Healthy Body

Acne is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be extremely annoying. Many of us struggled with acne in our teens, but it’s also quite common among adults.

There is much that still isn’t known about acne. But there are some factors that often contribute to its appearance. Some of them are easy to control, while others are difficult or impossible to do anything about.

Bacteria and Sebum

Bacteria and sebum are the root causes of acne. The bacteria P. acnes is found naturally in the skin, and so is sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands to moisturize the skin. Clogged pores, excess sebum, and the P. acnes bacteria can combine to cause damage to the pores, which shows itself as blackheads, whiteheads or pimples.

While it’s fairly straightforward how acne forms, the harder question is why it forms. Studies have shown some factors that contribute to the process:

Hormones

One of the most recognized factors that causes acne is hormones. This is why acne is so prevalent in the teens. With the onset of puberty comes an increase in hormones – including androgen, the male sex hormone. A number of studies have linked excess androgen to acne.

Other hormonal changes can also cause acne. For example, many women experience breakouts right before their menstrual periods or when using (or ceasing to use) hormonal birth control methods. Some women even find that pregnancy triggers acne for them.

Diet

Claims that eating chocolate and greasy foods causes acne have been around for many decades. But these have been found to be questionable at best. Studies have found, however, that dairy products seem to contribute to acne.

The reason that dairy products are a factor in acne is unclear. But some scientists believe that it is due to the hormones present in cow’s milk. Even milk from cows that do not receive hormone treatments contains some natural hormones.

Other Factors

There are many other things that are said to contribute to acne. One that women often experience is using the wrong cosmetics. Some makeup is greasy and can block pores, facilitating the formation of pimples. This problem can be avoided by using cosmetics that are marked as non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic.

Skin irritation is also known to be a factor in acne. This can occur as a result of scrubbing, chafing, or squeezing existing pimples. As with the cosmetics, these things can make it easier for pores to become clogged.

There is much that is not known about acne, but there are many treatment options available today. Those who are predisposed to acne may not have the benefit of a cure, but these treatments can often greatly reduce or even eliminate breakouts altogether.

Candidate for Candida
and Yeast Infections

Because Candida is normally present in a healthy person, you could be suffering from Candida and not even know it. While it commonly presents itself in the vagina resulting in a yeast infection, Candida can surface in the areas where the skin is moist, as well as in the mouth, also known as thrush.

Specific to yeast infections, however, you may develop a yeast infection if symptoms such as itching or irritation of the vagina is present. You may also notice a thick white discharge or have pain and soreness during intercourse.

The cause of Candida is the overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans, which oddly enough is normally present in the vagina. However, when conditions change and become more inviting for the fungus to grow excessively, it replaces the good bacteria and Candida develops.

While yeast infections are common, the best way to prevent the infection is to follow these rules: wear cotton underpants, do not use deodorants or feminine hygiene sprays, avoid powders and deodorant tampons, and, above all, do not douche. It’s a common misconception that douching will alleviate the infection. In fact, what it does is take away the normal bacteria, which is present in the vagina as a protection against infection.

If you develop Candida and need help in diagnosing and treating the infection, you may want to talk to several doctors. The reason being is that because there have been no definitive studies to ascertain the cause and cure of Candida, many women have found it difficult to find a doctor who is willing to treat them. Or they have encountered doctors who could not or would not accept the fact this is a serious infection, one which could develop into a more serious problem.

Doctors who are aware of Candida and its effects have offered this advice to women, “Get somebody to take you seriously.” Others have agreed that doctors need to reassess their attitude towards Candida and understand the seriousness of the infection, especially if it spreads to the bowel or throughout the body.Â

If you are not satisfied with your doctor, find another. If he/she is non-sympathetic to your needs, then keep searching until you find a doctor who is willing to properly diagnose and treat the infection and take every precaution to ensure it has not spread.

Cooking in the summer provides a unique challenge. In the winter, turning a cold kitchen in to a warm and cozy place is a benefit of cooking. In the summer, turning that same kitchen into a sweltering inferno is not. Planning ahead can eliminate the need for turning on the oven. Here are several options to help ensure your kitchen remains cool in the hot summer months. Â

Gazpacho, a Portuguese and Spanish soup made from stale bread, garlic olive oil, salt, vinegar and vegetables doesn’t need any cooking and has undergone many variations since its inception. Modern gazpacho includes a tomato base and a wider range of vegetables. It can quickly and easily be prepared with a food processor and stored beforehand in a refrigerator.

Ceviche is a Peruvian seafood salad marinated in citrus. Traditionally made from raw fish and onions with lime or lemon juice, modern variations include using a tomato sauce of ketchup. In its original form, it can be adapted to most tastes by using a wide variety of fish and cold vegetables. You should check with your local fishmonger to make sure the quality of fish is good enough that it can be eaten raw. The citrus juice in the recipes allows it to be served at room temperature while eliminating the risk of immediate bacterial growth.

Pickled cucumbers and beats can be prepared the night before. Ways to prepare them range from simply placing julienne vegetables in vinegar to more complex and elaborate preparations that include chili oil and sugar. This concept allows for a wide variety based on what you have available and what your taste preferences are. And they don’t require you to heat up the oven.

Likewise, sandwiches are easy to prepare without heating the kitchen. Using coldcuts and already cooked meats and vegetables, they can be quickly prepared to suit individual tastes and served with a wide variety of sides such as coleslaw or any of the ideas above. In addition, setting out a simple tray of individual meats, vegetables, and cheeses that you have on hand will allow friends and family to prepare their own sandwich creations.Â

The traditional American answer to keeping the summer cool is to grill outside. Virtually anything can be grilled outside, from corn to cucumbers to beef and vegetarian hotdogs. This flexibility can be combined with any of the other ideas above to make a complete meal. Plus grilling allows you to enjoy the fresh summer air without feeling like you should be doing some yardwork.

A crock-pot can cook meats without heating up the rest of the kitchen as much as a traditional stove. Prepared the night before and left to cook on its own without much attention, the crock-pot not only keeps the kitchen cool, but allows the chef to work on other parts of meal preparation, or enjoying the summer weather. You can cook complete meals in the crock-pot by throwing in a roast and vegetables.Â

Salads also offer a multitude of options for summer meals. Using lettuce as a base, the options of what you can add to a salad are limitless, from common vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and carrots to fruit, nuts and diced meats and hardboiled eggs. Salads are not only an effective way to prepare a summer meal without heating up the kitchen, but can also be used to help clean out leftovers. When you don’t feel like cooking, take out leftovers from the refrigerator and allow each member of your family to create their own salad masterpiece. Plus, salads offer the versatility of serving as a meal starter or a meal themselves. You can make them as light or as hearty as you want.

Pasta salads are also great in the summer. You will need to heat up the stove to cook the pasta. But you can cook a big batch and then use it for several options. Add Italian dressing, olives, and cheese cubes. Or add mayo and ranch dressing long with peas and carrots. Just about anything you like can be added to cold pasta to make a zippy salad.

Grilling is another great summer option. Plus it allows you to spend more time outside on the patio rather then in the kitchen. Marinade meat in your favorite seasoning then toss on the grill. Or cut up meat and veggies into bite size pieces and thread on a skewer for kabobs. For even more variety, add fruit such as pineapple or peaches. You can even cook garlic bread and cheesy potatoes on the grill but wrapping them in foil.

For those with more exotic tastes, researching Asian or Mediterranean cuisine online, at the library, or at your local bookstore will provide a wide range of inspiration and ideas. An exotic taste doesn’t mean that food has to be hard to prepare. It can be as simple as using rice paper wrappers, traditionally used to serve hot food , to serve cold food.Â

Whether your tastes range from the traditional to the exotic, summer cooking doesn’t have to mean heating up the kitchen. Use your imagination to find creative ways to keep summer cooking cool. Planning ahead allows you multiple options will little heat.

For more great meal ideas and a free menu planning report visit Menu Planning Central – Watch for a great meal planning offer after you sign up and let me – The Menu Mom – help you take care of dinner tonight!

Organic health products were few and far between about twenty years ago. Some of the more “earthy” types bought into it, but the mainstream resisted. Now, the industry has made great strides mostly due to the mainstream.

The sale of organic products is a billion dollar industry. The United States leads the way in organic trade with over eighteen billion dollars in sales. The organic food market in the UK has grown to over a billion pounds and is continuing to enjoy an upward trend. Japan has also jumped on the band wagon with over three billion dollars worth of sales. What does all this mean? The consumer is getting savvy about what they put into and onto their bodies.

Cosmetics and skin care has always been a multimillion dollar industry. With the addition of organic beauty and skin care products, the sales are better than ever.

Unfortunately, with the popularity of organic products comes the problem. What is truly organic?

Companies have been getting by with a thoroughly inadequate definition of “organic” for far too long. They consider any compound in their product that contains carbon atoms to qualify as organic. We all know that carbon is a basic building block of all life on earth. But, toxic chemicals can contain carbon as well.

Read the labels. The front of the shampoo or skin lotion bottle may say it contains palm oil, but how much? If we see it listed on the back amongst the ingredients, is that good enough for us. Ingredients on labels must be listed in order of the amounts of each that are contained in the product. You may see palm oil on the label, but if it is at the bottom, then that means that there is actually very little in the preparation. What’s more, the product is not as organic as it appears to be. Most of the ingredients are actually not good for your skin or hair and can be hurting you instead of helping.

Local chain stores such as Target, Walgreen’s, Kohl’s, and Wal-Mart carry certified organic skin care products. Paul Mitchell and Weleda carry body wash and lotion that are all natural. Mod Skin Labs and Ojon offer organic hair and body cleansers that don’t produce a build up on chemicals in the skin and they reduce irritation. All of these companies are also active in the environment, trying to make it a better place to live. These products and more are easy on the pocketbook and wonderful for your body.

Organic encompasses more than food. We start with the inside and work our way out. Then, we work to give back to the earth for all it has supplied to us. Â

Most women have been told to drink a lot of milk and eat foods rich in calcium to stay healthy and strong. Another food that should be included in every woman’s diet is soy protein. Here are just a few ways adding some soy to your diet can keep you healthy and strong.Â

Hot Flashes – These are a common symptom in women going through perimenopause. Women who suffer from mild to moderate hot flashes can usually decrease their symptoms by getting larger amounts of soy protein. Soy contains phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, that can mimic human estrogen, reliving these symptoms. Many women have experienced good results using soy protein instead of estrogen replacement therapy.Â

Bone Health – Loss of bone mass is a serious issue for woman in menopause and perimenopause. If your normal bone mass is not maintained, you’re much more likely to develop osteoporosis. You’ll also most likely to suffer broken bones, which can be devastating to older women. Soy protein contains calcium, along with magnesium and boron: all of these are essential in keeping your bones strong and healthy. In addition to providing these building blocks for your bones, certain chemicals in soy, called isoflavones, may help prevent your bones from breaking down. Getting enough soy everyday is a great way to keep yourself strong.

Heart Health – We all know that high cholesterol is a big risk factor in developing heart disease. And while heart disease used to be considered a man’s disease, we now know that it’s a killer in women as well. If you want to keep your heart healthy, soy protein can help. It has been shown to lower “bad cholesterol” levels. Getting enough soy protein now can not only help you if you have a heart problem, eating it before there’s a problem can help prevent one.Â

Cancer Prevention – While the previously mentioned benefits mainly deal with older women, soy can be a great benefit to younger women as well. It is suggested that the phytoestrogens in soy can help prevent breast cancer in younger women by preventing high levels of estrogen from reaching hormone receptors. While current studies are inconclusive, they are still promising.Â

In addition to all these benefits for women, we also know that soy can improve immune system functions for men and women, making you less likely to get sick and improving recovery times.Â

Since we already know it’s important for women of all ages to get enough soy protein, the next thing to find out is how much. Having too much soy in your diet can actually cause problems rather than fix or prevent them. You should strive to get about 50mg of soy protein a day. While there are supplements available, the best way to get this and any nutrient is through a proper diet. However, some studies suggest that sources such as tofu are better for you than products like soy milk.

When was the last time you went to the doctor for a physical? Chances are you’ve waited longer than you should. Sure, you may have gone in for a problem you were having, but most people don’t go for regular blood pressure checks, blood tests, or any other routine medical tests. While we often skip out on them, physicals are important if you want to live a long, healthy life.Â

Not all serious medical problems have symptoms in their early stages. A physical could detect something while it is still treatable or while the diagnosis is still favorable. While most people immediately think of cancer, there are other serious problems that could be detected during a physical. Getting a regular check up could make treating a problem much easier and may even save your life.

A physical can help find warning signs for serious disorders. For instance, a physical may find that you have high cholesterol or blood pressure. While these problems may not be serious themselves, without treatment they can cause an array of problems. If these are found and treated, you could avoid ever getting certain diseases.Â

A physical is a great time to get all those problems looked at that you feel are “too small” to go to the doctor for. Maybe you’ve been feeling a little tired lately, have really dry skin, or toenail fungus. While you may not think these problems are big enough for an individual doctor’s visit, getting them taken care of can cause a major improvement in your life. You can bring these problems up at a physical without any extra inconvenience and may make yourself feel a whole lot better.Â

A physical is a great time to get updated on all the new medical information and technologies that are available. Maybe you’ve heard about a new research study from a magazine or a friend. Perhaps you’ve seen a commercial for a new prescription drug, vaccine, or some other treatment option that might help you. If you ask your doctor at your physical, you may find there’s a better treatment option out there than what you’re currently using. You could also find out new ways to prevent disease or infection. A doctor can give you up to date information that you know is reliable.

So how often should you get a physical? They’ve always suggested getting one every year, but new promotional materials actually say you don’t need them as often. Men should have a physical twice in their twenties, three times in their thirties, four times in their forties and every year after that. Just remember, the more often you go for a physical, the better off you’ll be.

The above numbers are only suggested for men, women need to see a doctor once a year. This is a great time to get all the benefits suggested above, plus you get your annual pap smear and breast exam. These procedures, and regular mammograms after the age of 40, are essential for disease prevention and good health.Â

So what are you waiting for? If you want to feel great, stay healthy, and keep informed, you should schedule a physical today.Â

Women are at a greater risk for heart attacks, as they are more likely to develop heart disease as they age. All women should know the signs of heart attacks to increase their awareness. It is unusual for a woman to have a heart attack but it is not uncommon especially if she has a family history.

One thing women should know is that the signs of a heart attack are more subtle for them. The symptoms could be non-existent altogether which makes it even more important to have a yearly physical and to pay attention to changes in your body. Women who take birth control pills and are over thirty-five or women taking hormone replacement therapy increase their risks for developing heart disease.

Hispanic and African-American women are at a higher risk for heart attack than white women. Women that fall in this category are more likely to be overweight or diabetic which are two important risk factors for heart disease. To reduce the risk of heart attack, women must keep their weight and diabetes in check.

The heart attack signs that people quote most often are pain in the arm or shoulders, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. These signs can go one for several minutes and then pass. In the event that these symptoms occur, you or someone with you should call emergency services right away.

For women, the signs can occur one at a time and disappear. They come back later but their reoccurrence may be linked to something else. Tightness in the chest that occurs after a meal could be attributed to indigestion. Breaking into a cold sweat could be attributed to menopause or stress.

Common heart attack signs in women are as follows:

• Dizziness, anxiety, or trouble sleeping
• Pain in the arms, neck, back, or jaw
• Tightness or squeezing in the chest
• Upset stomach
• Feelings of tiredness or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking out into a cold sweat

Any woman who has experienced these symptoms whether alone or in combination should get a physical that includes a chest x-ray and EKG. All of these signs could be attributed to other conditions, but if there is no other reason why they are happening, consult a doctor immediately. If you have a history of heart disease in your family see a doctor about the possibility of a heart attack as early as your mid-30’s.

The best thing that women can do to avoid a heart attack is to reduce their risk factors and have regular check-ups. The heart attack signs are more subtle for women, so be alert to all changes in your body. The symptom that you ignore could lead to a heart attack.

The food we eat is usually pretty safe: there are standards used to keep harmful chemicals from making it onto our plates. However, there are no similar standard for body care products. Shampoos, soaps, lotions, and make ups all contain chemicals that can harm your skin or even cause cancer.Â

Mineral make-up shouldn’t contain these harmful chemicals and are much safer for daily use. Plus, it looks great, feel light on your skin, last forever, and can be used on all skin types. Natural make-ups have been used in other cultures for centuries, why not try some for your skin?

While some of the artificial chemicals in traditional makeup products may be considered safe, it’s still possible that you’ll react poorly to them. If may be that you have an allergy to traditional makeups and don’t even know it. What you think is just unpreventable acne may actually be a reaction to the makeup or other products you put on your skin. Mineral makeup is hypoallergenic so it won’t contribute to your breakouts and other skin conditions.Â

In addition to the fact that mineral make-ups don’t harm your skin, the natural ingredients actually nourish your skin making it more healthy and radiant. They allow your skin to breathe without zapping out all their moisture, and they even protect you from the damaging rays of the sun. Imagine, your skin looking and feeling better because you’re wearing makeup.

To cover up imperfections with a normal make-up, you need concealer, foundation, and a powder. And most of the time, your skin imperfections still show right through. Mineral make-up provides great coverage for skin imperfections, acne, and even Rosacea. With these makeups, anyone can look like they have beautiful skin. And isn’t that what makeup is for?

If you’ve seen the T.V. advertisements, you already know that mineral make-up is a whole lot easier to use. You don’t have to worry about rubbing, smoothing, and blending. You just brush it on as you buff it in. It’s quick and easy. Plus, it lasts all day so you don’t have to keep reapplying to keep your skin looking fantastic.

Currently, there are little to no restrictions as to what can go into “natural makeup”. Many times the company will put a few natural ingredients in along with a slew of harmful chemicals and claim the product is natural. You can verify a product is natural by looking for guaranteed seals, like from the USDA. Just be sure you know what the seal your trusting means (what do they check, what percent must be natural, etc). You can also simply read through the ingredients list. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient name, don’t buy the product.Â

So if you’re looking for a makeup that looks great, feels great, and can even improve the condition of your skin, why not go buy some mineral make-up today.

Â

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You’ve probably been hearing a lot lately about cervical cancer, HPV, and the HPV vaccine. It’s important for every woman to be informed what the risks of cervical cancer are and what she can do about it.Â

Cervical cancer is a dangerous type of cancer that occurs in the lower part of the uterus, also called the cervix, of females. Unlike other cancers, 100 % of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV, a series of common viruses. If you can protect yourself against HPV, you can prevent getting a painful and possibly deadly cancer.

So what exactly is HPV? The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a used to describe 100 different strains of a common virus, 40 of which infect the sexual organs. The types of HPV that affect the genitals are transmitted through sexual contact. Unlike many other STD’s, only the non-dangerous strains of HPV have visible symptoms (genital warts), so men and women tend to spread HPV without ever knowing that they have it. Without treatment, some strains of HPV can develop into cervical cancer, often before you’re even aware you have it. You can only contract HPV through mucous membrane contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual contact. You can’t get it through the air, by shaking hands, by sitting on toilet seats, or through other normally encountered methods of transmission.Â

Recently, two vaccines have come on the market that are able to prevent certain types of HPV. This means that if you get the vaccine soon enough, you should be able to greatly reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. One downside to the vaccines is that they may take up to 5 years to be fully effective, which is why many doctors suggest getting a vaccine well before you become sexually active. Some advocates are even trying to make it mandatory for young women to be inoculated at the age of 12 or younger.Â

Besides the vaccine, there are a few other ways to prevent yourself from contracting HPV. The most obvious way is to abstain from sexual contact. The risk of HPV is reduced by using a condom, however, it is not eliminated. Because HPV is spread through membrane contact, condoms are actually less effective at preventing the spread of HPV than other STD’s. Because they cover more area than a male condom, female condoms are actually the best barrier method for stopping the spread of HPV. However, it is still not 100% effective and you must use a female condom every time. Other forms of birth control, including diaphragms, sponges, and hormonal birth control, provide no protection against HPV.

The best way to prevent cervical cancer is actually regular screening done through pap smears. The HPV vaccine does not protect against the more rare strains of HPV, and it isn’t 100% effective. Even if you’ve gotten the vaccine, you can still develop cervical cancer. Getting a yearly PAP smear can detect precancerous cells. If you detect the cells before they become cancerous, your chances of having a successful treatment are much greater.  Â

Now that you have all the information, you can make an informed decision about your health and the prevention of cervical cancer.

Heart disease is one of the number one killers of women. Though women suffer fewer heart attacks than men, they are less likely to survive when they do have a heart attack. Men and women should be mindful of the risks of heart disease and take steps to reduce their risk.

1. Stop smoking. Smoking increases the risk of heart disease. If you are having trouble, try using a nicotine patch or the gum.

2. Know your blood pressure. When the arteries of the body and the heart are narrowed due to plaque buildup in the vessels, blood pressure will increase. When blood is under such pressure, it can dislodge pieces of arterial plaque into the bloodstream. This could lead to a heart attack if the plaque lodges in a coronary artery or a stroke if the plaque lodges in the brain.

3. Check your cholesterol. High blood cholesterol leads to plaque deposits on the walls of arteries. As more plaque builds up, the vessels will narrow. There are three main components: HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. HDL lowers total blood cholesterol by removing plaques that have been deposited on the walls of arteries. LDL causes the plaques to stick to the arteries in the first place. Triglycerides are a fatty substance in the blood. High triglyceride levels have been linked to heart disease. The doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood cholesterol. A number less than 200 mg/dl is desirable.

4. Lose weight if necessary. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to lowering your risk of heart disease. Carrying too much weight, especially around the midsection, increases the strain on your heart, not to mention your back and your legs.

5. Start an exercise program. Performing an exercise for at least thirty minutes most days of the week will increase your cardiovascular health and your oxygen output. Aerobic exercise also helps you sleep better at night and maintain an overall good mental attitude.

6. Find out if you have diabetes, and learn how to controll it. Developing diabetes puts you at risk for developing heart disease down the road. If you are diabetic, get your blood sugar under control with insulin shots or a change in diet. Your doctor will determine which is better for you.

7. Change the way you eat. A healthy diet consists of whole grains, vegetables, fresh fruits, and low-fat dairy products. Lean beef, chicken, and pork will provide daily protein along with fish and seafood. Invest in a good multivitamin to provide the nutrients that you may miss from day to day.

Heart disease doesn’t have to affect you. Know the warning signs and the risks. Work with a doctor to lower your chances of suffering a heart attack.