Friday 21 September 2007

What Everyone Ought To Know About Designer Dog Beds

By: Kausik Dutta
There are literally dozens and dozens of pet beds out on the market, available for you to purchase for your dog or cat. How do you know which designer dog bed is right for your dog? There are many different factors that you should keep in mind when deciding upon a pet bed to purchase.What is the bed cover made out of? If it doesn’t feel pleasant to your hand, then the odds are that your pet won’t be comfortable in that bed. If you have a larger dog, then you’ll want to take his or her chewing habits into account. While we would all like to believe that our dogs are perfect angels, deep down we know the truth. Some of them just have bad habits. If your dog is a chewer, then you’ll definitely want to get a pet bed made of an industrial strength fabric like canvas. The best designer pet beds are extremely comfortable, as they are overstuffed with density foam and memory fiber to give your pet the most support. The memory fiber also helps the designer dog bed to last for a long time. You take a lot of time to pick out your mattress—don’t you think your dog deserves the same consideration?Can you remove and wash the cover? Regardless of your specific pet’s bad habits, always get a designer dog bed that has a removable cover. Dogs are animals, and animals tend to get dirty. Therefore, you always want to be able to remove the cover of your dog’s bed and throw it in the washing machine. The best pet beds on the market offer a stain resistant, mildew resistant, and water repellent bed covering that helps to minimize the amount of time you’re spending washing your pet bed’s cover. How does the bed look? Just because your dog is going to be sleeping on it doesn’t mean that the bed needs to be an eyesore in your living room, den, or bedroom! Most designer dog beds are available in neutral colors such as powder blue, khaki, or olive green. When you’re trying to decide upon a pet bed, make sure to take the look of the bed into consideration. The best designer dog beds will match any décor in your home and can therefore be moved easily from room to room. They’re also as attractive as your own furniture. Designer dog beds look like a couch for your dog and have a bolster supporting your dog. They offer extreme support and easy entry for those dogs that are getting up there in age.Purchasing a pet bed is comparable to purchasing a mattress and bed for your own use. Take your time and choose a dog bed where your pet can be truly comfortable and at home. Your pet deserves his or her rest, too.

The Invisible Dog Fence and its Advantages

By: Milos Pesic
An electronic dog fence is a wire buried in the ground on your property that makes sure the dog can`t go outside the security of its home. Furthermore, It can help dog owners make sure that their dogs cannot inflict any accidental damage to somebody else`s property. Invisible dog fences are rather straightforward. The wire conveys a signal originating from a tiny unit. The dog wears a specific collar which receives an electrical shock if it gets near the wire or passes over the fence. More accurately, these electrical signals are usually zoned. When the dog draws near a warning zone anywhere close to the wire, it is going to hear a warning audio signal coming from collar. If it gets even closer, it will receive a buzz from a small electrical impulse via the collar. These fences are with no trouble adjustable and can be set up to be appropriate for any dog and any layout established by the owner, including the distances of both the warning and the correction zones. Likewise, the potency of the electrical impulse can be changed to satisfy the size and personality of the dog.This invisible fence can successfully keep dogs within the boundaries of the owner's property and also help them get to know their boundaries. Upon induring one or two shocks, the dog is routinely trained by the system to keep away from the boundaries of the property. likewise, underground dog fences are very handy in the fact that they really don`t take up any substantial property space. They are governed by the collar the dog is wearing, and the predefined areas the dog is allowed to stay in.What is impressive about invisible fences is the fact that they can easily be wired and programmed to secure almost any important area of your home which is subjected to the playful disobedience of your energetic dog, such as gardens, swimming pools, driveways, fish ponds, flowerbeds and other delicate areas. The only problem with these electronic fences is that it doesn`t elude other people or animals trespassing onto your property.Dogs should always be securely contained so that they can`t be disturbed or injured by other animals or by children and so that they will not break out. Invisible or electronic fence is one of the best selections, still, dog owners must also perform a systematic investigation on every enterprise and each do-it-yourself kit to assure it satisfies their needs. Next, they should keep the collar in working order and control the dog while it is outside.

Dog Training Leash - Picking the Right One

By: Derek Wood
So you thought you had everything for your pet. You bought food, water dishes, toys, treats, some more toys, a crate, and who knows what else. But did you in fact by a training leash? If you're like most people you only bought a small leash, perhaps six feet in length, or maybe even a retractable one. So why not buy a training leash? You are planning on training your pet right? If so then you will want to get a much longer leash that can be used during your training sessions. These leashes are quite simply longer one piece leashes, usually made of nylon or leather (much more expensive), and come sizes that range from 20 feet to 50 or 100 feet. So which one should you get? Take these factors into consideration.The size of your dog.This should go without saying but I see people using 30 foot leashes on a Yorkshire terrier and the yorkie never goes more then 10 feet away. In the same manner, if you have a greyhound, shepherds, or other large dog that loves to run, you cannot work with only a 6 foot leash. You have to use some common sense here folks. Small dogs can get away with smaller leashes, and the retractable ones are quite common with small dogs. I do not recommend retractable ones for large dogs as they can easily snap them or chew through it when you're not watching.The energy level of your dogs.I have two dogs in training right now. Both are German Shepherds. The male is much more laid back then the female, and does not need nearly as much running time. The female has much more energy then even I do, and a longer leash on her allows me to let her run without having to chase her. When she tires out I can switch to a shorter leash if needed. Your own energy levels.If you're a jogger and do not mind running around the yard with your dog running along side of you, a short one will likely do. But if you are not in the best of shape then you're not likely to keep up with your pet for long. Dogs, especially larger and younger dogs, will have more energy, and can outrun all but the fastest humans. If your dog gets away from you, you might not be able to catch them. This could be disastrous if you're out in public.Leashes are inexpensive when you consider the overall cost of pet ownership. Do yourself a favor and get one short one for normal walks, and a longer one for training. Gauge your individual needs as to how long of one you should get. Keep in mind the factors above and the decision becomes easier.

Become a Style Expert on Handbags!

By: Marion Chamberlai
How you express your flair through a certain accessory, as a certain element of your indefinable style, is an undeniable sign that you're quite comfortable with self-expression. For many women that certain element is a handbag. Your handbag reveals what type of person you are. Your handbag can clearly signify whether you're a busy mom, a trendy fashionista, a utilitarian multi-tasker or a classic and stylish woman. Additionally, this drives the shapes and condition of your handbag. Is it battered and well-worn? Is the bag in good condition? Is it cloth and easily maintainable? How large or small is it? My goal is to let you in on a few secrets to help you become a style expert on handbags. Namely, how can a signature piece of your accessory collection complement your signature style!When selecting a signature handbag, the following steps should be taken:1. Flatter your figure. The more curvaceous your shape, the more structured, i.e. rectangular or square design, your bag should be. Also, larger bags look better on a larger women and a smaller bag look best on smaller-framed woman. A shoulder bag's length will accentuate the part of the body it hits, i.e. your waist or hips. Large-busted women should opt for shoulder bags that hit below the bust to avoid looking top-heavy. The length which flatters most women is anywhere from her mid-torso to the top of her hip bone.2. Complement your lifestyle. The bag has to hold all of your normal handbag contents (not junk…). You need to have easy access to your wallet, phone, keys, tissues, and lipstick and should not have to be bothered with complicated closures or zippers that jam. If you commute via a public transit system, look for straps that can be worn across your chest and avoid big totes that put strain on your shoulders and neck.3. Know your signature style. What are the key shapes, colors and fabrics that make up your undeniable style? The personality of your handbag should truly be a reflection of this. I typically recommend sticking with neutral colors when you add bolder colors to your wardrobe. However, if you prefer neutral colors for your wardrobe, add a boldly-colored handbag to your signature style. A high-quality leather handbag is the best choice for year-round use since you can count on it for daily use. You might want to consider adding a fabric or straw bag to your wardrobe for weekend or warm weather looks.4. Think return on investment. Before you grab that trendy and stylish bag, ask yourself how many opportunities you will have to use it. If you can only think of one event, put it right back. Or does it look great, but it looks like it is constructed poorly? Again, put it back on the shelf. You want to stick with a bag, which will provide multiple opportunities for use and won't collect dust on your shelf or be forgotten in a box.You can easily become a style expert on handbags by following the steps above. Also, remember that your choice in handbag should always signify that you're quite comfortable with your signature style.

Garnet Jewelry - Express your love

By: J. Mosley Mosley
Garnet is the birthstone for people born in the month of January and it is supposed to contain powers that will facilitate your night vision and help you to achieve success. It is also the traditional stone that symbolizes the second marriage anniversary. In the past, some archeologists have found different types of garnet jewelry in the lake dweller graves. According to them, garnet was a popular form of jewelry in the Bronze Age. Today, you can find garnet mines in India, Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Siberia and Africa.Not all the garnets are a high quality gem but the ones that are of high quality, they are more than just priceless. You buy a garnet ring once, it is for life! They are available in a broad spectrum of colors except in blue. You will find a vibrant orange garnet ring, lime green garnet ear rings, pink garnet in affordable jewelry, and even shades of violet.Garnet consists of certain minerals like Pyralspites (aluminum), Ugrandites (calcium), Pyrope, Uvarovite, Almandine, Andradite etc. Apart from pure varieties of garnets, there are some mixed varieties like malaia or malaya, and grandite. Another type of garnet comes in a hue of purple and it is called rhodolite. As far as the color of garnet is concerned, there is a special type of garnet called the Spessartite garnet. Spessartite garnet is ideochromatic, which means that is gets its color from magnesium. Magnesium produces the vibrant orange in garnets, which has become irresistible and popular. Now if you mix some iron in the form of almadine, then the garnet will produce a deeper red color, more like the red wine and is as intoxicating. Did you know that the garnet actually got its name from the Latin word granatum meaning grain?Garnets are available in two different forms, the igneous and the metamorphosed rock formations. These rocks are formed due to intense heat like the one produced by volcanoes. Garnets hold a strong reputation of being tough and they are used as a gemstone and also in the abrasive industry. It is an excellent substitute for mineral slag and sand in blast cleaning treatments. One of the new found type of garnet is the Spessarite garnet. Most Spessartite garnets are available in three different categories. The light colored garnet and bright ones with deep orange or red color comes from Nigeria. There is the spectacular tangerine orange or mandarin garnets, which come from Namibia and they are a class by themselves. The Spessartite garnet has a deep red color but it will look its best in incandescent light. So if you are planning to buy one then check it under the incandescent light. The garnet is quite a strong stone and measures 6.5 to 7.5 on the Moh’s scale and this means that it can stand the test of time just your love. When you gift a garnet then it becomes symbolic of your love and devotion for that person.

Casino Games: How you Can Win, Why You Must Win

By: Rajesh Kumar
Casino Games: How you Can Win, Why You Must WinSome tips on how to take the casinos money at the tables, and not in a back room with a gun and a mask.BODY:Casino games:You have many choices of casino games that you can try to win your financial freedom. Picking the right game for you is important. You want to play a game that requires skill and not just luck. Roulette is a luck based casino game. In roulette you attempt to guess what number will win, but in a game like poker you can use experience to make a better hand or bluff your way to the big win.Education:Trying to learn several games at the same time just makes it all that much longer before you become proficient at any of the games you are trying to learn. This is because you will be splitting your practice time between several games instead of putting all your efforts into one game. Figure out which game you enjoy the most and start with that one. So if you enjoy playing Texas Holdem then make that your game and dedicate all your free time to improving your game and your understanding of the game.Confidence: How much you believe that you will win will show in the way you walk thru the casino and will affect the way other players react to your presence. Your confidence can make others feel less confident and make them more likely to make simple mistakes. Or more likely they will play more conservative and take fewer chances giving you more opportunities to go for that big win.Attire:Let me start off by saying that if you are not a professional player with over 1 million dollars in winnings under your belt you should not be wearing a shirt with sponsors on it. People who sit around a poker table playing the table minimum but dress like they are playing on television at the World Series of Poker are looked at as fools by other players in the poker rooms. If you are trying to get the other players to underestimate you this is a good way o do that, but do not try to intimidate the other players like this they will not fall for it.Money:As the old saying goes it takes money to make money, and if you want to take home a chunk of the casinos money you are going to have to be realistic. You are not going to win a fortune playing blackjack for 20 dollars a hand. You will need to play big to win big. You should be betting the casino max, which is usually around $1,000 a hand. You are going to need a substantial bank roll, but that does not mean that you should throw money at every single hand, if you are not getting any good hand you can always change tables, and many casinos will allow you to request a new dealer.Opponents and Other Players:In some poker games like Texas Holdem you are playing to beat the other players at the table, but in games like 3 card poker and Blackjack you only have to play against the dealer. In games where you have to play against the other players you want to play against weaker players, but in a game where you are playing against the dealer it does not matter what how good the other players are, except that a bad player can mess up your game.With these 6 little tips you can greatly improve your chances of winning some serious money in the casinos and making the change from amateur gambler to one of the pros.

Online Casino Games

By: Lee Pickrell
Online Blackjack, Roulette, Video Poker, Online Keno, Slot Games, Craps, Solitaire or any other game you may have in mind, Bingobase informs you about the best places to play them. Choose from a vast collection of exciting games from dozens of leading online casinos such as 32 Red Casino, InterCasino, Littlewoods Casino, William Hill Casino and Coral Casino among others. With big names vying for your attention, you truly feel like a king. Pick and choose your game from the best on offer. Casinobase is an online casino comparison site that provides players with all the information they may require before choosing which online casino to play. Find information about casino gaming sites on one page and compare deposit bonus, games on offer and user reviews among others.If you love games that involve pure gambling, i.e. those in which the outcome depends entirely on luck, settle for games like Blackjack, Roulette and Craps. Blackjack is a card game in which you play against your opponent i.e. computer. The objective of online Blackjack is to accumulate cards that add up closer to twenty-one, without going above it. Roulette is another hugely popular game, the aim of which is to predict where the ball will land after each spin of the Roulette wheel. This game offers lot of gaming fun and also allows you to have either individual or group bets. The game of Craps requires you to predict the outcome of a roll of the dice. It is as popular today as it was during the times of Romans. On the look of it, this game seems very difficult but once you know the basics, playing craps is much easier.If you are interested in games that also allow for planning strategies rather than complete dependence on the luck factor, you can try games like Video Poker and Keno. Video Poker combines features of both poker and slots and also the elements of luck and strategy. Hence, to a certain extent you can control the course of the game. This is an exciting and fast moving game due to which it is very popular in UK. Keno is a number game that is safe for amateur gamblers to start with. Risks of falling into debt aren't usually high since you normally play with small amounts. But this game also has its variations wherein the money payoffs may be large.Bingobase casino listing lets you play all these fun games and more at the best casinos and with huge money payoffs. Make the most of online gaming. Log on to Casino Bingobase and catch the latest in the world casinos.

Learn the backgammon rules well to get the most out of your game

By: Gene Marshall
Just as the best drivers are those who know the rules of the road, superior backgammon players are those who take the time to properly learn the backgammon rules. Fortunately, the regulations of the game are not at all complex and there are plenty of opportunities available to learn how to play backgammon. So the first question that needs to be answered is where to turn to find out how to play backgammon – all that a players needs to know about the setup of the backgammon game, the rules controlling the positioning of the checkers and their movement and what actions are legal for a player to take as they try to become the first one in a position to bear off (remove) all their checkers and so become the winner of the game. In addition to knowing how to arrange and move checkers as well as the backgammon board set-up, it’s equally as important to understand the circumstances in which you can hit an opponent’s checkers as well as other aspects common backgammon game-play. Many players will also want to learn the additional rules that come into effect when backgammon is played for money. Many of the rules of backgammon gambling are associated with the handling of the doubling cube, which is the special die used when a player wishes to increase the stakes for which the game is played.At the most simple level, many players start off as children learning the rules of the game from the instructions provided with the basic backgammon set they receive as a birthday present or buy themselves. Certainly this information will be sufficient to know how each player should position their fifteen checkers at the opening of the game. They will also explain such key points of play as the rule that you can only hit an opponent’s single checker on a point, and once the checker is hit it is placed on the bar – the central ridge running down the board – and from here the owner of the checker has to try and get the dice throws to bring the checker back into the game. However, the more serious player is going to want additional information.Over recent years many books have been published explaining clearly all the rules of the backgammon in a way that enables the reader to quickly absorb them. Joining a backgammon club is another excellent way of quickly gaining a familiarity with the rules of the game. Today many players find it most convenient to learn the laws of backgammon from the information provided on one of the many online backgammon gaming rooms. Not least because the Internet backgammon site owners want to encourage people to play the game, they offer clear explanation of the laws of the game, and much valuable information on strategy, which shows how these rules operate in actual gaming situations. Furthermore, the free backgammon download allows you access to a sophisticated backgammon computer. You can use the backgammon online computer to practice your game and put the rules you learned to a practical test.

Increase your Skills Playing a Tavla and Acey-deucey

If you're a fan of backgammon looking for new and interesting ways to develop your winning skills, then you’ll want to check out a great game called Tavla. What better way to increase your speed and strategy than by trying a few backgammon variations? Several popular versions of the game are gaining popularity with backgammon fans. Here we will look at two: Tavla and Acey-deucey.Tavla, sometimes referred to as Turkish backgammon, offers fans all the excitement of regular backgammon but at an even faster pace. In parts of the Middle East it’s called Tawula. You also start the game off in a slightly different way. Each player has fifteen checkers just as he does in backgammon, however only two of these are placed on the board to start a game. The remaining thirteen checkers must be played onto the board by rolling two die. You must get all of your checkers onto the board before you can play the two already there. This creates a race between both players with each trying to be the first to get his checkers into the game to begin moving them toward his home board. Tavli is often played for fun or for money. It uses slightly different dice to regular backgammon dice and the board is more often placed on one player's knee than on a backgammon table. There is no doubling cube and the speed with which experienced players can play the game is truly something to see.The second variation of backgammon that you can enjoy is Acey Deucey. This popular variation dates back to the First World War when marines and seamen would challenge each other to Acey-deucy games to while the hours away. If you like to play backgammon, you're guaranteed to enjoy the challenge this particular variation offers. Acey-ducey players begin a game with fifteen checkers in total but none on the board. This means that you must play all of your checkers into the game. To do so, you must roll a one and a two, which is how the game gets its name. Following this, you can choose a number for a double, and you must move your checkers four times the double. Bearing off in Acey Deucy is especially difficult because you must roll the exact number that corresponds to each point. If you have a checker occupying your four point, you must roll a four to remove it from the board instead of rolling a five or six. This obviously makes it more difficult to win a game and creates a highly competitive finish.Like tavla, this version of backgammon is often played for enjoyment rather than gambling. If you're a gambling type, you can still make these games work for you by using them to improve the way you think strategically. Valuable skills can be learned which you can put into practice for real money when you next play regular backgammon. So if you're looking for a new challenge and think you're good enough to incorporate a few new rules into your backgammon experience, why not try these fun and exciting games for yourself?

Increase your Skills Playing a Tavla and Acey-deucey

By: Gene Marshall
If you're a fan of backgammon looking for new and interesting ways to develop your winning skills, then you’ll want to check out a great game called Tavla. What better way to increase your speed and strategy than by trying a few backgammon variations? Several popular versions of the game are gaining popularity with backgammon fans. Here we will look at two: Tavla and Acey-deucey.Tavla, sometimes referred to as Turkish backgammon, offers fans all the excitement of regular backgammon but at an even faster pace. In parts of the Middle East it’s called Tawula. You also start the game off in a slightly different way. Each player has fifteen checkers just as he does in backgammon, however only two of these are placed on the board to start a game. The remaining thirteen checkers must be played onto the board by rolling two die. You must get all of your checkers onto the board before you can play the two already there. This creates a race between both players with each trying to be the first to get his checkers into the game to begin moving them toward his home board. Tavli is often played for fun or for money. It uses slightly different dice to regular backgammon dice and the board is more often placed on one player's knee than on a backgammon table. There is no doubling cube and the speed with which experienced players can play the game is truly something to see.The second variation of backgammon that you can enjoy is Acey Deucey. This popular variation dates back to the First World War when marines and seamen would challenge each other to Acey-deucy games to while the hours away. If you like to play backgammon, you're guaranteed to enjoy the challenge this particular variation offers. Acey-ducey players begin a game with fifteen checkers in total but none on the board. This means that you must play all of your checkers into the game. To do so, you must roll a one and a two, which is how the game gets its name. Following this, you can choose a number for a double, and you must move your checkers four times the double. Bearing off in Acey Deucy is especially difficult because you must roll the exact number that corresponds to each point. If you have a checker occupying your four point, you must roll a four to remove it from the board instead of rolling a five or six. This obviously makes it more difficult to win a game and creates a highly competitive finish.Like tavla, this version of backgammon is often played for enjoyment rather than gambling. If you're a gambling type, you can still make these games work for you by using them to improve the way you think strategically. Valuable skills can be learned which you can put into practice for real money when you next play regular backgammon. So if you're looking for a new challenge and think you're good enough to incorporate a few new rules into your backgammon experience, why not try these fun and exciting games for yourself?

Conflict of Interest between Drug Companies and Doctors

By: Nancy O'connor Phd
PILLS, PILLS and MORE PILLSWe are fortunate to live in a time having medications that alleviate uncomfortable, even life threatening symptoms of physical and mental dis-ease. Yet, traditional medicine in the developed countries continue to use only two primary methods to treat patients complaints; medication, generally in the form of pills, and surgery.When you visit your doctor and have a symptom, you get a pill, a second symptom, another pill, a third symptom still another pill with little regard for the drug interactions, neutralization of the efficacy or increased effects that one drug may have on another.Take a woman in her sixties who has high blood pressure, headaches, and fatigue and is overweight. She will be given a pill to lower her blood pressure, another to regulate her cholesterol, another to increase her energy and yet another for her headaches, possibly another to regulate her weight. Five medications. She may get short-term relief but faces potential long-term ramifications, including possible life threatening side effects and complications.Where and how do doctors decide what drugs to prescribe? From drug company representatives of course. They haunt offices of physicians offering bribes in the form of candy for the office staff for "just a minute to talk to the doctor," to free samples, inscribed pens, to lavish gifts including cherished tickets to college and professional sports games, trips and dinners in fancy restaurants. In fact a whopping 30 % of the marketing budgets of pharmaceutical companies is used to "educate " physicians and lure them into writing prescriptions for their latest banner drug. Other obvious methods of drug use seduction are television and print media ads to encourage people to request a specific medication from their doctors.This is blatant conflict of interest.I have personally been prescribed Vioxx, Permex, Advandia and female hormones when generic and /or cheaper alternatives were/are available. I am 74 years old and I have Type 11 diabetes with a family history of heart disease, yet the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) either warned or removed all of these drugs from the market due to the danger of causing heart attacks and strokes. What was my doctor thinking of when he put me on these drugs? Or was his decision motivated by propaganda by some drug salesman?These designer, non-generic drugs are very expensive for both the Medicare Advantage program (ultimately the tax-payer), my insurance company, and for me with an expensive co-pay, when they paid at all. I live on a fixed income and paying of expensive drugs creates a financial hardship for me. Additionally they put me in life threatening danger of an early death.The FDA as the alleged watchdog on drug safety is not doing its job. They are just another front for unscrupulous drug companies who value profit more than developing drugs that can save lives. They claim to be understaffed.

Treating dry skin condition naturally applying ayurveda principles

By: Dr.savitha Suri
Dry skin looks dull and life less due to lack of moisture. Well hydrated skin glows and exhibits a healthy look. Wrinkles develop at an early age due to prolonged dryness of skin. Dry, rough and wrinkled skin gives an aged appearance. Dry and cracked skin harbor microbes and cause fungal infections. Excess drying of skin leads to dry eczema.Hence a proper care should be taken to increase the moisture level of skin and prevent drying. Soft, smooth and wrinkle free skin gives young and healthy look..Causes of dry skin:Our skin is soft and smooth because of oil glands found under our skin. The skin becomes dry when these glands fail to supply sufficient lubrication to keep the skin soft and smooth.1. The cold and dry weather of winter takes its own toll on the skin. The cold, dry weather of winter brings about drying of skin making it scaly. Lack of sufficient humidity out doors also leads to dry skin. Indoor heating further removes the traces of moisture and aggravates dryness of skin. Thus in winter the skin becomes extremely dry.2.Dry skin condition may occur due to genetic factors.3. Dry skin condition may arise from nutritional deficiencies due to poor diet.4. Unhealthy practices like exposure to extreme weather conditions, bathing for long time in very hot water, using harsh soaps, swimming in chlorinated water, chemicals and harsh cosmetics.5. The skin loses its capacity to retain moisture, as we grow old. The extreme climatic conditions to which we get exposed, as we grow old worsen the condition and skin becomes more dry. 6. Few underlying diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis or seborrhea may also lead to dry skin.7. Dry skin may arise as an effect of medications like diuretics, antihistamines and anti spasmodics.What ayurveda says about dry skin ?According to texts of ayurveda dry skin is caused by vata dosha. When vata dosha increases in body it reduces kapha and makes skin dry and wrinkled. ( Kapha keeps skin soft and smooth where as vata makes the skin dry and rough. Vata dosha's qualities are opposite to kaphadosha qualities ). The causes which increase vata dosha in body1.Exposure to cold and dry climate2.Controlling natural urges like urination, defecation, hunger, thirst, etc. 3.Staying awake at unearthly hours ( late night). 4.Irregular food habits. 5.Excess physical and mental exertion. 6.Consumption of spicy, dry, bitter food. Here are the natural tips to take care of dry skin1.Do not use hot water to cleanse dry skin.2.Use a soft cotton cloth and pat dry your skin. Do not rub the skin with harsh, rough textured towels.3.Instead of washing with water use a clean sprayer to moisten your skin. Use mineral water instead of tap water for spray.4.Lightly pat dry the skin.5.Avoid using harsh soaps and face washes as they remove natural oil that protects your skin.6.Pamper your skin by massaging with moisturizer. Moisturizer increases the moisture of upper layer of skin and makes it soft and smooth.7.Regularly massage your body with herbal oil. Herbal oil softens and sooth the dry skin and help to trap the moisture between skin pores.8.Apply a thin layer of coconut oil before finishing the bath and pat dry the skin9.Avoid alcohol-based cleansers. 10.Consume a balanced diet which includes foods from all groups like vegetables, fruits, carbohydrates, cereals, milk and milk products.11.Include yellow and orange vegetables like carrot which have rich anti oxidants.12.Avoid junk food like chips, deep fried food etcAyurveda tips for dry skin condition. 1.Keep yourself warm in dry cold climates.2.Massage whole body with body massage oil which is infused with vata balancing herbs.3.Do not sit near fire place. 4.Avoid stale, over fried, dry food. 5.Always consume fresh warm food with little fat like ghee or olive oil. 6.Include sour and salty food in diet. 7.Sweet juicy fruits are recommended. 8.Drink 7-9 glasses of warm water everyday. (Do not drink cold water as it increases vata) Home remedies for dry skin1.Mix egg yolk, rose water lime juice, olive oil and orange juice (1 tea spoon each) thoroughly. Apply a smooth mixture of this ingredient on your face in morning and wash it off after 20 minutes2.A face mask of honey, egg, olive oil and rose water works very well for dry skin.3.Liberally apply gentle herbal moisturizer all over your body.4.Massage your body with herbal oil infused with vata balancing herbs, twice in a week.5.Increase the moisture level of skin by applying natural herbal gel which is rich in aloevera and essential oils.6.Consume herbal tea which contains vata balancing herbs regularly.

Mental Health Insurance

By: David Mcevoy
Despite public awareness campaigns highlighting the issues facing people with mental health problems and the fact that no one is immune to developing a mental illness, people with mental health problems are still facing unfair discrimination, prejudice and stigma every day of their lives, not just from members of the public but also from businesses, banks, employers and even when it comes to taking out an insurance policy.The truth is, any one of us can develop a mental illness, regardless of our age, gender, location, occupation or social status. Actually, the statistics show that at least one in four of us will experience some kind of mental health problem in the space of any one year. Mental health problems can be hugely diverse in nature and can range from mild cases of depression and anxiety to more serious cases of bipolar depression and schizophrenia with the types of symptoms and the degree of intensity of these symptoms varying from person to person. However, there are problems to face in the outside world too.Possibly one of the most distressing aspects of mental illness is the isolation and social exclusion often experienced by the sufferer purely as a result of ignorance and misunderstanding on the part of other people and it is this that needs to change. If we consider insurance for example, something that most people take for granted, but not if you have had a mental illness in the past or are suffering from a mental health problem at the moment.The findings of a major report on discrimination against the mentally ill showed that Insurance companies will often deny insurance or place exemptions on an insurance policy when there is a history of mental health problems, even if those problems existed many years ago and are no longer an issue. This applies to any type of insurance and not just life insurance either, travel insurance, mortgage insurance, employment insurance, payment protection insurance, all become more difficult to obtain if you have a mental health problem or a history of mental illness.This would appear to suggest that insurance companies as well as many others still do not understand the issues or the facts surrounding mental illness or the information just isn't getting through. For example, mental health problems can occur as an isolated case in relation to a specific set of circumstances and once treated, will never happen again, some types of mental illness are episodic in nature, and most people who seek help for mental health problems do go on to lead full and normal lives. Probably the most important point is that just because someone is suffering from a mental health problem doesn't automatically mean they pose a greater risk than anyone else. Insurance companies calculate their insurance premiums on the level of perceived risk, which is supposedly based on medical evidence. Perhaps this is the area that needs to be addressed.So what can you do about it? Certainly, if there is a case of unfair discrimination then it is possible to sue under the Disability Discrimination Act but according to Mind, the leading UK charity for mental health, only a small number of cases are taken out under this Act and of these, few are ever successful. Similarly, the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) report that most claims against payment protection insurance fail when mental illness is involved as it is a common exclusion in many insurance policies.

Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer

By: Francis Adam
Prostate cancer is one of the leading health problems and causes of death among men. It may be the major misfortune of a man in his prime. Life threatening health condition, as it may seem, it also provides the fear among men. The fear of losing one's manliness and the fear of being vulnerable are just a few things men with prostate problems can't handle.Age – Important Prostate Cancer Risk FactorProstate cancer arises from enlarged prostate, which is naturally occurring. There is no scientific explanation or cause of these conditions. The only reason science can come up with is that, as a man ages, symptoms of prostate cancer develops. There is no certain prevention about this medical condition. The only thing man can do is to undergo yearly examinations concerning the prostate for early detection of prostate cancer. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) will detect any prostate lumps or tumors through the rectum wall. Prostate Specific Antigen Testing will detect levels of PSA in a blood sample from your system.Family History, Nationality, Race are the Risk FactorsAfrican-American (black) men have the highest number of patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. They are more likely to be diagnosed with an advanced stage of prostate cancer. It is still unclear, somehow, why they have more risk of acquiring the condition in an advanced phase.Prevalent cases recorded are mostly in the United States and in Europe, which seems to conclude that prostate cancer is a western widely spread affliction. Prostate cancer is very rare in most parts of Asia and South America. There is no known reason for this kind of bizarre chosen potential candidates for Prostate cancer.Genetically speaking, the prostate cancer runs in the family. Families with this illness are likely to acquire it as early as they reach the age forty and it gets worse as bloodline get closer.Diet and Exercise in Prostate Cancer:Having a balanced nutrition plays a major role in downgrading prostate cancer risk factors. Cutting back on red meat and balancing your diet with fruits and vegetable helps strengthen your immune system. A strong immune system helps in countering the growth of dangerous cancer cells, if not eliminating them.Exercise, even if it doesn't have any effect on prostate cancer, might be helpful in lowering your chances of developing cancer cells. It is widely known that exercise together with proper nutrition will help you system repel any diseases trying to attack it. So having a healthy lifestyle might even prevent you from developing the prostate cancer cells, it might be the only way to save your life.In a nutshell, practicing a healthy lifestyle, undergoing annual check ups and various tests and having a balanced nutrition will lessen, if not eliminate, the risk of prostate cancer. There's no harm in doing what is best for your body.

Soft Tissue Sarcoma - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

By: Juliet Cohen
Soft tissue sarcoma is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells begin growing in soft tissue in the body. They can develop in any part of the body. Soft tissue sarcomas aren't common. Soft tissue sarcomas originate in such tissues as fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, and blood and lymph vessels. They occur slightly more often in men than in women, and they sometimes occur in children and adolescents. There are many different kinds of soft tissue sarcoma, depending on the soft tissue where the cancer begins. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common type of childhood soft tissue sarcoma. Some sarcomas, such as osteosarcoma, start in bone. These grow and develop differently and are treated differently from soft tissue sarcomas. Soft tissue sarcoma is more likely to develop in people who have specific genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, who have previously received radiation therapy. Because soft tissue is relatively elastic, tumors can grow rather large, pushing aside normal tissue, before they are felt or cause problems. Soft tissue sarcomas are classified according to the type of soft tissue they resemble. The first symptom may be a solid mass or lump. If the mass interferes with a function of the body, it may cause other symptoms. Soft tissue sarcoma rarely causes fever, weight loss, or night sweats. Less commonly they may occur in the head and neck. Soft tissue sarcomas go by a variety of names, depending on the tissue in which they originate. Causes of Soft tissue sarcoma The common causes and risk factor's of Soft tissue sarcoma include the following: The exact cause of soft tissue sarcoma is not known. Prior exposure to radiation. Exposure to some chemical agents and recent history of trauma. History of angiosarcoma of the liver Weak or poorly functioning immune system. Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Symptoms of Soft tissue sarcoma Some symptoms related to Soft tissue sarcoma are as follows: Stomach pain and vomiting. Pain, which becomes more constant as the disease progresses. Swelling may be present in the area of pain. Cough and breathlessness. Bleeding. Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen. The feeling of being full without eating very much (early satiety). Treatment of Soft tissue sarcoma Here is list of the methods for treating Soft tissue sarcoma: Surgery is the most common treatment for soft tissue sarcoma. Chemotherapy has been very effective in bone sarcomas and rhabdomyosarcomas, or muscle tumors. Radiation therapy- also called radiotherapy or X-ray therapy- involves treating cancer with beams of high-energy particles, or waves (radiation), such as gamma rays or X-rays.

The Fallacy Of High-Protein Diets

By: Catya Asilo
You see them gripping on their respective exercise machines...all gritty with determination to lose those extra pounds and build muscles. Instead of taking weight-loss pills they have decided to improve their physique by getting that expensive gym membership where they can workout their way to optimum health. Aside from lifting weights, these “gym rats” also religiously follow a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet prepared by their personal trainers and sports nutritionists. Each fitness gym promotes various fitness fads and routines from yoga, pilates, core fitness ball method, tae-bo, pole and belly dancing, and a host of other exercises. Still, the gym members are carefully taught that these exercises can only fully benefit them if they also follow a well-prepared diet. Workouts, they are told, will not work if the “weight watcher” refuses to limit food intake. It is along those lines that diet formulas have gained popularity in the fitness world. One such diet formula is the Atkin's Diet, undeniably among the most well-known diets that had already gained a strong following. Developed by Dr. Robert Atkins, the diet was first promoted in the 1960s as a solution to the emerging weight problems among many Americans. Considered a high-protein diet, the Atkins' formula spawned other methods or plans to control food intake. The diet craze gave birth to the “Stillman” diet in the 1970's, and the “Scarsdale” diet in the 1980's --- both of which promised leaner bodies and smaller waistlines. Atkins, Stillman, and Scarsdale made similar claims about the benefits of high-protein diets. They said that eliminating or taking minimal amounts of carbohydrates will lead to controlled weight and increased muscle size. According to physiologists and diet specialists, muscles literally break down when one works out or exerts physical action. Protein, as a muscle-building substance, is needed to build and re-build the muscles that are in constant daily use. People, especially athletes, who regularly expend large amounts of energy and utilize different muscle groups need regular supply of protein to build or retain muscle mass. Without enough protein in the body, the goal to increase muscle mass cannot be achieved. Additional protein is also needed to develop hard and ripped muscles. Weightlifters, all of whom aim to gain muscle mass, are the foremost followers of these high-protein diets. They are often found gulping protein shakes and consuming lean meat and tuna. High protein diets are popular because they initially cause one's weight to drop. Protein promotes the metabolism of body fat without reducing one's calorie intake. But doctors also warn that this drop is a reflection of fluid loss and not fat. Recent researches indicate these restrictions on carbohydrate intake coupled with fluid loss may cause an unusual metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body burns fat for fuel. During ketosis, a person may even feel less hungry and eat less. Still, ketosis has ben associated with health problems such as kidney failure, colon and prostate cancer, and osteoporosis. Ketosis may also cause less serious health problems such as weakness of breath, headaches. diarrhea, sleep difficulties, bone loss, and fatigue. Additionally, some studies claim that high-protein diets may lead to increased lactic acid in the body. Muscle pains according to studies may be experienced due to the increased lactic acid levels in the body.

Chromortherapy – Healing by Color

By: Sacha Tarkovsky
Chromotherapy is a form of healing based on the principle that all illness is manifested in a disturbed energy field (giving off light), and by the proper application of color to this energy field, a correction can be achieved, and with that correction comes healing. Experienced and well trained chromotherapists use both color and light to balance the energy fields, and claim to effect a reversal of negative reactions manifesting in our composite physical, mental, and spiritual make up.Although not yet proven by the modern scientific method, the chromotherapists believe that their methods are indeed scientific, and instruments to verify the results are not yet manifest. Furthermore, chromotherapists adhere to the belief that colors do indeed bring about identifiable emotional reactions in people. The treatment in chromotherapy is in the application of color and light to specific areas on the body. The therapists believe that colors have both positive and negative effects on the body’s energy fields; with some specific colors in specified doses can effect the actual healing. The therapists use a whole range of color carriers and emitters such as gemstones, fabrics, prisms, light wands, and colored water in baths.Here is a quick and easy guide, based on chromotherapists guidelines, as to the meaning of specific colors and their role in healing:RedRed is the color of life, associated with the sun and of fire. Red increases the heart beat (pulse) , raises blood pressure and the rate of breathing. Red would be used to assist all circulatory functions and is used with confidence to fight anaemia, asthma, diseases of the throat, chronic coughs, and other related illnesses. A person who emitting an excess of red could be very dominating, cruel, perpetually angry and anxious.OrangeOrange is the color representing both empathy and sympathy. Chromotherapists claim remarkable results in the use of orange to treat mental illnesses of both depression, pessimism. Orange is also used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases s, appetite loss, and other diseases of the circulatory and digestive systems. A person emitting an excess of orange is often confused, tired and pessimistic.YellowYellow represents the sun. As the brightest of the colors that are commonly used in color therapy, it reflects light in all directions, and gives the feeling of detachment and liberation. Yellow cancels out feelings of heaviness or oppression. Yellow is also employed to treat diseases of the glands the lymphatic system It strengthens the nervous and immune systems. A person emitting an excess of yellow is often could confused and is both malicious, and devious.GreenAs green gives a gentle harmonizing effect, it is the color associated with calm and peaceful feelings. Green therefore is the color associated with concentration. Green is used, in the treatment of bronchitis, all manners of cough, arthritis. rheumatism , and edema. It is also believed that green has a positive influence on the treatments of all manners of cysts, diseases of the eye. and diabetes. Green further is said to promote the glandular processes, promote relaxation of the organs and stimulate general detoxification of the body. A person emitting an excess of green is lethargic, insecure and jealous.

The Importance of Diabetes Testing

By: Lena Butler
In a world hunted by different types of degenerative diseases, diabetes is given prime importance as trends have indicated serious cases. According to the Center of Disease Control, diabetes has reached epidemic proportions that there are actually millions of people today that do not know they might have diabetes. Diabetes is a form of disease that grew from the unhealthy diet trends and lack of participation in physical activities of today’s generation. This dangerous practice has not only increased the number of diabetes cases, but also helped establish the link of wrong diet and unhealthy living with other conditions such as coronary heart disease and obesity. These kinds of diseases present us a ticking time bomb that might prove serious when it finally strikes. Thus, it is important to arm ourselves with the right information about diabetes and ourselves.Diabetes and its complications gives us different reasons why testing for this disease is important. For starters, diabetes in its early stages does not present any symptoms and the only way to tell if you have pre-diabetes is when you ask your doctors for tests. You may continue your unhealthy diet while not being aware that you have the disease. Early diabetes testing will help you review the status of your health. Even if you do not believe you have the disease, you can never go wrong in knowing your blood sugar level.For people who have developed diabetes, diabetes testing now becomes a critical activity. Despite all the advances in treatment, diabetes is not a disease that we can forget after taking a pill or insulin. Diabetes requires constant monitoring as differences in stress level, diet, exercise levels, and other factors affect your condition. Diabetes testing gives you your score for the day so that you can adjust your diet and other activities depending on your sugar level. As you take diabetes tests regularly, the more you will learn how the disease affects you.Regular diabetes testing will help you control and prevent any further complications of the disease. As a patient, diabetes test done at recommended times allow you to control your own body sugar since you can review what you have eaten for the day and adjust your diet according to what works for you. Having diabetes test tells you what food to avoid, when you need to exercise, when you need to relax to cope with stress, and when to take more medication to cope with the disease. Diabetes testing is a barometer not only of your health, but also how you deal with the disease.The prospect of taking regular diabetes testing might be frightening and stressful for us. However, we have to remember that these tests are our guide to succeed in living with diabetes. Without diabetes testing, we will not know how well we are doing in controlling the disease. Diabetes testing is actually our friend that tells us what’s up before the disease strikes. Diabetes testing helps us have a broader perspective in dealing with diabetes.

Critical Illness Cover With Legal & General

By: Mike Armstrong
Critical illness insurance was brought into the UK during the mid 1980’s. Since then, there have been considerable changes in the insurance market. More and more companies offering critical illness cover started to make their presence felt in the insurance market. Hence, competition was created and as a result, critical illness cover prices started to fall. However, policy price may depend on the amount of cover you may want or the type of critical illness policy you had chosen. So, let’s have a look at one of UK’s most popular insurance companies, Legal and General.According to Legal & General, they had paid around GBP 92,100,000 in critical illness claims. More precisely, since the year 1996, GBP 394,000,000 may have been paid as claims. They said that they also believe that their range of products may be one among the best in the market. Furthermore, Legal & General has now started to cover 35 critical illness conditions, around 12 more than that set by the Association of British Insurers. By looking at this, people may be attracted towards buying a critical illness cover with Legal & General. Generally, people may have the tendency to look for a company which can offer cost effective benefits.Furthermore, like any other insurance company, Legal & General may payout a tax free lump sum upon diagnosis of one of the 35 critical illnesses during the term of the policy. This one off payment may ease you out of certain financial difficulties by repaying your mortgage for example. Other advantages may follow, that is paying for private medical care, a convalescence holiday, making adaptations to a home or even maintaining individual or family lifestyles.Legal & General may classify its critical illness plan in two different categories: Mortgage protection and Family protection. Mortgage Protection related critical illness plans had been much popular than critical illness standalone policies. Here are some mortgage protection policies combined with critical illness insurance. Mortgage term assurance + critical illness cover, Mortgage Decreasing Term Assurance + Critical Illness Cover, Mortgage Critical Illness Cover and Mortgage Decreasing Critical Illness Cover. As for the family protection plan, here are some examples of certain policies. Level Term Assurance + Critical Illness Cover, Critical illness cover, Family and Personal Income Plan (FPIP) Term assurance + critical illness cover (monthly benefits) and Family and Personal Income Plan Critical Illness CoverAdditionally, with some policies, critical illness cover for future or existing children might be automatically included. This money could be used to provide healthcare assistance to the ill child whilst healthy children could be given necessary childcare support if needed.As seen above, Legal & General may be offering you numerous advantages when you buy a critical illness cover or any other type of insurance policy. But there are thousands of insurance companies in the UK from which you can choose from. They might be more cost effective. However, to get the best critical illness cover may depend on how you see the product. Low priced tagged critical illness policies might be attractive but you might end up getting a policy that may not be able to respond to your needs in the future.

A Natural Heartburn Remedy for Stomach Acid - It Works

By: Gilbey Scott
A natural remedy is a wonderful way to control heartburn. Imagine you are admiring a still life of a famous impressionist painter. A simple bowl of fruit rendered in many hues. now imagine that these hues represent the vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are important to your body‘s process of preventing heartburn ad other illnesses.For heartburn, or whatever reason, it make sense to have a bowl of fruit close by. Each fruit has its own profile of useful qualities.Here are a few examples.Apples - have long been acclaimed for their health benefits. Dark colored fruits are known for their beneficial flavanoids and phenolic acids. Rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as potassium, calcium and magnesium. Apple juice, especially cloudy, contains concentrates of these, making it even more beneficial. Bananas - are high in potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium, the same active ingredient you find in most antacids. Bananas are also a valuable source of vitamins, B6 and C. The inside of the skin is used to stop itching and skin irritation. Papayas - a tropical fruit that has been used by South American natives as a cure for wounds and stomach aches. It is strongly alkaline and contains an active ingredient that digest meat.Kiwi - Very high in potassium, calcium and magnesium. Also vitamins A, C and B6. May have benefits for repertory and heart disease.Cantaloupe - High in potassium, calcium and magnesium. Very high in vitamin A, also contains vitamin C.To talk about a natural heartburn remedy it is necessary to note that minerals play an important roll in the body‘s health. Minerals, unlike other things we eat are not burned for energy. Minerals combine with other elements to form essential compounds. The stomach is just such an example, manufacturing a powerful acid to digest food. This is done by forming hydrochloric acid from other compounds. This digestion process can cause heartburn when too much stomach acid is made or some spills into the esophagus.And how can you help? Since so much of what we eat is now days is acidic, it is hard for the stomach and body to work effectively to maintain a neutral acid/alkaline balance. One step is to follow the USDA’s food pyramid recommendations for a healthy diet by eating lots of vegetables and fruits. This can help greatly because alkaline fruits and vegetables can be a natural part of rebalancing the body’s chemistry.Another step you can take is to make adjustments to your diet. Balance the acid part of your meal (meat, dairy, processed grain, soda pop and coffee) with matching portions of alkali (vegetables.)So keep this in mind when planning heartburn prevention. The remedy for a heartburn problem is essentially the way to a healthy body. Make it a point to include lots of vegetable, preferably raw or steamed. Build a list of foods rich in essential minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. Build a daily routine based on sound menu choices and you should have a plan that eliminates heartburn and helps ward off other illnesses.

Skin Care Products That Can Make You Look Gorgeous

By: Francis Adam
Caring for your skin is always necessary but it is important to realize that you should take it seriously. It is possible to get very cheap products but such items might not do the trick. There is no point applying a lotion or cream which will give little or no results. There are many types of skin care products on the market, some for anti-aging, some for acne, some for firming and many other kinds too.At your nearest department store you will see plenty of diverse brands and different versions of skin care products but be wary of cheap prices. Many of the cheaper alternatives do not contain the best ingredients for your skin and might be made up of cheap fillers and even ingredients which might cause irritation. It is often best to buy the best skin care products you can afford. Whereas an expensive price tag does not necessarily mean the product is better than anything cheaper, many of the very cheap ones are not worth thinking about. We will have a look now at some of the more serious skin care products and their ingredients.Skin Care Products for AcneIf you have acne, the odds are high that you have tried some cheap lotions and potions which claim to cure the problem, in order to save money and because, if they work, you will not have had to buy the more expensive version. The truth is that, in the long run, you actually spend more. This is because you first buy all the cheap products, find they do not work, and then spend more money on better quality products, wishing you had gone for those in the first place. Acnezine is an example of a high quality acne product which is proven to be very effective for acne sufferers. This product is available for purchase online.Acnezine comes with a moisturizing cream especially for acne sufferers and capsules to take daily during the course of the treatment. The capsules contain antioxidants such as Vitamins E and C and the moisturizer contains soothing, all-natural ingredients, such as Goldenseal extract, Calendula extract and Aloe Vera extract. It might not be the cheapest acne product on the market but remember you get what you pay for. If you want to end the embarrassment and discomfort of acne as soon as possible, you should try a quality product such as this one. If it does not work, the company promises you a refund so you cannot lose.Anti-Aging Skin Care ProductsLots of people are interested in products which claim to reduce the signs of aging and prevent wrinkles. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of skin care products making these claims. When you are going to spend money on such a product, obviously you would prefer something that is going to have some beneficial effect on your skin. Anti-aging skin care products come in all price brackets but you should be wary about the very cheap ones. It might be worth spending a little more on a higher quality cream or lotion to make sure your skin is going to look as good as possible.An example of a great anti-aging product is Revitol. You have probably heard the name but perhaps not had the chance to try it yet. Revitol anti-aging solution is certainly worth the money because tests have proven that it is effective. The product noticeably reduces fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking much younger. The ingredients of Revitol include Matrixyl, Idebenone and Shea Butter. You can buy this online and, if you do not like it, you can send it back within ninety days for a refund.

Why Helichrysum Essential Oil Belongs In Your Medicine Chest

By: Misty Rae Cech Nd, M.ir.
In the United States, common use of the term 'Aromatherapy' is a bit misleading. The practice has been given a 'touchy-feely', 'soft-science' status to the general public through mainstream media. In much of the rest of the world, however, the therapeutic use of essential oils has a more elevated, scientifically-backed status. In the realm of medical aromatherapy, Helichrysum italicum essential oil holds an important place for its extremely broad range of healing action, which can benefit individuals from many walks of life.There are many, many species of the Helichrysum plant; it is crucial to find oil distilled from a particular variety for therapeutic use. The most potent oil is distilled from the tiny gold flower of the italicum species; the serotinum sub-species is noted by some authors as the most healing of all. Though oils from other Helichrysum species are available, their therapeutic actions are not as dramatic. To make matters more complicated, Helichrysum essential oil is also known as ‘Immortelle' and ‘Everlasting' – check the Latin name to be sure of the oil's source.The Helichrysum flower is native to the Mediterranean, where much of the finest oil is distilled. Exceptional oils are finally being distilled in America as well; GCMS testing has shown some of these oils have possibly some of the most healing molecular structures seen in Helichrysum available today. The oils distilled in North America can offer a significant savings to oils produced overseas if they have been carefully made. Wherever the origin of the oil, ensure it is therapeutic grade from a reliable supplier to obtain the most benefits.So what are the wonderful healing effects of this oil? Helichrysum italicum's chemical composition is unique in aromatherapy, with a great collection of active molecular structures. It is the only essential oil known to contain regenerative ‘di-ketones', chemicals which signal living tissues to heal themselves. A few other essential oils contain ketones, though most of these are employed in very limited applications due to safety concerns. Helichrysum oil and its components are totally benign and regarded as completely safe. Helichrysum also contains curcumene molecules recently being studied for their strong anti-inflammatory properties, and ‘spasmolytic esters' (muscle and tissue relaxants).As Dr. Schnaubelt notes: "The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is unique...Generally, Helichrysum italicum works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and regenerated." The oil has a great variety of applications due to this broad range of action. It is regularly used for skin, muscle and connective tissue injuries and healing with profound results. Most simply, the essential oil may be applied directly to larger cuts, scrapes and even surgical incisions to speed healing (true Lavender oil works well for small wounds – add a little Tea Tree in either case for a stronger anti-microbial effect).

Acid Reflux Relief

By: Frank Vanderlug
Acid reflux is a common problem which affects most people at least once in their lifetime. Therefore, given the common nature of the ailment, acid reflux remedies are also available widely. Though the disease is simple, if left untreated it can lead to severe damage or become a chronic condition. Therefore, it is better to get it treated in order to live a healthy and happy life.The symptoms which come with acid reflux are not very pleasant either. There is the burning sensation of the chest and throat, and a sour or bitter taste which rises into the mouth. Some people who experience these symptoms in their most severe forms often confuse them with heart attacks. The good news is however, that there are several remedies available to help alleviate the symptoms and cure the patient of the disease completely.Eating habits: Foods are recognized as the obvious trigger for heartburns. Therefore, avoiding certain foods which are known to be causes of acid reflux should help correct the problem. Try to identify the foods which may be causing this condition in you and avoid them altogether.Some heart burn inducing foods are garlic, tomatoes and chocolates. Beverages of the alcoholic or caffeine variety may also trigger symptoms of acid reflux in the patient. To identify these foods, you can eliminate the suspect food products from your diet for a particular period of time. If your symptoms improve, it is safe to say that you have found a remedy for your acid reflux.Avoid bad habits: Overeating is a known cause for obesity. However, what many people do not know is the fact that it can cause acid reflux as well. An overtly full stomach will inevitably put pressure on the muscle at the base of the esophagus. This is called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES.The digestive acids get squeezed back up instead of preventing them from getting into the esophagus, if there is too much pressure on this particular muscle. Therefore, avoiding large meals will also remedy symptoms of acid reflux.Other habits: Smoking should be avoided. In case, the patient is suffering from stress, finding effective ways to manage it would be a good option when fighting acid reflux symptoms. Other remedies include, eating smaller quantities of food per meal and also eating more frequently, not eating any food about 2-3 hours before bedtime; and also taking over the counter and prescribed medications.When looking for the best remedy, you should know that medications are not considered to be the best solutions for acid reflux. Though acid reflux is a common problem, it does not have to be disruptive for your life and lifestyle. Do consult a doctor though to find the best acid reflux remedies for yourself. This will ensure healthy and happy living for you.

Some tips in caring for your back

By: Margo Tuazon
Taking good care of your back is important in order to prevent back pains and other injuries from occurring. Here are some ways in caring for your back. Lift properly. When attempting to lift any type of weight from the floor, lift with your legs with the help of your knees and not with your back. Bend your knees as you lower yourself close to the object, making sure that the back is straight and the object is near your body with the hands securely holding it. Then, lift the object with your knees’ strength and then carry it on your waist level. Also, do not force yourself if the object is much too heavy for you to lift. Ask someone to help you out in the process. You may also want to make use of a roller or pushcart to assist you especially when transferring a heavy load from one distance to another. Carrying a heavy weight and walking around all the same for long periods can take a toll on your back. Relax and stretch. Sitting for very long periods can stress your lumbar spine. You may not be able to see its effect just yet because it gradually develops over time. To avoid this from happening, it is recommended that you stand up at least every twenty minutes to an hour or so and do relaxation techniques such as walking around or stretching. This can give you relief from stress and ease muscle tension. Stretching can also promote proper blood circulation in your back as well as the flexibility and durability of your back muscles.Get healthy and fit. Excess body weight can put a stress on your lower back and may aggravate back problems. Thus, it is important t maintain the ideal body and always make a conscious effort to keep it that way. All it takes is discipline and the drive to become fit and stay fit for a healthier lifestyle. Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet, take vitamin supplements, get plenty of rest and exercise regularly. You may want to start by performing low intensity exercises first such as walking. Moreover, swimming can also give your back muscles the right conditioning as well. Remember that stronger back muscles mean stronger back support. Sleep properly. You may not know it, but sleeping in the right position can spare you from experiencing back pains especially when you wake up in the morning. Have comfortable pillows to give you added sleeping comfort as well. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Also, put your pillows under your knees when sleeping on your back so that your back is kept in a slightly curved position. Make sure that your mattress is not too soft or too firm for you to sleep on. It may be a good idea to rotate your mattress’s position every three to four months or so and turn it over twice a year. When getting up, use your elbows and hands when pushing your body off the bed, allowing them to take most of the weight.

Bulimia Nervosa Testimonials of Recovery

By: Dr Irina Webster
Bulimia Nervosa is a long term disease. Recovery is often a hard and a long process with its ups and downs. That is why bulimia nervosa testimonials of recovery are interesting to read. You can always learn something interesting about how other people managed to beat this distorting body and sole disease. There are always a few very interesting stories about this.I will tell you mine… I always say that my story is not that bad as some others, who have developed an eating disorder, but I can tell you for a child as I was at the time, it was very traumatic. You see I was forced to study for hours after school with no contacts outside the house, during school days and on most weekends. Her friends soon learned not to call her or drop around after school or on the weekends as they would be chased away. As we know today children need recreation to develop skills and they get these from playing with other children so I was at a disadvantage. I soon developed bad eating habits as a kind of escape mechanism; it was more like binge eating (I ate just to make myself feel better, not because I was hungry). Soon my mother started to tell me I was getting big and I should stop eating so much. I don't believe I was getting bigger it was simply a matter that when I was 13, I was more developed than most of my piers. The problem was that I could not stop eating, as it had become the escape I needed to handle my situation. But because of the pressure I was under I soon worked out that I could eat heaps as long as I purged it up. This simply became a way of life for me and my bulimia was born.But don't get me wrong, I do not blame my parents as they thought they were doing the best for me and making sure I had the top grades that I needed to get into university as I had always wanted to be a doctor and help people. I think my parents were proud of the fact their daughter was an A grade student, it was prestigious to be so in the place I grow up in. I won all the regional schools events, like best science student, best Math student, regional champion etc. While other kids were doing their stuff on the sporting field, I was tied to my books: virtually 7 days a week.Did it deprive me of a childhood? Sure it did. But am I angry now? No, I am not because in away it has given me an insight into how eating disorders can get a hold of you and change you into somebody else. It was only when I realized through my studies at medical school that I was doing a lot of harm to myself so I decided to seek help.I started to approach my lecturers as I thought that they would know exactly what I should do to get rid of my problems: but it soon became apparent to me that the only help they could provide was to send me to counselors.You see when you are young and impressionable you tend to believe people in higher positions like I thought my lecturers were. I thought they would know all about things, after all they were doctors and they were teaching me all about medicine: but they didn’t. I struggled through the normal round of therapists, councilors and visiting the clinics. I did feel better when I was talking to them but slipped back to my old eating habits when I was at home.It also became apparent to me after awhile that I was not getting any real help from them either; I decided that the only person who could help me was me. But deep inside I thought if I stopped my bulimia how would I get through the day and cope with everyday stresses, I was actually scared to let it go. By this time the bulimia had become a habit and so addictive, being without it was incomprehensible to me. I often think now, how other sufferers must feel? After all I was being trained as a doctor, so I had a little bit more knowledge about how the body works than the average person and here I was trapped by this terrible affliction: what must they be going through? But you see I knew nothing about the real implications of emotions or emotional blockages and the role they play in an eating disorder. Sure I knew that my problem was emotional in nature: but not one of the specialists, councilors or my lecturers really knew how to remove these emotional blockages and they knew absolutely nothing about emotional strengthening: that in the end became the way I managed to recover. It was here that I found real help and soon started to formulate alternative methods for myself and finally I came up with a system that worked for me and I was finally free from my affliction. Now, I understand that it does not matter how much you as a sufferer want to stop your eating disorder: unless you can break the mental conditioning and the mental blockages you will always fail: no exceptions.Here is why: When it comes to getting results, your self-belief (programming) will always win out over your conscious desire.Why is this, why does this always happen? It happens because the mental blockages from the past are still there controlling your every move. It is those little voices that keep telling you:” You should go on binge.” These are the same voices I had that told me I could not get through the stresses of the day without my bulimia. To sum up, all bulimia nervosa testimonials of recovery are probably different. And it all depends on a personal story of individual. But the common thing of all successful bulimia nervosa testimonials is that there is some kind of special methodology we followed to beat this condition. And my methodology was identifying and removing subconscious blockages I had from the past.To read about the methodology go www.bulimia-cure.com

Aquasize To A Flatter Abdominals!

By: Li Ming Wong
When the weather is warm, there is nothing quite like going for a refreshing swim at the local pool. To add to the benefits, you can use it as an opportunity to work on those abdominal muscles. The water provides natural resistance, making the pool a great place to do abdominal exercises to flatten out that tummy. Despite the greater resistance water has than air, aquasizing is low-impact, meaning less strain on joints. Try out these exercises next time you take a trip down to your pool. Remember, consult your doctor before beginning a new workout routine, and always warm up properly to prevent injury. The first set of exercises to try is called the jump and dig. There are two moves in this set, one for the upper body and one for the lower body. The former is great for your obliques, and the latter works on your abdominals. To start, stand in water that is between your belly button and chest. To work the lower body (including your abdominals), put your feet a wide distance apart, then jump so your knees come up to the surface of the water and back down. Picture a frog as you do it; this will help you get the form right. Next, to work the upper body, begin by making a scoop with both hands at the surface of the water. Bring your hand scoop below the surface, then scoop up and to one side. Alternate sides to work the obliques on both sides. Start by doing the two moves separately for three minutes each. Once you have mastered the form, do them at the same time to exercise both sets of abdominal muscles at once. As you build strength and endurance, you can add water gloves to increase resistance. You can also do the exercises faster, packing more reps into each three minute period. Form is key, though. Do not sacrifice form for the sake of speed. It is better to do it properly than quickly. Also remember to set fitness goals and work toward them at a gradual pace. Do not push yourself too hard, too fast. You may want to see results fast, but an injury will seriously delay your workout goals. Start small, know your limits, and build gradually. As long as you are working on your midsection, here are a few additional tips. First, proper diet is essential to any fitness routine. A great, hard workout can be completely negated by improper eating habits. Second, stay hydrated both while working out and in everyday life. A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight in pounds, divide it by 2, and drink that number of ounces of water each day. This helps to keep the body functioning at it's highest level. Third, rest up. This means not only getting plenty of sleep, but also getting the right kind of sleep. Spend all night sleeping on your abdominal, and you will wake up with a sore back, making it difficult to do your abdominal exercises. Also be sure to schedule off days into your routine to give your muscles a chance to rest up and rebuild. Now you already have a great start on a toned, flat abdominal!

The Benefits Of Wearing Perfume

By: Roberto Sedycias
Perfume has been used throughout history for a variety of reasons. Perfume has proved itself to be a valuable commodity in both ancient and modern times, with the modern perfume industry turnover in its billions every year. Perfume is a luxury, rather than a necessity, and yet its popularity grows rather than wavers every year. The reason behind this is the enjoyment that the wearer gains, and this type of enjoyment stems from the recognised and unnoticed benefits that wearing perfume provides. Firstly, the effect of perfume on our brains is not necessarily recognised though the effects are certainly enjoyed. Each scent, whether natural or synthetic, emits molecules which enter the nasal passages and eventually reach the olfactory epithelium. This part of the nose has a vast amount of receptor neurons which are each covered in hairs called cilia. These cilia trap the scent and send a message to the brain which enables a person to recognise the perfume. The ability to smell immediately has a positive impact. This is important as some research has shown that people without a sense of smell have a less happy life than those who can smell; scents trigger emotions and affect our mood. As a result of this finding, perfume has become as much a science as it has an accessory. Aromatherapy studies the effects of natural botanical perfume ingredients, usually in the form of oils in their purest state. Its looks at the effects upon mood and general well being, and applies the knowledge by improving the perfume in the environment and offering a variety of aromatherapy services aimed at improving people`s lives. Aromacology applies this same approach to any available scent, from flowers to sand, and the findings are currently assisting perfume manufacturers worldwide. The ingredients used in perfume may improve your concentration and enhance your mood. There is a long list of scents that are said to trigger this stimulating effect. Perfumes that contain ingredients such as ginger, sandalwood and rose are claimed by aromatherapists and aromacologists alike to have a stimulating effect on brain neurons. The increased stimulation aided by the use of perfume assists in many everyday tasks, from more focused studying to extra stamina and energy, balanced weight loss to an improved immune system. Another benefit to be gained from wearing perfume is that it can relax your mood. Certain scents have aldehydes which have a calming effect on the brain. The perfume oils which have this effect include eucalyptus and citronella. Other scents can act as a form of sedative, aiding restful sleep, which helps reduce anxiety and tension which in turn creates a wealth of health benefits. The most famous of these perfumes include lavender and bergamot, which have been used for this purpose for centuries and in a variety of countries worldwide. The benefits of perfume are not just highlighted by scientific study. Many psychologists state that humans begin to store information about scents when only a few months old, and that scents affect reactions to people and events more than any of the other senses at this young age. In fact, our taste in smells remains more or less the same whereas tastes influenced by other senses are extremely changeable. This means that we choose perfumes for a reason, either it triggers a feeling of nostalgia or makes us feel a certain way. The perfume chosen also has a social relevance; it tells people something about the wearer, and helps cement their identity. Attraction to another person is influenced by invisible scents known as pheromones, and perfume adds to this. Above all, perfume makes the wearer feel fresh, attractive and more confident; and confidence is a definite benefit. This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

Health Tips For Better Health

By: Francis Adam
1. Maintain a low-stress lifestyle. Our bodies were not designed for constant high stress levels. Pray your way out of a high-stress lifestyle. If you get everything else right but still have too much stress - it can destroy your health. Let the peace of God rule in your heart! (If it steals your peace - get rid of it!)2. Eat close to the original diet - Gen. 1:29 - which is fresh raw fruit, vegetables, nuts & seeds. Plenty of green leafy (no iceberg lettuce) - daily. The higher the percentage of raw produce, the stronger the immune system. Target 60-85%.3. Drink pure water. Consume about half your weight in ounces daily (120 pound person drinks 60 ounces).4. To reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, minimize or eliminate: meat, dairy, refined grains, salt and sugar/sugar substitutes. Avoid unclean meats (pork, shellfish, catfish, etc.). When eating meat, choose meat which has been raised in a natural free-roaming environment with a natural diet (i.e. grass-only fed beef) and raised/processed without hormones, antibiotics or chemicals. Use meat more as a condiment instead of main course.5. Minimize or eliminate stimulants. The most common stimulants are nicotine, caffeine, drugs, salt & sugar. Some herbs are stimulants and for temporary use only.6. The two most important supplements are: (a) The (8 essential) glyconutrients which cause proper cell-to-cell communication. When the cells communicate properly, they send the healing message along with ‘proper functioning’ messages. No other supplement does for the health of the body what the glyconutrients do and they are not found in our diets today in quantities needed. And, (b) friendly bacteria/probiotics. The average colon flora is 80% bad bacteria/20% good and should be 80% good bacteria/20% bad. Very important for improved health.7. Guard your environment. Avoid man-made chemicals (on skin, in air you breath, in foods/drinks you consume and on clothing). Get fresh air and sunshine daily. Deliberately oxygenate your body daily. Cancer can’t live in oxygenated cells.8. Consume fats in the form of raw, unheated, non-hydrogenated vegetable fats - raw nuts & seeds, avocados, coconut, extra virgin olive oil (most other oils have been heated in processing) and fresh ground flax seed daily. Avoid animal fat, hydrogenated fat and heated fat.9. Eat with the right attitude! Chew your food until it turns to liquid, in a relaxed environment. Eat when hungry but do not idolize food or use it for comfort. Jesus is our comfort - The Living Well. And let Him help you with forgiveness. Forgiveness directly affects our health. Just let it go!10. Maximize ‘stop and go’! Get plenty of sleep (7-8 hours per day minimum) and exercise regularly - walking, trampoline rebounding, video workouts, etc. Variety is the key to making exercise easier!

Dieting for Fertility

By: Li Ming Wong
Obesity has many negative health consequences. Some are better known and documented than others. Recent studies have shown that yet another potential consequence of obesity is difficulty when it comes to conceiving a baby. Fertility troubles are a growing problem in this country and around the world. One reason that is being hailed as a very viable culprit is obesity. While most people look immediately to the female in the relationship for this particular problem the facts indicate that male obesity can also lead to a low sperm count, which can also hamper fertility efforts and progress.Our bodies were designed for specific purposes. It is utterly amazing how well each part of the human body works to support the others. There are very few machines that can compete with the genius of the design of the human body. After thousands of years to study the human body there are still many mysteries hidden within. The truth comes down to this however, we put things into our bodies, and abuse our bodies in ways that our bodies were simply not designed to take and yet we still manage to adapt and survive many of these things.It's amazing when you think about that the human body endures the many things it does without permanent and irrevocable damage. The good news for those attempting to conceive is that the human body also has the remarkable ability to heal itself. This means that those who find their efforts to conceive have been hampered by obesity have also seen positive changes by losing as little as five to ten percent of your ability to conceive.If both partners are overweight then it might be a good idea to work together to shed those unwanted pounds and adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle. Being active when trying to conceive and throughout the pregnancy is a good idea for the female in the relationship at any rate as this can help in the process of labor and delivery.If you are trying to conceive without success and have been doing so for more than a year it is probably in your best interest to seek the services of a fertility specialist in order to rule out other possible considerations. Though it is rarely a bad idea to adopt a healthier lifestyle you should also consult your doctor before beginning a strict diet or weight loss regimen in order to make sure there aren't other factors that may be causing your weight issues. This is particularly true if you have gained a good deal of weight in a rather short amount of time. In addition to conception difficulty obesity can also lead to a greater risk of miscarriage once conception has occurred. Obesity also leads to a greater risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes during the pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, and in some cases still birth and birth defects. It is no small hindrance to a healthy pregnancy and should be carefully considered before attempting to conceive. Another consideration when it comes to obesity and fertility is that being overweight can also hamper the affects of fertility treatments. This means that the process is typically lengthier and will cost significantly more over time than if obesity were not a factor. When coupled with the risks to the baby this is something that should not be taken lightly when making plans for fertility treatments. If your BMI is greater than 30 there are many fertility clinics that simply will not offer their services. Some limit it to greater than 35 and others 40. If you feel that fertility treatments are the only course of action available to you and your BMI is greater than 30, the first suggestion you are likely to hear is the suggestion that you make serious weight loss efforts and lifestyle changes before proceeding. You may find that once you begin to shed the pounds, fertility intervention is no longer necessary.

Effective Patient Reported Outcomes

By: Elida Ramberge
IntroductionReliable patient reports in clinical research have been a long sought-after goal. In response to the increasing focus on these reports in clinical trials the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its "Guidance for Industry Patient Reported Outcome Measures: Use in Medical Product Development to Support Labeling Claims" (Guidance) in February 2006, which began the dialogue regarding standards for these reports. The Guidance serves as a description of how the FDA evaluates the effectiveness of a Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) in collection of clinical trial endpoint data. Laurie Burke provides the FDA's views on PROs: The goal of using PRO measures is to provide better information to doctors and patients so that the best treatment for patients can be determined, says Laurie Burke, R.Ph., M.P.H., director of the FDA's study endpoints and label development team in the Office of New Drugs. "It's all about the patients."Definition of A Patient Reported OutcomeIt is useful to briefly review what constitutes a PRO before examining how the guidance document influences the design, deployment and implementation of processes that aim to collect information directly from participants in clinical research. PRO instruments run the gamut from discrete inquiry, e.g., pain, to domains of functioning, e.g., physical, psychological or social. In its most fundamental form a PRO is the patient's measurement/assessment of health status free of the interpretation by anyone else, including physicians and clinicians. It is generally accepted that PROs are desirable when the endpoint being examined is known only to the patient; when the patient's perspective of treatment effectiveness may be unique; and when the assessment format is more reliable when administered more formally. "The use of PRO instruments is part of a general movement toward the idea that the patient, properly queried, is the best source of information about how he or she feels," says Robert Temple, MD director of the Food and Drug Administration's Office of Medical Policy.How PRO's Differ From Other Clinical AssessmentsAs the best source of information about how he or she feels, the patient's role in the conduct of the study shifts the importance of some assessments from the physician or clinician to the patient. This shift represents a role transformation that recognizes the value of patient reports, which transformation is sometimes not readily embraced by physicians or clinical staff. The difficulty comprehending the shift was exemplified during a recent Kronos HelpDesk call when a study coordinator asked how it could be possible that a patient was able to assess their disease state. The question was not born of a disdain for the patient's ability to assess their disease, but rather a lack of education about how the patients role in the study as the authority on primary endpoint data. The Guidance makes scant mention of the education necessary for patients who are being asked to record the most important data in the study - endpoint data. Unlike the expectation that clinical site training include a review of Good Clinical Practices, patients do not receive similar training. Training commensurate with the task of diary/outcome data entry is necessary to ensure the validity of the data being entered by patients. Herein lies the impetus for this discussion. Although the Guidance notes its purpose as explanation of "how the FDA evaluates such instruments for their usefulness in measuring and characterizing the benefit of medical product treatment" the shift in the respective roles of the patient and the physician or clinician does not receive the attention by way of elaboration or guidance necessary to ensure the validity of data being recorded. Beyond recommending that "Sponsors should consider the method of data collection …associated with instrument administration, including instructions to interviewers, instructions for self-administration, instructions for supervising self-administration, case report forms or examples of electronic PRO instrument,.." the Guidance lacks the specificity for administration procedures necessary to engage patients as integral to study conduct. Anecdotal information derived from this clinician's experience has demonstrated that implementation processes/procedures have a direct affect on how a PRO is administered. The example offered involves the administration of the SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory). The inherent nature of a behavioral health PRO of experience/assessment makes this PRO most dependent on patient reports with the least objective endpoint data to support claims. During administration of the SASSI, patients inquired about the verbiage of questions. The validity of the results depended on the administrator's understanding that adding information by way of explaining the question invalidated the response because the subject was no longer responding to the question - the patient would have been responding to the question as interpreted by the administrator. Reliability of data is affected by variability in administration, however, the Guidance does not offer recommendations to minimize this effect. Recommended Additions to the Guidance1.Lay out in greater detail how the role shift affects implementation of the studya. Engage patients as participants in study conduct - explain what the study hopes to accomplishb. Educate patients in the importance of their role and the data they enter to the study's outcome c. Elaborate on how they will fulfill the expectation of recording their datad. Recommend reviewing instrument in detaile. Provide audio-visual aide that reaffirms process discussed2. Elaborate on the education necessary to demonstrate to the Investigational Site and the patient their respective roles in the study3. Provide off-site support for patients who need assistance complying with the requirements to report outcomesIt is this clinician's experience that patients are anxious to comply with their responsibility in a clinical trial, even though they are sometimes forgetful when completing diaries or other outcome instruments. Electronic data capture reminders that are built-in, provide patients with the necessary tools to meet their responsibility. It behooves the clinical research community to provide these tools as the return will be better data as patients engage in a more thoughtful process when entering information about their experience during a clinical study. ABOUT KRONOS COMMUNICATED DATA: Since 1993, Kronos has provided outstanding professional services and products for clinical research. Specializing in the innovative, electronic data capture of patients' and subjects' feedback in studies, the experienced staff at Kronos has been key to the success of many over the years. It is also an SBA Certified Woman-Owned-Business which is helpful when government funding is being used. For information matching your study requirements, contact KCDI at 888-538-1690 or kronos@kronosdata.com

Body Care: Start in the Shower

By: Francis Adam
It is important to have a body care routine. When body care products are not used on a regular basis, they are ineffective. Nobody can expect smooth skin from a single day of moisturizing. It takes several days to witness results. In order to maintain that same level, it must be performed routinely. This may seem like a lot of work, but when someone gets into a regular body care regimen, she can manage to do it all in mere minutes!Body Care: Start in the ShowerStart from the top and work down from there. The first thing people should see is a healthy, glowing face. This starts with a good face wash. A foaming face wash is an excellent choice. It is made just for the face and will help retain the skin's moisture. Regular bar soap is not a good idea because it can dry out the face's delicate skin.The next step is to use a good exfoliator. This should be gentle enough for the face but may also be used on every part of the body. An exfoliator removes the dead, dry top layer of skin cells and reveals the healthy skin underneath. This should not be done every day, but should be done at least once a week.While in the shower, it is best to use a shower gel to wash the body. This is more delicate than a bar soap and also smells wonderful. It is especially easy when used in combination with a loofah. A loofah helps to exfoliate skin as well.Body Care: Out of the ShowerAfter stepping out of the shower, the first thing to do is apply moisturizer to the entire face and body. This generally requires two different products since the face will need something gentler. This is the best time to apply a moisturizer because damp skin absorbs more effectively than dry skin. This will help keep the skin soft and smooth.There are special moisturizers that are made for hands and feet. Feet are often neglected when it comes to total body care. These moisturizers are made especially for rougher, drier skin. Our feet and hands are exposed to so much that they need something a little stronger to keep them looking and feeling healthy and beautiful.Body Care: During the DayIt is essential that people are aware of their bodies all day long. It is a good idea to carry antibacterial hand lotion or soap. There are germs everywhere and not enough places to wash our hands. This will help keep the hands and face germ free since everyone touches their face during the day. It is also a good idea to carry wipes that absorb face moisture. This will help keep pores from becoming clogged and also feels great on the skin.Body Care: Before BedBefore going to bed each night, there are several body care products to use in order to maintain healthy skin. The first is a good cosmetics remover. It is not recommended that a woman retire for the evening without removing her make-up, as it tends to clog pores and cause breakouts. Once this is accomplished, the face should be washed with a good foaming cleanser. After washing the face, it is a good idea to use a toner. A toner will clean out the pores of the face, reaching deeper than the foaming cleanser can. Finally, apply a blemish cream that will work overnight. This entire routine should take only five minutes and is worth every second to have beautiful skin!Body care is essential all day long. In order to have skin look and feel its best, it is important to follow each of these steps. Following a body care regimen every day will keep skin beautiful and soft!