Sunday, November 30, 2008

A Look at Financing Plastic Surgery

By Trina Rowde

There are medical insurances that cover the cost of a reconstructive plastic surgery. A cosmetic plastic surgery, however, is a different story. You may have to finance a cosmetic plastic surgery yourself through a loan.

Now, there are already several options for people who can't afford a cosmetic surgery. Before we look into those options, let's take a look at what else you should know about financing plastic surgery.

Don't Go for Bargains

Don't be tempted to go for a surgeon who asks for less just because you don't have clear options for financing plastic surgery. This is however, the worst possible mistake you could ever make. Plastic surgery costs are usually steeper if the surgeon who will conduct the procedure is already seasoned and an undisputed expert. An expensive doctor however is also more likely to be a safer option and eventually a more cost effective one. Cheap doctors may also have cheap services that may result in more financing plastic surgery problems because you would have to pay for corrective surgery on a botched up work.

Costs and Plans Vary

The extent of work to be performed, the type of procedure and the region you belong to are also some of the other factors that affect the cost of plastic surgery. Doctors and clinics will also therefore have different payments schemes or offers for financing plastic surgery. You would have to discuss this aspect as extensively as the procedure itself. Be warned that there may also be hidden costs or miscellaneous fees that you may not have asked about and may not be included in offers for financing plastic surgery.

No Plan Scheme

Financing plastic surgery, loan or installment plans may not work with some surgeons and clinics. Some patients may not immediately realize it but such a policy may be as much for the patient's advantage as it is theirs. This is because such a strict policy will ensure that a patient can truly afford the procedure and its corresponding after surgery costs.

Some clinics will even ask for a complete payment before a procedure to secure patient assurance. This may be potentially dangerous though especially if accidents happen.

Finance Companies and Banks

There are now finance companies and banks that offer plans for financing plastic surgery procedure. Individuals can now fill up forms for approval to cover cosmetic plastic surgery. Most companies will tell you that they have affordable and flexible rates but the truth is that applying for a loan may be a little more difficult than imagined especially in banks.

Plastic surgery loans are actually unsecured by collateral. This means that a bank or company may have to meticulously investigate your credit history and report to find out if you are capable of paying. Even if you do pass an application for financing plastic surgery, some companies may have higher interest rates than others simply because it is their only security if you are suddenly unable to pay. - 16650

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Infos - pH miracle diet critics

By Amanda Marlenti

When something becomes popular, it invites criticism from other sources. The recently popular pH miracle diet is no different. As the program has gained followers, it has gained just as much criticism from different individuals.

The main criticism of the diet is that it encourages people to become vegetarians and vegans. Critics say that this diet, particularly with its omission of dairy products (a vegetarian protein source), is dangerously low in protein. However, this criticism comes from the common misconception that humans need massive amounts of protein. The recent popularity of low-carb diets (which are really just high-protein diets) has re-cemented this myth in the mind of many people. Health has become equivalent with eating red meat and dairy.

However, there are many sources of natural and healthy proteins that don't have the harmful acidic effects of red meat and dairy products. The truth is, most people get too much protein and not too little. Women require about 45 grams of protein per day, and men need 55 grams. Beans contain at least 8 grams of protein per half cup. So it is really quite easy to get enough protein on a vegetarian diet.

Another criticism related to this issue is calcium. Many people equate milk with strong bones. However, American women consume an average of two kilograms of milk per day, and yet 30 million of them to develop osteoporosis. If the milk helped make bones stronger, then the opposite would be true. A study by the Cornell-trained nutritionist Amy Joy Lanou showed that there was no specific link between dairy products and bone health in children and young adults. There are plenty of sources of calcium available in alkalinization categories of foods which provide protection against osteoporosis.

Many critics also argue that the emphasis on vegetables and fresh food is the real reason behind the success that people receive from the diet. The pH miracle diet suggests eating almost 70 percent of vegetables and fruits acceptable. Critics ignore the importance of the pH balance of the diet.

However, there have been many people who have experienced great results after elimination of wheat, a food acid. Wheat is not a food that one normally associates with health problems; however, the elimination of wheat has been a blessing for many people who have experienced symptoms of over-acidification of the diets. The amount of alkalizing vegetables in the diet definitely good to anyone, whether or not they have on the rest of breast feeding. From feeding the list of foods alkaline, it improves their health no matter how strict you are on the diet.

This brings us to another popular criticism of the book. Many people argue that the pH miracle diet program is too strict for daily life. The elimination of common foods such as animal protein, milk and wheat seem overwhelming for people. They can not imagine going through an entire day without eating something from one of these food groups. The idea of sticking to a diet which relies heavily plant seems too rigid and strict. However, many people who use the pH miracle diet had beneficial results without being 100% strict with the rules of the diet.

Like many other diets, diet, the pH miracle describes step towards better health. The emphasis here is on action. It is unreasonable to expect anyone to make a 180-degree change in his eating habits overnight. The adoption of a slower approach to changing your diet will create more good results. If the plan is followed word for word, it is difficult at the beginning - 16650

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Bipolar -Two Effective Approaches for Controlling Mood Swings

By Harold Ulvaeus

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is widely used in conjunction with medication to help control the symptoms of bipolar.Part of the therapy is to help the person to overcome the swings of mood, from mania to depression, and to recover from the psychological effects of those mood swings. Usually the symptoms will recur, frequently as the result of some event, sometimes spontaneously. Helping the person to be prepared, and to recognize the symptoms is part of the clinicians task.

The cues to resume the therapy include life transitions, stressful events, and recurrences of symptoms. In case the therapy is stop for more than six months, it is advisable to retain your contact with your therapist to keep updates of your current situation. This is helpful whenever the therapy resumes since the therapist know where to begin with.

Positive feedbacks also provide positive reinforcement from your therapist. Bonding between patients and the therapist is very important especially when the patient is having a hard time with regards to the treatment process and controlling of symptoms.

Psychotherapy is normally the stabilizing force in the patient's lives. Therapy visits could create a marking structure on the duration of episodes, monitoring progress, and achieving goals. The therapist's feedbacks about the progressive results cam make the patient feel good and accomplished.

Frequently, the most effective treatment programs uses a combination of pharmaceuticals and therapy.

Struggling with a disorder such as Bipolar make it vital to know effective ways to help alleviate the effects of this disorder. Coping mechanisms, the right pharmaceuticals, therapy, holistic methods such as Qi Gong, acupuncture, color therapy, meditation, yoga, nutrition and many more can make a person with bipolar much less affected by their special challenges. - 16650

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Useful Tips On Arthritis Treatments

By Don Pedro

Arthritis is one of those diseases that affects the patients life no the worst condition. Normal life pattern of the patient can be changes; even the patient may become disabling for the rest of his life. And after heat attacks, there's no other disease as much harmful as arthritis.

Acupuncture can be the answer to arthritis. In many cases, patients are relieved by taking acupuncture. But is it safe? Yes, its almost safe. If you are among those few who are much sensitive, you can encounter side effects like allergy or small rash like bleeding in the tissue space. However, its one of the most effective scientifically proved modern treatment for arthritis.

Taking proper rest is the best way to keep the painful joints relaxed. And this relaxing will rid you of the agonizing pain. The more movement occurring in those joints the more stress will be put into those parts making it worse. So for all the patients suffering from different types of rheumatoid arthritis adequate rest in prescribed.

Sufferings from arthritis can be reduced to a much tolerable level by increasing the general awareness about arthritis and its management. There are arthritis patients all around us, especially among those who have an age over 40. So we are to take care of them. Even though someone may not become a victim, learning about this disease will only make him capable of serving others in agonizing pain.

Arthritis affects the foot, to be more precise the knee joints on most of the occasions. And it starts with the symptom like usual sensation of discomfort in the foot. Pain and stiffness of the joins can be followed by the first symptoms soon. So, any abnormal feeling or discomfort should be taken with care.

Among the most popular natural treatment of arthritis is applying an olive oil massage. However, it should be taken carefully so that excess pressure or force isn't applied to the joint. Olive oil has the ability to benefit arthritis patients as they relieve the patients from pain and comfort them. Olive oil has been being used in arthritis management for centuries.

Acetaminophen is a drug that arthritis patients use throughout the globe. This is the modern therapy of that disease. And with proper administration one can keep the disease under strict control. But it needs no telling that, drugs aren't to be used without being prescribed by a knowledgeable physician.

We should stay aware for the signs of arthritis, especially when we are going through the middle age. Men are prone to the disease more after reaching the age of 45. Whereas, women usually fall victim to arthritis after menopause. In general arthritis is more common to men rather than in female. - 16650

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Products To Stop Snoring

By Andy Austim

If you are a chronic snorer, you'll be glad to know that there are many products to stop snoring available. Treatments or products that can help you to stop snoring generally focus on the opening of airways to allow more airflow through the nasal air passages, encouraging regular breathing.

If you find that your snoring is caused by air not getting through your nasal passages, you can buy a product that will help enlarge the openings of the passages. You can place special strips to go on your nose that keep the passages open while you sleep. The color of the nasal strips can be colored so that they blend with natural skin tones.

You can buy products to stop snoring if you snore out of your mouth. Some people have a palate that is too soft, creating vibrations that are the source of the noise when breathing through the mouth. There are dental devices that you can place in your mouth before you go to sleep to stop this sort of snoring.

There are stop snoring sprays available that are intended to lubricate your nasal passages and make breathing through the nose easier. Being able to breathe through the nose reduces the chances of snoring. Care should be taken if using these sprays as they can damage the mucous membranes with prolonged use.

A popular product to stop snoring is the chin strap. This strap helps to keep the snorer's mouth shut during sleep. Once the mouth is closed in this fashion, the snorer can't open the mouth to breathe and must breathe through the nose. Similar to the strap is a chin strip that stops mouth breathing by supporting the lower lip to prevent the mouth from gaping open while sleeping.

A number of reasons that cause snoring can be corrected without the help of any products to stop snoring problems. Be aware that obesity can also be a cause for snoring. If your snoring problem stems from obesity, losing some weight may help. Avoidance of alcohol before bed time and changing your sleeping position are other ways to see f your snoring can be stopped.

Most snoring problems can be solved with products to stop snoring. However, sleep apnea can be a very serious condition and you should see a doctor if you snore very heavily and regularly feel groggy or exhausted even after a long night's sleep. Treatments such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP can make a big difference in improving the quality of your sleep. - 16650

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7 Schemes To Check Eating Junk Food!

By Ada Denis

Search into how junk food and fast food eating places affect obesity, have found that there may be a relationship between the number of somebodies per fast food restaurant and how many substantial miles there are between fast food restaurants settled within your local field and obesity rates.

The style in which we eat, and what we eat, is of vital grandness to our state of wellness. The comfort station and habitual nature of the problem mean that fast food using up is so in-grained, that nutrient eating is near impossible.

There are no easy modes to get junk food habits and make them into good habits, but there are 7 instant strategies that you can easy place into place to start into movement your new lifestyle without junk food. Implementing these one at a time, to find that you don't overcharge and cut yourself out.

1. Do your shopping every week. Get it a sure riding habit to do your groceries every single week on the like day.

2. Get a shopping name on the computer with all the average foods that you buy, to find out that you aren't going to run out of food at the end of the week, tempting you to reach for the fast food pamphlet, running out for movable or buying unnecessary food particulars.

3. Don't starve yourself !!!!!!! Eat 6 low meals instead of 3 large ones, snacking on substantial foods such as a fat grand apple, protein taken, metabolism setting up light salad with boiled eggs and flaxseed oil dressing.

4. Take food your pursuit. Link a cookery class. There are often many community of interests classes that you can enter in cheaply to learn how to prepare concerning food.

5. Unplug the TV at the point. You will be bad likely to sit there and watch it aimlessly if you have to make a self-conscious effort to turn it on. Specially around 6-8 pm, the junk food eating houses will campaign, watch a DVD during these times. A rising review of childhood obesity research, has, not surprisingly found that the amount of time you pass watching TV has a direct bear on on being overweight.

6. Try Out this recipe when you are experiencing moody to restrict your need to buy junk food, or feeling the impulse to have a smoke.

2 eggs beaten

1 Chopped lean bacon rasher - no fat.

1 chopped canned tomato

1/4 cup soya milk

1 fine cut off leaf spinach

Sprinkle of little fat cheese

Mix In elements together in mix bowl. Change into a microwave safe bowl and prepare on high for 2 minutes or until eggs have dry. Eat On with a light GI bread. You'll find that looking on the amount eaten, it can be a filling snack or easy dinner.

7. When eating out. Head Off the restaurants with the all-you-can-eat option. These restaurants unluckily encourage people to eat until they are bloated. Research Workers found that 20% of weight gain among introductory University educatee could be assigned to their eating in the all-you-can-eat student dining halls. - 16650

Tips for Finding Stylish Ladies Clothing Online

By Amy Nutt

When was the last time you battled your way through department store crowds just to find a nice outfit? The noise, the unhelpful staff, searching through racks and racks of clothing to find the right color and size ...it can be a bit overwhelming. And then you have the change rooms, tiny cubicles with doors that rarely stay shut, where you struggle to turn around without knocking your outfits from the dinky hooks on the wall. Store change rooms are often badly lit, as well, so what looks decent in the store might look hideous in the light of day.

It`s a pain to go shopping in a store, which is why more and more women are opting for the online method, instead.

Online shopping makes it very easy to choose what you like. You can search by color, so only your favorites come up, select the style and choose your size from a drop down menu. It`s a far sight easier than searching fruitlessly through racks and racks of dresses only to discover they don`t have your size.

If looking for ladies clothing online seems a bit intimidating, don`t worry. It`s not difficult if you know how and there are some techniques that can actually help you find the right clothing faster.

- Know your style. Do you look better with fitted jeans or flared? Halter top dresses or A-line? Having a clear idea of what you look best in will help you find the right outfit. To help you out, some websites even offer a virtual model that you can customize to your body shape and size and even put your own face on. This can be helpful to see which styles look best on your body type.

- Search specifically for your size range. If you`re petite, look for dresses that are smaller and for plus sizes, be sure to add this to your search. It will eliminate the frustration of finding the perfect blouse, only to discover that it`s only available in sizes that wouldn`t fit you.

- Consider color matching. If you are on a budget or just don`t want the hassle of searching your closet for something to go with your plaid shirt, try choosing a handful of complimentary colors and a couple of accents and base your clothing searches and purchases on those.

- Look for coupon codes. When you find ladies clothing that you like, take a moment to do a coupon code search for that store. You can often save 10-15% simply by inputting a special code when you`re checking out.

- Opt for stores that let you return clothing. This way, you can receive the outfit, try it on in the comfort of your own home, get the opinions of friends and family, if you like and should things not work out . . . just send it back. It`s a hassle free way to check out your clothing and allows you to take your time trying on the clothing. There isn`t any line outside the door and you have plenty of space to change.

Online shopping for ladies clothing is easier these days than ever before. Nearly every store that you would normally shop at in the real world is available online and you`ll be able to take your time browsing, no commute to worry about! With all the advantages, it`s definitely worth doing your shopping online at home, any time of day or night and without all the crowds. - 16650

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Acai Berries Supplement Health Benefits

By Pam Holder

There are very few foods in the world that can claim to be superfoods. Superfoods must have many more benefits besides just providing enough calories and some nutrition. However, there are some foods that are able to be elevated to superfood status because of the incredible benefits they can deliver.

Acai berry is one of these foods. With its ability to do everything from increase weight loss to fighting off disease, acai berry can provide you with better health without any effort.

What makes Pure Acai Berry such an incredible food is the fact that its nutritional content is as close to perfect as possible. First of all, it is absolutely filled with antioxidants. Click here to find more information about Acai Berries Supplement Health Benefits.

As you probably know, antioxidants are necessary for slowing down the effects of aging and for fighting disease. The berry also has monounsaturated fats, which are the healthy type also found in olive oil.

Fiber and phytosterols are also part of the package, as is a well balanced amino acid complex. In all, this food is a very complete way of getting energy, nutrition, and antioxidants all in one package.

Because of its extremely complete nutritional content, the acai berry has the potential to provide tons of benefits for your body. Among the most popular reasons for people to use the product are to increase energy, maintain better health, and to lose weight.

You can expect to have more energy when you use the acai berry because of its combination of carbohydrates and fats and its high concentration of antioxidants. All of these things combined make it a very good source of energy and a great way to increase your stamina during the day. Because you are likely to feel and be healthier while taking it, this will also increase your energy.

The antioxidant levels of this berry are more than five times as high as in blueberries and other such foods. This makes them very powerful in terms of fighting aging and bodily damage. Many people rely on this berry to fight off the free radicals that can be implicated in everything from cancer to wrinkles.

Antioxidants have the amazing power to neutralize free radicals, which can help you feel younger and healthier than ever before. By using foods with high levels of antioxidants, you can experience great health and fend off the damaging effects of pollution, UV light, aging and more.

Pure Acai Berry can also help you with your weight loss goals as it has the ability to help your body burn fat more efficiently and to increase your metabolism. In addition, because it can help your body work more efficiently in general, you can expect losing weight to be easier.

For instance, the ability of the berry to increase your stamina will make it easier for you to exercise, and the berries perfect amino acid complex will allow your muscles to function properly during exercise. The berry even provides digestive support so that you can use your food more efficiently.

The benefits of the acai berry are hard to beat and it is a great addition to any diet. Since it is not a local crop, the best way to get the benefits of this berry is in the supplement form offered by Pure Acai Berry.

Since this is the most concentrated and purest way of getting the incredible benefits of this berry, you will be able to reap the benefits of this berry much sooner. Begin now and you can even get a Free Trial of Pure Acai Berry to see the benefits for yourself! Click on Acai Berries Supplement Health Benefits to find out more. - 16650

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Weight Loss, Reasons Why Your Diet Will Not Work

By Ricardo d Argence

The diet industry shows that millions of people tried to lose weight everyday but have failed. You know they are failing by the sheer number of new products that comes on to the market every day. Here we will look at a few reasons why diets fail.

It seems that the most popular diets are geared toward eliminating entire food groups. No, fat diets, diets with no carbs and some diets with no food at all! It is little wonder that people cannot lose weight.

The human body needs nourishment from several sources in order to perform at it's peak. Eliminating a food group is not a healthy way to lose weight, chances are good that your body will actually rebel leaving you with no weight loss at all.

Losing little weight and getting hardly any nutrients, starvation diets are worse. That is because your body will go into what is known as starvation mode. If your body detects that you are no eating, then it automatically slows down your metabolism and increases it efforts to store body fat. This is to prevent you from dying under extreme circumstances. You potentially may be at risk for health problems even if you are able to surpass your body's initial objections.

To lose weight effectively you will need to maintain a healthy balanced diet. This means that you must partake of all the food groups. The better approach is to limit your portion size, this way you are getting nutrients while cutting caloric intake.

Extolling claims that weight loss can be attained without exercise, many fad diets have become extremely popular. It is imperative that you consume fewer calories than you use while getting regular exercise. Anything that you do to raise your heart rate and increases your oxygen intake will be beneficial. Our bodies were not made to be sedentary they need movement.

The most effective weight loss tool is closer than you think. Your body is composed of mostly water, about 61.8%. It goes without saying that water intake plays a major role in optimizing all body functions. The standard recommendation of 64 ounces of water per day will not apply on days in which you indulge in strenuous physical activity or sweat profusely, when it would be advisable to increase your fluid consumption.

By bringing all the above elements together, you can create your own healthy weight loss program. You will have the best weight loss plan on the planet, if you proprly, exercise regularly and drink plenty of water. - 16650

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Eat Cherries - You Don't Need an Excuse

By KC Kudra

Many of us have great memories of eating perfectly ripe cherries when we were kids, but did you know that cherries could be a great adult treat too. Cherries are becoming known as a great source of antioxidants. Cherries are excellent when it comes to fighting diseases and with a high level of beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, and foliate, it is easy to see why this fruit is becoming so popular with so many people.

When you are looking for ways to integrate cherries into your daily diet, you will find that this is easier than you could believe. Cherries are quite sweet fresh, but you will find that when they are dried and added to other things that they can be quite rich as well. For example, you will find that dried cherries are quite tasty when you put them into oatmeal.

Dried cherries are less sweet than maple syrup or honey and are very healthy. Dried cherries are also a wonderful addition to trail mix, their color, and vitamin content being a welcome addition to the mix.

You will also find that cherries can also bring a lot of savor and sweetness to a beef dish, and the juice from the cherries can do a lot to keep the beef from drying out. You will find that the juice from one can of sweet dark cherries can be put into a saucepan with horseradish, tomato paste, shallots and some port and then brought to a boil over medium heat for about 12 to 15 minutes.

The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks; once you remove the sauce from heat, strain the sauce, and then cover. You can sear the cherries and add them along with the sauce over roast beef. This dish can be served as is, or if you have a flair for showman (or show woman)-ship at the dinner table, the cherries can be flambed.

When you are interested in adding cherries where you might not expect it, you can start with a cherry chili. Take 3/4ths a cup of fresh, chopped cherries, either tart or sweet, depending on your taste and add them when you add the beans. You will find that the cherries will add in texture as well as taste. This is a great way to introduce chili to kids or even to friends who have a taste for the new and interesting.

In addition, of course there is jell-o. Do you even need a reason to add cherries to jell-o? After all, cherry jell-o is already incredibly popular. Add some chopped cherries to your jell-o to dress up this dessert standby. You can also alternate layers of jell-o with white cake to create a jell-o cake!

An icing for your jell-o cake can be made by mixing together your cherry jell-o (with fresh cherries, of course) and whipped cream. If you can keep from eating it before it makes it to the cake, then this is a great final touch to your jell-o cake. You can also add dark cherries to a bowl of vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a delicious dessert.

Cherries are a delicious and healthy treat any time at all - go ahead and indulge! You can add them to your diet in many different ways, do not be afraid to experiment a little and enjoy this favorite in new ways. - 16650

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Strengthen Your Body And Mind With Pilates

By Judy Smith

Pilates is good for the body, mind and spirit. By focusing on breathing and concentrating on specific muscle groups you are able to lower your stress. Many people find that they are constantly ill due to too much stress and not enough exercise. Pilates can help with both of these problems.

Pilates exercise not only unites body and mind but it gives you discipline. This in turn will protect your health and well being. Stress brings many chemical changes to your body. It increases the blood flow to the larger muscles and slows digestion as it prepares the body for the fight or flight syndrome. Blood vessels restrict and sugar goes up. Many hormones are switched into off position. This is good if there is a danger, your adrenalin rushes to fight it off or get away as fast as you can. Today most stress does not come from a life threatening danger, but the activities of modern society. These activities may put you in fight or flight mode, but there is nowhere to run from the stress of everyday life.

Many people end up in the hospital from stress related diseases. Stress wreaks havoc on your immune system as it slows healing and most of all prevents wellness. Wellness is not the opposite of illness. It is more than just the lack of sickness; it is an overall well-being that affects both the mental and the physical aspects of life. Many adverse habits develop because of stress and lack of wellness.

The use of focus in Pilates develops the mind to a point that it stops the cycle of worry and stress. Much like any exercise for the mind that allows the individual more control of thought patterns, Pilates offers a way to change your focus and relieve the stress.

The exercise from Pilates releases the body from the flight or fight mode by mimicking the activity of both. Exercise is a proven method of stress control, when combined with the activity of mental control and focus on breathing, the quick return of stress is unlikely and the cycle is broken for that period.

It is no surprise that studies link a reduction of disease with exercise. A study at the University of Calgary and the University of Ottowa showed a decrease in blood sugar when patients with type two diabetics exercised. The decrease translated into a reduction of heart attack and diabetic kidney and eye disease. Other studies show a reduction of 40 percent in mortality rate for diabetics. Being overweight and lack of activity are the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Pilates reduces both risks and is a heart healthy activity. Stress is also linked to tumor growth in cancer victims. While there is no study that shows psychological stress creates cancer, there are many that shows it impairs the immune system and creates an environment conducive to cancer.

It seems pretty simple. Take a Pilates course, work out three times a week, live not only longer but also better. The activity is good for the body, the training is good for the soul and the results on appearance are fantastic for the spirit. Devote a small portion of time to exercise and regain hours in healthy stress-free living. You'll find that the day's stresses melt away and you feel better than you ever felt before, after just a few months of training. - 16650

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Advantages of Organic Shampoo

By Amy Nutt

Contemporary consumers are a bit more social conscience than they have been in the past. Whether the gas and energy crisis or the hole in the ozone layer is the catalyst, more and more people are looking for eco friendly products.

Today, unlike the merely functional farm grown products of old, today's green products have to be both environmentally friendly and perform just as well as mainstream products.

There used to be a time when lets say, an organic shampoo may not have produced the same results of regular on-the self varieties found in popular stores. No longer the case, you can use an all natural grooming product and still have luscious, soft and shiny hair!

Locating a shampoo that is truly organic however, is the real challenge.

Defining organic As most of us know, the Food and Drug Administration handles most over the counter merchandise, however, organic skin care items are often overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This makes the rules of engagement a bit different and some companies are taking advantage.

For instance, a manufacturer who uses only two natural ingredients can state that their product is "organic", even if 90 percent of it is synthetically altered by chemicals.

Emerging regulations that safeguard the interests of customers are slowly turning this tide. Until this happens, be sure to do some investigative sleuthing of your own. Read the labels on the back of the organic shampoo-if you are uncertain about a particular ingredient, look it up.

Truly organic shampoo will be free of chemical pesticides that have been shown to be harmful to health. Organic products use all natural pesticides, like citrus and are fertilized with substances lacking irritants.

You can research the maker of any product online or call the company itself and ask about their process.

Dangers of non-organic shampoos and products Most people are blissfully unaware of the fact that common personal grooming items, like shampoos and soaps, are chock full carcinogenic chemicals. While manufacturers promise that these substances occur in small dose that are harmless to human beings, one has to wonder about the long term effects of prolonged use.

The harsh reality is that the any product that is transdermally applied ( i.e. placed on and absorbed by the skin) is more thoroughly ingested than when it is swallowed. This means that deadly synthetic ingredients can wreak havoc on your system far faster by being rubbed into the skin.

This makes it especially crucial to identity any potentially lethal ingredients in your shampoo-or better yet, one should avoid synthetic products at all costs.

Organic Shampoo: Good for the environment and the skin Because organic shampoos have unadulterated natural ingredients like aloe vera, hemp, honey or citrus, they are often very good for the skin. Makers of true eco friendly shampoos have learned how to create excellent products that are preservative free but maintain a shelf life due to creative green engineering.

Once again, this fact is beneficial because it lessens the chance of exposure to compounds that would cause harm to the skin or health.

How to find Organic shampoos

Many health food and holistic goods stores carry natural skin care products, but as more and more consumers scream for environmentally safe goods, manufacturers are creating them and placing them within easy reach of mainstream stores.

Online homeopathic and green living websites also offer organic shampoo at bargain basement prices.

Do your homework and make sure that the product you choose is primarily herbal in makeup and/or organically grown. In this way, you'll be assured that you have a shampoo that performs as promised while protecting your skin and your family's health. - 16650

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Mistakes to Avoid if You Want to Get Rid of Your Acne

By Marcel Stephenson

There is nothing nice about acne, millions are struggling with it daily, and the number is increasing. But, if you are making these mistakes when treating your acne, you are actually worsening it, and your might have acne for a long time ahead.

1. Squeezing and Scratching

Squeezing your pimples is definitely out. You could be shoving puss back into the pores, so instead of coming out, it's going back in. This makes the affected area worse and it also spreads bacteria which causes more infection and aggravates the problem.

2. Scrubbing

The area that is affected by acne must not be scrubbed. It will only end up oozing, with open sores. This will take longer to heal and is prone to get infected.

The more you scrub, the worse it will get. Use a mild treatment instead. A non-allergic, mild soap is the best option. If you really want to make sure the area is kept clean, you can use the soap with a soft cloth, three times a day. This will prevent the area form becoming re-infected.

3. Stop with Make-Up

Make-up clogs your pores, so you will have to stop using it for a while. The areas that are infected need to be able to breathe to heal.

4. Medication

Use over the counter medication with caution as they could be too harsh for your skin and cause irritation. Don't overdo the medication because it can make the condition worse.

To summarize, if you have a very severe case of acne, seeing a dermatologist is probably the best. Blasting your pimples with harsh creams and ointments and squeezing pimples is going to make the condition worse and leave you with scars. Choose products wisely and stick to the right treatment for your skin type. - 16650

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How Can I Find a Cheap Engagement Ring? Here's How!

By Tom W. Mason

You're all set to pop the question - you know exactly how you're going to do it. You know exactly what to say and you're eager to get that ring on her finger! However, that's just what you're missing - the ring! You don't have a huge budget though, so you need to find a cheap engagement ring ? but is this even a possibility?

First off, I hate to use the word "cheap" in the same sentence as "diamond ring". Why don't we instead say affordable engagement ring ? sounds a lot better in my opinion!

When you're on a tight budget, price has to be a consideration. You need to assess your finances and decide how much you can afford to spend on this very important purchase. Remember that this is going to be a large purchase, so be realistic.

You'll either have to tap into your savings to pay for this purchase or save up for an engagement ring. Don't make the mistake of spending too little - this is one of the most important purchases you'll ever make.

Generally, people budget about two month's salary for an engagement ring. This may not be possible in your case - don't worry if you're in that boat. Like all of us, you have a lot of bills to pay. Not everyone can afford to pay two month's salary for an engagement ring.

If you can't afford two month's salary for an engagement ring, don't worry. It is possible to find a beautiful diamond engagement ring which does fit into your budget. The important thing is to make the most of your budget.

Typically, you should be prepared to spend at least $1,000 on an engagement ring. This is something she'll wear forever and is a symbol of your commitment to her. You might have to make some sacrifices to buy this ring. As far as diamond engagement rings go, $1,000 is a low price tag. However, you can make even one thousand dollars go a longer way than you may think if you know what to look for.

Go to my site and grab the Diamond Buying Guide - it will show you a ton of tricks on saving money on engagement rings. It's amazing how many people waste money on this purchase. I'll make sure get every last bit of your money's worth.

Keep the setting simple - 14 carat white or yellow gold. When you're on a budget, avoid spending too much on the setting - you can skip 18 carat gold or platinum. Your budget should go primarily towards the diamond itself.

As far as the diamond goes, you want to get the largest diamond possible. While diamonds are graded on many different criteria, you can get an idea of which factors to look for in my Diamond Buying Guide. This information can help you avoid spending too much money for too little diamond.

It really is possible to find the perfect ring for your fiance without breaking the bank; just keep in mind that you are not looking for a cheap diamond engagement ring, but an affordable diamond engagement ring! Happy hunting! - 16650

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Choose the Right Detox Recipe.

By Simon Petrusk

Today, as you will soon discover there are hundreds of different types of detox recipes that you can try and use. All of which can not only help to eliminate the toxins that your body has accumulated over time but improve your overall health and help you to lose weight also.

In most cases the detox recipes you see on the internet or in books will include a number of different ingredients and each of these will be able to work on helping to cleanse a particular part of the body. Also the recipes that you choose to use in order to carry out a body detoxification will depend on your own personal tastes in relation to certain foods.

One of the most common and easiest of the recipes that people use in order to detoxify is one made using lemons. This particular recipe requires the person to have no solid foods for a period of either one or two weeks and instead requires them to replace this with a lemon drink instead.

But with this particular recipe a person does not just drink lemon juice they mix into either rice or maple syrup and water. Plus in some cases in order to further enhance the flavor people have found by adding a small amount of grated fresh ginger is ideal. Plus the ginger in the drink also helps to improve the way in which a person's digestive system functions.

Along with this recipe another recipe that you may want to try in order to detox is one that you make each morning and helps to cleanse the liver. This drink, which consists of one carrot, beetroot, stick of celery and a cucumber, should be drunk in place of your normal breakfast meal each morning.

When you have the ingredients together, preferably those that are organic they need to be washed thoroughly. After washing you need to peel both the carrot and beetroot before dicing them and the cucumber and celery up and placing them into a juicer. After they have been juiced together in order for you to gain the full benefits of this detox recipe you should drink it within hour of making it.

Again when selecting which detox recipes you are going to be using you first need to decide upon which part of your body it is you wish to cleanse. Only after doing this can you then look for those recipes that contain the right ingredients and which will help to improve your bodies condition overall from within.

Also as we previously mentioned in this article when it comes to finding the right kinds of detox recipes you can visit your local library or bookstore. But the best way to get hold of such recipes for free is by going online. As you will soon discover there are lots of websites now offering such recipes that you can try out for free in order to find the ones that you like. - 16650

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Teameister - All About Tea

By Penny Bronson

Tea, is a popular beverage in the world today and is produced from the leaves or buds of the tea bush. The teameister.com will examine tea by discussing the History of Tea, Cultivation of tea as well as tea processing and varieties. Each individual type of tea requires a different method for peparing and serving.

Tea has played an important role in many cultures for centuries. Historically, the use of tea can be traced back to at least 1000 BC. Records indicate that early dynasties, such as the Tank Dynasty, used tea as a social beverage. Tea was introduced to the Europeans sometime in the 16th century. Tea was hugely popular among the wealthy. Britain set up tea plantations in colonial India. Did you know that Ireland and England are the two highest per capita consumers of tea in the world today? The United States of America has a long history with tea as well and is covered in detail on the teameister report.

All tea is cultivated from the tea plant which grows best in subtropical climates, but can be grown in the higher altitudes of tropical regions. If not dried soon after picking, the leaves will wilt and undergo oxidation, a process similar to the malting of barley. The varieties of tea is classified according to the period of oxidation the leaves have experienced. You will read about this process and the differences between cultivation and variety as well as the differences in taste and price. White tea, green tea, Black and oolong and herbal....however herbal teas are a standalone product because they do not generally contain any tea leaves. Traditionalists do not consider herbal mixtures a form of tea.

Tea plays an important role in many societies and cultures. For example Chinese - Tea houses offer a social gathering place open to anyone, regardless of age and standing. In vietnam tea is one of the largest exports of and is a common drink served to company and guests to the country. Britain, Germany, Ireland, India, Russia all have unique customs.

In the United States tea is offered at most establishments as an alternative to coffee. Over 80% of all tea consumed in the US is in iced form.

Tea is packaged in a variety of ways such as teabags, loose tea, compressed tea and tea sticks. Tea should be served in mugs or cups, never glasses; hot temperatures may crack or shatter the glass. Ceramic and porcelain cups also retain heat better than glass.

Tea has played an important part in almost every culture of the world. Used for religious rites, meditative purposes, social activities, or just to unwind, tea has dominated every aspect of our lives. This report has outlined the various varieties of tea, showed its role in history and culture, and suggested methods of preparation and serving. Based on this information, it is clear tea will continue to be an integral part of life for centuries to follow.

The new teameister website is all about tea. We are planning an online tea community where members will exchange tea stories, recipes and chat. As we grow the website we encourage comments and input from our membership and associate bloggers. - 16650

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Benefits Of Acai Berry

By Micheal Vincent

There are very few foods in the world that can claim to be superfoods. Superfoods must have many more aids besides just providing enough calories and some nutrition. However, there are some foods that are able to be elevated to superfood status because of the incredible benefits they can deliver.

Acai berry is one of these foods. With its ability to do everything from increase weight loss to fighting off disease, acai berry can provide you with better health benefits without any effort. What makes Pure Acai Berry such an incredible food is the fact that its nutritional content is as close to perfect as possible. First of all, it is absolutely filled with antioxidants. Click here to find more information about Benefits Of Acai Berry.

As you probably know, antioxidants are necessary for slowing down the effects of aging and for fighting disease. The berry also has monounsaturated fats, which are the healthy type also found in olive oil. Fiber and phytosterols are also part of the package, as is a well balanced amino acid complex. In all, this food is a very complete way of getting energy, nutrition, and antioxidants all in one package.

Because of its extremely complete nutritional content, the acai berry has the potential to provide tons of benefits for your body. Among the most popular reasons for people to use the product are more energy, maintain better health, and to lose weight.

You can expect to have more energy when you use the acai berry because of its combination of carbohydrates and fats and its high concentration of antioxidants. All of these things combined make it a very good source of energy and a great way to increase your stamina during the day. Because you are likely to feel and be healthier while taking it, this will also increase your energy.

The antioxidant levels of this berry are more than five times as high as in blueberries and other such foods. This makes them very powerful in terms of fighting aging and bodily damage. Many people rely on this berry to fight off the free radicals that can be implicated in everything from cancer to wrinkles. Antioxidants have the amazing power to neutralize free radicals, which can help you feel younger and energetic than ever before. By using foods with high levels of antioxidants, you can experience great health and fend off the damaging effects of pollution, UV light, aging and more.

Pure Acai Berry can also help you with your weight loss goals as it has the ability to help your body burn fat more efficiently and to increase your metabolism. In addition, because it can help your body work more efficiently in general, you can expect losing weight to be easier.

For instance, the ability of the berry to increase your stamina will make it easier for you to exercise, and the berries perfect amino acid complex will allow your muscles to function more during exercise. The berry even provides digestive support so that you can use your food more efficiently. The benefits of the acai berry are hard to beat and it is a great addition to any diet. Since it is not a local crop, the best way to get the benefits of this berry is in the supplement form offered by Pure Acai Berry.

Since this is the most concentrated and purest way of getting the incredible benefits of this berry, you will be able to reap the benefits of this berry much sooner. Begin now and you can even get a Free Trial of Pure Acai Berry to see the benefits for yourself! Click on Benefits Of Acai Berry to find out more. - 16650

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What To Do When Stretch Marks Occur

By Maia Pells

Anyone can get stretch marks. However, it is the women who, more often than not, often check to see if they have stretch marks so that they can treat and get rid of them early on. This is especially true for women who have given birth to babies. They will want to get rid of the stretch marks that have occurred from the stretching of skin during pregnancy. But in general, people who do have them do not really known what to do when stretch marks occur. This is the reason why most people will not do anything to stop them from forming.

What Are Stretch Marks?

For dermatologists, striae is the more common name for the condition. They are actually scars but they are not physical scars, meaning they are not found on the epidermis of the skin. They are found just underneath in the area known as the dermis.

Gaining Weight - When the body experiences a sudden change in growth, like when someone gains weight, the skin also stretches. The problem is that if the skin is not healthy enough, the dermis will tear and this is essentially how the stretch mark starts to form. The final result of a stretch mark is a silvery line and these lines are found in places where the skin has stretched. The usually areas are the stomach, thighs, arms, and buttocks.

What To Do

Early Treatment - When stretch marks occur, it is ideal that you detect them first. You will not feel a stretch mark occur and so it is up to you to inspect your body to see if there are any newly formed stretch marks. These are easily identifiable as they look like reddened or purple lines. This means that the dermis has newly torn and that area is well on its way to developing stretch marks.

How to Prevent It - You can actually prevent the stretch mark from worsening and becoming harder to remove. One way to do this is to make sure that you drink a lot of water (about 8 glasses minimum a day) and also make sure to exercise a little. The water is to hydrate the body and keep the skin as elastic as possible. The exercise is to get your blood flowing and also to get rid of any fats that cause your skin to stretch. You might also want to change your diet into something that is rich in essential fats such as those found in fish.

More Options - If you have stretch marks that you may have overlooked before and still want to get rid of them, there are surgical and medical procedures that you can choose from. One way is to use medicated creams.

Treatment Through Laser Surgery - You also have the option of getting laser surgery to have the lines removed permanently. This is a pricey option but at least you won't have to worry about the stretch marks forming again. These are all measures that you can try out when stretch marks occur around your body. Otherwise, keeping a healthy body and maintaining a good diet and exercise routine should help prevent stretch marks from ever forming in the first place. - 16650

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More on Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

By Peter Hallway

Thanksgiving is a time of food. It's a festivity of the Pilgrim's early successes in America, victory through hard work to reclaim the land in what was for them a new world. The menu is usually the same. Pumpkin pie ends a turkey dinner that includes all the extras. Families gather not only to celebrate the historic event, but just to catch up with everyone's lives. Thanksgiving dinner recipes can be quite different, as there are many ways to cook a turkey.

How about this recipe for a delightful appetizer? Move the pumpkin from the pie to the soup. Heat a tablespoon each of oil and butter over medium heat. Add leaks to saute, only the white portion, until soft. Now throw in some pumpkin puree along with cloves, cinnamon, ground ginger and some salt. Stir that until well mixed, then pour in 32 ounces of vegetable broth. Stir in one quarter cup of brown sugar. Bring it to a low boil then let it simmer for 1 minutes. Cream or half and half are optional, along with a pinch of cinnamon on top of each bowl. Mmmm boy that's delicious.

A turkey can be fried instead of broiled. Don't worry, fried turkey isn't greasy. The oil can't penetrate the skin after the hot oil sears it. Get a big drum and a propane burner, otherwise known as a deep fryer.Check the meat with a meat thermometer and the oil temperature with an oil thermometer. Hot oil may spatter so do this in an open outdoor space. Heat the oil to between 325 degrees and 35 degrees F. Cook it for 3 minutes per pound, until the breast is 17F. Dressing isn't fried inside the turkey, but spices can be injected into it.

Pumpkin and sausage soup makes for a good appetizer too. The list of delicious appetizers is endless. Give cheese wrapped asparagus a try. Both sliced and spread cheese go into this one. One idea is swiss cheese slices with a softer blue cheese spread. The slices are spread with the other cheese, wrapped around a few spears, and cooked at 23C until the asparagus is soft.

Sure wrapping cheese around asparagus turns a pretty healthy food into something a little more fattening. But Thanksgiving isn't a time for a diet. Live a little! - 16650

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How to Break Bad Habits

By Ada Denis

We all have them. Whether it's minor or life-changing, everyone has bad habits they could do without. Some might come with physical addictions, while others are simple social habits which make us look foolish or tick people off. Some bad habits might have long term health effects. Whether you bite your nails or yell at your children, there are certain ways to help yourself face your bad habits and try to mend your ways. Before self-improvement happens, you have to focus on your actions. Figure out the costs of your bad habits and the reasons you started the habit in the first place. Self-analysis helps you begin to cope when you are faced with the habit the next time. Once you know why the bad habit is a part of your life, you can start to deal with the habit itself.

Keep a journal of your habit

This forces you to face your actions every day. Every time your habitual behavior "takes over", you'll have a record of it and force yourself to remember. Note what your thoughts and emotions were as you were involved in the habit. This allows analysis of why you are performing this habit. This kind of self-evaluation is healthy for you.

Ask yourself why you enjoy the habit or why you started it in the first place

Analyse the thought process which started the habit. Were you looking for acceptance from your peers? Was it an escape from some life condition? Whatever the case, once you start to reason out your actions, you'll probably find those actions don't make logical sense. This will prepare you to change your behavior.

Focus on the negative repercussions of your habit

Write these down if it helps you. What is your bad habit costing you? Once your start to understand that you are losing out on many things do to this bad habit, this will motivate you to modify your behavior.

Understand the obvious benefits of dropping your habit

There are always alternatives, and curtailing one action gives you more time for other ones. Think about what you could be doing instead of your bad habit. Figure out positive ways to meet the same needs which were originally filled by your bad habit. Then start to practice these new habits.

Focus on your behavior

Figure out how serious you are about changing the habit. Do you want to avoid the negatives of the habit or do you want to continue the habit?

Practice discipline in the moment

It's easy to tell yourself you can change your bad habit. This doesn't matter much if you wilt in the moment of truth. A lot of bad habits have to do with instant gratification. You know that some action isn't good for you in the big picture or in the long term, but you want to live in the moment. You want to gratify your momentary needs. It's hard to stay disciplined, because giving into your impulses is just so easy. Most of the time, it's pleasurable. But when you start to perform some action you know is bad for you, you have to catch yourself. Nobody else will.

Getting rid of a bad habit is learning good habits

You'll probably replace your bad actions with something else. This may take a little getting used to, but your new life will eventually become comfortable to you and feel right. Remember to practice patience with yourself. If you fall back into the old habit, don't kick yourself around for it. Don't fall into self-pity and decide you can't beat the habit. Just get back to your healthy behavior. One time doesn't have to turn into two and three and then a habit.

Don't be afraid to ask for support from friends, family or fellow sufferers

We are social creatures. People coping with the consequences of their actions draw strength from each other. It isn't a weakness to ask for help or simply to vent about how difficult your self-improvement is. Get comfortable talking about the habit. When you talk to others, they might be able to provide advice or encouragement that you normally wouldn't get from yourself.

One final note on this subject. If your bad habit has an addictive quality to it, this is going to be a lot harder. You might need professional help, because an addiction has a medical component to it. - 16650

Laser Skin Treatment Removes Acne Scars

By Amy Nutt

Acne can be devastating at any age, but far worse than the condition itself is the scarring left behind. While the pimples and infections will eventually go away and can be treated, many teens are left with the reminders on their faces in the form of unpleasant scars. Fortunately, they don't have to live with them forever.

With laser skin treatment, acne scars are treatable. This process is also referred to as laser skin resurfacing and it can make all the difference in a person suffering from acne or another skin issue.

How It Works
The advancements in laser technology have made it possible to use this treatment to resurface the skin and not only remove acne scars, but also to treat the active cases. After a laser skin treatment, acne is greatly reduced and may even be eliminated after several procedures.

When the laser is focused on areas of the skin, it burns away the top layer and penetrates the skin to stimulate cell growth. This has the effect of producing an entirely new layer of skin, fresh and unscathed. Since this is a rather delicate procedure, it's important that only a trained professional perform it.

What to Expect
This technique works very well on fair skinned people, but requires a little more finesse on those with darker skin, since the laser could cause loss of pigmentation or color. It can be used on a variety of scars caused by pimples and infections. These might include irregular skin, pitting or even raised areas of scar tissue, depending on how the infection was treated.

Before treatment, you'll be briefed on what is going to happen. Your eyes will need to be protected, so the spa professional will cover them. This just ensures that there will be no accidental exposure, though the laser will not be used near your eyes.

The procedure can be slightly painful, so often a topical anesthetic is applied to help with that. Any discomfort after the treatment can be relieved with Tylenol. Depending on the type of laser used, you may have some recovery time and require multiple sessions. The least invasive laser treatment, Fraxel, is virtually painless, non-invasive and requires several treatments in order to achieve good results. For this reason, some people prefer the stronger CO2 laser.

Resurfacing the entire face can take up to 2 hours, but most people only need a partial treatment for specific areas which takes far less time. If you opt for the strongest and most invasive treatments, you could end up with a few weeks of recovery ahead of you. However, at the end of it, you'll have smooth, much improved skin.

Not Just For Acne
While laser treatment is a great way to help acne and remove the scars, there are plenty of other uses. It's been a common way to get rid of fine wrinkles and liver spots in celebrities for several years and now the public has access to this, as well. As an anti-aging treatment, lasers are quite successful. They can also be used to reduce or even remove (with multiple treatments) hair in areas where it is unwanted.

Laser skin treatment can be found at spas that offer more technologically advanced techniques. It's a procedure that should only be done by professionals who have the experience with the equipment, since misuse could cause problems like burns and loss of pigmentation. A properly equipped spa will be able to treat acne and other skin problems without issue, though.

As this Pickering acne treatment becomes more common, you'll find that more and more spas offer this option. The popularity also brings the price down, making this a procedure that nearly anyone can afford. - 16650

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

White tea - Three times more effective than green tea

By Jack Robbins

White tea and Green tea both find their roots in China dating back to a few thousand years ago. Green tea has become quite popular over the past decade particularly with its ability to aid weight loss. Both originate from the same Camilla sinensis plant.

The two herbal teas find their differences in benefit and taste due to the way they are plucked from the Camilla sinensis plant. White tea is plucked at a very early stage when the leaves are still buds, while in the case of green tea the leaf is left to grow a little before it is then plucked.

There are a number of reasons that White tea is more beneficial than green tea. It won't be long before White tea replaces green tea as the tea for weight loss and anti aging enthusiasts.

White tea has been shown to increase the metabolism rate in a person, this in turn helps you lose weight almost effortlessly. It does this through the increased antioxidant levels it possesses which are far more than those present in green tea.

White tea has a much more mellow and sweet taste as compared to green tea. Its delightful taste alone caused Chinese people to treat it as a delicacy available only to the upper class families. It makes it much easier to stick to a diet that includes white tea as more often than not you won't be able to wait for your next serving.

White tea contains much less caffeine than green tea, making it an instant healthy drink. It also does away with any caffeine side effects you fear you might have while drinking tea.

White tea and cancer are two words you will hear a lot over the next few years. White tea has the unique ability as an alternate therapy towards cancer as it can inhibit cancer cells using the antioxidants present in it.

With so much gunning for white tea, you would now have even more reason to try it out and improve your lifestyle. - 16650

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What Is The Best Ways To Lower Cholesterol?

By Andy Austim

It may sound difficult to find foods that taste great but are low in cholesterol when you first ordered to find ways to lower cholesterol. The truth of the matter is that resources abound that can make planning a low cholesterol diet easier. Work with your doctor and a nutritionist to determine what the best ways to maintain healthy cholesterol levels are given your particular situation.

Cholesterol is present is every one. It is normal and plays an important role in our bodily functions. Only when cholesterol levels in your bloodstream rise dangerously, do you need to find ways to lower cholesterol and control it. High cholesterol leads to heart disease and health issues.

Modifying the way you live is a major factor in keeping your cholesterol in check. Strive for meals centered on fruits and vegetables and foods which contain very little fat. Making lifestyle changes is challenging and requires determination. With a little research, you'll be able to locate health-conscious, appetizing methods of meal preparation to help in lowering your cholesterol. You're certain to find an abundance of information which teaches innovative ways to lower cholesterol while discovering new, healthy menus.

When you are willing to consider alternative ways to lower cholesterol, make an appointment to talk with a nutritionist and create a diet plan that is good for your health. The advantage of going to a nutritionist is that a menu can be designed with the foods you like to eat and this diet will be especially tailored to you.

Following a standard cholesterol reduction diet along with moderate exercise as ways to lower cholesterol may work if you are disciplined enough. Occasionally when you are following a standard diet, you may have to settle for foods that you don't like to eat. Obviously, this will make it more enticing to eat something that is not on the new diet, so look for diets that are compatible to your own preferences. If you have a diet with foods that you enjoy eating, the chances of staying on it will be higher.

Moderation is the key for trying ways to lower cholesterol, and this fact should be fully understood by you as the purpose of your dieting is health only. Nothing is denied in a well-balanced diet, but you have to set your own restrictions and eat the healthy food more, while cutting down on the unhealthy stuff.

Maintaining a healthier diet is one of the different ways to lower cholesterol. You can help to control your cholesterol if you reduce the amount of high cholesterol foods that you eat. You will probably notice that they're not as tasty as they once were. Most likely, you will soon get used to and enjoy the taste and flavor of healthier, low-cholesterol foods. - 16650

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Belly Fat, What Causes It and How to Get Rid Of It

By Ricardo d Argence

You're not the only having difficulty losing those extra pounds and belly fat. A lot of people are experiencing the same thing. One indicator of vibrant health is a firm, flat stomach region.

When looking to shed belly fat there are no miracles but there are some blasting tips for loosing those stubborn inches. Before beginning, it is vital that you are aware of the causes so that you are not left to guess and speculate about why you have suffered with belly fat.

Most of us would think that alcohol is the main cause of having belly fats due to the fact that alcoholics have big bellies. For one reason, it is, since it lowers down the body's metabolism. But alcohol is not the only culprit for belly fats, in fact, the true contributor is the amount of calories that you take in each day. Extra calories will just end up being stored in your belly as fats.

There are another factors like stress and lack of exercise. Many times stress can contribute to the presence of fats. Your body have so mechanism in that it secrete the cortisol enzymes that stimulated the liver to release the sugar in your body but that is not needed to your body. Stress also tends to make us eat more. Lack of exercise lowers the body's metabolism is one of the reason on the other hand. Most of us fall here and we easily take these fates.

Two things that seem to be a knock off for belly fats are thyroid disorders and hereditary factors. They could turn out to be your greatest enemy if you fall under this category. Our thyroids have a big impact since it is like a cruise control that keeps our body's metabolism running at the right speed. Same is true with hereditary factor.

You can still do something about it, no matter what's the cause of your belly fat. In the next lines you'll find some tips to burn your belly fat.

Perhaps the very first thing that you should address is the way you eat. You should cut down processed foods, fast foods, and junk foods because they have very high caloric contents. Minimize the use of fatty ingredients such as oil, butter, margarine, and cream. Instead, you should get into fresh fruits and home cooked meals that contain fiber, lean fat, protein, and whole grain range of products.

The importance of regular exercise does not lie on its extent of difficulty but in its steadiness and stability. Don't make your exercise habit a doom by starting strenuous and heavy workloads, it's better to start in a gradual way and start with the basics. You can alternate it with playing sports like tennis and swimming.

Most important you will find that lifestyle changes will help you a lot. Cut down on alcoholic beverages most especially beers. It is also important to take some time to wind up. Everyone needs some relaxation in their life.

We may be living in a fast paced world but don't be drastic about getting results overnight. There are probably no quick fixes but it's worth it in the long run. - 16650

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Acne Treatments? Why do They Fail?

By Marcel Stephenson

The truth is that acne treatments work differently for everybody. You wouldn't be reading this article if there was one miracle treatment that worked everyone.

It is important to get the right treatment once acne appears, but unfortunately most people just opt for any acne treatment, without making sure that it will be compatible with their specific skin type. Besides, you will waste a lot of time and money in the process by buying the wrong products. Since our genetics and body chemistry differ it can be quite difficult to find the solution that will work for us.

This is even evident in members of the same family where some of them will get mild outbreaks, while others may experience quite the opposite and really suffer due to their reactions to acne.

When our bodies can't get rid of some toxins in our systems through normal bodily functions, it can cause acne. Also, if our organs are not functioning properly, these toxins will remain in our systems, and eventually our bodies will try to get rid of these through our skin pores.

When our bodies have a hormonal balance, it can create an oily sweat. This sweat is full of bacteria that our bodies are trying to get rid of. Pimples will come popping out when this oily mixture blends with dead skin cells which clogs the pores of the skin.

Acne will erupt with this mixture of sweat and acne clogs the pores. As you can see, both these conditions start on the inside. A lot of acne sufferers focus on treating their acne on the outside only, and forgets about the internal part. This is where it goes wrong.

If you really want to get rid of your acne, you have to start the fight from the inside. Don't use only external treatments and medication. - 16650

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Estimates For The Cost Of Laser Hair Removal

By Katrina Pells

Laser treatment has become a common method for hair removal. People would rather pay once than have to go to the salon every week for waxing.

The word laser is actually an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiance. The laser light method works by using a concentrated beam of light used to stop the growth of hair from its roots without damaging the skin. The wavelength of the laser will depend on its color and the longer the wavelength the better because it can reach even the deepest of hair.

Keep in mind that there is more than one kind of laser light system. Thus, it is best that you get to know the different devices before choosing the one that will best suit you because the cost of laser hair removal is not cheap at all.

The Ruby type of laser is the first laser system to come out when laser hair removal treatments just started becoming known to the public. This type of laser does not work well on tanned skin and it is no longer commonly used because it can only treat a small area of skin at a time.

The fastest laser that also works on almost all skin types is the Alexandrite. This laser is usually used when treating a large surface area. The most effective laser for dark skinned individuals is the Diode laser. Although it can treat a large area fairly quickly, this type of device will not be very effective on lighter and finer hair.

The Nd Yag laser is not only useful for removing hair but it can also treat tattoos and pigmented lesions. This device is perfect for all skin types and makes it more advanced in comparison to other systems because it has a longer wavelength.

Although it is not a type of laser, the Intense Pulsed Light Device is still used for hair removal. However if you still want to undergo this type of treatment, make sure that the therapist you go to is very skilled and experienced in using this device because it is a machine that is difficult to operate.

The different laser light systems being used might contribute to the differences in the cost of laser hair removal but it is safe to make estimates on their prices because the different devices and their costs do not veer too far away from each other. The maximum cost of laser hair removal for your upper lip might run up to two hundred dollars per procedure.

Hair removal for the chin might cost one hundred fifty dollars per session and double that price for the treatment of a full-faced beard. The price for a hair removal session on the chest or the back of the neck will also cost you three hundred dollars. The price range for underarms can reach to two hundred seventy-five dollars and treatment for the full back can set you behind for about a thousand dollars.

One should keep in mind that these are just estimates and that prices will vary depending on your skin color, type of hair, and the time spent on a procedure. Thus, it is best to consult with your therapist before starting the treatments and to ask questions regarding the cost of laser hair removal. - 16650

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Nail Ringworm - The Facts

By Jennifer King

Toe nail fungi is an infectious disease nobody needs to put up with. Although it's not a dangerous infection, it can become very painful if you leave it to eat away at your toe nails. You would therefore try and avoid ever becoming infected. The first real step to dodging a toe nail fungal infection is to learn the top facts about it.

#1- You can catch them

Toe nail fungi don't just jump on your toe out of the blue. People who get infected| catch toe nail fungi from a source. This is slightly different catching a viral infection or a cold. Specific conditions must be in place for toe nail fungi to develop and crete the infection. Fungi generally live in warm, moist areas. You can therefore get infected in areas with water and a suitable temperature like shower stalls and pool sides. You could however, also become infected if you borrow nail clippers and files used by an infected person.

Toe nail fungi enter close to your toe nail. It is possible that you will have a cut near or around your toe nail. Once fungi have entered via the tiny opening, it will remain in between the nail and the nail bed.

#2- They love nails.

Keep your toe nails clean and trimmed as much as you can. Nail fungi just enjoy living under your nails. This is mainly because your toe nails offer them the living conditions that they enjoy the most. The nails in your shoes or trainers for 12 hours a day are warm and moist so the fungus actually has a perfect home.

It is tempting to be under the impression that toe nail fungus will just go away. This is especially since the initial symptoms of a nail infection aren't very distressing. Small white dots are probably all you can expect in the beginning. If you don't attempt to cure yourself though, the fungi can expand under your nail. Your toe nail can turn to an ugly brown or black, and may become ragged and brittle. This is when it may become difficult to treat nail fungi with just topical applications. You may actually need to have your toe nail removed entirely.

#3- Fingernails are vulnerable to fungal infections as well.

Finger nails can get infected also. Some may not be wise to the fact that the nails on their fingers can also get fungal infections. The reason why fungal infections of the toe nails are more more commonly mentioned is because they are more common than fungal infections of the fingernails.

Footwear - These are to blame for the common episodes of toe nail fungal infections. With a high percentage of people the toes are usually enclosed in non-porous shoes and socks. This condition alone can already make an initial, moderate infection worse. This is simply for the reason that closed shoes promote moisture retention.

#4- Nail infections are not simple things to get rid of.

Infections of the toe nails are stubborn. This is for the reason that the nails, which are there to protect our toes, also protect nail fungi. This makes it difficult for topical applications to get in. This is why topical applications need to be used regularly, consistently and for a long time before any improvement can be seen on toe nail fungal infections. - 16650

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Pave Diamond Engagement Ring

By Alice Sy

Diamond connotes beauty, wealth, and power. In ancient times as well as in the modern day setting, this precious stone is considered one of the most expensive possessions a person could ever have. It has been dubbed "a womans best friend and has indeed upheld this label.

As time goes by, diamonds become symbols of perpetuity perhaps due to its robust physical characteristic.

Nowadays, couples exchange diamond rings to show their enduring love for each other. In engagements as well as weddings, diamonds proved to be the most popular, and needless to say, the most expensive. There are many kinds of diamond rings. Each has its unique characteristic to suit a persons style and preference. They also come in different colors and designs to choose from.

Bezel, channel, flush, and burnish are just some of the many settings of a diamond ring.

Of the many decorative variations of diamond rings, pave diamond engagement ring outshines others as it has its unique cunning appearance. How it acquires its facade lies in its pattern.

Taken from a French word which literally means "paved, pave diamond engagement ring has diamonds that are set very close together, without partitions, thereby resembling a cobblestone road. The precious stones are fixed in narrow conical holes and placed in just about equal level with the surface of the ring while its surrounding metals, usually made of white gold or platinum, are mounted forming tiny beads to support and hold these pave-set stones in place.

To enhance the exterior of the pave diamond engagement ring, the metal around these precious stones is impressed with ornamental designs.

Each tiny diamonds fully cut with 58 facets and weighing just a few points, though small in size, contributes a great deal to the overall sparkle of a pave diamond engagement ring. Its intricate, clever pattern makes it look like it has a continuous diamond surface thus it appears bigger than its original size, making it even more captivating and eye catching. - 16650

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Discovering Anti-Wrinkle Creams

By Julie Samtsonn

Of course we cannot deny our age. But this is no excuse to simply give up on ourselves and let our skin make us look old.

In these enlightened times there is no reason for anyone to have dry skin. This is because there are just so many anti-wrinkle creams and potions available to us. They all claim to make our skin supple smooth and young looking even though we are technically "over the hill."

Before we talk about what makes for an effective anti-wrinkle cream, let's talk for a minute about what causes those wrinkles. As we get older, many factors contribute to the sagging skin, wrinkles, age spots and uneven tone we begin to experience. Among those factors may be poor diet, cigarette smoking, years of exposure to the sun, and simple genetics. Collagen begins to break down, skin cell turnover slows, and accumulation of something called "free radicals" begins to damage even new cells as they grow, all of which contribute to signs of aging.

You will find that your skin will naturally wrinkle as you age, regardless of what you do. However a good quality anti-wrinkle cream can help to slow the process down and even reverse some of the effects of skin aging. Bear in mind that your lifestyle will also affect skin aging. Diet and drinking enough fluids will affect your skin, as will habits like smoking, drinking and getting enough sleep.

There are many antiaging and antiwrinkle creams on the market, but those that benefit most have at least some of the following ingredients in them:

One of the best ingredients you can find in an anti-wrinkle cream is something called retinol. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. it's an antioxidant, so it helps neutralize free radicals. It also increases skin cell turnover. This is beneficial because when we are in our 20s, our outer layer of skin is replaced roughly every 28 days. By the time we're in our 40s, that may have increased to 42 or even more days. To help retain fresh, young skin even into our 40s, we need to speed up this replacement. Retinol does this by dissolving the outer layer of skin and revealing fresh, new skin underneath.

Alpha hydroxy acids and the newer beta and poly hydroxy acids are acids derived from fruit. These acids are exfoliants, which means it removes the outer layer of skin and encourages fresh new skin to appear from beneath. This is similar to one of retinol's functions, but hydroxy acids produce a minor "injury" to the skin that also encourages new collagen growth to occur in the skin layers themselves. One drawback to hydroxy acids is that they do make you much more photosensitive, so always wear sunscreen when you're out in the sun.

Coenzyme Q 10 is a powerful antioxidant; in fact it is one of the strongest out there. Its purpose is to neutralize free radicals. These free radicals are toxins that damage new skin cells and make your skin age faster. It is also thought that this substance will stimulate the growth of collagen.

Kinetin may help encourage collagen growth and help skin keep its moisture. This helps your skin look younger. However more research needs to be done on this substance.

It is good to remember that the price of anti-wrinkle cream does not necessary indicate the effectiveness of it. A better idea is to check out the product carefully yourself. You can see reviews and testimonials of the product and make your own judgment. You can save a ton of money and really get your money's worth. - 16650

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