Safe Solutions to Get a Good Night's Rest

(MS/PRNewswire) -- It's 2 a.m. and you still haven't fallen asleep. It's been a similar situation night after night. Don't worry, you're not alone.

Every year millions of people report having frequent sleep disturbances, say statistics. Women are generally more apt to having a sleeping problem than men or children. In a search for relief, some people try over-the-counter sleep remedies while others suffer night after night. Others still seek help from their family doctor by the way of prescription medication. All of these remedies have their risks.

Doctors generally agree that sleeping pills are a short-term solution to a sleeping problem. In fact, some drugs may have side effects that are troublesome or mask underlying symptoms of insomnia, such as apnea. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked manufacturers of sedative-hypnotic sleeping pills to warn consumers and health professionals about potential risks like sleep-driving, anaphylaxis, cooking and eating food, and making phone calls while asleep --all situations that have been documented in recent years. Drugs, even over-the-counter ones, may have a certain measure of dependence or addictiveness.

As a result, many women have begun seeking alternative, drug-free solutions to their sleeping problems. They could find that making a few lifestyle changes, such as limiting noise in the bedroom, is all that's needed to get some rest. Loud noises, be it from barking dogs, morning garbage trucks or the ever-present snoring of spouses, are often at the root of female insomnia.

Sleep Pretty in Pink(R) Ear Plugs, for example, have grown in popularity thanks in large part to word of mouth, and doctor recommendation. These ear plugs are tailor made for women's smaller ear canals and reduce noise by 32 decibels.

"I recommend the Sleep Pretty in Pink ear plugs to all of my female patients," says Dr. Marc Darrow. "These cute little pink ear plugs are a drug-free solution that helps women fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer."

Other natural and healthy ways to combat insomnia include:

* Regular daily exercise: As little as 30 minutes of exercise per day can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. While daily exercise can be effective, don't exercise too late at night, as such a schedule will raise your body temperature, perhaps adding to your existing difficulties with insomnia.

* Eliminate nap time: Busy professionals often find a short nap can help them make it through the day. However, such naps can prove too energizing, making it more difficult to fall asleep at bedtime.

* Block out light: Light that shines into the room by a street lamp or even cars in the neighborhood could be disruptive to sleep. Install darkening curtains to limit light in the evening and early morning.

Sleep Pretty in Pink Ear Plugs are available at grocery, drug and superstore locations nationwide. For more information, visit www.sleepinpink.com.

CAPTION: Non-drug remedies, such as ear plugs, can help you get the sleep you need.

Vaccination, Disinfectants Important This Flu Season

(MS) -- By Dra. Aliza Lifshitz, Internist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles

Perhaps no issue has made more headlines this year than the flu. At the core of those headlines is the 2009 H1N1 virus, otherwise known as swine flu virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hundreds of deaths have already been associated with the 2009 H1N1 virus, and the coming months figure to prove even more deadly as flu season approaches.

What's most troubling about the coming flu season, particularly for the nation's large Hispanic population, are the warnings that the season could prove to be the worst yet. According to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, the coming flu season could pose a serious health threat. For Hispanics, that's especially concerning, as a recent Associated Press report noted Hispanics are four times more likely to be hospitalized as a result of the 2009 H1N1 virus. Despite that, a September 2009 poll conducted by Garcia Research indicates that 56 percent of Hispanic adults said they were "not concerned" about the flu. In addition, fewer than 4 in 10 indicated that they were "very likely" to get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.

Why Get a Flu Shot?

The flu is highly contagious, easily spreading from person to person, and can be especially harmful to children. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the "single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year." The flu vaccine can prevent influenza among 70 to 90 percent of healthy adults by protecting against common types of flu viruses that are in circulation.

Who Needs a Flu Shot?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can and should get vaccinated. The CDC recommends that all children ages 6 months to 18 years be vaccinated. In addition, household caregivers -- including moms, dads, grandparents, nannies, and other child care providers -- should get vaccinated.

When Should You Get Vaccinated?

Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or October before flu season peaks, but the flu shot can protect you even if you get vaccinated late in the flu season into December, January and beyond. While flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, flu activity typically peaks in January or later.

How Can Exposure

to the Flu Be Reduced?

In addition to getting vaccinated, there are myriad ways individuals can help prevent exposure to the flu virus.

* Sing and Scrub. Make sure kids wash their hands often. They should wash frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).

* Cough and sneeze into elbows, not hands. If they don't have a tissue, teach kids to cough and sneeze into the inside of their elbows. Coughing into hands is more likely to spread bacteria and viruses through touch.

* Disinfect Hot Spots. Kids and adults alike can touch many surfaces in a short period of time. To reduce risk of spreading the flu virus, disinfect hard surfaces as directed using an EPA registered product that is effective against the influenza A virus, such as Clorox(R) Clean-Up(R) Cleaner with Bleach and Clorox(R) Disinfecting Wipes, on commonly touched surfaces. Plastic children's toys, doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, remote controls, and faucets can all be sources of the influenza virus, and an individual can still get infected 2-8 hours after the virus was initially deposited on the surface. So be sure to make disinfecting such areas a part of your daily household routine.

* Continue living a healthy lifestyle. Eating right, exercising and getting plenty of sleep help boost the body's ability to fight the effects of the flu viruses.

For more information about helping to protect yourself and your family during flu season, visit www.VidaySalud.com, www.cdc.gov/flu, www.clorox.com, www.Cloroxenespanol.com, or www.cdc.gov/flu/espanol.

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Clearing Up Acne Misconceptions

Acne is a prevalent skin disorder that affects millions of people, primarily in the teenage years and early 20s. In the United States alone, 60 million people are reported to have acne. However, only 11 percent seek treatment for the condition. Acne affects all races, ages and both genders.

Understanding Acne

Acne isn't the localized pimple that occurs once in a while. Acne is typically a series of blemishes that spring up over and over. Here is the general life cycle of acne:

1. The body produces more sebum (oil) than is necessary in sebaceous glands. Puberty and other hormonal changes are generally triggers for excessive sebum production.

2. The sebum, which in a normal pore would drain to the surface and go away naturally, mixes with bacteria from the skin and forms a blockage in the pore known as a microcomedone.

3. This microcomedone forms into a true comedone, which is commonly referred to as a "whitehead" or a "blackhead." When the trapped sebum and bacteria remain below the skin, it is a whitehead. When the blemish opens to the surface of the skin and oxidizes, it forms a blackhead. Blackheads are not pores with dirt in them. They're actually the sebum, bacteria and oxidized melanin, which turns a dark brown or black color. A blackhead or whitehead can release its contents to the surface and heal. This is why this type of acne is considered non-inflammatory.

4. Another route for the microcomedone to take is inflammatory acne. In this case a papule will form when there is a break in the follicular wall of the pore. White blood cells rush in and the pore becomes inflamed. The papule will develop into a pustule several days later when white blood cells make their way to the surface of the skin. This is what people usually refer to as a "zit" or a "pimple."

Inflamed pores can rupture and spread to other areas of the skin. Sometimes several pores are affected at the same time and may form a nodule or a cyst under the skin.

Acne can be painful to the touch and also very visible on the skin. Lesions may occur anywhere on the body, but are generally most visible on the face, back or chest.

Acne Treatment

Many people think that individuals with acne do not wash properly or eat greasy foods that can cause acne to surface. These are misconceptions about the skin disorder. As mentioned, acne forms from an overabundance of sebum mixed with naturally occurring bacteria. It is not the result of a dirty face or indulging in fast food French fries.

Treatment for acne depends upon the scope of the condition. Options consist of reducing sebum production, removing dead skin cells, and killing bacteria with topical drugs and oral medications.

* Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most popular and longest-used treatments for acne. It is found in many of the over-the-counter cleansing pads and in popular "as seen on TV" acne treatments. Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, are the bacteria responsible for acnes. The bacteria cannot live in an oxygen-rich environment. Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the pore, thereby killing P. acnes. Benzoyl peroxide is also good at cleaning out skin pores of excess dead skin, which in turn helps prevent pore blockages. Common side effects of this treatment are flaking and drying of the skin, which can be mediated by a little moisturizer. It's recommended to start with a benzoyl peroxide concentration of 2.5 percent to acclimate the skin.

* Sulfur and Resorcinol are other substances that are good at drying up oil and sloughing off dead skin cells, which may end up clogging pores.

* Salicylic acid is a mild acid that works as a keratolytic agent -- it encourages the sloughing of dead skin cells. It is found in a host of skin treatment products because of its ability to dissolve the outer layer of skin.

* Alcohol will dry out the skin and excessive oil. It is typically found in toners and other face washes.

* For severe acne cases, a dermatologist may prescribe medications that work to treat acne from the inside out. A combination of oral antibiotics (to kill the P. acnes bacteria), and vitamin A derivatives (to shrink oil-producing sebaceous glands) may be used depending upon severity.

There are many viable treatments for acne. With routine care lesions can be kept at bay and under control. Over time an individual may find he or she "grows out" of acne. If you are concerned about acne, visit your doctor to find a treatment method that is best for the severity of your condition.

CAPTION: Acne can be controlled with different treatment options.

technorati tags: acne sebum sebaceous glands blackhead whitehead acne treatment

'Heel' and Pamper Your Feet

(MS) -- Millions of dollars are spent every year by women and men who want to pamper their feet. While the pedicure has evolved into a spa treatment in recent years, it really has its roots as a medical procedure designed to care for ailing feet.

Although a pedicure is a popular beauty treatment, there are still many who are reticent to put their feet in someone else's hands. Concern about sanitary procedures at a spa or embarrassment about the condition of their feet leads many individuals to seek out home treatment options that are convenient, effective and affordable. So at-home spa treatments have become popular.

Cracked, dry heels is one condition that can cause embarrassment and even pain. In many cases, this common problem is caused by dry skin, the presence of calluses and prolonged pressure on the heel, particularly for people with a job that requires a lot of standing. People with severely dry heels have been known to wear through pantyhose or socks, and may experience cracking so advanced that heels ache or bleed.

It may not be necessary to visit a spa or podiatrist to treat cracked heels. The Heeltastic(TM) soothing balm, in a convenient application stick, is the newest product for your at-home foot therapy routine. It is formulated for chronically dry and cracked skin. The balm penetrates deep into the heel with Neem and Karanja oils imported from India, as well as skin moisturizers and nutrients that promote healthy skin. Gentle enough to use several times a day, feet feel smoother and softer after just days of use. To learn more, visit www.heeltastic.com.

Those who want to take additional steps to promote foot health and an attractive appearance should consider these additional foot care tips:

* If you do have pedicures at a salon, it is a wise investment to purchase your own tools so you are ensured they are sanitized and safe.

* Wash and soak your feet daily for cleanliness and be careful to rinse off all soap, especially between toes.

* When clipping toenails, do so straight across, to prevent the formation of ingrown toenails. Do so after a bath or shower so that the nails will be soft and easier to cut.

* Wear shoes and socks that fit correctly. Otherwise you risk corns and calluses, which can be painful and unsightly. Limit the use of high heels, which put unnatural pressure on the balls of the feet.

* If you frequent a gym, locker room or public pool, do not walk around barefoot -- use a pair of sandals or flip-flops. This protects your feet from bacteria or fungus that may be present on the floor.

* Regularly slough off dead skin that forms on the feet with a pumice stone, or something more convenient like the PedEgg(TM).

*Walk around the home in bare feet frequently. It stretches out the tendons and ligaments of the foot and promotes circulation.

* If you work on your feet or spend long hours standing, take frequent breaks and elevate the feet to prevent cracked heels or other foot pain.

* Enlist the help of a partner for a good foot massage every once in a while. A product as simple as mineral oil can be used as the massage lubricant.

* If you are a diabetic, foot care is essential. Regularly inspect your feet for any cuts, blisters or calluses. Consult with a podiatrist for treatment.

technorati tags: pedicure spa treatment beauty treatment foot care foot care tips

Safe Solutions to Get a Good Night's Rest

(MS/PRNewswire) -- It's 2 a.m. and you still haven't fallen asleep. It's been a similar situation night after night. Don't worry, you're not alone.

Every year millions of people report having frequent sleep disturbances, say statistics. Women are generally more apt to having a sleeping problem than men or children. In a search for relief, some people try over-the-counter sleep remedies while others suffer night after night. Others still seek help from their family doctor by the way of prescription medication. All of these remedies have their risks.

Doctors generally agree that sleeping pills are a short-term solution to a sleeping problem. In fact, some drugs may have side effects that are troublesome or mask underlying symptoms of insomnia, such as apnea. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked manufacturers of sedative-hypnotic sleeping pills to warn consumers and health professionals about potential risks like sleep-driving, anaphylaxis, cooking and eating food, and making phone calls while asleep --all situations that have been documented in recent years. Drugs, even over-the-counter ones, may have a certain measure of dependence or addictiveness.

As a result, many women have begun seeking alternative, drug-free solutions to their sleeping problems. They could find that making a few lifestyle changes, such as limiting noise in the bedroom, is all that's needed to get some rest. Loud noises, be it from barking dogs, morning garbage trucks or the ever-present snoring of spouses, are often at the root of female insomnia.

Sleep Pretty in Pink(R) Ear Plugs, for example, have grown in popularity thanks in large part to word of mouth, and doctor recommendation. These ear plugs are tailor made for women's smaller ear canals and reduce noise by 32 decibels.

"I recommend the Sleep Pretty in Pink ear plugs to all of my female patients," says Dr. Marc Darrow. "These cute little pink ear plugs are a drug-free solution that helps women fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer."

Other natural and healthy ways to combat insomnia include:

* Regular daily exercise: As little as 30 minutes of exercise per day can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. While daily exercise can be effective, don't exercise too late at night, as such a schedule will raise your body temperature, perhaps adding to your existing difficulties with insomnia.

* Eliminate nap time: Busy professionals often find a short nap can help them make it through the day. However, such naps can prove too energizing, making it more difficult to fall asleep at bedtime.

* Block out light: Light that shines into the room by a street lamp or even cars in the neighborhood could be disruptive to sleep. Install darkening curtains to limit light in the evening and early morning.

Sleep Pretty in Pink Ear Plugs are available at grocery, drug and superstore locations nationwide. For more information, visit www.sleepinpink.com.

CAPTION: Non-drug remedies, such as ear plugs, can help you get the sleep you need.

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technorati tags: good night sleep sleeping problem insomnia sleep

Be a Knockout Bride With Professional Hairstyle Tips

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day. That's why she'll spend endless hours searching for the perfect gown, accessories and veil. What the prepared bride knows, however, is that her finished look can come off as incomplete if she doesn't have a beautiful wedding-day hairstyle.

To ensure the right style, you just might have to put your hair into the hands of a professional stylist who has the expertise to design a look to complement your gown and wedding theme. To get you started, here is some advice from hair-product manufacturer Joico.

1. What styles are good for a bride with short hair?

Keep it sexy and feminine. Add a little bit of lift and volume if it coordinates with what you're wearing. Keep it loose and free (not too fixed) because you'll feel more comfortable that way. Lighten it up and spice it up with some color.

2. What styles are good for a bride with long hair? Long hair is fascinating because you have lots of choices. Wear it sleek, tight and in a bun. Or go for volume and movement. Wear it half-up, half-down. Go retro. Go modern. If you have long hair, show it off; don't hide behind your veil too much. Let the world know your long hair is part of your look. A loose and soft movement indicates sexy and fresh.

3. What would be a great classical look?

A ponytail with a bun and a small twist with a pin or accessory looks very classic. Sleek and smooth are great with a stronger wedding gown. Don't make the hair too complicated if the dress is the focus or the show-stopper.

4. What would be a great modern look?

Simplicity in the movement, the flatness, the volume and taking the hair away from the face. All of those make the silhouette, and the flow of the bridal hairstyle look more graphic, stylish and right now. Don't overdo it with hair products, and don't have it conflict with makeup. Both should seamlessly work together -- one shouldn't dominate the other.

5. What styles would you suggest for a strapless dress?

Up and away because you want to show off that beautiful long neck and skin. Pin hair at the nape or build hair up in the crown; just keep hair away from the nape. Braid it, curl it, wave it, straighten it, and then pull it back. It's an instant face lifter and makes the body look more streamlined.

6. What styling products would you suggest for taking the bride through the whole day without reapplication?

Joico's K-Pak Smoothing Balm smoothes and conditions the hair, giving it sexy shine. K-Pak Protective Hair Spray by Joico is light and brushable. You'll also want to choose a styling mousse, such as K-Pak Thermal Designing Foam. It's like foundation for the style: It will hold but won't be rigid.

7. Is there any hair advice that you can suggest to the bride?

Rehearse the hairstyle before the big day. Keep it loose and soft, and don't overdo it. As long as it doesn't overpower the makeup and clothes, then it should look great. Do what you want to do. It's your day.

CAPTION: Get the help of a professional when deciding what style is right for you on your wedding day.

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

(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