were sick from the suspected flu, the health department said.

Cordova said samples also were sent to the CDC to look for matches with the virus that infected seven people in Texas and California.

Cordova called it a "new, different strain ... that originally came from pigs."

Epidemiologists are particularly concerned because the only people killed so far were normally less-vulnerable young people and adults. It's possible that more vulnerable populations — infants and the aged — had been vaccinated against other strains, and that those vaccines may be providing some protection.

"We certainly have 60 deaths that we can't be sure are from the same virus, but it is probable," Cordova told MVS radio in Mexico City.

Dr. Anne Schuchat of the CDC said "at this point, we do not have any confirmations of swine influenza in Mexico" of the kind that sickened seven California and Texas residents. All seven recovered from symptoms that were like those of the regular flu, mostly involving fever, cough and sore throat, though some of the seven also experienced vomiting and diarrhea.

Scientists have long been concerned that a new flu virus could launch a pandemic, a worldwide spread of a killer disease. A new virus could evolve when different flu viruses infect a pig, a person or a bird, mingling their genetic material. The resulting hybrid could spread quickly because people would have no natural defenses against it.

The most notorious flu pandemic is thought to have killed at least 40 million people worldwide in 1918-19. Two other, less deadly flu pandemics struck in 1957 and 1968.

Nobody can predict when pandemics will happen. Scientists had been concerned about swine flu in 1976, for example, and some 40 million Americans were vaccinated. No flu pandemic ever appeared, but thousands of vaccinated people filed claims saying they'd suffered a paralyzing condition andother side effects from the shots.

In recent years, scientists have been particularly concerned about birds. There have been deaths from bird flu, mostly in Asia, but the virus has so far been unable to spread from person to person easily enough to touch off a pandemic.

Closing the schools across the metropolis of 20 million kept 6.1 million students home from day care centers through high schools, and thousands more were affected as colleges and universities closed down. Parents scrambled to juggle work and family concerns due to what local media said was the first citywide schools closure since Mexico City's devastating 1985 earthquake.

Authorities also advised capital residents not to go to work if they felt ill, and to wear surgical masks if they had to move through crowds. A wider shutdown — perhaps including shutting down government offices — was being considered.

"It is very likely that classes will be suspended for several days," Cordova said. "We will have to evaluate, and let's hope this doesn't happen, the need to restrict activity at workplaces."

Mexico's initial response in its overcrowded capital brought to mind other major outbreaks — such as when SARS hit Asia. At its peak in 2003, Beijing was the hardest-hit city in the world. Schools, cinemas and restaurants were shuttered to prevent the spread the deadly respiratory virus, and thousands of people were quarantined at home.

In March 2008, Hong Kong ordered more than a half million young students to stay home for two weeks because of a flu outbreak. It was the first such closure in Hong Kong since the outbreak of SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Lillian Molina and other teachers at the Montessori's World preschool scrubbed down their empty classrooms with Clorox, soap and Lysol on Friday between fielding calls from worried parents. While the school has had no known cases among its students, Molina supported the government's decision to shutter classes, especially in preschools.

"It's great they are taking precautions," she said. "I think it's a really good idea."

Still, U.S. health officials said it's not yet a reason for alarm in the United States. The five in California and two in Texas have all recovered, and testing indicates some common antiviral medications seem to work against the virus.

Schuchat of the CDC said officials believe the new strain can spread human-to-human, which is unusual for a swine flu virus. The CDC is checking people who have been in contact with the seven confirmed U.S. cases, who all became ill between late March and mid-April.

The U.S. cases are a growing medical mystery because it's unclear how they caught the virus. The CDC said none of the seven people were in contact with pigs, which is how people usually catch swine flu. And only a few were in contact with each other.

CDC officials described the virus as having a unique combination of gene segments not seen in people or pigs before. The bug contains human virus, avian virus from North America and pig viruses from North America, Europe and Asia.

Health officials have seen mixes of bird, pig and human virus before, but never such an intercontinental combination with more than one pig virus in the mix.

Scientists keep a close eye on flu viruses that emerge from pigs. The animals are considered particularly susceptible to both avian and human viruses and a likely place where the kind of genetic reassortment can take place that might lead to a new form of pandemic flu, said Dr. John Treanor, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

The virus may be something completely new, or it may have been around for a while but was only detected now because of improved lab testing and disease surveillance, CDC officials said.

The virus was first detected in two children in southern California — a 10-year-old boy in San Diego County and a 9-year-old girl in neighboring Imperial County.

It's not known if the seasonal flu vaccine Americans got this winter protects against this type of virus. People should wash their hands and take other customary precautions, CDC officials said.

Celebrities Love Their Hair Extensions and Now You Could Too!

2009-03-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Celebrities have always been the latest trend setters. They have been the ones who bring in the latest trends when it comes to clothes and shoes but they are also the ones who set the bar when it comes to hair styles. Let's face it we have always looked at our favourite stars and wished our hair looked like theirs but the one thing that you need to keep in mind is the fact that most the time these celebs will have help with their style through the use of hair extensions.

Although most celebrities would love to think that they were born with luscious long and full hair like the kind you see in fashion magazines, but in reality this look is often down to the pure fact that they are given a little helping hand.

Over the past few years there have been a number of celeb hair trends that have caused a stir but the stir that has been caused by hair extensions is unlike anything we have seen in a long while. Just how popular they have actually become is a very impressive fact for the reason that when they first hit the beauty scene back in the 1980's they were dismissed as a fad that would never take off. This 'fad' is now one of the biggest trends of our time; however it is actually the celebs that we should be thanking for this, after all if it weren't for the amount of celebs that were wearing extensions they wouldn't be readily available to us in salons all over the UK!

Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce and Kate Moss as well as Lindsey Lohan are all examples of big name stars who have helped pushed this hair trend into the limelight. Beyonce uses them to help give her locks the fullness that they have and Lindsey Lohan relies on them in order to achieve her statement long curly locks. They are the reason why so many big name stars look so fabulous on the red carpet and on the big screen. They were Hollywood's best kept secret but now that secret is out we all want a piece of the action.

Hair extensions are the answer for people who just can't seem to grow long locks or for those who are fed up of waiting for their natural hair to grow. They can give you longer, fuller and healthier looking hair instantly and best of all the variety you can get with them means no matter what colour or texture etc that your hair is; there will be extensions available to match.

One of the most popular forms of extensions with the world of celebrity is however great lengths. This form of extension is made of 100% human hair and uses a revolutionary form of attachment. Luckily for you, this form of extension is widely available in salons all across the UK so you can have locks that look exactly like your favourite celebs; just make sure that you go to a salon who are experienced in the application and removal of hair extensions before you take any steps to having them applied.

For Hair Extensions to rival those of your favourite celebrities get in touch with Inanch, home of Great Lengths Hair Extensions

How to Reduce Face Wrinkles - 3 Little-Known Secrets

2009-03-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered how to reduce face wrinkles? Without spending a fortune on dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and other expensive and painful cosmetic procedures? I have, and I've discovered that the best wrinkle solution is a lot easier than you may think. If you want to know how to reduce face wrinkles, read on.

The secrets I'm about to share are worth their weight in gold. Imagine how you'll feel when you really look younger again--when you can look in the mirror and be surprised at how youthful and vibrant your complexion appears. Imagine turning the heads of members of the opposite sex (especially those younger than you are). Imagine finally looking as healthy and energetic as you feel.

All of these benefits and many more are certainly possible if you follow these three easy tips.

1) Get more sleep.

According to dermatologists, when you don't get sufficient sleep, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that destroys skin cells. By getting the recommended 7 - 8 hours of sleep each night, you'll naturally create more human growth hormone, a critical substance that helps to keep your face firmer, more elastic--and less likely to display unsightly wrinkles.

2) Take Omega 3 fish oil supplements.

Omega 3 is an important essential fatty acid. Essential fatty acids feed your skin, helping to keep it bright, smooth, and youthful.

Although you can get omega 3 from eating more fish, especially salmon, most of us don't consume enough fish on a regular basis to meet the recommended amounts of omega 3. It's easier to simply get this nutrient from a quality omega 3 fish oil supplement. Look for a purified fish oil supplement high in DHA.

3) Use an anti-aging facial moisturizer with collagen-enhancing properties.

This may be the best wrinkle solution of all. As we age, we lose collagen in our skin cells--and experience the familiar signs of aging such as fine lines, dark circles, and age spots. By using an anti-aging moisturizing cream proven to stimulate collagen production, you can dramatically reduce face wrinkles and renew your complexion.

Cynergy TK is an ingredient proven in scientific trials to give skin more firmness and elasticity. Matter of fact, a group of test subjects using Cynergy TK experienced over a 40% increase in skin elasticity in less than three weeks. You'll find this innovative new ingredient contained in top quality moisturizers and lotions.

Your next step? Learn how you can look ten years younger with a remarkable natural skin care system. Visit my web site now.

Discover the benefits of the best wrinkle solution to reduce face wrinkles. Learn about the dramatic results you can achieve - To get rid of age spots, wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin visit: http://www.healthy-skin-care-products.com/

Acai (Asai) Berry Diet- Top Health and Weight Loss Benefits of Acai Berry Diet

2009-02-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

The Acai Berry is the new topic in everyone's mouth, especially, dieters. By now every serious dieter or health cautious individual has heard about the Acai Berry diet. For good reason most may say. This magnificent fruit has made a tremendous impression on Scientist, Doctors and Dieters alike. The Acai Berry diet was introduced to America not long ago. Scientist was impressed and amazed to discover its nutritional values.

There are many health benefits that this unique fruit can produce, such as:

• Ability to induce metabolism- which in return helps dieter burn fat and lose weight more efficiently and faster. It is able to do this because it contains a drastic amount of antioxidants, much more than common fruits found in your local grocery store.

• Ability to improve immune system- if the body immune system is healthy the body has more energy. The large level of antioxidants produced by the berry and the bodies fatty acids combined are found to be powerful tools to fight against infections.

• Ability to fight cancer and other diseases- the nutritional background found in Acai Berry diets prove to help fight cancer and other disease by strengthening the body cells that are normally attacked.

• Ability to help control appetite- Acai Berry diets, such as diet bars and shakes can be used as a healthy and nutritional meal supplement. Not to mention, the enzymes and antioxidants are used to control appetite.

• Ability to improve blood pressure and cholesterol- The vitamins and antioxidants are powerful tools used to aid in treating high blood pressure and cholesterol. The fruit and its extracts contain key vitamins; such as, vitamins A, D, E and K which are valuable to controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

Not only is the Acai Berry diet good for maintaining weight but also living a healthier lifestyle.

An another important property of acai berry fruit is it retains its magical properties when preserved. Thus leading to very effective weight loss supplements. Weight loss supplements are designed to work with the dieting process to help improve vitamin and mineral levels that may be missing in the diet.

Oprah's Dynamic Duo - Acai Berry & Colon Cleanse For Weight Loss & Anti-Aging

2009-02-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

If the world's most influential woman showcased acai berry in her show, it better be good. And it was. In fact, acai berry, a very small fruit from Central America, took the health fanatics by storm. And recently, it was found out that the properties of the berry can cause self-destruction in leukemia cells in an in-vitro experiment. But even before this recent discovery, acai berry and colon cleanse had already been working side by side in making people a bit less unhealthy and a bit less heavy.

Why does the body need colon cleanse? The digestive system is the measuring stick for health, so to speak. This is because when there are problems in the digestive tract, excessive build-up of toxins for example, the effects are usually felt in other parts of the body. And there are around 60 plus diseases and disorders that are typically associated with unhealthy colon. So chronic bad health often roots from problematic colons. Because of poor diet and insufficiency of measures to ensure healthy digestive systems, many people develop diseases and conditions from toxins, plaques and food remains that pile up in the linings of the colon. This then provides the right breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms that are seriously harmful to the entire body. The toxins and poisons created by the unhealthy conditions of the colons will eventually reach all parts of the body, and in time, the effects will be felt. Thus, it is only important to secure a healthy digestive tract by means of colon cleanse.

What makes acai berry effective in the colon cleanse process? First things first, does the dynamic duo of acai berry and colon cleanse really work? As there are no clinical evidences to support this claim, only user anecdotes can be used as evidence and according to them, it really does work. According to one anecdote found in the internet, a woman lost 40 pounds by just combining the tandem of acai berry and colon cleanse. And the pounds kept on shedding off. Sounds pretty much like a scam right? Actually not. It may seem like a story from a fairy tale book but acai berry is a really potent fruit and it really works well with colon cleanse products and sometimes, it could also work as a colon cleanse agent by itself.

So what makes the duo work? Acai berry has natural properties that encourage the cleansing of the colon. The colon is the large intestine where all the human waste stays so naturally it has its share of bacteria and stuffs. But there are conditions when there is unnecessary build up of harmful toxins and materials in the colon. This is where the need for the properties found in acai berry comes in. The antioxidants found in acai berries help in flushing out the toxins and other materials from the digestive tract which sets the cue for continuous and effective detoxification process. The verdict on whether the claim on acai berry and colon cleanse is true or not is still out for the jury to decide. However, as of yet, there are strong indications that it really does work. But for the sake of argument, let's just say that anything with substantial amount of antioxidants and fiber could alleviate any ails of the digestive system.

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4 Healthy Snacks For Weight Loss

2008-11-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Here are 4 healthy snacks for weight loss. Look, I'm going to skip over your meals for now and focus on snacks because a lot of the damage you do to your weight loss efforts happens between meals. You get hungry and you're forced into eating some type of convenient junk food just to settle down your stomach. I'm going to share with you over the next 2 minutes of this article what to eat for your snacks to maximize your ability to lose weight and avoid the temptations of junk foods.

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

1. String cheese

I like this choice because of it's protein. Plus, it does a good job of tiding over my hunger. Even though it's small, it kinda fills me up. It doesn't have a lot of calories either. It's worth considering for you. I eat at least 1 of these a day... usually.

2. Beef Jerky

This has a bit more calories, so be careful. But other than that, it's a good protein source as well. Take a few pieces and get to work chewing on them. They're tough... so it will require some effort.

3. Low calorie yogurts

I get the 33 cent ones from Wal-Mart that have only 80 calories in them. This is working out good. Again, another good protein source snacks. Although these have aspartame (not good) and a higher carb content, the protein helps to minimize any blood sugar spikes. So you're alright here.

4. Apples

Probably the best snack of all. You get 5 grams of fiber and a lot of nutrition. Obviously they fill you up. That has to do with the high water content... as well as the fiber. Eat 2 of these a day... but shoot for 3.

Eat these 4 healthy snacks for weight loss everyday and I'm pretty sure you'll be losing a bunch of weight very soon.

If you're SICK and TIRED of getting the same old boring weight loss advice... you know, like "Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink 8 glasses of water, jog, and Blah Blah Blah", then...

Learn Fresh Natural Recipies For Skin Products From Ancient Beauty Products

2008-11-21T09:11:00.000-08:00

The simple reality of mixing your own beauty products from fresh ingredient puts you in touch with the natural world and gives you a richer, more intimate knowledge of the ingredients. Cutting the avocado, preparing the other ingredients, and then putting them on your face, is an intensely personal activity in which you interact with the ingredients in an intimate way--and it is a hugely different experience from buying something in a plastic bottle. The simple act of applying a rich oil to your skin and running your hands over your own body during self-massage gives you a deeper knowledge and appreciation of yourself.

In this program I have combined my own personal experiences and those of my patients, along to present Ayurveda's beauty secrets in a clear, streamlined, useful form. I show you how to integrate Ayurveda into your everyday life and use it safely and effectively to nurture your inner self and cultivate outer beauty.

Ayurveda is a complete and holistic system that recognizes that each person is a unique individual, with a mind, body, and spirit that are intertwined. Outer beauty is a reflection of inner beauty, and a beauty regimen is not something you do for a half hour in your bathroom; it's something you practice twenty-four hours, every day, inwardly and outwardly. We all have the power to heal ourselves and let our beauty shin through for all to feel and see. It is our belief and hope that the information in this guide will help you guide that power, enabling you to live a longer life, brimming natural health, energy, happiness and effortless beauty. Ayurveda offers a liberating approach to beauty, one that serves the needs of women of different ages and different natural gifts.

At the beginning of her career, Sophia Loren was told that her mouth was too large, her nose too long, her chin and lips too broad--but that still the sum of her parts were "somehow beautiful." She never fit the current standard of beauty, and now that she is a woman "of a certain age," she has achieved yet another kind of beauty that is very different from her youthful appeal. In her book Women and Beauty, Loren points out that whereas the beauty of youth is unconscious, mature beauty is knowing and sophisticated, richer and more complex. In her book she shares with us her greatest beauty secret: her unfailing self-confidence. "If you can use your mind as well as you use a powder puff," she writes, "you will become more truly beautiful." Her message and that of Ayurveda is: You can attain beauty because beauty is already inside you.

Good Diet? So Why Have You Got a High BMI?

2008-11-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

Is the Body Mass Index (BMI) a good indicator as to whether you have a healthy body weight or not? The short answer is 'yes'. BMI compares your weight and height and is meant to be an estimate rather than an accurate measurement. BMI is the most widely used tool to identify whether you are overweight or obese.

The BMI was first used nearly a hundred years ago and has been used by doctors ever since. Should it be trusted? It is certainly the quickest and simplest tool available. Where it becomes less reliable is when the person has a lot of muscle. Manual workers, footballers and some athletes may have a high BMI and yet be very lean. The reason they register a high BMI is that muscle weighs 50% more than fat. It is quite common for a football player to have a BMI of over 30 and yet have barely an ounce of fat on their body.

It's always a good to know what your BMI is. If you do then you can take action when you get near the weight limit for your height. If you are already overweight or obese, it's a useful prompt to take action!

Here are the BMI bands you need to be aware of;
Normal: This is between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: This is between 25 and 29.9
Obese: Above 30

Your health is at risk if you have a high BMI, particularly from heart disease, stroke and diabetes. You might think that you have a healthy diet, but if your BMI is high, the reality is that something somewhere is out of balance. There is usually a good reason. You might think you have a healthy diet, but how much are you eating, and how much exercise are you taking? It's worth having a quick 'personal audit' to check to see where the imbalance is occurring. Honesty has to be the best policy here - if you're economical with the truth (with yourself), you're the only one that's going to suffer!

If you find your BMI is too high, don't rush off and grab the first diet that promises you instant slimness. Think about what you want and then set some goals. Goals will make all the difference to how successful you are at reducing your BMI.

The one thing you are going to have to do is 'change'. You will probably find it helpful to get a program that will help you to make the changes you need to make - and that will deliver a permanent solution to your BMI problem rather than a short-term fix.

Henry John is an author and consultant on health, diet and weight loss. He specializes in designing weight loss programs and weight loss plans as well as advising individuals on the best way to lose weight.

Banana Diet Tips and Warning!

2008-11-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some banana diet tips and a warning. First off, the banana diet CAN help you to lose a lot of weight. But some people don't do it right and when you do it wrong, it gets UGLY. So read this now to get things straight so you can enjoy losing weight on this really effective diet.

Banana Diet Tips and Warning

1. Warning: The banana diet has nothing to do with eating bananas as your main meal.

You'd be crazy if you ate bananas as your meals. Uh, you need protein and fats as well for your diet. If you ate nothing but bananas, you'd so many nutrient, mineral, and vitamin deficiencies. Besides, this would be pure torture to eat only bananas.

I know you're more intelligent than that, but I just wanted to be sure for those who get a little too aggressive with their dieting tactics.

2. Tips - There are 2 ways to do this diet and a combination way

You can eat 2 bananas, 3 separate times a day as snacks between meals. You can eat 2 bananas with your meals... 1 before and 1 after each meal (I don't advise this way). OR... you can do a combo in which you eat 1 banana with each of 3 meals and 1 banana 3 different times as a snack.

If I was to choose, I'd either do the first or third way... probably the 3rd way. Why? First, you need to use bananas as snacks. By using them just at your meals, you'd be opening up some problems when it comes time to snack between meals. So it's vital to use them as snacks.

Also, it's important to have them with meals because the live enzymes bananas contain help you to digest your foods better. Good digestive health is critically important for long term weight loss progress.

This is just a brief article, but hopefully I gave you some ideas on how to use the banana diet effectively to lose weight.

If you're SICK and TIRED of getting the same old boring weight loss advice... you know, like "Eat more fruits and vegetables, drink 8 glasses of water, jog, and Blah Blah Blah", then...

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Jennifer Jolan

Banana Diet - 1 of the Easiest Ways to Lose Weight If You Do it Right

2008-11-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

The banana diet is 1 of the best and easiest ways to help boost your weight loss efforts. It appears there are many versions of this diet... and I also have a version of this diet. A lot of the other versions of this diet just seem plain silly and not very practical.

Here's an easy to use version that will give you slow, steady weight loss. This is not an extreme diet like you may think.

You may think that the banana diet consists of eating just bananas all day. Wrong! Obviously that isn't very practical or smart. There is just 1 main rule to this diet and another general rule...

Rule #1: Eat 1-2 bananas before each meal... minimum of 3 times a day.

Very simple, huh? Not much to think about. If you eat, you're going to eat 1-2 bananas before your meal. Practical, easy, healthy, and not much to remember.

Before breakfast, eat 2 bananas. Before lunch, eat 2 bananas. Before dinner, eat 1 banana. So you eat 5 total bananas a day.

Rule #2: Eat whatever you want for meals.

This rule is simple... eat whatever you want, just as long as you eat 2 bananas before breakfast, 2 bananas before lunch, and 1 banana before dinner. Obviously eating healthier than normal would help your weight loss efforts even more, but it's not 100% necessary.

Bonus Rule: You can replace 1 banana with an apple before breakfast and lunch.

As mentioned, you can replace a banana with an apple before breakfast and lunch. This is to help relieve possible boredom. Nothing more.

I honestly don't know how much weight you will lose on this or any other diets that use bananas, however you should notice a steady weight loss. It won't be extremely fast, so if that's what you're looking for... forget the banana diet.

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4 Powerful Ways to Regain Self-Confidence Despite Challenges

2008-10-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

"The way to develop confidence is to do the thing you fear." ~William Jennings Bryan

I understand how easy it can be to get frustrated when we move forward on our dreams and goals. Because no matter how exciting everything seems at the beginning of new adventure... things take as long as they take, exacerbating obstacles arise, and aggravating challenges happen. Sometimes it seems as if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong.

With all this going on, it's not uncommon to become impatient before achieving success, and wanting to give up just a moment too soon. Who hasn't felt self-doubt and stress when things just don't seem to be coming together?

Self-confidence can often be at a low-low place when we are in the midst of making important changes. The question becomes how you learn to trust yourself to continue moving forward even when things aren't going as effortlessly as anticipated? Below are four powerful ways to regain confidence when it looks like you've almost lost it altogether.

Breathe and Release Stress Levels

Stress = self-doubt. It's a myth that stress or worry is the best way to move through difficult situations. Stress happens when we believe that we do not have the time, experiences, or resources to deal with a challenge or situation. Feeling pressured and anxious about a perceived unsolvable or impossible situation, our bodies release adrenaline and gear up for a fight or flight response to handle the immediate danger. Stress equal self-doubt because it takes you into an internal perception that your only two alternatives are to fight the problem or run away from it.

Taking a few minutes of alone time to breathe and calm down helps bring new perspective that while the situation at hand may be undesirable, it is not a life or death situation. With relaxation comes a new ability to be at ease with yourself. And with ease comes the ability to tap into inner resources, grasp valuable insights, and find new innovative, creative solutions.

Be With Your Own Feelings

Taking time alone creates space to relax, clear out the world, and be with no one else's feelings but your own. By stepping away from all the outside noise and busyness, you allow new opportunity to clear confusion and sort out your emotions and feelings. Once your head is clear, you can simply take a deep breath, and ask, "What is it I need to know about this situation?" or, "What will move me one step closer to what I most want?" Then be willing to trust that yourself and open to receiving the quiet guidance of your own creative spirit.

Open to New Possibilities

Your goal or pursuit may currently be wildly frustrating, but remember that your dream is important. Just because you've hit a few snags doesn't mean it's time to throw in the towel. To bring back your enthusiasm and confidence, try this experiment. When something is troubling you, just sit with it. Don't do anything to logically fix or solve the problem. Instead, just sit, place your intention on allowing the best possible outcome, and breathe. Momentarily step away from the negative thoughts circling with frenzy within your head. Welcome your creative self to offer new insights and potential solutions to your situation. Your job is to stop fretting and stressing with the problem, and instead place your focus on being open to amazing new possibilities. Insights and creative solutions may not be apparent in the exact moment. Instead, be receptive and open for creativity to show itself however it wants and whenever it's ready.

Slow Down and Soften Up

Confidence increases as we realize our ability to be inventive and full of resourcefulness. By tapping into our inner creativity, we can become aware of solutions we hadn't considered before. When you have a challenge or an issue you want resolved, learn to slow down and let down your defenses. Relax, let go of your stress, and breathe. Slowing down and softening your body allows your creative insight to make new connections, see things from a new perspective, and notice things you hadn't noticed before.

Of course, we all want to know the exact route to reach our destination, and plan things perfectly so we move forward with no unexpected surprises. But odds are that every worthwhile journey leads down some major unexpected side roads. We may even get lost along the way.

Confidence is not about leaving point A and arriving at point Z in perfect, non-eventful fashion. Instead, confidence is discovering that you can trust yourself. You do know the general direction you are heading toward. You do know when you're off course. And you can trust yourself to allow your imagination and positive actions to point yourself back in the right direction. Follow the four steps above and watch your confidence grow as you regain trust in your own ability to step forward - one step at a time - into your dream.

Dr. Annette Colby has one job: to teach people how to like who they are, and to become all they are capable of becoming. Skyrocket Your Happiness and Success! Learn how with a FREE subscription to Loving Miracles weekly newsletter.

Olive Oil Benefits

2008-09-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Skin cancer

2008-09-17T03:57:00.001-07:00

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]

Dry skin

2008-09-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

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.

The Scary Truth About Skin Care Anti Wrinkle Cream

2008-09-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

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 Foods to Eat For Memory Improvement?

2008-09-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

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.

Cost of Elderly Health Care

2008-09-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Health medical insurance

2008-09-10T23:09:00.001-07:00

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.

Depression Relief

2008-09-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Frequent Sex and Good Health

2008-09-03T03:14:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-03T02:55:00.000-07:00

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.