Holistic Medicine What Is It

Writen by Bethany Klug

I practice holistic medicine and I'm often asked what that means. Here's how I define it.

The Gift of Time. I set aside 90 minutes for the first visit to permit time to listen to my patient's story. This way, I learn the many different factors influencing my patient's well-being and can get to the root causes. I can't do this in twelve, even 20 minutes. Sometimes a potential patient will ask why my appointments are longer than usual. I explain that my conventional medical training taught me to listen for symptoms then quickly order tests or write prescriptions. This model lets physicians see a large number of patients in a short amount of time. However, drugs and surgery silence symptoms, but rarely change the underlying disease. This never made sense to me, and I sought a different approach.

Restoring Health. I don't fight disease. I help my patients restore their health. Each patient leaves with a regimen designed to create the causes and conditions for health. With that, their own self-healing ability, an idea that goes back to at least Hippocrates, cures their ailments. I have a special interest and faith in diet to do this, but I also use bioidentical hormone replacement, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, and cranial osteopathy. I often advise patients to learn mindfulness meditation, yoga or tai chi to cultivate mind and body awareness, and to calm their overtaxed nervous systems. I refer when other modalities seem appropriate, such as acupuncture or psychotherapy.

This model of restoring health is the model of the future. My hope is that more physicians will adopt it. Until then, the American Holistic Medical Association website http://www.holisticmedicine.org has a "doctor finder" that can help you find someone like me in your area.

Bethany Klug, DO specializes in holistic medicine at the Kansas City Holistic Centre.

She teaches whole foods nutrition and holistic living online. Visit University Of Masters for information about her courses. Please enter "DRKLUG" in the referral box when you enroll.

She authors the monthly column "The Doctor Cooks" for the Kansas City Wellness Magazine. The Doctors Cooks Weblog is now online with past articles, menus, recipes, tips and other resources. Please subscribe!

No Hoodia Problem Side Effect Reported

Writen by Patsy Hamilton

The initial question that the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa wanted to answer was: Is the hoodia gordonii cactus safe? After learning that it had been used by the San, indigenous people sometimes called Bushmen, to ward off hunger and thirst when other food sources were not available. The CSIR noted that it caused weight loss in laboratory animals, but not due to any toxic effect. They observed that there appeared to be no hoodia problem, side effect or other contraindication for continued research. The following is a list of frequently asked hoodia questions.

Is the hoodia gordonii cactus safe for human consumption? Apparently, since it was eaten in its natural form by the San, but Phytopharm is still not ready to make a broad statement about any hoodia problem, side effect or overall safety. Questions about drug interaction, even interaction with other plants and herbs still need to be answered. While it was safe for the San, there are many plants and herbs that they did not have at there disposal and of course they did not need to lose weight, so it was not used for that purpose.

Is the hoodia gordonii cactus safe for breastfeeding women? No studies have included breastfeeding women, because anything that enters the mother's bloodstream will enter her breast milk. Breastfeeding women should not use hoodia gordonii supplements.

Is there any hoodia problem, side effect or other concern for people with high blood pressure? It was used by the San to treat high blood pressure, but of course they had no other medications available to them and no studies have been released concerning any hoodia problem/side effect related to blood pressure.

Is the hoodia gordonii cactus safe from extinction? This is probably only a question for those of us who are naturalists or environmentalists, but the concern for hoodia gordonii and other species of hoodia in the wild is the reason that any exporter must obtain a special license. This is the often referred to CITES document.

In conclusion, while there has been no hoodia problem side effect reported at this time, dieters should consult their doctors before beginning any weight loss program, whether it includes a hoodia gordonii appetite suppressant or not.

For more information about any hoodia gordonii problem, side effect or other concern, visit the Hoodia Info Blog.

Patsy Hamilton is an editor of the Hoodia Info Blog. Visit us at http://hoodiainfo.blogspot.com

Best Results For Teeth Whitening Products Amp Teeth Bleaching

Writen by Amy-Jo Strutt

There is nothing worse than smiling in the mirror and seeing 2 rows of yellow teeth. What happened to those pearly whites we had as children? Well, over time, our teeth start to darken because they absorb stains and they start to discolor. Some of the worst things we can consume that will impact the color of our teeth are tea, coffee, colas, red and smoking. The procedure known as teeth whitening or teeth bleaching is getting very popular. You no longer have to settle for those yellow teeth. You can brighten your smile either in the dentist chair, or at home using teeth whitening methods. There are a number of teeth whitening products including new tooth pastes and home use kits.

A popular method to teeth whitening is using at-home tray based teeth whitening products. This system uses a clear plastic tray that is filled with whitening gel and is then placed over your teeth. The tray is worn for several hours per day or at night while your sleep. The procedure often takes a few weeks for your teeth to come out white. Whether you do it at home or your have your dentist do it for you, it is important to use teeth whitening products that will provide lasting results, give you a naturally looking smile, are clinically proven to be safe as well as effective, uses low concentration of hydrogen peroxide and is approved by your dentist. There are a number of teeth bleaching products on the market sold over the counter that can do more harm than good.

Before you proceed with any form of teeth whiting treatment, your best bet is to consult your dentist first. They will likely be able to guide you in the right direction according to your current teeth discoloration. Yellow hued teeth respond well to teeth bleaching while gray hued teeth don't respond well at all. If you have porcelain veneers or other dental bonding, whitening will not help them at all. You will likely have to have them changed out if they are really discolored so that they match your other teeth. Because your teeth are so very important, please discuss the use of any teeth whiting products with your dentist to ensure the safety of your teeth long term.

Amy-Jo Strutt is a successful writer and regular contributor to cosmetic-surgery-laser.com - An online resource to help you find the very best information on all forms of cosmetic surgery. http://www.cosmetic-surgery-laser.com/teeth-whitening.html

The All Natural Lipitrex

Writen by Gary Stephens

You may have heard the talk around the place about the new weight loss supplement Lipitrex.

You will notice that I used the word lipitrex supplement instead of pill. I will explain in this article specifically what I mean by this and try to inform you of what you need to know about how these two types of diet products can work for and against you in your quest towards weight loss.

Firstly, there are diet pills and diet supplements.

Diet pills (of which Lipitrex is not one) are chemically based and have generally been formulated in a laboratory with the use of chemical substances. As a result of their non natural basis, they are generally more inclined to cause side effects and tend only to be available via prescription. While it is true that they can have solid effects in terms of weight loss, they require for the users body be compatible with the various chemicals in order to avoid the side effects.

A weight loss supplement like Lipitrex however is a NATURAL product. It is the combination of various natural ingredients that have been discovered to have been being used for decades to cause the loss of weight and the improvement of general health in other areas also.

The main benefits of a natural product like Lipitrex are:

Available more easily: It will never require a prescription to purchase natural weight loss supplements like lipitrex. They are available over the counter or today over the internet.

They have less side effects: Natural ingredients mean less chance of your body developing an adverse reaction. Also because the ingredients are natural it makes them more easy for the body to assimilate into its system, in many cases leading to faster, more long lasting results from Lipitrex usage.

Price: As you probably already know, prescription drugs can be very pricey! Ranging anywhere up to many hundreds of dollars for a single months dosage. Natural products like Lipitrex however come more cheaply and conveniently and moreover, unlike prescription medication they are usually offered with a money back guarantee to offset the risk associated with the purchase of any weight loss product.

For these reasons and more, and if you have done your research, Lipitrex can be a great way for you to quickly and lastingly shed those unwanted pounds.

Gary Stephens is known as the king of diet pills. After losing over 60lbs with the use of certain diet pills, he now writes informative articles and reviews of popular weight loss products. To learn more about Lipitrex please see http://www.lipitrex1.com

Genital Wart Signs

Writen by Brooke Thompson

Genital wart signs vary from men and women, this article will explain the different genital wart signs on each person and where they appear. Genital wart signs in men tend to be more outright and seen as their genitals are completely outside the body. Genital wart signs in women seem to be more internal and not as easily seen. On women the most notable wart signs are hard dots on the outer edges of the genitals as well as on the cervix and between the vaginal opening and the anal cavity. These are the genital warts and they may not show up for a long time after contraction occurs.

Men may notice that genital warts seem to show up on the head of the penis and around the anus as well as the scrotum. They may be gray or pink in color and will grow bigger over time. Another sign that a person has contracted genital warts is burning or bleeding in the genital area, especially during sexual intercourse.

Genital warts may seem to appear as small white lumps which many say resemble cauliflower and can be as small as 2 millimeters. Women who have genital wart infections will notice that the warts are small, sometimes too small to see. Genital warts appear in the cervix in some cases where they cannot be seen and there are no real symptoms or signs. Except for genital warts that are internal but may bleed during sex as the warts are being torn open. Doctor's tests will readily tell a person if she has genital warts inside her cervix.

In most cases genital warts will cause no symptoms and not be noticed unless the outbreak of genital warts is big enough that a person sees or feels them. People really have to reply on the signs that genital warts gives. These are for the most part the bumps and cauliflower shapes as well as where the warts appear and how long ago a person thinks they may have gotten them.

Genital warts are considered a sexually transmitted disease because they are spread during unprotected sex and in some cases protected sex. The only dangerous thing about having genital warts and not doing anything about them is if there is no discomfort, and someone chooses not to pay attention to the bumps they can lead to some cancers.

There is a treatment offered by Healing Natural Oils which treats warts with natural ingredients. This product is called heal warts and can be used on genital warts. Once someone notices genital wart signs on their body even for the first time there is a discreet non prescription way to take care of them. These products are entirely safe and natural; they also have an unsurpassed record of success.

The Benefits Of Multi Vitamin Supplements

Writen by David Chandler

The majority of people do not eat a sufficiently balanced diet to provide them with all of the vitamins that they require and this has led to a boom in the multi vitamin supplement industry. Multi vitamin supplements are available in a number of different forms, including tablets, gel capsules, and even liquids. Of course, the most obvious benefit to taking multi vitamin supplements is convenience. It is far easier for a person to take one dose of a multi vitamin supplement that contains all of the necessary vitamins compared to taking each one individually. This is especially the case for children as it can be difficult for them to take a large number of vitamin supplements but one dose of a multi vitamin supplement is far easier. Of course, a liquid multi vitamin supplement is the most suitable form for children; however, it also is beneficial to anyone who has difficulty taking supplements in traditional tablet form.

The increase in the availability of multi vitamin supplements has led to a great variety in the brands and the actual content of the multi vitamin supplements. The names of some of the nutrients in these multi vitamin supplements can be a little bewildering and many people simply do not know which ones they require. To make the decision simpler there are now a number of multi vitamin supplements created for specific people. For example, there are multi vitamin supplements that are designed for children. These multi vitamin supplements contain the specific nutrients that children need for them to grow and develop properly. Pregnant women have unique nutrient requirements to ensure that their baby receives the necessary nutrients and there are multi vitamin supplements prepared for pregnant women. As we get older, we also have different nutrient requirements and multi vitamin supplements for the elderly are a popular product.

It is important to consider the contents of any multi vitamin supplement before consuming too many. Some vitamins can be toxic if too much is absorbed and this can occur more easily with multi vitamin supplements as some of the content may be overlooked. The labeling of the actual percentage of the recommended daily allowance for each vitamin in a multi vitamin supplement should be clearly labeled and must be assessed before a person takes them. Always seek professional medical advice before taking any multi vitamin supplement if there is any doubt as to the benefits of the contents.

For more information about vitamin supplements, visit Vitamin Supplements

Teeth Whitening A Quick Look At The Methods Of Teeth Whitening

Writen by Oliver Turner

Tooth whitening, also called bleaching, is a process of lightening and removing stains from a tooth. This process bleaches the enamel and dentin, the principal mass of a tooth, and brightens the discolored teeth.

Dentists advise on the many methods of tooth whitening available in the market. Some of the methods of tooth whitening are the use of over-the-counter whitening systems; dentist dispensed at-home products, laser tooth whitening method; Loaded Tray Teeth Whitening method and in-office whitening methods. Dentists consider tooth bleaching using peroxide chemical as the best option for maximum whitening result.

The simple and straightforward method of tooth whitening is the use of over-the-counter topical teeth whitening products that includes whitening toothpastes and gels, whitening strips, a band aid containing peroxide to place directly on the teeth, are most effective among all other over-the-counter products.

In the Loaded Tray method of Tooth Whitening, dentists load prescribed bleaching or whitening gel Carbamide Peroxide inside the custom-made or ready-made tray and fix it with the gum. The chemical reacts with saliva to release Hydrogen Peroxide and substantial whitening is noticed after two to three weeks of wearing the tray.

In the Laser Teeth Whitening method, Carbamide Peroxide, a bleaching agent, is applied directly to the teeth together with laser to quickly activate the reaction between the teeth and the peroxide. This clinical treatment is costlier than all other methods of teeth whitening.

In the Blue Light Teeth Whitening method, a blue light is used to quickly activate the reaction between Hydrogen Peroxide and the teeth. The effect of this professional treatment lasts for several years. Users of this professional method of teeth whitening visualize the effect immediately after few clinical sitting with the dentist.

In Home-based methods of teeth whitening, home-based gels containing a solution of carbamide / hydrogen peroxide is used which give good result after prolonged usage.

People dedicated to a busy lifestyle should use professional methods of teeth whitening for perfecta teeth whitening, while others can patiently bleach at home using home-based methods.

We have made a research to find the best teeth whitening products. Find it only on the Methods of teeth whitening research. All about teeth whitening on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com

Healthy Food Recipes For Nutrition And A Better Life

Writen by Lawrence James

In the fast pace world today most people have settled for fast food. Which in turn has put them on a fast pace to poor health like obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and many more. I was a victim to congestive heart failure. Now I eat good nutritious food that is low in fat and sodium. I had a weight loss of 45 lbs just by changing my eating habits and now I feel great because of a low fat, low sodium diet.

The average American eats 6 to 18 grams of salt daily. Your body only needs a half gram or 500mg of salt each day. Here are some of the foods you should limit or stop eating. Ham, bacon, corned beef, luncheon meats, frozen, pre-breaded, pre-fried or smoked fish, canned foods, catsup, mayonnaise and store bought salad dressings.

Here are a few tips that will help. Avoid adding table salt to food. Use salt substitutes or herbs and spices. Eat fresh lean meats, poultry, fish, unsalted pork, egg whites and tuna canned in water. Choose unsalted nuts and use dried peas and beans. Use products made without added salt, rinse canned vegetables, beans and fish.

You also need to eat foods that are high in the good cholesterol or HDL. Foods like fresh fish, avocados, olive oil, soy beans, tofu, raw hazel nuts and almonds. These foods are high in good cholesterol HDL and help reduce bad cholesterol LDL. Also look for foods labeled organic for higher quality products.

Eating food that is low in cholesterol, fat and sodium dose not have to be boring. I have learned how to cook using various herbs and spices to liven up the flavor. When looking for new recipes I came across a great web site for cooking quick and easy foods. It also has links to other great web sites for recipes. Just go to http://www.quick-and-easyfoods.com on how to prepare great healthy and nutritious meals. You can even find vegetarian and low carb recipes to fit your needs.

Lawrence James has become an expert in healthy, nutritious foods out of necessity. He learned he had congestive heart failure after going to the hospital emergency room with swollen ankles and shortness of breath. After having a defibulator implanted he had to change his eating habits. At first the low fat low sodium meals he prepared lacked flavor and were not appealing. Over time, trial and error plus the help of the recipe web site http://www.quick-and-easyfoods.com he learned he could prepare delicious, healthy food. He now wants to help others continue or regain their health learning to prepare healthy, delicious and nutritious meals.

Living With Copd

Writen by Elizabeth Morgan

A patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually goes into a state of shock and despair, as the disease has no cure. However, the good news is COPD is not the end of the world. A person can still lead a reasonably happy life after being diagnosed with COPD. All it takes is to be willing to make some sacrifices and adapt to a new lifestyle.

To control COPD, a person has to give up smoking immediately, as it's the main cause of COPD. There are many methods that help smokers and start a whole new life. If COPD is caused by smoking, smoking cessation is the only way to check the rapid progression of the disease.

Naturally, once a patient is diagnosed with COPD life can be stressful. Stress can raise havoc on a COPD patient, and they need to know how to cope. Learning what causes stress and how to live with it is essential. Joining a support group or speaking to your family and friends is another way of keeping the stress in check.

For a patient affected with COPD, lots of calories are burnt doing simple activities such as breathing. It is important to conserve energy by doing your day-to-day activities smartly to save energy. Planning your work in advance, maintaining an easy schedule and avoiding difficult physical tasks are the keys to conserve energy. Controlled breathing techniques such as pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing can also help.

Eating habits will also change. Take a rest before you eat and eat small, nutritious meals at short intervals, instead of three big meals a day. Take your time while eating and breathe evenly while chewing. Exercising regularly, after consulting your doctor, will also help in keeping the COPD in check. If you are traveling, always keep your medicines with you. If you are using equipments like compressors or oxygen therapy cylinders, it is advisable to carry portable devices. If you are traveling long distances, consult your physician and take the necessary precautions.

Remember, COPD is not the end of your life. It's just a beginning of another life -- life where your activities and tasks may be controlled, but your capacity to enjoy life will remain the same!

COPD provides detailed information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD and life expectancy, COPD medication, COPD stages and more. COPD is the sister site of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Attorney.

Epilepsy Lifestyle Issues

Writen by Richard Romando

In simple terms, epilepsy refers to a seizure disorder. This chronic brain disorder temporarily stops normal electrical activity of the brain. Uncontrolled movements of the body, disorientation, fear, anxiety and unconsciousness may accompany these seizures. In most cases, epilepsy is controlled by medication. In extreme situations, patients are operated on. In over 70 percent of all cases, the cause of epilepsy is unidentified. Untimely and sudden seizures are disturbing and dangerous. For this reason, epilepsy lifestyle issues are a major concern for patients and doctors.

Diagnosis of epilepsy makes a patient wary. These seizures, more often than not, target a patient's lifestyle issues. It is important to know that the disease is not the same for everyone. The source, type and frequency of seizures vary among patients. The effect of seizures depends upon individual lifestyle. For a few people, epilepsy may have little effect on everyday life, whereas for others seizures may be risky. This has to be closely observed and lifestyle issues have to be addressed accordingly.

Since epilepsy occurs without warning, regular medication is a necessity. This is essential to help the affected person cope with daily challenges. An employed individual needs medication to avoid epileptic attacks at work. This could be life threatening and can hamper the persons productivity. If a seizure occurs while driving, it is almost always hazardous.

Prescription drugs allow epileptic persons to participate in sports and leisure activities. It is important to carry medicines, if epileptic people decide to travel abroad or out of the state. Since the family physician is not available in these places, medicines go a long way in preventing any untoward event. In a few sensitive epileptic cases, seizures may even be triggered by specific occurrences. Once identified, these situations should be avoided.

Stress and alcohol consumption should be controlled. In case of pregnancy, anti epileptic drugs may increase the risk of abnormalities in a developing baby. A patient?s doctor, neurologists, pediatricians, as well as an epileptologist, can be consulted to successfully deal with epilepsy lifestyle issues.

Epilepsy provides detailed information on Epilepsy, Epilepsy Foundations, Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, Epilepsy Treatments and more. Epilepsy is affiliated with Fibromyalgia Treatment.

Salt 10 Things That You Should Know

Writen by Vikki Scovell

We all hear the message that we should eat less salt, but how much should we eat, and what else do we need to know? Here are 10 facts about salt;

1. Salt is essential to human life, responsible for hundreds of vital functions in the human body.

2. The average adult in the UK consumes 10g of salt each day.

3. The UK government suggests that an adult consumes no more than 6g of salt each day (about a teaspoon). This translates as 2.5g sodium. Children need less than this, and babies under the age of one should not have any salt added to food.

4. On a label salt may be described as salt or sodium. Often foods are labeled as sodium because the figure is smaller, making the food seem lower in 'salt.'

5. 75-90% of the nation's salt intake comes from processed food. If you avoid processed food and cook from home, it is acceptable to add salt to your food.

6. The food industry has been reluctant to reduce salt levels in food as this would reduce sales of soft drinks; the saltier our food, the more we drink.

7. A high salt intake may result in high blood pressure (hypertension). In the UK one third of the population has high blood pressure, which triples the risk of developing heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Hypertension may not present any symptoms, and so you need to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

8. Bread is the single highest dietary source of salt. There are now reduced salt breads available. If you suffer with hypertension it is a good idea to make your own salt-free bread.

9. Sea water contains 2.5g of salt per 100g, so do Golden Grahams Breakfast Cereal. Your cereal may contain a hidden source of salt. Shredded wheat and also oats contain only trace levels of salt.

10. Natural sea salt contains as many as 80 minerals needed by the human body. Refined table salt, widely available in supermarkets is chemically treated, and the beneficial minerals are removed. Aluminium silicate is often added; aluminium is toxic to the human nervous system and linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Until next time, Stay healthy, Vikki.

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters. Vikki lives in Bristol in the U.K. with her partner Jeremy and two young children. To contact vikki visit http://www.getfitter.net

The Importance Of Calcium

Writen by Stephen Kreutzer

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients your body needs to maintain health. It is essential to meet many of your bodies needs. Calcium play an important role in many body functions and development. Knowing how much calcium you need daily and where to get it can ensure that your body will reap the benefits of this great nutrient.

Calcium does many things for your body. Everyone knows calcium is beneficial to bones and teeth. It is also important to keep your muscles and nerves working properly. It helps blood clot and keeps your heart beating properly. Lacking calcium in your diet can greatly effect your health now and in the future.

When your body does not get enough calcium it begins to take it from the bones. When this happens, if the calcium is not replaced through your diet the bones become deficient in calcium. This can lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones get thin and brittle. It is fast becoming a major disease among older adults. Calcium is important at any age. For children calcium is essential to ensure proper bone growth. In pregnant women calcium intake is also important. The baby needs calcium to grow and takes this calcium from the mother, so increased calcium intake is important during pregnancy. Some guidelines for calcium are 1,200mg a day for children age 1-10, 1,500mg a day for age 11-24. Pregnant and breast feeding mother should get 1,400mg a day and older adults should have 1,500mg a day. It is very difficult to take too much calcium and intakes of up to 2,500mg have proven safe. Excess calcium is easily removed form the body through waste.

To get a good daily intake of calcium diet choices are important. At least three servings a day of dairy products is essential to maintaining good calcium levels. Broccoli is another great calcium source. Today many products, like orange juice, have calcium added. Making simple choices when buying foods with added calcium can help you to make sure you are getting enough calcium daily.

Calcium is often overlooked in its importance. Fortunately it is quite easy to add calcium rich foods into your diet. Preventing future problems is important. Frail bones are most often contributed to a lack of calcium. To keep your body functioning properly today and in the future make sure your calcium intake is sufficient.

About the author: Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides calcium information on Calcium Facts!

After Gastric Bypass Pass The Water Hold The Ice

Writen by Kaye Bailey

I just read this conventional diet tip – and we've heard it before – "Burn away fat with ice cold water! Ice cold water is calorie-free and fills you up so you can eat less. Drink ice-cold water and you'll even burn a few extra calories as your body warms it up!"

If you are in the phase of rapid weight loss or have lost quite a bit of weight you know exactly why gastric bypass patients don't drink ice cold water - we're already freezing – even in the heat of summer. The last thing we want to do is get colder!

People who experience the massive weight loss associated with weight loss surgery experience feeling cold for two reasons: loss of insulation and less energy generation.

Fat is a highly efficient insulator. When gastric bypass patients follow the rules: eating protein and exercising, the weight lost can only come from fat or stored energy: insulation. Less insulation increases the likelihood of feeling cold.

The second reason for feeling chilled is that the metabolic cell processes are not working as hard as when you were heavier; it takes fewer calories and less energy to maintain and move a smaller body. A heavier body must generate more energy to operate, as a result more heat is generated.

Most weight loss patients report that their body temperature regulates after their weight is stabilized, usually eighteen to twenty-four months after surgery. Patients who incorporate exercise in their weight loss program experience less chilling than patients who do not exercise.

Kaye Bailey © 2005 - All Rights Reserved

An award winning journalist and former newspaper editor Kaye Bailey brings expertise in writing and personal experience with gastric bypass surgery to EzineArticles.com. Having spent most of her life overweight Ms. Bailey is strongly empathetic toward the obese, particularly overweight children. This compassion compelled her to found the website http://www.livingafterwls.com, a fast-growing resource of information, understanding and support for the weight loss surgery community.

The LivingAfterWLS.com site is complimented with daily blog. The blog, http://livingafterwls.blogspot.com offers readers the chance to comment or leave feedback about fresh content added daily. This site contains success stories and recipes, general information and WLS inspired topics. Complementing the site is a monthly newsletter titled "You Have Arrived" available exclusively to people who subscribe through the website or the blog.

Do Hair Extensions Thicken Thinning Hair

Writen by Jen Carter

Fact and fiction. While hair extensions will not actually make your hair thicker, they will give you the appearance of thicker hair. If you're a man that has always had long hair, but began noticing bald patches and/or a receding hairline, hair extensions are good for a temporary solution. We emphasize the word temporary because extensions add weight to your hair. While they may look good for the time being, extensions put stress on your hair follicles.

If you've opted for hair extensions you have a large selection. You can choose synthetic extensions actual human hair. What's the difference, you ask? The look, the feel, and the price! Human hair tends to be much more expensive than synthetic hair. Despite this, you can find synthetic and human hair extensions to match the color, texture, and style of your own natural hair.

Your hair extensions will be applied randomly in rows throughout the bottom of your hairline. They're applied directly to your own hair (hence we warn about them pulling on your hair, promoting further bald patches/hair loss). Once they are attached to your hair, you can wash your hair and style it as if the extensions were your actual hair.

There are a positives and negatives on hair extensions. The positives seem to out weight the negatives.

Positive Reasons for Hair Extensions

Thin Hair? Go to your local salon for hair extensions. A few hours later, you'll walk out with a full thick head of natural looking hair.

If you keep your hair short because of your thinning hair--this is your opportunity to have long hair. Put it up or leave it down. The choice is yours!

Up for a drastic change? Give yourself a total make-over with a new color and longer hair.

Negatives? Perhaps…

If you're thinking about hair extensions, you should do your homework. High quality extensions can cost anywhere from several hundred dollars into the thousands. We know, WOW. That's a pretty hefty price tag to pay every three months (maybe sooner!).

If you're already thinning from hair dyes, perms, or long hair that was worn too tightly--hair extensions may promote further damage. You should consult with your beautician before deciding if extensions are right for you. Explain your situation and any trepidations you may have. If you're experiencing hair loss--you must discuss these details. Your beautician may have an entirely different solution!

Jen Carter is staff writer for Inhairit, a hair loss treatment progam. For more information, visit http://www.inhairit.com/

Guide To Quit Smoking

Writen by Rob Mellor

The mind has two parts: the conscious and subconscious. You might want to stop smoking because it's bad for your health (conscious reason), but you're still aware that smoking makes you feel good about yourself (subconscious reason).

However there is a proper way to proceed with once you have decided to quit smoking viz.

1. First sit down and write down why you want to quit (the benefits of quitting): live longer, feel better, for your family, save money, smell better, find a mate more easily, etc. You know what's bad about smoking and you know what you'll get by quitting. Put it on paper and read it daily.

2. Ask your family and friends to support your decision to quit. Ask them to be completely supportive and non-judgmental. Let them know ahead of time that you will probably be irritable and even irrational while you withdraw from your smoking habit.

3. Set a quit date. Decide what day you will extinguish your cigarettes forever.

4. Talk with your doctor about quitting. Support and guidance from a physician is a proven way to better your chances to quit.

5. Begin an exercise program. Exercise is simply incompatible with smoking. Exercise relieves stress and helps your body recover from years of damage from cigarettes.

6. Do some deep breathing each day for 3 to 5 minutes. Breathe in through your nose very slowly, hold the breath for a few seconds, and exhale very slowly through your mouth.

7. Have your teeth cleaned. Enjoy the way your teeth look and feel and plan to keep them that way.

8. Drink lots of water. Water is good for you anyway, and most people don't get enough. It will help flush the nicotine and other chemicals out of your body, plus it can help reduce cravings by fulfilling the "oral desires" that you may have.

9. Learn what triggers your desire for a cigarette, such as stress, the end of a meal, arrival at work, entering a bar, etc. Avoid these triggers or if that's impossible, plan alternative ways to deal with the triggers.

10. Find something to hold in your hand and mouth, to replace cigarettes. You might try an artificial cigarette.

11. Lastly believe in yourself. Believe that you can quit. Think about some of the most difficult things you have done in your life and realize that you have the guts and determination to quit smoking.

Rob Mellor owns the http://www.quit-smoking-expert.com website helping normal people quit smoking in less than 40 minutes. Please visit the site for more information to stop smoking.

5 Tips For Beautiful Healthy Skin

Writen by Jamie Clark

Do you want healthy, beautiful skin that glows? Then follow these 5 steps to keep your skin in the best shape possible:

1. Protect your skin from ultra violet (UV) light.

A little bit of sunlight is good for your overall health, but too much exposure to UV rays can quickly cause significant damage to your skin. Overexposure to sunlight actually makes your skin age faster, leading to wrinkles, spots, and even cancer. Be sure to apply a good sunscreen whenever you know you're going to be outdoors for longer than 10 minutes.

2. Stay hydrated with green tea.

You probably already know that drinking lots of water is important for overall beauty and health. But you may not know that drinking unsweetened green tea is much better than water alone. Green tea not only tastes better than plain water (making it easier to drink throughout the day) but it's also loaded with polyphenols. These powerful antioxidants fight free-radical damage throughout the body and help keep your skin, the body's largest organ, young and beautiful.

3. Eat a very "clean" diet.

A clean diet is one based around raw vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts. For protein stick with soy/tofu, eggs and small amounts of fish and lean poultry. Always choose organic and/or grass-fed meat when possible. Also, you may want to increase your intake of high-sulfur foods (e.g., garlic, onions, asparagus, and eggs) as sulfur has been shown to help keep the skin smooth and youthful. Obviously, all sugar, flour, and fried foods should be avoided.

4. Eat plenty of healthy fat.

Unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil, extra-virgin olive oil, organic virgin coconut oil, cold water fish oils, and avocado all contain super-healthy fats that support optimum skin health. These powerful fats should make up about 20-30% of your daily calorie intake.

5. Moisturize often.

People who moisturize their skin on a daily basis usually have the best looking skin. Fortunately there are many ways to moisturize. Just find a few you like and always choose natural options when possible. A great way to moisturize and nourish dry skin is to mash up an avocado, mix in a few drops of freshly-squeezed lemon juice, and spread over freshly-cleaned skin. Leave it on for about 20 minutes then rinse off, splashing the skin alternately with cold and warm water.

Jamie Clark is a writer for BeautyWatching.com. For interesting news and useful information about beauty and skin care, visit: http://www.beautywatching.com

The Business Of Medicine Conflict

Writen by Marshall Clark

A business partner of mine had a conversation with a healthcare client which pointed out an intellectual conflict that I imagine is fairly common among medical practices and healthcare providers; The Business of Medicine Conflict.

Healthcare providers rightly feel that their primary purpose is the provision of medical services. Conflict however seems to arise from the idea that providing care is their only purpose and that attending to the details necessary to successfully provide this care, namely promotion and advertising of the practice, is not only unnecessary – but actually contrary to the ideals of practicing medicine.

Healthcare providers operate on a classic fee-for-service business model, however it can distasteful to some physicians to view their "care" as a "business".

This fundamental business/medicine conflict underlies poor business and marketing decisions that negatively impact the success many healthcare practices:

* No Advertising – "We provide excellent care – people find us by word of mouth."
* Insufficient Marketing Budget – "Advertising cuts into our bottom line."
* Weak Practice Branding – "I'm a physician, not a product."

From an emotional viewpoint these statements are understandable – they stem from a common desire by the physician to view their work as something unique that should be recognized on it's own merits. The pragmatic reality however is that medical care almost entirely a commoditized service; outside of instances of medical malpractice, there is very little to differentiate one physician's care versus any other's.

In the end a patient's choice of one physician over another often comes down to a name in the phonebook, the results of an online search, or personal recommendations from friends and family. It is the patient's perception of the healthcare provider that governs their decision.

Based on experiences with the coercive tactics of pharmaceutical companies, it's perhaps not surprising that many physicians view advertising as distasteful. Advertising however takes many forms and there is an important distinction to be made between manipulating public perception and simply publicizing an honest and useful service.

Marshall Clark is Founder and Principal Consultant of FirstRanked Healthcare (http://www.firstranked.com) - a privately owned healthcare marketing agency specializing in search engine marketing strategies for pharmaceutical, medical device, and medical provider markets.

Acne Treatments For Every Age

Writen by Ken Black

The creation of acne treatment products are on the rise and it's no wonder. With nearly 17 million people suffering from the disorder, in the United States alone, it is easily one of the most common skin diseases. A disorder that results when hormones react to your skin's sebaceous glands, acne is a severely embarrassing and potentially disfiguring disorder that can cause deep scarring and emotional distress. Naturally, a slew of new treatment options are available, including over the counter (OTC), prescription drugs and more to help combat this skin disorder.

Even for very severe cases, treatments are available to help. The over the counter topical remedies (lotions, creams, gels) are not prescribed by a doctor and can be purchased at any drugstore and have been shown to be very effective. The main ingredients in these products are often benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur, which do help in clearing up acne most of the time.

Several types of prescription topical medicines include benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. These can work well also, however some people develop side effects including stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin.

Then there are non-prescription products like Acuzine that come in pill form and contain Co-Enzyme Q-10, vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Aloe Vera and other natural antioxidant ingredients. They work at the problem from the inside out, similar to antibiotics and usually have a minimum of side effects.

One common prescription medication is called Accutane. Many people have seen excellent results with this product, however there are side effects for some people. These include upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and dry skin.

No matter what treatment you choose for your skin condition, do not expect immediate results. Most products take at least four to six weeks before you notice a significant improvement. Some take more, others may take slightly less but four to six weeks is the average wait. However, the earlier it's treated the less chance you have of scarring and that's got to be worth something.

Whether you have mild or severe acne, there is a product that is right for you. Consult with your doctor, conduct your own research and in no time you will have found a perfect treatment regimen for your skin type. Soon enough, you'll be on your way to clear skin.

Ken Black is a freelance writer and owner of http://www.skin-care-reviews.com, a site that provides skin care information.

Seafood The Healthy Alternative

Writen by Coleen Panetti

Most red and white meats are very fatty and are not a healthy way to eat. Seafood on the other hand offers you a great tasting alternative. When cooked correctly you couldn't ask for a better tasting meal.

Seafood can be purchased either fresh or frozen. By freezing the seafood fresh it can be shipped all over the world so everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood that they may not otherwise be able to enjoy.

Seafood that has not been kept at or below 39 degrees may not be safe to eat, so if you're not sure if it's good or not, throw it away. It is not worth the risk of getting sick. When choosing to purchase fresh seafood be sure and check it out thoroughly to make sure it is fresh. One thing to look for is to make sure the eyes are not bulging, but clear instead. Don't accept fish where the gills are pink, they should always be red. A very important fact to remember is that even though it is seafood, it should not have a fishy smell to it. If you notice any of these things wrong, do not purchase the seafood.

The best and safest way to cook frozen seafood is while it is still frozen. You can cook it by baking the seafood in an oven, or cooking it in a frying pan. The most popular way to cook seafood is wrapped in foil, and placed on a barbeque grill. This seems to give you the best flavor possible. You can thaw out the seafood before cooking it, but if you do this, make sure you cook it as quick as you can. If you do not cook all seafood that has been thawed, make sure you throw away any that is left. Seafood can never be refrozen.

Because eating seafood can actually treat some illness and prevent certain diseases, it can be considered a very healthily diet. Some fish contain the omega-3 oils which help stop certain disease, and help in the aid of curing some illness. Most all seafood is high in protein and low in fat, with the exception of a few, such as the eel.

Seafood has been linked in helping the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, and to aid in the prevention of breast cancer. Women in countries that eat more seafood than red meat have a lower tendency of contracting breast cancer. Using fish oil has also been linked to preventing some diseases.

There are a lot of healthy benefits from eating a seafood diet. Scallops and mussels add zinc and iron to your body. Seafood also contains iodine, which is good for your thyroids. Having a seafood diet is just a smart and healthy thing to do.

Coleen Panetti runs the famous seafood information website http://happyseafood.com

Bulking For Rookies

Writen by Zach Bashore

Building muscle is a quality very few people possess. Not only do you have to train like a bodybuilder, you must be willing to eat like one too. This article will educate the people who are interested in building muscle on the basics of bulking. You will learn what bulking is, the difference between clean and dirty bulking, and supplements used when trying to bulk up.

Bulking is a time when you are primarily focused on building muscle. You must be willing to train like an animal and eat more calories than what you are used to eating. It is very important that you set goals for yourself when trying to successfully bulk. You can only gain .5 to 1 pound of muscle naturally every week, so set realistic goals for yourself so that you don`t get discouraged when you`re not gaining the amount of weight you`ve set yourself out for.

Your main concern when trying to bulk is your diet. Clean bulking is eating clean, making sure that you don`t gain any fat. Dirty bulking is thinking that by eating pizza and cookies that you will gain mass. Doing this will cause weight gain, but not the kind of weight you want to be gaining. Your diet should consist of the same bodybuilding foods that you would normally eat, just in a higher caloric amount. Aim for an excess of 300 to 500 per day and make adjustments at the end of the week if you feel that you`re not gaining enough muscle.

Most bodybuilders use supplements to assist with muscle growth. The three most frequently used on a bulk are creatine, whey protein, and glutamine. Creatine holds water, making your muscles look harder. Whey protein is just a more convenient way of getting your daily protein needs, and glutamine is an amino acid used to keep fat gain to a minimum while doing a clean bulk. There are many other supplements that aid in muscle growth, but for the beginning bodybuilder, these three are your best choices.

Don`t confuse bulking with cutting. Cutting is the exact opposite of gaining muscle. When cutting, you are trying to shed as much fat as possible while not worrying so much about muscle gain. It is very hard to lose fat and gain muscle at the same time, so bodybuilders have two choices. To cut or to bulk. Which one are you? Until next time, later.

*http://www.askmen.com/sports/bodybuilding_100/119_fitness_tip.html
*http://bodybuilding.about.com/b/a/225939.htm
*http://www.bodybuilding-supplement-guide.com/bulking-up-muscle.html
*http://www.freedomfly.net/Articles/Training/training19.htm

Zach Bashore
February 06, 2006

My site: http://www.mightybody.com