Basic, Yet Helpful Tips for Relieving Arthritis

Doing a quick search on the internet will reveal that there are plenty of healthy, safe methods to aid in relieving some or even all of the pain you may be suffering due to arthritis. These tactics are not self-evident, however; but they are a great way to begin on the road to feeling better so that you can once again enjoy some of the things you have difficulty doing when the pain of arthritis kicks in.

Change your shoes - Especially if you're a woman arthritis sufferer. Running shoes give your joints much more support than heels. When shoes are not supportive enough, it can cause excessive stress and pressure on your joints. So exchange those dress shoes for something more comfortable and lower to the ground when and where you can.

Cut back on the dairy - Believe or not, dairy products (especially pasteurized) can actually contribute to your pain. Why? Because consuming large amounts of dairy or any other animal protein for that matter results in your body leaching calcium from your bones due to insufficient amounts of uric acid to aid the body in breaking all of that (animal) protein down. There are many other sources of calcium such as supplements, nuts, and dark, green, leafy vegetables such as collard greens, kale and swiss chard.

Sleep baby... sleep! - Getting adequate amounts of rest is important for a couple of reasons. First, the body does most of its healing and repairing when we're sleeping and second, you will want to have as much energy as possible to face the coming day ahead. Make your resting time as fruitful as possible by making sure your room os completely dark, the alarm clock is not facing you, turn of the cell phone so that any alerts don't awaken you and don't drink an excessive amount of water or other beverage right before going to bed as to avoid getting up to use the bathroom. You may also wish to incorporate some relaxation techniques such as meditation to help you relax. Practice doing this not only before bed, but also anytime the pain starts to get the best of you.

Keep your weight under control - You'll definitely want to eat as healthfully as possible and keep your weight down since being overweight can lead to undo stress on your knees, lower back and joints. Decrease the amount of processed foods, refined sugar and again, dairy products you eat and in exchange, increase your consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes.

Regardless of what anyone says or thinks, you can do something about the constant discomfort associated with arthritis!

5 Essential Oils for Wrinkles

If you're looking for a pure, all-natural product to restore your young looking skin, essential oils for wrinkles might be right for you. Natural essential oils extracted from plants are often used as ingredients in anti-aging and other skin products. Some oils are more effective in treating wrinkles than others, but trial-and-error is the best way to determine what works for you. A primary advantage of all the oils listed below is that they can deliver nutrients to the skin without clogging pores.

1. Sandalwood Oil softens dry skin and can be used a moisturizer to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also promotes the formation of new skin cells, gives skin a smoother look, and can increase compounds in the body that increase skin thickness and elasticity-all of these properties work together to reduce wrinkles.

2. Myrrh Oil is an antibacterial and antifungal oil that can be used topically or as a massage oil to smooth out wrinkles. Using this oil will repair and prevent further skin damage due to its antioxidant content.

3. Clary Sage Oil is best used to remove fine lines and wrinkles, especially when used in combination with skin moisturizers. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, helps to tighten pores and make the skin more firm.

4. Geranium Oil can be used for almost any skin type, whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin. It works to increase blood circulation, skin elasticity and retaining moisture in the skin. It can be added to skin moisturizers and toners.

5. Grape Seed Oil has antioxidant properties which help to fight free radicals that cause damage to your skin. They help repair damage to the skin caused by free radicals. It is an extract that is rich in vitamin E, which can slow the aging process of your skin. Vitamin E is one of the antioxidants contained in this oil, which protects that body from free radicals that become more common in the body as you age.

All of these essential oils for wrinkles have their unique properties that will help improve your skin, especially wrinkles! Although wrinkles are part of the natural aging process, they are tough to deal with as everyone will miss their young looking skin. Using essential oils, diluted with a carrier oil, will help reduce them or diminish their appearance while also providing your body with other health benefits.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

If your child starts sniffling and sneezing and has a runny nose, it can often be difficult for parents to determine whether they have a cold or if the symptoms have been triggered off by a sensitivity to some allergen. After all, there is almost no difference between the signs of these two conditions.

The Difference Between Allergy vs. Cold Symptoms

There is one very significant difference that distinguishes allergies from colds and that is allergy symptoms do not just occur any time of the year. They appear only at fixed times during the year and it is usually the same time every year.

If you are wondering then why different kids exhibit these symptoms at different times during the year the answer lies in the fact that different individuals are affected by different triggers. The timing and duration depends upon what particular allergen that person is sensitive to.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

While the above is a pretty accurate way of establishing whether your kid is suffering from a common cold or a seasonal allergy, it is still important to go to a medical practitioner and get a proper diagnosis before administering any medication. An experienced doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on the answers that you give to certain questions about the type, intensity and duration of the symptoms. To confirm the diagnoses, you may be asked to go to an allergist to get some skin or blood allergy tests done.

An allergist will usually determine the cause by doing a skin test. There are two ways that this can be done:

1. A drop of purified liquid form of the allergen is put on to the skin, after which, a small pricking device is used to pick that area. 

2. A tiny amount of the allergen is injected just below the skin and checked after about fifteen minutes. The test is considered positive if a lump develops at the area and it is surrounded by a reddish coloration.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

While no cure has still been found for seasonal allergies, the good news it is there are several things that can be done to alleviate the symptoms. The best thing is of course to eliminate or at least reduce exposure to allergens. This can be done by remaining indoors during those days when pollen is at its peak, keeping the windows closed during high pollen days and using an air purifier if that is practical.

What Treatments Are Available for Varicose Veins?

There isn't yet a perfect treatment for varicose veins. A perfect treatment would remove all the varicose veins completely to give you the blemish free legs you had when you were younger, the varicose vein would never return and there would be no side effects or complications from treatment. If the assessment is based on a comprehensive ultrasound scan and the treatment is performed under ultrasound guidance, the majority of people get an excellent result and are very pleased.

The four main treatment options are:

· VNUS Closure Fast and Endo-venous laser (EVL) - these involve the use of fine catheters placed inside the vein to heat it and seal the varicose veins

· Injections of solutions called sclerosants into the vein which start a healing process in which the vein shrinks and disappears

· a non-thermal medical adhesive called Sapheon Venaseal™. A fine catheter is inserted into the refluxing vein and medical "superglue" is administered inside the vein causing it to permanently close

· microsurgical removal of veins called Microphlebectomy

VNUS ClosureFast

VNUS ClosureFast is the latest "State of the art" treatment for varicose veins. It produces rapid results and an excellent cosmetic outcome. The treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthetic as a day case or "walk in, walk out" procedure. This means that charges are reduced, time off work is minimal and therefore the treatment is highly cost effective. Your suitability for VNUS ClosureFast is assessed by a comprehensive ultrasound scan.

After numbing the skin with local anaesthetic (similar to a dentist's injection) and cleaning the skin with antiseptic, a fine needle is inserted into the refluxing veins under ultra-sound guidance and then a fine catheter is passed up the vein. At all times, the exact position of the catheter is monitored by ultrasound. The precision radio frequency energy (a little like microwaves) seals the vein instantly and the catheter is gently withdrawn along the length of the unhealthy vein. The whole process is checked at every stage by ultra-sound to ensure excellent results.

After the procedure, a high quality medical graduated stocking is worn for 7 days continuously and thereafter during the day for two more weeks. Walking and normal activities are encouraged. Most people can get back to normal activities such as work and driving in a day or two. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are only rarely required.

With VNUS ClosureFast treatment, the veins with faulty valves are sealed under local an-aesthetic without surgery. The highly targeted energy gets your leg looking and feeling better fast.

· Treatment in less than 2 hours

· Local anaesthetic, day case or "walk in walk out" treatment

· Little or no time of work

· No painful cuts or scars in the groin

· No painful stripping

· Rapid return to normal activities including driving

· Excellent cosmetic results with no ugly scars

· Low risk of recurrence

The treatment is carried out under the "watchful eye" of the ultrasound equipment to ensure successful closure of the faulty veins. As there are no surgical cuts, there is virtually no risk of infection, which can occur occasionally after traditional operations

Endo-Venous Laser (EVL)

This procedure uses the precision of laser energy and is performed under local anaesthetic. A fine catheter is inserted into the affected veins under ultrasound guidance using a small needle. The laser fibre is positioned in the groin at the root of the reflux.

The position of the laser fibre is checked using ultrasound. Using laser energy the vein is heated and sealed. Surgical cuts in the groin are avoided and there is virtually no risk of infection or wound healing problems. There is no stripping out of the vein and so bruising and pain is minimal.

· Minimally invasive non-surgical treatment

· No painful cuts or scars in the groin

· No painful stripping

· Rapid return to normal activities including driving

· Excellent cosmetic results

· Relief of symptom

· Low recurrence of vein problems

The specialists at The VeinCare Centre are able to advise you about your suitability for VNUS ClosureFast and Endo-Venous laser following your ultrasound scan. Not all clinics are able to offer both treatment options.

Few clinics are able to offer all four treatment options. At The VeinCare Centre, your needs are assessed and a tailored treatment plan is formulated for you. This may consist of more than one option to get the best result. For example a combination of VNUS ClosureFast followed by injections may appropriate for you. In such cases, the pros and cons will be discussed in detail and you will have access to all the latest treatments.

How Long Will It Take to Recover From Traction Alopecia?

People who suffer from traction alopecia or other forms of hair loss commonly want to know how long the recovery time is until their hair begins to grow. Traction alopecia is different from other forms of alopecia as it is brought on by physical actions placing tension on hair follicles. In other words, you develop traction alopecia after you have pulled your hair constantly.

The pulling is commonly a result of a hair styling process or routine. Additionally, hair extensions have also been known to cause traction alopecia and those women who often wear extensions are at the highest risk of developing the condition.

Hair loss caused by traction alopecia generally begins at the front hair line, but can also occur at the crown of the head or in the form of generalized thinning of the hair. Much like other hair loss forms this condition can cause the sufferer to have a reduced lack of self confidence. The hair loss in other assorted areas of the head can significantly reduce the number of hair styles that can be used; thus creating more stress.

The good news is that you can re-grow the hair you lose from traction alopecia. However, before choosing surgery as the treatment plan, it is suggested that you first allow your hair a chance to grow back naturally. The process will certainly require patience, time, and caring for your hair but the end results will be well worth the effort. Traction alopecia recovery times can range from just a couple months to years. Recovery time will directly depend on the degree of damage caused and the length of time the abuse lasted for.

Whether you like it or not, during traction alopecia recovery times you will have to avoid the hair styles that caused the damage in the first place. Regardless how many articles you read that claim extensions or braids are okay as long as they are not tight on the scalp, don't listen to this advice. The weight alone from the additional hair will cause additional stress to hair shafts that are already weak and aggravate follicles that are already sore. Hair extensions and braids that are fitted can lead to scalp inflammation. The inflammation alone symbolizes the scalp is stressed. So, it is in your best bet to avoid all activities that further stress the hair follicles and scalp. However, there are a couple things you can do to speed your scalp's healing process up.

First, you need to halt the application of damaging chemicals such as colorants and relaxers. For example, relaxers are used to permanently straighten hair that is naturally curly. The chief reason hair is curly is due to the keratin products that make up the hair contain amino acids referred to as cysteines. The cysteines link each other by disulfide bonds as two sulfur atoms connect to each other. The more disulfide bonds contained in the hair, the curlier the hair will be.

Relaxers simply go in and dissolve the disulfide bonds and cap them so they cannot reform chemically. Commonly, relaxers use a base or reducer like lye (sodium hydroxide) to break up and cap the bonds. Sodium hydroxide in itself is a very strong chemical that can damage your hair or burn your skin. Even if a commercial relaxer is considered safer and gentler, they still use the same chemical reaction to break the disulfide bonds and cap them. When a scalp is affected by traction alopecia, it contains follicles that are damaged and may be inflamed already. Applying a relaxer to a scalp like this will only further aggravate the situation as it will burn and irritate skin exposed from missing patches of hair; thus prolonging your recovery time. You are not recommended to relax your hair until it completely grows out again.

Nutrition and diet play important roles in recovery as well. Eating foods rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals such as fruits and vegetables will also help start the biological healing process. It may also be in your best interest to begin taking supplements to make sure you are receiving nutrients essential for hair growth. You can always choose a supplement specifically for hair growth. Many of the vitamins made specifically for hair contain 200mg of Biotin and other nutrients such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium. In particular, biotin is great for increasing the length of time your hair remains in the growth phase which will also keep your follicles actively producing hair.

Protein, however, should be of the utmost importance to you. In fact, lean sources of protein almost always contain vitamins essential for hair growth. However, most importantly your hair is created for protein which makes it essential for the production of keratin. Easy ways of increasing protein intake is by consuming protein cookies, shakes, and bars.

In conclusion, to reduce the recovery time for traction alopecia you should begin by quitting the hair styles that stress your hair follicles out the most; you only want to wear hair styles that do not apply any tension at all to your hair. Additionally, refrain from applying chemical relaxers and colorants to your hair. Finally, make sure your hair follicles are being nourished from inside the body by consuming proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, and protein. If you cannot consume these essential items naturally, then you should begin a supplement regimen that offers them for you.

Receding Hairline Treatment for Men - Some Information

Receding hairline treatment for men encompasses three steps and the first step is that men facing the problem of hair loss should know that they have a problem. Second step is even though; it is easier to safeguard the already existing hair from falling as compared to re-growing of new ones, steps should be taken for re-growth as well. Finally, they can decide to fill the gaps in their scalp that has baldness with some transplantation treatments. These steps are discussed in the content given below:

Stop losing hair: Once gents have understood that they have some hair loss problem, they will have to take some steps to stop losing. Generally, most of them tend to lose hair due to genetics and this is known to be caused by Dilhydrotestosterone or DHT. Generally, men begin to face this problem when they are in their old 20s or early 40s, but it can also occur in some boys during their puberty period. If the amount of DHT in the scalp can be reduced to some extent with some treatments, loss of excess hair can be stopped in such a way that the next step of regrowing can be concentrated.

Hair re-growth: This is the toughest step since it requires some patience. Once the DHT level is reduced, the instance of falling will gradually reduce and then re-growth will begin. Even though, falling can happen at a faster pace, growing will take some time and even it might take some six months to see the results visibly. So, the treatment methods must be consistently followed.

Filling of gaps: The man should patiently wait for one to one-and-half years for re-growth and after this period, he will have to take some informed decision. Here, if he is intending to add some density to the back or top of their scalp, he can take up transplantation treatments. There are improved receding hairline treatments for men under the category of transplantation and once a person gains hair under this method, nobody can identify that he had undergone such a treatment as it will look like natural hair.

So, stop suffering from hair loss problem immediately with the help of DTH blockers that are safe and simple. Since they are capable of reducing the Dilhydrotestosterone level on scalp, loss can be reduced to a great extend in such a way that men can head towards the next step of trying out for gaining new hair.

Hair Care Tips for Natural and Healthy Growth of Your Hair

Beautiful long hair has always been a dream for every woman. Though short hair is easy to manage, it is always the long, thick and shiny hair that has won open and secret admirers. No wonder the sale of artificial hair and hair fixing industry is at an all time boom. Many people believe visiting hair salons regularly is the secret for well kept and healthy hair. Yes, hair salons with their experience, knowledge, oils, creams and massages offer good nourishment and support for the hair to grow.

Those who visit salons regularly have a well maintained hair. The experts can check the split ends, check for dryness of scalp or hair and condition, and moisturize the hair for a healthy growth. Apart from the comfort of the salon, hair care from home is not a difficult affair at all. The following are a few simple tips that will help your hair grow naturally healthy and lustrous.

Balanced diet, plenty of water intake and sound sleep is the secret for a healthy body. Your lifestyle and your food habits and sleep patterns affect your hair. Students who burn the midnight lamp, often complain of rashes and pimples on their skin and hair fall. One of the main reasons behind this is the improper sleep pattern, and unhealthy habits that keeps them awake during exam periods. Eating good food that is balanced with all the nutrients and vitamins (A, B, C, and K), minerals, iron and calcium is the best solution to trigger or stimulate a healthy hair growth. Your diet must contain green leafy vegetables, salads, fruits and milk. Drinking as much as 9 to 10 glasses of water per day helps detoxification. Removal of the unwanted toxins is a must for proper absorption of the natural nutrients that directly promote hair growth.

Moisturizing and massaging the scalp daily helps the pores to open and improve the blood circulation. You can use the hair oil of your choice. Many hair experts advice medicated oils. Tinctures of arnica, jaborandi, thuja etc are known for their action on scalp and hair. Adding drops of these tinctures to the hair oil and massaging on the scalp daily helps eliminate dryness of scalp, and dandruff for a clean and nourished scalp.

You can also apply a paste of yogurt and soaked fenugreek seeds. It is a good solution to treat dandruff. Egg is a good hair conditioner. Egg yolk is an excellent source of protein that is rich with essential fatty acids and vitamins to nourish the hair scalp and also prevent dandruff. It offers shine and glaze to the hair for a lustrous, smoother and softer feel. Hair care from home is simple and easy, and very cheap compared to hair care at salons.

Can Qi Gong Cure Cancer?

When I was invited to speak at the annual Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) Conference I was more than happy to share all I could with the group about 

Medical Qi Gong and how it can play an important into a patents recovery.

Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) is a new approach to treating cancer that involves no new drug products. The therapy uses insulin, and takes advantage of the powerful, cell-killing effects of ordinary chemotherapy drugs, used in very low doses.

Today a well-informed physician has to know a holistic platform of integrated healing modalities to support the body and the immune system plus Spirituality; Mind/Body; Immunity; Nutrition; Detox; Lifestyle; and Exercise. A totally integrated program is a must, as cancer and chronic disease treatment is most effective when it focuses on strengthening and growing good cells rather than just killing bad ones.

The conference was a unique opportunity to learn of the best therapies, techniques and approaches that Integrative Cancer Care has to offer.

When I treat a patient no matter whether they are looking for anti-aging treatments, recovering from a disease like cancer or any degenerative disease, I always work to balance the internal terrain.

If you had a garden in your backyard and the soil was very acid and had very little vitamins or minerals (clay and sand) in it, you wouldn't expect to get much of a harvest.

You could still grow something, but the plants would grow poorly and as far as getting any healthy fruits or vegetables your chances would be slim.

On the other hand, if your garden soil was alkaline had proper vitamins, minerals, air and water- your chances of getting a Bumper Harvest would be great.

I have been growing organic gardens for years. The key is the soil. Of course it needs air, water, and sunlight, but if the soil is in bad shape. You will get bugs, weeds and insignificant unhealthy plants. The soil is of utmost importance. In the human body it's the same your biological. Terrain is the key to being healthy and staying healthy.

If you are still eating the junk food diet that you ate in high school and collage it's time to open your eyes. You are poisoning your garden. We need good healthy food to stay healthy.

Make food your medicine and you will have a better shot at staying healthy. Get clean air and water into your body and your health garden will grow. If you have a poor internal terrain (Bad soil) your health will reflect it.

Balance the terrain and the body will go towards health.

At the conference I was asked to share my knowledge of Energy medicine, Medical Qi Gong and Chinese internal exercises and acupuncture as well as the importance of a proper internal terrain balancing the Ph.

The doctors who attended were the top physicians in alternative oncology, MD's, DO, Naturopath Doctors, Doctors of Oriental Medicine and a few members of the general public, everyone there knew the importance of exploring and using all the healing modalities when necessary to cure and balance a patients body, mind and spirit.

Keep Healthy Through Autumn - Five Elements Style

Autumn - letting go of Summer

Article applies to geographical areas that have seasonal variations.

As the indistinct Summer we've had gives way, nature changes to adapt to the next phase. We look forward to the beautiful Autumnal colours but also perhaps feel a hint of sadness at the departing season. In terms of the five elements, we are leaving the late Summer (Earth Element) and entering the Metal element. Although the non-human organic eco-system adjusts to this change automatically, we vary in our ability to take on the changes.

The Metal element is made up of the two meridians (energy channels) which are named the lung and large intestine channels. The two meridians cover our respiratory and elimination systems as expected from their names but also has influence at the mental and emotional level. For example, the phrase in the title "letting go" is the mental/emotional equivalent of the physical elimination of waste carried out by the large intestine. At the non-physical level, letting go is very much associated with grief and sadness too. Then our lungs are organs of breathing, taking in fresh air and exhaling carbon dioxide. The inhalation at the physical level is linked with the taking in of new ideas and being inspired by them. Interestingly, in the Eastern medical view, the lung, which is the interface boundary between the outside air and our inner tissue, is totally equivalent to the skin.

So as we slide into Autumn, there could be a sense of grief and finding it hard to accept the new energy of the season. Metal is sensitive to light, and the drawing in of the days will add to the sense of sadness. Yet as mentioned, the stunning colours can be very inspiring as can be the fresh crisp frosty days. The majority of us work in buildings and do not have the time to be more connected to the natural world. So changes of season can present physical and emotional challenges. We could be more susceptible to respiratory infections or have skin problems. Our bowels and urinary tract can play up. Emotionally we might feel down and out of sorts and perhaps have a sense of general malaise.

Being out in nature can be invigorating on clear days and can help with adapting to the energetic changes. Our diet can also help us to adjust. Eating with the seasons can really synchronise us with the natural changes. For example, it is now best to reduce consumption of tropical fruits and start with pears and apples and berries. Squashes are also plentiful and a bowl of warming pumpkin soup fits in nicely. Another positive side-effect of eating with the season is the positive ecological aspect - as supermarket demand of imported food reduce the "air miles" impact due to fuel usage pollution will also reduce. Knowing this will introduce a feel-good factor which is starting to be acknowledged as a very important part of out mental well-being. Additionally, a "top-up" or "maintenance" acupuncture treatment at the change of seasons is a good idea and will help the body and mind adjust to the coming Autumn.

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Reduce Facial Sweating With Some Simple Tips

Getting your clothes wet from sweating is embarrassing, even so facial sweating is a bit more obvious. When wearing tight clothes you will significantly have less air circulation which will make you sweat more. Wearing the right size of clothes may help to keep your dry. The only problem is when you start to sweat from your face, there is not much you can do to hide it.

Experiencing excessive facial sweat can result in difficulties. Some people tend to stay away from others so they do not have to feel humiliated. In my case I would try to avoid speaking with people because I was so frightened. I was always self-conscious about my sweating problem. This is why it is important that you discover methods to remove excessive facial sweating before you decrease all of your self-confidence and yourself-esteem.

Plenty of people experience abnormal facial perspiring with simple things like chatting in public areas or dancing with close friends. In case you experience excessive face perspiration you will stop doing fun activities and miss out on wonderful activities, including dating an individual you want, likely to finding a new challenge. Alternatively you ought to be regularly obtaining methods to lower facial sweating to be able to take it easy.

To start you can carry napkins or a small towel, so when you start to sweat in front of others you can just wipe it off. It is crucial that you drink water since water happens to be supporting your whole body to eliminate harmful toxins and cool down your body which helps reduce excessive sweating in general.

Stress Free Can Lead To A Reduction In Facial Sweat

Most of the facial sweating you experience is activated by thinking excessively about your perspiration problems. It's not necessary to think about or imagine about sweat as you are simply informing your brain to perspire far more. Perhaps you have realize that at home you perspire less compare to when going out. You have to totally free your mind and be able to relax, try to be relax on a regular basis. The best way that worked for me was to take care of it by deciding to start talking to people so I could loosen up around strangers. This help me train my brain to relax around other individuals. This way I do not induce my sweating in excess when being in public. If you are less tense, you will sweat significantly less. A lot of people who are suffering from face sweating buy relaxation or trance music and listen to it to help reduce excessive sweating by reprogramming their brain.

Easy Ways to Decrease Perspiration

You can stop sweating by simply washing your face with some type of product which helps clean your pores and gets rid of dirt on your face.

There are many herbs which are a natural and safe to reduce your excessive facial sweat. You might use sage which is one of the best treatments to help reduce sweat by 40 percent. You can consume it by drinking it as a teas, adding some to your meals, applying it to your face as a paste to help reduce sweat.

Why Building Muscle After 50 Is the Key to Longevity

Building muscle after 50 is not only possible, it is essential to good health and longevity. Muscle mass will naturally decline with age if you do not actively pursue activities to build muscle. Maintaining muscular fitness is a central key to overall health as you age.

One of the main reasons our bodies age is diminished production of testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH) due to advancing age. These hormones are needed in the body to maintain a youthful appearance from building muscle to maintaining energy levels to keeping your skin tight and supple. Testosterone and HGH are the hormones of vitality and youthfulness.

The only way to stimulate the body to create more of these hormones naturally is by lifting heavy weight. This can be through traditional weight training exercises, body weight training workouts, heavy work in the yard moving rocks and logs or any exercise involving moving a load or resistance through space. Pick it and put it down. Lift and carry. Push it. Drag it. Flip it. Any effort requiring heavy work from your muscles will stimulate testosterone and HGH production.

Keeping your muscles and aerobic capacity strong allows you to continue to perform at a high level no matter what your age. This is important to keep you in the game. As soon as something becomes too hard to enjoy, you stop doing it. We are all invigorated by a brisk walk in the woods. However, it is no longer fun when your conditioning isn't up to par. Now it feels like work. You stop doing it and your fitness decline is almost guaranteed. Keep training and building muscle after 50 years old to get the most out of every day.

Maintaining strength and fitness also promotes good balance and coordination. Loss of balance due to aging and inactivity is the number one cause of injuries in people over 60 years old. In fact, a fall due to loss of balance is the primary reason that elderly people end up in a nursing home. Don't allow yourself to get to this point. Get yourself fit and strong to prevent deterioration to the point where balance and coordination is affected.

The key to anti aging and longevity is to keep the body young by promoting natural production of hormones. Building muscle after years old can only be done through heavy lifting work. Keep your muscles and endurance strong and balance skills honed by continuing to move your body through its intended range of motion. Keep moving, lifting and working to maintain your healthy body. Don't give in and become old.

10 Homemade Acne Treatment Tips You Could Easily Do at Home

Several Homemade Acne Treatment You Should Know

If you are one of the girls that having facial acne issues then you might be interested to know how to handle your problem with your own homemade acne treatment. It's cheap, natural and reduce the side effects risk you could get when you using other acne treatment. So, when you are ready lets seek several ingredients you could find mostly in your kitchen for your homemade acne treatment.

Shall we girls.Treatment Ingredients #1: Water

Water is important nutrition's for our body and healthy skin. Water also the most common homemade acne treatment ingredient to reduce the acne scar effects. Water helps our body in detoxification process, renew our skin cells and keep the skin elastic. It is become a fact to consume at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep our skin health and fresh.

Treatment Ingredients #2: Baking Soda

You might not realize that baking soda were use in several microdermabration treatment and other cosmetic products. You could mix and filtered a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoon of water and put it gentle in your acne scar for about thirty seconds. Wash your face afterward with clean water.

Treatment Ingredients #3: Cucumber

Lots of people knew that cucumbers are good for your skin. Cucumbers have the same pH like your skins that make them helps your natural recover process in your skin. Cucumbers are also known for the ability to fight and resist the acne.

You could make the cucumber paste and put it in your face for about 10 - 15 minutes as your homemade acne treatment. Cucumbers are different from lemons that could give you the dry effects; in the other hands cucumber will moisturize your face. Use the cucumbers as a facial mask twice a week and you would see significant result to your skin.

Treatment Ingredients #4: Yoghurts

Yoghurt's are very effective to help you fight your acne problem. Yoghurt has lots of vitamins and minerals that have important part in the skin recovery process and create good immune system for your skin.

There are lots of ways to use the yoghurt in your homemade acne treatment. You could consume it directly or you could make the yoghurt as a facial mask to reduce your acne problem.

Treatment Ingredients #5: Olive Oils

Acne scar could make the skin loose the elastic and flexible ability. The olive oils is the answer to fight those problem because the ability to moisturize and soften your skin at the same time.

Mix about 6 teaspoons of olive oils with 8 teaspoons of salts. Put and do a soft massage in your face and let it out for 2 minutes. Wash your face with warm water. If this is your first time then you should repeat it everyday in a week. You could reduce it twice a week in the next week terms and see the result.

Treatment Ingredients #6: Tomato

Is a common vegetable that we usually have at the kitchen. You could slice it to small pieces and put it in your acne scar. Let it for a few minutes and clean it afterward. Repeat the step twice a day and make it routines for a few days. See the changes in your acne scar.

Treatment Ingredients #7: Honey and Cinnamon

Another common homemade acne treatment but proved to be effective for your acne. Honeys have lots of nutrition's that could help you fix the acne scar and your skin textures. For a better result you could mix the honey and cinnamon and put it in your acne right before you go to bed. In the night your skin would slowly absorb the ingredients and reduce the acne spot. Wash your face in the next morning and repeat the step for 10 - 14 days.

Treatment Ingredients #8: Aloe Vera

The aloe vera gels could easily add and have the recover ability for your skin. Aloe vera also proven helps reduce the red acne inflammations and acne scar.

Choose the aloe vera and peels the skin. Take the gels and put it in a clean covered place. You could save the gels in your refrigerator. Wipe the gels directly to our acne everyday and see the result in a couple days since the first one.

Treatment Ingredients #9: Lemon juice

In other homemade acne treatment the lemon juice hold the first position chosen as the best topical treatment for acne and throat problem. Clean your face with clean water and use the lemon juice afterward. Put it also the lemon juice in your acne scar and let it for about 10 minutes.

You should also realize by using the lemon juice your skin would be twice more sensitive to sunlight. It was recommended to avoid direct and over sunlight when you're using the lemon juice method.

Treatment Ingredients #10: Oatmeal

Our last ingredient is more famous than the other. Yup, it's Oatmeal. These usually morning cereals have a good consistency as a facial mask. The oatmeal mask would help you clean your face in a soft way to make it more fresh and soft. The oatmeal also could be a good scrub for your body, check our other article on how to make simple yet effective body scrub from oatmeal.

Happy hunting in your kitchen (and make sure you talk to your mom before you take those ingredients, trust me).

Having a homemade acne treatment using our own ingredients might be quite a time. That's why we suggest you to choose only one or two methods to try at your home. Use the methods routine in a couple of days or a week would be better because several homemade acne treatment need lot more time to see the result. Consistency is the key and patience would be the door, so have with your homemade acne treatment girls.

Alternative Remedies - Are They Really Safe To Use?

It seems more and more people are choosing herbal medicines, homeopathics, and vitamins either as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, traditional treatments prescribed by their healthcare professionals.

Herbal medicines, homeopathic, and vitamins are part of a bigger health category known as complementary medicine that also includes popular non-chemical disciplines such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and aromatherapy.

Alternative Remedy Safety

When it comes to alternative remedies and their safety there are a number of issues to be aware. Why don't we look at a few example.

Let's say you are one of the millions trying to keep your bones strong and healthy by consuming high calcium foods and a daily calcium supplement. Perhaps your motivation for trying to add more calcium to your diet is prevention, or maybe even something more troubling like beating back osteoporosis. Sounds harmless, right?

Not true. The risk here is that calcium in not water-soluble and must be stored somewhere in the body. When taken with magnesium it ends up in our bones where it should be. When large amounts of calcium are consumed without magnesium it ends up in our tissues and often leads to arthritis like pain.

Something else to watch out for when it comes to any alternative remedy is staying true to the dosage. The reason for this is that herbs can be toxic when taken in large amounts. Additionally, in most cases taking more will not help your results since natural remedies work in concert with your body to produce a desired result over time.

High dose natural remedies also put a great deal of pressure on the liver and kidneys which is another reason to pay close attention to doctor recommended dosage requirements.

Alternative Remedy Safety - Regulation

Regularly there are articles filled with skepticism about herbal remedies because they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration; which means they can be sold with no proof of safety, purity, or whether they work as claimed.

This sounds pretty scary but what I can tell you is that the FDA monitors herbal, homeopathic, and natural remedies closely and with one misstep the natural remedy in question will be pulled from the market and banned immediately. This happens occasionally, primarily in the diet space, but certainly isn't an everyday occurrence.

When comparing this with the side effect risks associated with most prescription medications on balance natural remedies comparatively speaking are a much less risky treatment option.

Additionally, it seems that even when a serious health concern does pop-up pharmaceutical medications are rarely taken off of the market. For example we now know that popular cholesterol lowering statins increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 70 percent and certain over the counter pain medications increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some changes have been made but for the most part both are still on the market with no signs of sales slowing down.

The FDA also monitors the biological mechanism of natural remedies and if their mechanism is similar to a pharmaceutical compound the formulation must be changed or sold by prescription only.

This happened with a natural product known as Red Yeast Rice which has been used safely for centuries in the practice of Chinese herbal medicine. After entering the American market the FDA determined it worked similar to a certain statin medication and banned the product until the formulation was changed.

So the point I am trying to get across is that while there may be the occasional quality control issue with small obscure companies chances are if you purchase your natural remedies from a well-known brand there will be no unforeseen problems.

In conclusion, alternative remedies do have some risks and cautions, especially when considering we live in a society where so many people take multiple prescription drugs daily. That said, alternative remedies are not regulated by the FDA in the same way prescription medications for a reason, and that reason is they are generally considered to be safe when used as directed.

With the United States ranking woefully low in life expectancy (38th) and having the highest per person pharmaceutical use in the world it comes as no surprise that more people have decided to give alternative remedies a try in hopes of improve current quality of life and possible squeezing out an extra year or two when it is all said and done.

Start an Exercise Regimen and Stick to It

Exercise, exercise, exercise is all you hear everywhere! Don't despair! It isn't as hard or cumbersome as you think it may be. In fact, it can be so much fun that you will forget that you are exercising.

Exercise to the body is like breathing. In other words, it is as necessary as the air we breathe. The well known cliché "If you don't use it, you will lose it" is well applicable to exercise and our body.

So if you are not already part of an exercise regimen, how do you go about it?

Say No

First of all, you have to say no to the 'excuse demon'. I used to be a person who dreaded exercise and would become dizzy at the very thought of it. And hence, I came to the conclusion that my body is not made for exercise. Sounds familiar?

Yes, our mind is powerful enough to bring up excuses like that which can stall us for a lifetime. Ever heard the one "I will go to the gym tomorrow". Smart huh?

Pick One Activity and Make it Fun

Next, you have to pick an activity that you really like and one that can be part of your routine for life. If you pick something which you already feel is a chore, then chances are that you will never stick to it. Whereas, if you start an activity that your mind now deems as fun then you will WANT to do it as opposed to dragging your feet to do it. Therein, lie the secret to starting an exercise regimen and sticking to it.

Stick to it

When you stick to the regimen, you will find yourself to be a new person with more energy and endurance and you will actually want to exercise more and will start looking around for something more strenuous or challenging.

Then you truly know that you have won half the battle over the excuse demon.

Swimming

Look around for an activity that you already do, for instance, an aerobic exercise like swimming.

Swimming is the most beneficial exercise ever and it does not feel like exercise either. Swimming also burns a lot more calories. Not only does swimming burn calories faster, it also burns fat faster because unknown to you your body is working a lot when you swim. So if you know how to swim, just go for it and watch the inches melt off your waist. Swimming also tones your thighs and arms. So, you are rewarded with a toned body as well.

Dancing

Dancing is another fun activity than can shed pounds and burn calories. Join a dance club or if you are one of the shy ones, get a dance video and dance away at home. You can also get other exercise videos that you can follow in the comfort of your home.

Walking and More

If you have never exercised before then walking is a good way to start. As with any exercise start gradually and then increment as you go.

Jogging, running, hiking, mountain and rock climbing, and any other sport or activity that you think of as fun is a great way to get your body moving and burning calories.

Or just plain old aerobics group exercise at the local gym is a great way to start. The group effect can be motivating and you will hold each other accountable enough to participate in the classes.

What Is Community Acupuncture, and Why Would I Want to Go There?

What is community acupuncture?

Acupuncture is relatively new in the Western world. Although it has been around for thousands of years in China it has only been practiced in the West in recent times. In Australia it is considered a complementary medicine and is not on the public health system. This leaves acupuncture remaining within the realms of those who can afford it. This is unfortunate as it has clinically shown to be a highly effective treatment modality. A community acupuncture clinic aims to close this gap and bring acupuncture to those who otherwise could not afford it. Treatments are subsidised resulting in them being a-lot more affordable for everybody.

How does a community acupuncture clinic work?

A community acupuncture clinic provides subsidised acupuncture treatments for those who usually can not access it due to cost. This can work in a couple of ways. The clinic may run multiple beds at the same time so that they are not limited to seeing just one person an hour. This means that overheads may still be met because potentially they could bring in the same amount of money. There could also be sliding scale of costs. If you are able to afford more, then you will pay more. This in turn helps those who can't afford the higher fees as your higher fees will subsidise theirs.

What can I expect?

Generally speaking community acupuncture clinics are also multi-bed clinics. This means that there are multiple beds in one room. They may be divided by screens but this is not always the case. You are not one on one with your acupuncturist, and there is less privacy. Many people enjoy this. They enjoy the communal environment of sitting there together relaxing and listening to calming music together whilst letting the needles do their work.

Be aware that as there is less private space it is especially important to wear loose comfortable clothing. Rather than disrobing you may remain fully clothed and your acupuncturist will instead adjust your clothing according to where the needles need to go.

Why would I want to go there?

The obvious advantage of a community acupuncture clinic is cost. Even if you were paying the un-subsidised price you may still find that it is less expensive than your traditional one on one clinic. Another good reason is that you can look at it as supporting your community. By going to one of these you help the doors remain open so that acupuncture can be provided to the wider community. You may also like the energy in these places. They are generally more relaxed and less formal, and you will be with others so any apprehension you may feel will fade a-lot more easily.