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Memory Loss Linked to Sleep Apnea

2008-08-26T22:39:00.000+07:00

As we get older, we expect a certain amount of memory loss, but this can be compounded if suffering from sleep apnea. A recent study, conducted by the University of California, shows that people who suffer from sleep apnea show tissue loss in the part of the brain that helps store memory.

The principal investigator for the study, Ronald Harper, a professor of neurobiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA has stated that the study findings "demonstrate that impaired breathing during sleep can lead to serious brain injury that disrupts memory and thinking." Patients that suffer from sleep apnea stop breathing during the night and wake up repeatedly, leading to chronic daytime fatigue and concentration and memory difficulties. Research has also linked this condition to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

In this study, the team used MRI to scan the brains of the patients with sleep apnea. The team focused on the brain structures called mammillary bodies that are located on the underside of the brain. They found that these bodies of the 43 patients were almost 20 percent smaller than those 66 patients that did not suffer from sleep apnea. The results of this study will be published in the June issue of the Neuroscience Letters.

Harper suggested that the continued drop in oxygen experienced by the patients might lead to brain injury. He also noted that the lack of oxygen during a sleep apnea episode could cause death to brain cells. "The reduced size of the mammillary bodies suggest that they've suffered a harmful event resulting in sizable cell loss. The fact that patients' memory problems continue despite treatment for their sleep disorder implies a long-lasting brain injury," he said.

The lead author on the study, Rajesh Kumar, an assistant researcher in neurology said that patients that suffer memory loss from other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or alcoholism also show signs of shrunken mammillary bodies, so the finding from this particular study are very important. Physicians normally treat memory loss problems in patients that suffer from alcoholism with massive amounts of vitamin B1 or thiamine. They are suspecting that the doses given will help the dying brain cells to recover and enable the brain to use them again.

Harper and Kumar plan to study whether taking the supplemental B1 vitamin can help to restore the memory in patients with sleep apnea. The vitamin has been shown to move glucose into cells, which prevents the cells from dying from starvation of oxygen.

National Vital Statistics Report: U.S. Infant Mortality Rates

2008-08-26T22:37:00.001+07:00

Author: Madeline Ellis

In an effort to understand the overall differences in infant mortality rates among different ethnic, age-specific and socioeconomic groups, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention compiles information based on infant birth and death certificates for infants under one year of age in all 50 U.S. states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. The agency recently released this year's report, based on data from 2005, which presents infant mortality data by race and Hispanic origin of the mother, birth weight, period of gestation, sex of infant, plurality, maternal age, live-birth order, mother's marital status, mother's place of birth, infant age at death, and underlying cause of death.

According to the report, the average U.S. infant mortality rate was 6.86 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005, which is virtually unchanged from the 6.78 statistic in 2004. However, there was a wide variation between ethnic groups. For example, for Asian or Pacific Islander (API) mothers, infant mortality rates were 4.89 deaths per 1,000 live births, 5.76 for non-Hispanic white mothers but 13.63 for non-Hispanic black mothers. Among Hispanics, rates ranged from 4.42 for Cuban mothers and 5.53 for Mexican mothers to 8.30 for Puerto Rican mothers.

Infant mortality rates were higher for infants who were born preterm or at low birth weight. Infants born at the lowest gestational ages and birth weights have a large impact on overall U.S. infant mortality. For example, more than half (55 percent) of all infant deaths in the United States in 2005 occurred to the 2 percent of infants born very preterm (less than 32 weeks of gestation). Infant mortality rates for late preterm infants (34-36 weeks of gestation) were three times those for term infants (37-41 weeks). The preterm-related infant mortality rate for non-Hispanic black mothers was 3.4 times higher and the rate for Puerto Rican mothers was 87 percent higher than the rate for non-Hispanic white mothers.

Female infants had a lower mortality rate (6.12 per 1,000 live births) than male infants (7.56 per 1,000 live births) in each racial group except American Indian or Alaska native (AIAN), but the difference was not significant. And, for multiple births, the infant mortality was 31.50, more than 5 times the rate of 6.00 for single births, accounting for 3 percent of all live births but 15 percent of all infant deaths in the United States. Multiple births are much more likely to be born preterm and at low birth weight than single births.

Infant mortality rates varied with maternal age; the highest death rates are for infants of teenage mothers (10.28) and mothers aged 40 years and over (7.85). The lowest rates are for infants of mothers in their late 20's and early 30's. Infant mortality rates were generally higher for first births than for second births, and then they generally increased as birth order increased. Overall, the infant mortality for first born (6.88) was 14 percent higher than for second born (6.02). The rate for fifth and higher order births (10.36) was 72 percent higher than the rate for second births, likely associated with older maternal age, multiple births, and lower socioeconomic status.

Infants of mothers who are not married were shown to be at higher risk for poor outcomes. In 2005, infants of married mothers had an infant mortality rate of 5.25 per 1,000 live births, 45 percent lower than the rate for infants of unmarried mothers (9.61). Marital status may be a marker for the presence or absence of social, emotional and financial resources. Also, the infant mortality for mothers born in the 50 states and the District of Columbia (7.26) was 43 percent higher than the rate for mothers born elsewhere (5.08). A variety of hypotheses may account for the lower infant rate, including possible differences in migration selectivity, social support, and risk behaviors. Also, women born outside the 50 states and the District of Columbia have been shown to have different characteristics than their U.S. born counterparts with regard to socioeconomic and educational status.

Approximately two-thirds of all infant deaths in 2005 (18,782 out of 28,384) occurred during the neonatal period (from birth through 27 days of age). The neonatal rate for infants of non-Hispanic black mothers (9.13) was more than twice those for AIAN (4.04), non-Hispanic white (3.71), API (3.37), Mexican (3.78), Central and South American (3.23), and Cuban mothers (3.05). The highest postneonatal mortality rates were for infants of non-Hispanic black (4.50) and AIAN (4.02) mothers, about twice the rate for non-Hispanic white mothers (2.05). Postneonatal mortality rates for Mexican (1.75), API (1.51), and Central and South American mothers (1.46) were lower than for non-Hispanic white mothers.

The three leading causes of infant death-congenital malformations (20 percent), low birth weight (17 percent), and sudden infant death syndrome (8 percent)-accounted for 44 percent of all infant deaths. The fourth and fifth leading causes were maternal complications (6 percent) and cord complications (4 percent). Together, the top five causes accounted for 54 percent of all infant deaths in the United States in 2005. The percentage of infant deaths that were ‘‘preterm-related'' increased from 34.6 percent in 2000 to 36.5 percent in 2005.

There were also additional statistics concerning infant mortality risks among education levels, levels of prenatal care, and for infants born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. The infant mortality rate for mothers who completed 16 or more years of school was 4.15 in 2005. The rate was 51 percent lower than the rate for mothers who completed less than 12 years of education. The rate for mothers with a college degree was 3.60, 63 percent lower than the rate for mothers with less than a high school diploma (9.84).

The timing and quality of prenatal care received by the mother during pregnancy can be important to the infant's health and survival. In 2005, the mortality rate for infants of mothers who began prenatal care after the first trimester of pregnancy or had no care at all was 8.69 deaths per 1,000 live births, 40 percent higher than the rate for infants whose care began in the first trimester (6.20).

The infant mortality rate for infants of mothers who smoked was 11.44, 74 percent higher than the rate of 6.58 for non-smokers. The use of tobacco during pregnancy causes the passage of substances such as nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon monoxide from the placenta into the fetal blood supply. These substances restrict the growing infant's access to oxygen and can lead to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation and infant mortality. Maternal smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of respiratory infections and inhibit allergic immune responses in infants.

Teaching Kids to Read and Respect Their Body

2008-08-26T00:44:00.000+07:00

Author: Kristen Deleo

We all know it's important for kids to learn to read words. Did you also know it's beneficial to teach kids to read their own body? Young athletes develop a respect for their body that comes from knowing the magnificent ways their body responds to the demands of exercise. Studies have shown that kids who respect their body are less likely to do things to harm their body, like smoke or use drugs. So it's important that we, as parents and educators, teach kids a few simple principles of exercise response.

Don't worry—you won't be bogged down with the science. Kids learn best by doing. So the next time your little ones are running on the soccer field or taking the family dog for a walk, point out a few things happening in the amazing machine that is their body. Use your kids' natural love for exercise as a teaching opportunity. Here is a simple guideline:

Imagine the body is a well-oiled machine, like a car. As it zooms around the track, it stops at a few checkpoints along the way.

Body Checkpoint #1
After the onset of activity, prompt your kids to stop briefly and notice how their body feels. Ask them, "Do you feel warmer, like you want to take your jacket off?" Or, "Do you feel like your body is waking up?" Explain that their heart and lungs are stepping up to the challenge of the activity. Blood is moving faster through out their body, warming up their muscles.

Body Checkpoint #2
At the height of their workout, signal your kids to take notice of how their body is responding to an even higher demand. By using the "Talk Test," you can show them how hard their lungs are working. Here's how: While exercising, ask your kids to sing a simple song or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. They'll notice that their breathing is a little labored in doing so—concrete evidence that they're working hard. During intense exercise, you can direct them to put their hand over their heart where they will be able to feel it pounding. Explain that their heart is pumping blood, which carries oxygen to their working muscles. (In a future column we'll explore ways kids can use math to check their heart rate.)

Body Checkpoint #3
It's important for kids to learn that sweating is a good thing. Some kids actually avoid sweating because they associate it with being dirty or stinky. Teach kids that the body is like a machine, and sweating is its cooling system. Sweating prevents the machine from overheating. Encourage kids to embrace sweating by saying, "If you're sweaty say hot tamale!" or some other fun phrase. Also, give out high-fives for sweat. Kids love to wipe their foreheads and give you a wet one.

Body Checkpoint #4
To better understand how the muscles respond to exercise, instruct your kids to do a wall sit. Here's how: Stand against a wall with feet hip distance apart. Edge your feet away from the wall as you slide down into a sitting position (without letting their bum touch the ground). After thirty seconds or so, you'll feel a burning sensation in the quads. That's your cue to stand up and stretch the quads. It's exciting for kids to actually feel the muscles working. But even if kids aren't doing a specific strength training exercise, like a wall sit, it's still important to stretch the working muscles. Running around a basketball court, for example, challenges many muscles in the body and requires recovery stretching. To illustrate this concept, make a fist to represent how a muscle looks when it's contracted. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be to hold that tense position all day? Then slowly open your hand to model how that muscle looks when it relaxes into a stretch.

Body Checkpoint #5
Ask your kids how they feel after completing their intense activity. Relaxed? Proud of themselves? Happy? Those warm and fuzzy feelings are easy to explain. Exercise releases endorphins in the body. Endorphins are hormones that reduce stress and boost your mood. It's just another fascinating way the body works.

All these checkpoints will help you illustrate to your kids how "cool" their body is. Of course, in the lexicon of kids, "cool" brings respect.

Book Review: Total Activation: The New 5 Step Fitness Mantra

2008-08-26T00:38:00.000+07:00

Author: Madeline Ellis

I recently had the opportunity to read the new book Total Activation—The New 5 Step Fitness Mantra, penned by author, Nitin Chhoda. Chhoda was born and raised in Mumbai, India and moved to the United States in 2002. He and his wife are both licensed physical therapists and fitness professionals in the state of New Jersey. They also own Total Activation Fitness and Physical Therapy, a company dedicated to the enhancement of the mind, body, and spirit.

The first section of the book is written in a conversation-type format between two characters named Madan Gupta and his friend Rita. Gupta portrays a young man who immigrated to the land of plenty at 23 in order to live a "richer, happier and longer life." He left his modest Indian lifestyle behind and embraced the lavish American lifestyle, finding that America did indeed have plenty to offer-plenty of food and plenty of choices. "They say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, which is exactly what I did when I first moved to the United States," he says. "I started eating pasta, red meat, and sugars that are part of the American diet." It wasn't long before Gupta joined ranks with the majority of Americans who are overweight and unhealthy, gaining 50 pounds in 4 years.

Rita, on the other hand, is American born and an exception to the rule. She is very health conscious, working our regularly and eating a healthy diet. Throughout the book, Rita nags Gupta about his weight and they trade ideas about the reasons why there is an obesity problem in America and ways to resolve it. Their conversation allows the reader to explore some of the differences between the Indian and American lifestyles and the way each affects our health. For example, a child growing up in India is taught to eat a healthy, balanced meal regardless of taste, smell and visual appeal, whereas Americans let their taste buds dictate their food choices. Gupta also recalls that the meals in India are prepared fresh with no processed ingredients, but a large portion of the food in America is prepackaged, processed foods.

The story eventually leads to a 30-day step-by-step plan designed to slowly integrate changes in five dimensions of your life: emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and intellectual. Each day you incorporate one change in each of the five dimensions. You begin each day with meditation, which is a big part of the plan, and incorporate one change in each of the five dimensions. Nitin provides detailed instructions for each step as well as worksheets for each day.

For example, day 1 is about powerful personal change. Emotional–throughout the day, try to concentrate on the task at hand, not worrying about tomorrow or fretting the past. Physical—make it a point to walk a little more than usual by parking further away from the office or farther down in the grocery parking lot; something that you aren't accustomed to so that you burn calories. Social—look at your friends and family more closely, unraveling new ways to connect with them. Spiritual–pay more attention to your surroundings. Intellectual-begin a journal to record your thoughts and feeling.

I personally found the book very enlightening. I liked looking at the facts through the eyes of someone who has seen both sides of the coin; a healthy underweight child growing up in India who was transformed into an unhealthy overweight adult shortly after moving to America. We all know there is an obesity problem in the U.S. and it appears that nothing we have tried so far is working. I feel there is much to be learned from the Indian culture and have decided to give the 30-day plan a try. I will return at the conclusion of the program to report on my progress and I encourage you to join me in my quest. I must admit that I am looking forward to Day 20 where I can take time to smell the roses!

Do Skin Moisturizers Promote Cancer?

2008-08-22T10:55:00.000+07:00

Author: Drucilla Dyess

Every day, women (and men) all over the world slather on moisturizing creams of all prices and varieties, trying to keep their skin supple and defy aging. Starting with advice from our mothers on skin care, and reinforced by modern media, facial creams have always been deemed a must-do ritual. However, several common moisturizing creams have been shown to promote the spread of skin cancer and the growth of tumors in mice exposed to UV radiation. Does this mean you need to retreat and forget all you have learned? No. It just means you need to read the label more carefully to be absolutely safe.

Hairless mice were exposed to UV radiation twice weekly for 20 weeks. The UV treatment was followed by the application of the four common brands of skin moisturizers to the skin of the animals five days weekly for a period of 17 weeks. The treatment resulted in the generation of non-melanoma skin cancer.

The research group, from Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey, discovered that the mice treated with the skin moisturizers showed an increase in the rate of tumor formation and found that more tumors developed on mice treated with moisturizers than on those only treated with UV radiation. The rates of increase in tumor activity from the application of each moisturizer in the analysis were:

24 Percent for Eucerin Original Moisturizing Cream (Beiersdorf of Hamburg Germany)
58 Percent for Vanicream (Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc., in Rochester, Minnesota)
69 Percent for Dermabase (Patrick Laboratories in Minneapolis)
95 Percent for Dermovan (Galderma Laboratory Inc. of Fort Worth, Texas)

Lead researcher Allan H. Conney from the university's Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research noted, "These creams we tested have tumorigenic (tumor-causing) activities." He also stated, "I need to emphasize that what we have done is only in mice. We don't know what the implications are for humans. But it does raise a red flag that this is something that should be considered."

Some ingredients in the moisturizers were identified as seeming to enhance tumor growth. When mineral oil and sodium lauryl sulfate, previously linked to skin irritation, were removed from the lotion in a mixture created for the analysis by Johnson and Johnson, the altered lotion did nothing to encourage the growth of cancer in mice exposed to UV radiation.

"We really don't know what ingredients in these creams are doing that," Conney said. "There is a need to have the various companies test their creams to see whether or not there is a problem." Conney believes that companies can remove the effect by modifying their products. He also added, "I am sure there are creams on the market that do not have tumorigenic activities and some of them may have anti-tumorigenic activity."

Non-melanoma skin cancer is very common in humans, and is usually surgically curable. However, it can prove fatal in very rare cases. Conney said that further studies are necessary to determine the effects of topical creams on humans since the skin of mice is thinner and more porous than human skin. Many experts doubt the significance of the study for humans.

It is important to note that consumers should not simply stop using moisturizers. As we age and our skin becomes drier, moisture is needed to ward off conditions such as the outbreak of rashes, eczema and dermatitis.

Traces of Arsenic in Drinking Water May Increase Risk of Diabetes

2008-08-22T10:51:00.001+07:00

Author: Drucilla Dyess

It has recently been discovered that drinking water contaminated with arsenic may be associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Arsenic is a natural metal element of the earth's crust that has been used in committing the "perfect murder" for centuries because it is tasteless, colorless, and odorless. Over time, scientists have proven that long-term consumption of drinking water tainted with arsenic causes cancers of the bladder, lung, kidney, and skin, in addition to other diseases and conditions. Type 2 diabetes is a disease that now accounts for 10 percent of all American dollars spent on healthcare. Trace amounts of arsenic that occur naturally in drinking water supplies may be contributing to the disease with those drinking the contaminated water being totally unaware of the dangers.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that Americans with the highest inorganic arsenic levels in their urine are more than three times more likely to develop diabetes than those people with the lowest arsenic levels. This discovery coincides with previous research in animals that has shown increases in blood glucose and insulin levels from chronic exposure to arsenic and is consistent with studies from Taiwan, Bangladesh, and Mexico that have connected high arsenic levels with diabetes.

Data was studied from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in which 788 adults had their urine tested for arsenic exposure. Those participants with type 2 diabetes had a 26 percent higher level of total arsenic in their urine than those without the disease. Organic arsenic that is non-toxic and often found in seafood, was found to be at similar levels in both groups.

The researchers adjusted for diabetes risk factors and seafood intake and found that participants in the top 20 percent of total urine arsenic had 3.6 times the odds of having type 2 diabetes as those with total urine arsenic in the lowest 20 percent. Researchers then looked at levels of a compound created when inorganic arsenic is metabolized before excretion. Participants with the highest levels had 1.6 times the risk of having type 2 diabetes as those with the lowest levels.

According to Ana Navas-Acien, a physician and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University and the lead author of the study, although the law requires utility companies to keep arsenic levels in drinking water below 10 parts per billion, 15 percent of Americans who get their drinking water from private wells are offer much less protection allowing people to have high levels of arsenic in their water and without knowing it. Navas-Acien explained, "People who get their drinking water from private wells and live in areas where groundwater is naturally contaminated with arsenic are at an especially high risk of being exposed to water with levels above the 10 parts per billion acceptable limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency."

There is a simple and affordable lab test that can determine if a well has been contaminated with arsenic. The test costs from $20 to $35 and if contamination is found, water filters and other water quality improvement systems can resolve the problem. This is a small price to pay considering the alternative possibilities.

Some reasons that inorganic arsenic may contribute to diabetes include arsenic's contribution to oxygen-related cell damage, inflammation, and cell death. All of these issues are linked to diabetes. In addition, insulin-sensitive cells exposed to insulin plus sodium arsenic seem to take in less glucose than cells exposed to insulin only. Arsenic may also influence genetic factors that interfere with insulin sensitivity as well as other processes. However, additional research needs to be conducted to determine the level of association between arsenic and diabetes.

Teens + Poor Sleep = High Blood Pressure

2008-08-22T10:48:00.001+07:00

Author: Madeline Ellis

Sleep is essential for a person's health and well-being, yet millions of American teens don't get enough sleep and many suffer from lack of sleep. It is widely known that insufficient sleep can impair reaction time, vigilance, learning and alertness; so students with short nights and irregular sleep patterns perform poorly in school and in other aspects of their lives and have a tendency for a depressed mood. But poor sleep habits can have an even more profound effect on a teen's health-it can lead to high blood pressure, which can cause stroke, kidney disease and other illnesses.

A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio studied the sleeping habits of 238 adolescents aged 13 to16; 14 percent of whom either had high blood pressure or reading at the borderline, called pre-hypertension. The participants filled out sleep diaries and also wore wrist-watch-like monitors that measured their sleep efficiency. On average, the teens got only 7.71 hours of sleep a night, when they need nine hours at that age. A large portion of them (26 percent) had poor sleep efficiency, either trouble falling asleep or waking up too early. Another 11 percent slept less than 6½ hours per night. The teens that slept fewer than 6½ hours per night were found to have more than twice the risk of high blood pressure and those with troubled sleep had more than triple the risk. The problem was worst among poor and minority teens, which researchers say is a concern because those groups already have an elevated risk of cardiovascular problems. "Our study underscores the high rate of poor quality and inadequate sleep in adolescence coupled with the risk of developing high blood pressure and other health problems," said Dr. Susan Redline, the pediatrician who led the study. "We also found that a low sleep efficiency may be more consistently associated with pre-hypertension than a shorter sleep period."

While previous studies have associated poor sleep and diminished amounts of sleep with hypertension, obesity and hormone intolerance in adults, this is the first to make the connection between sleep patterns and high blood pressure in adolescents. "These associations may have a large public health impact," Dr. Redline said. "Although the overall frequency of sleep insufficiency in children is unknown, our study's prevalence of 26 percent may be underestimated due to the exclusion of children with known sleep disorders and other illnesses."

Dr. Stephen R. Daniels, pediatrician-in-chief at the Children's Hospital in Denver and a spokesman for the American Heart Association, said that though the study is preliminary, "it does point to the direction that the next studies need to go to understand what less sleep and less efficient sleep mean in terms of blood pressure." He said if the findings are confirmed, they could eventually influence school system schedules. Many schools currently start early in the morning for teens and later for younger students. "But the changes in the diurnal patterns for adolescents make it harder for them to get up in the morning and to get to sleep at night. If we reorganize the day-night schedule for adolescents, that could make life easier for them and their parents," he noted.

However, Dr. Redline attributes part of the problem to computers, televisions, stereos and cell phones that occupy the teen bedroom. "There are teens who text message or listen to music all night, compounded by early school hours," she said. Her recommendation for achieving better sleep for teens is to have regular sleep and wake times, keep bedrooms quieter and avoid substances that may disturb sleep, such as caffeine. She also suggests that pediatricians "monitor quality and quantity of sleep as part of a child's overall health strategy."

The study was published in the August 19 issue of the journal Circulation.

Statins and Cancer Risk

2008-08-22T10:45:00.003+07:00

Author: Heather Hajek

Do you have high cholesterol and take a drug referred to as a statin? In recent years, there have been several reports released stating statins may lead to health problems, such as cancer. However, recently it was determined that patients' risks of getting cancer was no greater when taking statins, to lower their LDL levels, than they were at risk without the drugs.

The drug class most often referred to as statins, are most effectively used to treat patients with high LDL, bad cholesterol levels, but may also be used to lower blood fats or raise HDL, the good cholesterol levels. Statins are very effective in reducing heart attack and stroke risks, and is the top selling drug in the world. They work by preventing the intestines from absorbing cholesterol, a substance carried in blood particles called lipoproteins found all through the body. Excessive cholesterol can completely block the coronary artery and cause a heart attack. Statins can be found in several medications, such as Advicor® Caduet®, and Vytorin, and the statin drugs that are currently available in the United States are:

Lipitor
Lescol
Mevacor®
Pravachol®
Crestor®
Zocor

Research was recently reported online in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Richard Karas, M.D., Ph.D., with Tufts University and colleagues, conducted the research to determine whether statins lead to cancer. The study involved 51,797 patients who were given statins and over 45,000 patients who were given a placebo, known as the control group. The groups were involved in 15 randomly controlled meta-analysis statin trials, over a four and a half year time frame. The researchers found that patients with the lowest levels of LDL had the greatest risks for cancer. However, those whose LDL levels were lowered through statin drugs had no greater risks of developing cancer than those who had lower LDL levels naturally.

Dr. Karas said, "Despite their LDL, lowering effects, statins don't cause cancer." He said, "When you look at all of the statin trials together what they show is there is no overall effect on cancer, either increasing it or decreasing it," even though during the trial some of the studies did show a cancer risk when using statins, overall on average there was no risk of cancer.

The Payoff of Panic: The Success of Gardasil

2008-08-22T10:37:00.003+07:00

Author: Lara Endreszl

Is Gardasil the food bunker of the new millennium? Way back in 1999, you knew someone who was nervous that their bank account would be destroyed, their perishables perished, and time as they knew it wiped out at midnight on December 31st. When nothing happened you could hear the big sigh of relief, and buyers' remorse, of everyone who stocked up their homes for weeks with dried foods and bottled water. In mid-2006, a drug was approved to vaccinate young girls from the danger of the human-papillomavirus, or HPV—the main cause of cervical cancer in women—and the media went nuts.

Elizabeth Rosenthal of the International Herald Tribune states, "Although cervical cancer kills close to 300,000 women a year globally, pap smears and follow-up treatment limit the death toll in countries with good medical care." In fact, in the United States there are less than 4,000 deaths per year to cervical cancer. Elizabeth goes on to point the finger at the pharmaceutical company Merck who dreamed up this aggressive nature behind the vaccine's push.

Dr. Diane Harper, who directs the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Research Group and is a professor of medicine at Dartmouth Medical School, investigated the clinical trial of Gardisil and thinks Merck crossed a line in its marketing campaign, "Merck lobbied...and went directly to the people—it created a sense of panic that says you have to have this vaccine now."

In developing Gardisil, Merck saw dollar signs in their future and they weren't wrong. Having already raked in between $1.4 - 1.6 billion in sales in 2008, Merck worked its magic publicity on doctors, politicians, nurses, schools, and the media to enforce the issue of cervical cancer as a needed preventative measure using Gardasil as the saving grace behind lurking HPV statistics. Doctors can gain up to $4,500 per lecture on the drug and many have been recommending it to their patients since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2006. Doctor's offices are able to bump up their profits on Gardasil by charging a per needle fee when one series usually costs $361. (Gardasil is a series of three vaccines given over a six-month time period.) But hurry, Merck warns it's only approved in women ages 11 to 26.

A year ago, I wanted to be "one less." I bought into the skateboarding thirteen year old and her concerned mother. The catchy tune snuck out of the television and into my brain where it tickled my reserves. Along with the temptation of my doctor, and already being 24, I went through with the series of treatments. Besides hurting for days afterward, my arm didn't experience any "redness or swelling at the injection site", as the commercial indicates. However, at $200 a piece, my bank account hurt worse. Thankfully, by the time the second vaccine was available, my insurance covered the bill and I didn't have to use my aching arm to write another check.

Some say the FDA acted too quickly and gave the green light too fast to the vaccine. Gardasil only covers 70 percent of cervical cancers and women still have to get regular pap tests. Gardasil's effectiveness is under question; when most new drugs take years to be approved, Merck's baby got its stamp at just six months. Gardasil only went through clinical trials for five years and data is now surfacing that the immunity to the types of cervical cancer could start to lessen in as little as three to five years. So girls who get the treatment at eleven might still be at risk during their high school years. Is the value of a dollar more important than the value of a life? If Merck doesn't know the long-term effects yet, we are left to wonder why the FDA was so quick to approve it. Would this then require vaccinated women to get re-vaccinated? I guess I'll find out at thirty, but at least now I don't have a shed full of freeze-dried ice cream.

Addiction Drug May Promote Weight Loss

2008-08-22T10:35:00.000+07:00

Author: Madeline Ellis

The millions of Americans who are overweight or obese are putting their health in jeopardy. Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death, and can raise your risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and even gum disease. The underlying causes of obesity are numerous, from genetic disposition to binge eating, which may be caused by the same brain changes responsible for addiction. This link prompted researchers to test a potential addiction drug on lab rats bred to be obese-with surprising results.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory tested the drug, called vigabatrin or GVG, in 50 rats, some of which were bred obese and some were of normal weight. The animals were either given injections of various amounts of vigabatrin or a placebo for up to 40 days. The genetically obese rats lost up to 19 percent of their body weight, and normal-weight rats lost 12 to 20 percent of their body weight. "Our results appear to demonstrate that vigabratrin induced satiety in these animals," said Amy DeMarco, who worked on the study. "When we gave GVG, they would steadily lose weight, and when we took them off GVG, they would steadily gain weight," she told Reuters Health.

Vigabratrin works by preventing the increase of dopamine, a chemical produced in the brain that has been linked to addiction and overeating. "Given the growing obesity epidemic, we felt that examining vigabatrin's therapeutic efficacy for obesity was particularly relevant," said lead researcher Dr. Stephen Dewey, who has conducted more than 20 years of preclinical research with the medication. "A fairly significant proportion of subjects who are obese suffer from something called binge eating disorders. They binge-eat based on cues. They see a cake, they smell a hamburger and they crave and they start to eat. One of the great things about this drug is it stops this."

Vigabatrin was originally made by Sanofi Aventis and is sold as Sabril in Canada, Mexico and Britain. Ovation Pharmaceuticals currently hold the U.S. rights to develop vigabatrin as a treatment for epilepsy. It is also currently in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Phase II clinical trials as a possible treatment against cocaine and methamphetamine addiction. "The fact that these results occurred in genetically obese animals offers hope that this drug could potentially treat severe obesity," Dr. Dewey said. "This would appear to be true even if the obesity results from binge eating, as this disorder is characterized by eating patterns that are similar to drug-taking patterns in those with cocaine dependency."

The study was published in the August 20 issue of the journal Synapse.

5 Tips for Looking Great While You Lose Fat

2008-08-21T14:10:00.001+07:00

Author: Bill Mann

You are committed and on your way. This time you will burn away the belly fat and get the body you've always wanted. Maybe you've just started. Maybe you've been at it a while and are already seeing results. But you aren't where you want to be yet.

It's time to start looking like the person you are becoming. A few simple tips can change the way you look now and set the stage for what's to come. And this isn't vanity. There are good reasons to change your look while you change your body:

Looking better makes you feel better and more confident, which makes it easier to stick with your fat loss program.

The changes in your body may not be visible to others right away. Some people will use this to discourage you from becoming who you want to be. Looking slimmer and fitter right away will keep the naysayers off your back.
People will start treating you better, giving you even more incentive to keep at it.

Self-help experts will tell you that one of the best ways to change who you are now is to be like the person you want to be. You want to be slim and fit, so start looking that way!

Ok. So there are definitely some good reasons to look better now while you are becoming better. How do you do it? Here are some easy secrets guaranteed to make you look better today:

Vertical Stripes and Patterns. Vertical stripes and patterns draw the eye up and down, which makes you look taller and thinner.

Watch Your Posture. Stand straight and tall with your shoulders back. When you slouch you look sloppy and make your belly bulge.

Choose clothes that Fit. Clothes that are too loose or too tight both make you look fat. Wear clothes that fit properly, even if that means you've got to break down and buy those pants with the 38-inch waist you swore you would never wear.

Wear Your Shirt Untucked. If you are in a casual situation, consider leaving your shirt untucked. People may argue about whether this is in style anymore, but it does hide a belly a lot better than a tucked-in shirt.

Consider a Polo Shirt. If you are a guy and unless your gut is really big or your shoulders really small, try on a polo shirt. The V shape that these shirts have (wider in the shoulders with a v-shaped neckline) tends to emphasize the V shape of your upper body and de-emphasize your belly.

And there you go. Five tips for looking great while you're getting rid of that excess fat. But remember that these are just temporary fixes. The goal isn't just to look like you got rid of that gut, but to actually do it!

About the Author:

Get past the "dress to hide your fat" stage as fast as possible. Read my unbiased reviews of the top fat loss programs here: http://fatlossatlast.com/

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Want to Lose Weight Faster? Try a Weight Loss Lifting Program for Big Results

2008-08-21T13:54:00.001+07:00

Author: Jeff Kalhoon

There's a big reason why some people don't follow a regular cardio routine. It's not fun!

Even if you are super motivated to slim down, you most likely wont stick to any cardio routine if it is not enjoyable and you fear doing it. A weight loss lifting program is exciting, varied, and will have you seeing more impressive results than cardio exclusively. In addition to that, there's a huge number of other benefits to be had from starting a weight lifting routine.

One great reason to start a weightlifting program is that it raises your metabolic rate. The faster your metabolic rate, the more calories your body will burn while resting. That's right, even when you are not working out your body is burning calories. Resistance training will also help you build lean muscle mass which, besides making you look great, burns more calories than fat.

A solid weight loss lifting program will also give you more energy, improved posture, and put you in an improved mood. These great benefits are often overlooked. If you have more energy and are feeling great about yourself, it is more likely that you will maintain your training. This all leads to more motivation and faster results and progress.

In addition to doing your daily cardio routines, why not try something new? A weight loss lifting program will enhance your mood, increase your energy, boost your metabolic rate, and have you feeling great and looking better than ever. Give it a try and I think you'll be amazed at how amazing you'll look and feel.

About the Author:

www.LiftingGuide.com has everything you need to know about all the popular weight lifting and fat loss programs online. From user opinions, to facts and product info.
Sign up for the FIVE FREE REPORTS and you'll get great information from the authors of The Truth About Six Pack Abs, Turbulence Training, Fat Burning Furnace and more!

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Top 5 Fitness Ball Exercises

2008-08-21T13:48:00.002+07:00

Author: Jesse Miller

In fat-burning sessions, you have several options to embrace. You can use the elliptical machines, treadmill and stepper machine for your cardio exercise. Or you can perhaps join the aerobics sessions. To do the strength and resistance training, you can either use the machines or lift dumbbells.

Although there are many exercise approaches to trim down, some are just particularly fond of using the fitness ball to give them the perfect abs, firm legs and broad shoulders. The Top 5 fitness ball exercises are:

1.Seated Wall Roll. This targets the buttocks, hamstrings and quadriceps. To do it, you can stand up and lean your back on the wall. Your feet must be apart in line with your hips. Place the fitness ball between the wall and your lower back. Start squatting to allow the ball to roll along your back until you reach the sitting position. Let your knees create a 45-degree angle as you sit and then return to the initial position.

2.Abdominal Roll. This specifically targets the abdominal muscles. Lie flat on the floor and bend your knees. Make sure your feet are also flat on the floor. Place the fitness ball on your thighs, adjacent to your knees. Then, put your hands on top of the ball. Bring your shoulder blades away from the floor and lift them up. Let the ball roll until the top of your knees and hold it for a few seconds and get back to the initial position. Repeat the routine for as many repetitions.

3.Opposite Limb Extension. This targets your hamstrings and buttocks, to include lower back. Lie down with your stomach on the fitness ball. Balance yourself with your hands and toes. Look down the floor and stretch your left arm and right leg at the same time. Hold that position for 2 to 3 seconds and get back to the original position. This time, lift your right arm and left leg. Hold it for 2 to 3 seconds before you repeat the routine for as many reps as you can.

4.Balanced Push-Ups. This aims attention on your abs, triceps and shoulders. Put your hands on top of the ball and your body must create a 45-degree angle along with the floor. Stabilize yourself on your toes’ tips. Bend toward the elbows with your body lowered away from the ball. After which, you can draw yourself back up to the initial position.

5.Fly like Superman. This targets the buttocks and back. Lie with your stomach on the ball. Create a 45-degree angle along with the floor. Stabilize yourself using the tips of your toes. Extend your arms up fronting you as if you’re like superman flying on the air. Maintain the said position for as long as you can.

These fitness ball exercises can be fun and helpful. Try it yourself and you’ll see the wonders it does.

About the Author:

Finding the perfect Tony Horton's 10 Minute Trainer takes time and effort. The P90X Plus workout is a great place to start if a person is interested in flat abs.The P90X Plus P90X is also another workout that will help develop flat abs.

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12 Mistakes That Prevent a Good Photoshot

2008-08-21T13:44:00.002+07:00

Author: Lilia Parker

The good-quality photo, attached to marriage profile, is the main step towards success. The best is to have professional shots taken in a studio. However, if you prefer to make photos yourself, then our tips will guide you.

1. Interiors:

Remember, though, that the setting for the photo-shoot is extremely important; it should not take the emphasis away from you but, at the same time, it should not be dull or boring. Apartment interiors which contain sofas, cushions, wall carpets, soft toys, books and such like are definitely not suitable. That said, if you have the opportunity to take the photograph in a stunning, contemporary home then, by all means, make the most of the opportunity! It is best if the backdrop is monotone.

2. Lighting:

Always pay attention to the lighting as it should always be sufficient. The best type of lighting is natural light or sunlight. Insufficiency in natural day-light requires electric lights. Be sure that the light is not cast downwards, but focused on you. Choosing the correct lighting is the key to getting a good photograph. This reinforces the point that it is best to place your confidence in a professional.

3. Environment

Pay attention to the environment, your outer appearance and your attire which should not be too extravagant. Play around with the contrasts. Take several photos in various clothes and poses and also in different places. You don't have to just take photos in the home; you can also take them outside, provided the setting is stunning and you can get an artistic shot. That said, I will stress again that it is best to entrust a photographer with this, his professional flair will ensure the very best of photographs.

4. Variations of smiles

You must look gorgeous in the photograph as well as intriguing, alluring, confident, approachable, self-assured and dignified. Try taking a range of shots; some with bright broad smile, some with intriguing smile and at least one where you look serious. Serious, stern faces and expressionless, unfriendly appearances do not attract people's attention. Neither do haughty and cold looks. If you don't know which pose to go for, then have a flick through your photo albums or women's magazines beforehand and replicate what looks best in front of the mirror. Do not be afraid to improvise during the shoot, put on some upbeat music or chat to someone to prevent you from feeling self-conscious.

5. Style of clothing - how to choose the correct one

An extremely important factor in obtaining a great photo is your clothing. Your attire should be not too dressy but it should also not be too plain. Your clothes should not be overly modest but, at the same time, they should not be excessively flamboyant. Dresses, pinafores, different styles of skirt and blouse as well as stunning tops are perfectly suitable. Nobody can prevent you from wearing jeans or trousers, however, at least try to avoid this masculine type of clothing on your photos. Don't wear too much jewellery and it is best not to wear a ring.

6. Fitting of clothes and its colour

Your clothes should be appropriate. They should not be body-hugging. Your clothes need to suit you and draw attention to your assets while concealing your inadequacies. Buy yourself something new after a consultation with someone in the shop. Also ask for men's opinions as to whether the clothes suit you or not. Don't wear clothes that are multicoloured or too bright. It is recommended that clothes should match the hair colour and eyes.

7. Don't overdo with cosmetics and hairstyle

Don't wear too much make-up and don't go for elaborate hairstyles. If your hair is long, the best thing you can do is to wear it loose and leave it natural. This gives an excellent representation emphasising what men value the most: women should look feminine and elegant. Wear make-up so that it looks natural and is hardly noticeable. If you wear layers of slap, then it is difficult to see your face. Your face should be fresh and pure. Your photograph should show off your true nature.

8. Photos on different days

Don't just take one photo on one day. Take several shots over several days. This way you can change your disposition and the photograph accordingly so as to get the very best look. On different days, you can invent different scenes and settings for the shoot; in time you may even come to enjoy this hobby and take many more beautiful and fascinating photographs.

9. For women: do not ruin your chances - be modest

Never submit an extravagant, explicit photograph if you are searching for a husband; men want modest and respectable wives. The photos that are not modest can put off any of your potential groom, as man looking for a life partner, naturally prefer decent and modest lady.

10. For men: successful look

Men look best when they are wearing an outfit with a tie, or a shirt with trousers. Young men can get away with wearing jeans and a smart t-shirt or pullover. Don't wear sporting attire as it is a goofy look. It is best not to take photos with an expensive car in the background; this might look very appealing to gold-diggers. These types of photo show that the man is a show-off and wants to attract a frivolous, money-grabbing lady. Also, be careful not to show photographs with a bare torso as this comes across like you are non-committal rather than showing off your amazing physique!

11. Add at least 3-4 photos of different types

Put several photos of yourself on the site. Try submitting one photo that only shows your face, one that shows off your whole body and finally, one that is your favourite. Make sure that your head is not cropped in the photo and that your feet can be seen in the one of your whole body. Have several great photos on standby as they can be sent off to potential partners with letters of correspondence. Photos can ensure the best chance of contact and can help your partner to know you better.

12. Be critical, seek for advise

The quality of the photo is very important, since, without a good quality photo you can go unnoticed or even be cast aside. We urge you to be critical of the photos that you place on the site. Ask for people's opinion; your friends for example. It is important that the photo is a good representation of you so that you can be seen in the best and natural light.

And last, but not least - as soon as you get a chance, use the services of a professional photographer. The huge increase of responses and interests expressed will make you regret you did not do it before.

About the Author:

Lilia is a co-author of inspirational articles on marriage and weddings. To learn about matrimonial and marriage tips from A to Z feel FREE to read & download dozens of weddings articles here=> in wedding site and hundreds stories for parents and educators in resource Books for kids

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Great Sex But Dont Pump The Dump

2008-08-21T13:37:00.001+07:00

Author: David Wygant

So, you're dating a woman now whose only sexual experiences have been with men that are pump and dumpers. For those of you who don't know what a pump and dumper is: it's what I call 'minutemen.'

Not the minutemen from the Revolutionary War.. They get in, they thrust their hips, they pump a few times, and then they dump all their little men: all their little sea-men to swim all over the place.

A lot of women who are young (and some unfortunately that are older) have only been with pump and dumpers and they have no idea of how unbelievably amazing sex can be with an attentive, sexually aware man. They don't know sex with a man that has been reading these blogs - a man that really knows that sex and foreplay start right inside a woman's mind.

So let's say you've done it all right. You've started with sex and foreplay, and you've seduced her mind and you have her all turned on. How do you encourage this woman - who is basically very submissive in bed due to the fact that all of her experience is with Mr. Pump and Dump?

The reason why she is submissive, much of the time, is that she has never explored her own sexuality. A lot of women that have had pump and dumpers don't know what they want sexually, and they are usually women that have never masturbated. They don't know what feels good and what doesn't. Their only experience is with Mr. P & D.

For those of you who think he is related to P & G, you're absolutely incorrect. Pump and Dump is not Proctor & Gamble - though I heard that Proctor & Gamble makes their products for pump and dumpers. But it's just a rumor that I heard!

Anyway, how do you encourage this woman to open up to her own sexuality?

First of all, this woman may or may not have ever had an orgasm before. I would assume that she never has. She thinks she might be having an orgasm - it might be a momentary wave - but she is not having a full-blown orgasm.

If you ask her if she's had an orgasm, and she says, "I think so" - there is no "I think so" when it comes down to orgasms. Either you've had one or you haven't! If a woman will tell you that she thinks she had an orgasm, it means that she has probably only experienced a little wave of pleasure and not a full orgasmic experience. Ladies, please chime in here and describe what a full orgasmic experience feels like so all the men know.

So let's assume that she's never had an orgasm. You've got to become the teacher in this relationship. She is probably the type of woman that just expects you to do whatever you want to do, and she'll just lie there submissively.

So you need to show her slowly how amazing sex is. I would take some extra time and give her a full body massage. I would spend extra time kissing her and just touching her, everywhere except in her breast and her groin area.

I would take extra time when I go down on her and not only lick her, but to also touch all parts of her body also at the same time. I would also slip one finger inside as I was licking her in order to give her a different experience.

I wouldn't ask her if she is coming. I would just continually do all the things that I know bring pleasure to a woman, and I would ask her, "how does that feel for you? Are you enjoying this? How do you like the pressure? I want to please you and I want to make you feel amazing." Don't say, "I want to give you an orgasm." Don't tell her you want her to scream and yell. Just say, "I want to make you feel wonderful. Okay?"

And take your time. Allow her to open up and allow her to see sex in an entirely different light. Don't expect the magical orgasm right away. Don't expect her to open up immediately. Your only job is to show her - through a soothing, relaxing, attentive sexual session - just how great sex can be.

Another way to do it, too, is when you're having sex with her, is to do the opposite of what the pump and dumpers have done. Hold her really close to you so she can feel the tightness and feel the sensuality of sex, and then grind in very slowly as you pull her close to you. That way your pubic bone is actually massaging her clit at the same time. By doing that and staying deep inside her, you're going to give her feelings that she has not had before and you're going to get her to open up. You may actually get her to start having a clitoral orgasm that way, in time.

You are also going to show her a different side of sex, going to show her the sensuality of sex so that she can feel protected, warm, and nurtured during the experience.

Right now, all she feels is used. All she feels is that guys want to get inside, get off, and leave. So you've got to deal with the fact that she was with Mr. P & D. You've got to be tender and warm, and you've got to put absolutely no pressure on her at all.

By following these simple steps, you're going to make her feel really comfortable, and you're going to be able to get her to explore herself even more. She'll surrender herself to you, in time, but you need to be very patient - because the other guys, the Mr. P & Ds, were not patient. It's your turn to be patient now.

About the Author:
Hailed on Fox News, The LA Times, The NY Times, Playboy and more... Legendary Dating Coach Launches a New Revolution For over nearly 20 years David Wygant has been earning the trust of American men and women looking to transform their love lives. (http://www.davidwygant.com)

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Evironmentally Friendly Fashion Handbags

2008-08-21T13:36:00.000+07:00

Author: Nicole Maschwitz

Jute is one of the cheapest pure fibers, it is a soft vegetable fiber that can be spun into threads that are not only robust but very course. In terms of popularity it comes second to cotton in expense and how popular it is, but no doubt it's popularity will increase as more people are introduced to this fine fiber.

Most people would be familiar with hessian cloth, a reference given to Jute. Jutes fibers are composed of cellulose and lignin, these are both components of wood and plant fibers. The most common use for Jute was for gunny bags or as most people would know hessian sacks. But Today companies scramble to create Fashionable handicrafts and works of art. This environmentally friendly fiber is not only strong, but is being made into very attractive Fashion Handbags. It is not only visually appealing, but this plant-based fabric is green at the same time.

This naturally biodegradable fiber is not only useful when it comes to Fashion Handbags, It can be used for the making of many other ingenious creations, rugs, carpets and chair coverings to say a few. Now designers and crafters are looking to the future, with fashion accessories high on the list, designers are turning towards jute for a couple of reasons:

First of all, this material is strong and sturdy, meaning it can withstand a lot of abuse without breaking down as many natural materials do. Secondly, because jute is environmentally friendly, and this is right on par with the eco-friendly approach that many designers are taking when it comes to high fashion.

Designers are not only interested in this Eco friendly fiber they are continuously thinking of stylish ways to decorate these Jute fashion Handbags. Beads, lace, ribbons there are even appliqués and embroidery. Designers are not only decorating them with attractive embellishments, they are combining fabrics together. It is now common to see cotton and Jute both being natural fibers together on a bag. The combining of these two natural materials has opened up endless designs and creativity. The combinations of colours and styles are endless from rose prints to African theme prints. Like the idea of keeping the natural fiber look, well they have catered for this to. Fashion accessories worldwide, are being made of jute, a terrific eco- friendly gift, not to mention fashion statement.

Not only are jute fashion handbags environmentally friendly, but they also come in a virtually myriads of unique designs and styles. What this means, is that these bags make excellent gifts for the person who has everything, no matter what their tastes or style are. These jute handbags come in all colors, sizes, styles, & handle types. Anyone looking for a unique approach to fashion handbags will benefit from purchasing these stylish jute fashion handbags, which are sturdy and stunning without costing a fortune in the process.

Looking for that unique gift, well why not look into a Jute handbag visually appealing and green you cant ask for more than that.

About the Author:
Nicole Maschwitz writes about fashion and design. When you are in the market to shop for Jute http://www.gifthut.com.au/product.asp?mcatid=28&thispage=4 ">Fashion Handbags Handmade Jewellery orGifts">http://www.gifthut.com.au/product.asp?mcatid=33\">Gifts please visit Gift Hut and browse their selection of products at http://www.gifthut.com.au

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Jewelry Wardrobe: Ten Jewels Every Woman Should Own

2008-08-21T13:26:00.000+07:00

Author: Ron Peterson

Few purchases in life are meant to actually last a lifetime or beyond. Fine jewelry, however, is meant to be worn, enjoyed and treasured for years to come. So just how should a woman go about building the perfect jewelry wardrobe? Many turn to the The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to guide them through the "bauble basics." After all, the organization is one of the most trusted names in diamond grading and gemstone identification. Here are some tips on how to choose pieces which are both stunning and precious.

Earrings and More Earrings

Diamond Studs: Most jewelry buyers can afford diamond studs - especially since beautiful, quality stones are available in a range of prices and sizes, from discreet little pin dots to three-carat headlights. Diamond studs are classics which can go from casual to classy instantly.

Gold Hoops: Hoops are always attractive and appropriate. And, gold hoop choices are endless - from tiny, classic loops to three-inch hoops. This popular earring style also comes in everything from high polish to hammered satin, and a range of colors, including white, yellow or rose gold.

Pearls on a wire: Grace Kelly elegance meets the soft glow of a dangling pearl! Pearls on a wire transform the classic pearl into a slightly more contemporary look.

Long drops: Drop earrings are flirty and fluid - gliding with the wearer's every move. Choose drops that are not shorter than two inches from the lobe. Enjoy a variety of gem choices from white topaz briolettes to black onyx beads and a rainbow of gems in between!

Chandeliers: These earrings offer a dramatic entrance for those occasions when a lady wants all eyes on her. For a truly exotic look, consider tumbled and carved emeralds, rubies and mogul-cut diamonds intricately twined with burnished gold wires and dripping from concentric crescents.

Necklaces

Pendants: Pendants should serve as the foundation of the necklace collection. Whether a single stone on a delicate chain or a four-inch Gothic inspired cross set with agate and carnelian on a long rope, the pendant possibilities are endless. Pendants are ideal for expressing oneself with a lopsided heart or spiritual charm, or showcase a collection of vintage good luck talismans of precious stone.

Pearls: Think a corporate-climbing gal in a crisp black business suit or the unforgettable bride in her frothy wedding gown...pearls are an investment that will take a woman through countless moments in her life with elegance and ease. Add one at a time to commemorate special occasions or choose a luxurious rope for a real show stopper.

Bracelets

Bangles: Bangles have been around forever. Stacked or worn alone, skinny or wide, a woman cannot go wrong in bangles. For real glitz, think mircropave pink sapphires in pink gold or oxidized brown-gold tubes studded with cognac diamonds.

Charms: Nothing spells beauty and confidence - and a hint of the sentimental, like charms. Today's options are endless - from one remarkable medallion hanging from an open link, to a row of birthstones marking the significant people in one's life. Charm bracelets have been a favored jewelry item of women for centuries.

Signature Ring

This one might be best chosen personally by the wearer. Choose bold and make a statement. Consider a cushion-cut citrine or cabochon green tourmaline the size of a quail's egg. For a truly dramatic effect, wear the ring on the index finger.

About the Author:
Lewis Jewelers is proud to carry the full line of Pandora Jewelry. Pandora bracelets, Pandora charms and Pandora beads are only a part of the collection. For more information, contact Lewis Jewelers, 2000 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48103, 877-88-LEWIS or visit http://www.pandorabraceletsusa.com.

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Aromatherapy Bath Product: Great Blends and Ideas for the Optimal Unwinding Aromatherapy Bath

2008-08-20T12:32:00.001+07:00

Author: Trevor Price

You could go to a store and buy an aromatherapy bath product, or you could make your own at home. Herbal and aromatic baths are an ancient tradition, simple to make and easy on the wallet. Keep reading to learn more about why herbal baths are good for you, how to draw the best herbal baths and recipes that you can make.

Benefits of Herbal and Aromatic Baths

Herbal baths are detoxifying, aromatic and intensely relaxing, both spiritually and physically. The ceremony of bathing in herbs is a daily rite in many cultures, and a return to the course for both the body and the spirit.

The herbs chosen for an aromatic bath will change the effect of the bath. For example, if the bath is designed to invigorate the mind, one herb or combination of herbs may be chosen, but if the bath is designed to promote sleep, then another herb or combination of herbs may be chosen. This is just as you might pick one type of herbal tea to settle an upset stomach or another to help you relax.

Drawing the Perfect Aromatherapy Bath

Think of brewing an herbal bath like brewing that big cup of herbal tea. In fact, many people simply toss a few herbal tea bags right into the bath water and let the dried herbs do their work. If you're making your own herbal baths, try wrapping the herb mixture in muslin and tying it off. Then, either drop these in the bath or tie them to the faucet.

If you want to make your own herbal and aromatherapy bath product mixtures, keep reading for some fantastic recipes that you can blend at home.

Invigorating Ginger Blend

Recipe:
¼ cup minced ginger root (promotes circulation)
¼ cup dried parsley (tonic for the skin)
½ cup grated lemon peel (cleansing and aromatic)
2 tablespoons oatmeal (softens the water)

Rosemary and Sage Bath

Mixture:
2 tbsp oatmeal (softens water)
¼ c sage (helps with poor concentration)
¼ c rosemary (promotes mental alertness)

Lemon and Orange Blend

Mixture:
¼ c grated orange peel (reduces anxiety and stress)
1 tbsp dried parsley (invigorates skin)
1 tbsp comfrey (antiseptic properties)
¼ c grated lemon peel (cleanser and invigorates the mind)

Basil, Eucalyptus and Peppermint Bath

Recipe:
¼ cup dried basil (regenerates mental powers)
¼ cup dried eucalyptus (improves concentration)
¼ cup dried peppermint (alleviates mental fatigue and low concentration)

Soothing Linden Bath Blend

Recipe:
¼ cup dried linden (soothes frayed nerves)
¼ cup dried comfrey (heals skin irritations)
¼ cup dried yarrow (ancient Chinese herb, astringent and great for aching muscles)
2 tablespoons oatmeal (softens bath water)

So, while you could spend anywhere from $5 to $30 on a pre-made aromatherapy bath product, it's easy to make your own blends right at home. Feel free to tinker with these recipes, adding additional herbs or essential oils to customize the mix to your own tastes.

An herbal bath can be a most soothing experience, helping with the cleansing of the body and uplift of the spirit. Trying any of the options referenced above will no doubt bring relaxation in the midst of the weariness of life.

About the Author:
For great information on beauty & cosmetics, see beautycosmeticstips.com, a popular site providing insights on enhancing your attractiveness, such as the Obagi skin care system, wholesale colognes, and many more!

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Face Lifts: Out of Hollywood and Into Your Life

2008-08-20T12:27:00.001+07:00

Author: Amy Nutt

For decades, the rich and famous were the only ones who could consider having a costly operation such as a face lift done. Celebrities were the most common clients of Hollywood surgeons, paying huge fees to enhance their looks so they could continue acting in youthful roles. However, those days are gone and it is now possible for the average person to get a face lift without spending a fortune and mortgaging the house.

Back when face lifts were the height of new techniques, they were exceedingly expensive and it was difficult to find a surgeon who had experience with them. These days, any plastic surgeon can do a face lift and make it look great and natural. It's considered a fairly minor surgery now, as well, and recovery times are far faster.

Everyday people are starting to look at common procedures like this as normal and it is completely acceptable for a man or woman to have their looks enhanced and returned to that youthful tightness with a face lift. While no one needs to know that you've had the procedure done, you will certainly get a lot of compliments on how great you look!

Advantages of Face Lifts

There are many reasons to get a face lift and they aren't restricted to women . . . many men have found it beneficial to have a face lift done, as well.

Tighten sagging skin. With age, the elasticity of our skin begins to diminish, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. A face lift effectively removes excess skin and brings everything back up to where it ought to be.

Bring out your bone structure. Most people who have a good facial bone structure lose this because of the changes in their skin as they age. Tightening the skin with a face lift helps enhance those contours and bring out your cheekbones, etc. that were once the highlight of your face.

You have options. Not all face lifts are serious operations. There are laser face lifts and mini (weekend) face lifts, as well, for less serious skin sagging.

Look thinner. One of the signs of age in the face is a build-up of fat deposits that can make your face look softer and older than it really is. This also adds to your perceived weight, even if you aren't overweight. A face lift will remove some of this fat to help give your face a leaner appearance.

Gain self confidence. Celebrities often opt for a face lift to continue with the great movie roles. While you may not be trying out for a Stephen Spielberg film any time soon, it can still be a big confidence booster to be able to look in the mirror and see a younger version of yourself again.

From being the secret of Hollywood stars to a common procedure done by anyone, face lifts have come into their own over the past decade. It's now something that you don't have to be a super star to have done. Boosting your self confidence and looking beautiful no matter what your age is now possible for anyone with a desire to do so.

A face lift has many advantages and since it has become so common, the risks, which are always present with surgery, are minimized. Every plastic surgeon has been well-trained in face lift techniques, so it's not just something for Hollywood stars anymore. Now you can look great and take years off your face, too.

About the Author:
Cosmetics Canada is a state-of-the art cosmetic surgery facility in Toronto offering face lifts, laser skin resurfacing and many others.

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Operation Checklist Issued by W.H.O.

2008-08-19T21:25:00.000+07:00

Author: Allie Montgomery

The World Health Organization recently issued it first guidelines on surgical safety in the form of a checklist. They aim to reduce the amount of complications and deaths from the rising numbers of operations now being performed.

The main guidelines are simple safety checks that health organizations said could half the rate of complications during surgeries. The checklist is intended to improve anesthetic safety practices, improve the communication among the members of surgical teams, and avoid infections.

Here is an example of how the guidelines work: one of the guidelines calls for all of the members of the surgical team to identify themselves and their roles in the surgery and ask simple questions like: Does everyone agree that this is Patient X, undergoing knee surgery? Other recommendations call for marking the correct site for the surgery to avoid operating on the wrong patient or performing the wrong procedure on the patient, checking the patient for drug allergies, giving the patient an antibiotic within 60 minutes of making the first incision, counting the sponges and needles to make sure none are left in the patient after surgery, and inserting two intravenous lines for operations that will involve substantial blood loss.

The vice chairman of surgery at the University of Washington, Dr. E. Patchen Dellinger took part in the W.H.O. research, and said that when they discussed the checklist with non-medical people, "The most common reaction is the question: ‘You mean you haven't been doing this all along?'"

The surgical guidelines came from a similar checklist that was aimed at reducing infections in hospitals, developed by Dr. Peter J. Pronovost of Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Atul Gawade of the Harvard School of Public Health said that he borrowed the idea from the industry of aviation. Dr. Gawade and his team at Harvard were asked by the World Health Organization to develop a method to reduce death caused by surgery, and he said they used the infection guidelines as a model. He also said that Britain, Jordan, and Ireland would put the surgery guidelines in force in all hospitals. The professional groups that are endorsing the checklist include the American Society of Anesthesiology, the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses, and the American College of Surgeons.

To develop the guidelines for the checklist, the team at Harvard did two studies with W.H.O. Dr. Gawade's team used surgical data from more than one-fourth of the organization's 192 members states and estimated that 234 million surgical procedures were undertaken worldwide every year. Of all the 172 million, they were in the weather countries, and 40 million of those surgeries were in the United States.

According to Dr. Gwanade's team, as they reported in an article in the journal Lancet, the number of surgical procedures performed in one year is nearly double the number of babies being born "and is probably an order of magnitude more dangerous."

Gwande's team also conducted a pilot study that involved 3,600 patients in eight hospitals in rich and poor countries to determine whether using this new checklist could help reduce surgical complication rates. The data from the first 1,000 patients, which is expected to be told at a meeting in Washington, showed that the use of the checklist increased adherence to the standards of care from 36 percent to 68 percent, and approached 100 percent in some hospitals. The final results are expected to be known later this year.

Believe it or not, some sites in the richer countries did worse that the ones in poorer countries, according to Dr.Gawande. The researchers and hospitals both agreed not to disclose data that was specific from the individual institutions.

The hospitals in this study included, St. Mary's Hospital in London, the University of Washington in Seattle, the University of Auckland in New Zealand, The University of Toronto, Philippine General Hospital in Manila, St. Stephen's Hospital in New Delhi, Prince Hamza Hospital in Amman, the District in Ifakara, Tanzania.

Creating a functional and accurate checklist for surgery took many revisions, Dr. Gawande said. He also added that, "You make bad checklists and you can make good checklists. It is very easy to make a bad checklist that people want to throw away and never use."

New Report Reveals Surprising Facts About Adoption

2008-08-19T21:23:00.000+07:00

Author: Madeline Ellis

We probably all know someone who is adopted or has adopted, making it seem like a commonplace occurrence. But in fact, adopting a child has been and remains a relatively rare event in the United States. In 2000, of the 65.6 million children under 18 years of age, only 2.5 percent (1.6 million) were adopted, according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The report is based on data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth conducted by NCHS, which analyzed adoption experiences of U.S. adults aged 18 to 44, both ever- and never-married, and the demand for children to adopt.

Surprisingly, among ever-married persons, men were more than 2.5 times as likely as women to have adopted, 3.8 percent compared with 1.4 percent. Overall, 2.3 percent of all men had ever adopted a child, compared with 1.1 percent of women; equating to nearly 1.3 million men and 613,000 women. Although the report does not provide conclusive data as to the reasons why more men adopt than women, it does point out that it may be related to the fact that there are greater opportunities for men to adopt their stepchildren than for women, mainly because of post-divorce living arrangements.

While never-married adults were significantly less likely than those who were currently married to have adopted a child, approximately 100,000 never-married women and 73,000 never-married men had adopted a child. One-fourth (26 percent) of women 40-44 years of age who had never given birth to a child and who had ever used infertility services had adopted a child.

One-third of all women 18-44 had ever considered adopting a child, and of these, about one in seven had actually taken steps to adopt. Women who had taken steps to adopt were more likely to be 30-44 years of age, to be currently married, to have used infertility services, and to be surgically sterile or with impaired fertility. Overall, 1.6 percent of all women and 2.0 percent of ever-married women were currently seeking to adopt a child. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women were more likely to be currently seeking to adopt, compared with non-Hispanic white women.

Women seeking to adopt preferred certain characteristics, such as a child younger than 2 years old, without a disability, and a single child rather than two or more siblings. They would also prefer a girl rather than a boy. While women would accept children with most non-preferred characteristics, two-third of women said they would not accept a child 13 years of age or older or a child with a severe disability.

Over the past 30 years, the combined impact of societal changes and legislative actions has decreased the number of children placed for adoption. First, more unmarried, pregnant women are choosing to keep and raise their babies. In 2002, only 1 percent of children born in the U.S. in 1996-2002 to women 18-44 years of age were relinquished for adoption within their first month of life. Second, there has been an overall decline in the teen birth rate since 1970. Since teen mothers historically were most likely to give their infants up for adoption, this has had a significant effect on the number of infants available. Finally, two pieces of legislation; The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, legislation requiring reasonable efforts be made to preserve and reunify families, and The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which gives preference to placement of children with relatives who meet state standards of safety, have also limited the number of infants available to nonrelatives for adoption.

Because of the decrease in the domestic supply of infants and children available for adoption, more affluent women and couples have increasingly sought to adopt children from other countries. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, Madonna, Meg Ryan and Michelle Pfeiffer have chosen to adopt children from foreign lands. Between 1990 and 2001, the number of children adopted from other countries increased almost threefold from 7,093 to 19,237.

Cost may also be a contributing factor to the low prevalence of adoption among the general population. According to an adoption website, the cost can range from 0-$2,500 for a domestic public agency adoption, $4,000-$30,000+ for domestic private agency adoption, $8,000-$30,000+ for domestic independent adoption and $7,000 to $25,000+ for inter-country private agency or independent adoption.

Chronic Ear Infections May Be Linked to Obesity

2008-08-19T21:18:00.000+07:00

Author: Heather Hajek

Those agonizing ear infections that many have as children could lead to obesity later in life. It is thought that chronic ear infections, also called Otitis Media, in children may damage their nerves, which control their taste buds, leading children to prefer more fatty non-healthy foods and may lead to obesity later in life.

While there are surgeries that may help to prevent chronic ear infections, it seems the surgeries may also cause damage to a patient's taste buds. In today's environment, many children either receive tubes to help drain excess fluid from the ears or they may even have their tonsils removed in an effort to ward off chronic ear infections. While the surgeries may help to prevent the ear infections, it may cause damage to taste buds and lead patients to prefer more fatty or sweet foods that could lead to obesity later.

Recently there were several studies presented during the American Psychological Association's 116th annual meeting in Boston supporting the theory that chronic ear infections in children may lead to obesity. One of the studies, presented by Linda Bartoshuk, Ph.D., of the University of Florida, College of Dentistry, evaluated a group of 6,584 people ranging from 16 to 92, who had a history of severe middle ear infections. They found that over 60 percent of the group was more likely to be obese.

John Hayes of Brown University, in another study presented, evaluated 110 middle-aged women who had tastes that were similar to those with nerve damage. They determined it wasn't how much fatty food they ate. Rather, it was how much they preferred fatty foods and sweets that was the best predictor of their weight.

Another group studied tonsillectomies and taste preference, and their effects on children's weight. Researchers determined children from 6 to 11 who had their tonsils removed, compared to children who hadn't had tonsillectomies, were 40 percent more likely to be over weight. Howard Hoffman, one of the researchers said in the article: "A tonsillectomy may damage one of the nerves that carry taste information. In addition, ear infections can also alter taste. Altering taste does have an effect on the preferences for food."

Kathleen Daly, a professor of otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota, in another study, evaluated children from birth to a couple years old who had tubes placed in their ears, to help prevent middle ear nerve damage. Daly determined the tube surgery may help with the children's ear infections, but may also affect children's taste and increase their preference for more fattening foods. Daly said, "There was a trend, but not significant, for recurrent ear infection to lead to overweight."

While everyone's tastes vary along with their genes and physical activities, which can play roles in weight problems, these recent studies lend evidence to other culprits that may eventually lead to weight problems. As if having chronic ear pain wasn't enough, we may also be dealing with all of the side effects of being over weight later on in life, as a result of damage to our taste buds caused from either treatments for ear infections or the ear infections themselves.

Successful Weight Loss in Women: Five Essential Keys

2008-08-16T09:12:00.001+07:00

Author: Dennis Carter

Still struggling with trying to control or generate some successful weight loss? Whatever your diet or women's weight loss program might be, try applying these five essential keys to successful weight loss in women.

1. Eat Your Meals More Slowly

If you have an eye towards shaping up, toning down and generating fat loss to improve your looks and health, then consider this. You will derive more benefit nutritionally from what you eat, when you chew your food more thoroughly and eat more slowly. Why? It's because your body more easily extract nutrients from finely chewed foods. It's also true of foods that spend more time in the digestive tract where their value is extracted. "Wolfing down" your food serves no constructive purpose other than to make you prone to indigestion, upset stomach, and ulcers.

2. Avoid Excess Salt

In speaking of salt, the Holy Bible says, "Will tasteless things be eaten without salt?" (Job 6:6) Salt has many uses and is a seasoning that has been used for centuries. Used in excess however, and it quickly can turn against you. In moderation, it embellishes flavor and taste and enhances a multitude of foods. But use too much and tastes are strong, pungent, acrid and bitter. Too salty is a cooking error that can be difficult to correct. Salt also promotes water imbalances in the body, causing water weight gains in some, Diarrhea in others. An excess of salt in foods is the bane of weight loss in women. Avoid it.

3. Avoid High Saturated Fat, Processed Flour and Sugar-based Foods

From ancient China comes the saying, "Eat noodles for long life", but it's best to do so in moderation. Deep-fried foods, processed flour pastries and breads, and all manner of sugary or sugar-based foods and drinks are truly best avoided as much s possible for successful weight loss.

4. Increase Your Physical Activity

Move your body, exercise, enroll in a gym and go regularly for physical, aerobic workouts. You might consider practicing a physical sport like tennis or golf, bike riding, roller skating or ice skating, jogging on a path, trail or treadmill. How about taking ballroom dance, Tango or Salsa dancing classes? Just find a physical activity you enjoy, practice it regularly and experience successful weight loss as you do. Come up with some way to regularly move your body and exercise for continued weight loss, especially in women.

5. Watch Out for Holidays and Festivals

Holiday celebrations and seasonal festivals can represent some of the best and worst times of our lives. One reason why is that this is often a time for cooking special foods and preparing all manner of "sumptuous drinks" all loaded to the rim with things you just know you really shouldn't have. Okay, so we're all human. Enjoy your holidays. Remember to do so though, in moderation. Don't fall, or jump, completely off the wagon. Recovering from an extensive holiday binge can take weeks if you're not as careful as you should be. Be careful of and exercise some control over what you eat and drink during the holidays.

Stop struggling with trying to control or generate some successful weight loss in women by using these five helpful fat loss program suggestions.

About the Author:

Are you interested in the "Healthy Living" video library for absolutely free (a $1297 value). If so, go to 21daybodymakeover.com and pick up this valuable gift.

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Starving Yourself Is Not A Solution To Weight Loss

2008-08-16T09:04:00.001+07:00

Author: Scott Miscall

Many people think that following fad diets and starving your body of food can get you quick weight loss results. You may lose weight, but it has debilitating effects on the health of your body. The healthier alternative for weight loss is through a nutritional tracking system that guides you to choose the right foods in the right portions so that you can stay slim and healthy, and feel great in mind and body.

Starving yourself actually makes you gain weight!

Contrary to what most people believe, starving yourself through strict dieting can actually put back the pounds on your body, and even increase your weight. Once you are off the diet, as inevitably happens, most people reward themselves with a binging session. Many people see that they have lost three pounds and make that their excuse to eat half a chocolate cake. That is the end of all the effort you put in to shed those pounds!

Instead of starvation diets or fasting, you should use nutritional tracking that teaches you how to choose the right foods in the right amounts for your bodies needs. Unlike fad diets that focus on only a few foods or even just juices! A diet tracker allows you to eat all the foods you love, this means you are not depriving yourself of your favorite foods and you learn to eat in the real world not the fantasy diet world.

Never fall off the diet wagon!

Because you are never depriving yourself of your favorite food items, you can never fall off the wagon you never have to give in to your cravings because you don't have cravings as you are still enjoying your favorite foods. That is why nutritional tracking works when other diets fail. This is about changing your diet and the way you look at it, rather than dieting which will never last for 99% of fad dieters.

Making healthy food choices!

Knowing what to eat is the smartest choice you can make when it comes to achieving weight loss. Our bodies need balanced nutrition each day, including meats and beans, grains, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, and healthy oils and fats, all the things that diets tell you are bad for you.

This is why you need a nutritional tracking system or online diet tracking that allows you to learn good food choices, monitor your eating throughout the day, and know that your nutritional needs are being met. This is the smart way to get your weight down that helps you reach and maintain your perfect weight while allowing you to eat the food that you enjoy without overpowering food cravings, which inevitably bring an end to all diets.

About the Author:

Nutri-Diet-Tracker.com provides a proven nutritional tracking system that will help you lose weight and keep it off. Nutri Diet Tracker's unique diet tracking system takes the guess work out of tracking your food intake and calories.

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The Benefits of Casual Dating

2008-08-16T08:53:00.001+07:00

Author: Terry Leslie

Casual dating was once the way the social circles of the world worked. During the post-virginal era and before the eighties set in with commitment in the third grade, casual dating was more the norm. Of course, once the whole concept of "go with me" came about and guys were being asked for commitment prior to puberty, the idea of casual dating has taken a back seat. There is a lot to be gained by going casual. Casual dating gives everyone an opportunity to really check out the playing field, to learn, make mistakes, and to be able to recover without having to decide who gets the couch and who gets the dog. Those who grew up in the eighties and nineties are now moving in together within the first month of ever meeting each other. It's nice to have a little social permission to pull back and reassess the situation.

The key to successful casual dating is honesty. Being up front with women about your non-exclusive intentions gives them the choice to either be comfortable with that or not. Most women actually are much more comfortable with the idea of casual dating than we believe. Sure, everyone likes to get a little weak in the knees over someone, but there isn't anything wrong with playing the field a little and getting to know people before jumping. If you haven't found someone worth getting a little weak in the knees over, most women understand that it's better to have a little company, get in a little practice time and experience, and learn more about the opposite sex. Besides, life really ought to be fun. And if you're too busy waiting for that perfect someone to come along in order to start having fun, then you certainly aren't likely to be having much. Wasting that kind of time just seems like the perfect set up for unhappiness.

The only time casual dating can be harmful is when nobody wants to be honest about their expectations and their intentions. That means that she is either going to freak out when she figures out that you aren't being faithful to her expectations or she is going to feel rather used when you find someone that you want to be exclusive with and so you move forward. The importance of honesty can't be stressed enough. Women don't respond well to being used, and if you choose to use someone the next guy that comes into her life is going to end up making up for your behavior.

Casual dating doesn't have to be complicated. When you find women that you really like you are more than likely to end up with one or two that make really good friends, even if that wasn't the initial intention. Women with whom you are friends with can be a valuable resource and will tell you honestly and truthfully what most women will think of your relationship ideas and beliefs. Having a good woman to help guide you toward the one that knocks the wind out of you can help educate you well enough to have a more successful relationship with the "right" woman.

When you are engaged in casual dating, you should be aware of your feelings and the direction that things might be headed. Casual dating doesn't mean that you enter into a sexual relationship with absolutely no strings or emotional connections attached. That is known as casual sex. Any woman that hears you talk about casual dating will assume that there will be some amount of involvement, while casual sex will translate into sex without strings. Some women are fine with casual sex while others are not. The more women are interested in casual relationships, the less they are interested in casual sex. Often a woman will deny her interest in casual sex, but will grow into it over time. Women have been taught that casual sex is synonymous with the word "slut."

For a guy, casual dating and casual sex might mean that same thing. In either situation, all vested parties simply need to agree to terms before venturing forward. In every relationship we negotiate the terms of the boundaries we are all comfortable with. That's why committed couples argue. When the boundaries change or are violated, often one party feels like they were lied to or misled. That is the number one reason I encourage such strong communication.

If you choose to go about the business of casual dating, and you find that either your feelings or her feelings are starting to change, it should be addressed immediately. It can be very hard for some men as well as for some women to engage sexually and not eventually find that they are developing feelings for each other. It happens. Sometimes it happens on both ends of the relationship and sometimes it happens on just one end of the relationship. If it happens on a one sided basis, it is highly recommended that the relationship cease at least until new terms can be agreed upon. Especially if one party is developing those committed relationship feelings.

Women have been developing this sort of casual dating mentality since they first learned the value of going to the restroom in groups. Somehow the bathroom became the one place where women can determine for each other the value of the guy they brought along, whether it is worth the effort of taking the guy home with them, and just how long is it appropriate to return phone calls after the guy is replaced by someone with more talent. It is the woman's prerogative to decide who she is going to spend her time with and how far she is going to spread her good time around. Often the only road block she runs into, outside of jealous friends, is resistance to her lack of commitment from family members. Being able to protect her a little bit and use a little discretion keeps you in her casual company much longer.

Learning about women requires being in the presence of women. And not just one woman. The more women we can be around, talk to openly and honestly with, the greater our dating education becomes. When we do finally find the "right" woman, we aren't so wet behind the ears and are able to take on much more than we ever anticipated without psyching ourselves out or sweating profusely from our own nervous energy.

About the Author:

If you have found my article interesting, I have come across a site which is at the moment giving away a massive free Book titled Secrets To Dating Beautiful Women. I have personally found this one of the best books on the subject of Dating and Relationships and I highly recommend you read it. It's a must read. Download it from; www.secrets2datingsuccess.com

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Caron Perfumes - Trend Setting Scents

2008-08-15T17:04:00.000+07:00

Author: James Philips

Paris is the city of romance as they say. For some, the city also is a breeding ground for very beautiful and fashionable things. In Europe, Paris is also termed the fashion capital of the region. With the emergence of Caron Perfumes and Fragrance, the romanticism and lovely appeal of the city has further been bolstered.

The century-old history of the house of fragrances speaks for itself. It is as aromatic and as elegantly scented as its major lines of perfumes. Caron Perfumes and Fragrances is a product of love and inspiration. In 1904, perfume designer Ernest Daltroff formulated a scent that symbolized his glaring, yet undeclared love for the woman of his dreams, named Felicie Wanpouille.

Later on, the two jived and started creating scents that would eventually move Paris off its feet. Together, the couple created some of the company's greatest and most popular ever perfumes including 'N'Aimez, Tabac Blond, Pour un Homme and Fleurs de Rocaille.

As a company, Caron Perfume and Fragrances moved on amid different and challenging pressures. In the 1930s, the company was able to expand its line of products from fragrances into several cosmetics, specifically powder. During that time, the manufacturing technique developed by the company in making its very fine cosmetic powder was recognized as innovative and trend setting.

In the 1940s, Mr. Daltroff migrated to the US and his partner Felicie was left to manage the company on her own until her death in 1967. In the later part of the 1990s, the company was acquired by tycoon Patrick Alees. It was noted that Mr Alees and Mr Datroff have something in common, and it was very interesting: they both had definite and exquisite passion for roses.

The analogy did not end there. There was a slight contrast though. While Mr Daltroff was fond of using his loved roses for the formulation and design of his fragrances, Mr Alees simply collected the roses and included them within his primrose garden.

Caron was the sole perfume house that had a revered and much publicized perfumer, whom the company called its 'nose'. Richard Fraysse was the Haute Parfumerie of the company, a right that was passed from the founder, Mr. Daltroff. For more than 30 years of his tenure at the company, the 'nose' was able to formulate and design several of the most popular and well noted perfumes to come from the under the Caron brand.

To date, Caron is actively distributing its many lines of perfumes classified under its fountains, women's and men's perfume lines. There are also several limited edition perfumes that are offered occasionally or in very limited volume. Caron Perfumes and Fragrances dwarf all other perfumes coming from different fashion houses.

The company asserts that it is the royalty when it comes to fragrances. With its very unique and high profile lines of perfumes, no one could ever contest that assertion. Caron perfumes are simply among the best the market could ever produce.

About the Author:
Click to see all Caron Perfumes at our Designer Fragrance Shop. Also, read more about Caron fragrances.

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Sensuality Vs Sexuality in Photography

2008-08-15T17:01:00.001+07:00

Author: Leyla Najma

There’s a saying that states a picture is worth a thousand words. If so belly dance photography could fill volume upon volume. Every dance generation had their look that represented the mind frame and issues of their time. Photography can tell us so much about our history and show us how far we have come and how far we still have to go. Either way, women have always had the ability to cause a stir when it comes to posing for photos.
If you look at Mata Hari, she was a woman ahead of her time but she also paid the price for her eccentric and bold behavior. Are we still paying the same price even to this day? If Mata Hari knew her demise would she have continued life as usual? Would any of us today change how we present ourselves if we knew the cost down the line? These questions led me to look at our dance image in photography and how influenced we are by society standards and our own.

For what purpose do we photograph ourselves? Is it empowerment caught forever in a photo or is it a moment where we allow ourselves to be sensual women? An image can provoke many emotions within society. The big question is what responsibility do we have to society to represent an image that is acceptable and respectable. The belly dance costume throughout history has become a symbol portraying us as the seductress or temptress. Let’s look at Salome for example. The chance that she “belly danced” was slim because of the etiquette of her day and dancing like she is portrayed in movies would have ruined her chances for marriage. But history says she belly danced and requested to have John the Baptists head cut off. Belly dance through history became an accessory with
Salome when in fact her dance style would have been more acrobatic. My point is that many artists through out history have painted the famous scene of Salome dancing which ultimately made her a symbol of seduction. So a painting or photograph can be a powerful influence on the minds of society. This can also lead us to contradictions regarding our image. How can we have a respectable image when our legacy is already tainted?

Cleopatra embodies all the elements that most women thrive to achieve. Her name alone can cause the imagination to run wild. Is this not the same reaction we want people to have when they see our photographs? If you look at websites and magazines you will see a variety of photographs of various dancers in sensual poses. A dancer can convey many messages with her body positioning which can lead the viewer to think her message isn’t just sensual but sexual. So photographs are used to get a certain message across to as many viewers as possible. So what happens when our message is portrayed in a well thought out photograph and the end result is not sensual but sexual? Where does sensuality and sexuality cross? The definition of sensuality is; the capacity for enjoying the pleasures of the senses. The definition of sexuality is; the state of being sexual.
So what if the two were combined together than that would mean that we enjoy our sense of being sexual. Is this bad? Cleopatra was aware of her sexual influence and as a woman ruler she used this to her advantage. In our day and age don’t we do the same but in a different way?

Isadora Duncan wrote:

“Virtuous people are simply those who have not been tempted sufficiently, because they live in a vegetative state, or because their purposes are so concentrated in one direction they have not had the leisure to glance around them.”

Isadora Duncan was also ahead of her time because she had many relationships and was an unfortunate drunk in her later years. The one thing I noticed about Isadora Duncan is that her personal life never showed in her photos and she was a true artist to the end (tragic as it was). So in Isadora Duncan’s case, her message was never misunderstood just like with Cleopatra. The difference is one used her sexuality and the other used her sensuality. Either way the image of both women whether it is in paintings or photographs depict images that invoke women from all over the world to try and emulate them. So what this says to me is that we want a little bit of both when we create our photograph image.

Our individual images in photographs are a big part in selling our dance ability to the masses. How do we choose an instructional DVD if we are not familiar with the teacher? The front cover says so much about her ability as a dancer and teacher. So when I worked with my videographer for my first instructional DVD, we decided to use a photograph with me dancing with a color format that would appeal to the eye. The artistry behind creating any image is essential in having a photograph that impacts our target market. So in the end we are selling both our dancing and our image. Both have to appeal to the masses in order for us to be a success.

Joseph Jaworski states:

“We do not describe the world we see, but we see the world we describe.”

How far can any belly dancer push her image and make it acceptable not only for our community but for the outside world? If too much sexuality is shown in a photograph does it affect the way our community sees the dancer? The reason why I am asking is because there can be so much insinuated in a pose. A seductive look can imply something that never crossed the mind of the dancer.
Anyone can make a photograph mean and represent whatever they want it to.
So what a dancer says in a photograph is powerful and can affect many people.

A William Shakespeare quote says it well:

“There’s language in her eye, her cheek, her lip,
Nay, her foot speaks, her wanton spirit looks out
at every joint and motive of the body.”

Society can create a double standard for anything it wants. Is our image as dancers facing this double standard not only from society but from our own community? Back in the 1960’s and 1970’s the LP covers were very provocative especially in regards to the poses of many of the belly dancers. Some of the costumes had slits up the thigh showing only skin and see through skirts and there is even a dancer with no skirt on at all. We don’t dress this way today and costumes of today have a more designer look to them. It’s evident that our fashion sense has changed through out the years but how about our attitude toward provocative poses and skin? As women in a very unique and ancient dance form I feel it is important to show in photography how we have changed through out history. These photographs are “our” lineage and they show the world what and who we are. Perhaps because of issues with self image and the Playboy era we have wanted to say, “We are different”. We don’t have to take our clothes off in photographs to get across that we are sensual and sexual women. On the other hand I myself love photographs that show a part of a leg or shoulder and the back.

As Mae West once said:

“I speak two languages, Body and English.”

So perhaps without knowing it we have taken all of our trials and tribulations as women and found the perfect outlet to express our feelings and thoughts about the world around us. Dance expressed through the body demonstrates those wordless poems that can only be conveyed with emotional and passionate motion.
Photographs that capture these emotions through movement, poses and attitude, than become timeless and a way we make “our” mark on the world.

Agnes De Mille:

“To dance is to be out of yourself, larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking.”

When I’m on stage I often feel naked because all of me is being expressed through my dance. So my image on stage is many things including the sensual and sexual. Today I have found peace with both therefore my photographs show the viewer the woman that I am and the dance that I represent. Photography shows how comfortable I am with myself. So do we critique photographs by how comfortable or uncomfortable we are with our own body image? It’s only natural to do so. In the end how we view photography says a lot about how we live our lives and feel about ourselves. There is no right or wrong way to view photography. And since your body is a representation of your life impression, photography is what you want it to be. One of my favorite quotes says it well:

Religion says: The body is a sin.
Science says: The body is a machine.
Advertising says: The body is a business.
The Body says: I am a fiesta.
Eduardo Galeano

About the Author:

Leyla Najma is a professional belly dancer with 25 years experience teaching and performing as well as writing with articles recently published in "The Chronicles".

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Long Lasting Makeup - Great Tips to Make Your Makeup Last!

2008-08-15T16:55:00.001+07:00

Author: Anne McNealy

We invest in expensive makeup, we read up on how to perfectly apply it, and we take the time every morning to put it on with perfect precision. We do this, so that we can cover up those fine lines and wrinkles without looking like we're wearing makeup. We do this so that we can achieve that perfect moist and dewy look without our skin looking oily. So that we can add that subtle, yet vibrant boost of color to our eyes, making them stand out, and so that we can achieve those perfect lips- plump and pouty without being too whorish looking.

And isn't it disappointing when you dedicate all that time to achieve the seemingly impossible, only to have your makeup slide off your face a few hours later?!!

Well ladies, keep reading, because below I've included some fabulous makeup tricks on how to get long lasting makeup -so that it stay on all day long or all evening out!

Let's start with the very basics - moisturizer. Its important to properly hydrate your skin before applying makeup,as your makeup needs something to stick to (for those of you with oily skin, it's best to use an oil free moisturizer). You do not want to apply your makeup right after, as you need to provide your skin with enough time to properly absorb the moisture, otherwise your makeup will simply slide right off. Therefore, it's best to wait 10 - 20 minutes first.

The next step is to apply a makeup primer. Primers provide a clean 'base' to your makeup and absorb excess oils, providing your makeup with long lasting power. They also have built in moisturizing power, so unless your skin is particularly dry, you can actually use a primer in place of a moisturizer. Some of the popular ones include NARS makeup primer (which has the added benefit of built in SPF 20), Smashbox photo finish foundation primer, or Naked Minerals Neroli setting mist- which is actually sprayed on after makeup application, rather than before, and provides you with a radiant glow.

After the primer, apply a liquid foundation. Oil based foundations tend to provide better coverage than the oil free ones, however they also slide off more quickly. So unless you really need the heavy coverage, opt for an oil-free foundation. I find that the "mousse" consistency foundations also stay on quite well, like Biotherm.

To ensure that your foundation is set in place, dust a light layer of loose powder on top. This helps "seal" in your makeup and blot any excess oils that may develop,providing your makeup with long lasting power.

If you have really oily skin, you might want to try carrying around oil blotting pads (clean and clear makes excellent cheap ones). By blotting up excessive oil throughout the day, you'll help stop your makeup from "sliding off" your face, keeping it in place, where it belongs!

Next choose a blush. Your best option is cheek stain, it stays on the longest. Cheek stain can provide some pretty powerful color though, and it can also be a bit difficult to spread. In which case the next great alternative is a powder based blush, as those tend to stay on much longer than cream blushes. If you choose to use bronzer instead of brush, also go for the powder version over any of the creamy or liquid options.

After applying blush, head up toward the eyes. For eye shadow that stays on all day long, try prepping your lids first with an eye primer - like Benefit cosmetics FY eye, or moisturizer, and then dab on a light layer of foundation to follow. Wait for it set and then apply your eyeshadow. This should make it last double as long!

If you use eyeliner, although eye pencil will provide you with a slightly more natural look, liquid eyeliner will stay on the longest.

When applying mascara, opt for a waterproof one - you never know when you might feel the need to cry, or when it may just start raining. Make sure to apply multiple coats for thicker lashes and la long lasting stay.

And finally, your lips. Avoid using lip-balm right before applying lip color- it makes your makeup slide right off. Apply lip pencil all around the edges and then color in the insides with pencil too. Dab on a drop of foundation to fill in the cracks, and then brush on loose powder to set. Proceed to apply your lipstick as usual.

Matte lipsticks are preferred.While they may be drying, they tend to stay on much longer then their "moisture providing" counterparts. If you're looking a "wet" finish, you might want to apply a layer of sheer gloss on top.

And now you're finished - so relax and enjoy! There are a million things you have to worry about or remember throughout the day, but reapplying your makeup is simply not one of them!

About the Author:
Anne McNealy is a professional freelance writer who contributes to a wide variety of health and nutrition web sites. You can now find her secret trick for even longer lasting makeup - Naked Minerals Neroli Mist. Just make sure not to tell!

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Can A Trial Separation Save Your Marriage?

2008-08-15T16:51:00.001+07:00

Author: Joan Masterson

No one should ever suffer loneliness and your soul mate is out there waiting for you, and if you look hard enough you will find each other. If you are already involved in a relationship you will find that it does need work from both partners, because no matter how compatible you are together, there will always be certain issues and relationship problems that will arise that must be addressed and resolved. Strong healthy relationships don't just happen; they are built on knowledge, compromise and sharing.

Relationships also need space otherwise they may stagnate and at certain times both partners need to have time alone to renew themselves. No doubt you have heard the common saying that if your partner comes back after the freedom of unconditional separation then you are meant to be together! Couples that have been together for a long time may have asked this question at some time or another. Can separation save your relationship? The honest answer to this question can only be given by yourselves and if you want to go your separate ways as a temporary measure, then the reasons must be investigated why you need time out of the relationship.

If your relationship is already a long standing one, then you may be considering the next step which is that of getting married. This is where separation can save a relationship because this temporary freedom may give you a better understanding of your feelings for your partner, and also whether you are prepared to continue with the relationship. No doubt you have heard the saying where a partner asks for space and time to think. Either the separation can save a relationship, or make the person realize that it is time to move on.

Long term relationships where both partners have accumulated assets together may be a little more complicated when you have both asked the question of whether separation can save your relationship. On the positive side separation can renew the bonds and feelings towards each other. However; if the realization is reached that partners wish to go their separate ways afterwards rather than continue with the relationship, then legal advice will have to be investigated so that the assets accumulated together can be divided between partners satisfactorily.

Whether separation can save a relationship or not, varies from couple to couple and the underlying reasons may come with an ulterior motive. Time alone from each other may be all that is necessary rather than a period of extended separation, and this should be enough to renew the feelings between each other and even strengthen the relationship as well.

Now, you and your partner may wonder whether separation can save a relationship; and your answers and reasons for the decision may be completely different. Being away from each other gives you time to think of your current relationship standing, the memories you have enjoyed together and the personal growth you have experienced through the relationship. For some couples that have had long term relationships the answer to the question whether separation can save a relationship is varied. Many will agree that some time out is healthy while others may consider it entirely unnecessary.

About the Author:

Are you desperate to get back with your ex? The Magic of Making Up will give you the help you sorely need to win back an ex. The Magic of Making Up can jump-start your chances of saving your relationship and of getting your ex back.

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Beijing- Murray Out of the Olympics

2008-08-15T16:45:00.001+07:00

Author: Ally White

Andy Murray was confident about getting the gold medals in both, singles and doubles, at the Olympics; but his singles goal was over yesterday. The ranked number six of the world, was left out of the Olympics by loosing 7-6, 6-4, against the number 77 Lu-Yen Hsun, in the first round. This was an unexpected result, because after winning at Cincinnati many thought that Murray will be at the top of his confidence and form. However, his lack of performance led him into the end of his individual category participation at Beijing.

The Scot player lost break advantages in the first set to Lu-Yen Hsun, who had more precision of shots and a lead before the rain postponed the game. In the second set Murray had all the chances to win the set, but Lu-Yen Hsun was more consistent, more confident and more enthusiastic to win than Murray.

Lu improved his game more when he knew Murray’s concentration was out. The Taipei Chinese never lost his hopes, and maintained himself in a position that took Murray to complete frustration. In this way the Taipei Chinese managed to take the number six of the world out of the Olympics.

Murray’s poor selection of shots and the suffocating persistence of Lu’s game, led Andy to make a lot of mistakes. The Scottish’ aggravation appeared worst at the end of the match, because of his horrible serves and bad execution. On the other hand, Lu kept all his confidence from beginning to end and played in an incredible way. Probably, Lu’s key was that he never lost his composure or concentration.

In the United Kingdom tennis ranking, Murray is currently number one. He’s been having a better season this year, winning his fourth and fifth International Series titles: first in the 2008 Qatar ExxonMobil Open, where he beaten Stanislas Wawrinka; and later in Marseille’s tournament, defeating Mario Ancic in the final. Additionally, in his opening match at Dubai, he defeated world number one, Roger Federer; but lost during the quarterfinals. More importantly, after not having even reached a final in a Master Series event, Andy won his first ATP Master Series title at Cincinnati 2008; title that has become the best acquisition in Murray’s career until now.

However, the latest lost at Beijing was humiliating for Andy Murray, who had been though to at least obtain a bronze medal. Now the Scot player will prepare with his older brother Jamie for the doubles. The Murray brothers will play Canada's Daniel Nestor and Frederick Niemeyer on Monday 11th.

Now, the Scots are hoping to obtain a victory in doubles category and, no matter what, Andy and Jamie will do their best to obtain their dream, which is a Gold medal.

About the Author:

Ally White has been a prominent writer on Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, sport news and the online betting industry for many exceptional sport web sites. You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.

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There is Nothing Wrong To Have Sex In the First Date

2008-08-15T16:39:00.001+07:00

Author: Jerry Leung

A lot of people will be asking a question when they are preparing for the first date with a new partner. The question is whether they should have sex in the first date. In fact, there is nothing wrong to have sex in the first date and there is no point to think that it is not good to have it.

Of course it is very true that there are people who think that it is not really good to have sex in the first date. They tend to think that the first date should be romantic and it should never be sexual. Yet having sex in the first date does not necessary mean that it is not romantic. It can still be very romantic. My opinion is that they can choose not to have it if they think it is not good. On the contrary, you can also choose to have it if you think it is alright to do so.

We have to admit that sex is meant to be pleasant. If both of you and your new partner feel that it is the time to do so, you can just do it. There is nothing wrong to do so. However, it is always important for us to understand both of you should have the consent before you have sex. If there is no consent between you and your new partner, you should never do so. For example, if your new partner thinks that it is not good to have sex in the first date, you should respect his / her and you should never force him / her to have sex with you.

It is also very important to have safe sex. As a result, it is a must to use a condom whenever you have sex. This is a good way to protect yourself. As a matter of fact, what you should really think about when you are preparing for your first date is that how you can perform sex safely if eventually you have sex in this first date. There are people think that it is not good to have a condom in the wallet since the new partner may think that you are not a good guy / girl. However, you have always to remember that it is a way to protect yourself.

As a consequence, you should keep a condom in your wallet so that you can use it in case you have sex with your new partner. This is the thing you will need to do.

About the Author:

The Author has a site on the Best Sex Positions. Be sure to check the article Free Love Making Videos, as well as Penis Enlargement Devices.

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Changing Memory Pattern Could Break Drug Addiction

2008-08-14T19:34:00.000+07:00

Author: Allie Montgomery

There is now hope for people that are addicted to drugs to reclaim their life. By using a chemical that blocks the creation of memories, researchers have prevented lab rats that were addicted to cocaine from needing a fix. The hope is that physicians may be able to one day give humans some version of this chemical to help stop cocaine addiction in its tracks.

An experimental psychologist at the University of Cambridge in England, Barry Everitt, focused his team's efforts primarily on proteins called NMDA-type glutamate receptors in the brains of the rats. The previous work done on addiction and post-traumatic stress has shown that these types of proteins, which are found on the surface of cells in the brain, are essential to the formation of memory. The receptors are also crucial to reconsolidating our memory as well as moving it from its original storage area in long-term memory to regions of the brain that hand short-term memory.

The researchers on this project will report their findings in the Journal of Neuroscience. The scientists put the lab rats in a cage with a lever in it for a couple of hours daily. When the rats would push the lever, a light would come on and a cocaine solution would then be dispensed to the rats. The rats then began to associate the light that they saw to the cocaine.

After a couple of weeks of the rats being forced to stay sober, the animals were returned to the same cages. Before being returned to the cage, some of the rats received injections of an experimental drug that is used to block NMDA-type glutamate receptors in the amygdala, a region of the brain that has been implicated in memories that are drug-associated.

Both the rats that were treated and untreated, when placed back in the cage, would press the lever again and again. The light would come on as usual but no cocaine would be given to them. The untreated rats continued unfazed, hoping that the cocaine would eventually come out. For the rats that were treated, however, Everitt says, "They press the lever, but it doesn't do anything, so they stop." The rats seemed to forget that the lights in the cage meant that the cocaine was on its way for up to four weeks after only one treatment of the experimental drug.

The scientists suggest that by disrupting the recollection of a memory that is drug-associated, a person that abuses drugs may be able to break the connection between the cues in that environment and the need for the person to have the drugs. Sometimes these particular cues can be quite closely associated to home, possibly a family member or loved one.

A neurobiologist at the National Institute on Drug Abuse in Bethesda, Maryland, Yavin Shaham, said that the work is an example of "basic research that can be readily translated to the treatment of cocaine addiction in humans."

With no medications on the market today that are approved to specifically treat a cocaine addiction, most treatments rely on behavioral therapy. According to Everitt, these therapies often involve exposing the addicts to cues that they would normally associate with drug use, but in the absence of the illegal substance. Once the addict is recovered, when they encounter these cues back in their normal lives, they often relapse. Everitt suggests that using an NMDA-type glutamate receptor blocker in the clinic could improve that type of treatment.

Married or Unmarried: Which is Healthier?

2008-08-14T19:32:00.000+07:00

Author: Allie Montgomery

In the past, studies have pointed out the benefits of being married, suggesting that married couples tend to be more healthy than their single, divorced, or widowed counterparts. The theory was originally backed up by the fact that being married can give you more access to social support and economic resources, and on the other hand, being single has been said to have negative consequences upon health.

A new research study shows that the gap that is between married and unmarried people has been changing over the past few decades. Researchers show that the health status of the adults that have never been married has increased significantly overtime. According to the study's lead author Hui Liu, which is a professor of sociology at Michigan State University, "Married people are still healthier than unmarried people, but the gap between the married and never-married is closing, especially for men." The new study which is titled "The Times They Are a Changin': Marital Status and Health Differentials from 1972 to 2003," will appear in the September issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

Hui Liu also explained that one of the reasons that for the general improvement of the single adults health is that people who are unmarried have greater access to social support today than they did in the past.

The researchers analyzed National Health Interview Survey data from a 30-year period from 1972-2002 and found that the status of health for the people that have never been married has improved for all races and gender groups that were examined: women, men, whites, and blacks. The health of the married women has also shown improvement, while the health of the men who are married remained stable.

The research also suggests that the encouragement of marriage in order to promote better health may be misguided. Studies previously done also showed that married individuals also have rates that are lower for depression and schizophrenia compared to those people that are not married. Also, people that are married have rates that are lower for alcoholism and suicide than the people who are unmarried. The married couples are far less likely to be lonely because they will always have someone around to share their thoughts and feelings with.

Liu said jokingly, "If you get married and then divorced, that will hurt your health."

Having a Heart Healthy Lifestyle May Lower Your Risk For Stroke

2008-08-14T19:23:00.002+07:00

Author: Drucilla Dyess

Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle including daily exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight, drinking alcohol only in moderation and not smoking, are steps you can take to be healthier and to prolong your life. But, just as importantly, this lifestyle also significantly reduce your risk of suffering a stroke, according to a new study recently published in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association.

During the study, it was found that people who have developed these healthy lifestyle habits enjoy about an 80 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke when compared to people who acquired none of these healthy habits. This "low-risk" lifestyle is also recommended to decrease the risk of many chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Stroke is the rapidly developing loss of brain functions due to a disturbance in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, and a major cause of permanent disability, according to the study.

Ischemic stroke occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked. The brain depends on its arteries to bring fresh blood from the heart and lungs. The blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain, and takes away carbon dioxide and cellular waste. If an artery is blocked, the brain cells cannot make enough energy and will eventually stop working. If the artery remains blocked for more than a few minutes, the brain cells may die.

The research was led by Dr. Stephanie E. Chiuve of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and was funded by The National Institutes of Health. Participants in the study included 43,685 men with an average age of 54 and 71,243 women with an average age 50. These men and women were also participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (The Nurses' Health Study).

None of the participants had a major chronic diseases and all provided information about their health and lifestyles every two years from 1986 through 2002 for health professionals and from 1984 through 2002 for nurses. During the period of analysis 994 men and 1,559 women became the victims of stroke.

The study focused on exercising 30 minutes or more each day, maintaining a normal body weight with a body mass index below 25, taking a multivitamin for at least five years, eating a healthy diet including fruits and vegetables, chicken and fish, nuts, legumes, cereal fiber and avoiding high amounts of trans and saturated fats. In addition, participants were encouraged to drink alcohol in moderation, which was defined as one-half to one drink a day for women and one-half to two drinks a day for men, and to avoid smoking.

The researchers found that women who had all the healthy lifestyle factors had a 79 percent lower risk for any type of stroke with an 81 percent less risk of ischemic stroke when compared with women who had none of the lifestyle factors. Men with all five healthy lifestyle factors were found to have a 69 percent lower risk of any type of stroke and an 80 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke when compared to men with none of these lifestyle factors.
Individual factors can also have an impact on your stroke risk. As an example, the study found that quitting smoking reduced the risk of stroke by almost 50 percent, while having a only a glass of alcohol each day can decrease the risk by 10 percent.

In a written statement issued by the American Heart Association, Chiuve stated, "More than half of ischemic strokes, 52 percent in men and 54 percent in women, may have been prevented through adherence to a healthy lifestyle." Chiuve went on to explain, "For total stroke, 47 percent of cases in the women and 35 percent of cases in the men may have been prevented."

The Truth About Losing Weight – and it Won’t Cost You a Penny!

2008-08-13T16:27:00.000+07:00

Author: Alan Tobutt

As so-called ‘experts’ we have a duty to the general public to provide as ‘damned near’ accurate and truthful advice about weight loss and overall weight management as we possibly can.
Our conclusions about any product or information on the market should be based on the solid, peer-reviewed research that has been done to validate the product/info before being released for.
What I would like to do here is give my opinion, based on research and experience with my own clients, about the truths, lies and misdirection in our field so you can save your hard-earned money by not buying into the latest ‘fad’ diet, programme, pill, potion or powder.

Right here we go…

1. The only science you will ever need to take on board is the ‘Law of Thermodynamics’ or to cut a long story short - a calorie is a calorie is a calorie!

Folks, 500 calories of lettuce are equal to 500 calories of chocolate cake! Please never forget this.

2. You will have far more success controlling your weight long term if you concentrate more on how much is going into your mouth than how many calories you can burn exercising. Exercise, or increasing your activity levels, is the best thing you can ever do to improve your overall health i.e. your heart, lungs, bones, immune system and mental health BUT if you use it as the secret to weight control you are going to be mighty disappointed. I JUST WISH MORE ‘EXPERTS’ WOULD TELL PEOPLE THE TRUTH HERE! You would need to be on a treadmill for at least 30 mins to burn off the calories in one doughnut. The sad thing is many people will give up exercise because they think it is not working for them and that is so tragic.

3. You have a body that is unique and unlike anyone else. Therefore why have someone else tell you WHAT, WHEN or HOW MUCH you should eat. If you are living by a set of rules created by some miracle programme you are on a ‘DIET’ The problem here is this: DIETS DON’T WORK

* At any one time there are more than 50 million people on a weight-loss diet in the US alone!

* Study after study shows that 95-98% of weight-loss diets fail

* Estimates that as many as 75% of customers are repeat customers

4. Do yourself a favour right from the beginning – throw away the weighting scales. Your weight will vary daily due to a whole host of reasons so why feel elated at your latest ‘weigh-in’ I am not in the business to knock anyone else but when the basics of physiology are not explained to clients then it does make me angry!! Before we move on just accept the fact that initial weight loss on these silly diets is pure H2O.

5. Get into the habit of allowing yourself to throw food away! Yes, that’s right. Once you are full after eating do not continue until you have cleared your plate. This is such a fundamental error in our conditioning, usually from our parents when growing up. So either bin the rest or throw it back in the fridge/freezer because your eating for now is over – go do something else now.

6. So what is the solution?

Well, here is something to be aware of. When you are thirsty your body will let you know. Agree? So you go ahead and drink some fluids until your thirst has gone. No big deal right? If you are too cold or too hot then you will do something about it. 6. When you are tired you will ensure you catch up on sleep. However when you are hungry, boy, do we make this complicated. Surely the correct response is to eat something until you are content and get on with the rest of your life?!! The problem most of us are facing is that we have lost our sensitivity to our natural eating cues i.e. hunger, appetite and satiety (fullness). You need practical advice on how to re-connect with these three cues and that means experimenting and listening to your own body and not your head by not applying someone else’s rules.

Hey, you had these skills as a toddler. When you were hungry, boy, did you let your parents know about it. Your appetite was enormous for all different types of food. and when you were full nothing could entice you to eat any more. Now where did all those natural skills go as you got older?

Eating should be one of life’s great pleasures but has been spoiled by the controlled, chronic rule-making, diet obsessed environment we live in. In fact many people out there do not have so-called ‘eating disorders’ but are just plain HUNGRY.

If you buy into this approach and would like to find out more about HOW to re-educate yourself step-by-step and have fun in the process plus novel ideas on how to increase your activity levels naturally then visit my website below for free info…

Good luck

Alan Tobutt B.Sc[Hons] Sports Science

About the Author:

Alan Tobutt has an honours degree in Sports Science and has been involved in the Health & Fitness Industry since 1989. As a personal trainer he has worked in many of the top London Health & Fitness Centres and has trained professional sportspeople, actors and the general public. This article is from his UK published comprehensive home study course for weight management and overall health.
For more expert advice on the truth about controlling your weight go to http://www.celtalweightloss.com
This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any e-zine, newsletter or website. The authors name, bio and website link must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

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To Lose Weight, Skip the Calorie Counting

2008-08-13T16:24:00.001+07:00

Author: James Wong

Despite what most people say, when you think about it, how annoying is calorie counting?? I mean really! Who wants to sit there all day and subtract calorie after calorie from a daily tally each time they eat something? Not only that, but who wants to have to stop themselves from eating something that is good for them just because they ran out of calories for the day?? When you think about it, who does that??

Now, to some people calorie counting might make sense...in some weird way. And it might be easy and fun for them...or something like that. But the rest of us don't care to be bothered by even more constant numbers in our lives. Not only that but have you considered how annoying it must be to have to calorie count in social events? If you go out to eat, I can pretty much guarantee that there are very few, if any, restaurants that actually provide the calorie count of the menu items. Oh and if you are attending a family function or a friend's dinner party, how rude is it to ask about the calorie count of each food served??

If those reasons don't make you want to run, think about the fact that counting calories is so boring! In fact, it's so boring that you will end up estimating all day long; the calorie count of each food is based on the weight so if you're estimating the weight and possibly estimating with a lower number, then your calorie count is already off. Then you realize you're eating less...but somehow you're not losing weight! And then you start to panic and all of a sudden, eating becomes this horribly stressful task to make sure you're eating enough calories and are still losing weight.

Doesn't sound fun, right? Well, don't worry because there is definitely an easier way to lose weight without having to swim in numbers all day! It's not about having to count calories but, keep in mind, it's still important to know what calories are and which foods contain empty calories. And to answer your question, calories are a source of energy for your body so eating calories is important for everyone, especially for physically active individuals. Here are some great guidelines to think about so you don't have to follow strict, demanding rules:

1. Make wise food choices:
The key here is to learn what the best foods to eat actually are. We all know that fried chicken is bad for you, but did you also know that even breaded food, including fish, is also not good for you? The basic foods you should always be eating are meats (think chicken, beef, and fish), vegetables, fruits and multi-grain products (think multi-grain breads and pastas). These are foods you should always eat, regardless of the calorie count. Other foods, such as pastries and other sweets, should always be eaten in moderation. But, some foods, like fried foods, fast foods and other junk, should just be avoided all together! You body is a finely tuned engine, so treat it to the best fuel possible!!

2. Drink carefully:
The best thing to drink, hands down, is water, period. The second best is herbal tea. The worst? Alcohol, sodas, sports drinks, fruit juice, milky stuff, such as smoothies. So here's what you do, don't drink those worst things! Instead, make sure to drink plenty of water and plenty of herbal tea! Green tea is caffeinated and actually has more caffeine than coffee so choose that instead in the morning. Make sure to always keep yourself well hydrated, whether you do or don't exercise.

3. Small but more:
What that means is basically - smaller portions more often. Instead of 3 large meals a day, choose 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day. This will keep your metabolism up, which is good for those who are not exercising and for those who do exercise, it's even better! Not only that but eating more in smaller portions will keep you away from those horrible vending machines full of junk!

So you can now throw that whole calorie counting idea out the window when it comes to successful ways to lose weight because that is clearly not an effective one or even fun for that matter! Make wise health decisions and you won't have to work so hard to lose weight!

About the Author:

James Wong lost over 40lbs. just by using The Secret 2 Fat Loss. You too could lose weight as easily as he did. Find out how to get six pack abs fast. You can burn fat without counting calories at www.TheSecret2FatLoss.com

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Controlling Your Taste to Lose Weight

2008-08-13T16:18:00.000+07:00

Author: Gary Grewal

Mentioned below are some of the tips that will help your stomach feel full for a longer duration and avoid curb cravings. It is worth giving the following tips a try as they will eventually help you in reducing weight.

Never prevent yourself from eating in the morning just because you want to have it all in the evening. Regardless of how much ever "be in command of" position you believe you are in the day, you're prone to be excessively hungry by late afternoon. This will ultimately result in overeating without doubt. And in particular, don't miss out any meals to preserve calories for another. This rebounds fatally most of the time.

Never try to skip meals just because you want to save calories or burn them off. This way you are more likely to become even hungrier than you usually are by the time you finally have your meal. Practicing this everyday will just lead to overeating.

Have a healthy breakfast each morning. By having breakfast every morning, you will keep the sugar level in your body stable and avoid diabetes. This in turn helps in keeping hunger at bay. You will also notice that your energy levels are much higher because sluggishness makes you eat more.

If truth be told, research has revealed that people having regular breakfast are more likely to have a healthier weight than people who normally skip breakfast.

Ingestion of abundance of water throughout the day in addition to intake of melons and oranges and other fruits, which have a lot of water in them, will help you feel satisfied for most part of the day. Additionally, there are situations when thirst is simply confused with hunger, so keeping yourself well hydrated might help you avoid eating when you're not really feeling for true appetite.

Get sufficient sleep. When we are weary or tired, we tend to consume more than usual without even being conscious of it. It’s a method that the body uses to "perk" you up. Despite the fact that consuming something high in carbohydrates will provide you with an explosion of get-up-and-go feeling, the burst of energy will disappear in no time. When you are well-rested it will help you keep that "afternoon droop" at bay and definitely far away from the vending machine.

Eating habits also need a regular schedule that you need to follow. Eating on a regular basis will keep you satisfied all the time without making you feel hungry or starved and thus controlling the quantity you sooner or later consume. The suitable time between each meal should be at least three hours but it should never exceed the limit of five hours. When you go without food for more than five hours, that’s when the problem starts. This problem can be successfully solved by including healthy and nutritional snacks and fruit drinks into your time-table or by having a number of mini-meals as a replacement for the three normal meals.

About the Author:

Gary Grewal is the founder of 101weightloss.com; a site featuring many articles on weight loss diets, pills, eating right, exercises etc. Visit his site for many more natural weight loss tips.

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Create Your Own Favorite Love Making Positions

2008-08-11T19:34:00.001+07:00

Author: Boris Tomson

Love making positions can drastically vary from top to bottom, under and over, diagonal, horizontal, vertical, sideways, and it goes on and on. You can basically choose or create your own favorite love making positions by simply applying the following criteria:

1. For a love making position to be both effective and pleasurable you must make sure you focus on comfort. It's a simple yet strong element which can make or, sometimes literally, break, any love making position. Individual consideration such as susceptibility to back pain, standing or kneeling preferences over lying, and so forth, should be focused on as well. But overall, establish a general sense of comfort and you can't go wrong.

2. Seek out psychological pleasure when performing love making positions. What turns you on both physically and psychologically? Many times it is the visual sight of seeing your partner in a certain position or configuration that is a major, major turn on. This depends on individual, but focusing on your psychological turn ons can create winning love making positions time and again.

3. Pick a position where your able to "stay in the groove", or "maintain". Maintaining refers to the ability of both partners being able to maintain there pleasure levels until orgasm arrives. This probably falls more on the male who may have a preferable love making position that allows him to "remain in the zone" until it's time. But this also applies to the female where a particular love making position may be hard to maintain pleasure throughout.

The key is to discover and create a handful of erotic and effective love making position that includes a strong amount of the above three elements. If one fits one partner better than the other, then it is very important to take turns engaging in the desired http://loveheartsgirls.blogspot.com preferential positions.

For a complete illustrated list of the best love making positions, see
http://loveheartsgirls.blogspot.com
Here you can choose from and even create your own love making positions.
http://intercourse-positions-video.blogspot.com

About the Author:

Boris Tomson WOW! This is the kind of program I like. I recently joined this program and I already have money accumulating in my account! This is so encouraging to me that I have just started my own automated campaign using all the easy, set-and-forget tools provided by the system! It's so simple and so affordable! This system has not left any stone unturned and you can see the results in my picture! I bought this for a joke but what you showed me was amazing. I made $200 last night just by using step 5! I've paid more than 10 times as much for other programs that never worked. The Real Income Plan system was a very nice change. I've already made more from this than all the other programs combined!Thanks for sharing this with me.Please visit My own profile for showing a golden opportunity.

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The Weight Loss Program

2008-08-11T19:31:00.001+07:00

Author: Boris Tomson

Weight Loss Wand provides variety of tips related to weight loss diet pills, and advice on choosing right weight loss products.Practical weight loss tips from those who done it.Finally, maintain your weight loss with our diet tips diet tricks ! If you are battling the bulge or fighting desperately to keep away those extra pounds from piling on, then chances are that you have been scourging both the online as well as the offline world for weight loss tips.

You may have already subscribed to hundreds of newsletters that give you weight loss tips. Your email inbox is bombarded everyday with tips that promise you a size 28 waist in 7 days.

But the fact is that while there are some generalized weight loss tips for everyone, most weight loss tips may not really work for you.

You are as unique as every other individual in this world and hence you need a solution that is unique to your needs. The weight loss program should be tailored after completely looking into your eating and lifestyle habits. http://weightlosstipsandadvice.blogspot.com

Calculating calories

An effective weight loss program will start off by calculating the number of calories that you consume everyday.
The trick is to then reduce this calorie intake by at least 500 everyday.
This is not an easy task to accomplish especially for someone who is starting off.
But if you stick to the weight loss program you will eventually start losing it. Did I mention that determination is the key ingredient in a weight loss program? No program can give you this.
You need to ensure that you bring it up from within yourself. In fact this is one of the reasons why most weight loss programs do not work for most people.

http://www.needmysoftware.com/Weight_Loss_Diet.htm

Do not deprive yourself

If you are staying hungry and feeling listless with your weight loss program, then quit it. There are ways in which you can lose weight without depriving yourself of food. It all matters on what you eat and when rather than how much.

For more info on weight loss visit :
http://weightlosstipsandadvice.blogspot.com

http://weightlosstipsandadvice.blogspot.com

About the Author:

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Abundant Fat Loss: Say Goodbye to Unsightly Fat

2008-08-11T19:27:00.001+07:00

Author: Lucas Wold

It’s much easier to lose fat if you see it as an essential part of living your best life.

Here’s my claim: Through testimonials and personal experience, we know it is possible to design and build an extraordinary life.

I’ll tell you this, your decision to lose fat is an important part of living your “more than” life.

It turns out there are ample opportunities for everyone who desires to build a great body. We live in an abundant universe in which anyone can achieve anything, if they really want it and are willing to obey certain universal laws.

There is plenty of great information available to you. There’s definitely no shortage.

The secret is that what determines whether you find the right information for you is your attitude. Your attitude, of either abundance or scarcity towards opportunities will have a major impact on whether you achieve the body you dream of. Or not.

Now, it’s time to make a decision. People build the body they want because they first decide to have the body they want.

Listen, they lose fat because they believe they have the ability to look great. Because they believe this completely, they act accordingly. They continually take the necessary actions that turn their beliefs into realities. And you can always tell what your beliefs really are by taking a look at your actions. There is no other way.

You think I’m lying, don’t you. Well, here’s a quick way to examine your thinking: Ask yourself, “Why aren’t I thin and athletic already?”

It’s an important question to ask yourself. However you answer this question will reveal a lot about yourself. (Usually more than you want to know at the moment…)

Your answers will expose your self-limiting beliefs, your fears, your doubts, your excuses, your rationalizations, and your justifications.

And we’re not done yet. It’s time for you to review your reasons….

Why aren’t you lean and sexy already? Grab a pen and pad and list all of the reasons you can think of. Go over your answers one by one with someone who knows you well and ask them for their opinion. You might be surprised to find that your reasons are mostly excuses that you’ve fallen in love with.

Whatever your reasons or excuses, get rid of them. The world is full of people who have overcome difficulties far greater than a twenty pound spare tire around their gut and become successful anyway. If they can be successful, so can you.

About the Author:

For a FREE 14-day fat loss course as well as a special report "69 Fabulous Fat Loss Tips" visit http://www.HighSierraBootcamps.com

Lucas Wold is highly sought-after fat loss consultant based out of Carson City, Nevada. To view more fat loss resources, you can visit his homepage at http://www.HighSierraBootcamps.com

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Tips to Loss Belly Fat Fast!

2008-08-11T19:24:00.001+07:00

Author: Clive Calvin

What is belly fat? How can you get rid of it? Can you get rid of it? The answers to these questions are yes. We will look at what belly fat is and how we can get rid of it.

The fat that you find in your belly is the kind of fat that surrounds various organs. There are two kinds of fat in our body. One is found underneath the skin surface and is called subcutaneous fat.

The other kind of fat is what is causing your belly fat and this is found deep within the body. Lets take a look at some tips that will help you lose that belly fat.

Tip 1: Eat smaller meals 4-6 times a day.

Following this tip will help increase your metabolism because your body will need more energy to digest all the food that you eat.

Tip 2: Eat foods that burn fat.

You want to cut back on foods that contain sugar and white flour. Look to add foods to your diet that have a lot of protein and not a lot of sugar or saturated fats. Fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs and lean meats are good food to add to your diet to help you lose that belly fat.

Tip 3: Drink a lot of fluids.

The best fluid to drink is water and you want to drink 64 oz. a day. To function at its best, you need to drink a lot of water. Some of the liquids to avoid include canned soda, drinks that have chocolate in them, and some fruit juices. If you are going to drink fruit juices you want to try to drink fresh juices rather than canned juices. The canned juices may contain a lot of sugar.

Tip 4. Exercise using short intense short timed weights and cardiovascular exercises

You want to use weights so that your muscles in your abdomen will get tighter and burn more calories and fat. Some of the exercises that will work your abdominal muscles include squats, presses and pulldowns.

Cardio and aerobic exercises help you to burn calories and increase your metabolism. But forget the long boring cardio.. do short quick time Intense weights and cardiovascular exercises.

Some different exercises that will fall under these types of exercises include swimming, running, walking, jogging and dancing to name just a few. Any of these done 3-5 days per week will definitely help you to lose some of that fat.

Dont despair if you are trying to lose some weight or in particular you are trying to lose some of that belly fat. It definitely can be done by changing the quantity and quality of your eating habits. Watch what you eat, when you eat and how much you eat.

Add exercise along with a lot of water, and you should definitely see a difference in your body.

About the Author:

Fat Loss Shocker is #1 Trusted Source to get all the Latest Tips on Fat Loss and 6 Pack abs. Lose belly fat with No Late Night Informercial Gimmicks, No Diet Pills and No Crazy Diets!. Learn the Real Celebrity Fat Loss Secrets that Work and Lose 8 lbs Every 10 Days! How To Lose Abdominal Fat

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Does A Low Carbohydrate Diet Get Rid Of And Help You Lose Stomach Fat Fast?

2008-08-11T19:22:00.001+07:00

Author: Clive Calvin

There are many well-known diets that are considered low-carbohydrate diets. Some of these diets are the Atkins diet, the South Beach diet and the Zone Diet to name just a few.

The main gist of this type of diet is to limit the intake of foods that are high in carbohydrates. This article will give you some things to think about and will help you make the decision as to whether this type of diet is for you.

A good place to start in our discussion of low-carbohydrate diets is to first understand what carbohydrates are. Carbohydrates are substances in our food that provide our bodies with energy and calories. There are two kinds of carbohydrates. They are simple and complex. Sugars make up the simple carbohydrates and starches and fiber make up the complex carbohydrates.

When you eat foods with carbohydrates in them, the foods are broken down into sugars known as glucose, and this is what makes your blood sugar go up. The insulin is secreted to help counteract the higher blood sugar and then the sugar is taken from the blood and is formed into fat. When this system doesnt work correctly, too much insulin may be produced in your body as it attempts to bring the sugar level down. If your insulin level is too high, you have the possibility of gaining weight. Eating a low-carb diet will help to keep your blood sugar at a normal rate.

What must be understood is that just because a low-carb diet will keep your blood sugar in check does not mean that you are eating fewer calories. Low-carb diets suggest the use of low-carb snacks. These snacks have alcohol sugars contained in them. A lot of calories are contained in these snacks and also may cause some uncomfortable side effects such as gas, cramping and bloating. You will find that low-carb diets are actually too low in carbohydrates causing you too feel drained of all your energy, and very tired.

You want to make sure that if you are going to follow a low-carb diet that it contains meats such as fish and poultry, lots of vegetables and lots of water. You do not want to follow a low-carb diet that contains a lot of red meat or cheeses. These can contain a lot of saturated fat, which is not good for your heart.

As you make a decision as to whether you are going to follow a low-carbohydrate diet, look at what your goal is. If your goal is to lose weight, this type of diet may not be your best option, as a low-carb diet should be followed if you are trying to stabilize your blood sugar. If you are trying to lose weight, you should look at some other options such as a calorie-switching plan.

About the Author:

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6 Steps to Ending Bad Eating Habits

2008-08-11T19:14:00.000+07:00

Author: Kimberly Thomas

A client wrote, "Help me! I thought I was finally getting a handle on my weight issue but the sugar is killing me. I had an awful day.

I won't even tell you what I ate today because it is just so unbelievable. All I will say is that 90% of my food today consisted of sugar! I really, really need some help getting past these cravings. I am no doubt a sugar addict. If I could get past this there is no doubt that I will reach my goal."

If you see a little of yourself in this message, you're not alone. Many describe themselves as sugar addicts. They believe if it were only for that one thing, then they could reach their weight loss goals.

If you believe only one thing stands in your way of losing weight, consider this: What if that one thing (an addiction to sugar for instance) were gone? Do you really believe, "If I could get past this, there is no doubt that I will reach my goal," or is it an easy excuse to stay stuck?

If I told you I could show you a way to stop craving sugar, would you want me to show you how?
Think about that for a moment.

Close your eyes and really think it through. You've said if only you didn't crave sugar, then you could lose weight, but is that really true for you? Ask yourself these questions:

Would you eat differently, and if so how?
Would you act differently, and if so how?
What else would change, and what would stay the same?
What would you lose?
What would you gain?

Until you know what you want, know you can achieve it, and know what else will change (i.e. how your life may be different), you can't discover any obstacles that first must be considered.

For instance, you may want to stop eating anything after 7 PM yet your husband doesn't come home from work until 8 and he wants you to join him for dinner. That's an obstacle.

If you've got a habit of watching your favorite TV show with a bowl of ice cream, then breaking that habit is another obstacle.

If you don't work out ways to overcome your obstacles perhaps through discussion and compromise with your husband, or habit breaking exercises for your ice cream habit, there's bound to be a problem.

Just saying you're not going to do something any more rarely works. Instead determine what might stand in the way of achieving your goals, find a way around them, and you're much more likely to actually achieve those goals once and for all.

The statement, "if this one thing were handled, then everything else would fall into place" is an "If Then" statement and gets people into trouble. They want a fairy godmother to make it all better.

A strong belief that one single thing such as, "eating sugar is my problem," sets you up to fail, especially if you really like eating sugary foods.

About the Author:

Kimberly Thomas writes articles within the weight loss industry.Learn how to lose the healthyway at http://www.edietfactory.com

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Belly Fat Exercises

2008-08-11T19:10:00.001+07:00

Author: Ed Scow

Copyright (c) 2008 Ed Scow

Belly fat. Don't you just love to hate it?

Belly fat just sits there mocking you. It makes you buy bigger pants and bigger shirts.

Belly fat makes you feel self-conscious when at the swimming pool or beach.

Belly fat jiggles when you walk, run, laugh, or move too quickly.

Belly fat is horrible!

So what are some belly fat exercises? What can you do from an exercise standpoint to get rid of all that belly fat?

Do belly fat exercises include lots of crunches, sit-ups, leg lifts, or some fancy (cheap) gadget found on an infomercial?

Do belly fat exercises make you work your "core" for 30 minutes a day?

The answer to both of those questions are "no". Belly fat exercises do not require endless amounts of crunches, or sit-ups and you especially don't have to waste your money on some abs gadget off a TV infomercial.

Belly fat exercises entail working your whole body.

They do because you cannot spot reduce. You cannot get rid of belly fat just by doing a crunch. Even if you do 1000 crunches.

You need to work lots of muscle, which means you need to do full body abs exercises and full body workouts to really get rid of belly fat.

Some of my all-time favorite belly fat exercises include the following:

Planks

Stability Ball Jack-Knifes

Spiderman Push-ups

Renegade Rows

Wood Chops

Cross Body Chops

Mountain Climbers

Cross Body Mountain Climbers

All of those belly fat exercises work more than just your abs. Some of them work your chest, your back, your legs, low back and shoulders.

Those belly fat exercises not only help you get rid of ugly belly fat, they also make your abs/core strong, which means you will have better posture.

If you have better posture, your stomach instantly shrinks and you'll feel a heck of a lot better.

Let me throw those belly fat exercises into a quick workout for you that you can try at home.

Perform this workout as a circuit, moving from one exercise to the next with no rest. Rest for 45-60 seconds after the final exercise and repeat the circuit a couple more times.

1A) Push-up - 10 reps

1B) Wood Chops - 15 reps

1C) Stability Ball Jack Knifes - 15 reps

1D) Cross Body Chops - 10 reps each direction

You could add those belly fat exercises in that order to the beginning or end of your regular workout. It all depends on you and your preference. Some people like to do those belly fat exercises at the beginning of their workout, when they're fresh and full of energy, others like to wait till the end when they're more fatigued and can really feel their abs get worked.

It doesn't matter when you do those belly fat exercises, just do them, in addition to a full body fat burning workout and you will have less belly fat within weeks...I guarantee it.

About the Author:

To learn how to lose stomach fat faster than you thought possible visit http://www.fatlosstogo.com for your free fat loss report and free fat loss workouts.

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Fragrance 101

2008-08-11T19:08:00.000+07:00

Author: Catherine Tyler

When it comes to fragrances, there is a plethora of brands and types in the market to choose from to suit each person's mood, taste and 'most importantly- budget. For those who prefer scents that are light on the nose and on the pockets (costing just a few dollars), there are various brands of colognes easily found in grocery stores. Adult men and women on the other hand, go for perfumes. As opposed to colognes, perfumes are oil-based, giving it a longer-lasting scent. Perfumes are much pricier than colognes but they remain to have a loyal and large following.

Be it colognes or perfumes however, what really takes the cake are designer fragrance. Designer fragrance are different from the usual colognes and perfumes in terms of packaging, "quality" of scent and its advertising (usually endorsed by a famous celebrity).

Designer fragrance, despite the fact that they can be very pricey, remain popular because of the quality associated with the brand name. They are from a list of popular brands that have proven to be stylish and of top quality. Famous designer fragrance include Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Gucci, Michael Kors, Juicy Couture, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, Bulgari, Kenneth Cole, John Galliano and Mango. It seems like famous couture designers such as John Galliano and Donna Karan are not just geniuses in creating great pieces of clothing that create trends, but are also sages in terms of concocting different scents that are capable of taking you away to a different place. A whiff of John Galliano's "Essence of John Galliano" is claimed to remind you of bonfires.

There are different types for men and women, of all ages and of all races. Even famous celebrities (not limited to Hollywood actors and singers, mind you) have taken on producing their own designer fragrance such as J.Lo, Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Moss, Mariah Carey and yes, even Maria Sharapova and socialite Ivanka Trump! It seems like having a perfume named after her is a manifestation of having it made big in the industry.

Because of the immense popularity of designer fragrance, imitations are being produced left and right. The knockoffs sport the same scent, look and packaging at a much lower price. The difference is in the ingredients. No matter how close the smell is to the real thing, chances are, the scent will easily wear off.

If people see fashion as a way of expressing themselves, the same is true with designer fragrance, or actually, any fragrance for that matter. Fragrance, like clothes and accessories, is also a statement. It tells something about a person's mood and personality. There is literally one type of scent for every mood or activity. For a laidback Saturday morning, one could opt for fruity cologne. For the lunch date with friends, a subtle musky perfume might do the trick. And for that hot dinner date, a fabulous and sexy designer fragrance might be the only thing you need to make the moment perfect!.

About the Author:

Find more information and tips on Designer Fragrance brands for Men, please visit http://www.men-fragrance.com

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Top 5 Benefits of Strength Training

2008-08-11T19:04:00.001+07:00

Author: Jim Plummer

The benefits of strength training are powerful, and strength training needs to be a part of any fitness program.

1. Reduces health risks. Strength training helps prevent cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, low back pain, and certain types of cancer. Even if you already suffer from one of these ailments, strength training can help alleviate the ailment. Strength training also strengthens the immune system, making you less susceptible to colds and flus.

2. Keeps you strong. People who don't exercise regularly can lose up to 80% of their strength by age 65. More than one-fourth of American men and two-thirds of American women over age 75 can't lift an object heavier than 15 pounds. This loss of strength is not the normal result of aging, it's primarily the result of a sedentary lifestyle. Strength training is the best way to prevent the loss of strength.

3. Strengthens bones. It's estimated that over 200 million people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis. 30-50% of women and 15-30% of men will suffer a fracture related to osteoporosis in their lifetime. Bone loss parallels muscle loss, it's primarily the result of a sedentary lifestyle. Consuming dairy products and taking calcium supplements is not enough. Bones not challenged by weight bearing exercise will become soft and brittle. Strength training will increase the strength and density of your bones more than any other type of exercise, and if you've already lost some bone, strength training can help restore some of it.

4. Decreases body fat. Strength training is just as important as aerobic exercise and healthy eating when it comes to losing body fat. Strength training builds lean muscle mass, and the more lean muscle mass you have the higher your metabolism will be. A higher metabolism causes your body to burn more fat throughout the day, even when you're at rest.

5. Improves appearance. Strength training is the most effective way to build, shape, and define your body. Whether you want a leaner, more toned body, or a bigger, more powerful body, strength training will give you the look your after.

Jim Plummer has been a health and fitness enthusiast for over 20 years. His website, http://www.functional-fitness-facts.com, contains plenty of information, advice, and resources that will help anyone become more fit and healthy. Visit his website and get your free fat loss report.

About the Author:

Jim Plummer has been a health and fitness enthusiast for over 20 years. His website, Functional Fitness Facts, contains plenty of information, advice, and resources that will help anyone become more fit and healthy. Visit his website and get your free fat loss report.

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The Famous Blue Jean: Carhartt Jeans

2008-08-10T00:06:00.001+07:00

Author: Lisa Girolami

As everyone knows, jeans are a simple pant made from a fabric called denim. They have quite a colorful history and are an integral part of the growth of the American West. They were a popular garment for cowboys, outlaws, farmers, and railroad workers. Some brands of jeans have been around for quite a few generations. Brands like Levi's, Wrangler and Carhartt jeans have all survived and contributed to the growth of this great nation: America.

Before There Were Jeans

Prior to blue jeans there was an indigo cloth exported from India during the 16th century called dungaree. It was very thick and made of cotton and sailors used it to make clothes.

The jeans fabric itself was first made in the late 1600s in Italy. It was first made for the Italian navy as the fabric could be worn either wet or dry. In addition its versatility allowed the legs to rolled up while washing the boat decks and it could be easily washed with a ducking in the ocean. This fabric came to be called denim.

The Rivets

Sailors brought their denim trousers to the Americas with them on their voyages of discovery. The farmers and ranchers in the states soon adopted them and they gradually made their way out west to be adopted by cowboys and miners of the day. One day a salesman named Levi Straus noticed a miner kept on purchasing his cloth to reinforce pants he was wearing that kept on ripping while he worked the mines. The miner eventually decided to reinforce the pants with copper rivets in areas that were prone to be torn. Levi suggested they go into business together and the rivet jean was born.

On The Railroad

It seems engineers and railroad workers had a similar problem to the miners of the time. Working around heavy machinery resulted in pants and shirts that were easily shredded and torn. Thanks to the discovery of Hamilton Carhartt, Carhartt jeans came to the rescue of the train engineers. Carhartt jeans were also a denim blue jean with a twist. They had a bib top to protect the shirts of the railroad engineer and railroad worker. In addition Carhartt jeans were so durable and long lasting they gained a reputation as the worker's jean.

Jeans In Culture

Blue jeans, like Carhartt jeans, became quite popular with factory workers during the Second World War. Jeans became a symbol of protest by teenagers during the 1950s and in some areas of the country youngsters wearing jeans were banned from admittance to establishments. By the 1960s and 1970 jeans became an acceptable mode of fashion. In today's society jeans are a necessity and part of every persons wardrobe from senior citizens to toddlers. In addition, the popularity of blue jeans is now global making its mark in the Soviet Union and China.

Today denim blue jeans can be stonewashed, bleached, distressed or shredded. One pair can cost $1000.00 or $19.95 at your local discount store. They can for made for the fashion forward by such designers as Calvin Klein or Gloria Vanderbilt. Or, they can be made with the sole purpose of serving the worker as a lasting durable garment intended to withstand stress and extreme wear like Carhartt jeans.

About the Author:
WorkWear1.com offers a great selection of Carhartt Clothing in addition to a wide variety of Carhartt Jeans and Carhartt Outerwear.

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Tote Bags To Complete Your Look

2008-08-10T00:00:00.001+07:00

Author: Janet R

For most women, bags may seem to be a part of their everyday lives. It sounds very practical though. This accessory have great significance because of its versatility features. For those people who are always on the go, they might think of buying this useful item every year. Both men and women need bags, however, it is just well known that women use them more than men. For most men, they aren't a big deal. This is somewhat a common argument between a "she" and "he" when they talk about accessories. .

Fashion totes are very popular today. Every year, different styles and designs are born. Popular fashion designers make different fashion lines with this item. Hottest personalities and Hollywood stars are the first to try trendy totes to complete their look.

This item is basically made for stylish working women that need more spacious storage for their necessities. And to make it widely available to everyone, such fashion tote bags are now available in a different variety of styles, designs, color and shape to incorporate with different outfits. This would be a great companion that fit in everything you need for long hours of work everyday.

They fit in everything you need for a long working day. These tote accessories are popular because they provide comfort and convenience without compromising their style factor. This is one great reason why fashionable ladies get lucrative with this trendy accessory.

There are lots of tote bags available at local stores and online stores. If you search for an ideal bag for a certain purpose, you will find out that your sources are endless. Different materials are used when making these items such as leather and canvas. Buying a leather tote makes an impression of success to most high profiled ladies. Leather makes a unique and sophisticated look and with high durability. And besides, a thorough maintenance of material like this can give a new look for each bag. A right choice for women, that want to retain their lady-look that matches their corporate attire, are bold and sassy leather tote bags.

For a cooler and funkier look, canvas totes are the best choice as compared to the leather. They can be seen in a wide variety of colors, styles and designs because of the flexibility of its material used. Teens are commonly seen carrying canvas totes because they perfectly suit their funky and colorful lifestyle. It can be used also by mommies during a casual outing where they need to carry plenty of stuff. So basically, this type of bag is usable by different ages.

Personalized items such as embroidered totes and monogrammed tote bags can make a great gift item ideas for ladies. You may hand it as a special present during birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduation gifts and other celebrations. This is made special because you'll be able to embroider and monogram the initials of your receiver, that of course can put a smile on her face. This can be bought at your local stores and online stores. Most online stores offer cheaper rates, and lucky enough if they don't charge extra fee for embroidery or monogramming.

About the Author:
Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. For more information on monogrammed totes, visit the website Bags-purses-totes.com. Browse their collection and get a tote personalized by your very own initials at an affordable price.

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Straight Talk About Beauty Products

2008-08-09T23:56:00.001+07:00

Author: Elizabeth Roth

A lot of beauty products make claims that they're the best in the business. Some of them are better than others, but most of them are very similar. If you look at ten different products that are all supposed to do the same thing, they all have ingredients that are almost identical. So what's different? The name of the brand and the price. This is not true of all beauty products, of course, because some do have different ingredients. When comparing brands with the same or similar ingredients, you don't need to buy the one that's the most expensive. You can get twice as much or more of a less-expensive brand for the same price. Don't be fooled into thinking that only one particular brand of beauty products will do anything for your skin or your hair. Instead, find out through research (either on the Internet or in person) what kinds of ingredients are the ones that you're looking for. Different ingredients are for different problems, and some of them work better than others do. The best way to buy beauty products is not to go by brand or price, but to go by what is in the products and whether they are the ingredients you need.

Research is often one of the most important things you can do when it comes to beauty products. Going to a store and randomly buying them because you've heard them advertised or because you think they might be helpful is never a good idea. Most of them aren't going to make the drastic differences that you'd like to see, and you have to be patient with them. Over time, you'll actually see changes take place, but they aren't things that will happen overnight. That's another area where many people get into trouble with their beauty products - they think that buying something for a specific problem or issue will give them instant gratification. It took time to damage your skin or your hair, and it will take time to repair it, too. As you get older, complete repair may not be possible. Aging in a natural process and it takes its toll on your skin - but there's no reason you can't fight back and keep your skin and hair looking beautiful for as long as possible.

There are a lot of pretty promises being made out there. If you believe everything that every beauty product says you'll be buying new things all the time and none of them will work for you. Research what you want and need based on what you're trying to accomplish. Then research which products offer what you need and what prices those products have. The most expensive is not always the best and neither is the cheapest. The brand of hair care products that you use might offer a makeup line, but that doesn't mean the makeup is right for you. A different brand of makeup might be better, but that brand might not have the right hair care products for your hair. Shop around and make sure you're getting what you really want.

About the Author:
Elizabeth Roth owns a hair care products site that offers free beauty tips. In addition to advice, the site offers salon shampoos, styling products, and Redken Hair Products. For more information, visit her site today.

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Are You Battling With Constant Hunger?

2008-08-09T23:53:00.001+07:00

Author: Lauren B. Wallace

Are you one of those people who feel hungry twenty four hours a day? Surprisingly there are many individuals out there who deal with hunger issues almost every day. Some people experience these cravings at certain hours of the day, while others undergo an all day battle. But no matter what your hunger pattern is, are there any possible solutions to this problem?

Well, you might have already heard that there are certain foods which satisfy hunger better than others. One such food is an apple. Apples are extremely high in fiber and the more fiber you consume the slower the rise of your blood sugars becomes (thereby reducing your hunger). Consuming flaxseed is yet another way to sustain hunger. Flaxseed is also rich in fiber, as well as in omega 3 fats. Adding this product to your smoothies, salads and oatmeal can help you reduce your chances of experiencing unnecessary hunger.

When hunger stops you in your tracts while on the road, be sure to stay clear of fast food restaurants. The best way to go is to stop at a place where you can get a healthy and sustaining salad. By consuming salad you slow down the entrance of glucose (sugar) into your blood stream, thereby reducing your feeling of hunger. And if eating all of the proper foods does not do the trick for you, there are also certain natural supplements available which specifically target hunger control. Simply be sure that you find the absolute best product, one that is 100% natural and 100% effective. What these supplements do is they suppress your appetite thereby reducing your hunger prior to your meal. So if you are a heavy eater and you want to reduce your food intake, this may be the supplement for you. These are just a few ideas in reducing unwanted cravings.

About the Author:

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition.
Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies for antidepressants,
diet pills, and hoodia gordonii.

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Weight Training Fat Loss

2008-08-09T23:47:00.001+07:00

Author: Dennis Carter

You will not get toned muscles only by lifting weights! Weight training fat loss is the thing which comes only after the time till you are eating lots of calories (and generally excess of calories). And even then the average women (for example) are not predisposed to have physically large toned muscles.

Today in this generation many body-builders are using much type of steroids, supplements, and pills. And many female bodybuilders take large units of male hormone. It is not true that you will get nice body from a typical steroids and pills you have to go for proper weight training and fat loss program.

Change your diet

When you decide to take weight loss training you choose to lose weight, many people only change their diet. Maybe some will know that with diet they should also go with good aerobic exercise. But too many people don't know is that weight training also useful to fat loss. Muscle tissue burns fat, and the process of increasing muscle, large the rate at which the body can metabolize energy, and finally burn fat.

It is 100% true that just lifting a few weights by themselves will not give fat loss - but the combination of the right diet, exercise and weight training will give you the fantastic chance of getting your weight loss target .by proper weight training and fat loss program

Simple exercises will do!

Weight lifting and fat loss does not mean you have to go and join a gym! You need to understand what is nice and works for you. Weight lifting and fat loss can be done just by buying a few barbells and dumbbells and a bench. So simple it is no huge expenses of gym. There are, of course, gym machines there which will let you to perform another range of exercises.

You should aim to do your weight training and fat loss program 2-3 times per week. More than this is not suggested for beginners. There are a many types of books in market describing various weight routines - including tom venuto's excellent e-book burn the fat. His program is all about diet and exercise for fat loss.

Tv- gives you lot of information

I'm sure each and everyone have seen that adds shown on tv exciting infomercials selling the latest abs machine. With a single machine, it shown that we can turn into a muscle-bound hunk (if you're a man), or have a wonderfully sculpted and tanned body (if you're a women). It feels like wonderful your dream come true. Well it is.

Abdominal exercises

But doing abdominal exercises will strengthen your stomach muscles, and can even build some small muscles. But if it is covered with fat, who will see that fabulous six-pack? So weight training fat loss program is necessary.

Abdominal machines cannot strengthen your thighs, give you big biceps, or burn all your excess tummy fat. However, increased lean muscle mass - leading to a fat-burning metabolism, healthy eating, aerobic exercise, and a variety of weight training fat loss - will help you lose.

About the Author:

Are you interested in the "Healthy Living" video library for absolutely free (a $1297 value). If so, go to 21daybodymakeover.com and pick up this valuable gift.

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James Tyrrell the Money Drainer

2008-08-09T23:25:00.001+07:00

Author: Kaplan

The violent attacks carried out on September 11th consumed our country with terror. However, while some were fueled with anger and hatred, New Yorkers stood together and bravely exhibited generous acts of kindness toward one another, supporting and trying to rebuild the city that they love. In attempt to compensate the rescue workers that have risked their health and their lives working in and around the World Trade Center, the United States Congress put away a billion dollars in order to redeem the workers of all their hardships.

Seven years after the 9/11 attacks only one victim has received any compensation and only $45,000 out of a billion dollars has been used. These workers were exposed to toxic fumes and smoke that have caused serious health complications. Firefighters, police officers, iron workers and other construction site workers are now left with illness and injury after putting their lives on the line working for the people of New York. However, an appalling billion dollars of tax payer’s money is now actually going towards fighting against these rescue workers instead of for them. The man that is behind this operation is attorney James Tyrrell of the Patton Boggs Law Firm. The money that was intended to go to the rescue workers is now being used against them. As their health worsens and their wallets empty, James Tyrrell sits from above and continuously drains money from 9/11 heroes.

While the purpose and the people who were allocated the money was made clear originally, there still remains to be an evident and obvious misuse of the money and for some reason is being justified by James Tyrrell. Senator Schumer and Senator Clinton have both plainly stated that the correct use of the fund was to go towards those who have been injured valiantly aiming to clean up after the 9/11 attacks and not used in an unjust attack against them. Oddly, the media coverage regarding this issue has been scarce to non existent. Surely that once publicized, New Yorkers will not stand for this obvious violation of rescue worker’s rights and James Tyrrell will be known as an advocate of evil minded attempts against the city and people of New York.

About the Author:
Irv Kaplan provides information about WTC rescue workers and captive insurance fund.To know more how you can help the rescue workers visit www.wtccaptivefund.com

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Where Can I Find Out How to Stop Sexual Performance Anxiety?

2008-08-09T23:22:00.001+07:00

Author: John Howard

If you are interested in learning how to stop sexual performance anxiety, and want to learn it in the privacy of your own home, you are probably looking for a sexual performance anxiety remedy. If you are, then you are in luck. We are going to tell you where to find a remedy so that you can get rid of your sexual performance anxiety as soon as possible. You will be surprised at all of the places that you find just what it is that you are looking for. Many of which are right under your nose that you probably never thought about.

Many people often do not think about the library for learning things such as a how to stop sexual performance anxiety. However, you may be surprised just what kind of sexual performance anxiety treatment books your library has. If you are considering getting rid of your sexual performance anxiety in the privacy of your own home, and just not sure, what treatment remedy you would like to take, you should be able to make a fast trip to the library and learn about all kinds of treatments to help with your decision.

Another great place that sells things like a how to stop sexual performance anxiety treatment remedies is your local bookstore. Give them a call or a visit and find out what kind of selection they have on learning how to be rid of sexual performance anxiety. You will find that they will have many books on the subject that you want to learn and you may even be able to get all the books that you will need in a boxed set or package.

With all of the doctors that there are in the world, you are going to find that many of them have a how to stop sexual performance anxiety remedy or treatment that they offer to you in the privacy of your own home that you can order online. However, you must search online to find the doctor that you would like to take treatment from and you will be surprised to see that they probably offer a home treatment remedy as well.
As you can see, there are many places that you can look for a remedy on how to stop sexual performance anxiety that you want to use. sexual performance anxiety is something that is no fun for anyone. You can get it treated and gone in no time.

About the Author:

To get your complimentary Xomax 30 day trial, or to read my Xomax Review from over 7 months of experience using the product, visit my website by clicking the links.

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Learn About Acupuncture to Help Last Longer in Bed

2008-08-09T23:19:00.001+07:00

Author: John Howard

Are you tired of seeing the disappointed look on your lover's face after sex? Are you finishing in the bedroom before your partner? If this sounds anything like you, you may want to learn about acupuncture to help last longer in bed. Learning to last longer in the bedroom will give your relationship the boost that it needs. You will be able to revive your relationship as if you never have before and get satisfaction from it as well as satisfying your partner to the highest level possible.

There are so many places that you can learn about acupuncture to help last longer in bed. All men need to learn it and learn it the right way the first time. Sure, you can take supplements and things that will help you last longer, but you still have to work really hard at lasting longer or else you will just fall back into the same old pattern you were in to begin with. Keep reading for ways to learn more about using acupuncture to help you last longer in bed.
You can search online to learn about acupuncture to help last longer in bed. There are so many sites and articles that will give you tips and ideas that you can use in the bedroom and last longer and longer each and every time you practice them. However, you may want to let your partner in on the fact that you are practicing on lasting longer in the bed as well. Therefore, in the event you need some feedback, he or she will be able to give that to you.

Go to the library and find books that will tell you about acupuncture to help last longer in bed. You will find so many books that will give you ideas and guidelines to follow for lasting longer as well as using acupuncture that you will wonder why you did not do that sooner. You will have a hard time choosing and narrowing down which book to take home with you. Just be sure to get a nice variety as some of them may vary and then you can put together your technique and compare the differences.

Learning about acupuncture to help last longer in bed is not hard to do. You will have your partner smiling again after sex very soon, and as satisfied, as can be. Do you both a favor and educate yourself on lasting longer in bed with the help of acupuncture.

About the Author:

To get your complimentary Xomax 30 day trial, or to read my Xomax Review from over 7 months of experience using the product, visit my website by clicking the links.

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Improving The Sex Life Of Older People

2008-08-09T23:08:00.001+07:00

Author: Jerry Leung

Everyone will become old. However, we will still want to have a perfect sex experience even if we have become a senior person. We should also admit that we will change both physically and psychologically when we become older. The way of having sex may also be a bit different. In some cases you may even need to seek for some help in order to improve your sex life.

In fact, the first thing you may need is that you have to take longer time for your foreplay. As a matter of fact, it is important for you to take your time to have your foreplay even when you are young. However, it seems that most people will only learn this when they become older people.

As you may probably know, communication is very important when intimate relationship is concerned. It is even more important if older people want to improve their sex lives. It is important to communicate well with your partner. You should also take everything easy. Sometimes it may be difficult for you to do something. In this case you should tell your partner honestly.

On the other hand, you may also need to get some tools to help. Let us forget the idea of sex toys at the moment. The first thing you may need to consider is lubricants. This is because older women may not be able to lubricate herself. As a result, it will be important to apply some lubricants otherwise both parties will feel painful. If it is possible, water based lubricants will be preferred since it is easier to clean them.

For man, you may need to purchase some kind of enhancement cream so that you can last longer. However, you should be very careful when you are choose this kind of cream. You should always stick to some famous brands. If you feel it is necessary, you may even consider seeking advices from your family doctor. Your health is always the most important.

You may also buy some sex toys to help. In fact, a simple vibrator can be good enough. You can use it to stimulate your woman and your woman can use it to stimulate you. This will certainly be perfect.

There is nothing wrong even if you decide not to have sex. However, you have to make sure that it is what your want. Remember, trust and love are the most important ingredients in a a relationship. Of course sex is also very important. But some older people will tend to agree that it will be less important when you become older.

About the Author:

The Author has a site on the Best Sex Positions For You. Be sure to check the article Free Lovemaking Videos, as well as Better Sex Tips for Women.

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Stem Cells Created From Skin May Help In the Fight Against Multiple Diseases

2008-08-08T19:01:00.000+07:00

Author: Drucilla Dyess

Using a new method known as induced pluripotent stem (iPS), ordinary cells have been re-programmed to look and act like embryonic stem cells. Experts in stem cell research have now produced a collection of these master cells using skin and bone marrow cells from patients that will be shared freely with other researchers for a nominal cost to cover expenses.

In the journal Cell, the Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital in Boston team write that the point is not to treat anyone yet, but to get as many researchers as possible experimenting with the cells in lab dishes for a better understanding of the diseases. These cells will have to be coaxed into tissues of different types. "That is where all of the science will go on over the next many, many years," said Dr. George Daley, principal member of the institute and senior author of the paper.

Per Doug Melton, the co-directory of Harvard Stem Cell institute, the lines of cells will be made available to researchers through an institute facility established at Massachusetts General Hospital. This new lab is up and running and prepared to shipping lines, according to Daley.

Embryonic stem cells have the ability to produce any type of tissue or blood cell. The new cells come from patients with 10 incurable genetic diseases and conditions, including Parkinson's, the paralyzing disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, juvenile diabetes and Down's syndrome. Daley noted that this is only the first wave of diseases.

"This is a broader and more important collection of degenerative diseases for which there are no good treatments and, more importantly, no good animal models," Melton said. "The cells will allow researchers access for the first time to cell types of interest, to watch the disease progress in a dish, to watch what goes right or wrong. We'll see in the years ahead that this opens the door to a new way of treating degenerative disease."

Only last week, a team of scientists from the institute announced the successful transformation of skin cells from patients with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) into motor neurons genetically identical to patient neurons. This gives scientists the ability to create unlimited numbers of cells to better study the disease process.

Daley and Melton explained that every cell in the human body contains the same genetic instructions, and in people with inherited genetic diseases, every cell carries the same mistakes. Stem cells as well as the new iPS cells will grow virtually immortal in the lab, and given the right conditions, can be made to form any desired tissue, from heart muscle to brain cells. It is hoped that one day they can be used as tailor-made patches to repair diseased or damaged organs.

The number of lines that will be needed is dependent on factors such as how many ways a person can get a disease. For instance, if there are 50 ways to get type 1 diabetes, scientists will need to develop more stem cell lines. If there are only a couple of ways of acquiring the disease, fewer lines will be necessary.

Although the cells are an alternative to taking embryonic stem cells from a human embryo they do not replace them. The federal government severely restricts embryonic stem cell research because of moral objections. "Even though the iPS methodology gives us a facile way for making disease-specific lines, it does not eliminate the value or need for continuing to study human embryonic stem cells," Daley said. "Those are really the gold standard for pluripotent stem cell types. They have no genetic modifications and, at least for the foreseeable future, and I would argue beyond that, are going to be extremely valuable tools. Human embryonic stem cells allow you to ask questions that we never can ask with iPS cells."

The iPS method also requires the use of viruses, which limits the therapeutic potential of the lines. "Whether or not we're going to be able to figure out how to do it without viruses so we can use the cells therapeutically is, as of today, an unanswered question," Daley said. "I'm confident we're going to get there and that within the next year or two, we will have several strategies for reprogramming cells without viruses, and when that happens, we may have cells in our hands that may be valuable for cell replacement therapy."

Large Number of Uninsured Americans Are Chronically Ill

2008-08-08T18:57:00.001+07:00

Author: Allie Montgomery

Today, approximately one out of three people that are of working age are uninsured and are suffering from a chronic Illness. And since they don't have insurance, they aren't getting the medical care that they require. This fact is supported by a recently completed study that appeared in the August 5th issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

The authors of this new study did not specifically look at the health consequences of their lack of insurance or the lack of access to proper medical care, but it is reasonable to assume that these two factors could lead to many medical complications. Dr. Andrew Wilput, an instructor in medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle and a fellow at Harvard Medical School while the study was being conducted, said, "This is something that is very true in my clinical experience. The uninsured can't get in to see the doctor, they miss medications, their blood pressure is out of control and, really, you see devastating consequences."

Another expert agreed that the lack of insurance along with someone who has a chronic illness could be a combination that is potentially lethal. Dr. Oliver Fein, the president-elect of Physicians for a National Health Program and a professor of clinical medicine and public health at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University in New York City, said, "These people are going to end up with complications of their illnesses prematurely. They will be disabled early. They will probably die younger. It is a major public health disaster....Longer-term, there will be expensive admissions to hospitals, usually through the emergency department, due to diabetes out of control and congestive heart failure because of hypertension."

The number of Americans that do not have insurance is approximately 47 million in 2006, which is up from 31 million in the year 1987 is plentiful information. However, what has been less clear in the study is how many individuals suffer from a chronic illness, although some, including the policymakers, have suggest that many of the people are healthy.

The data came from interviews with almost 12,500 people that were between the ages of 18 and 64 who had participated in the National Health and Nutritional Survey. From this information, the authors concluded that approximately 11.4 million of the working-age Americans with at least one out of seven chronic medical conditions did not have any health insurance.

These people included 15.5 percent out of the 38.2 million with hypertension, 7.8 million with cardiovascular disease, 16.6 million out of the 8.5 million with diabetes. Some other conditions that were examined include high cholesterol, previous diagnosis of cancer, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Wilper said that they found some pretty big differences when they compared uninsured people with on of these seven conditions with people who were insured with one of the conditions. Approximately 26 percent of the people who did not have insurance reported no standard site of care, versus the 6.2 percent of the people who did have insurance. More than 22 percent of the people who were uninsured reported that they had not been to see a physician within the last year and 7.1 of those uninsured with a chronic illness report that the emergency room was their main site for medical care. The 6.2 percent of the people with insurance did report that they had seen a physician within the last year and only 1.1 percent of those went to the emergency room for medical care.

Wilper stated that the conditions listed are ones that they can take care of in a clinic. Physicians know that they can prevent complications that are disabling or catastrophic if they are able to manage the conditions. Greg Scandlen, the founder and the director of Consumers for Health Care Choices, an advocacy group for health-care consumers that is non-profit, said that none of the findings are surprising. It is interesting that we are finding that chronic conditions are shown to be more common among the people with insurance than ones without, although, that is not surprising either. The people that suffer from a chronic condition are more likely to place a higher value on their insurance coverage and they will work harder to get it and keep it. Scandlen added, "But having insurance is not likely to prove to be a panacea for these folks....People with chronic conditions who are insured are not doing so well, either. We do not do a very good job of delivering chronic care in this country for anyone."

The new findings after study concluded corroborated those from a study that was published July 22 in Health Affairs. That particular study concluded that access to health care among people that are uninsured and U.S. adults that are non-elderly and have a chronic condition actually has gotten worse between the years of 1997 and 2006.

Relationship Advice. How To Keep The Passion Alive

2008-08-03T12:26:00.000+07:00

Author: Ron McDiarmid

You have met your soul mate. Now you live happily ever after. Well, perhaps, but not if you don't put some energy into your relationship. Many couples assume that it is perfectly natural to eventually become one of those couples that stays in, has pizza, and the most exciting question of the night is which movie to watch on cable. Does this sound like your relationship?

While companionship is a great sign of a healthy relationship, many couples can fall into the trap of becoming a little too complacent. There can be a fine line between a great relationship and a boring relationship. Do you find yourself sitting up in bed working on your laptop or watching reruns on the TV, or are you still swinging from the chandeliers?

While not every couple wants to be performing bedroom aerobics forever, passion and romance are important in any stage of a healthy relationship. Feeling comfortable and at ease with your soul mate is a fantastic feeling. However, couples at this point have to be extremely careful that when they reach this comfort zone they do not stop trying.

Remember all those romantic sweet things you did for each other in the beginning? Why stop? They made you feel good doing them, just as they felt good for your partner receiving them. Gratitude and appreciation are two hugely important factors in a happy partnership. You were grateful when this fantastic person arrived in your life. You appreciated their great qualities. Six months, or a year down the track, that person is still the person that you were so thankful to meet. Keep showing them that.

Those couples who are time or sleep challenged need to take a leaf out of all those celebrity books. Make yourself couple time. If you have to, write it in your diary or Blackberry. Give yourselves a set night of the week just for the two of you. Maybe you just want to go out for a simple meal. Perhaps you want a massage for your sore neck.

As time goes on you will be able to set yourself little rules for your special time. Examples include turning off cell phones and computers, or no TV, or candles only. Whatever works for the pair of you. You will find that you will start to look forward to your romantic time together. Perhaps you can start a mental list of things you would like to do or places you want to go. Before too long you will wonder how you ever got by without your couple time.

You can live happily ever after. It takes work to keep the passion alive in a healthy relationship. Don't let relationship complacency blow out the sparks of romance with your soul mate. Every couple needs romance, fun and passion to keep a relationship happy and blossoming.

About the Author:

Ron McDiarmid is one of the worlds most successful personal development coaches. Find out how you can attract your soul mate by learning the law of attraction techniques http://www.singlesandtheuniverse.com

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The Law Of Attraction For Singles In Relationships

2008-08-03T12:22:00.000+07:00

Author: Ron McDiarmid

The Law of Attraction works equally as powerfully within a relationship as when you are waiting for your soul mate. Those factors that brought your soul mate to you still need to be in force to keep your relationship happy and strong. What were those points, I hear you asking yourself? Well, for those who have forgotten, need a reminder, or are new to the Law of Attraction and are keen to start applying it their lives, here we go:

* Gratitude. Remember how grateful you were when your soul mate entered your life? Why stop being grateful for their presence? Celebrate and rejoice each and every day that this special person is a significant part of your life. Being grateful for your great life is one of the most important components of the Law of Attraction.

* Appreciation. Do you still appreciate all those special things that your soul mate does for you? How long since you told them or showed them? Have you stopped appreciating them and fallen into the trap of complaining? This is easy to do once you start to fall into your comfort zone. However, you should not stop tying to impress your soul mate once you have them.

Do you still appreciate the fact that they do the groceries on the way home from the office, or are you too busy complaining that they forgot your special request (which you could have gotten yourself)? If this is sounding familiar, you need to change your behaviour quickly.

* Compliment them. Everybody loves to be complimented and noticed. Females in particular can often easily feel overlooked. If your partner's new hair style makes them look 10 years younger and 7 pounds lighter, tell them. It is very easy to notice, but to forget to mention. Take note and compliment the new outfit, the taut body, or whatever. In reality, your partner is partly making an effort for you. So feel flattered, compliment them, and they will feel cherished and motivated to keep on looking and doing their best.

"They lived happily ever after" does happen in real life. The reality is that to live happily ever after with your soul mate requires continual maintenance. However, after time, all these little positive actions will become habits which you will not have to think about so much. You have opened up your heart and your mind to your soul mate using the powers of the Law of Attraction with gratitude and appreciation. Keep your soul mate by your side with those same emotions.

Celebrate each and every day that you have a soul mate by your side. Remember to be thankful and grateful for their presence. Show them and tell them that you are pleased that they are by your side for a lasting and happy relationship. The Law of Attraction is a powerful and positive approach to enriching your life and your relationship. One you have your soul mate in your life it is important to keep implementing the same tools for a lasting and passionate relationship.

About the Author:

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The Transgender Community Is Here To Help The Transgender Person

2008-08-03T12:15:00.001+07:00

Author: MIKE SELVON

Naturally, we are all identified as male or female by doctors when we are born. In the case of transgender individuals in the transgender community, this identification by other people may feel incorrect. They may identify more-so with the other sex. Remember, however, that a transgendered individual, regardless of being born as a male or female, may identify themselves as a heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.

A common situation among transgender individuals is having been born with genitals of one gender and feeling that they are incomplete. They may feel pulled sexually, spiritually, or they simply may feel incomplete, based on the sex they have been born as. To help transgender individuals, most large cities in America have developed a strong community to help transgender people cope.

Since the boom of the internet, the transgender community has been able to grow and encourage a greater membership. They have been able to reach more people, conduct more thorough research, and develop more resources for their communities.

Through online avenues, transgender people are able to identify with other transgender stories, research and hear testimonials on transgender surgery, and ask questions to those who have been living a public transgender life. Since the popularity of chat rooms has emerged via the internet, transgender chat has allowed individuals to meet other people like them without ever leaving the privacy of their own home.

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood gender related sexual identities is that of the transgender person. Just like in the homosexual community transgender individuals have had to undergo, and still undergo, discrimination, hate crimes, and rape. In 1992, a pre-op transgender person, Susan Davis, was taken to jail on alleged prostitution charges.

While awaiting trail she was brutally raped by three male inmates. To date, the trail has not ended. People will never understand those who are different from themselves unless they want to. This first step to a better tomorrow is to try to understand the things that we don't.

It is very easy to look at someone different from ourselves and judge them. It takes a much stronger and wiser person to understand them. Ask questions about the transgender community. Research the internet.

The simple truth of the matter is that we are all put on this earth, and not one of us is just alike. This is a wonderful and beautiful thing. That should be, and someday will be, recognized in a positive light by all.

About the Author:

Mike Selvon's portal will expand your knowledge on the transgender community. Visit us and leave a comment at our gender identity and roles blog where a free gift awaits you.

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A Quick Rundown of Some of the Most Popular Gay Fetishes in America

2008-08-03T12:13:00.000+07:00

Author: Phoenix Delray

When it comes to the gay counterculture in America today, there are more gay fetishes around than you can shake a stick at. And to be sure, you can shake a stick at an awful lot of them. Sure, there are plenty of vanilla gay folks out there who do not involve any gay fetishes into their sexual habits, but it seems as though more often than not gay fetishes are involved in homosexual relationships. It can be said that being gay is a fetish in and of itself, but for the purposes of this article, we will just focus on some of the more hard core gay fetishes in the society today.

S and M is one of the more popular gay fetishes around. This involves one partner sexually or emotionally dominating the other, with one or both people involved getting sexual pleasure out of the activity. This particular gay fetish has lots of other stuff involved, such as whips, chains, blindfolds, leather, latex and a whole lot more. And all these are dedicated to hurting the submissive person in one way or another. There are actually a countless number of websites dedicated to this S and M gay fetish, with many heterosexual people engaging in the activity as well.

To find people who are interested in this S and M gay fetish, one only needs to do Google, Yahoo or MSN search and visit one of these websites and befriend the people who are also members of the community. For a real life gay fetish experience of this nature, you can go to an S and M gay fetish bar. There is usually one in just about every major city, so finding one is relatively easy. In more rural areas that do not have S and M gay fetish bars, you can usually find a group of people who are willing to host such events at their homes.

Another popular gay fetish involves bondage. In this gay fetish, one person ties up his or her partner with ropes or chains. This is a common gay fetish for both gays and lesbians, and this often includes blindfolds to enhance the bondage experience. Although related to the S and M gay fetish on a basic level, not all people who engage in bondage play are also into S and M. Yet another gay fetish involves age play, where one partner is significantly older than the other.

About the Author:

For more information on gay fetish, please visit our website.

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10 Tips To Build A Lasting Lesbian Relationship

2008-08-03T12:00:00.001+07:00

Author: Patricia Cheney

Falling in love is wonderful, but it is really the easy part of any lesbian relationship. What takes work and commitment is keeping that relationship going even after the passion fades, which it most likely will over time. Most experts agree that passionate love has a life expectancy of 2 to 4 years. So compatibility and mutual respect become increasingly important as your partnership progresses. Here are some tips to help you along. Most are applicable to any relationship, but lesbians do have some specific concerns.

Communication, Communication, Communication: Don't let small fissures in your relationship turn into insurmountable canyons! Let your partner know what you are thinking about big and small things. If something is bothering you, speak up. Problems can't be solved unless you talk about it.

Make Time For Each Other: Life's demands will always get in the way. If you don't schedule "Us" time, it probably won't happen for you. Once a time is blocked off on the calendar, then both of you know to arrange other commitments around that time. For instance, you can block out Friday nights as time you dedicate to your relationship.

Keep It Fresh: You know how the saying goes, "Relationships take work." Well, that is true, but it doesn't always have to have a negative connotation. If you introduce an element of surprise in your relationship, it really helps. Bringing home flowers without an occasion, making a reservation at her favorite restaurant, or suggesting an out-of-the-ordinary activity really go a long way toward keeping your partnership interesting and vibrant.

Grow Together, Not Apart: One really effective way to keep your relationship strong is to have shared goals. Working with your partner on a project or plan for the future can bring you closer together by increasing your time together and sharing thoughts, dividing responsibilities and even by working out your areas of disagreement. Ideas may be as simple as joining a volunteer group together or as complicated as buying and restoring an old house in the city!

Maintain Healthy Outside Relationships: Difficulties with family and friends can really affect the health of your partnership. Stay on good terms with people who are important to your partner. Work out problems that exist. Let your partner know that you recognize the importance of her friends and family.

Sex And Intimacy: At all costs avoid "Lesbian Bed Death." Sex is an important part of your relationship. Sex is strongly related to intimacy, in that the hormone oxytocin is released during the sex act. That hormone is responsible for enhancing your feelings toward your partner and is essential for long-term bonding. Another powerful hormone, dopamine, is released when you perform strenuous physical exercise. Dopamine is also thought to be responsible for feelings of passionate love. So if things are getting a little slow in the bedroom, try taking your partner our dancing before your next sexual encounter!

Avoid The Green Dragon: Jealousy! Unfortunately, all too common in the lesbian community, jealousy can ruin a relationship. Jealousy occurs when there is a lack of trust between partners. If you feel you are being controlled by a jealous partner or that you are jealous, confront those feelings. Discuss with your partner why you are threatened in the relationship and move past it! Get professional help if you need it.

Compromise: You can't always have things your own way...and neither can your partner. Compromise involves keeping the relationship on even ground; keeping the balance between you. One strategy is to internally rate how important an issue is to you when you disagree with your spouse. If you silently rate the problem as a 1 or a 2, let it go. If you are rating the importance as a 9 or 10, then continue the dialog and work toward a solution you both can live with.

Stay Connected: Keep in touch with the lesbian/gay community. Unlike hetero couples, homosexuals have virtually no societal support. Having other LGBT friends, attending LGBT events and going to local clubs can really fend off the social isolation that many of us endure.

Maintain Good Health: Hey, nothing is sexier and more romantic than a clean, healthy body! Take care of yourself. Eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly.

Keeping a relationship healthy is definitely worth the effort it takes. Just consider how miserable you have been in past relationships that have gone bad. Then remember how wonderful this woman has made you feel. The trick is keeping on top of it and never, never taking your partner or the relationship for granted. If you set your relationship as your #1 priority, you have the best chance of a satisfying and happy future together!

About the Author:

Pat Cheney is a life coach working with gays and lesbians who are coming out in midlife and with spouses in gay-straight marriages. To find out more about her services, visit Pat's website at www.discoveringpride.com.

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Genetic Trait Increases Risks for Aids in African Americans

2008-08-03T00:23:00.000+07:00

Author: Allie Montgomery

A genetic trait once found to have possibly protected African Americans from malaria has now shown that it may increase their risk of contracting the HIV virus. The new research reports that African Americans are much more likely to have this genetic trait that will make them more susceptible to infection of the virus. Scientists estimate that this trait might account for up to 11 percent of the HIV cases in Africa. Africa is known to be the continent that is hit hardest by the AIDS epidemic.

The co-author of the study, Matthew J. Dolan, of the Wilford Hall United States Air Force Medical Center and San Antonio Military Medical Center said that the findings overall shows how the past history of our evolution and disease still effects all of us today. "The benefit that the Africans got from a mutation that gave them some resistance to malaria has, statistically at least, rendered them some increased susceptibility to HIV," he stated.

Researchers have spent many years wondering and trying to understand why some people that are exposed to the AIDS virus do not get infected. It is estimated that between 70 and 90 percent of the children born to infected mothers actually do not develop the disease, and some men that are homosexual have avoided it despite their repeated exposure. In the new study that was conducted, the team of researchers studied more than 1,200 members of the United States military who are infected with the HIV virus. They wanted to find out more about how genetics affects the disease. The findings from the study were published in the July issue of Cell Host & Microbe.

The team of researchers found that one genetic trait, which is found in approximately 60 percent of African-Americans and 90 percent of Africans, makes the HIV infection 40 percent more likely to be contracted. This trait is virtually nonexistent in Caucasians. The trait that was also protecting people against one form of malaria is now uncommon as well.

The evidence shows that the genetic makeup of some Africans have evolved to give them the protection against the form of malaria, stated Dolan. He also said unfortunately that the trait ultimately "set the African continent for increased susceptibility" to the HIV virus. Dolan has estimated that the increased susceptibility could account for more than a million extra cases of the HIV virus. On the other hand, the people who have the trait seem to live an average of two years longer with the disease once they contract it.

The vice president of the research with the Foundation for AIDS Research, Rowena Johnston, said that the new findings provide even more evidence of the evolutionary struggle between this disease and humans. Unfortunately, it will not be easy to make this information useful. She also stated, "Since any one individual has tens of thousands of genes, each of which may influence susceptibility in one direction or another, it's difficult to predict the outcome for any individual with any one particular genotype."

Shoulder Strength & Flexibility: Classical Pilates Exercises

2008-08-03T00:11:00.001+07:00

Author: Jennifer Giaani

What it is:
Shoulder strength and flexibility are important in and of themselves, but it is also imperative that there be a real coordination and balance of the two in the shoulder girdle because many of the tasks we perform require a flow of mobility and brute strength that we must tap into on a seconds notice. If there is even the slightest bit of imbalance in the shoulder structure, we have a great chance to experience anything from mild discomfort and irritation to some very serious injuries.

Our Goal:
These next two classical Pilates exercises will help the body find this balance in the shoulder structure.

Here's How:
If these two exercises seem to be too difficult for your current level, it's recommended that you continue with the pre-Pilates strength and flexibility exercises from the previous two entries. Perfecting those exercises will prepare you for these, which are more difficult. As you begin attempting these more advanced Pilates exercises, take them slowly and remember the importance of the breath. Also, please pay close attention to the many tips offered in each exercise.

Exercise - Double Leg Kick
This will help to stretch the shoulder and will open the chest.

Lie on your belly with the side of your face resting on the mat.
Bend your knees with the toes pointing toward the ceiling.
Squeeze your legs together. The arms should be bent with the elbows pointing to each side and resting on the floor with the hands clasped as high as possible on the back.
In this beginning position, the pubic bones and hips should press into the mat.
The front of the shoulders and elbows should also touch the mat (do the best you can!)
At this point, you should feel the stretch in the front of the shoulders and in the area between the shoulder blades.
Inhale (use a sniffing inhale breath).
Do three small kicks by bringing the heels toward the buttocks.
Be sure that the pubic bone and hip bones stay anchored to the mat (do not allow the buttocks to pop toward the ceiling as you kick).
Exhale and extend the legs to the mat while reaching the arms toward the feet.
Allow the upper back to extend so that the sternum and crown of the head are pointing forward.
Make sure the neck stays long as the chest lifts.
On your next exhale, return your body to the starting position with the opposite side of the face on the mat.
Complete four to six sets.
When finished, rest in Child's Pose.

Exercise - Swan Dive Series
This exercise helps to lengthen the upper-back and to strengthen and open the shoulders.

Swan Prep

To get into the starting position, lie on your belly and squeeze your legs together.
The hands should be under the shoulders with bent elbows.
Inhale and pull the abdominals in as you straighten the arms.
The shoulders should stay away from the ears as you straighten the arms.
The neck should remain long with the eyes pointing forward.
If you experience any discomfort or pain in the lower back, separate the legs to hip width.
Exhale and slowly lower back into the starting position.

Beginning Swan

Begin with the same starting position as Swan Prep.
Inhale and straighten the arms
Exhale and glide the arms forward with the palms facing either the ceiling or each other as the body rocks forward toward the upper chest.
Inhale and rock back up and catch yourself with your hands.
The arms should be long at the top.
Do four to six repetitions and rest in Child's Pose.
Add some extra padding if the rocking causes any discomfort or pain at the pubic bone.
If you experience any discomfort or pain in the back, please stop the exercise immediately and sit back into a Child's Pose.

Advanced Swan

Begin with the same starting position as Swan Prep.
Inhale and straighten the arms with the chest lifting to the ceiling.
Release the arms forward and inhale while rocking forward toward your chest with the arms extended in front of you with the palms facing either the ceiling or each other.
On the next exhale, use the momentum to help as you rock back with the fingers and eyes reaching for the ceiling.
Keep rocking forward and back, inhaling and exhaling.
Do four to six Swan Dives and then sit back on your heels in Child's Pose and rest.

Hot Tips:

Try to maintain a still, rigid body as you rock back and forth.
Ideally, the legs should be glued together. This will help to create a better rocking motion. If this proves difficult, allow the legs to separate, but keep the muscles of the core, the glutes and the legs very active.
Please do not hoist the head forward and back. Find the lift from the chest and keep the length in the back of the neck throughout the entire exercise.

Join me next time as we get into Leg Strength and Toning.

Secondhand Smoke Raises Stroke Risk for Spouses of Smokers

2008-08-03T00:03:00.000+07:00

Author: Drucilla Dyess

We have long known that smokers endanger their nonsmoking spouses and significant others through secondhand smoke, but recent research has shown that it significantly increases the risk of them having a stroke. In addition, an ex-smoker whose spouse continues to smoke has an even higher risk for stroke.

Maria Glymour, an assistant professor at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, and her team analyzed data drawn from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a National Institute on Aging sponsored survey of U.S. adults nationwide who were 50-plus years of age and married. The more than 16,000 participants were grouped according to smoking habits, and monitored for occurrences of stroke over an average nine-year period of time between 1992 and 2006. During the study period, 1,130 first strokes were reported. The study evaluated cigarette use but did not include the use of cigars or pipe tobacco.

Nonsmokers with spouses that currently smoke were discovered to have a 42 percent higher risk for stroke when compared with those with couples who had never smoked. Ex-smokers married to current smokers had a 72 percent greater risk for stroke. Current smokers had significantly elevated stroke rates compared to those who had never smoked, and the smoking status of spouses did not affect the risk among current smokers.

According to Glymour, "This adds to the growing evidence that secondhand smoke is bad for you, and I hope that it will help people who want to stop smoking to know that it will probably be good for their spouse's health, too." Glymour is a health and society scholar in the department of epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City in addition to her Harvard affiliations.

Being married to a former smoker was not found to be associated with any increase in stroke risk compared to having a spouse who had never smoked. Therefore, the data suggests that even though your stroke risk is higher if your spouse smokes, the increased risk is eliminated if your spouse stops smoking. Findings have shown that non-smokers married to former smokers had nearly the same stroke risk as couples who had never smoked.

It was not clear as to how much time would need to pass after a smoker quit before their spouse's stroke risk was fully dissipated. Glymour noted that she and team members believe the risk to the spouse likely begins to decline right away. She explained that this would be consistent with what is already known about stroke and active smoking, which is that if you stop smoking your own health risks decline quickly.

This study is one of few to focus on the possibility of a link between secondhand smoke and stroke risk and the data indicates that the association is very real and strong.

Promising New Drug Development Announced at Alzheimer’s Conference

2008-08-02T23:55:00.000+07:00

Author: Madeline Ellis

The 2008 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD) is taking place this week, July 26-31, at McCormick Place in Chicago. More than 5,000 world-renowned researchers from 60 countries were expected to be on hand for what is considered the world's largest gathering of international leaders in Alzheimer research and care ever convened. Through the sharing of information and resources on the cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's and related disorders, new knowledge is generated and the research community is broadened.

While many research findings have been presented thus far, one in particular seems to have taken center stage. A new drug, known as Rember, has been shown to stop the progression of Alzheimer's by as much as 81 percent, according to a Phase II study. The drug works by not only dissolving the tangle of tau fibers, which release waste products that kill nerve cells, but also prevents the formation of new tangles. Previous research has shown that the buildup of brain lesions known as neurofibrillary tangles, which are composed of a short fragment of a protein called tau, is correlated with increasing levels of dementia symptoms. "We have demonstrated for the first time that it may be possible to arrest progression of the disease by targeting the tangles that are highly correlated with the disease," said Dr. Claude Wischik, lead researcher and co-founder of TauRX Therapeutics, which is developing the treatment. "This is the most significant development in the treatment of the tangles since Alois Alzheimer discovered them in 1907."

The research involved 321 people with mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease in 17 centers in the United Kingdom and Singapore. The participants were divided into four groups; three taking different doses (30, 60, and 100 mg three times per day) of Rember and the fourth group taking a placebo. After 50 weeks, those taking the drug experienced 81 percent less mental decline than those taking the placebo. Also, over a 19-month period, those taking Rember showed no significant decline in their mental function compared to the placebo group who got worse. Dr. Donald Mowat, consultant psychiatrist who monitored the progress of the patients, said those taking Rember were more confident, better able to cope with daily life and were not experiencing the level of mental decline they had expected.

Brain imaging using SPECT and PET showed the most significant effect in the parts of the brain linked to memory, namely the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, where the density of tau tangles is greatest. "This is an unprecedented result in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease," said Professor Wischik. "We appear to be bringing the worst affected parts of the brain functionally back to life."

The trail results suggest rember is about two-and-a-half times more effective than existing Alzheimer's drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors. The next step is to confirm the results in a larger Phase III trial, which is due next year. Professor Stephen Logan, professor of neuroscience and TauRX board member, says that if the Phase III trial is successful, the drug could be on the market by 2012. "This is a fantastic breakthrough and very exciting," he said.

The researchers are also working on scanning techniques to diagnose Alzheimer's at its earliest stages when the tau tangles are first being formed in the brain and hope that rember will eventually be used as a preventative treatment. However, Professor Logan says "this would take much longer to perfect." He also said the cost of the treatment is unknown but would need to be compared with the expense of caring for Alzheimer's patients both in the community and in the hospital.

Generic Depakote for Epilepsy Approved

2008-08-02T23:52:00.000+07:00

Author: Heather Hajek

Suffering from epilepsy and want to save money on your prescriptions? Ask for the generic version. Recently the FDA approved generic versions of Depakote delayed-release, a product offered by Abbott Laboratories' that treats epilepsy and is also used to treat migraines and bipolar disorder. The generic is called divalproex sodium.

In 2007, Abbott's Depakote sales soared to $1.5 billion worldwide, the company said. Not only does Abbott now have competition for its delayed release formula, but as of earlier this month they may now have some competition for its extended-release version as well. The company recently settled litigation with Mylan Inc who plans to launch a generic for Depakote extended-release some time before the first of next year.

There have been several companies approved to market the various generic forms of Depakote, including Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Novartis AG, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Lupin Limited, Genpharm Inc, Nu-Pharm Inc, and Upsher-Smith Laboratories.

Generic drugs continue to grow in demand and in the number of generic drugs available. This is great for consumers and insurers alike, especially with the downturn in the economy and as many families continue to try and cut costs. Recently Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club, and Target started programs in some of their pharmacies offering dozens of generic drugs for $4. Kmart has already been offering generic 90-day supplies for $15.

The new generic for Depakote, divalproex sodium, will have the same warnings as Depakote. Some of the warnings have gained the "black box" warning from the FDA, which is their harshest warning because the drug has the potential to cause liver and pancreatic damage that could lead to death. The black box warnings also points out the possibilities of birth defects, such as neural tube defects. Before taking any new drug, make sure that your doctor is aware of your entire medical history. Certain medical conditions can be compounded by this drug and it is not recommended to take this drug for seizures with any other drug as treatment for epilepsy. If anyone taking Depakote or the generic form experiences nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing under the eyes, they should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Signs of an allergic reaction to the drugs may be hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat and one must seek medical attention immediately.

Many may ask if the generic drugs are the same as the original. They are not exact, and you may want to talk with your doctor before choosing the generic formula. In a news release by the FDA, Gary J. Buehler, RPh, director of the FDA's Office of Generic Drugs stated "Generic drugs undergo a rigorous scientific review to ensure that they will provide the patient the same amount of high-quality, safe, and effective drug as the name-brand product."

Clue Links Hip Bone Mineral Density to Breast Cancer

2008-08-02T23:45:00.001+07:00

Author: Allie Montgomery

Did you ever think the mineral density in your hipbone could be a clue in predicting breast cancer after menopause? A new study, which will appear in the September 1st edition of Cancer, shows that higher hipbone density could increase the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Having a higher mineral density in the hipbone may be a reflection of a lifetime of higher exposure to estrogen. Many forms of breast cancer, not all, are estrogen-sensitive. Of course, if the density of the minerals in the bone drops too low, it could bring on different health risks, such as fractures and osteoporosis. The American Cancer Society, publisher of Cancer, states the findings of this study do not change "the need to treat osteoporosis in order to reduce the risk of fractures." What it does show is that balancing hormone levels in women is important over a lifetime, for a variety of reasons.

This study was based on 9,941 postmenopausal women that took part in the Women's Health Initiative, a long term study on women's health. When the study first started, the women were at the average age of 63. They received a check-up that consisted of a hipbone mineral density scan that used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). They also had to complete a questionnaire about their medical history and their lifestyle every six months.

The women that participated in this study were then followed for the next 8 years, and during that time, 327 women had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The women that had a high mineral density in their hipbone at the start of the study were more likely to have developed breast cancer during the study.

The mineral density in the hipbone has also helped in predicting breast cancer risk beyond what the Gail risk model could. The Gail risk model estimates a woman's risk for developing breast cancer based on their current age, her age when she first began menstruating, her age when she first became a mother, her family history of breast cancer, if she has had a past biopsy, and her race.

In this particular study, the score of the mineral density in the hip bone and the Gail score were similar in predicting the risk of breast cancer. Using both of the scores together, it may be possible to further predict breast cancer in women that are postmenopausal.

Pregnancy Weight Gain: What's Considered Healthy?

2008-08-02T23:38:00.001+07:00

Author: Allie Montgomery

Like most things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all plan that addresses weight gain during pregnancy. How much weight gain is healthy depends on many factors, including your body mass index (BMI) going into the pregnancy and your weight from the pregnancy. Like it or not, weight gain with a pregnancy is a given, but gaining the right amount of weight can support your baby's healthy and make it easier to get rid of the weight after delivery. You can work with your physician to see what plan is right for you. You can also consider these general (and we do mean general) guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

Weight Before Pregnancy Recommended Amount of Weigh Gain
Underweight 28 to 40 pounds
Normal weight 25 to 35 pounds
Overweight 15 to 20 pounds
Obese At least 15 pounds

If you are carrying more than one child, you will need to gain more weight than normal. You will often need to gain in excess of 35-45 pounds. Also, weight concerns do not stop after delivery, because extra weight gained after pregnancy can increase the risk of complications in future pregnancies, even if the woman does not gain enough weight to be considered overweight.

What if you are underweight or overweight before the pregnancy?
If you are underweight before your pregnancy, it is very important to gain a reasonable amount of weight especially during the second and third trimesters to promote the health of your unborn child. Without the extra weight, you may run the risk of your baby being born pre-mature or smaller than average. If you are overweight before your pregnancy, although it carries risks such as high blood pressure, stillbirth, labor complications, pregnancy is not the time to try and lose the weight. Even women who are overweight going into a pregnancy should have some weight gain during the pregnancy, while keeping an eye on the scale of course. If you gain more than the recommended amount during the pregnancy and fail to lose the weight within six months after delivery, you may run a higher risk of being obese later on.

Where does the weight go?
Let's say after delivery your baby's weight is 7 or 8 pounds. This accounts for some of the weight gain during the pregnancy. So here is a simple breakdown of where the other weight is distributed:

Baby: 7 to 8 pounds
Enlarged breasts: 1 to 3 pounds
Amniotic Fluid: 2 Pounds
Placenta: 1 1/2 pounds
Enlarged Uterus: 2 pounds
Increased volume of fluid: 2 to 3 pounds
Fat stores: 6 to 8 pounds
Increased volume of blood: 3 to 4 pounds

Within the first trimester, most women do not need to gain much weight, which can be very good news if you are struggling with morning sickness. If you start out with a healthy weight before pregnancy, you will only need to gain a few pounds within the first few months of your pregnancy. You will be able to do this with an extra intake of 150 to 200 calories a day, about the amount of 12 ounces of orange juice with calcium or a serving of low-fat yogurt. Your normal appetite would typically provide these calories.

Steady weight gain is very important when you reach the second and third trimesters, especially if you were at a healthy weight or underweight before pregnancy. This means that you will probably be gaining 3 to 4 pounds a month until delivery. This will be possible with an extra 300 calories a day. If you began your pregnancy underweight, your physician may suggest boosting your calorie intake more than normal amount during pregnancy.

Pregnancy menu
It would be easy to add these calories to your diet with un-healthy junk food, but it won't be giving your baby the nutrients he or she needs. It is more important to pay attention and not overeat and make nutritional food choices. You could try:

Trading eating white bread for some whole-grain variety
Getting rid of iceberg lettuce and choosing mustard greens, arugula, or spinach instead. You could also use black beans or soy nuts to top your salad and drop the bread with dinner.
Eating sliced fruit instead of reaching for the cookie.
Choosing juices that are fortified with calcium and other nutrients.

Working with your physician during pregnancy
Your physician will want to keep a close eye on your weight during pregnancy. During your pregnancy, you will need to eat healthy foods and be sure to keep all of your prenatal appointments. To keep your weight in the optimal range, your physician may offer suggestions for boosting your calorie intake or cutting back as needed.

New Genetic Clues to Schizophrenia Discovered

2008-08-02T23:28:00.000+07:00

Author: Neomi Heroux

Ancient documents identify diseases with the symptoms of schizophrenia as far back as Egypt in the second millennium before Christ, and the condition has probably followed mankind through history. The word schizophrenia is less than 100 years old and the modern identification of the disease was first done by Dr. Emile Kraepelin in 1887 as a discrete mental illness. The exact cause of schizophrenia, as with other mental disorders has eluded research for years, but researchers believe that they are moving closer to the causes and the possibility of an effective treatment for the condition.

Schizophrenia is a not a single problem but a group of serious brain disorders. It can range from mild to severe and some people with the disease may be able to function well in daily life, while others need specialized, intensive care. Schizophrenia is not the same as a split personality or multiple personalities. The word does mean "split-mind," but it refers to a disruption of the usual balance of emotions and thinking. The disease usually appears in late adolescence or early adulthood, is more common in men than women, and even with effective treatment remains a chronic condition. Approximately 1% of the population suffers from schizophrenia.

Those with schizophrenia interpret reality abnormally and usually suffer from hallucinations, delusions and disordered thinking and behavior. They will usually withdraw into their own realm marked by psychosis. Schizophrenia can appear suddenly or develop gradually over months and may be unnoticeable at first.

In independent international studies, the same rare genetic variations in patients with schizophrenia were identified. The research indicates that three rare deletions in the human genome appear to increase the risk of developing the brain condition. Dr. Pamela Sklar, corresponding author of a paper appearing in Nature and director of genetics at Harvard Medical School, Boston said "These findings give a great deal of hope, for individuals with schizophrenia and their families, loved ones, and caregivers, that we're moving towards an under standing of the cause of the disease."

Researchers stressed that the research explained only a tiny fraction of why people might develop schizophrenia and additional work needs to look at the full spectrum of other types of genetic factors that might influence schizophrenia. Schizophrenia, like autism, tends to run in families, which is the reason to focus on genetic determinants of the disease. The paper in Nature compared the genomes of 3,300 individuals with schizophrenia against those of 3,200 individuals without the illness. "We looked at a relatively rare type of DNA change where people have a substantial portion of a chromosome either missing or extra. These are called copy number changes," Sklar explained. The consortium found three deletions on specific chromosomes that appeared multiple times in people with schizophrenia. Two of the deletions had never been recognized before. According to Sklar that triples the number of specific DNA areas that may be responsible for the disease.

Michael O'Donovan, lead author of the Nature Genetics study and professor of psychiatric genetics at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom, acknowledged "We've been working on schizophrenia for rather more years than we care to think, and successes have not been dramatic." Other researchers have looked at what are called "whole chapters" in the genome, his team honed in on what he described as tiny spelling differences. "In addition to rare variants, we were able to convincingly show that common variants are involved in schizophrenia, but we don't know how much of a role they play compared with rare variants." According to Donovan it means that all humans have genes for schizophrenia, but those who do not have it don't have enough of the genes or possibly have not been exposed to environmental stimulus.

The studies indicate a shift in focus for finding variants that affect the risk of schizophrenia. The search for rare variants may help identify groups of patients with different genetic causes for their diseases. This could lead to treatments tailored to different biological causes which would improve treatment outcomes.

Pop a Pill and Get Fit?

2008-08-02T23:21:00.001+07:00

Author: Drucilla Dyess

Can you receive the benefits of exercise without working up a sweat? Maybe you can! According to a group of scientists, a pill that captures the endurance-boosting effects of exercise may be in your future.

Ronald M. Evans, Ph.D., of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in La Jolla, California and colleagues have test two compounds in lab mice with some surprising results. One compound, known as GW1516, boosted the endurance of mice that exercised but did nothing in sedentary mice. Too bad for you couch potatoes! But wait, the other compound called AICAR actually improved the endurance of mice that didn't exercise at all! Now, don't get too excited yet, because these compounds haven't been tested in people and aren't available on the market. However, if researchers are working on a drug test to look for traces of the compounds in the blood and urine of athletes to prevent any future cheating on their part, it could be available sooner than you think.

The research group was first able to create genetically engineered "marathon mice" in 2004 by making a modification to a mouse gene that increased the activity of a protein called PPAR-delta and boosted their endurance. Then the team worked to achieve the same goal without genetic engineering using GW1516, one of a family of compounds that researchers are looking at as obesity and diabetes drugs.

The mice were given GW1516 orally every day for a month to boost PPAR-delta. By the end of the month, mice who had been running daily on their exercise wheels were running 68 percent longer and 70 percent farther but there were no improvements seen in mice that weren't already exercising regularly. This prompted the researchers to focus on a different protein called activate protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of cellular and organismal metabolism. They used a drug called AICAR that mimics AMPK, "so muscle thinks it's burning fat," Evans said. AICAR was injected into inactive mice daily for a month to boost AMPK. Once again, at the end of the month, even the lazy mice ran 23 percent longer and 44 percent farther than before getting the injections. Therefore, they got the benefit of improved endurance without working out. Evans explained, "We think AMPK activity is the secret to allowing PPAR-delta drugs to work."

According to the researchers, these results show that the proteins AMPK and PPAR-delta "can be targeted by orally active drugs to enhance training or even to increase endurance without exercise." In a statement, Evans explained that as almost no one gets the recommended 40 minutes to an hour per day of exercise, that for this group of people, if there was a way to mimic exercise, it would make the quality of exercise that they do much more efficient.

Evans noted that prior studies suggest that AICAR might protect against weight gain while on a high-fat diet, which could make it useful in treating obesity, yet it would need to proven safe as it would have to be taken for a long time. Other researchers have studied both drugs for other uses. In fact, the drug that requires no exercise is now in advanced human testing to for it's possible prevention of a complication of heart bypass surgery.

Some experts agree that a drug like AICAR could someday be useful in treating obesity and diabetes, especially since it has been found that AICAR stimulates muscles to remove sugar from the blood in animals. In addition, people who can't exercise due to a medical condition might also benefit from such a drug.

It must be noted that these tests focused only on skeletal muscles and endurance with no concentration on the safety of the drugs or their ability to provide other benefits gained by exercising such as improving cardiovascular health.

Weight Loss Camps Over Fat Camps: Taking The Fun Way To Slim Down

2008-08-01T20:49:00.001+07:00

Author: Matthew Stanton

When we hear the word obesity, the words that often spring to mind are those of ugly or more obviously, fat. These are then followed by thoughts pertaining to negative social status. It is a reality that we usually associate obesity with the hindrance to socialization, as it negatively affects physical appearance. We tend to put aside the bigger and more important aspect of obesity we should concern ourselves about: it risks health.

The very fact that it endangers health should spur us to determine ways with which we may lose weight. It is not merely a matter of making ourselves look more socially acceptable, but of making ourselves healthier.

Not knowing how to go about the task of losing weight is a common problem for most people. We could not really know form sure what diet would work best for us, or what activities we ought to undergo. This problem can be solved by enrolling into summer weight loss camps.

There are weight loss camps for every gender and age group. Nowadays, these camps offer fun programs that can prove to be both enjoyable and rewarding in terms of losing weight.

Weight loss camps over fat camps

Weight loss camps have a friendlier outlook towards losing weight than fat camps. Fat camps follow a stricter and narrower undertaking for losing weight, and this is probably the main reason why they can be boring, rigid and even scary for some.

Weight loss camps, on the other hand, offer a more varied and open regimen for weight loss, because their goal is to pave the way for enrollees to find that particular weight loss program or plan that will suit them best. Unlike with fat camps, weight loss camps can be fun, and more so because they offer a variety of activities best suited for your inclinations.

Camp location and activities

A peaceful and stress free aura that is the aim of most weight loss camps in terms of camp location and environment. This is to enable enrollees to focus on the main thing they are aiming for weight loss. So you would probably find yourself spending the summer on a quiet beach or a mountain

Camp activities for teens can include outdoor activities and games that would help keep them from thinking of weight loss as a task, but rather of it merely a rewarding output of partaking in fun activities.

For adults, particularly women, activities would verge more on relaxation activities, like aerobics classes. This will help veer their minds away from the stress of everyday life yet lose weight at the same time.

Enrolling in a weight loss camp can be a win win endeavor. It allows you to lose weight in order to emerge healthier, and makes weight loss a fun undertaking.

About the Author:

Matthew Stanton is the author for Weight Loss Camps and Fat Camps and has written several articles related to the topic. If you want more information about Weight Loss Camps and how it can benefit you and your children, you may check this website at Weight Loss Camps

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How To Avoid Food Marketing Deception And Make Healthy Choices At The Grocery Store

2008-08-01T20:42:00.001+07:00

Author: Faustin Michaels

I was at the grocery store the other day and had to shake my head at all of the deceptive labels with everything claiming all sorts of things that are supposedly "healthy", but aren't really.

One of the things that really disturbed me was that I saw several examples of healthy foods in their natural state, but I saw counterfeit versions of these foods claiming that they were healthier than the original...

Yet in reality, all of these counterfeit versions were actually MUCH worse for you than the original... and they still have the guts to claim that their overly processed "junkified" versions are better.

This is food marketing deception at it's worst!

Example #1: Product claiming "Better than peanut butter"

This product is ludicrous! I can't believe anyone would ever believe that this junk is better for them than natural peanut butter.

First of all, if you buy a good simple peanut butter (organic is best), it is usually nothing but 2 ingredients... peanuts and salt. And they don't add much salt so it's not high in sodium.

However, this counterfeit peanut butter which claimed it was "better than peanut butter" (trying to seem healthier than peanut butter based on it's label claims) had a list of junk in it you wouldn't believe. First of all, they strip away all of the healthy fats from the peanuts so that it is a "low fat" product. Ok, now you've just taken away one of the healthiest parts of the product...the appetite satisfying healthy fats that you need to control cravings and manage more stable blood sugar levels.

To make things worse, the healthy fats were replaced with 2 different types of sugary syrups as well as additional dehydrated cane juice (aka SUGAR), in addition to added refined starches.

This product has taken something as simple and natural as peanut butter, and turned it into what should really be called some sort of processed candy. Yet, they claim that it's healthier than peanut butter. And somehow they get away with deceiving people like this. Don't be their fool!

Example #2: Product claiming to be "better than eggs".

I won't get as detailed on this one because I recently talked about this entire topic in another article.
But basically, this product was just egg whites with a bunch of added chemical colorings, flavorings, and other nonsense, including fake added vitamins.

Again, this product has essentially ruined a good thing by removing the healthiest part... the YOLKS! And yes, the yolks ARE the healthiest part of the egg. Anybody that tells you different doesn't understand much about true nutrition. The important thing to look for in quality whole eggs are cage-free and organic.

Example #3: A product claiming to be "better than butter".

This was essentially crappy margarine loaded with highly processed and deadly trans fats, yet it had the nerve to claim it was "better than butter".

Heck NO!

Even low quality butter is healthier than margarine. One problem with butter is pesticides and hormones from improperly raised cows.

For this reason, you always want to choose organic butter, and if you can find "grass-fed" butter, I would say it that it can be healthy for you. In fact, adding a little butter to your steamed vegetables helps your body to absorb more of the vitamins and minerals in the veggies.
Also, due to the content of stable saturated fats in butter, this makes butter one of the best oils to cook with. Oils high in polyunsaturated oils are the worst to cook with due to their highly unstable nature. And no, the saturated fat in butter is NOT bad for you.
If you found this information interesting, do yourself a favor and get more information about living a healthier life.

Looking good is feeling good!

Until next time... Don't be lazy... be lean.

About the Author:

Check Out All Of The Free Information Available. Guys Learn How To Get Ripped Six Pack Abs Fast & Rock Hard Abdominals. Lady's Learn How To Get a Flat Sexy Stomach the Right Way & Lose Your Tummy Fat.

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Diet Wars! Low-Carb vs. Low Fat Diet Debate Ended!

2008-08-01T20:35:00.001+07:00

Author: Craig Ballantyne

A new low-carb vs. low-fat diet has come out, and the Dr. Atkins camp is claiming victory, although the low-fat camp of Dr. Dean Ornish is crying foul. But I'll show you the truth about the results below...it isn't what you expect!

According to the NY Times "In a tightly controlled dieting experiment, obese people lost an average of just 6 to 10 pounds over two years...the results highlight the difficulty of weight loss and the fact that most diets do not work well."

The scientists studied 322 moderately obese men and women following one of three diets, either a low fat diet (less than 30% of calories from fat - which really isn't "low fat" as Dr. Ornish correctly points out); a Mediterranean diet; or the Atkins low-carb diet. (In the interest of full disclosure, the study was partly financed by the Atkins Research Foundation.)

The researchers did not claim one diet to be better than another, although the low-carb and mediterranean diet groups lost more weight (10 pounds) compared to the low-fat group (6 pounds).

In fact, men and women responded very differently to the diets. Women lost the most weight with the mediterranean diet (14 pounds) and the least with
the low carb diet (5 pounds), while the men lost the most with the low carb diet (11 pounds).

The results all clearly all over the board. The researchers concluded the results were modest, but still improved the subject's health. However, all this information misses the main result of this study.

And despite what the NY Times wants you to believe, it's not, "diets don't work". It's that, "Dieters" don't work. After all, if I worked with 322 moderately obese people for TWO YEARS, I'd be ashamed if they only lost 6-10 pounds.

The dirty truth about diets - the politically incorrect truth that no one wants to admit because it takes away all excuses for a lack of personal
responsibility - is that DIETS DO WORK.

On the other hand, I'd bet that almost every subject in that study lied about how compliant they were with the diet they were assigned. But that's HUMAN NATURE. We all think we eat better than we do.

And that's how you end up with 322 people dieting for two years, and all they can achieve is an average of 8 pounds of weight loss. It's not the diets that aren't working! It's the dieters that are the problem!

So if you are having trouble sticking to your nutrition, or if you are confused about low-carb vs. low-fat, just take a deep breath and follow my 5 simple rules...

1) Find out how much you are eating now. Use Fitday.

2) If you are not losing weight, eat less.

3) Eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, and good protein sources. Don't eat junk from a bag or a box.

4) Give yourself one treat meal per week to look forward to - not a treat day, just a treat meal.

5) Plan ahead. Prepare your meals (spend 1-2 hours on the weekend getting your meals and meal plan ready for the week). Identify obstacles and come up with solutions to avoid them.

That is it. Very simple. Most people do pretty well on 1-3 and even 5, but mess up on number 4. I often hear how well someone did all day long, but then while making dinner they snack on upwards of 500 calories of their kid's treats, or other processed carbohydrates they have lying around the house.

The little things can add up to big time problems. So take a good long look at everything you eat. And all of this can be avoided if you follow rule #5. Combine my five simple nutrition rules with three short workouts per week of resistance training and interval training, and you have a very manageable fat loss plan that can fit any busy lifestyle. You don't have to be a doctor to figure out how to eat for fat loss.

About the Author:

Get your FREE Ab circuit workouts at Turbulence Training for Abs. And get a SAMPLE Turbulence Training for Fat Loss workout to help you burn fat. Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health and Oxygen magazines.

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How to Say Goodbye to Your Fat Loss Plateau Forever

2008-08-01T20:19:00.001+07:00

Author: Jeff Simon

Fat loss plateaus seem inevitable when ever you start to see progress in your fitness routine. Usually, it happens something like this. . .

You choose to eat healthier. You pass up pizza for skinless chicken and salad. You give up sweets for blueberries and cranberries and yogurt. You eat more vegetables and spinach. You eat less cake and root beer floats. You lay off the booze and drink more water.

Maybe you try on of those new "ab-contraptions." Or, just like you were told, start to do cardio exercise. You find some activity that keeps your heart at a “target” rate for 30 to 45 minutes 3 times a week. Maybe you talk to the gym’s training staff and do some universal work.

Most likely, you begin to feel better. You notice your pants are not so tight. You feel healthier. After a few weeks the pounds begin to melt away.

Then the fun ends. No more movement on the scale. Maybe you pick up a few pounds. And it seems that nothing you do helps you get closer to your fitness goals.

There are several reasons why you experience plateau and some ways to overcome it.

- You are overtraining and have reached a level of diminishing returns. Your body’s ability to adjust to a new routine changes over time. At some point, your body needs recovery. If you don’t give the body enough opportunity, your body begins to lower your metabolic rate as a form of recovery.

Take a week off of your routine. Try low-intensity exercise. Give the diet a bit of a break. Sometimes, your metabolism needs time to adjust.

- Your workout needs a little variety. Your body adapts to new routines. Eventually, your body will adjust to your new routine and your metabolic rate will lower to accommodate the new “demands” you’ve put on yourself. I used to live close enough to walk to work. I remember this man: middle-aged, obese, around the 300 lb mark. He would walk/jog to get exercise. To think, it was more like a shuffle.

In seven years, I never saw him lose any fat. Nearly every day, I would see him in a tank top drenched with sweat. Moving a little faster than a walking pace. Never dropped a pound. Why?

I suspect it was because he never adjusted his routine. Vary your workout regimen. Play different sports. Always look for new activities to challenge your body. Never let it adapt. Then every two to three months, give yourself a week off for low-intensity workouts.

- Add variety to your eating habits. If you are budgeting yourself for 2000 calories a day, eat 2200 calories one day and 1800 the next. If you are eating three square meals a day, eat less for your meals, and eat more snacks. If you are eating more than three meals, shift back to three.

About the Author:

Get two free reports that put you on the path toward blasting through your fat loss plateau. Download Sample Fat Burning Workout from Craig Ballantyne's Turbulence Training and Posture & Core Conditioning by David Grisaffi. Get it now => http://www.flatabsreport.com/

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Vinyl Lingerie: It's Good for You

2008-08-01T20:12:00.001+07:00

Author: Elaine Edwards

When scientists formulated vinyl as early as the 1920s, it was unsure any of them associated the plastic with body contours or sexy lingerie. But in reality, vinyl has its place in the world for being second largest class of plastic that's being manufactured worldwide in terms of total volume. Consider the amount of production in North America in 2000 - the total volume produced was 14.6 billion pounds of vinyl.

Vinyl is most probably known for the vinyl record. But more and more people are finding that vinyl has it place in lingerie lines. Many lingerie manufactures now offer a full line of vinyl lingerie on top of their regular line of lingerie. You can now find them in brick-and-mortar lingerie stores as well as in many online lingerie stores.

You can tell vinyl clothing items and lingerie by its industrial name - PVC or polyvinyl chloride. PVC resins on their own are actually hard, but when they are added plasticizers a flexible and elastic kind of plastic can be produced. Such is the flexibility of vinyl, you will soon discover that vinyl has evolved in uses - from electricity, construction work, auto manufacturing and packaging. This variation in industrial uses led to the production of vinyl with more sensual uses in clothing manufacturing.

When you're wearing vinyl lingerie in warm or moist situations, it can be sticky inside. To ease the stickiness, vinyl garments are treated with a thin layer of talcum powder. Vinyl lingerie comes in varied styles. You can actually buy vinyl bras, skirts, and panties. You can also buy vinyl corsets, vinyl sexy costumes and so much more.

In procuring vinyl lingerie, the most valuable consideration is the fit. In case, you didn't know it yet, vinyl clothing looks best on you when it is worn tightly, nay, stretched, against your skin. When you've bought your vinyl lingerie, the next thing you need to do is to take care of it and when we say take care of it, we mean really take care of it. Carefully follow the instructions that come with your vinyl garment. Take care not to scratch it because any scratch mark is already permanent. Vinyl lingerie may be on the cutting edge of fashion, but they also need caring too. A lot of it.

Just what is the experience of vinyl lingerie? When you buy a vinyl bra, it will look and feel like no other. It looks shiny, slippery and deliciously appealing. Producers of vinyl clothings are not confined to the underwear - there are also sexy vinyl costumes. The only limit to your buying them is your daring and imagination. There are schoolgirl vinyl costumes, sexy waitress vinyl costumes apart from the corsets and the like.

So open your eyes to any and all possibility. Vinyl has surely reached a long way from its applications in medicine, packaging, electronics, cars and what-have-you. It is plain to see that vinyl lingerie can take you to new levels of experiences and sexy new heights.

About the Author:

VINYL LINGERIE : Right Lingerie offers a glimpse into the world of intimate excitement with its full line of intimate apparel - from sexy lingerie, vinyl lingerie, leather lingerie and adult costumes. Find the lingerie to match your imagination with Right Lingerie's intimate apparel line.

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Finding the Perfect Wedding Photographer

2008-08-01T20:08:00.001+07:00

Author: A Nutt

In the hustle and bustle of planning a wedding, finding a great wedding photographer just seems like a difficult task. After all, you really don't know what you're getting half the time and if you hire a proper studio to do the job, you'll end up paying a small fortune! So, how do you know whether or not a photographer is good at what he or she does?

Here you'll find tips on how to check out a wedding photographer before you actually sign a contract.

Wedding Photographer Tips

Look at the portfolio. While this may seem like the most obvious method of finding out what a photographer can do, you'd be amazed at how many couples glance at a couple of photos online and make their decision. Ask to see the photographer`s wedding portfolio and look through the whole thing.

Get references. One of the best ways to find out if a wedding photographer does satisfactory work is to check with those he's shot for. You will want to ask them not only if they were happy with the photos, but also how the photographer was to work with. Some photographers are amazing at their job, but their attitude can cause a lot of extra stress on a day when you really don't need any more!

Avoid packaged wedding photographers. Some event halls offer special wedding packages that include a photographer. However, you don't know how good this person is, so it's not a good idea to just sign up for the photographer-included package. Take the time to do your research and you will be far happier with how your photos turn out.

Ask about the equipment maintenance schedule. Does the photographer send their equipment in for servicing on a regular basis? The last thing you want is for a camera to break down in the middle of your wedding. Anyone who sends their equipment in regularly (once a year is the norm) should have properly working gear. You may also want to ask if they bring in extras, as well, just in case.

Interview the wedding photographer. This is an important part of the process of choosing a photographer for your wedding, since it will give you a good feel for what the photographer is like. It's usually a good idea to interview at least 3 or 4 different wedding photographers before making a decision. That will let you know just what your options are and allow you to make the best choice.

Hire early. The good wedding photographers are all booked months ahead of time, so be sure to set this up early on. You will also have the relief of getting this stressful task out of the way long before you are down to crunch time with the wedding plans. As soon as the wedding date is set, start looking for a good wedding photographer.

Ask about a contract. If something should go wrong, you will need a contract to back your claims up. A good photographer confident in his skills will be more than happy to sign a contract that specifies how many 8x10s, 5x7s, etc. will be included in the package. Those who know they could be in trouble will generally try to get out of signing a contract, so beware.

To find a really great photographer, you'll have to do a bit of research, but it is well worth it. After all, this is a once in a lifetime event . . . you want to be sure it's captured perfectly!

About the Author:
The Perfect Wedding Guide is your all-in-one resource to plan your Toronto wedding. Find everything from Toronto wedding cakes to Toronto wedding photographers all in one great, user-friendly resource!

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