Archive for December, 2007

adjustable beds are stress busters

Monday, December 31st, 2007

Adjustable Beds Are Stress Busters

Writen by Emmanuel DeFreitas

Adjustable beds are stress busting wonder machines. Quite a statement to make until you sit back and examine precisely what stress is and how an adjustable bed can help you cope with it. The first thing to keep in mind is that there are millions of people who have absolutely no stress at all and have no need whatsoever for an adjustable bed. You can find many of them by visiting any cemetery. These people do not suffer from stress because they are all dead. You see, life and stress go hand in hand and the amount of stress you are under is a great indicator of exactly how alive you actually are.

We all need a certain amount of stress in our lives in order to function normally. Stress is a form of natural conditioning from way back in the days of old when an adjustable bed meant moving rocks and boulders around and our primary daily concern was evading predators that wanted to eat us. There is little that I can think of that would elicit the natural fight or flight reaction than coming face to face with a hungry pack of lions. Like our ancestors, today’s stress factors make our heartbeat speed up, our blood pressure increase and our breathing quicken.

Most modern day stresses, however, do not call for either fight or flight. In the world of today, the scariest thing we will probably ever come across will be an angry, demanding boss or an overzealous tax collector. Our experience of stress is generally related to how we respond to an event, not to the event itself. When you feel out of control or under intense pressure, you may experience the physical, emotional, or relational symptoms brought on by negative stress. Anything we can do to alleviate negative stress will greatly improve our lives.

Adjustable beds are crafted in such a way as to lighten the aftermath of stressful, everyday situations. After a hard day, all you need to do is just lie down in an adjustable bed let the built in features pamper your body and mind back to normal. Adjust the head and foot levels using the remote control to the most comfortable position for your body. If you have no other feature on your adjustable bed, the sense of comfort you will experience by doing this alone should make you feel like a different person.

If your adjustable bed is equipped with heat and massage units, you are fortunate enough to be in a position to blow your stress back to the Stone Age. Turn on the vibrating feature on your adjustable bed and you have thousands of tiny, invisible fingers kneading away any tension built up over the day. Many adjustable beds have auto shut off motors that will turn off the vibrations after a set time, just in case you get too comfortable and fall asleep before you really wanted to. However, if your day was especially stressful, and you need a little more help to unwind, turn on your heat unit on the adjustable bed to add an additional level of mind-numbing comfort.

The massage unit on adjustable beds, or perhaps I should use the term electric adjustable beds, can also save you a lot of money over the course of the year. It could get rather expensive if you were the type of person who would go to the local spa for a full body massage whenever you needed to unwind. With an electric adjustable bed, you never have to book an appointment and it is always ready to administer that massage you need, whenever you need it. Sorry Inga, I really don’t want to take business away from you. I am just telling it as I see it.

The best thing we can do to help us cope and prepare for the stresses of modern times is to get good nights sleep. Once again an electric adjustable bed is the perfect instrument for providing an environment conducive to safe, long lasting, re-energizing, stress relieving sleep. An adjustable bed is the perfect antidote to that poor sleep robbing excuse for a bed many people spend one third of their lives in at night. After a good night sleep on an adjustable bed you will feel sharper both mentally and physically providing you with the ammunition you will need to get you through the day.

In conclusion, I would like to re-iterate that stress is an everyday sign that we are alive and doing the best we can. The only thing that I can recommend is not carrying harmful stress levels with us longer than we have to. Get the best adjustable bed you can afford and boot your stress levels as far away from you as possible. If you need an added giggle to help, just imagine our cave man ancestor adjusting the boulders and rocks for the first adjustable bed in history. We have come a long way.

Emmanuel DeFreitas is the administrator for Adjustable Bed Center providing detailed information on electric, medical, cheap, and used adjustable beds, as well as adjustable airbeds and adjustable bed reviews. For more information visit: http://www.adjustable-bed-center.com

dry skin remedy

Monday, December 31st, 2007

Dry Skin Remedy

Writen by Jerrick Foo

If you are looking for a dry skin remedy, look no farther than your kitchen pantry. You can make a dry skin natural remedy just by combining common foods and applying them to the skin. Some foods act as an internal remedy for dry skin as well. Some of the ingredients that can be used in a home remedy for extremely dry skin are honey, yogurt, olive oil, and oatmeal. Some herb teas are useful, too, as are a variety of other fruits and seeds.

Honey, a dry skin natural remedy, is a substance that is healing to the skin. When applied to the skin it is healing and moisturizing. It helps dead skin cells move from the surface and stimulates renewal and regrowth of skin tissues. It is also antibacterial. In severe cases, you can put honey on skin that needs a bandage. It will keep the bandage from sticking to the wounded skin. Yogurt can be used as a skin cleanser, acting as a natural moisturizer. Oatmeal heals and soothes dry skin, and helps the skin to slough off dead skin cells.

Cold-pressed olive oil works as an emollient, which means it soothes and softens. It helps the itching of eczema, which is a itchy skin condition characterized by oozing lesions. Eczema is sometimes associated with dry skin but not always. Olive oil can also be used on the scalp as a remedy for extremely dry skin and hair. Not only can olive oil be used externally, it is also an internal remedy for dry skin, along with other healthy oils. If you suffer from dry skin, try adding some heathful oils to your diet. It doesn’t take a lot, as oils are very high in calories. Nuts are full of beneficial oil, as are fatty fish, such as salmon and mackeral.

Certain herb teas work as an internal remedy for dry skin. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb to one cup of boiling water. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Covering the cup with a saucer while it is steeping will keep the medicinal properties of the herb from evaporating away. Some herbs that are beneficial as an internal remedy for dry skin problems are marshmallow, dandelion, peppermint, calendula, borage, and chamomile.

Soap and body wash are drying to the skin. You can make an alternative to a bar of soap by tying oatmeal flour or in a cloth tea bag can be used instead of soap. For extra moisturizing, add a little almond meal and aloe vera gel.

The following home remedy for dry skin is a soothing facial mask that can be made from ingredients in your kitchen. Combine an egg yolk with a tablespoon of mayonnaise or yogurt and and another tablespoon of honey. If you use yogurt, add a 1/2 tsp. of almond oil. Apply to skin lightly and let it dry. Wash off gently with warm water. Another healing facial mask that is a remedy for extremely dry skin is to beat an egg and add oat flour to it. You can make oat flour by whizzing oatmeal around in the blender. Spread the mixture on your face and relax for 10 minutes before gently washing it away. Always treat your delicate dry skin with the utmost of care.

Here is an alphabetical list of botanicals (plant products) that have been found beneficial in creating a dry skin natural remedy (to be used on the surface of the skin): aloe vera, apple, apricot pulp, banana pulp, chamomile, comfrey root, coriander seed, elderflower, fennel seed, grape pulp, green tea leaf, honey, kefir, lavender flower, licorice root, mango pulp, marshmallow root, whole milk, oatmeal, rose petals, and yogurt. Add to these whole milk, either cow’s or goat’s, and the cultured milk products yogurt and kefir. Honey and egg yolk round out the kitchen pharmacy for dry skin solutions. If you wish to try creating your own dry skin solutions using these ingredients, please choose plant products that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Furthermore, don’t gather wild herbs that grow near a busy highway. The plants will absorb the exhaust fumes from the traffic and might do more harm than good. If you use seeds, make a strong tea of them by boiling them gently for 10 minutes and then letting them steep for an hour.

Jerrick Foo has been researching and developing all dry skin care the purpose of offering men and women safe, dry skin care tips. He have created Dry Skin Care Guide to share his 10 years of combined expertise with you. Visit http://www.dry-skin-care-guide.com for essential skin care tips.

exercise your brain

Monday, December 31st, 2007

Exercise Your Brain

Writen by Terry Wisner

There are over 650 muscles in the human body, and we have all heard the old saying “use it or lose it” regarding muscle conditioning. In fact, our muscle mass will atrophy at a rate of about one half pound per year, after we turn thirty.

If you agree with the scientists, we only use 10% of our brain. Think about that. The brain weighs less than two percent of our body weight and contains over 100 billion cells. (Take into consideration the loss of brain cells due to “exercising” them too much at parties, which may result in your specific number of cells being somewhat less.) And yet, the brain controls everything we do.

As we get older, the brain and our muscles need to exercise. Research has shown a likely cause of Alzheimer’s Disease is the neurochemical factors in the nerve cells of the brain. It is also known that if we exercise our brain, we “fire” these nerve cells in unique and healthy ways. This is where I need to say, I think researchers know very little about the brain. None the less, it is widely held that exercising your brain produces results that will make you feel and act more alert (and may help you remember where you put your car keys.)

Here are a few things experts say will help exercise your brain and keep it healthy:

PLAY: Play games and work with puzzles. Crossword and jig-saw puzzles are good and so is my favorite, Sudoku. Now the really good thing about Sudoku is, if dementia has already set in, just get one puzzle and make lots of copies, you’ll never know the difference! Card games and even video games can also work your brain in different ways.

CREATE: Write your own biography or family story. As you reflect on your life, with a few enhancements, it might be good enough to turn into a novel. Just ask James Frey and Oprah.

EXPERIENCE: Go someplace you have never been. Try a unique restaurant or grocery store. Take day trips to places you’ve never been. Even something as simple as walking the opposite direction you normally do in the grocery store will use your brain (just remember to go back a get the ice cream last.)

SHARE: Join a book club or civic group. Interact with others and share perspectives and experiences.

READ: Read novels, biographies, history, even business and self-help books. Read something out of the ordinary, it will make you work your brain harder.

Choose an activity and make it a priority. Decide how frequently you will exercise you brain and share your plan with your Partner. The two of you do not have to share a common goal, just hold each other accountable to achieve your goals.

The brain is like a muscle, if you don’t use it you will lose it.

Terry Wisner, the “Partnering Pro,” International Speaker, Consultant, and author, shares his experience and knowledge through energetic, entertaining, and enlghtening presentations and seminars. Do you want to experience improvement in; Customer Service, Teamwork, Leadership Skills, Communication Skills, or simply Self-Improvement? Then, visit Terry at http://www.terrywisner.com or http://www.p2s.us and learn more about Partnering and how it can help you and your organization succeed.

how to do the atkins diet right

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

How to Do the Atkins Diet Right?

Writen by Hristo Hristov

Let me tell you something – if you are doing the Atkins Diet, you might be doing it WRONG. I have been on diet forums for years, have consulted thousands of people on low carb diets, and I am seeing it again and again. People don’t know how to implement a low carb diet. Very often people fail to lose weight or to adapt to the low carb life style. Many people give it up after a couple of days because they don’t know how to do it right. The Atkins Diet is the most famous low carb diet, but it is full of pitfalls just waiting for you to walk into.

Rule 1:

Calories DO count. You must count both carbs AND calories Some of you may believe that losing weight is just a matter of reducing carbohydrates. In fact, many do. Hunting for hidden carbs and totally neglecting the calories you eat is setting you up for failure. The only reason that low carb diets work is that they reduce your appetite. You end up eating fewer CALORIES, and lose weight.

The problem is that not all people start eating fewer calories after switching to a low carb diet. The only 100% bulletproof method of losing weight is by counting calories. Don’t rely on simply reducing carbohydrates. Eat less carbs AND less calories. Count calories! It is much easier to restrict calories when you are on a low carb diet, because you won’t feel as hungry as with high-carb diets.

Rule 2: Going straight to 20 grams of carbs per day is a NO-NO

The Atkins Diet has you eating only 20 grams of carbs a day during the first two weeks on the diet. After that, you are advised to gradually increase the number of carbs you eat. I strongly urge you to reverse the order of events. Start eating 80 or more grams of carbs per day, count calories and then reduce them more if you want to.

My reasoning for doing so is very simple. During the adaptation period you will lack energy because you have taken out the carbs, and you need time to make the fat burning enzymes to use more fat for fuel. If you suddenly start eating a super low amount of carbs, you will feel totally out of energy, because your body cannot manufacture quickly that many fat burning enzymes. However, when you reduce the carbohydrates GRADUALLY, you give your body a chance to adapt to the diet without the misery of being lethargic.

You can even start by eating 150 grams of carbs a day for the first week, and then reduce them to 100 grams for the second and so on. You won’t be so fatigued, and because you count calories you are losing weight. You should expect a period of about one to two weeks when you won’t have much energy, but this will pass. Don’t give up just because you lack energy. This is temporary. If you listen to me and gradually reduce the carbs, you will experience a much less-pronounced drop of physical and mental performance.

Rule 3: Calories control your bodyweight, NOT carbohydrates.

If you eat less calories than you burn, you are going to lose weight no matter how many carbs you consume. You don’t need to go super low on the carbohydrates to experience the typical loss of appetite that is so important to be successful at dieting. I eat about 50-80 grams of carbs a day year-round, and I have single digit body fat %. That’s because I control both carbs and calories.

You won’t be able to eat just 20 grams of carbs for a long time. It is too impractical, hard-to-do and unnecessary. You will do fine eating 80 grams of carbs a day, as long as you count calories.

Rule 4: Don’t give up your coffee

Atkins advises that you avoid caffeine and only drink decaffeinated coffee. This is totally unnecessary. If you are used to drinking coffee, just continue to do so. You will have a much easier adaptation period. Coffee makes your body burn more fat, and helps you adapt to fat burning faster. Coffee also suppresses your appetite, and has a mild thermogenic effect (you burn more calories). Last but not least, coffee is very addictive and hard to give up. I know a couple of people who gave up the Atkins Diet just because he says to stop drinking coffee! I am telling you – coffee will help your weight loss efforts. It is totally unnecessary to give it up.

Rule 5: Don’t avoid milk and yogurt products

Eating plain yogurt is associated with weight loss for some mysterious reason. Researchers speculate that it is the Calcium in milk products that helps with weight loss. Whatever the reason, milk and yogurt are good for your health and weight loss. They have some carbs, but as I told you, there’s absolutely no need to go super low on the carbs, if you control your calories.

Here’s a little known fact, most low-carb dieters don’t know. Plain yogurt has 3 times less carbs than labelled! The reason is simple. Yogurt has billions of healthy bacteria called probiotics, which thrive on glucose. These probiotics eat up the carbs in milk, and turn it into lactic acid. Now, when manufacturers measure carbs, they do so by the method of “carbs by difference”. They measure everything else(protein, fats, water..), and what’s left is ASSUMED to be carbs. But what’s left is carbs + lactic acid. To know the real number of carbs in yogurt, divide the number of carbs on the label by 3. Do so only for PLAIN yogurt. Avoid all artificially processed and carb loaded yogurts. Eat plain yogurt!

Rule 6: A low-carb diet is a high-fat diet

By definition a low carb diet is a high-fat diet. Some people turn the low-carb diet into low-carb and low-fat diet. What a mistake! First, if you eat a high-protein low-carb low-fat diet, you are going to get hungry. Second, eating less fat will slow down the adaptation to fat burning and extend your misery. Third, your body needs fat and the fat-soluble vitamins to digest the proteins you eat. Without the fat you are going to get sick, upset your stomach and become severely constipated.

Women should be very careful to eat enough fat. Many women don’t like to eat meat or eat only very lean meat. They must find a way to get more fat in the diet by ways of high-fat cheeses.

Fat should represent more than 50% of the calories you eat.

Rule 7: Don’t be fooled by the quick initial weight loss

Most of the weight that is lost during the first two weeks on a restrictive diet is WATER. On a low-carb diet, you are going to lose even more water. The rate of weight loss is going to slow down after the first two weeks. Be prepared, it is perfectly natural to happen. Don’t expect miracles.

Let’s sum it up. Count calories. Hunting for hidden carbs, and neglecting the calories is a major reason for plateaus. Restrict carbs gradually. Eat more fat to control your appetite. Don’t go super low on the carbs. Go as low as you feel comfortable. As long as you control calories you are on your way to success.

Hristo Hristov owns X3MSoftware, a company specializing in developing diet and fitness tracking software. Hristo has a degree in Computer Science and passion for strength training. Hristo has designed and written Fitness Assistant, X3MSoftware’s leading software product. Download your demo at Download Diet Software and Fitness Software by X3MSoftware

alternate your strength training workout with some yoga

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

Alternate Your Strength Training Workout With Some Yoga

Writen by Freeton Drask

Many who think of strength training equipment think of the massive muscles that many bodybuilders get and consequently show off in competitions. This can be a plus or a drawback for many consumers. The average consumer likes to be able to say feel good about themselves when they go swimming, but many are concerned about building too much muscle and suffering from stereotypical viewpoints. This needn’t be a worry for anyone considering strength training equipment.

The average body builder works out a lot in order to get the muscles they are famous for, plus they have to be on a very strict regimen with lots of protein and little or no fat. It would take you a lot of effort to become as built as the average bodybuilder. Many consumers can use simple free weights in order to maintain the muscle mass that they have or to add a little muscle strength. Some use strength training equipment to add a little tone or shape to certain areas of the body.

If you use them properly and alternate your strength training workout with some yoga or stretching exercises there is little risk of you bulking up too much. Many find that they enjoy the challenge of working out with strength training equipment. You can gradually increase the weight as you work out over a period of time and after your workout you really will feel the ‘burn’ in your muscles.

Though you should be careful of using too much weight at once. Its easy to sprain a muscle and hurt yourself, putting you out of commission for a few days or more. A good rule of thumb is that if you think you can start out with a certain weight begin about five or even ten pounds lighter and after a few repetitions move up to the next weight level. You can check out strength training equipment reviews online for an idea of what others are doing.

Read more strength training equipment articles and strength training equipment reviews news or visit our strength training equipment site.

acne causes treatment and prevention

Sunday, December 30th, 2007

Acne – Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Writen by Michael Russell

Acne, zits, pizza face. You’ve surely heard all the slang out there. For many it’s the thing jokes are made from. To some it is a minor convenience that will be outgrown over time. To some though, acne is much more than a minor inconvenience. It can become a serious problem. One which can not only be physically damaging, but mentally as well.

What is Acne? Acne is an affliction normally associated with teenagers. Acne appears when follicles, or pores in the skin are clogged. Oil that usually escapes to the skin’s surface is then trapped, where bacteria begins to grow and acne forms.

There are different types of acne, from mild cases such as whiteheads & blackheads, to more serious and potentially disfiguring cases like, acne conglobata. Mild cases and normally easy to treat, while more severe cases, may require more aggressive therapy to control.

There is no definitive cause of acne, but there are several factors believed to play a part. The most important factor is believed to be increased levels of androgens, the male sex hormone, which increases in males and females during puberty. Another factor may be heredity, where the gene causing the development of acne is passed down from parent(s) to children. Certain drug use may also contribute, as well as certain cosmetics, which could potentially alter the cells in the follicle, causing the follicle to stick together.

Contrary to popular believe, eating chocolate or greasy food will not cause acne to form, though diet is thought to help in the prevention of acne is some people.

Treatment of typical cases of acne usually includes over the counter products containing, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. These chemicals have proven effective in the treatment of mild cases of acne. It is advised not to pick or squeeze Acne, as you will increase the risk is scarring. Scrubbing the acne with a loofah or any other method is also not recommended, as scrubbing only makes it worse.

More severe or resistant Acne will require treatment by a licenced Dermatologist. A Dematologist may prescribe topical treatments such as Retinoids, or Antibiotics. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed, as well as hormonal treatment in severe cases, like accutane. Accutane is used as a last resort for those for which other treatments have been ineffective.

The prevention of acne may be as simple as keeping your hands and hair off your face, as your hands and hair contain oils which may contribute and contaminate the pores of your face. Other prevention tips include the reduction of stress in your everyday life, exercise regularly, as well as eating a balanced diet. Warm baths and getting plenty of sleep may also contribute in the prevention of acne. It is also advised that makeup be used sparingly and be removed completely when not needed.

Acne is a difficult affliction for some to deal with, but with the right treatments and lifestyle changes, can be managed and minimized. Some will surely outgrown it in time, but those who do not, have options to improve their quality of life.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Acne

insomnia cure and a glimmer of hope

Saturday, December 29th, 2007

Insomnia Cure And A Glimmer Of Hope

Writen by Thomas Choo

If you suffer from insomnia, and is actively looking for an insomnia cure, you are not alone. It is estimated that some 60 million people in the USA suffer from varying degree of insomnia each year, which is about 1 in 5 Americans.

Insomnia is the failure to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia can also be described as the inability of waking up from your sleep feeling rested and refreshed. The most accepted definition of insomnia can be described as a combination of those first two explanations.

Regardless of which definition fits you the best, millions of people agonize from it. Many are desperate for an insomnia cure. You can be affected for just a few nights or suffer for years. Long-term insomnia is not the norm though. Rather, many people might suffer insomnia intermittently, depending on the stress in their lives or a specific health state.

If you are not waking up feeling rested or you have difficulty falling asleep, you just might have insomnia. But do you have any idea of other symptoms that could point to insomnia? Here is a short list:

* Feeling touchy or being in a bad mood
* Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
* Waking multiple times at night or waking up too early
* Concentration difficulties or daytime grogginess

Without paying heed to your insomnia and seeking out insomnia cure, you could end up a variety of health and life issues. You could be more predisposed to illnesses or take longer to get over an illness. Depression can develop in individuals who do not get adequate rest from their sleep. You have to pore over your life and try to determine the underlying causes of your insomnia, before looking for any insomnia cure.

For many people with occasional insomnia, the biggest contributor to this sleep condition is stress. Sometimes, it could be related to work or being out of work. Other times, it could be something personal like having a newborn, a death in the household or divorce.

But what if your work and personal life is going along pretty well and you still have sleep issues? A medical check by your physician is quite in order. You could have an underlying medical condition that is hindering your sleep. Allergies and asthma are two culprits as are sleep apnea and headaches. The medication you take for illnesses like diabetes or heart conditions could also be a consideration.

There are a number of techniques and ideas to help you cure your insomnia. If it is stress-related, behavior modification techniques could be helpful. These could be anything from changing your sleeping conditions to visual imagery to rigorous bed scheduling. Yoga and other exercises along with deep breathing techniques also help.

But what if it is related to health issues, specifically some medication you take? It is not usually in your best interests to change medication or stop them all together. When this is the scenario, you might find sleep medication work best to get you through the insomnia.

There are a few things you can do that might help make your situation more conducive to sleep:

* Stop drinking any liquids at least two hours before bedtime. Potty breaks are one of the problems that contribute to insomnia.
* Limit your caffeine intake as well as alcohol and smoking.
* Try not to take naps.
* Institute some form of exercise in your daily activities.
* Take the television out of the bedroom. Focus on the fact that the bedroom is only for sleeping and other extra-curricular activities.
* And speaking of those extra-curricular activities, sex is a great stress release and just might help you in the snoozing department.

If you decide to seek medical advice for insomnia cure, keep a diary or journal of your daily sleep habits for a few weeks. When you visit a doctor about your possible insomnia, the journal is very helpful in pinpointing possible triggers and can help in determining the best course of action for combating that insomnia so you can get a good night’s sleep.

Thomas Choo owns Insomnia Cure. Visit to find out how to end insomnia tonight. Also features free 7-part mini series “Insomnia – What It Is And How You Can Overcome It”, at http://insomniacure.sleepreallywell.com

aromatherapy know the power of fragrances

Saturday, December 29th, 2007

Aromatherapy- Know the Power of Fragrances

Writen by David Chandler

Aromatherapy is an ancient art that has been used for thousands of years as an aid to physical and emotional well being. Aromatherapy and its use can be traced back as far as the ancient Egyptians, who took advantage of essential oils therapeutic powers. Aromatherapy has also been used for a very long time in the Far East and China.

Effects of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a branch of herbology and the study of “aromatherapy” may best be considered in these four areas of application:

Aesthetic – the effects essential oils have on the beauty of skin and hair.

Psycho – the effects aromas have on our moods and feeling; known as aromachology.

Holistic – the integration of the divine into the body, mind, and spirit.

Medical – the effects essential oils have in enhancing and maintaining a state of homeostasis.

Method of application

An essential oil is a liquid distilled from the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, or bark of a plant. Essential oils, which are used in Aromatherapy, are very concentrated, and therefore, they are usually diluted with carrier oil, such as almond oil. Essential oils, in their purest form, tend to be very expensive, because the amount of oil present in plants is extremely small. For example, 440 pounds of fresh lavender flowers yield only 2.5 pounds of essential oil of lavender. Aromatherapy and essential oils can be used for many purposes, such as to calm or rejuvenate the body and mind.

The use of aromatherapy can be seen as part of a lifestyle choice — a lifestyle that allows for pleasure because a moment of pleasure is healing. Pleasure is described as a source of enjoyment. Why deny yourself the pleasure and the benefits of a feminine fragrance such as Rose from Morocco or Bulgaria?

By understanding how to apply aromatherapy in daily use, you can enjoy the scents and help to maintain a system of preventative care for you and your family’s long-term well-being.

acne what causes it

Saturday, December 29th, 2007

Acne – What Causes It?

Writen by Rachel Dayer

Many individuals suffer from acne, not just adolescents. Acne is caused by normally occurring bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium gets trapped in plugged skin pores or follicles, especially in the face. In an attempt to escape, the bacterium produce enzymes used to break down the sebum (the excretion produced by sebaceous glands) blocking the escape routes. When the enzymes go to work one of the side effects is inflammation in the area.

Light to moderate cases of inflammation show up as pimples and bumps. This type of acne is known as superficial acne. If the inflammation is deeper within the skin and pores, resulting in cysts and nodules, it is called cystic acne.

The excess sebum is actually a byproduct of testosterone production in the body. This is why young adolescent boys going through puberty and other individuals who are taking testosterone enhanced dietary supplements most often exhibit signs of acne. In women, the hormonal changes occurring before the menstrual cycle may also cause sporadic outbreaks.

A second cause of acne can be traced to diet and a lack of essential fatty acids. The body needs a particular quantity of essential fatty acids to remain in balance. The typical Western diet does not provide adequate amounts for most people. In place of essential fatty acids, trans-fats and other non-essential fats are found in large quantities. This fat ratio imbalance tips the scale in favor of excess sebum production leading to outbreaks of acne.

Particular chemicals and drugs may also be a factor in the appearance of acne. Any drug with added hormones or that change the hormonal balance of the body is a possible culprit. Corticosteroids and industrial pollutants may also be a contributing factor.

Overall health is crucial to remaining acne free. This includes a healthy diet, improved colon health, gentle but effective skin care and decreased exposure to chemicals and drugs which can affect the natural hormone levels of the body.

Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com – a health related e-zine. Visit her site for more health related articles.

forget exercise go play

Friday, December 28th, 2007

Forget Exercise – Go Play

Writen by Don Stuart

Can’t seem to get the energy or motivation to exercise? Forget exercise – go play. For most of us exercise is a chore. So many people hate to exercise, or just can’t get motivated to start an exercise program. If you are one of those, forget about exercise, go play.

Make it a point to play everyday. Find a partner. Go golfing, swimming, shoot baskets, tennis, volleyball, play catch, any kind of sport that gets you moving. Every day. You may need a different partner each day – find one.

Get on your bicycles and go siteseeing. Get with a partner or group and go horseback riding. Go to the parks and explore the trails. Play volleyball, badminton, anything to become active. Remember to start slow and work your way up to playing an hour or two each day.

Set a schedule for each activity one day each week. Pre-arrange with a partner to play every day, make each one a weekly event. You will need anything from one to seven partners to keep active all week.

Go to your Parks Department, see if they would be interested in starting a playday program for different age groups, or however they might want to do something for their public. Many already have activities for the kids – how about the adults.

Go to the local newspaper. Would their Sports Editor be interested in getting their public involved?

You may use this article in anyway appropriate. All I ask is that you use it in its entirety, including my information.

Don Stuart
Don is publishing articles on his website to help people start changing their habits to become slender and fit. Visit his website at Dieting Sucks Online