Health Tips and Beauty Tips Blog

Health 'Bites': 8 Things You Didn't Know About Your Teeth

2008-03-09T19:43:00.003+08:00

(MS) - Oral health is often a window to overall health. Evidence supports the link between poor oral health and such conditions as stroke, premature birth and diabetes. Other conditions, such as HIV/AIDS and osteoporosis, may show preliminary signs in your mouth before other areas of the body are affected. Also, some of your daily activities or habits can affect your oral health. Therefore, it pays to pay attention to your teeth and gums.

Elisa Mello, DDS and clinical assistant professor at NYU College of Dentistry who, with her husband Ramin Tabib, DDS, established their practice, NYC Smile Design provides this valuable insight into dental hygiene.

1. Millions of Americans can crack a walnut with their teeth. While most adults exert about 20 to 40 pounds of pressure when their teeth make contact, millions of Americans exert as much as 250 pounds of pressure on their teeth - enough to crack a walnut. These teeth grinders are known as bruxers. Bruxism may be mild and may not even require treatment. However, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to damaged teeth, jaw disorder, headaches, and other problems. To prevent damage to the teeth, mouth guards or appliances have been used to treat teeth grinding and clenching.

2. Bulimia and acid reflux can destroy tooth enamel. Many people suffering from bulimia are able to hide the disorder from others but it is more difficult to keep it a secret from your dentist. Enamel erosion is a major sign of bulimic behavior. And acid reflux, whereby stomach acid flows into the esophagus and mouth, can cause tooth and gum erosion.

3. Swimming in overly chlorinated pools can wear away the enamel in frequent swimmers. Fluoride treatments can be given to help keep the teeth strong. Swimming with a well-adapted and custom-fitted mouth guard, which can minimize exposure of teeth to chlorine, also helps.

4. Soda and citrus drink overuse can be caustic to tooth enamel. The average American drinks more than 53 gallons of soft drinks each year, more than any other beverage, including milk, beer, coffee, or water. Phosphoric acid in soda and citric acid in citrus drinks can cause tooth enamel corrosion and the sugar can cause cavities.

5. Most people don't know they have bad breath. Dr. Mello suggests this test: Using dental floss or a tongue scrapper, sniff either the floss or the scrapper. If your mouth is clean, you won't have a telltale smell.

6. Infection and trauma can cause tooth enamel defects. Nutritional deficiencies during infancy, antibiotic use such as tetracycline, high fever, and trauma can all lead to tooth enamel irregularities such as pitting.

7. Eighty percent of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease. It can range from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to serious disease that results in damage to the bone. In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen. They can bleed easily. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, in which the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets of infection. If ignored, the bones, gums and connective tissue supporting the teeth are destroyed.

8. One in four adults age 60 and older has lost all of his/her teeth. A good oral hygiene program should include twice daily brushing, flossing, eating a balanced diet, limiting between-meal snacks, and regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning and oral exams.

New York based restorative and cosmetic dentists Drs. Mello and Tabib emphasize that treatment for these oral healthcare problems can range from simple cosmetic services such as teeth-whitening to extensive full-mouth reconstruction. But remember that an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure.

Keywords: teeth oral stroke diabetes dental hygiene bad+breath

Aging Healthily Not a Mystery

2008-01-06T21:13:00.000+08:00

(MS) - Whether it's fruitful or not, people tend to worry more about their health as they age. For some, the worrying can be productive, forcing them to overhaul a lifestyle that might not be healthy. For others, the worrying might only compound existing problems.

While it's understandable and necessary to focus more on health as the aging process progresses, taking care of oneself and aging healthily doesn't have to be as hard as it seems. Instead, having an understanding of the human body and what happens to it as it ages can go a long way toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle well into one's golden years.

Whenever health comes into question, the first thing to cross most people's minds is their diet. Dietary changes are necessary as we get older for a variety of reasons.

· Shifting energy levels: One of the foremost reasons diet changes are needed as we age is the loss of energy that comes with age. Because the body's energy levels decrease over time, fewer calories are needed to function on a daily basis. If caloric intake is not reduced as we age, weight gain and other negative physical consequences can result.

· Weakening bones: Dietary changes are also necessary to defend oneself against injuries that can result from bones weakening as the body ages. As we get older, bones begin to lose mineral content, making them more susceptible to breaks and other injuries. In addition, the body is more susceptible to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and fragile, as it ages. Calcium can help prevent injuries to bones and osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of making calcium a part of your daily diet.

· Shift in production: Ever wonder why a middle-aged man can eat the same diet as a young man but the physical evidence (namely the difference in body type) will not indicate this to be true? This is because as a body ages it begins producing more body fat and less muscle. This means reducing the amount of fat in your diet as you age and exercising more to combat the reduction in muscle tissue production is necessary. It's best to consult a physician for any specific dietary changes, but in general reducing fat intake while including more protein in your diet is a good start toward combating the production shift that takes place as the body ages.

Another thing to expect as you age is changes to your cardiovascular system. The most noticeable change is the heart loses some of its efficiency with respect to pumping blood. Part of that loss of efficiency is due to blood vessels losing some of their elasticity, making it harder for blood to be pumped. With the heart now working harder to do the same job it's been doing for years, certain changes must be made to reduce stress on the heart. One is reducing fat intake. Someone who has a diet high in fat runs the very dangerous risk of having fatty deposits form on their artery walls, stiffening those walls as a result while increasing blood pressure and making it even harder for the heart to pump blood. This is another reason to reduce fat intake as you age.

While much of the discussion thus far has focused on ways to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, many people, particularly the elderly, find themselves underweight as they get older. Unbeknownst to many, being underweight can be just as damaging as being overweight.

Perhaps the biggest risk you run when being underweight is associated with turning a cold or other short-term illness into a much bigger problem. Keeping a healthy weight helps ensure that your body is resilient, fully capable of handling some ailments, such as cold or flu, that can afflict anyone, regardless of age. Being underweight lessens your energy reserves, meaning you won't be able to bounce back as quickly should you get the flu or a cold. Sometimes, you might not be able to bounce back at all, leading to permanent disability or, in some cases, death.

For those who are underweight, be sure to eat three meals a day. Underweight people can find that finishing a meal is tough. If you're in that boat, this is okay, but make sure you eat the highest calorie foods on the plate first. If you need to leave anything on the plate, don't leave the items that will help you get back to a healthy weight.

CAPTION: Daily exercise, regardless of age, is one way to ensure the aging process is a graceful one.

Keywords:
aging exercise health healthy

Wedding Day Skin Beauty Tips

2007-12-12T18:45:00.000+08:00

(MS) - You bought the gown, scheduled the hairstylist, and picked out the bridal accessories. But are you forgetting about one of the most important parts of looking beautiful on your wedding day: your face?

Every bride wants to shine on her wedding day, but she probably doesn't want her skin to shine, too. Problems like oily, dry, or irritated skin plague a good portion of the population. But on your wedding day you don't want skin inconveniences to ruin your festivities.

"One of the best ways to put your best face forward is to know your skin type, what causes you to breakout, and to avoid any products or foods that may contribute to the problem - at least until the last wedding photo has been snapped," says Brooke Tilson, a Toronto makeup artist. If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may want to visit a dermatologist a few months before the wedding to talk about your concerns and to get recommendations for proper skin care.

In addition to professional skin advice, here are some other ways to maximize your beauty potential come your wedding day.

Cleansing and Toning

Healthy skin starts with clean skin. Be sure to remove makeup every night and wash your face with a mild cleanser appropriate for your skin type twice daily. Toners can refresh the skin, dry up any extra oil on the surface and clean out pores. Now is not the time to experiment with the latest and greatest products out there. You don't want to risk irritation to your skin before your wedding day.

Be Gentle

When cleansing, drying, or even applying makeup, treat your skin with a soft hand. Blot gently with cotton balls or swabs, and avoid tugging or rubbing the skin. Not only can this cause redness or irritation, it may also contribute to long-term wrinkling.

Not So 'Sun'sational

Many brides-to-be believe that suntanning will cure many of their skin ailments. This isn't the case. While sunbathing may temporarily alleviate acne or breakouts, it could actually compound the problem and make outbreaks worse over time. Other ladies think that tanned skin will make them look better against their white bridal gown. However, on your wedding day you should look like the best version of you, not a complete stranger. Fair-skinned individuals may look out of place with a deep tan. Err on the side of moderate whenever contemplating modifying your skin tone, as it will affect makeup choices and other things as well. And avoid tanning booths or sitting out in the sun. If you must be tan, look for artificial spray tans or bronzers that create natural-looking color.

Makeup

Conservative, natural-looking makeup should also be the rule. The photographs you take on your wedding day will be a testament to the era and moments you shared. But you don't want to look dated when you reminisce years later. Choose muted shades on eyes, lips and cheeks that enhance, rather than cover up your beauty. Select makeup that is smudge- and waterproof so it will stand up to tears of joy and kisses from well-wishers. Pressed or loose powder can also be your best friend. It will come in handy when you have to touch up spots on your face or combat shine.

Don't hide behind a veil your entire wedding day. Learn the way to healthy, vibrant skin.

Keywords:
beauty tips skin care wedding hairstylist gown bridal bride oily skin, dry skin vibrant skin, healthy skin gentle toning

Serum Is Scientifically Proven to Reduce Wrinkles and Reverse Sun Damage

2007-12-04T22:50:00.000+08:00

(MS) - Each year, Americans spend millions of dollars on lotions, treatments and serums that claim to reduce the signs of aging. However, despite hefty price tags and devoted followers, only one product was independently proven in a recent study to actually repair damage to the skin's structure' Boots No7 Restore & Renew Beauty Serum.

Up until now there have been many "fixes" touting wrinkle reduction, but few, if any, had real merit. Most products are only mildly and temporarily effective at reducing fine lines and other facial creasing. But in Spring 2007, all that changed when the BBC aired a program called "Horizon," which conducted scientific tests to find out what anti-aging treatments actually work.

Dr. Rachel Watson of Manchester University and a team of researchers conducted studies on skin aging, especially the effect of UV light on structures like fibrillin, which provides support to the skin's surface. Boots No7 Restore & Renew Beauty Serum was the one product that was shown to reverse sun damage.

Tests showed that the Serum has a similar effect to retinoic acid - a prescription-only treatment that's known to repair the signs of photo-aging. Testing was carried out on volunteers and by measuring levels of fibrillin (one of the skin's proteins that is affected by UV damage to skin).
Watson's team was actually able to see the serum begin to repair damage to the skin's structure. In tests carried out in everyday conditions, the formula actually produced measurable reductions in wrinkle depth.

"The complex in Boots No7 Restore & Renew Beauty Serum addresses the different underlying problems with wrinkles - reduced collagen production, increased collagen breakdown, and lost elastin," says Steve Barton, Boots' Skincare Advisor. "The product's ingredients, specially chosen for their beneficial effects on the skin, include among other things peptides that have been shown to increase the levels of supporting collagen, and white lupin extract to reduce the breakdown of collagen."

Immediately after the program aired, stores in the U.K. sold out of the serum amidst hordes of customers eager to get their hands on the effective and affordable treatment. Boots, the No. 1 U.K. cosmetics and skincare brand, began running their factories 24 hours a day to be able to meet the demand for the Serum. Thirteen tubes are sold every minute according to the latest company research, and customers are often placed on waiting lists to manage the demand for the Serum.

Although the scientific evidence to support its claims sets Boots No7 Restore & Renew Beauty Serum apart from all the other anti-aging products, the product and the No7 line have also been well-received by tastemakers around the world, including everyone from top beauty editors to celebrities.

Genevieve Monsma, Beauty Director of Shape magazine, said of the Serum, "One of my personal favorites has everything that you really need for your anti-aging regimen, all in one product, and it's 20 bucks. It's Boots' Restore & Renew."

A-list celebrities Madonna, Keira Knightley and Teri Hatcher are all fans of the Boots No7 line, and Paris Hilton had the opportunity to put Boots No7 Restore & Renew Beauty Serum to the test for herself at the Boots launch event in May.

Luckily for women on this side of the Atlantic, Boots No7 Restore & Renew Beauty Serum can be purchased at Target and select CVS/pharmacy stores across the country, and on CVS.com and Target.com, for just $21.99! A skin-firming and complexion-brightening serum, Restore & Renew delivers visible results.

To learn more about Boots products, visit http://www.boots.com/.

CAPTION: The frenzy over a wrinkle treatment that began in Britain is now exciting women in this country.

Keywords:
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Achieve Great Honeymoon Hair

2007-11-23T21:08:00.001+08:00

(MS) - Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas . these tropical paradises are some of the top honeymoon destinations for couples. Chances are, where there is soft, sandy beaches, palm trees swaying, and lush foliage, you'll find newlyweds basking in the sun.

Carribbean, South Pacific, and Mediterranean getaways can be terrific for bonding and enjoying the first few days of romance as a married couple. But they can be challenging for women looking to maintain beautiful post-wedding hair. That's because humidity and salt-filled breezes are as common in the tropics as picturesque sunsets and steel drum bands.

That's why top celebrity hair stylist Ellin LaVar offers tips to fight frizz and make peace with hard to manage hair for your honeymoon.

· Don't fight the texture. Choose a style that allows you to wear your hair naturally. It will cut down on time and frustration. Your honeymoon should be carefree, not spent in front of a hotel mirror trying to tame your hair.

· When in doubt, braid it out. Braids are always fun and casual. Twist or braid hair at night after applying gel or setting lotion. Loosen in the morning for a soft, long-lasting wave.

· Where's the curl, girl? Women with curly hair should embrace their natural hair texture. Use a product that is designed to combat frizz along with a product that enhances natural curl. Light styling gels like LiquidGlass or LiquidMotion from Ellin LaVar TexturesTM allow you to tame frizz without grease or heaviness.

· Twist and go. Chignons and messy buns are always a quick answer to brutal summer humidity. From the beach to an evening out on the town, twists, buns and ponytails can be adorned with flowers, jewelry and other fun accessories.

· Sun protection starts at the top. Don't forget to protect hair from the sun! Apply a deep conditioner after swimming in chlorine or salt water and tuck under a hat. The heat will make the conditioner penetrate deeper and will keep hair from becoming dry and brittle.
Watch Ellin and her team in the hit original series, Hair Trauma, on WEtv. The Ellin LaVar TexturesTM collection is available exclusively at CVS/pharmacy nationwide.

CAPTION: Carefree, honeymoon hair leaves time for, um, more important things.

Keywords:
honeymoon couples wedding wedding hair hair stylist braid hair

Get the Facts About Acne Treatments

2007-09-22T13:14:00.000+08:00

(MS) - By now, most people are familiar with the common skin condition acne. Everyone from teenagers to adults, and celebrities to regular folk have experienced acne, and all of the nodules, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts that go along with the package.

Because acne is such a visible condition, and one that brings embarrassment to many people despite how commonplace it is, the search is on for the fastest and most effective ways to clear up the complexion. Over time certain myths have developed promising miracle treatments for acne. It should be noted that treating acne takes diligence and time.

Acne treatment can be categorized in three main ways: OTC for minor to moderate cases, prescription for moderate to severe cases, and experimental - made up of homespun remedies that may or may not work.

Over the Counter (OTC) Treatments

OTC acne treatments typically consist of face washes, soaps and topical products that work over a series of days or weeks. The pimple that you see on your face has been developing for a while, so it's unreasonable to expect that any treatment method will produce immediate results. However, with regular use, results may be apparent anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks.

The common ingredients found in OTC acne treatments are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Here's a brief explanation of what they do.

Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial medication that is used to clear up the bacteria that aggravate the acne condition. Acne is not caused by dirt or eating greasy foods. It is the result of excessive oil production in hair follicles that gets trapped in pores along with shed skin cells. Bacteria can grow in this environment, aggravating the pores. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria and also dries out the skin so that outer layers fall off and therefore do not contribute to pore blockage.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic drug (a drug that removes the outer layer of skin) that is used to treat various skin conditions, like warts and pimples.

Many OTC products feature a combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, so that skin is exfoliated and cleansed of bacteria.

Aggressive Treatments

Topical products are applied directly to the skin. There are prescription products that dermatologists can suggest.

Topical antibiotics help stop, slow, and prevent bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. Topical retinoids are made from vitamin A and work by opening clogged pores. Dermatologists claim that topical retinoids work to normalize the life cycle of the pilosebaceous unit (follicle and sebaceous glands). Some other topical products that may be prescribed include sulfur, zinc, and resorcinol.

Oral medications can also be prescribed for acne. They are either antibiotic or retinoid in nature. Because they are ingested, the side effects of oral medications are usually more marked. They can affect birth control pills and make the skin more sun sensitive.

Other possible treatments may include phototherapy, where a light absent of harmful UV rays is shone on the skin to clear up conditions; hormonal treatments, since sebum (oil) production in glands is usually triggered by hormonal changes; and cryotherapy, where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and break up pimple lesions.

Alternative Treatments

These homespun remedies may work for some people, but because the skin is delicate, could end up causing more harm than good.

Toothpaste: A dab of paste - not gel - in a non-whitening variety is purported to dry up pimples. However, sensitive skin could be irritated by toothpaste.

Aspirin: Some people say you can break up a regular aspirin (not acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and make a paste using a little water and dab it on the pimple until it clears up. The aspirin will reduce the swelling and pain.

Tea Tree Oil: This has natural antibacterial properties that can help clear up pimples.

Keywords: acne nodules blackhead whitehead cysts treatment benzoyl peroxide pores salicylic acid pimples warts inflammation antibiotics remedies

Quit strategies for a smoke-free lifestyle

2007-07-29T16:59:00.000+08:00

(NC)-In his practice, at any given time, Dr. Charl Els sees hundreds of patients who are highly addicted to tobacco. As director of the Tobacco Dependence Service at the University of Alberta, and Board member of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Els is at the forefront of the latest smoking prevention and treatment options. His patients may come from all walks of life, but many of them share the same challenges when it comes to quitting smoking.

"One of the biggest misconceptions about smoking is that it's often viewed as a lifestyle choice, and not a medical condition," says Dr. Els. "The reality is this is a bona fide chronic relapsing disease."

While the majority of smokers do want to quit at some point in the future, many feel they are not ready or able to quit now.

"Many patients fear withdrawal symptoms, weight gain, or even just failure itself," says Dr. Els. "Quit strategies need to address both the emotional and physical addiction."

Even though most smokers would like to quit, long-term success rates are modest: less than 10 per cent without treatment, and approximately 25 per cent with treatment.

Health Canada recently approved a new approach to smoking cessation using Nicorette Gum that helps smokers gradually reduce their cigarette consumption before stopping completely. This strategy, called Reduce-to-Quit TM (RTQ), offers a prescribed three-step reduction process spanning a four to six month time period.

"Nicotine replacement therapy is among the best, safest therapy for patients - it no doubt enhances their success," says Dr. Els. "Many patients find it extremely difficult to quit all at once, the key is to quit one cigarette at a time, one day at a time. For many of those I treat it is a more practical way of achieving complete cessation because you can control when you are ready to stop. This, combined with effective counseling and support from family and friends can really make a difference."

You can find more information on quit strategies by speaking with your doctor or online at www.reducetoquit.ca.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Tech Tags: quit+smoking smoking stop+smoking smokers quitting+smoking nicorette+gum nicotine

Exercises For Stronger Stomach Muscles

2007-07-21T13:11:00.000+08:00

Most people want to look their best, especially during the warmer spring/summer months where most people dress on the lighter side. To look your best, many people focus on strengthening and tightening up their stomach muscles. If you look even a little bit, you can find many stomach muscle exercises to consider for your exercise program. So which exercises would be best for you?

There are a couple of things to consider before choosing the actual exercise program to strengthen and shape your midsection. The first thing is you need to do is pick a program you are really willing to complete and stick with, since no exercise program will have any benefit long term of you don't keep it up. The second thing to consider is to choose a set of exercises that work all the various muscles groups that form the abdomen from the obliques to the upper and lower abdominal muscles.

Stomach crunches have always been a popular and effective stomach exercise. Regular crunches work the front stomach muscles while side crunches work the obliques. Crunches are not perfect though, and for some can cause back and neck strain.

A crunchless crunch exercise is a lower abdominal core exercise where the intent is pull the lower abdominal muscles at the belly button inward toward your spine and hold for 10 seconds. This really works those lower muscles that you probably did not even know where there. This type of exercise is done while kneeling or when lying on your stomach. This exercise also eliminates the back and neck strain you may get with a normal crunch.

A long arm crunch involves lying on your back and with knees bent and feet flat. Put your arms straight back as if to reach over your head and then contract your stomach muscles slowly and lift your arms head and shoulders off the floor to about a 30 degree angle. Hold this position for a few seconds and then slowly go back to your original position. Rinse and repeat for a set.

The hip lift involves lying on your back with arms at your sides and palms up. Then lift your legs straight to about a 90 degree angle to your torso and hold. Now contract your lower abdominal muscles at your belly button to your spine. At the same time, lift your hips off the floor to a height of 2-3 inches and hold there, your legs still being held straight upward. after a few seconds lower your hips back to the floor and then repeat the cycle for a set.

Another good stomach muscle exercise involves laying flat on your stomach with legs straight and arms extended above your head. Now, raise your body up with hands clasped together as if you were doing a pushup. Hold this position for as long as you can stand it and repeat as desired. This exercise strengthens your whole stomach.

The Pilates workout offers a good stomach muscles exercise because each Pilate exercise focuses on strengthening the core of the body otherwise know as your stomach muscles. Almost every movement in Pilates will work the stomach muscles directly or indirectly so Pilates is a good choice to consider.

There are other stomach muscle exercises out there not mentioned here that are good as well like the vertical leg crunch and the torso twist. If you are serious about working and strengthening your abdominal muscles you will find it advantageous to try several different stomach muscle exercises to find which ones work best for you.

Tech Tags: exercises stomach+muscles stronger+stomach+muscles summer exercise+program

Getting Burned by Sunscreen

2007-07-11T13:31:00.000+08:00

(MS) - Over the years, the benefits of applying sun protection before heading outdoors have been broadcast in all forms. After all, protecting the skin against the sun limits the risk for sunburn, skin cancer and premature wrinkling - but only if you're applying enough and the right kind.

Many people assume that they'll be protected after rubbing on sunscreen. However, there are those who use a product and end up getting burned. Why?

The main culprit may be the fact that they're simply not applying enough. According to experts, an adult in a swimsuit needs to use 2 to 3 tablespoons of sunscreen for maximum effectiveness. Many apply 25 to 75 percent less than they should, resulting in inefficiency of the sunscreen. Another reason for limited protection is that UVA radiation is not considered in the sun-protection factor (SPF) of a product, only UVB radiation. UVA is a different wavelength of radiation that can still cause sunburn and skin cancer. The last factor could be whether the product is waterproof or water-resistant. Many sunblocks are not and simply wash off during swimming or intense perspiring. Even if a product claims to be water-resistant, a safe bet is to reapply every two hours after substantial sweating or swimming.

Quick Tips

When selecting sunblock products, consider the following:

· Choose an SPF of 30 or more. This means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than if you hadn't applied any protection.

· Look for one that offers maximum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

· Choose a product that is waterproof or at least water-resistant.

· Use an adequate amount of the lotion and reapply frequently for the best chance of protection.

· Assist the sunscreen by seeking shade during points of strong sunlight and wearing a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing when possible.

Tech Tags: sun sunscreen protection skincare sunburn wrinkle sunblock SPF

Use Fat Burning Foods in Your Diet for Effective Weight Loss

2007-06-17T14:18:00.000+08:00

Nobody likes to diet. But what if you could make tasty meals yourself that would speed up the process of losing weight? By combining 'negative calorie' fruits and vegetables into salads and other dishes at mealtime, you can accelerate your weight loss in a delicious way.

Negative calorie foods are not new and have been discussed in weight loss circles for years. They are essentially fruits and vegetables that make your body use more calories (units of heat) to digest than they contain themselves. When you eat them as part of your diet, the net result is a negative calorie balance. This will help you lose weight faster.

Here is a short list of popular negative calorie fat burning foods:

* Asparagus
* Apples
* Beets
* Broccoli
* Cabbage
* Carrots
* Cauliflower
* Celery
* Cucumbers
* Garlic
* Grapefruit
* Lettuce
* Oranges
* Papaya
* Pineapples
* Raspberries
* Spinach
* Strawberries
* Turnips
* Zucchini

As you can see there are many fat burning foods to choose from. The way to achieve faster weight loss with these foods is to eat more of them more often. Let's explore your options for the many ways to include them in your diet. First pick out the vegetables from the list that you like to eat. Write them down on a piece of paper. Then list your favorite fruits below them on the same piece of paper.

Your objective is to use as many of your favorite fat burning foods incorporated with the other foods you prepare. For example, when you eat your daily salad incorporate as many fat burning foods as you can to make a tasty salad for yourself. You can start with lettuce, add shredded carrots, a few cucumber slices, sliced or diced apples and maybe a little pineapple. On the side you might add a few strawberries and a couple pieces of celery.

For a snack you can make sugarless Jell-O with shredded carrots included. Another good snack is your own special fruit salad prepared ahead of time. You can top it with a sugarless whipped cream. Be creative. Find ways to use garlic in your cooking instead of salt. Use fat burning vegetables as the complementary ingredients when you cook your meals. You will soon become accustomed to using these foods first in your meals.

By their very nature, you can eat as many of them in your diet as you wish. The more of these foods you eat on a daily basis, the more weight you can lose and keep off. Remember to also eat other sensible low fat foods and protein to stay healthy. Never go on a crash negative food diet only. The idea is to increase your use of these foods, not to replace your total diet with them.

A well-rounded lifestyle that includes the right foods and exercise will result in you reaching your goal weight faster. Fat burning foods can be your secret weapon in the battle of the bulge. It's a tasty way to lose those unwanted pounds.

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diet, losing weight, weight loss, negative calorie, fat burning, fat, healthy

Families Must Prepare for Mental Health Pressures of College

2007-06-11T21:48:00.000+08:00

(MS) - This fall, more than two million young men and women across the United States will leave home to begin their college careers. The climates, courses and campuses will be different, but the countless pressures faced by these college freshmen will be the same.

Mental health issues including depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and anxiety, often brought on by the heightened stress of a college environment, have grown increasingly common among college students. As recent news has raised serious concerns about the effects of such issues, especially when left untreated, it is important to take a proactive approach to recognizing and addressing them, says Sheldon Miller, M.D., chief medical officer of Timberline Knolls, a national residential treatment center for eating disorders, substance abuse, self-injury behavior and other emotional disorders.

"Raising awareness of the mental health struggles met by many college students is a crucial step in fighting the associated stigma that often keeps those suffering from seeking help," Miller says. "If students feel comfortable reaching out, issues can be professionally addressed before they become severe, or even dangerous."

According to Miller, the following facts should be taken into account as students enter college this fall:

New freedom, new anxiety. Studies show that change, lack of sleep and stress (all commonplace among college freshmen) can be the greatest triggers of mental health issues. Leaving your parents for an unstructured environment is exciting, but it can also cause high levels of stress and anxiety. Late nights, whether spent studying or socializing, also come at a price. Both academic and social stress can lead to depression, which when left untreated can lead to suicide - the second leading cause of death among college students.

New peers, new pressure. College freshmen are surrounded by new personalities and unfamiliar social settings. The desire to fit in can potentially create a spiral of unhealthy behaviors that can lead to problems like alcohol dependence or eating disorders. Students are urged to seek professional help if they drink everyday, binge drink to get drunk, or if alcohol is interfering with schoolwork or relationships. Also important to note, studies indicate that as many as 19 percent of college-aged American women suffer from bulimia, a dangerous eating disorder that can be detrimental to self-esteem, social relationships, and academic performance.

New fears, new feelings. In a 2006 survey of more than 90,000 college students, 50 percent admitted to feeling depressed, and 93 percent reported feeling overwhelmed. The stress of school assignments and exams, paired with the pressure of social organizations like fraternities and sororities, can quickly become unmanageable. Because mental health issues are often dismissed as "normal" college life, it is important for students, parents and university faculty and staff to learn to recognize the warning signs of more serious troubles. When a student appears to be masking emotional problems with alcohol or drugs, or suffers from extended depression, he or she should be referred to the appropriate mental health offices for treatment. Research shows the most common occurrence of emotional disorders appears among young adults, ages 17 to 21.

New ideas, new hope. Recent studies revealing the biochemical basis of depression and other disorders have helped many students realize that mental health issues do not indicate personal failure, and should not cause shame. On-campus groups promoting mental health awareness are popping up at universities across the country, slowly stomping out the stigma of mental and emotional disorders and helping encourage students to seek help for their problems. A 2007 survey by the Anxiety Disorders Association of America showed 13 percent of all college students now use or have used on-campus mental health services. In fact, one institution reported a 29 percent increase in the use of counseling and psychological services over the last four years, and another reported that 40 percent of first-year students visit the counseling center at least once.

Being aware of and prepared for the mental health issues that often come with the territory for college freshmen can help foster an accepting environment among students, parents and university faculty and staff. By normalizing mental health issues, Miller says students can feel comfortable seeking the help they need, leading to increased success and satisfaction in life, rather than suffering in silence and isolation. For additional information, visit www.timberlineknolls.com.

CAPTION: College students face pressures that can lead to mental health issues.

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Steer Clear of Smoke

2007-06-07T12:31:00.000+08:00

(MS) - Did you know that you could be inhaling more than 4,000 chemicals at home or on school grounds on a regular basis? If you breathe in secondhand smoke you're being exposed to a host of dangerous chemicals. Of the thousands of chemicals in cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke, 60 are known to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), contains ingredients you'd be likely to find in a chemistry lab: formaldehyde, arsenic, cadmium, benzene, and ethylene oxide to name a few.

Secondhand smoke comes in two forms: sidestream smoke and mainstream smoke. Sidestream smoke is the smoke that wafts from the burning tobacco product. Mainstream smoke is the smoke that is exhaled. Both types have enough chemicals to cause dangerous consequences. Check out the statistics:

According to The Mayo Clinic, experts believe that secondhand smoke is to blame for roughly 3,000 deaths from lung cancer in adult nonsmokers each year in the United States. Secondhand smoke is also linked to cancer of the nasal sinuses. The dangerous particles given off in secondhand smoke can linger in the air for hours. Even inhaling them for 20 to 30 minutes can be unhealthy in a variety of ways. And breathing in secondhand smoke over time can be all the more dangerous.

The American Lung Association reports that children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to suffer from pneumonia, bronchitis, and other lung diseases. Additionally, they have more ear infections and are more likely to develop asthma. There are an estimated 150,000 to 300,000 cases every year of infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia in infants and children under 18 months of age who breathe secondhand smoke. These result in between 7,500 and 15,000 hospitalizations, according to the California Environmental Protection Agency's report on Health Effects of Exposure to ETS, September 1997.

Protect Yourself

Here are a few steps you can take to safeguard your health.

· Dine in smoke-free restaurants or those that adequately vent away smoke in smoking areas.

· Ask those who enter your house not to smoke.

· Don't carpool with friends who frequently smoke in the car.

· Avoid bars and clubs where smoking is allowed.

· Don't smoke. Secondhand smoke is bad, but firsthand smoke is even worse.

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Zits Are the Pits: Truth About Acne

2007-06-05T17:30:00.000+08:00

(MS) - For many teenagers, there is a four-letter word that may be dreaded more than exams, curfews and embarrassing parents: acne.

Most teens feel acne is the bane of their existence. Despite high rates of occurrence - 8 in 10 teens and many adults have acne - at the time of an acne outbreak it can seem like you're the only one suffering. Acne is not a reflection of hygiene or diet. It's simply a part of growing up.

Acne is so common that it's often considered a normal part of puberty. Teens get these unsightly bumps during puberty because of the fluctuation in hormones at this time in their life. During puberty, hormones trigger the sebaceous glands in the hair follicles (pores) of the skin to produce more sebum, an oil that lubricates the skin and hair, than is necessary. This overproduction combined with skin cells being shed, can cause pores to become blocked with a sticky plug. It takes about two weeks for a blemish to form once the pore is blocked. Common places for acne to appear are on the face, neck, chest, and back.

The term "acne" broadly covers a number of skin breakouts, including:

whitehead: a clogged pore that closes up and bulges from the skin

blackhead: a clogged pore that remains open at the end, allowing dirt to enter and darken

pimple: the walls of pores open allowing sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells to make their way under the skin; shows up as a red bump

nodules: clogged pores that open up very deep in the skin, sometimes known as cysts

Facts and Fiction About Acne

Now that you know what acne is, it's important to clear up misconceptions about what causes acne and what can help keep it under control. Test your knowledge by reviewing these statements.

1. Acne is caused by eating greasy foods. Fiction - Eating fries, pizza or chocolate will not cause acne breakouts. However, some people do find that foods can aggravate current acne flareups.

2. A tan doesn't make acne better. Fact - Tanned skin may camouflage acne, but it won't cause it to clear up. In fact, sunburns or tanning may cause more oil production, worsening acne.

3. Scrubbing your face with a harsh soap will rid you of acne. Fiction - Washing your face twice daily with a mild soap can be effective in controlling oil on the skin. Scrubbing the face can exacerbate acne inflammation and may even cause scarring.

4. Wearing noncomedogenic makeup is best. Fact - If you wear makeup, choose products labeled noncomedogenic, oil-free or nonacnegenic.

5. Popping pimples can clear up outbreaks faster. Fiction - As difficult as it may be, do not pop pimples. This can cause scarring and spread oil to other pores. It's best to let nature take its course. You can try over-the-counter acne products to dry out breakouts, but follow instructions carefully. Painful, deep-skin nodules or other breakouts may be relieved with warm compresses.

6. Acne may flare up before menstruation. Fact - Acne is often common before a woman's menstrual period each month. Even women who have acne under control may experience breakouts before their periods. The hormone regulation of birth control pills does help some women with acne.

7. Doctors can't help acne. Fiction - Dermatologists may have an arsenal of stronger treatments at their disposal, such as laser therapy and medication if acne becomes a debilitating problem.

CAPTION: Set the record straight on acne causes and treatment.

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All-Natural Recipe for Beautiful Skin

2007-06-02T11:50:00.000+08:00

(MS) - For your entire life your skin has been making a first impression for you. It can reflect whether you're tired, excited, happy or under the weather. Skin can also be one of the first places to hint toward your age.

Genetics play a key role in how your skin will evolve as you get older. It is common for skin to lose some elasticity and many people experience sagging of the skin, dimpling and pigment changes due to the gradual decline of hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. But environmental factors, perhaps, make up the largest part of the equation, especially sun exposure and how you care for your skin.

People are living longer and want their skin to reflect just how vibrant they feel. Just as a meal comes together by using the right ingredients, you can achieve a healthy, more youthful appearance by practicing this recipe for vibrant skin, courtesy of Be Fine Food Skin Care, a line of products essentially composed of vegan with vegetarian proteins, which are paraben-free, preservatives-free and allergen-free.

1. Starter course: Begin with a fresh and clean surface. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face twice daily to clean out pores and remove surface skin buildup and makeup residue. Cleansers are available to work in conjunction with your specific skin type, whether oily, dry or combination. Use a toner to close pores and firm the skin. Toners will also exfoliate the skin, allowing for fresh, dewy layers of skin to show through. Be gentle when washing the face. Tugging or rubbing can exacerbate conditions and promote more wrinkling or irritation.

2. Entree: Moisture is essential to your skin. Moisture should come from the inside and out. Fuel your skin by drinking plenty of water and provide the nutrients skin needs by eating a healthy balance of all-natural foods, including an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. Facial moisturizers can plump the skin, revitalize its appearance and make it look and feel more youthful.

The main course of skin care also involves sun protection. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to skin discoloration, wrinkling and even skin cancer. In fact, 90 percent of skin aging symptoms, including wrinkles, lentigos (brown freckles), acne, dry complexion, and dilated capillaries can be linked to sun exposure, say experts. Use products that have at least an SPF of 15. If you spend ample time outdoors, protect the face and body by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using an umbrella.

3. A la carte: Every person's skin is different and may have areas that need specific treatment. Everything from warming masks, soothing eye treatments to lighten dark circles, and lip exfoliators to minimize flaking and wrinkling can assist in bringing out the healthy glow you desire.

4. Dessert: Makeup can camouflage areas of the skin, but many products are now being created with anti-aging ingredients to assist in revitalizing skin. Look for lighter, more translucent applications that won't cake on skin and settle into fine lines and wrinkles.

When choosing products to supplement your healthy skin beauty regimen, look no further than Be Find Food Skin Care, made up of ingredients so natural you could actually eat them. Products range from gentle cleansers to toners to moisturizers and specialty treatments all comprised of common foods ingredients.

"Each and every ingredient serves a purpose, from the basic rice, which super softens and has huge amounts of vitamins E and F, to pomegranate that regenerates the skin and boosts the effect of SPF 15," says creator Florence Sender. "Food nourishes us when you eat it so it makes sense that certain ingredients would have a positive effect when they are put on our skin.

Be Fine is available where beauty products are sold, including CVS pharmacy. Learn more online at www.befine.com.

CAPTION: All-natural products are one step to achieving beautiful skin and looking younger.

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2007 Back-to-School Hair Trend Forecast Tips from Damien Carney, Joico's International Artistic Director and Dean Banowetz, American Idol Lead Stylist

2007-05-30T12:07:00.000+08:00

(MS) - When it comes to making an image-transforming statement on campus it's not the new back-to-school wardrobe that screams "this is the new me" loudest, it's the hair!

"From geek to chic or punk to jock, nothing quite says more about a student's personality, lifestyle, personal style and social aspirations than back-to-school hair", says Damien Carney, internationally renowned celebrity and fashion hairstylist.

For statement-making hair this school year, Carney and Dean Banowetz, the Hollywood Hair Guy who styled the American Idol contestants from all seasons and other Hollywood stars recommend students:

Keep it Healthy

"Hair condition is a priority between the months of August and October because it's the transition period between a hot, sunny, damaging summer and a cold, harsh, drying winter," says Carney.

He recommends students start off their hair-care regimen using products that repair and strengthen sun-damaged summer hair (like K-PAK Shampoo, Conditioner and Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor, and K-PAK Sun Therapy). To target sun-damaged hair use K-PAK's newest addition to the Sun Therapy Line. This line includes a Nourishing Shampoo, Treatment Masque and Protective Sun Milk. Then to add moisture in the hair, use products that deeply restore the hair's moisture levels (like Joico's Moisture Recovery line with Hydramine Sea Complex).

Keep it Simple

"Simplicity is the key to great campus style," says Carney. "Don't take it too seriously and don't forget to have fun with it."

For everyday chic, Carney recommends what he calls his top three "disposable styles" of fresh, modern looks that are effortless to style and keep hair "controlled" and off the face:

#1 The ponytail! "A high ponytail looks sporty and fresh, while wearing a ponytail low and loose in the nape is more editorial and high-fashion."

#2 Half up, half down. "I'm not talking about the high 1980s half up, half down held with a scruncci. This is gathered around the temple and worn loose and low with an inconspicuous fastener like a tiny clip or hairband that's either clear or matches your haircolor."

#3 Up, but not "updo." "I like a quick, loose little bun held in place with bobby pins, chopsticks or even a pencil. If hairs come loose, don't worry about it, it's not supposed to look perfect, it should look like you just put it up quickly before running out to catch your ride."

To add cool, interesting touches of texture to everyday styles, Banowetz recommends adding accessories -

especially headbands - or even wearing a face-framing braid like a headband (think Sienna Miller at the Golden Globes).

For girls with curls or waves, Banowetz says "It's all about maintenance. You can wear whatever everyone else is wearing, just remember to use the right hair care and styling products to keep curls defined and frizz at bay."

For formals and special events, he recommends keeping styles similar to day but making them just a tad more "structured and controlled for a dressier, more assertive look.

"You can do curls, but don't go overly curly because that's not flattering to anyone. Think bigger, looser curls that aren't too uniform or structured. If your hair is naturally curly or wavy, then try flat ironing hair for a change."

Have a Blast with Color

"Color is the exclamation point of your style statement -go bold, have fun; now is the time to go for shocking pink highlights or an all-over teal blue," says Banowetz.

To satisfy the young student's craving for color without risking hair damage or panicking parents, he recommends semi-permanent haircolor in cool, electrifying colors that wash out over several shampoos. His favorite? Vero K-PAK Color's new Color Intensity line available in cool, intense colors like purple, pink, blue, green.

"If students don't want to color, go for a clear gloss that will enhance your natural color and shine. Do whatever you want, just remember to have fun, fun, fun."

For more information on Joico products mentioned here, please visit www.joico.com.

CAPTION: Back-to-school hair: Keep it healthy, keep it simple, and don't forget the color.

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Why You Don't Want to Drink - Or Shower With - Tap Water

2007-05-27T15:07:00.000+08:00

(MS) - Water is integral for human survival. The human body is made up of over 70 percent water, and by consuming enough water, one ensures the body runs in an optimal state. Digestion, temperature control, nerve transmissions and virtually every other process within the body occurs as a result of water. It has been proven that you can survive weeks without food, but without water the body doesn't stand a chance.

But what if the water you consume and wash with is harboring unhealthy ingredients? This means the very element that is supposed to keep you healthy, could actually be doing quite the contrary.

WHAT'S LURKING IN THE WATER?

The water that feeds into many homes from municipal water supplies or even wells may not be as fresh and clean as it should be for optimal health. While municipal water treatment strives to eliminate harmful bacteria from the water you use, oftentimes lead and other harmful elements remain. Additionally, chlorine, an ingredient designed to kill off the greater evils floating unseen, is often elevated in treated water. It only takes common sense to realize that a chemical designed to attack bacteria and dirt probably isn't the best thing to drink. In fact, The National Cancer Institute reports that drinking chlorinated water may as much as double the risk of certain cancers.

SHOWERING IN UNFILTERED WATER COULD BE MORE HARMFUL THAN DRINKING IT

According to studies, the body absorbs 50 times more chlorine through showering than drinking the same unfiltered water. Warm shower water opens up the pores of the skin and may allow higher absorption rates of chlorine and other chemicals present. That's why in addition to some very real health concerns, chlorinated water may also have some adverse cosmetic affects as well. Anyone who has swum in a chlorinated pool understands the drying and irritating effect this chemical can have on the skin. Chlorine may also dull or discolor the hair. It's not ideal - or healthy - to shower in this mix every day.

COMBAT THE CHEMICAL MELTDOWN

Apart from cooking, drinking and bathing solely with bottled water, an idea that has merit but could quickly become an expensive habit, there are more practical ways to enjoy the benefits of clean water. The Colorado Shower Spring is a patented water filtration system that was designed to produce clear, great tasting drinking water, but has been revamped to also provide water filtration for home showers.

CONSUMER DIGEST AWARD-WINNING TECHNOLOGY

The Colorado Spring Shower system has two separate filter stages. Stage one takes out chlorine and balances the water pH. Stage two filters out harmful VOCs and THMs that vaporize while showering and are unhealthy to inhale. The filter installs in seconds and provides healthy, filtered water immediately. In fact, the system won the Consumer Digest award in 2006 due to its efficacy and ease of use.

By showering in filtered water the body can reap several benefits. Many of Hollywood's top hairstylists recommend their clients wash their hair in filtered water because of the softer, more lustrous results that ensue. The Colorado Spring Shower filters out the metals and other water components that can affect certain hair products, such as shampoos and conditioners. Also, chemical-free, filtered water offers benefits to people suffering from skin conditions and breathing disorders, where chlorine-laded water and steam may be further contributing.

For more information, visit www.coloradoshowerspring.com or call 1-800-811-2245. Use code VTD1 when ordering.

CAPTION: A patented two-stage filtration system helps deliver clean, spring-quality water in the shower. The cosmetic and health benefits are quickly apparent.

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