Friday, March 30, 2007

How Can Women's Hair Loss Be Treated?

Did you know that more and more women are having to cope
with hair loss? Understanding the root cause of hair loss
in women is one of the most important fact finding missions
that you can do for yourself.

Finding the root cause of your hair loss will lead you to
better understanding of your situation and hopefully finding
some sort of relief in stopping hair loss.

Hair loss in women is not confined to any age barriers.
Women in their early years have also been affected with this
problem and whether their old or young in years, women have
to learn to cope with their hair loss. One of the tasks to
cope is understanding why it happens in the first place.

Just as our body grows in cycles so does our hair grow in
cycles. When women's hair loss is affected the growth cycle
of hair is interrupted. Growth of hair usually grows at
about half an inch per month with individual hairs having a
growth phase of between two to six years. After the growth
period then there is a dormant period then that strand of
hair falls away naturally and a new strand of hair replaces
starting the hair growth cycle all over again.
It is when this cycle is interfered with by either hormonal
imbalance, medication effects, psychological stresses is
when our body reacts and thus we have hair loss in women.

Balding patterns identified.

Just as males and females are different in all aspects, hair
loss is no different. The hair loss pattern identified in
women is quite different than male balding. We all have
different heads of hair of course but the effects of balding
concentrates on different parts of the head. Balding effects
in women are identified by having it goes around the whole
top of the head versus men when they lose hair is mainly on
the temple at the crown.

A common cause for women's hair loss.

Truly one of the most predominant causes of women's hair loss
is hormones. Since women have to go through traumatic
stages in the life especially when it comes to childbirth,
women are more susceptible to hormonal changes than men are.

In all cases of hair loss the most important issue is
getting a valid diagnosis of the hair loss. Until you see
your physician and he can give you an expert opinion on your
condition you should investigate your matter thoroughly.

Identifying hair loss patterns.

You need to identify whether this hair loss pattern is
temporary or permanent. Did the hair loss come on suddenly
or has it happened over time? Answers to these questions
may open up the root cause for your hair loss. If your hair
loss is patchy then most likely it is related to stress.
Have you been stressed out lately? Really take a look at
your lifestyle and maybe you can find the reason for your
hair loss.

What can you do about hair loss?

Well first things first, beware of miracle cures. A lot of
hair loss treatments are predicated on the fear factor. Some
myths of hair loss are how women have the wrong chromosome
count in them. Can you believe that someone would come up
with a reason like that? Another fear factor reason is that
women brushing or combing their hair too much. Certainly
overdoing anything to excess is likely to have consequences
but please put some common sense into these issues.
There are medical treatments available like the drug
Minoxidil. This drug was originally designed to treat high
blood pressure but studies showed that a side effect was
hair growth.
You can also try hair transplantation or scalp reduction if
your budget allows you too.
But before you try any of these treatments make sure that
the hair loss you're experiencing is definitely permanent
and isn't temporary.

Women's hair loss is definitely something that women want to
take care of before it gets out of hand. Understanding the
root cause, identifying the type patterns and seeing what
treatments are available is just the beginning of stopping
hair loss.

Offering alternatives to combating hair loss can be found
at Jim's website that may offer some hope of getting your
hair back. You just may be surprised at what you may learn.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Getting Intense - Anaerobic Exercise

Everyone in the world needs to work out. No matter who we are, cardiovascular exercise is necessary for health and a good quality of life. It has numerous benefits and can improve life for people in all kinds of different ways. There are two kinds of cardiovascular exercise: aerobic and anaerobic. Why do we need to do either one of these?

Aerobic exercise is activity that is usually lower in activity level and longer in duration. The word aerobic means with air or with oxygen. It is done to condition the body to be more active for longer amounts of time. It is often known as endurance training or cross training. Some aerobic exercises include; walking, jogging, biking, or swimming. A great amount of oxygen is required to produce the energy for these activities and maintain the body's endurance. Aerobic exercise is very important for good health and improved performance.

Anaerobic exercise is different than aerobics in that it is usually done in a shorter amount of time at a higher intensity. The term anaerobic means without air or without oxygen. As the body is worked in very strenuous activities it produces a by-product known as lactic acid to keep it energized. While aerobic exercise is done to increase stamina, anaerobic exercise is to increase muscle strength for times when great amounts of energy are required in a short period of time.

The lactic acid that is produced is what causes muscle fatigue. Before more anaerobic is attempted the muscles must use this lactic acid up in a rest period. The muscles use oxygen to restore the energy burned during anaerobics. Lactic acid removal can become more efficient with training. Some examples of anaerobic exercise are; sprinting, hill climbing, running intervals, jumping rope, and other activities that require big bursts of energy.

In general, anaerobic exercise ends up burning less calories than aerobic exercise does, but it does build muscle and lean body mass. Increased muscle mass leads to lost weight and a leaner figure as muscle groups burn more energy than fat cells. As you start to exercise anaerobically, there is a shortage of oxygen to the muscles. With anaerobic training the body can become better equipped to handle fatigue. As the fitness level increases, the body produces less lactic acid and the removal of it from the bloodstream becomes more efficient. With increased muscle capacity, the groups can operate from 12% to 50% more effectively, allowing the body to accumulate higher levels of lactic acid during exercise.

Anaerobic training is generally for people who have already achieved a certain level of fitness and are trying to increase speed, agility, and power. Participants should do a good deal of aerobic warming up and stretching before and after an anaerobic exercise session. It is not recommended to participate in anaerobic exercise if you are a pregnant woman. Also, if you are a beginner to exercise, you should start out at about 50% intensity rate for your particular fitness level.

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Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Why Many Diets Are Doomed to Fail- How to Choose the Right Diet for You

You have probably seen it before. You or someone you know starts a new diet full of enthusiasm about the amazing weight loss to come. They stick with the diet for about a week, and then return to their old habits and lose all of the ground they had made. This is the saga that goes on in many people's lives indefinitely. Always signing up for the next diet that is going to melt the pounds off in a big hurry only to quit in less than two weeks with no permanent results. This is not the recipe for lasting weight loss.

So what causes people to start out strong a new diet and quickly fade into old habits? This article is going to reveal where most diets go wrong and show you how to avoid this weight loss trap.

A lot of people hold the belief that they need a strict, harsh diet to be able to achieve great weight loss. While these kinds of diets may work, how likely is a person to really stick with something so extreme for the long haul? The diet was doomed to fail because it is too hard to stick with.

If you are accustomed to eating anything you want all day and then suddenly start eating carrots, apples and rice, how do you think you would react? You might be able to stick it out for a couple of weeks, but sooner or later you would likely quit. This is because the diet is not satisfying. If you don't feel ok with what you're eating you will crave all of the things that the diet doesn't allow. These cravings only become stronger with time.

This is why it is critical to choose a diet that is healthy and satisfying. This will give the best of both worlds. You will like the food you eat, and you will experience lasting weight loss. What starts as a healthy diet becomes a lifestyle. This is where all lasting results are found… in a lifestyle change. I hope you take this article to heart and begin a reasonable diet that will provide the change you desire.

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Sunday, March 25, 2007

Ever Thought of Using Natural Deodorants? Well, Now Is Your Chance

Did you know that it is entirely possible to create your own natural deodorants? Creating your own deodorants cuts down costs, helps the environment and is a lot better for your skin!

Why Use Natural Deodorant?

Natural deodorant is definitely better for your skin than the ones which are laced with chemicals. They control the sweat naturally and do not clog up the pores like other deodorants can do.

They come in two different forms, either ones which you can eat to improve your own unique scent, or ones which are used externally to cover up the body odor. It is also possible that some natural deodorants actually work with your body odor to compliment the natural smell, rather than masking it. This usually occurs because it does not allow the offensive bacteria to grow.

How to Create Your Own Natural Deodorant

There are several ways in which you can make your own deodorant and some of them are extremely simple. If you want to first make sure that you smell nicer naturally, it may be worth looking into what your diet consists of. Junk food can often make our bodies smell quite bad, and if you tend to eat a lot of meat that can also cause your natural body odor to be quite strong.

Yogurt is supposed to be good for changing the bacteria within the body, and therefore it is a good food to eat when wanting to improve body odor.

Now, the ordinary deodorant acts as a body spray which uses a nice smelling fragrance to reduce the levels of bacteria. Unfortunately they do not stop you from sweating, and if you just use deodorant instead of antiperspirant, you will notice how quickly you will start to smell. When you do start smelling, deodorant will mask the smell but it will not get rid of the sweat itself so you will still end up with sweat patches.

The amount of alcohol you drink can also have a negative effect. So, take a look at what you are eating before you decide upon which natural deodorant you would like to create. That way you will have the best possible chance of creating something that will work really well. If you are really struggling, sage and peppermint are quite good natural deodorizes used in drinks. Sage should be used in tea, and a couple of drops of peppermint should be added to an ounce of water and drank every hour or so. Some other natural deodorizers include:

Witch Hazel. Used as an underarm splash

Borax Mixed With White Willow Bark. Acts as a deodorant wash for strong smelling sweat. It is better to also add a few drops of Patchouli also for best results

Chaparral. – You use this externally under the armpits as a natural deodorizer
Orange and Lemon Peel. Blended together into a powder, these two make a really good, fruity underarm deodorizer.

Those are just a few low maintenance natural deodorizers you can create and use, however, if you have a little extra time to spare there are some really good natural deodorizers you can create including:

Unisex Lavender Body Powder

This Lavender Body Powder is great for both men and women, and men in particular seem to really like the scent on their body. All you need is 2oz of Lavender, PO and 2os of unscented talcum powder.

Simply mix the ingredients together and sift them through a fine sieve. Be sure that any large particles from the ingredients are discarded. That is basically all you need to do and if you want a more refreshing scent, half an ounce of lemon peel could easily be added.

Violet Body Powder

This natural deodorizing powder has a really light, pleasant scent and is mainly suited to women. To create it you will need 1oz of powdered Violet flowers, 4 drops of Violet oil, 2 drops of bitter Almond, 1oz of powdered Orris root and 2oz of unscented talcum powder.

To start simply add the Violet and the bitter Almond oil onto the Violet flowers in a container. Close the container and then shake to mix the ingredients together. Now add the Orris root and close the container and shake once more. Next add the talcum powder and mix the ingredients thoroughly before sifting them through a fine sieve. Store the mixture in an airtight container and simply use when needed.

Overall, it is quite simple to make your own deodorant once you have the ingredients that you need. It is not that expensive and your body will really thank you for it.

Natural deodorants work just as well, if not better than shop bought ones and you have the added benefit of knowing what is actually in them. So what are you waiting for? Try making your own deodorant today, you never know, you might like it!

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Friday, March 23, 2007

Types Of Cosmetics

Make-up and cosmetics are used all over the world by all kinds of different people. Cosmetic products are defined as, "a substance or preparation intended for placement in contact with any external part of the human body". This definition can include a variety of products.

Shampoos and soaps are products that usually contain some kind of fragrance and clean the skin by the use of surface-active agents, or surfactants. These surfactants are molecules that have both lipophilic and hydrophilic, or fat soluble and water soluble parts. The fat soluble part of the product clings to the oil and dirt as the water soluble part allows the lipophilic part to be washed away. Detergents for dishes and clothes work in pretty much the same way but will have different ingredients that make them more harsh for use on hard, solid surfaces. It is usually not a good idea to try and use these detergents on the body and hair, for it can lead to irritation.

Lipstick is another cosmetic product that contains hydrophilic properties. They are manufactured by combining wax, a non-volatile oil such as beeswax with castor oil, and water. The combination produces a thick substance that is water-insoluble and spreads easily on the lips. Because of its lipophilic properties, lipstick won't dissolve on the lips when exposed to saliva or liquid from drinks. Other lipsticks will have a dye in them that react to amino acids on the top layer of the skin. This makes the the product appear blue or green in the container and change to red when applied to the lips.

When water is lost on the top layer of dead skin cells faster than the living cells under them can absorb the moisture our skin becomes dry. This is when we need the help of a moisturizer. When the skin becomes dry and scaly, moisturizers can assist by preventing further water loss, known as occlusion, and by adding humectants, substances that increase the hydrophilic properties of the skin. Humectant moisturizers contain substances such as alpha hydroxy acids or glycerine and add moisture to the top layer of skin while occlusive moisturizers form a waterproof layer over the skin that reduces moisture and allows the body's natural rehydration process to return the layer to a normal level.

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Choose Wisely From Among Cheap Perfumes

Fragrance can do much to complement a beautiful outfit – whether casual or formal. A signature scent adds another layer to your look and helps define your style – clean and natural, sophisticated and elegant, edgy and creative; the type of fragrance that you choose to wear says a lot about you and is very reflective of your overall personality. And while some may think that it's necessary to choose a high-priced perfume in order to get the scent they want, it is not always the case. There are a variety of cheap perfumes on the market today - some of which can give you all that you desire at a fraction of the price of high-end, retail priced fragrances.

There are a number of classifications associated with cheap perfumes. In some cases, less expensive fragrances refer to those scents that are modeled after designer fragrance. It's like buying a piece of clothing that you may have seen on the red carpet and costs thousands of dollars – in a retail store where it's being mass produced and sold inexpensively. If you are in love with a designer fragrance that is just too cost-prohibitive for you to purchase, you may want to check out these lines of fragrance. They can most often be found in perfume shops and department stores.

Other cheap perfumes refer to the actual designer fragrance that is sold at a less expensive price. Some discount perfume stores will offer designer fragrance at a fraction of the price you would find it for at full retail value. And as wide a selection as these stores may have, you are likely to find an even wider selection in a variety of online resources. Buy wisely when it comes to online purchases however; you need to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable vendor who will give you exactly what you expect rather than a knock-off product. You may also be able to find a number of designer perfumes – at much cheaper prices – in duty-free shops along borders and in airports. Next time you take a trip, take a couple of extra minutes and do some shopping for your favorite fragrance.

Another reference to cheap perfumes is the lower quality fragrances that can be found for very affordable prices in drugstores and cosmetic stores. If you find a particular fragrance that appeals to you then by all means, buy it! Just know that the cheaper fragrances tend to wear off relatively quickly so you may need to reapply more often.

Fragrance can add a whole new level to your personal style; and finding that style often does not require a large financial commitment. Start off by finding the scent that most appeals to you. If it is a designer fragrance that you find to be cost-prohibitive, then search other retail outlets to find it at more affordable prices if available.

Ultimately, it does not make sense to sacrifice quality for price. There's nothing wrong with less cheap perfumes if they work for you. But if the fragrance is low price and low quality – resulting in a less than desirable scent – it may not be worth the price you do wind up paying.

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Wednesday, March 21, 2007

5 Specific Symptoms To Look For With Yeast Infection

If you are suspicious that you may have a yeast infection, there are specific symptoms that can help clarify whether or not you indeed have an infection. Although it can be embarrassing and possibly painful, you're not the only one out there to get a yeast infection. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that around 80% of women will be afflicted by vaginal yeast infection at least once during their lifespan. So what are the yeast infection symptoms to look for?

1. Burning Sensation During Urination

Men and women can be afflicted by a yeast infection, and both may notice a burning sensation during urination. If you notice that it hurts to urinate and burns for more than a few bathroom breaks, it's a sign that you need to talk with a physician.

2. Pain During Intercourse

This is only relevant for women who have a vaginal yeast infection. Although it is uncommon, it is possible for a woman to infect a male partner through vaginal intercourse. Because of this, it is vital that the women avoid vaginal intercourse completely until treatment has cured the infection.

3. Discharge

For the male, there are very few yeast infection symptoms, but a discharge from the penis is one of them. This can be either during urination or ejaculation. For the women, the production of a thick white vaginal discharge will be found that often resembles cottage cheese.

4. Itching

Any kind of itching around the vagina or penis is a red flag. It can become extremely irritating and is a clear sign that something is not right. In this case, it is vital that you get a medical exam immediately.

5. Irritation Or Redness

Going along with the itching, women may experience other forms of irritation around the vagina. The vagina may also begin to appear red and begin to rash. Although this often is more irritating than painful, it can become quite painful without quick treatment.

When you are concerned that you may have a yeast infection, it is vital that you check for all of the above symptoms that may be relevant. Sometimes having just one symptom isn't enough. For example, irritation for women can be caused by the use of products such as perfumed soaps, bubble baths and sprays. If you do have a symptom and are worried, the safest thing to do is to go and get a medical examination. This is the most efficient way to get rid of a yeast infection prior to it worsening.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Obesity In Young Children Is Now Being Seen In The Very Young

It has been well known for some time now that obesity, which has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, is being increasingly seen amongst teenagers but it appears that this epidemic has now reached children who are barely old enough to walk.

Although it hardly seems possible, one recent study which examined nearly two thousand children found an alarmingly high number of overweight and obese children at just three years of age.

The study focused its attention on a group of children from low income families living in twenty large US cities who were born between 1998 and 2000 and recorded their height and weight at three years of age. Astonishingly, the researchers found that nearly one-third of white and black children were either overweight or obese and that this figure rose to forty-four percent in the case of Latino children.

The high numbers in general are very worrying, but just why such a high incidence of obesity was seen in Latino children is something of a mystery. Although the study showed that there was more of a tendency for Latino children whose mothers were overweight to be overweight themselves and also found that Latino children were more likely to be given a bottle when they were put to bed, this, while clearly contributing to the problem, seems unlikely to completely account for it.

The results of this study are extremely worrying as, apart from the stigma that is still attached to being overweight and the pressure that this will place on very young children, we are also beginning to see a number of medical problems such as asthma and even high blood pressure appearing at earlier and earlier ages. Indeed, young children are now beginning to present themselves with 'adult' problems such as high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

Whatever the reason for the spread of obesity across the Western world as a society we must sit up and take notice of what is happening. It's bad enough that this problem should affect us as adults but when it starts to appear in children as young as three years of age it is time to act.

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Monday, March 19, 2007

Information On Women's Hair Loss

Introduction

A popular misconception is that only men suffer from hair loss. A related fallacy is that only a very small percentage of women experience hair loss. Both assertions are not true; it is estimated that six out of ten women will undergo some degree of hair loss. This process is even more devastating for women because it seems that it is not as prevalent (as hair loss in men) and a woman's beauty is closely tied in with lustrous, full-looking hair.
Probably one of the most traumatic experiences that can affect a woman is losing her hair. Baldness occurs when hairs begin to fall out (which is normal- about 100-150 per day), but do not grow back. Science is still tackling with exact reasons for the start of the process, but we know that genetic predisposition, aging, and diet are closely (if not directly) related.

Reasons for Hair Loss

Genetic hair loss and increased shedding (chronic telogen effluvium) is responsible for the majority of hair loss grievances by women (up to 95% before menopause). Unlike men, women are more likely to experience thinning from behind the front hairline to the crown.
There are two types of hair loss: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium. The latter is due to medications or processes such as chemotherapy. The former is due to an abnormal number of hair follicles being in the resting stage. The following are reasons for telogen effluvium:

- Stress on the body due to surgery, illness, anemia, rapid change in weight, etc.


- Stress on the mind due to mental illness, death, depression, etc.


- Thyroid abnormalities


- Medications such as high doses of Vitamin A, blood pressure pills, gout medications, etc.


- Hormonal causes such as birth control pills, pregnancy, and menopause

The following could be reasons for temporary hair loss:

- Too little protein or iron in the diet


- Alopecia areata


- Traumatic stress or illness


- Childbirth


- Ringworm

When these above causes are remedied, a return of normal hair growth will follow.

Diet

A good, healthy, and well-balanced diet contributes to voluminous hair. Large amounts of vitamin A should be avoided. Protein and iron rich foods will contribute to healthy hair. Vegetarians and Vegans often may be targets for hair loss because of their modified diets. Protein, iron, and zinc supplements should be ingested on a daily basis if you are a vegan or vegetarian.

Physical and Emotional Stress

Undergoing severe illness and emotional stress can contribute to hair loss. The body begins to break down and normal functioning is altered. The body knows that hair production is not vital to survival, so it will devote its energies elsewhere and in effect create hair loss. In most cases there is a three month delay between an event and the advent of hair loss. It may take up to three months for hair to grow back after the resolution of a traumatic event.
Health conditions such as anemia, low blood count, and thyroid abnormalities attribute to hair loss. These conditions can be combated and can easily be indicated by a blood test.

Hormonal Change

Hormonal changes can cause hair loss in women. Pregnancy and the discontinuation of birth control pills can cause hair loss. When a woman is pregnant their levels of the hormone progesterone becomes high and causes hair to be in a dormant state. When hormone levels re-balance, the woman will experience re-growth of the hair. Ironically, when a woman undergoes restoration, she will see a great deal of hair falling out. This is the dormant hair being replaced by healthier, fuller hair.

Remedies

- A well balanced diet including foods high in protein and iron


- Regular doctor check ups


- Counseling for stress (especially after a traumatic event)


- Hair weaves, changing hair style, and or wigs.


- Hair transplants


- Minoxidil (Rogaine)

The good news is that if you are experiencing hair loss, most likely the cause can be remedied. It is up to each woman to take care of herself and be proactive to fight hair loss. Because it takes some time to overcome and re-grow hair after many of the instances of hair loss, finding a great looking wig is suggested, so that you will not experience a lack of confidence and cause more stress (which is bad for the hair) while your hair is growing back.

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Saturday, March 17, 2007

How Goodia Gordonii Plus Works

Hoodia Gordonii Plus is a cutting-edge, advanced appetite suppressant, metabolism booster, fat burner and energy enhancer... all in one. Hoodia Gordonii Plus contains thermogenic ingredients which support an exclusive, all-natural supplement with No Ephedra, No Ma Huang,
and No Ephedrine.

Hoodia gordonii (pronounced HOO-dee-ah) is also called hoodia, xhooba, khoba, Ghaap, hoodia cactus, and South African desert cactus. Hoodia is a cactus that's causing a stir for its ability to suppress appetite and promote weight loss. 60 Minutes, ABC, and the BBC have all done stories on hoodia.

Hoodia gordonii can be found in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. Hoodia grows in clumps of green upright stems and is actually a succulent, not a cactus.

It takes about 5 years before hoodia's pale purple flowers appear and the cactus can be harvested. Although there are 20 types of hoodia, only the hoodia gordonii variety is believed to contain the natural appetite suppressant.

Although hoodia was "discovered" relatively recently, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert have been eating it for a very long time. The Bushmen, who live off the land, would cut off part of the hoodia stem and eat it to ward off hunger and thirst during nomadic hunting trips. They also used hoodia for severe abdominal cramps, hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, indigestion, hypertension and diabetes.

In 1937, a Dutch anthropologist studying the San Bushmen noted that they used hoodia to suppress appetite. But it wasn't until 1963 when scientists at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa's national laboratory, began studying hoodia. Initial results were promising -- lab animals lost weight after taking hoodia.

The South African scientists, working with a British company named Phytopharm, isolated the active ingredient in hoodia, a steroidal glycoside, which they named p57. After getting a patent in 1995, they licensed p57 to Phytopharm. Phytopharm has spent more than $20 million on hoodia research.

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Friday, March 16, 2007

Empower Yourself - Discover 5 Ways To fight...And WIN...The Battle Against Heart Disease

One of America's most dangerous killers will be responsible for 40% of all deaths this year, attacking men, women, and children alike* ...

This year, 910,000 Americans will die of heart disease.** The incidence of congestive heart failure has tripled in the last 15 years*, exceeding 7,692 per week according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Over 70 million Americans live every day with some form of heart disease including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, angina (chest pain), heart attack, and congenital heart defects.** Coronary heart disease kills more people in the United States than the next 7 leading causes of non-violent death combined.†

Fortunately there's a simple program empowering men and women to take control of their heart health by following a simple, easy-to-use plan. And, along with a few minor changes in daily routine, some people on certain medications can even stop taking them after just a few short weeks.‡

Lenny writes – "... I had neglected a lot of things because I felt tired and sluggish all the time ... my health improved so much that I was able to get off all the medications I had been on within a month."

What's the secret?

5 protective supplements put the power to control your heart health back in your hands!

Taken in conjunction with weight control and a healthy diet, Herbalife supplements provide advanced nutrients for comprehensive support and protection of your heart and cardiovascular system. For instance, Herbalife's Core Complex puts the power of heart health back in your hands by providing 5 essential heart healthy supplements in one convenient packette. With each packette you'll get:

1 - Plant sterols, shown to reduce LDL or "bad" cholesterol for less buildup in your arteries.

2 - B vitamins to support healthy homocysteine levels for healthier arteries.

3 - Tocopherols, quercetin, and alpha lipoic acid, a powerful 1-2-3 punch for maximum antioxidant protection against heart disease.

4 - Tri-Shield® with Neptune Krill Oil (NKO®), for enhanced nutrient absorption and a powerhouse of antioxidants to help protect cell membranes.

5 - Herbalifeline with EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids, shown to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

"I feel empowered now to take care of my heart health ...I have control over my heart health ... by limiting my risk factors." - Gina K., World Team Member

In addition, Niteworks® Powder Mix triggers essential amino acids in your body while you sleep. These amino acids produce Nitric Oxide, which can provide a cascade of beneficial reactions for improved circulation, immune, and nervous system functions. Niteworks® is rich in vitamin C and natural vitamin E to support cardiovascular and circulatory health.1

Mega Garlic Plus gives you maximum antioxidant garlic power in one, easy-to-take pill for healthy circulation and a healthy heart!

Protecting your heart health ... and your family's ... is easy with Herbalife's complete line of powerful heart healthy nutritional supplements.

* Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
** American Heart Association
† Source: eMedicineHealth.com
‡ Never discontinue medication without first consulting your doctor.
‡‡ Consult your doctor before taking any new supplement or medication.
1 These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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Thursday, March 15, 2007

An Insight into the Countless Benefits of Green Tea Dieting

Green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years and the Chinese have been using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. Unlike black tea which is processed in a different manner, green tea retains its original color and the nutrients which are beneficial for your body. The benefits of green tea dieting are endless, and I will describe just a few of the benefits of green tea dieting in this short article.

The benefits of green tea dieting come from drinking 3 to 5 cups a day of green tea along with a balanced healthy diet and regular exercise. The easiest approach to attain the benefits of green tea dieting is by simply drinking a cup with each meal and snack you eat.

Since green tea is not as processed as black tea, one good chemical that remains is called catechin polyphenois which works with chemicals in your body to burn more fat. As a result, one of the many benefits of green tea dieting is a faster metabolism. In fact, a study published in 2005 indicated that drinking green tea can lead to a reduction in body fat and cholesterol levels which is one of the major benefits of green tea dieting.

Another one of the many benefits of green tea dieting is that it helps depress leptin which decrease the appetite. This means you will feel full with less food, and as a result of the calorie reduction, you will lose fat, assuming of course that you eat healthy food.

One of the benefits of green tea dieting not often mentioned is its role as a glucose regulator which basically means that it slows down the digestion of carbohydrates which can cause rises in blood sugar levels and insulin spikes that cause fat gain. To get these benefits of green tea dieting, you need to drink green tea on a regular basis.

Aside from weight loss, there are other benefits of green tea dieting such as its many health benefits. Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant which helps boost your immune system and researchers suggest that the active ingredient may be up to 200 times more powerful than vitamin E.

Another one of the benefits of green tea dieting is that instead of drinking green tea, you can take green tea pills. These are often 500 mg capsules which are to be taken two to three times daily. Studies show that green tea helps people to lose weight, regardless of whether in pill or liquid form.

What's more, while some green tea pills contain caffeine, it is often half of that in coffee. This lower amount of caffeine means you can lose weight naturally and safely, and avoid the ephedra or prescription weight loss drugs which can raise heart rates.

You may be wondering if aside from all the benefits of green tea dieting, are there any negative points, such as side effects? While green tea may have some side effects it will be mostly from the caffeine, since a 6 oz. cup of green tea contains around 30 mg of caffeine. If you have over 6 cups a day this can cause sleeplessness, irregular heart beat, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and a loss of appetite. However, you can get caffeine-free green tea pills to avoid these side effects.

The benefits of green tea dieting are very clear. Even if your intention is not necessary to lose weight, these benefits of green tea dieting should not be underestimated.

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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Childrens Hair Loss - Alopecia

As the parent of a child suffering from hair loss, you want the safest solution to your child's problem. However there is a lot of conflicting data on the web.

The good news is that in many children with alopecia hair loss, a small patch can correct itself without treatment. In many children it reverses on its own and may be gone for ever. In some cases the childs alopecia may return at a later date. There is currently no way of being certain.

However the dilemma that a parent such as you faces is that in many children the patch (or patches) can spread rampantly and may extend to the eyebrows and eye lashes too. So it is difficult to just wait and hope that in your child it stays contained.

That is why we encourage parents of such children with alopecia hair loss to seek help as fast as possible. The standard medical treatment is Corticosteroids which act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions.

However, they also impede the function of white blood cells which destroy foreign bodies and help keep the immune system functioning properly. This immune suppression increases susceptibility to infection so this is not a treatment that can be used over a prolonged period of time.

What is known about alopecia areata in children is that it is a malfunction of the auto-immune system. Many parents try to pin-point what exactly brought about its onset. Whatever the reason for the onset of your child's alopecia, the treatment we use is always the same.

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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

What Vitamins Does A Breastfeeding Mother Need?

No single source of food gives you all the vitamins you need except for breastmilk. Because a breastfeed baby gets all the nutrients it requires from its mother breastmilk it's vital that a nursing mother is getting all the vitamins she needs.

Breastfeeding is the best way to give your baby all the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive. And, as a breastfed baby gets all its vitamins for her mother's milk, it's important that a breastfeeding mother is getting her daily quota of vitamins; you get out what you put in.

Amongst other nutrients, such as minerals and protein, vitamins play an important role in your baby's development. A nursing mother should be aware of what vitamins are important and what part of her diet provides these vitamins.

Vitamin A and C, and the B group

Vitamin C is needed every day for a baby to develop well. Vitamin C helps our bodies to fight off infection and disease as well as helping to heal wounds. Vitamin C also plays a role in preventing anaemia (lack of iron in the blood). Vitamin C can't be stored in the body, so we must eat food that gives us the vitamin C we require. Eating fruit and vegetables is the best way to get vitamin C. Citrus fruits especially are a great source as is papaya, broccoli, strawberries, cauliflower and kale. Some breastfeeding mothers may need more vitamin C than others, especially when overcoming a cold, surgery or some form of injury. In these circumstances, it is a good idea to increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin C.

Vitamin A (also known as retinol) helps in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. It is also necessary for proper bone growth and tooth development. Unlike vitamin C, which is water-soluble, vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. Good sources of vitamin A include cheese, eggs, oily fish (such as mackerel), milk, fortified margarine and yogurt. Liver is also a rich source of vitamin A but is to be avoided during pregnancy. However, after birth a breastfeeding mother can eat liver but, because it's such a rich source, if you already eat it every week, you might want to choose not to have it more often.

There are many B group vitamins. Vitamin B12 (also known as cobalamin) is needed for the production of new cells. It also contributes to a healthy nervous system and is involved in the making of fatty acids. Vitamin B12 is only naturally found in foods that come from animals such as meat, fish, eggs and milk. It is very rare for a woman who eats animal foods to be deficient in B12. If you are a vegan breastfeeding mother then you may need to eat foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12. You might also consider a B12 supplement.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important as it helps our bodies to absorb calcium, which is important for bone development and strong teeth. Babies who don't get enough vitamin D are at risk of developing rickets - a softening of the bone that causes curvature. Vitamin D can be manufactured by the body when our skin is exposed to natural sunlight. However, many mothers - especially during winter - don't get enough sunlight for their bodies to make enough vitamin D. Foods like salmon, tuna, liver and kidney are good sources of vitamin D. Also, many foods are now fortified with vitamin D such as breakfast cereals and margarine.

If in doubt about your recommended daily amount of vitamins needed while breastfeeding, you should first consult your doctor. But, if you have a well-balanced diet, and eating the 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day as recommended, the chances are that your baby is getting all the vitamins it needs.

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Monday, March 12, 2007

Aunt Annie's 7 Biggest Beauty Mistakes

At the tender age of thirteen, my mother sent me to "Finishing School" (a.k.a. modelling college). It was the custom in her family that all the girls got beauty and etiquette lessons rather than learning the basics from mothers, friends or magazine articles. I hated it, at the time. But now that I'm older, and hopefully wiser, I look back on the time fondly. My favorite class was Busting Beauty Mistakes. The following are the top seven biggest beauty mistakes women make today and what to do to correct them.

1. Scrubbing your face with harsh cleansers. My mom caught me using an Apricot Facial scrub on my acne prone skin when I was a teen and quickly banished the product from the house. Here's why: Using abrasive face cleansers strips the face of essential moisture and exacerbates oily skin. If heavy cleansing is required (for example to remove heavy makeup) use a makeup remover before you wash your face. Oily skin types should stick with an oil-free and alcohol-free cleanser.

2. Not wearing a moisturizer with SPF during the day. I am gloriously afflicted with Nicole Kidman-type fair skin. So for any time spent outdoors, even if I'm travelling in the car, I need to be wearing sunscreen. My tan-prone friends think that all the sunscreen I slather on my skin is a waste of money. Just because you're not sun-bathing doesn't mean the sun's damaging rays aren't affecting your skin. Use SPF 15 everyday. Most moisturizers come with added SPF protection so it should be easy to incorporate this tip into your beauty routine. If you are exposed to the sun frequently, bump it up to SPF 30 and wear a hat.

3. Wearing the wrong foundation. You foundation should match your skin tone exactly. If your skin tone changes throughout the year, make sure you change your foundation too. If you love that sun-kissed look, dust a bronzer on top. You'll get better results than using a foundation that's a shade darker than your natural color.

4. Wearing only one makeup product. A polished look is all about balance. So if you're guilty of only wearing eyeliner and nothing else, add a little lip color to balance it out. Not sure what looks best, pick up any magazine and look closely at the women and try to follow what the makeup artist has done.

5. At-home hair color. The products on the market today allow you to inexpensively cover up a few grays or touch up your roots, from the comfort of your home. If you're planning a more drastic makeover (going from brunette to blond), head to the salon. You can always maintain the color yourself at home once changed but drastic changes require a professional.

6. Ignoring your brows. Untamed or overgrown eyebrows can mean the difference between looking polished and looking like our gorilla ancestors. For first-timers, visit a waxer or threader who can clean up and shape your brows. Pluck stray hairs yourself in between treatments with a good set of tweezers.

7. Neglecting your nails. Like it or not, your nails get noticed. Maybe regular manicures aren't to your liking. At minimum, you should apply a coat of clear polish, which will protect nails and give them a healthy shine.

With these tips, you'll be able to maximizing your features and assets, but don't forget it's your own uniqueness and what's on the inside that makes you beautiful, not what you put on your skin.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Variety, One Key To Optimum Results

Although any physical activity is beneficial to your health, variety is an important component to getting maximum results from your fitness program.

Our bodies are constantly adapting to the physical stresses placed upon them– figuring out the most efficient way to perform an action. If you follow a regular strength training routine, your body will adapt to that program in approximately 4-6 weeks. Although you will still benefit from doing that program, changing to a new group of exercises will challenge your muscles in new ways, resulting in better results.

Adaptation also takes place with cardiovascular exercise. Runners who follow the same course every run would get more effective workouts by using different routes. Cross training is also a great way to add variety to your aerobic workouts. If you're a regular walker, you might try swimming, cross-country skiing, dancing, or biking for a change. Those of you who go to the gym and always use the same cardio machine, on the same program, for the same amount of time at the same intensity would do much better to mix it up. Use different equipment on different days or even alternate machines within one cardio workout. Varying machine can also help you avoid repetitive stress injuries.

Besides physical boredom, another important reason to spice up your fitness regimen is to avoid mental boredom. Studies have shown that people who routinely change their workout programs are more likely to exercise regularly. Yes, initially, it may take a little more thought and a little more time to learn a new activity or a new strength training program but the benefits are definitely worth it.