Small Tips for Big Weight Loss

Get Watered Down

A recent German study showed that drinking water burns calories. Drinking two cups of cold water- no warmer than 72 degrees- used roughly 25 calories. Drink a liter a day and you're talking five pounds a year.

Go Smaller

This is one of the best little secrets for big weight loss. Use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. Studies show that putting your portions on smaller dishes means you’ll end up eating less at a meal.

Small Tricks for Big Weight Loss

Drink More Milk

Milk does do a body good. Consuming 1,800 milligrams of calcium a day could block the absorption of about 80 calories. Fill your coffee mug with skim or 1 percent milk, drink it down to the level you want in your coffee, and then pour in your caffeine.

Buy Cut Veggies

They may cost more, but they'll pay off in the long run- you're much more likely to grab a palmful of veggies for snacking than other, less healthy food.

Small Tricks for Big Weight Loss

If you're watching what you eat and hoping to drop a few pounds or many, every calorie can count. The following tips and tricks may not seem like much, but they can actually have a huge effect. If you add up these small changes over time, they'll translate to a leaner, stronger you.

Blot.
Use a paper napkin to blot a teaspoon of fat off a pizza slice. At one slice a week, that's more than a whole cup of fat you won't eat this year.

Are Sore Muscles Cramping Your Style?

Here are some quick fixes to get you working out pain free:

• Stay hydrated- this will flush muscles of any lactic acid buildup (the root cause of evil soreness).
• Stretch, stretch, stretch. Then stretch some more. Short on time? Start your workout with an easy 5-minute routine.
• Go bananas- potassium helps balance the body's fluids and heal muscles more quickly (bonus: the carbs keep you fueled).
• Give it the cold shower- taking an arctic dip immediately after a workout will help decrease muscular inflammation.
• Don't be afraid to work it- a low intensity, light cardio workout for 20 to 40 minutes will get blood flowing, which combats soreness.

Need a memory boost?

Give yourself some short-tern help by:

• Paying attention: really listen to a name when being introduced. Repeat it out loud and make a comment about it (e.g. "Catherine, is that a C or a K?")

• Using linking tools: Attach new information to information you already know.

• Picturing it: Visualize a silly or strong image that you associate with someone (e.g. what animal does s/he remind you of?)

For help in the long-term:

• Make like a vegetarian: Blueberries, strawberries and anything green and leafy (especially spinach) contain brain-boosting compounds.

• Stress less: Exercise reduces stress hormones that can impair memory.

• Work your mind: Keep on your toes with brain power games like crosswords or sudoku.

Are "healthy" nail polishes really necessary?

There are three ingredients in nail polish you should avoid:

Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative in beauty products and known to cause itching and burning (and is classified as a possible carcinogen by the EPA). Countries like Japan and Sweden have banned it completely.

DBP
Or dibutyl phthalate, makes nail polish flexible and exposure to it has been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies.

Toluene
Used as a solvent, is a toxin particularly harmful to the nervous system.

All three of these ingredients score a 10 (the highest) in the skin toxicity database and are linked to cancer, as well as other health consequences. Luckily, there are many brands now available that offer all the pretty, without so much of the toxicity.

Beef and the connection to Global Warming

While we all have our reasons for working to reduce global warming, mine is a pretty selfish one. I like the earth we live on. For me there is no greater peace than a walk through the woods, hearing the wind rustle through the leaves and the birds chattering. It's for that reason that I make an effort to have a positive impact on our environment as much as I can. I also take issue with those people driving big old gas-guzzlers around; it’s not just their business what they drive, it’s mine, because I live on this earth too. But that’s besides the point.

One very interesting fact about greenhouse gasses is that beef releases it on a much greater scale than our vehicles do! Beef cattle contribute 18% of the greenhouse gas emissions, and that’s just the gas released from their digestive systems! That figure doesn't include the raising and transporting involved. Just two pounds of beef is the equivalent of driving for three hours while leaving all of the lights on back at home. Wow.

But don’t think you have to cut out beef all together to make a difference. If you’re really jonesin’ for some red meat, go organic. Organic beef raised on grass release 40% less emissions and use 85% less energy. Another option is to try a veggie burger. They are actually a really great tasting substitute for beef, and they're much better for you!

Affected Water Supplies

Studies that came out in the last week show that many major cities throughout the U.S. are drinking contaminated drinking water. As many as 41 million Americans are drinking water containing many of the prescription drugs we take to make us healthy. At least one drug has been found in 24 major metropolitan areas with Philadelphia leading the pack at 56! Studies have also show the affects these drugs have on the animals living in these waters; many fish stop growing or become deformed.

This is a scary finding. A person doesn't know what to do anymore. There’s no word yet whether an in-home filtration system can help to filter these pharmaceuticals in the water. Scientists aren't sure of much right now. But we always have a back up right? Bottled water. Or not. In the past month, the plastic used in the bottling has shown links to cancer. In fact, all plastics have shown links to cancer, from bottled water to the Tupperware we use to store our food. The world is becoming a scary place to live; we’ve come to the point where we seem to be killing ourselves from within. We don’t need China doing it for us anymore :) I think so far, the best thing we can do is stay informed and roll with the punches. Avoid plastic whenever possible, and if you live in one of the affected metropolitan areas, keep up to date on what officials are recommending citizens do to make their water safe.

Choosing a Multivitamin

With so many choices on the market, choosing the right vitamin for you can be a daunting task.

First, it's important to know that paying more doesn't always mean better quality. Generic brands are often just as good as the ones with fancy advertising.

Secondly, men and women’s vitamins are necessarily created equal. Are bodies are different and they need different things to run well. Women need much more iron than men, and for that reason, women’s vitamins often contain more of it.

Lastly, it's important that your vitamin absorb well. When placed in a glass of water, a vitamin should dissolve within 30 minutes, any longer and it's not doing its job.

Organic Coffee

Unfortunately, most beans are harvested in countries that have no regulations on chemicals or pesticides at all. Look for the Fair Trade Certified seal on your package or can. This means that not only were the plants grown chemical and pesticide free, but also that fair prices were paid for the end product, helping support both the farm and its workers.

The Power of the Flower

In addition to brightening your kitchen or living room petal power can lighten your mood. Seeing fresh flowers around the house may make you feel less anxious and more energetic, especially first thing in the morning. Let the sight and smell of these summer blooms de-stress you and keep you cheerful all day long.

Sunflowers and Sweet Peas Brighten Your Day

Sunflowers are a natural choice to lift your mood and boost the spirit because of their bright, cheery colors. They'll catch your eyes and reflect the sun's energy for days.

The intoxicating aroma of sweet peas is another great choice that may conjure images of the idyllic English countryside and help put you at ease.

Give the Gift of Blooms

Utilizing the principles of color therapy, try picking out fresh blooms in bright and cherry colors like vivid yellow or orange dahlias or gerbera daisies. You'll feel more creative and energized with every time you catch a glance of these shining stars.

Another great way to add a boost of happiness to your day? By giving a fresh bouquet of blooms to a friend. Calla lilies are the perfect choice for their delicate scent and elegant, streamlined appearance. The arrival of unexpected flowers will give her a dose of instant joy and you some feel-good endorphins.

Healthiest Foods in the World: Lentils

Lentils: India

A great source of protein, lentils pack in cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, and twice the amount of iron of other legumes. They’re also higher in B vitamins and folate, and the pigment in Beluga black lentils acts as an antioxidant and helps to protect against heart disease, cancer and the aging process in general.

Healthiest Foods in the World: Kimchi

Kimchi: Korea

Kimchi is so popular in Korea, natives say “kimchi” when getting their picture taken instead of “cheese”.

This spicy condiment is loaded with vitamins A, B, C, and lactobacilli (the good bacteria in yogurt). It helps keep obesity at bay, aids digestions and may help to prevent cancer.

Add it to eggs or as a baked potato topper.

Carol Alt: Supermodel and Raw-Foodist

I've been watching The Celebrity Apprentice lately, which is so entertaining! But last night I realized just how striking Carol Alt is, supermodel and raw-food eater. She has no wrinkles, no lines; her skin looks flawless and bright. Upon Googling her I found she's 47! There is no way she looks that great at 47 naturally. But she does; she claims she's never had anything injected into her. Her secret is single-handedly the raw food diet.

When she was 34 and at the height of her modeling career, she was feeling sick all of the time, taking prescriptions to combat insomnia, headaches and sinus problems, and began losing jobs because she was looking so worn down and old. Her holistic answer was a raw food diet. Thirteen years and two books later she looks better than ever and says she feels better than she did in her twenties. It seems as though Ms Carol Alt has discovered the fountain of youth! I want to learn more!

Being a raw-foodist isn't the same as vegan Carol says; she does eat meat. Raw. A little eww for me personally, but raw-foodists believe (as it’s been proven by scientific studies) that meat is not only much harder to digest when cooked, but as soon as it hits the heat, cancer-causing agents are formed. Is that why cancer is running rampant in today’s world?! Raw-foodists prefer their meat uncooked, dairy products unpasteurized (the process of heating the dairy), and their veggies fresh from the garden. The enzymes that make these foods so inherently healthy for us are completely lost in the cooking process. I have to say, I am much more interested in learning about this topic. Carol Alt says she can never eat enough to actually gain weight, whereas before her raw food diet she was eating nearly nothing and gaining like crazy. While I've never been one to commit 100% to any one diet, I do like to inform myself and incorporate bits and pieces from a variety of different diets I like. While I may not be reaching for the raw chicken breast any time soon, I just might reach of Carol Alt’s book the next time I’m at the bookstore.

Healthiest Foods in the World: Olive Oil

First in a five part series of entries laying out the top healthiest foods in the world.

Olive Oil: Spain

Rich in antioxidants, studies have shown that as little as two tablespoons a day can lower the risk of heart disease. Olive oil can also help lower cholesterol, and prevent heart attacks and stroke.

Olive oil is also popular with the natural remedies crowd; some use it on their skin and hair. Jeanne Calment, who holds the longest confirmed lifespan at 122 years, often attributed her longevity and relatively youthful appearance to using olive oil in both her food and on her skin.

Healthiest Foods in the World: Soy

Soy: Japan
Soy has long been touted as having great benefits to your overall health. It is packed with protein and linked to the prevention of cancer and osteoporosis. Studies have also shown it could be beneficial to cardiovascular health and it may have cholesterol-lowering abilities. Soybean oil also contains loads of omega-6 fatty acids.

There are a lot of easy ways to incorporate soy into your diet. Soy chocolate milk or veggie burgers are a simple alternative, or ordering your Grande Vanilla Latte with soy milk is a simple and tasty way to get it into your diet without even noticing!

Going Organic

From harmful preservatives with untold heath dangers, to hormones pumped into cows to grow them bigger and better, the health risks can be down every aisle of the supermarket.

The Healthy Living Blog is starting a series of posts to get you eating the way your body was meant to: naturally, healthfully and organic.

Organic Celery

Celery is one vegetable to stay away from unless it’s grown organic. The stalks have no protective layer of skin. That means it's virtually impossible to wash off the twenty-nine different chemicals used to grow this veggie.

If you're unable to find organic, some safer alternatives are broccoli, radishes and onions.

Organic Strawberries

Make sure the berries you're buying are organic; the average conventionally farmed strawberry receives a dose of up to 500 pounds of pesticides per acre. Buying these sweet berries out of season also means that they're most likely imported from other countries with less stringent regulations. If you can't find organic, some safer alternatives are blueberries, kiwi and pineapples.

Organic Lettuce

Unless you can find organic, avoid those leafy greens all together. Lettuce and its leafy relatives are frequently contaminated with what are considered to be the most potent pesticides on food. If you can't find organic try cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Organic Grapes

Imported grapes are almost always at a greater risk of contamination than those domestically grown. Vineyards can be sprayed with up to 35 different pesticides and no amount of washing or peeling can eliminate contamination because of the grape's permeable thin skin. Safer alternatives include blueberries, kiwi and raspberries.

Organic Tomatoes

Our last choice to always buy organic? The tomato.

It's delicate, easily punctured skin is no match for the average 30 different pesticides used in its conventional growth, all of which will eventually permeate the whole fruit.

If you can't find organic, opt for green peas, broccoli and asparagus.

Safe Fruits & Vegetables

Cabbage

Cabbage doesn't require much in the way of spraying to grow it, so it doesn't contain as many pesticides.

Look for cabbage heads with tight leaves (the exception is savoy; its leaves are loose and crinkly naturally), and the head is heavy and firm. The outer leaves should be shiny and crisp and avoid leaves that show signs of yellowing.

Discard the outer leaves before use and store in your refrigerator crisper.

Cholesterol-Fighting Foods: Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids- found in salmon and other cold-water fish- helps lower LDL, raise HDL, and lower triglycerides. Salmon is also an excellent source of protein and is low in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends at east two servings of fish per week. Good substitutions are white albacore tuna, rainbow trout, anchovies, herring, sardines and mackerel.

Cholesterol-Fighting Foods: Garlic

The ancients knew there was something special in this little bulb; in modern times garlic has been found to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure and protect against infections. It can also stop artery-clogging plaque at its earliest stage.

Chop up and toss on pizza, in soups, or on side dishes.

Aim for 2-4 cloves per day.

Prescription America: Giving up Soda

Have you been watching your Dr. Oz lately? Oprah and the good doctor have started a segment called Prescription America. Dr. Oz gives viewers an assignment for 14 days and you’re supposed to write in with the results. The first assignment was to give up soda for two entire weeks. Die hard soda addicts wrote into the show after the two weeks were up claiming they’d lost as much as 10lbs; that their skinned cleared up; a fog had seemed to lift from their brain and that they no longer felt bloated. If those aren’t good enough reasons to give up the drink, I don't know what is!

Would You Like To Taste My Homemade Morgue

It almost felt like ages…

I am not flaking out; I just couldn’t find the right time to do any updates. Beside there is nothing much to share and whine about and beside I don’t think you guys missing me that much, right? Well I am in a celebratory mood this past couple of days thanks to England missing out on next year Euro Championship. Believe me; things couldn’t get much better than knowing that a bunch of over hype mega-rich footballers couldn’t make it to a major tournament. Pussies…

Anyway, I was reading Give Me Back #2 this afternoon and came across a review of Kias Fansuri demo in it. For those of you who have been living in a cave or something, Kias Fansuri consists of one dude from the mighty UTARID (I am sure the rest of the bands played in some other bands before, but none of them were mindblowing so there is no point in referring them). Yeah I am sure most of you have no idea who UTARID was as well, but what the heck. Go here for some info on Kias Fansuri and here for some info on Utarid. Thank me later ok.

After reading what I believe to be one of the most boring zine I’d ever lay my hand on, I decided to go look for the Kias Fansuri CDr that I got like a year ago or something like that. It was some sort of tour edition CDr that consists of songs from their upcoming releases. It might as well be their first demo because I got it much earlier than the 3 songs demo tape that was reviewed in Give Me Back #2. Although I knew one of the dudes from Kias Fansuri quite well, I couldn’t be arsed to ask him about this fact. Beside I am sure he is busy humping all the groupies he can get his hand on (wink wink) and would not be bothered with something so inane and boring. FYI, the release was limited to 111 and I got number 75, how’s that for some scene point?

After a few spin I concluded that Kias Fansuri deserve to be heard by everyone that are not afraid to let their ear bleed to some kick ass emotive hardcore or to be referred as pussy by their friends who listen to Lamb of God and Hatebreed. I was about to rip my own copy of the release, but this awesome blog have done all the dirty work for me. You can even download Kias Fansuri 3 songs demo off that kick ass blog. Thanks a lot dude, whoever you are. But that is not all; go here and download Shove Records edition of the Kias Fansuri CDr. I know those who collect files will be going gaga over this. Nothing beat those different edition mp3s man…

Since I mentioned Hatebreed, do check out XO Skeletons because that band rules. They even let people download their album for free. Don’t let the Hatebreed connection scares you. Boring tough guy beatdown mosh metal that makes people dance like idiots this is not. In fact, it reminds me of Atom and His Package. If you are down with Atom and His Package, do check out XO Skeletons. That is if you can tolerate something that’s fun.

Cholesterol-Fighting Foods: Tea

Both iced and hot teas are loaded with antioxidants, which help to lower blood pressure and prevent LDL from oxidizing and building on artery walls.

While store-bought iced teas are good for you, homemade is better, so if you can manage, start brewing!

Sit back, relax and enjoy at least one cup of tea ever day.

Cholesterol-Fighting Foods: Margarine

Two types have been found to do so, Take Control and Benecol. They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol.

The National Cholesterol Education Program and the American Heart Association recommend these margarines to lower cholesterol an average 10-14 percent.

They also block absorption of beta-carotene so be sure to compensate elsewhere.

Aim for three servings per day.

Beef and the connection to Global Warming

While we all have our reasons for working to reduce global warming, mine is a pretty selfish one. I like the earth we live on. For me there is no greater peace than a walk through the woods, hearing the wind rustle through the leaves and the birds chattering. It's for that reason that I make an effort to have a positive impact on our environment as much as I can. I also take issue with those people driving big old gas-guzzlers around; it’s not just their business what they drive, it’s mine, because I live on this earth too. But that’s besides the point.

One very interesting fact about greenhouse gasses is that beef releases it on a much greater scale than our vehicles do! Beef cattle contribute 18% of the greenhouse gas emissions, and that’s just the gas released from their digestive systems! That figure doesn't include the raising and transporting involved. Just two pounds of beef is the equivalent of driving for three hours while leaving all of the lights on back at home. Wow.

But don’t think you have to cut out beef all together to make a difference. If you’re really jonesin’ for some red meat, go organic. Organic beef raised on grass release 40% less emissions and use 85% less energy. Another option is to try a veggie burger. They are actually a really great tasting substitute for beef, and they're much better for you!

Are "healthy" nail polishes really necessary?

There are three ingredients in nail polish you should avoid:

Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative in beauty products and known to cause itching and burning (and is classified as a possible carcinogen by the EPA). Countries like Japan and Sweden have banned it completely.

DBP
Or dibutyl phthalate, makes nail polish flexible and exposure to it has been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies.

Toluene
Used as a solvent, is a toxin particularly harmful to the nervous system.

All three of these ingredients score a 10 (the highest) in the skin toxicity database and are linked to cancer, as well as other health consequences. Luckily, there are many brands now available that offer all the pretty, without so much of the toxicity.

Tennis and Technology

Tennis is not a game known for its technological achievements; after all, when fans argue over clay versus grass, it's a sign that tradition rules. However, Babolat Racquets has been making small but significant changes since it was founded in 1875. Most of those changes have happened to the shoes and the racquets (there's not much you can do with the ball, and the outfits will always be subject to current trends), and some of those changes have been interesting.

The tennis racquets have improved, mostly from wooden framing to metal, and from strings made from intestines to graphite. The goal was to increase the endurance of piece of equipment that suffers a lot of indignities (as demonstrated by John McEnroe's ability to make a racquet bounce when tossed on the court), as well as increase the power of a hit ball. By increasing the use of space-age materials, the performance and longevity of the racquet has been increased significantly from its humble beginnings.

Mens tennis shoes have had an interesting history, especially as they have been used in more locations than just the court. They have been fashion statements of their own, usually signifying poor teenagers whose families could only afford one pair of shoes. However, they have had their own interesting upgrades; the newest is to use Michelin rubber (yes, the tire company!) on the soles of the shoes, for better gripping and traction (something valuable when in a sport where you need to get somewhere quickly and stop without falling down).

It will be interesting to see what happens in the world of tennis. It's a game that continually surprises, in that it seems to be continually bouncing back into the spotlight, and not always just when there's no other ball game on the television. It may not inspire the same level of fanaticism, but it is nonetheless a sport that will always be with us.

Banish Burnout!

5. Exercise and Diet: Just 30 minutes of walking five days a week can reduce stress, tone your muscles and rejuvenate the spirit. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer, helps slow down the aging process, helps to keep weight at optimal levels and boosts the mood. Now that's not so hard is it? Just remember these five steps and you can change your life!

Cholesterol-Fighting Foods: Avocado

Avocados contain more cholesterol-killing beta-sitosterol (a beneficial plant-based fat) than any other fruit. Beta-sitosterol reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food. Along with high levels of heart-healthy monosaturated fat, avocados are a health food MVP.

For a 1,800-calorie diet, 30g of monosaturated fat is recommended, which is what one avocado has.

Healthiest Foods in the World: Kimchi

Kimchi: Korea

Kimchi is so popular in Korea, natives say “kimchi” when getting their picture taken instead of “cheese”.

This spicy condiment is loaded with vitamins A, B, C, and lactobacilli (the good bacteria in yogurt). It helps keep obesity at bay, aids digestions and may help to prevent cancer.

Add it to eggs or as a baked potato topper.

Taking a break with Party Bingo!

Brought to you by the good folks at Party Bingo!

While we’ve all heard the old adage work hard, play hard, it’s not something many of us give much thought to. But it is an adage for a reason! It’s true! We've all met those people who are entirely consumed by their work; my father-in-law is one of them. You know, those people who are nearing retirement age, but no one can fathom what they’ll do with their free time because their work has become their life. This isn’t good for our minds or our bodies; high blood pressure and anxiety are often a result.

That's why playing online bingo is a great de-stressor for everyone to partake in. Not only can you have some fun and brush up on your competitive edge, but you can also connect with other players who are interested in the same things you are. Bingo isn't for grandma anymore; it’s entered the 21st century with a twist. There are a variety of bingo games to choose from to fit every mood! The secret to life isn't wishing that you weren't working for forty years of it, but enjoying the time you have while you're here; and the more determined you are to enjoy life, the longer life you’ll lead.

Win the Battle Against Hormonal Aging

If you're looking for a way to banish those fine lines and wrinkles, look no further than Murad Resurgence. Dr. Murad has created an amazing line of spa-quality skincare products, from a ground breaking acne complex, amazing SPF moisturizers, to a great system designed to help you fight the battle against hormonal aging.

Accupuncture- Does it Work?

Although scientists don't fully understand how it works, studies have shown that is can have medical benefits. from reducing pain to helping chemotherapy-related nausea.

In the West, acupuncture points are places that stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue on the body. The stimulation seems to boost the body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow.

Cholesterol-Fighting Foods: Nuts

Walnuts, cashews and almonds are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats; they also have vitamin E, magnesium, copper, omega-3’s and phytochemicals, all essential for good heart health. Those who eat nuts regularly have less heart disease and illness than those who don't. Nuts are high in calories, so aim for only 2 tablespoons per day five times a week.

Healthiest Foods in the World: Yogurt

Yogurt: Greece

Yogurt improves lactose intolerance, builds stronger bones, lowers high blood pressure, enhances immunity, aids in some gastrointestinal conditions and may even have anti-cancer and weight loss benefits.

It’s important to eat only all-natural, plain yogurt to get the most benefit. A drizzle of honey with nuts or mixed fresh fruit provides a sweet and healthy snack.

Brighten up Your Workspace

One potted plant might be all you need to feel better at work.

Researchers at Texas State University found that people who had a plant in their offices rated themselves as more satisfied with life and work that did those without them.

Bonus: there are also dozens of plants that are great for filtering toxins out of the air thereby improving the air you breathe. Black thumbs fear not: there is a plethora of hard to kill plants available. Try any version of dracaena, golden pothos, a peace lily, or for big impact, try a Boston fern.

Win the Battle of Adult Acne

Long available through luxury spas throughout the country, not you can get a revolutionary acne complex formula to treat those stubborn breakups that you've been battling for too long.
In just three simple steps, you can get bright, clean, clear skin. For under $30, Murad Acne sends you there acne kit, which includes a cleanser, exfoliating acne treatment gel and skin perfecting lotion. In just those three steps, they guarantee you'll see clearer skin. You'll also receive acne spot treatment and a clarifying mask as bonus items. And Murad offers a 60-day money back guarantee, so if you don’t see results, they’ll refund your money.

Win the Battle of Adult Acne

Long available through luxury spas throughout the country, not you can get a revolutionary acne complex formula to treat those stubborn breakups that you've been battling for too long.
In just three simple steps, you can get bright, clean, clear skin. For under $30, Murad Acne sends you there acne kit, which includes a cleanser, exfoliating acne treatment gel and skin perfecting lotion. In just those three steps, they guarantee you'll see clearer skin. You'll also receive acne spot treatment and a clarifying mask as bonus items. And Murad offers a 60-day money back guarantee, so if you don’t see results, they’ll refund your money.

Accupuncture- Does it Work?

Although scientists don't fully understand how it works, studies have shown that is can have medical benefits. from reducing pain to helping chemotherapy-related nausea.

In the West, acupuncture points are places that stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue on the body. The stimulation seems to boost the body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow.

Stay Healthy Over the Holidays

Holidays are both some of the most joyful times of the year and the most stressful. Between shopping, worrying about money and attending holiday parties, you need to take care of yourself first more than ever. Follow these tricks to look refreshed and ready to conquer the world.

Set the stage: During party season, avoid salty foods and stay hydrated to decrease puffiness. Keep a bag of peas in the freezer to reduce under-eye bags in an emergency, or try green tea bags steeped in cool water.

Stay tuned for more tricks to help you survive the holiday season.

Stay Healthy Over the Holidays

Hair & makeup: Start out with an exfoliant to get rid of dullness. Look alert by dotting silver shimmer in the inner corners of eyes and right above eyebrow arches, and widen peepers by darkening and lengthening brows with a pencil. For an instant facelift, draw hair into a ponytail.

Wardrobe: Wear colors that you know warm and flatter your complexion. To distract eyes, pile on some heavy metal or sparkly bling.

Go wild: Before you head out, briefly hang upside-down from your sofa or bed to get blood flowing to your face. And above all, embrace the holiday cheer! After all, the holidays only come once a year.

Germ Myths Under the Microscope

Fact or Myth? You can get infections or illnesses from sitting directly on a public toilet seat.

Answer: Myth
Just sort of sitting on the seat and having that contact with the skin on your bottom isn't going to be a way of transmitting an infection says one doctor at the Simmons Center for Hygiene and Health at Simmons College in Boston.

Everyone finds public toilets disgusting, but you're more likely to get sick from touching the toilet seat or the flush handle with your hand.

Germs Under the Microscope

Answer: Myth
If you can get to a sink and wash your hands with regular soap for 15-20 seconds followed by a good rinsing, that is the most effective method for shedding unwanted germs.

Washing with soap and water doesn't remove all of the microbes present on our hands, but that's actually a good thing. Some of those littler germs are and important part of our skin, and even if we did kill them, they would return.
Given that regular soap and water removes germs, there is no need for an antibacterial agent, and it probably doesn’t work anyway. The speed of action of the ingredients added is rather slow, so they are really not on our hands long enough to make a significant impact.
In fact, the presence of antibacterial agents in soaps may present more problems than solutions. Stay tuned for more.

Germs Under the Microscope

Fact of Myth? Antibacterial Soaps can help create resistant strains.

Answer: Possibly a Fact
The antibacterial triclosan is rinsed off before it can do all its work and then enters the water supply and resistant strains of bacteria have been created in labs using triclosan, although it remains to be seen if it will happen in the natural environment.

Accumulation of triclosan in the environment or chronic exposure to it on a long-term basis, especially for children, may have a long-term risk that we will not discover until later on.
And, studies show that antibacterial soap doesn't do enough to justify its use; regular soap rids germs from hands just as effectively as antibacterial soaps.

Botox Treatment Beverly Hills

Getting the Most from Your Botox Treatments in Beverly Hills

Are you worried about getting old? Do you have memory loss, gray hair and the most common indication of aging – wrinkles? This is caused by old age and is a result of the loss of too much water after the exposure of the skin to high temperatures. The heat makes the cells lying under the skin become flaccid and loose sooner. Wrinkles can, also, be an effect of the improper use of cosmetic products like makeup and other skin care products. These are just a few reasons why people suffer from wrinkles when they age and why they turn to Botox Beverly Hills.

With medical science and the research advancements in cosmetology, you can reduce or completely get rid of your wrinkles by using the Botox treatment Los Angeles. It can be used by both men and women who want to look younger for their age. Botox is a toxin named botulinium. Once in our body, it regenerates the facial muscles by tightening and nourishing them. It was discovered in the late 1970’s and was used as an effective treatment for any neuromuscular region diseases. After quite some time, it was proven to have several cosmetic uses, too. After a lot of research was done, it was proven that it is an excellent treatment for wrinkles on the forehead and beside the eyes. It was this that made people aware of Botox.

Botox is a non surgical procedure which is used to reduce frown lines. This toxin is diluted and used as an injection. It is extremely safe, and it is considered to be a muscle relaxant under the skin. After injecting the botulinum toxin into specific areas of the face, it improves the appearance, prevents additional wrinkles from forming and keeps the current ones from worsening. The Botox treatment West Los Angeles can be done in ten to thirty minutes. After getting an idea of how it works and how it can help people to prevent wrinkles, the next question will be – Are there side effects?

Our body needs to adapt to anything we put on or do to our skin or any other body parts. In this case, there are only mild side effects which rarely happen. The patient might feel the following after the procedure: pain in the injection site, drooping eyelids, dry eyes, mild headaches and dry mouth – which are all tolerable.

The effects of a Botox treatment Santa Monica can last up to four months depending on the individual. After the procedure it might take up to seven days to see the change of appearance that you desire. If for some reason you do not want to continue the Botox after four months, the wrinkles will return to their pre treatment stage and will not worsen. You can resume the treatment anytime.

Botox Torrance can be done to all males and females ages eighteen years old up until they are sixty five years old. It was proven safe by the FDA so there is no need to worry. Studies have shown that more and more people are using Botox treatment Hollywood to reduce the signs of aging and to make them feel younger and healthier even during middle age.

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