RegsourcePlus

popular personal beauty treatments

2008-03-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Personal beauty treatments, for cosmetic and health reasons, are becoming more and more popular every year. Some beauty treatment, such as wrinkle reduction, are performed to deal with things that we find unsightly or wish to have reversed, while others are performed to save time and energy spent on personal grooming. Whatever the reason for having a beauty treatment performed it is always important to consider your health and to make sure that it in no way is compromised by any of these treatments.

Hair removal is one of the most popular beauty treatments, and fastest growing since it first became available to the general public. While the general treatment is the same, every year hair removal methods become more innovative and accessible to those who want to have the procedure performed. Hair removal beauty products, hair removal treatments or a combination of both can be used as determined by a specialist and yourself to best fit your needs. The removal of unwanted hair over is conducted with a series of treatments over a period of time, once completed you need not return again.

Aging gracefully is the hope of many, but leaves so many others buying, testing and trashing beauty product after beauty product that promises to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and leave you with healthier skin. There are medical treatments that can give you those improvements to your skin that you have been wanting. Beauty treatments that involve wrinkle reduction are improving every year as we learn more about how wrinkles are caused and what our skin needs to slow down their appearance on our face.

The third sought after beauty treatments is the treatment of other skin conditions that can be treated with intense light systems. These include conditions such as skin lesions, acne, and sun damaged skin, but the same treatment can also take care of hair removal and wrinkles. IPL systems are a new way of treating all these cosmetic conditions with a series of intense light treatments that use pulses. This new system opens up a whole new world of possibilities for those that are looking for help through cosmetic beauty treatments.

Finding best health monitors

2008-03-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

Your health should be one of the most important things you watch in life, but most people never think about it until there is a problem. When that does happen several life changes need to be made, and fast, so the last thing you need to be worried about is waiting a long time to find the things you need to monitor yourself and stay healthy. There are several competent health supply providers who specialize in the health supplies you needed yesterday.
More and more people are facing health problems dealing with their blood pressure, and the only way to monitor and keep themselves healthy is through the use of very specific health supplies. People who are dealing with high blood pressure need to have an accurate and reliable blood pressure monitor with them at all times. When you are looking for a blood pressure monitor for personal use, keep in mind that the most economical ones are not always the best. But, you can still find the perfect monitor that is within your price limit and gives you everything else you need right at your fingertips.
One of the best ways to monitor your health is with the help of a body fat monitor. Body fat monitor does more than measure your health; a good one can give you an accurate look at your heath and any impending health risks that you can begin working on. Some of the best monitors will not only keep your personal health information in its memory and available to you and your doctors, but also the health information of the members of your family. Keep in mind that there are several different types of models available, each for a unique purpose. So whether you are an athlete or just a casual jogger, take the time to find the perfect body fat monitor for you.

The Best Age to Begin Using Steroids

2008-03-17T01:10:00.001-07:00

The debate on how soon is too soon to begin using steroids has gone on for years. Looking at all the factors involved in using steroids and your own natural growth, it becomes more an issue of when it would be more beneficial to begin steroid use.

When your body is still producing hormones at a younger age, you really should avoid steroid use because you are naturally producing an available amount of steroids. Following and during that period of natural hormone production your body will be going through growth spurts that will taper off at around the age of 18. Immediately after that is when you should begin filling out your body naturally, your hormone levels will still be rising at this time. Once your hormone production begins to drop though, until around the age of thirty, is the best age to begin steroid use.

Why are Steroids Still Used in Sports?

2008-03-17T01:09:00.003-07:00

With steroid use in sports making the nightly news so often and the constant negative information we are given on the effects of steroid use, you have to ask. Why are steroids still used in sports?

The only answer to that question is, for obvious reasons. Athletes still get the results they want from steroids, and as long as they keep getting desirable results and can use steroids they will continue to. Besides performance enhancement, steroids are also beneficial when recovering from an injury, which was their original purpose.

Despite the medical benefits steroids provide for athletes and non athletes alike, they are obviously a performance enhancer and will always be viewed that way by athletes in any sport.You should buy steroids

Anabolic Steroid Use in Baseball

2008-03-17T01:09:00.001-07:00

Anabolic steroids are used in baseball just as much now as at any other time since steroid use became a popular option for athletes. Unlike other sports and athletic competitions, the Major League Baseball Organization did not investigate or ban the use of steroids among its athletes. Baseball avoided all issues of steroid use as a performance enhancer until the McGuire steroid use story broke.

Many of the accomplishments made by baseball players in the years leading up to, and immediately following, the revelations of the BALCO scandal were tainted. Baseball had been marked by steroid use and still is today, even its use in prescriptions will be scrutinized over by the media, the organization and the fans.

Understanding Anabolic Steroids

2008-03-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

Anabolic steroids come in more than one form and under an astounding number of labels and names. But, all anabolic steroids are essentially one thing, a steroid hormone that is used to build up muscle mass by increasing protein synthesis.

For several years anabolic steroids have been used by athletes and those looking to increase their performance, but they are not always used safely or in moderation. Anabolic steroids are best used when natural testosterone production ends in the body, essentially replacing what is now gone so that the body continues to develop muscle mass. Otherwise, anabolic steroids are used in treatment and under the supervision of a doctor prescribed amounts are an immense help to patients that recover quicker and better than they would without the use of steroids.

Online Games

2008-03-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Two days ago I was bored and looking for some online games, then I came cross this site ‘Frooga.com’. I ended up playing their free games for 2 hours. So I thought I should post this up here. This gaming site offers games ranging from shoot’em up, online puzzle games, sport games to action games. Frooga.com has over 500 free online games that are available for free; I think that’s plenty of online games to go through. Most of their online games are in flash so it’s easy to play them, and you don’t need to download anything unless if you don’t have a flash player installed on your browser. Looking for online games are easy these days but there are some gaming sites out there that have so many ads and complicated steps to let you play their games that sometimes you give up but with Frooga.com it is simple, go to the site and play the games. No registration or sign-ups needed. Frooga is also constantly working on getting new games onto the site so make sure you bookmark this site. They update the site with new online games every week.

All Women Deserve a Nice Body

2008-03-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, one of my best friends and also high school classmate, Beverly have invited me go out for a drink ( Gosh, I think we didn’t met for over 10 years for sure…) Well, she have definitely transform to a gorgeous beautiful lady now. But, this is not the main point…

When I’m meet Beverly again, I’m totally shocked with the transform, especially her breast size. She told me, that her breast size have been increase from the A size to a huge ‘D’ size (WoW, what a big transformation, I can’t even believed it)

I’ve asked her, did she doing any cosmetic surgery to increase the breast size? Guess what, she answered: “Are you kidding? Have you forgotten that I’m really scared of surgery; I won’t take this kind of risk over myself. This is my natural breast!”

I’m continued to ask her, “So, what is your secret to get this awesome breast?” Then, Beverly replied me, “By a natural, no-harmful and traditional formula, just six easy breast pills a day.” Unbelievable, but this is truth. Beverly did gained from a Size “A” breast to the Size “D” breast, the whole process just taking her one year only…

Furthermore, Beverly also told me, that her also recommended this superbust breast enhancement pills to her colleagues, which want to boost up their breast size cup. Three of her colleagues that used this product, managed to gain their breast size, at least two cup size for sure!

Beverly told me, that she want to help more women, especially for those that have a low confidence because of their small breast, to gain back their confidence and size cup for both.

For all of the ladies out there, if you think this is the right time to make a change in your life, and then just go for it. Who know, a brand new change might make you happier than before…

Lastly, I want to wish all of the women around the world, “Happy International Women Day”. You all deserve a rest on this day.

Good day.

When Stress Come home

2008-02-19T16:13:00.001-08:00

Practically every day, disturbing news stories come out of Iraq. So many of them are about explosions, often roadside bombings. We hear about the major casualties, but there are many other terrifying events that don�t get reported here at home. Unless you are there, you really can�t imagine the sense of ever-present danger. At any moment, an explosion could kill or maim you, your friends, or the Iraqi people around you.

I enjoy my drive to and from work most days, but I can�t imagine what it would be like if I had to worry continuously whether every object in the vicinity is a hidden bomb. A new report from the Army surgeon general�s office states that 30 percent of soldiers returning from Iraq suffer symptoms of stress-related mental health problems for at least a few months. In an ABC News story about the difficulties faced by returning soldiers, a young woman talked about her intense anxiety while driving back in the U.S. Each time she drove her car, she would instinctively scan the roadside, constantly on the lookout for anything unusual. Although her behavior was irrational, something inside her was still anticipating an explosion at any moment.

The soldiers with stress-related problems experienced symptoms such as anxiety, depression, nightmares, anger, and an inability to concentrate. About 4 to 5 percent had symptoms severe enough to be described as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). �Shell shock� and �war neurosis� are old terms for what now is called PTSD. According to the psychiatric definition, PTSD occurs after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as combat or a disaster. The event is persistently re-experienced in dreams or intrusive thoughts or images. There is emotional numbing and avoidance of anything associated with the trauma. Finally, there is increased arousal that might include difficulty sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an exaggerated startle response.

The good news is that the Army is planning routine screening of soldiers returning from combat zones with a mental health checkup. In a pilot program, all members of returning units will be interviewed to check for stress-related symptoms, and the Army will make sure mental health treatment is available for everyone who needs it. A primary goal of the program is to erase the stigma soldiers may feel about the mental health symptoms they may experience after returning from stressful deployments

The One-Two Punch of Major Depression

2008-02-19T16:11:00.000-08:00

When people are diagnosed with major depression, they obviously have a depressed mood. But new research is showing that depression doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and the condition is also associated with many other chronic health problems, from diabetes to asthma to arthritis. Being depressed actually worsens the effects of other physical illnesses.

I don’t mean simply feeling down about a chronic physical problem. People with various medical problems often may feel discouraged about their condition, but they usually don’t become severely depressed. However, being affected by depression may be having a negative effect on other illnesses you may also be experiencing.

In fact, a recent study published in The Lancet backs up this compounding effect of depression by suggesting that chronic illnesses become even more disabling in people who were already depressed.

And the authors go on to suggest that the depression itself may be more disabling than common chronic conditions like angina, arthritis, asthma, and diabetes. Based on what this and other findings about the effects of depression on other illnesses, it makes sense for primary care doctors always to consider whether their patients are depressed when evaluating them for chronic conditions.

And, of course, patients should bring up to their doctor any symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, thoughts of life being worthless, changes in sleeping patterns, decreased appetite, and less interest in the things usually enjoyed.

If you are depressed, treatment won’t merely improve your mood. It might also help with other health problems, too.

Osteoporosis

2008-02-18T15:16:00.001-08:00

Osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, affects one in five men and one in two women in the UK. Not only is it painful, it can also lead to severe disability and even premature death. But there are preventative measures you can take.

Diabetes

2008-02-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

Diabetes
Dr Beckie Lang
Over 2 million people in the UK are known to have diabetes and an estimated 1 million people have the disease without knowing about it. Whether you have type 1 or 2, it will have a marked effect on your diet.

Anti-Cancer Diets

2008-02-18T15:11:00.001-08:00

Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Obesity is associated with a marked increase in colorectal cancer, and some hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancers.
Eat more fruit and vegetables
At least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce the risk of many different types of cancer. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it may be related to their fibre content, vitamins and minerals, other plant chemicals such as flavonoids, or the combination of all these nutrients. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be a useful addition to the diet for some people, but they aren't a substitute for fresh fruit and vegetables.
Eat more fibre
On average, most people need to eat about 50 per cent more fibre than they currently do to meet the recommended intake of 18g per day. Fibre is important to increase stool weight, which enables waste to pass easily from the body. Cancer of the large bowel is the second most prevalent cancer in the UK, affecting one in eight people. By increasing stool weight by 25 per cent, the incidence of this disease could be reduced by up to 15 per cent in Britain.
Eat less fat
A high-fat diet is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. (See the advice on fat intake in the cardiovascular section).
Drink alcohol in moderation
Excessive intake of alcohol has been linked with an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, liver and throat. Women should limit their intake to no more than two to three units a day, men to no more than three to four units a day, and try to have two or three alcohol-free days each week.
Anti-cancer diets
There are a range of so called anti-cancer diets which claim to prevent or even cure cancer. Often these diets recommend excluding whole groups of foods and aren't supported by scientific evidence. Before considering following any diet which claims to prevent or cure disease, consult your GP or a registered dietician.

Cervical Cancer

2008-02-18T15:10:00.002-08:00

What is it?
Cancer of the cervix affects the cells lining the entrance to the womb.
About 2,700 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the UK. Thanks to the cervical cancer screening programme, which checks 4.4 million women every year, the number of women being diagnosed has fallen by more than 40 per cent since 1988.
Cervical cancer develops in a series of precancerous changes, starting with mild abnormalities in the cells and progressing towards full cancer. Each year, about 24,000 women are found to have the most serious form of precancerous abnormalities (CIN 3 changes) when they have a cervical smear test.
By detecting these changes before cancer has become fully established, cervical screening now saves approximately 4,500 lives a year in England. As a result, the death rate has plummeted by 60 per cent in the past 30 years.
About 70 per cent of women treated for invasive cervical cancer are alive five years later, although survival rates are much higher when the disease is caught in its earlier stages.
What's the cause?
Exactly how cervical cancer develops isn't known, but it's most likely to result from a combination of triggers. Risk factors include:
Infection with certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV), but not the type that causes genital warts. HPV is found in virtually all cases of cervical cancer and HPV types 16 and 18 carry the highest risk. A vaccine against HPV is licensed for use in the UK, and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has recommended to the Government that the vaccine be given to all girls when they're 12 or 13 years old. The Government has accepted the advice but is considering funding, as a course of the vaccine costs several hundred pounds. In Scotland, a vaccination programme is due to start in 2008.
Other sexually transmitted infections in combination with HPV. Women with chlamydia or HIV as well as HPV have a significantly increased risk of cervical cancer.
Any factor that increases the risk of exposure to HPV, including having many sexual partners, first having sex at a young age and not using barrier contraceptives such as condoms.
Smokers are twice as likely to develop the disease as non-smokers because chemicals in cigarette smoke damage special cells in the cervix that normally fight the disease.
The contraceptive pill directly increases the risk by a very small amount.
Not having a smear test. Almost half of all new cases of cervical cancer occur in women who've never had a smear test, which means early, pre-cancerous stages of the disease aren't detected or treated.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
Bleeding between periods or after sex, or new bleeding after the menopause
Unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge
Discomfort/pain during intercourse
Any of these symptoms may have causes other than cervical cancer, but it is important to get them checked by your GP, even if you've attended your routine cervical smear test.
How's it diagnosed?
All women aged 20 to 64 who've had sexual intercourse should have a smear test every three to five years. This can be taken by a doctor or nurse at your GP surgery, family planning clinic or well woman clinic.
The NHS Cervical Screening Programme first invites a woman to have a smear test at the age of 25. After that, women are offered screening every three years until the age of 49, and then every five years until 64.
Women over 64 can stop having smear tests if the previous two in the past ten years were negative.
Smear tests detect the early changes of cervical cancer. This is a positive test. Sometimes all that's needed is to repeat the test a few months later to see if the abnormalities have healed.
Most women will be offered further tests, in particular a colposcopy, where the doctor examines the cervix with a microscope to get a closer look at the cells and take a biopsy (rather like a more intensive smear test).
What's the treatment?
This will depend on the stage of the cancer, but generally aims to destroy or remove abnormal cells. Treatments for precancerous changes include laser, cryotherapy (freezing), cone biopsy (removing a cone-shaped piece of tissue) and hysterectomy.
In invasive cancer, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be offered.
If you came to this page from the Cancer guide, click here to return.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in August 2007.

Ovarian Cancer

2008-02-18T15:10:00.001-08:00

What is it?
Ovarian cancer used to be known as a 'silent killer' and was thought to be difficult to spot, but in recent years doctors have realised there are often warning symptoms, although these may be vague and wrongly attributed to other problems.
There are several different types of ovarian cancer, but by far the most common - accounting for 90 per cent of cases - is epithelial ovarian cancer, or cancer of the surface layers of the ovary.
Nearly 7,000 women are diagnosed with cancer of the ovary every year in the UK. About 34 per cent will still be alive five years later. But this is an overall figure - when the disease is caught early, survival rates are much higher, although the particular type and severity of the cancer are also important factors.
Ninety per cent of those with stage one disease (where the cancer only affects the ovaries) will be alive at five years, while the five-year survival rate for those with stage two tumours (where the cancer has spread but not outside the pelvis) is 70 per cent.
What causes it?
The exact cause of ovarian cancer isn't clear, but some factors are known to increase the risk.
The most important is family history, because the faulty genes that increase the risk of ovarian and other types of cancer can be inherited. In particular you may be at increased risk if you have close relatives who've had one of the following types of cancer - ovary, breast, colon, prostate or endometrial (lining of the womb).
The risk of developing ovarian cancer may also be related to how many eggs the ovary releases. Each time an egg is released (ovulation) the surface of the ovary breaks open and the cells on the surface divide to repair the damage, increasing the chances of a tumour developing.
So having children and breastfeeding may reduce the risk, as may taking the contraceptive pill (as it prevents ovulation).
Other possible risk factors include fertility treatment, a high-fat diet and the use of talcum powder in the genital area.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are usually vague, especially in the early stages. It was previously said many women had no symptoms, and that the disease went overlooked until it was discovered by chance.
In fact, when questioned carefully, many women admitted things weren’t quite right, particularly with gastrointestinal or urinary symptoms, for three to four months before they were diagnosed.
These early symptoms may include:
Bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain (especially in the lower abdomen or side)
Difficulty eating or early satiety (feeling full very quickly)
Urinary urgency or frequency
Women who develop any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, should get them checked by their GP.
As the disease progresses, it may cause lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, a swollen abdomen, constipation and irregular periods.
In the advanced stages of disease, there may be loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, tiredness and shortness of breath.
How is it diagnosed?
Most women have some other explanation for their symptoms
Ovarian cancer is difficult to diagnose and most women have some other explanation for their symptoms. If your GP is concerned you could have ovarian cancer, they will carry out an internal examination and take a blood test.
You may then be referred to a specialist who may do further blood tests and an ultrasound scan of the ovaries.
Screening for ovarian cancer is currently offered to those at high risk - because of family history, for example - and to those of normal risk who've been invited to join a trial. Your doctor can tell you more.
What's the treatment?
The treatment someone's recommended will depend on how healthy the woman is, the type of ovarian cancer, how far it has spread and the severity or grade of the cancer.
Most women are offered surgery to remove the cancerous tumour. Many also have chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
Ongoing trials are studying hormone treatments and biological therapies.
Advice and support
An excellent source of international information about ovarian cancer is Medline Plus from the US National Library of Medicine.
Or contact Ovacome, the UK's ovarian cancer support network.
If you came to this page from the Cancer guide, click here to return.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in August 2007.

Breast Cancer

2008-02-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, affecting one in nine women at some point in their life.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. Damage to the DNA of these cells results in uncontrolled cell division and growth, and, eventually, sufficient cells accumulate to form a lump.
The cells invade normal surrounding breast tissue and can break off from the primary lump to spread in lymph channels or the blood stream to other organs where secondary lumps (metastases) may form.
The breast is divided into ducts and lobules. The most common form of breast cancer arises from the ducts and is known as invasive ductal carcinoma. Cancers arising from the lobules (invasive lobular carcinomas) are less common.
The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis
As with most cancers, the key to successful treatment is early diagnosis before the cancer has had the chance to spread to other organs.
What are the causes?
The exact causes of breast cancer have not been clearly identified, but certain risk factors have been identified:
Getting older - 80 per cent of breast cancer cases are in postmenopausal women - it's relatively unusual in younger women
Having a significant family history of breast cancer, which may be associated with inherited gene mutations (see below)
Having no children or children late in life
Starting your periods early or going through the menopause late
Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a prolonged period
Being overweight
Drinking alcohol in excess
A genetic link
Fewer than one in 20 cases of breast cancer is inherited. About one person in 1,000 carries the genes responsible, so if a relative has breast cancer it's most likely to be by chance. However, you should be more wary if you have:
A relative who was diagnosed under the age of 40
A close relative with cancer in both breasts
A male relative with breast cancer
Two close relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with breast cancer under 60 or with ovarian cancer
Three close relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer at any age
It may be worth writing out a family health history record, to help you work out patterns of disease that run in the family.
If you’re worried, talk to your GP. You may want to think about genetic screening.
What are the symptoms?
Breast cancer may be diagnosed before any symptoms occur through screening. The NHS National Breast Screening Programme provides free screening for breast cancer for all women over the age of 50. If you're between 50 and 70 you should be routinely invited for a mammogram. Women over 70 are encouraged to make their own appointment.
Otherwise, breast cancer may be diagnosed when a woman develops symptoms that alert her to seek medical advice. All women should practise breast awareness. This involves getting to know what's normal for your breasts in terms of look and texture, so you can spot any changes and get them checked as soon as possible.
In particular you should look for:
Lumps or thickening of the tissue
Discharge from the nipple
'Tethering' of the skin, as if it's being pulled from the inside
Any unusual appearance, sensation or pain
Remember, most lumps are harmless, especially if you’re young. But you should still get them checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
How's the diagnosis confirmed?
All patients suspected of having breast cancer must be seen by a hospital specialist within two weeks of an urgent referral by their GP.
Some hospitals run 'one-stop shops' for rapid assessment of breast lumps where all the examinations can be done on the spot, often with the results available on the same day.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
IBC is a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer. The cancer cells block the lymph vessels that drain the breast tissue, making the breast swollen and inflamed.
Symptoms, which often develop rapidly, include a red, swollen, warm breast, with bruised or pitted skin. The breast can be painful and you may be able to feel a distinct lump.
IBC UK has detailed information.
To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors need to carry out a thorough examination. They’ll take a careful look at the lump itself, possibly using an ultrasound and mammogram.
They may take a sample of tissue using needle aspiration and/or needle biopsy. This is then analysed by a pathologist to assess whether malignant cells are present and confirm the diagnosis of cancer.
The cells may be tested to see if they carry certain receptors, which may influence the treatments offered. If they carry hormone receptors, it suggests they're sensitive to female sex hormones and hormone therapies are likely to be used in their treatment.
Cells carrying the Her2 receptor may respond to the drug trastuzumab (herceptin), which may be used in the treatment of some Her2 positive cancers.
Other investigations, such as blood tests, chest x-rays and CT scans, may also be done.
What's the treatment?
There's no quick cure for breast cancer - if anyone tries to tell you otherwise, be extremely sceptical. However, there are many effective treatments and the death rate from breast cancer in the UK has been falling for a number of years.
Once a diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed, the exact treatment used, how soon it's given and how long it takes all depends on several factors, including:
The stage of the tumour (how far it has spread) and whether there is secondary cancer
The receptor status of the breast cancer
The general fitness of the patient
The menopausal status of the patient
The woman's own wishes
Management of breast cancer is a team effort and a number of specialists may be involved including surgeons, oncologists and breast care nurses.

Feeding Problems Of Babies

2008-02-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

What causes them?
The kind of feeding problem may depend on the age of the child.
Some new mothers take a while to get the hang of breastfeeding and may worry they're not producing sufficient milk or their baby isn't satisfied. But as long as the baby is gaining weight at the normal rate, there's no need for concern.
Occasionally, early feeding problems are due to anatomical difficulties (for example, a severe cleft palate or oesophageal atresia) or more general illness, but these are usually quickly identified. Minor infections, such as a cold, can interrupt established feeding patterns, but rarely for long.
More serious conditions can interfere with the absorption of food and weight gain, including coeliac disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and food intolerance.
In toddlers and older children, emotional and social factors can cause feeding problems. Older children, especially girls, are more likely to develop eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia.
Who's affected?
Feeding problems are common throughout childhood and affect both boys and girls.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of feeding disorders can vary, but common symptoms include:
Refusal of food
Lack of appetite
Colic
Crying before or after food
Failure to gain weight normally
Regurgitating or vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Behavioural problems
What's the treatment?
Many feeding problems, especially in small babies, sort themselves out
Many feeding problems, especially in small babies, sort themselves out without the cause ever being established, but do get medical advice if you're at all concerned or if your baby is failing to gain weight.
In older children, try not to make food an issue but be as flexible as you can in adapting to the eating habits that suit them. For fussy eaters, try a wide range of foods, perhaps in more frequent, small meals. Emphasise health rather than weight gain.
Midwives, health visitors or local National Childbirth Trust groups can be a great source of advice for parents worried about feeding problems.
If you think there may be a serious underlying problem, especially in older children, talk to your doctor.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2006.

Our Mesothelioma info site has just opened

2008-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

Our Mesothelioma info site has just opened

mesotheliomanow

How to Pick a Personal Trainer

2008-02-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

Looking for a quick motivational boost to get you started on a new weight-loss or workout plan? Why not splurge on a personal trainer? Find your perfect match with these five top tips from Rachel Tufunga, a personal trainer at Mavericks Gym in Emeryville, California, who was recently named by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Bay Area’s best.

Follow the bodies.
Spot a body to die for in Pilates class or at the coffee shop? Ask her for her trainer’s number.

Spy.
It’s crucial to find a trainer whose voice and style you respond to (drill sergeant? chirpy cheerleader?), so sneak a peek at several while they’re with clients.

Do a background check.
To be sure you find a trainer who truly knows his or her stuff, look for someone who’s certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and/or National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Take a test drive.
Buy a single session before committing to an entire package. “You need to be sure you’ve found someone who understands you and will do whatever it takes to get you where you want to be,” Tufunga says.

Make the choice yourself.
Never—we repeat, never—let the gym staff assign you a trainer. That practically guarantees you’ll get the guy no one else wants in the name of spreading the clients out. (And there’s probably a good reason he’s not in demand, if you know what we mean.)

Tips for Helping Cancer Patients

2008-02-07T04:29:00.001-08:00

Don't avoid him or her. Be a friend, the one you've always been.

Treat the person like you always have.

Touch him or her. A simple squeeze of the hand can go a long way.

Take the person out for a pleasure trip.

Offer to help with shopping.

Visit.

Help the family of the cancer patient, attending to their psychic needs as well.

Talk about the future. Give hope.

Help with household chores - cleaing the house, getting the oil changed in the car.

Bring a positive attitude.

Offer to provide rides to the doctor, the hospital, or somewhere fun.

Talk about what's happening in the world.

Don't tell the patient not to worry

Weight Loss Secret

2008-01-31T07:02:00.000-08:00

Some people have discovered a simple weight loss secret that can
help keep you losing pounds even if you have a sweet tooth. Most
diet plans allow sugar free desserts, and they can be a
delicious way to keep you on track.

If you are a dieter who craves something sweet, these tasty
treats might be your secret weapon to satisfy that sweet tooth
and still stay on your weight loss program.

But if you think sugar free desserts are bland, boring or only
for diabetics get ready to change your mind.

Sugar free desserts have come a long way in taste in the last
few years. They are so good now you have to look at the
packaging to believe you are actually eating a sugar free
dessert. There's a multitude of different varieties, and many of
them really do taste better than the sugar varieties.

Many followers of the Atkins Diet have discovered the secret of
these incredible low-carb and sugar free taste treats. This
allows them to stay on their diet plan without missing out on a
delicious dessert.

In fact, for many dieters, having a dessert is the one thing
that keeps them feeling more satisfied. If you feel satisfied
you will stay on a diet plan longer and be more successful with
weight loss.

But it's important to note that just because a dessert is sugar
free doesn't mean it's calorie free. Even though these sugar
free desserts are usually lower in calories, they still could
sabotage a low calorie diet. Although many weight loss program
allow them, check your diet plan to see what it says about these
no sugar desserts before you eat them.

Another advantage of eating a sugar free dessert is it doesn't
raise your blood sugar like desserts made with sugar. Keeping
your blood sugar levels more level keeps your hunger down and is
much better for your overall health. You are also less prone to
diabetes which is at an all time high in America right now.

A lot people use sugar free desserts as part of their weight
loss program. But many have switched to these no sugar taste
treats, as a much healthier alternative.

So the next time you crave something sweet but still want to
stay on your weight loss program, a sugar free dessert might be
a perfect choice.

Metabolism and Fat

2008-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

Metabolism and Fat

Did you know that simply boosting your metabolism can make you lose weight? Those people who seem to be able to eat anything can usually do so because they have a high metabolism. Some people are simply born with it, but anyone can actually force their own metabolism into higher gear, and start burning fat from their bodies at a much faster rate.

People with high metabolisms can burn more calories no matter what they're doing. Sleeping, eating, watching tv, or otherwise: they're burning more fat and calories just because their metabolism is high. Someone with a lower metabolism will have to put more effort into burning the same amount of fat and calories, simply because their body is using its fuel less effeciently.

If you're not sure what metabolism actually is, here's an easy definition: metabolism is the amount of energy your body uses to maintain itself. This maintenance includes processing, using, transporting, acquiring, and disposing of food and nutrients. So your body burns units of energy -- better known as calories -- to process the food you put into it.

Take note of some of these interesting words too, like "acquiring." This means your body actually uses energy when you eat and digest foods. Some foods take more energy to eat and digest, so they'll use more energy. "Using" is another interesting bodily process to think about. If your body has to work hard to get nutrients out of food you eat, it will use more energy in the process.

That's why you're always encouraged to eat things high in fiber for instance. If you've ever had a real piece of high fiber bread, you probably noticed you have to chew it more before you can swallow it. In fact, just pulling a piece off the loaf takes more effort than tearing off a piece of simple white bread. Since the high fiber bread is more complex, it takes more effort to chew, and it takes your body more effort and energy to break it down and put it to use.

In the same way, it takes more work to eat a steak -- no matter how tender it might be -- than it does to eat a piece of cake. And it takes more work to eat raw brocolli than cooked.

In fact, in some cases, you can actually use more energy -- or calories -- digesting and using certain foods than you get from the foods to begin with. In other words, you're using more calories than you're eating.

Now there are many ways to increase your metabolism. The one you hear about most is exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fat does, so simply strengthening and toning your muscles can help you increase your metabolism.

You can also increase metabolism by changing how you eat. Note some of the examples I gave above, then try to pick foods to eat that will take a little more effort and work for your body to process. These simple changes in your day to day life can make a world of difference with increasing your metabolism, and that will help you start burning the extra fat off in no time.

Water Aerobics - Adding a Splash to Your Workouts

2008-01-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

Splish, splash, we were taking a class.

Workin' out on a Saturday night.

Well, we're hoping that you actually have more exciting plans for your Saturday night adventures.

But either way, you'll see this almost every morning on Kiana's "Flex Appeal," those bubbling beauties draped in bathing suits, flotation belts clasped around their waists and aqua gloves covering their paws.

It isn't exactly the newest craze to come splashing onto the fitness scene, but water aerobics is no doubt one of its most desirable.

Just take a look at the dazzling smile across Kiana's lips.

Water aerobics is not only a fun way to maintain sound cardiovascular fitness, but it's also an excellent method in which to tone your body and muscles. All the while, you're enjoying all the benefits of a refreshing dip in the pool.

And you don't need to be Aqua Man to partake in such classes. Water aerobics has long been viewed as a recreational workout geared at an older, more subtle, health-conscious crowd. That's because in many ways, it is.

No, water aerobics may not be the most ideal method for burning those calories up. You won't likely feel the sweat pouring down you in funnels the way you might on a Stairmaster or treadmill. And it isn't going to prepare you for next year's marathon.

But it is a fine way to exercise your heart and lungs while toning the various muscles. The water provides a great form of resistance.

Water aerobics also takes mercy on your joints. You're not likely to feel the soreness you would after, say, the relentless pounding of a step aerobics class. It is certainly a low-impact exercise and in many instances, depending upon the depth of the pool, non-impact. In fact, to many physicians, this form of aerobics has been highly regarded as an effective method of physical therapy and rehabilitation from various injuries.

Although many classes recommend additional workout tools to facilitate you - things like water weights and hydro gloves - all you really need is your swimsuit. However, water shoes, which will keep you from slipping on wet surfaces, may be a good investment.

Water classes usually kick off with a warm up segment that generally runs around ten minutes or so, light movements in both your arms and legs, geared at increasing your blood circulation. There is also light stretching during this warm-up.

From there, the instructor will lead the class through a number of cardiovascular activities, exercises that are rhythmic and aimed to work your entire body. These include anything from jumping jacks to jogging in place. Meanwhile, the water, of course, provides excellent resistance.

The comfort of a water aerobics class is that you are at liberty to go at your own pace, depending on your level of fitness. In other words, this is a workout class, not boot camp.

While the exercises are accompanied by music, as is the case in any other aerobics class, here the tunes are of a much softer tempo.

The class concludes with a cool down session for you to unwind with. This segment, running just a few minutes or so, also includes some light stretching, designed to prevent injury.

Women Diet Should Include 4-6 Meals A Day

2008-01-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

If you have ever read a fitness magazine chances are you have read that it is better to eat 6 meals a day then 3. The experts behind this idea are really on to something and I highly suggest eating more meals, that is right more meals, over the traditional 3 meals.

If you are beginning to incorporate this idea into your lifestyle then it may be helpful to understand why it is a great idea. Since birth most people are groomed to eat three meals a day but this is your time to break away.

This will truly help to boost your efforts to get the body you want. It may be a challenge at first but it will become second nature quickly after feeling the results! And you will say good-bye to stomach gargles and that obnoxious 11:30 pre-lunch stomach growling.

So without further ado here are the perks and benefits of the more food time diet!

1. INCREASES METABOLISM: By giving smaller meals more frequently the body is food pyramidconstantly working to digest and voila! The metabolism is increasing. Remember that the faster your metabolism is, the more calories your body needs to function at 100% and therefore the easier it is to lose weight.

2. HELLO to ENERGY: will feel like the energizer bunny. Without having the up and down sugar levels your body will have extra energy and that annoying starvation feeling will be a memory!

3. BALANCE AND STABILITY: Sugar and insulin. Everyone has experienced dizziness lightheadedness, and fatigue when you have not eaten in a while, but why? That feeling comes when your body does not have enough sugar. Insulin is a hormone to keep sugar in balance, so when one if off so is the other. Eating every 2-3 hours helps to stabilize the hormone and the blood sugar that is REQUIRED by the body.

4. WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT STARVATION: By allowing yourself the freedom to 6 small meals you are able to push the idea away that you need to starve yourself to lose weight

5. NUTRITIONAL EXPERT: By planning out your meals you are learning to be more conscious of what is being eaten. If you do no plan ahead then eating the extra snacks and meals becomes almost impossible. Snack machines and fast food are no longer options!

6. FEEDING THE MUSCLE: Learn to incorporate all food groups- protein, carbs, and fats (there are good for you fats) into every meal. Getting a balanced diet will through your muscle gains into full gear.

Your Mouth Has A Lot To Say About Your Health

2008-01-21T13:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you have read every magazine article on improving your health and sex life, tried every trick suggested to you, and still have not found the solution, you may be missing one fact that most people don�t even consider towards improving their love life with better health. A woman�s sexuality has to do with a great variety of factors including both physical and emotional issues. Physical influences include hormonal imbalances, which play a major role. Most women experience the rage of this imbalance during pre and post menopause, as well as our menstruation cycle, commonly known as PMS. But most people have not considered one other important physical factor that is affecting their sexual mood, which is gum disease. Although this connection is rarely talked about and may seem odd at first, it becomes obvious how it all works when you learn the science behind it.

Throughout the different stages of our lives, our hormones fluctuate greatly. From puberty to pregnancy and menopause, many of our tissues are affected, which includes our gums. The gums can swell up, bleed easily, and even change color during times of related hormone events. Gum disease may be prevented with Coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Once the hormone balances, the hormones often do not go back to their healthy state automatically. If you practice good oral hygiene, your gums will go back to normal, but if not, it will stay the same or get worse with out proper nutrition and Coenzyme Q10.

Most people never realize that the slight bleeding of their gums during pregnancy or pre-menopause has anything to do with their hormones and nutritional deficiencies. Slight bleeding, red gums, and swelling are all signs of the inflammation that is associated with gum disease. Most people do not pay attention to the signs of inflammation when it occurs in the mouth, as gum disease affects 23 percent of women ages 30-54 and 44 percent of women ages 55-90. Proper nutrition may help reduce the number of individuals affected by gum disease.

Even the beginning stages of gum disease, which are known as gingivitis, can greatly impact your mood and health. If it is not treated, gingivitis will advance into chronic inflammation, leaving devastating results on your health. When your gums are not healthy, a great amount of events involving chemicals takes place both locally and systematically. These chemical changes trigger your immune system to respond, leaving inflammation on the gum tissue. During inflammation, immune cells release substances called inflammatory cytokines, which boost immunity but also induce dark moods in some people. If these cytokines stay too high for too long, they can even potentially trigger depression. Chronic inflammation leaves your body feeling tired and burned out. Unfortunately, a lot of people who have gum disease do not even know they have it. Except for the sign of slight bleeding when flossing or brushing, an unsuspecting person may not be aware there is tissue breakdown until it�s too late.

The solution to the situation is really simple. Taking 100 to 400 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 to boost the immune system and help the body reduce its production of cytokines as well as boost energy. Coenzyme Q10 can improve periodontal health so be sure to consider the health of your mouth as an important part of your overall health. When you feel healthy, your sex drive is also healthy. If you�re feeling run down and have no interest in sex, make a visit to your dentist and have your gums checked. There is no excuse to not get regular dental check-ups and visit your local health food store to practice good oral hygiene and boost over all health.