Facts About Laser Facial Hair Removal

There are people who are blessed with abundant hair growth in different parts of the body, aside from the head. Excessive hair growth is a nuisance for many people which can be temporarily resolved by plucking, shaving, or by putting on depilatory cream. But since the effects only last a while, such methods have to be reinforced every so often that the entire process eventually becomes tedious. Moreover, shaving and plucking both cause chicken skin appearance which can be quite unsightly for many.

Facial hair woes: solved!
One of the common areas where hair can grow on is the face. Facial hair includes those on the upper lip, areas surrounding the mouth and eyes, and on the neck and chin as well. People who wish to get rid of facial hair but are turned off by the negative effects caused by plucking and shaving can opt for a better hair removal method which is done through laser technology. With laser hair removal, hair does not grow back for several weeks.

Laser hair removal
When performed by experienced and qualified licensed professionals, laser facial hair removal can provide long-lasting effects. The procedure can be accomplished in a small amount of time with few and tolerable side effects. Meanwhile, people who have sensitive skin may do certain precautionary measures in order to avoid severe discomfort or itching. After a few sessions of laser treatment, patients can expect hair growth in the area to be stunted for good. Laser method also allows the skin to stimulate collagen production which makes the skin smoother.

Preparing for the procedure
Two weeks prior to laser facial hair removal, the area must not be plucked or shaved. This is to prevent the risk of hair not having entered its re-growth period, which would likely make the procedure useless since the laser will not have anything to target. Laser treatment works best on people with light or fair complexion, but under the right conditions and an expert laser specialist, those with olive or tanned complexion can still achieve stellar results.

Before having the laser procedure done on your face, you should first schedule a consultation with the doctor so he can assess the appropriate treatment most suitable for your skin type. The doctor will also review your medical history to determine any allergic reactions or other medical conditions that may have an impact the overall results of this procedure. In addition, he will also be able to outline a treatment plan and management of side effects that can be caused by some other medical conditions.

Why People Buy Garcinia Cambogia

There have been lots of supplements being sold in the market that aim to improve digestion and health in general. One of these is garcinia cambogia, which has been actually used for thousands of years already. This has been known to have natural energy-boosting properties. These days, Garcinia remains a popular fruit that is native in the Southeast Asia region. While it is often grown in the Southeast Asia region, this has been distributed widely in central and west parts of Africa given its antimicrobial potential. Interestingly, more and more people are getting convinced to buy garcinia cambogia due to its reported ability to reduce one's appetite.

Garcinia cambogia is part of the citrus plant family, and is often considered that edible. However, the rid of this fruit is widely used for cooking purposes within India.

In the past decades, some buy garcinia cambogia in bulk since they intend to manufacture diet pills, which have been patronized widely in the market. The downside, however, is that enough studies are still not available that can scientifically conclude that this natural extract or ingredient directly reduces one's weight.

How It Can Control Appetite

Garcinia essentially works to suppress one's cravings for carbohydrates. With this, the body can be prevented from storing any excess fats. This has been backed up by personal experiences of those who have tried it, but the scientific basis remains limited. The natural plant or extract is also known to help boost metabolism while reducing blood fat levels.

Unknown to some, the effectiveness of garcinia may actually depend on the dosage to be taken. Studies say that 1500mg daily consumption may not be effective enough. However, if more than 2500mg is taken, it can lead to weight loss and appetite suppression. If possible, perhaps it is best to ask a physician on the recommended dosage of garcinia. Even if it is natural, you might need to control your intake to avoid grave side effects that could affect your health.

How to Find the Right Brand

If you want to buy garcinia cambogia, there are actually lots of sellers both offline and online. While this may be relatively cheaper because of the competition among sellers, buyers should keep in mind that they should carefully consider checking out the reviews of those who have tried the product or a particular brand.

It is actually a basic thing to do whenever you wish to try new products, most especially if it concerns your health. Make sure, however, that you look into the objective sources of reviews, and not just the official website of the product as this would only contain the positive ones.

If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you might want to combine regular physical activities with the intake of garcinia cambogia. Try to check also if there are possible side effects so you can prepare for things that might take place. But since garicinia is natural, the side effects could be tolerable to bear. There are many reasons why people opt to purchase garcinia cambogia, and most of them want to live a healthier life.

How To Be The Best In Production Of Liposomes For Various Reasons

If you are dedicated to creation of these amazing drug storage facilities for cancer patients in your area, you need to have experts helping you out. These are professionals who will help you with the right equipment and lab skills to increase liposomes production. With this kind of a start or continuation to your project, people suffering from other diseases would benefit from your foundation. You can be one of the best producers with the aid of professionals who obviously have lots of knowledge.

Assessment of logical matters and finally implementation of necessary techniques to push forward your project will be what these professionals offer. It will benefit you and also those benefiting from what you do. The kind of technology that will be used to start and develop this project will be based on the storage facilities that you intend to create.

Experts in this business offering support not only offer the support to an already existing product but also new ones coming up. They have the capacity to generate different components with this substance like food and cosmetics that match what you expect in the output. Their well equipped labs will enable your project to have so much credibility which will garner the trust of those targeted to benefit.

Only professionals can be entrusted with these kinds of projects because they will produce perfect medication to treat specified diseases. It does not matter what level your project is at the moment, they do not judge people by what they have done. What you are willing to do with them is what matters and what will drive you to the next level.

The drugs that result from the combination of your efforts and theirs will be unique and treating diseases specified for adequately. If your dream is to reduce the effects of cancer in your area and around the world, start working with highly qualified medical practitioners and this dream will be realized. It will not matter which type is produced and for what purpose but only the best would surely come out of the production.

Years of experience and high tech equipment make a suitable partner in this field. You need to be very careful when choosing that partner and make sure they have both qualities. A good reputation on this partner will be a plus to you because it will ensure that you have hooked up with the best in liposome production and supply.

Simple Reasons To Invest in Whole Foods Probiotics

You'll find that there are a great number of different supplements that you can take today to live a healthier lifestyle. However, among the many that are getting a great deal of publicity today are probiotics. These active bacteria and yeast can really help improve the way you feel by simply aiding in a variety of different digestive issues. Not only does it help there, the products that include this type of bacteria taste great and help with a variety of fringe benefits that you may not think about. As more and more people are turning to better eating, it's no wonder what whole foods probiotics is gaining steam in the marketplace. If you haven't really ventured to check these products out or you're on the fence, consider a few reasons why you should at least look into them for your family.

For Digestive Health - The first major reason that you will want to look into this helpful addition to your healthy diet is that it helps with digestive health. The lining of the stomach and the intestines benefits greatly from these little active enzymes that can penetrate and heal. They can calm ulcers, aid in stopping diarrhea, constipation, and help vitamins and minerals get more absorption. It does so much without having to upset those that are lactose intolerant or have ulcers, which is something that many will be smiling about.

Reduce Your Cancer Risk - Studies have shown that people that invest in whole foods probiotics and have a good overall healthy diet have a reduced risk of getting colon cancer and other problems that are linked to the gastrointestinal system. This is a great bit of news for those that have to deal with issues like irritable bowel syndrome, and other problems. There are still ongoing studies into this issue, but the results from recent studies have shown great results in reduction of cancer risk, which is never a bad thing.

Tastes Great - One thing that should be mentioned is that the products taste great. Whether you try some yogurt or a drink, you will not be disgusted by the taste. You'll actually be impressed with how great tasting these items are and will even marvel at how you can be helping your body maintain health and wellness without having to eat something disgusting.

Weight Loss - If you have been looking to try and shed some pounds, you'll be glad to know that ingesting these active cultures can help you not only maintain healthy weight but for those that are exercising, eating right, and trying to lose pounds, it helps to loosen up fat cells in the body. It literally gives you an edge in the fight against those love handles. Now that's something that's worth taking note of.

When it comes to whole foods probiotics you want to make sure that you at least check them out. Don't just believe the hype about these things, try them out for yourself and then go to a doctor. If your check up doesn't improve, than you will at least know the truth for yourself. However, be forewarned, skeptics have been turned into true believers fast by simply trying them once.

Vision Without Glasses - It Is Possible?

When it comes to eyesight, millions of people assume that there is only way to see once vision starts to deteriorate, and that's with glasses. Some go another step and look into contacts or even corrective eye surgery. These methods are all fine except for one thing; they will ruin your vision for years to come. The more you use these the more the eye relies on them to see and before you know it you are blind. There is a way out of this cycle of loss, and it's something that most people don't even know about. If you have ever wanted to simply throw away your spectacles, than you'll want to look into an eBook that has been published recently called Vision Without Glasses. It's in this well written piece that you will discover the methods people have used to restore their vision to 20/20 without the aid of an optometrist.

There are several reasons why you would want to look into this book, especially in modern times. The writing is crisp, and the message doesn't require a medical student to decipher. There are several things that you will find when you purchase the option, but before you drop any money, consider a quick outline of some of the things you can expect. This will help you make an educated decision as to whether or not you can truly benefit from the writing.

Eye Exercise - You'll learn fast that you can do several eye exercises that will strengthen the nerves and create better vision fast. You'll find that this all natural method only take s a few minutes a day and within time you'll see a positive outcome. If you stick to the plan you will regain a great deal of the lost vision and in as little as 3 months you could see 20/20 again.

Glasses That Work - There are several tricks that you can ascertain proper use from. This proper use of glasses and contacts without ruining your vision is difficult to know without getting this book, and you'll be surprised what you need to do, it's so simple.

Increase Eye Strength - Not just visual changes, you'll sense a certain increase in the strength of the eye so that you can be on a computer without headaches, or strain from the eyes. This secret is one of the best things presented in the book and it's no wonder why many are giving it a positive review.

The aforementioned are just 3 things that you will find from the book Vision Without Glasses. You might be skeptical about this, but if you simply give it a try, and work on the ideas given to you for 30 days, you will experience visual changes that you will want to tell the world about. There's nothing to lose here, especially if you try to follow the plan of action. Without following a plan, it can be difficult to gain the confidence you need to move forward with perfect vision. There's no need for harsh surgeries, or glasses after a while, so look at this today and get to work.

Is Beauty School Right For You?

Have you been flirting with the idea of attending beauty school, but you aren't 100 percent certain that it's the right choice? Well, there are several things you may want to consider before making your final choice. Once you make your final decision, then you can begin your journey to becoming one of the best cosmetologists in the field.

The first thing you need to figure out is which portion of the field you are actually interested in. Do you like giving manicures and pedicures? Do you like creating different hairstyles? Maybe, you enjoy playing around with makeup. Whatever the case may be, you should come to a decision on which one you like the best. If you can't figure out which one to choose, it's probably a good idea not to enroll in beauty school just yet. Now, this doesn't mean that you should scrap the idea altogether. However, it's not really a good idea to enroll into any educational institution without having some type of direction. Once you figure out what suits you best, then you can go ahead and enroll. On the other hand, if nothing peaks your interest it may not necessarily be the field for you.

Another thing you should consider is whether or not you can actually afford to attend beauty school. Check with the schools you are interested in and ask for the tuition rates. If you find that they are somewhat out of your price range, don't let that stop you. There are several financial aid opportunities available. This can include scholarships as well as loans. If you believe you won't be eligible for any scholarships and you aren't too fond of taking out loans, there's another route you can take. You could try to save up enough money to pay your own tuition. This means that you may have to wait a while until you come up with the money. However, this is only temporary. Once you have made the decision on which area of study interests you the most and you have come up with a feasible financial plan, you can then enroll into the school of your choice.

Attending beauty school isn't something that everyone is cutout to do. Some people may enroll in an institution and then realize that it's not right for them or they may realize it's becoming too much of a financial burden. That's why these issues should be taken care of beforehand. However, once these things are sorted out the journey to becoming a cosmetologist can begin.

Optometrist - Adjusting Your Current Prescription

At least once a year, everyone should see an optometrist to go through an eye exam and test vision. While some people put this off until they have problems, others work to be conscientious and do the best they can to take care of their eyes. There are signs that let individuals know that something may not be right with their vision. When this happens, it is important to schedule another appointment and find out if the current prescription needs to be adjusted in any way.

Warning Signs

Do you remember what types of things happened to lead you into the optometrist office in the first place? You may have started noticing that you tended to squint when you were trying to see close up or further away. You might have started to get headaches if you read for an extended amount of time. In some cases, you may have found yourself unable to read or make out certain letters from a distance. These signs lead you to believe that it was time to see professional and get your eyes checked.

If you have started to notice any of these signs creeping back in, it is time to see your optometrist again. There is a chance that your eyes have adjusted or changed in some way. If this is the case, the glasses or contacts that you are currently using are not going to work for you. While they may help with some aspect of your sight, they are not going to be able to get rid of these symptoms.

Making an Appointment

When you call to set up an appointment, make sure that you mention the symptoms that you are experiencing. You may also want to let the person know that you think you might need to change your prescription. This way, when you arrive for your appointment, you can be sure that you will go through the eye exam test and find out if there are any adjustments or changes that need to be made. If you are going to the optometrist that you usually see, he or she should have your prescription on hand. It can be compared with the current test results to see what, if anything, has changed.

Other Concerns or Issues

These signs and symptoms could be indicative of something else going on with your eyes and vision. If the test is done and there are no noticeable changes that need to be made to the prescription, the professional will want to take a look at your eyes and make sure that there is nothing else going on. If there is nothing wrong with the eye itself, if may be time to make an appointment with your primary care physician for a check up.

Promotion Techniques For Fitness Professionals

To be successful in the fitness industry you will need to be constantly promoting yourself and never overlook an opportunity to promote yourself or your business.

Before you start to advertise yourself or your company, first workout how much capital you can afford to invest in promotion. This will give you an idea of the types of promotion you should be targeting.

There are the usual ways of promoting yourself or business none more useful than having your own website. If you want your website to start ranking high in a Google search for example you have to apply certain SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques to your site. One of the most important techniques is to get similar websites linking to your website. This is not an easy process, but one that will pay off if you persevere. Your first stop should be all the free directories that have a section relevant to you website. You should also setup a page on all the big social media sites, another free resource for boosting your site exposure.

You can also advertise your website on search engines using PPC (Pay Per Click). These are the adverts you usual find around the edge of search results, however you should really research how to use I properly otherwise it will end up costing you a lot of money. You pay every time someone clicks on your advert, how much can vary depending on the key word. If it was 'personal trainer', that could be over £1 per click, but if it was 'personal trainer in Croydon' that would be less.

The problem is, the most relevant sites in the fitness world that offer promotion do seem to charge quite a lot to place a link on their website. If you do decide to advertise with one of these websites I would always want to see recent statistics from them to show the amount of visitors they receive every day, as you are not just paying for them to link to you site but to hopefully send you traffic. You can tell instantly what one's would be the best by doing a simple Google search for you particular fitness niche. If there are sites offering you promotion on the first page of Google they will receive more traffic than sites on pages 2 and onwards.

There are websites that allow you to add your profile or company to search directories for your particular field.

Always research thoroughly before you begin promotion.

Pregnancy Week 22 Development: What To Expect And One Beneficial Food

By this week, your baby looks like a miniature of a newborn. With a weight of almost one pound and length of almost 11 inches, it is such a joy to feel your baby moving, twisting and turning in your womb. In the next weeks to come, it should be a more enjoyable and fun journey for you and your baby.

What Happens on Week 22 of Pregnancy?

As time passes by, your baby's body is undergoing a lot of changes and developments. Now that you are on your second trimester, you can notice a lot of significant changes to your body and your baby is also developing at such a rapid rate.

By this week, your baby's pancreas begins to be functional. It now starts producing hormones for the brain and the body. Also, it now aids the baby's digestion. Also, your little babe is now hearing your voice and your heartbeat so talking to her can definitely help. In a little span of time, she will learn to recognize your voice.

Though her eyes have already formed, the coloured part known as the iris, still lack pigment. Also, there are tiny tooth buds developing beneath the baby's gums.

What Happens to Your Body?

This week, your body continues to expand so more stretch marks are about to come. Your bone ligaments tend to loosen so you can now begin to say goodbye to your well-loved stilettos. But of course, this is only temporary. When the right time comes, swelling will eventually fade and you can wear your stilettos again.

Other symptoms to expect this week include leg cramps, occasional faintness, dizziness, increased vaginal discharge, constipation, heartburn and indigestion. Aside from stretch marks, you can notice your navel protruding.

The Journey of Being Pregnant

Undeniably, pregnancy is such an exciting journey for every woman. However, it entails a lot of responsibility when it comes to taking care of your baby's health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which include appropriate choice for food and minimal exercise, should be observed throughout the course of pregnancy to give your baby the best possible health.

Proper choice of food is very important during pregnancy. What you eat is what your baby eats also. A diet composed of fruits and vegetables is very beneficial for you and for your baby. Kiwi is one of the most nutritious fruits to eat when pregnant. It features a couple of health nutrients which are scientifically proven to be beneficial for you and your baby's health.

Kiwi for the Baby

Kiwi fruit is considered as one of the best super fruits in the world today. It is one of the most densely nutritious fruits available on the market today.

Kiwi fruits are excellent sources of folic acid which is a very important nutrient during pregnancy. Folic acid plays a vital role in the development of foetus in the womb. Pregnant women who lack folic acid are at a greater risk to have children with birth and neural tube defects. Folic acid also aids in the production of red blood cells which is important in the process of energy production.

Kiwi is also a good source of iron and calcium. Iron is very important in preventing the onset of anaemia which is a common condition is pregnant women. Anaemia usually causes pregnant women to suffer from fatigue and low energy. This is pretty normal during pregnancy because the body needs extra iron for the baby's development.

On the other hand, its calcium content is useful in aiding the development of the baby's bones, teeth and muscles. Also, calcium helps babies in having a healthy heart. Kiwi also contains high levels of potassium and Vitamin C. It contains more potassium than banana and more Vitamin C than orange. Also, it contains more Vitamin E than avocado. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant content which hlps prevent cell damage.

Kiwi is also a great source of other nutrients such as copper, chromium and manganese. Also, it delivers a prebiotic nutrient which is good for the digestive system. It is a good source of dietary fibre which is beneficial in keeping your colon free from harmful bacteria and in maintaining a regular bowel movement. Constipation is one of the most common concerns during pregnancy and kiwi can help in preventing its occurrence.

Supporting Grief With The Help Of Essential Oils

My best friend just learned that her girlfriend, husband and kids crashed in their private plane during the Christmas Holidays. This sad accident took their lives in a few seconds. When this news came to her, it was so dramatic and intense that she went numb! She just couldn't believe it,

After few days she was finally able to process the reality of what seamed so surreal and her body was crying looking for a soothing way to deal with the pain.

She is a very sensitive, very loving and caring person, she also is a phenomenal Reiki Master healer. I asked myself, how could I support her during this painful moment of her life?

I remembered that when my best friend passed away, I was very lost and also very numb. I got a lot of comfort by slowing down my hectic lifestyle for few weeks and went into a personal pilgrimage with the help of a metaphysical store where I bought my first bottles of pure essential oils. Pine, Rose, Frankincense became my best companions and my room became a shrine with peaceful aromas and candles where I grieved for many weeks.

I know that oils are like little angels in a bottle, if you ask for their help, the essences of the flowers, roots, stems, seeds, barks and all will help you travel through your personal healing journey.

So I offered Susan a very special bottle of pure "Rose Otto" oil because it is one of the best oil to elevate your frequency and also to heal yourself with the highest vibration called LOVE. Because she is very spiritual, she did not find that strange, she enjoyed the white seashell candle that I suggested she light while meditating in her sanctuary with the support of her Rose oil.

Aromatherapy is my language of love.

The beauty of grieving with aromatherapy is infinite.

Susan can do what ever feels right with the oil, maybe anointing her forehead with the healing symbol of infinity to help keep her third eye open? Maybe she could diffuse a few drops and just inhale the sacred rose mist?

Maybe she could just hold the bottle in her hands and pray with the intention of remembering good moments with her friend? Perhaps she could massage one little precious drop on her heart chakra and just enjoy the chance she has to be alive and happy with her blessings? Or just being grateful, for having met this precious family that left this earth?

I know she is using the Rose with great respect and the aromatherapy interlude warms her heart and eases her sorrow. Because Rose is a flower of Compassion, Devotion and Love, Susan has now found a natural aromatic pillar to grief with dignity. I love her so much and I wish for her to find peace and calm with her Rose angel.

Namaste and smell you later!

Marina Mermaid Dufort your Aromatherapist

Choosing the Best Plastic Surgeons to Sculpt Your Body

One of the easiest ways to ensure that you get the body you want when you have a body sculpting procedure done is to choose from among the best plastic surgeons in the business. You may think that since there are so many professionals for you to choose from that you don't have anything to worry about if you don't take the time to choose the best professionals. You couldn't be more wrong. If you don't take the time to pick out the right doctors to perform your procedure, you could end up having to spend thousands of dollars trying to fix what went wrong and end up unhappy with your results.

If you need help trying to decide which plastic surgeons you should consider, go online and start looking for reviews about practices that specialize in the type of procedure you want. Check with the Better Business Bureau website and the American Board of Plastic Surgery website. Keep in mind that just because you happened to get the names and contact information of several professionals from these sources doesn't mean that you should neglect to do your own credential check. You still need to make sure that any plastic surgeons you are considering are properly licensed and have a great history of doing good work.

Get to know the plastic surgeons. You want to have a good relationship with the person you are entrusting with your body and life. You need to be completely comfortable and at ease with this professional. This will help make it easier for you to be open and honest about your medical history, ask any questions, and inform them of any concerns or reservations you may have about the procedure.

You owe it to yourself to be selective about whom you have work on your body. Even though you may be excited about the idea of finally being able to get the body you want, your first priority is making sure you are under the care of the best doctors. No matter what age you are, you can benefit from being treated by the best professionals in the world. Not only do you have a much higher chance for success, you have a much lower risk incidence as well.

Take charge of your life and of the situation. Just because you are not the one who is performing the work on your body doesn't mean that you don't have any say so in what goes on. The next time you decide see someone about making changes to your body, remember to take some time to find the best plastic surgeons for the job. The skill and expertise they have is much superior to what you would receive from professionals of a lesser caliber. Get the body you want the first time, and show the world just how attractive you are and feel.

Fight With the "Silent Killer" With Natural Remedies

The human body has a complex system of circulatory system consisting of arteries, veins and capillaries. The blood continuously flows in these blood vessels so that the whole body receives food through it. The blood reaches the heart through the arteries. While the blood flow, a pressure is exerted on the walls of the arteries which is termed as the blood pressure.

Some transient elevations in this pressure are normal human adaptation and it occurs due to fever, physical exertion or emotional strain like anger or fear. However, when this pressure become persistently high, it leads to high blood pressure or hypertension. Generally, hypertension remains silent for 10-20 years but causes inner strain to the heart and kidneys. Therefore, at times, it is also known as the silent killer. Prolonged hypertension can also lead to heart failure, vascular disease, renal failure or stroke. Thus, it becomes essential to reduce high blood pressure on time.

With the prolonged straining, the heart becomes weak and its walls lead to flabbiness. Some advance symptoms arising at this stage can be headache, swelling, rapid pulse, short breath, incorrect vision, dizziness, etc.

As soon as your doctor report this health disorder with you, he will give you some medications. However, one should know that prolonged medications can also cause side effects. Moreover, they cannot completely treat the problem but just control it. Therefore, the best way to control the hypertension is to opt for high blood pressure natural remedies. Studies have proved some of the home options and some lifestyle changes as the best natural remedies.

For your information, I am discussing some in brief:

Bananas: this is a potassium rich fruit and thus 6-7 servings of potassium rich fruits are highly recommended for a hypertensive patient. Some other fruits like this are baked sweet, winter squash, spinach, dried apricots, etc.

Canola and mustard seeds: a high BP patient is advised to cook in these polyunsaturated oils to lower their cholesterol and BP.

Breads: a substance known as homocysteine is found in blood which lowers the stretching ability of arteries. In hypertension condition, arteries become stiff and thus their elasticity is reduced. However, folate present in beans, cereals, aspharagus, sprouts, etc lowers the amount of homocysteine.

Milk: consuming slim or low fat yoghurt works as one of the best high blood pressure natural remedies. This is due to the presence of calcium in it. You can also take green leafy vegetables for the same.

Broccoli: vegetables and fruits having lots of fiber are good remedies for hypertensive patients. Broccoli is one of them.

Celery: this is the only vegetable which contains 3-N butylphthalide names photochemical which helps to reduce high blood pressure. In addition to this, stress hormones which constrict the blood vessels are also reduced through eating celery.

Vitamin C: this is a popular anti-oxidant which prevents the damage of arteries by free radicals. You can either take it through foods or directly as pills or tablets.

These were some of the high blood pressure natural remedies which are easily and daily available in our kitchen. Try these and stay healthy.

Achieving That Desired Look And Confidence

Life brings changes that often alter people's view of themselves. Many of the alterations that they experience affect their bodies. Oftentimes, the differences are too pronounced to ignore. Not only do they affect people physically, but they also affect them psychologically and emotionally. Left untreated, these changes could result in permanent damage to one's psyche.

Changes in life occur during numerous circumstances. Some of them are avoidable, but most of them are not. They consist of bodily alterations due to events such as pregnancy. Pregnancy may be planned or unplanned, but it does not make a difference as far as the post results are concerned. Following this life-changing event, a woman's body is seldom the same. It leaves its mark in the form of unwanted stretched marks, over-size stomach, and excessive body fat.

Over exposure to the elements result in undesired changes. Heat from the sun rays, spending long periods in sea water, and certain weather conditions can wreak havoc on the skin by causing spots and darkened areas. Once the conditions become ingrained, their removal is not an easy process. To have them successfully removed, professional help may be necessary.

Aging is another aspect of life that results in altering the appearance of individuals. Although the process may be inevitable as long as a person is alive, it can be slowed down. Or, improvements may be made to the skin to enhance its appearance. Aging is also accompanied by various skin marks such as liver spots and moles. Unfortunately, these marks do not assist when trying to age gracefully. Instead, they work against people's self-esteem and self-confidence.

There are other situations that may affect people's self-image. This is because not everyone is born a perfect ten. As a result, some people are not satisfied with how they look. Whether it is a tiny or extra large breast, an over-hung tummy, or unevenly distributed fat, the situation can be annoying. Fortunately, people have a choice. They may choose to remain as they are and battle with shame and embarrassment, or they may seek to rectify the problem.

Because of modern technology and medical advancements, there is a solution for unwanted bodily conditions. Plastic surgery is one of the best methods for body enhancement. With the consultation of a trained, qualified, and board-certified surgeon, candidates for a procedure can get immediate help. Liposuction, breasts augmentation, cool sculpting, laser peel, and facial rejuvenation are just some of the procedures. They will be performed in a comfortable and safe environment.

Botox May Be the Answer for You

Over the last couple of decades, Botox has been used for a variety of reasons around the world. Not only is it used to create a younger looking facial appearance, it can also help with a variety of medical conditions and diseases. Although the benefits are so well known that the product has become a household name, there are still some misconceptions about this product.

This medication was originally derived from food poisoning, but it is not toxic or a poison. Many medicines and helpful discoveries have originated in unexpected circumstances. For example, penicillin was discovered accidentally when a researcher grew mold in the laboratory. Everyone is well aware of the lives saved by the wonder drug, penicillin, and Botox has an impressive track record of its own. It is administered by injection and the amount of medication will depend on the individual. Most patients need several treatments and will have to repeat them over time. Each injection can cost from $150 to $500 per visit, depending on the patient and the medical specialist's fee schedule.

Multiple medical conditions can be alleviated by Botox, including hyperhidrosis, acne, migraine headaches, overactive bladders, and chronic muscle spasms and tics. Hyperhidrosis is a condition where sweat glands, particularly those in the underarms, are overactive. This can cause cause not only embarrassment but also dehydration in the sufferer. Muscle tension that leads to migraines, overactive bladder issues, and tics can be eased with tiny injections of the protein. Adult acne caused by overactive glands can be reduced in some cases, as well.

Botox creates more youthful facial appearances by relaxing the tense muscles that are creating the wrinkled look. Individuals' emotional lives are played out on their faces by an array of expressions such as frowns, smiles, laughter, scowls, and grimaces. While these facial expressions are a wonderful way of communicating, they also leave their mark in the way of crow's feet, lines around the mouth, and creases on the forehead. Because this medication eases the muscular tension, it also reduces the furrowed brows and wrinkles.

This modern medication has been helping individuals look better and alleviate medical conditions for more than twenty years, and it is still going strong. Although originally discovered in relation to food poisoning, Botox has become a wonder drug in and of itself. Patients who are interested in creating a less wrinkled facial expression, decreasing their underarm sweating, or easing their muscle tics and overactive bladders should contact a medical practitioner in their area to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

2013 New Year's Resolutions

Cheers to the New Year! Hope everyone brought 2013 in with a bang...

I know that I sure didn't because I passed out about forty five minutes before midnight struck, AND, to make matters worse, turned on the TV about 5 seconds after the ball dropped in Times Square. Maybe next year my party hat will fit a little better...

The last few days have been quite a bit of a blur trying to get back into the swing of things. I've been focused mostly on finishing up my grad school applications, and have spent little time on the other things I enjoy like baking, blogging, and doing various crafts.

In the midst of this, there was one thing that I knew I did NOT want to sacrifice, and that was coming up with a New Year's Resolution.

I've been on a pretty good track with my diet the past year, and so I decided not to focus any of my resolution's around food; however, I did want to set some personal goals for myself, including not taking things so personally and doing a better job of not getting frustrated or upset with people.

I've learned how easy it is to forget about personal commitments if I'm not being reminded of them. That's why it's important to write them down on paper and keep them in a place where you can read them, like by your bed, in your purse/bag, or hanging on your mirror or desk at work.

Thinking about my own New Year's Resolutions got me thinking about something I read on Facebook the other day that struck a really strong chord with me.

Somebody posted a status, saying that they've been seeing more and more people posting statuses that make fun of people who go to the gym as a New Year's Resolution. Somebody replied that it's because they "pack the gyms for a month and then quit" and another replied how funny they thought it was "that it takes a New Year's Resolution to finally care about their health."

If you're an avid gym goer, I get it. Yes, it might be annoying or it might be an inconvenience that you have to wait for a machine, a rack, or some dumbbells, and yes, it might be frustrating that there's more people crammed into one area, but how big of a deal is this in the grand scheme of things?

First of all, If you've made the decision to take good care of your health, because it makes you feel good, why put others down for doing the same thing? I found it so disheartening that people who WORKOUT THEMSELVES would put other people down for trying to do the same thing. Staying in good health for yourself, should also be about motivating others to do the same thing. If all you're doing at the gym is focusing on the other people around you, maybe it's a sign that your workouts just aren't hard enough.

Secondly, who cares if people are signing up for a gym membership as their New Year's Resolution - it's just a reason for them to get into the gym and workout - just like we all have our own personal reasons. Everyone has different things that get them motivated, so why is it up for us to judge what makes one reason better than the other? If someone is doing something positive for their health, why is it up for others to judge if it's the right time or if they have the right reasons for doing so?

Lastly, if you are one of these individuals who have a problem with the New Year's Rush of a gym membership, I encourage you to ask yourself why you workout. Do you do it because you believe in good health, or do you do it because you just want to look good? If you are a living, breathing representation of a "healthy" person, I encourage you to use your own health and fitness levels as motivation to help others take control of their health, not to put others down with it. If you allow yourself to believe this, being a member of a gym is a way to find inspiration from other people, as well as a way to share positive interests and goals with others; it shouldn't be used as a tool to put people down.

It's not my goal to step on toes here, and I personally am not looking to offend anyone, I just feel so disappointed at the lack of care and concern that I've seen displayed this past week. As an individual on a pathway towards a career focused around health and nutrition, I view these "type of posts" or these "negative attitudes" as barriers to a person's ability to get healthy.

I ask you to think about your own friends and family, who may have their own struggles with weight. I know, personally, setting a New Year's Resolution to lose weight two years ago is what HELPED MY MOM DISCOVER SHE HAD BREAST CANCER. My mom made a New Year's Resolution to "get healthy", and as a result, she lost 30 lbs. Early one morning as she was changing, she felt a small lump in her right breast. She went to the doctor that week and found out she had breast cancer. My mom was certain that had she not chosen to get healthy and lost the weight she had, that she never would have been able to feel the lump in her breast. IF WE HAD TOLD MY MOM THAT MAKING A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION TO GET HEALTHY WAS A POOR REASON FOR DOING SO, OR IF WE HAD TOLD HER SHE WOULD JUST BE CROWDING THE GYM, MY MOM MIGHT NOT BE ALIVE TODAY. My mom thanked my dad, my sisters, and myself for encouraging her to take control of her health and supporting all of the lifestyle adjustments she had made to do so.

Please keep these thoughts in mind as you continue into the New Year..

Important Medical And Research Equipment

The human anatomy is complex. That is why a lot of effort has been put in producing machines and equipment that can be used to diagnose and cure disease faster. Hospitals and medical research centers normally have many machines that are used in to discover and cure different ailments. All these machines are expertly designed to perform the correct procedures and come up with accurate results. Some run on electricity while others are manually operated. Despite the method of operation, they all provide the required results.

To analyze the bone structure, medical practitioners use the x-ray machine. It uses x-rays to penetrate the skin and give a graphical representation of the bone structure of the patients. Through this, one can identify fractures, dislocations, tumors and other problems that affect the bones. They are perfectly designed to provide accurate results and a doctor can easily know what the patient is suffering from, by a quick analysis of the x-ray diagram.

Moreover, this machine is used to control cancer. Patients suffering from this condition are usually asked to go for x-ray therapy. Though it is not a cure for cancer, it plays a very huge role in controlling the condition. It accomplishes this by destroying the cancer cells, which in turn reduces the size of the growth. This form of therapy might have its side effects but is effective nonetheless.

The microscope is another important equipment that is used for research and diagnosis of disease. It is basically used to observe very small things that cannot be viewed with the naked eye. So, with it, one can be able to identify microscopic pathogens that are in a patient. This way they can easily identify what the person is suffering from and prescribe the right cure. In research institutes, they are used to observe how pathogens react to treatment, hence enabling the researchers to come up with the right cure for an ailment.

These and many other machines that are used in medical facilities play a very big role in the well-being of humans. They give accurate information that enables the professionals to come up with cures to different diseases. They help save lives.

The cytometer is also among them. It is a machine that is designed specifically to perform flow cytometry. This means that it is used to count cells of an organism or very small particles of an element. For medical purposes it is used to count and measure blood cells.

Paleo Diet - Good For You, And The Planet

There is certainly no shortage of crazy things people do in order to try to lose weight - and to some people's minds, there are no things that are crazier than the things done by those on the paleo diet. In case you are unaware, the paleo diet prescribes that we eat the same way our ancient, hunter/gatherer ancestors ate - which, of course, takes out many of the things that make modern eating so convenient; once you start to learn more about the paleo diet, however, you will come to understand that it is not those who stick to paleo eating who are acting crazy, but is actually those who are still eating conventionally!

First off, we should take a look at the weight loss side of things: the primary idea behind paleo eating and primal eating is the simple fact that the body turns carbohydrates (particularly grains) into sugar, and the body turns sugar into fat; in other words, it is not "eating fatty foods" that causes people to add fat to their body, but is instead eating things that are packed with sugar and are full of carbs! When you manage to stay away from foods such as these, your body will instead release ketones that will use your stored fat for energy - thereby burning away the excess fat you have!

But there is more to the benefits of paleo eating than just losing weight, as there are plenty of things done by "conventional" food growers that are destroying the planet; for instance, the factories in which the unnatural chemicals and preservatives in conventional foods are manufactured are bad for the planet, as are the pesticides used on crops grown "conventionally." In fact, even the unnatural growth hormones used in various plants and animals grown "conventionally" are bad for the soil, and for the environment!

And finally, eating "conventionally" is just plain bad for your body; our bodies developed in such a way that we are supposed to be consuming plants and animals - and taking these unnatural foods and putting them into our bodies, or taking these plants (such as wheat) that need to have their chemical makeup altered before we consume them all puts our body in a poor spot, where it is unable to function the way it is supposed to function.

One of the big realities about the world - and about life - that many people fail to grasp is the simple fact that each of us has the ability and the right to stay healthy and to lead long lives; start learning more about the paleo diet, and you will be in a position to lead a more full life as a whole!

In order to find more information on paleo eating, and on all the other things that lead to a happy, healthy life, visit us at http://www.wheremoneyhealthandspiritualitymix.com - and start leading the life you deserve today!

Deciding If a Babymoon Is for You and Your Significant Other

Are you thinking about taking a vacation before your baby makes his or her entry? Your life will change forever once baby makes three. If you are considering taking a special vacation for just the two of you, you are not alone. It has been estimated that as many of 60 percent of expectant parents in the United States have taken, or will take, a babymoon.

A babymoon is similar to a honeymoon. It is a vacation that can range from a long weekend at the beach to a two week holiday at a fancy resort. It is a time for a couple to reconnect, romance one another, and enjoy plenty of rest and relaxation as they get ready for the bundle of love that will soon be in their lives.

A pre-baby getaway may be exactly what both of you need. The pressures of working, family life and getting ready to say hello to your brand new infant can be very stressful on both partners. What you both may realize you need is an adventure together before the magical moment in your life arrives.

When is the best time to take this special type of trip to enjoy couples time? Refer to your calendar first. That is your pregnancy calendar, not the regular calendar hanging on the kitchen wall. The typical pre-baby trip occurs during a woman's second trimester. During the first trimester, the mother-to-be is usually dealing with morning sickness. By the third trimester, she has gotten so big that travel is not so easy. During the second trimester, you are likely to feel the most upbeat, energetic and comfortable.

If life is such that travelling is not possible until you reach your third trimester, find out from your doctor if flying is in your best interests. If you are having a difficult pregnancy, you may have to look at other travel options for the babymoon. If you do travel by plane to your destination, purchase a travel health insurance plan.

Where should your R & R with your significant other take place? Adventure is something to be relished, but your comfort level should take precedence. You want to go to a civilized location where medical care is available. You also need to choose a spot that is safe and hygienic.

Shorter flights are a smarter option. You are better off flying from north to south, as opposed to east to west, as the jet lag involved will be reduced. You want to feel as healthy as possible and you do not want your energy levels to drop too much as this will dampen your spirits and interfere with the romantic moments you have planned.

Select a destination where the temperature will be mild and comfortable. This is not the time when you want to be too close to the equator baking in the sun. In the same way, you do not want to freeze either. Thinking of these things will help to make your babymoon as memorable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Asbestos

Most people know very little about asbestos. It's only when they're halfway through renovations and realise they're dealing with the deadly material, or tragically when they or someone they know is suffering from an asbestos-related disease, that they start looking for information.

It's vital that if you're thinking about renovating your home - or even doing simple maintenance work - you arm yourself with enough facts and knowledge to protect yourself and your family.

Over the last 20+ years of inspecting asbestos in buildings, we've heard all the common questions. Here are a few of them.

Is asbestos still a danger today?

Yes! The reality is that two thirds of the houses in Australia today will have had asbestos used in their construction in some form. That means there's a significant chance that there is still asbestos present in your home today. But don't panic - asbestos-containing materials are generally safe as long as they are well-maintained. It's only once damaged, by external factors like weather conditions or human interference, that asbestos dust is produced, releasing the dangerous fibres into the air.

How much exposure to asbestos is dangerous?

Several studies have tried to answer this question - unfortunately, there is still no definitive answer.

There have been autopsies of deceased individuals who had asbestos embedded in their bodies, but who did not suffer from asbestos-related disease.

Conversely, there are reports of minimal or apparently single exposures to asbestos that have caused disease and even death.

There are also contributing factors such as smoking that make the likelihood of acquiring an asbestos-related disease that much greater. As with most things, it's all about managing the risk. The less exposure, the less risk!

How do I tell whether or not it is asbestos?

It can be hard to identify asbestos. For example, fibrous cement sheeting made in the early 1980s with asbestos is visually identical to that made in the mid 1980s without asbestos.

The only definitive way to tell is to do a sample analysis through microscopic examination. Vinyl tiles and sealants often require further testing using X-ray diffraction or scanning electron microscopy to prove asbestos content.

Although studies are unsure about how much exposure to asbestos is dangerous, one thing is very clear: asbestos exposure gives no second chance (like touching a high voltage cable) and the breathing in of asbestos dust cannot be reversed. If you are unsure of the presence of asbestos, do not touch it and have it checked before proceeding further.

Physical Therapy for Knee Replacement - What Patients Should Expect

When you have had a knee replacement, you have not only experienced major surgery, you have completely redone an important part of your physical make up, replacing what is natural with plastic and metal. You should expect this to require many months of recovery and up to a year before your new knee feels completely comfortable. Physical therapy will begin in the hospital on the very day you have surgery. Your leg may be placed in a continuous passive motion machine which will gently move the leg for 4 to 6 hours a day, each day that you are in the hospital. Physical therapy will start on the day after your surgery.

By the time you are released from the hospital, depending on how well you are coping post-surgically, you should be able to walk with the assistance of a walker or crutches, as long as the surface is even, go up 2 or 3 stairs, be able to extend your knee full and be able to bend it at a 90 degree angle. Your physical therapist will teach you to go upstairs leading off with your unaffected leg and go down stairs by leading off with the leg you had surgery on. Remember during the time that you are having physical therapy for knee replacement, it is important that while you do the exercises to improve your knee daily, it is just as important that you do not try to rush the return of your daily routine.

It's important to remember that during healing you not use a pillow under your knee while laying down or sitting to avoid the knee staying in that bent position. Swelling will be common and can be treated by elevating your ankle and knee above your heart and using ice packs. Creams like Ben Gay which are used as analgesics should not be used on your knee. The greatest physical therapy for knee replacement patients is walking. When appropriate, biking and swimming are also encouraged, usually 4-6 weeks after surgery, making sure to take care how you enter and exit a pool or use the bike. Stationary bikes should have no resistance on the pedals.

While physical therapy for knee replacement recover may continue on for several months, other activities can be slowly added back into your schedule. After six weeks, normal physical relations with your partner may resume. If you play golf, this may be resumed after 12 weeks, but activities that cause excessive stress and can wear out a replaced knee quickly include football, jogging, jumping, and other jarring activities that may loosen the hardware. As each knee may only be operated on twice with this type of surgery, it's very important to follow the instructions of your doctors and physical therapists carefully.

Easing Your Toddler's Fear of the Dentist

Is it time for you to take your toddler to the dentist for the first time and they are dealing with feelings of fear and anxiety? Maybe they are afraid because of some of the things they've heard from some friends, or they may be dealing with the effects of images they've seen on different television shows. Well, there are several things you can do to help your child get over these issues.

One of the things you can do is try to schedule an appointment at the same time that they will be going. See if the dentist has an opening for both of you. Now, of course you wouldn't want to be getting your work done at the same exact time that your toddler is. That's because you'd want to be in the room with them to show support if necessary. With that being said, if your little one knows that you will both basically be in the same shoes, it will most likely help your child feel a little better and more courageous. They won't have to feel as if they are going at it alone.

It may even help if you get your checkup done before them. They can even sit in the room with you to witness the process. Once you are done it will give them an opportunity to see that they will also get through it without any harm or serious complications. Sometimes, all children really need is to be reassured by what they see and not just by what someone says.

Another thing you can do to help your kid get over the fear of the dentist is talk with the dental professional beforehand to see if the specialist can contribute to easing your child's fears. If the person who will be conducting the checkup is already aware of the issues, there's a better chance that they will be more sensitive to what's going on. This isn't to say that dentists in general aren't sensitive to the hesitations of children. However, when there are special circumstances such as these, making them aware gives them an opportunity to put forth extra effort if necessary.

Lastly, you can also have a chat with your toddler before the visit. It doesn't have to be a long drawn out conversation. However, try to see if you can find out the root cause of their fearfulness. You can also talk to them about how beneficial and harmless dental visits really are.

So, if your child is experiencing feelings of fear before a trip to the dentist, there are several things you can do to help ease those anxieties. You don't have to feel hopeless when situations such as these arise.

The Truth About Fat Loss

Every January millions of people become somewhat motivated to make a huge change in their lives. Some people want to make more money. Others want to build a better relationship with a family member or just be a better person overall. However, there is one New Year's Eve resolution that stands out from the rest. It is one that most people try to accomplish several times before giving up. What do you think I am referring to? Losing weight.

I am sure that even you have tried now and again to lose a couple pounds, only to gain it all back. Maybe you were doing great and then a birthday party came along and there was some pizza... and cake... and ice cream... and a few cookies. Let's be honest. Everyone falls off the wagon every once in a while, no matter how disciplined you are.

I want to start off by saying I really dislike people using scales for the wrong reason. You see, scales can be very misleading. All too often I see different people check their weight every day and sometimes several times per day. The main goal for them is to lose WEIGHT. Well, if you want to lose 2 pounds, cut off one of your hands. I mean if all you care about is what the scale reads, then what does it matter where the weight comes from? Okay obviously I am kidding. We are talking about FAT LOSS here, not WEIGHT LOSS. Some people lose 10 to 20 pounds while dieting but still look fat... how can this be? Well, they probably lost a ton of muscle and almost no fat. This is why it is important to forget the scale and just look in the mirror. If you want to use a scale to track weight and the end of the week every week at the exact same time, this can be beneficial. But checking it more than that will only discourage you. Go drink a bottle of water and guess what, you will weight a pound more... but did you gain a pound of fat? See my point?

The real way to keep on track is to start off with a certain number of calories, carbs, proteins, and fats and continuously cut back on these numbers as you get further and further into your diet. To find what numbers you need to start with, search TDEE calculator on Google and you will soon come up with good guidelines. The key to winning the battle is CONSISTENCY. Don't get freaked out if you don't look perfect after one week. Or even 4. You will see results if you keep doing the same thing every week, and remain in a calorie deficit.

An Effective Way to Protect Yourself and Your Employees From Hearing Damage

Excessive noise can cause serious problems when left unattended. It often results in severe health problems, such as hearing loss. You can check your workplace noise levels by working with a company offering noise assessment and inspection. This allows you to improve business processes or other aspects you might have overlooked.

Workplace Noise

Too much exposure to high levels of noise can severely damage your employees' hearing. This can affect their ability to communicate and interact in the workplace, and their quality of life. You can prevent such damage by making sure the noise in the workplace stays within tolerable levels.

The government designed certain regulations to protect employees from damage caused by workplace noise. The regulations apply to all workplaces in Great Britain, including those in the entertainment industry such as pubs, clubs, and theaters.

The Role of Employers

Employers must schedule a noise risk assessment to find out if the noise in the workplace is safe or hazardous for the employees. This is a requirement for all business owners, and the government may give appropriate sanctions to violators. Make sure you hire competent people to do the assessment. Doing so can help you identify if any of your employees is affected, and will allow you to decide which action is appropriate.

Environmental Noise

The level of environmental noise in the workplace affects you and your employees' safety. Sources of hazardous occupational noise often include heavy machinery, and high-powered tools and equipment. Your equipment might be too old, which leads to malfunctioning or excessive noise. Reduce the noise by fixing or replacing outdated machinery with new ones. You can create a safe working environment by removing excessive noise risks. This way, you can encourage increased employee productivity.

Choosing a Noise Assessment Company

Choosing the right company is the key to reducing or eliminating the noise in your workplace. Make sure the firm you are considering has extensive experience in investigating and assessing environmental or occupational noise levels. They should use the right procedures to make sure the noise in your workplace meets the appropriate safety standards set by the government. A good firm must identify measures needed to protect workers from damage. Their findings and technical reports should be detailed and easy to understand. Here are some of the particular services a noise assessment company may offer:

- Entertainment Industry Noise Testing

- Factory Noise Assessments

- Industrial Noise Assessments

- Other Workplace Noise Assessments

- Planning Applications

- Noise Impact Assessments

- Investigation of Nuisance Complaints

- Site Monitoring to ensure compliance with planning consent or permits

A healthy workforce leads to a productive business. Start caring for your workers by reducing or eliminating the noise in your work area. Go online and look for reliable companies that can provide outstanding results. Browse their websites and learn how effective noise risk assessment can help you create a better workplace and a healthier workforce.

Managing Fibromyalgia Pain

Approximately six million people in the U.S. suffer from fibromyalgia pain. I was diagnosed with this horrible condition when I was just a teenager, and throughout the past few years I have worked very hard on managing and reducing the pain.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is still a mystery to the medical community because it consists of:

• Pain throughout the body
• Symptoms of arthritis without having arthritis
• Severe pain at specific tender points, usually in the joints
• Gnawing or burning sensation in the body, especially the joints
• Severe fatigue
• Painful muscle twitches

Someone with fibromyalgia may only suffer from certain symptoms and only some of the time as the symptoms may come and go. In addition, some people will feel pain only in certain areas of their body and not others. Many doctors believe that their patients suffering from fibromyalgia are just imagining the pain because there are no tests that come back conclusive for anything else. These doctors rarely treat patients with this condition.

There are a few steps to manage the pain of fibromyalgia:

1. Find a doctor who is willing to work with you to treat the symptoms - this is really all they can do at this time since medical research has not found anything that will cure this condition.
2. Possible meds - there are nerve blocking medications that won't knock you out, such as Gabapentin. There are several other medications, but the basic way they work is that they block your brain from thinking that there is pain when there really isn't. This has worked well for me.
3. Get as much rest when you can - for many of us this is the hardest thing for us to do. But, we do need to listen to our bodies and ensure that we are getting the rest that we need for our bodies to feel rejuvenated in the morning.
4. Try new things - just laying around can't be good for a person (my doctor told me to lay around and not do anything). Just laying around all the time will give you even more joint problems. Your joints are meant to move around, so move them. I hit the gym as much as possible and I have found that it works quite well for me to manage the pain since I feel much less pain after a good workout. This may not work for everyone, so start slow and stay just outside of your comfort zone. I have had many nights where I have skipped the gym because I was just hurting too bad. Try going on walks, try swimming, or any other physical activity possible to keep you active and help move your joints.
5. Lose weight / keep the weight off - the more we weigh, the harder it is on our joints in general. Maintaining a healthy weight will allow your joints to have the least amount of stress from everyday movement as possible. This will also help reduce the risk for other joint issues.
6. Don't get hooked on the pain pills - I have had a few visits with doctors who just want to shove Vicodin or some other pain killer down my throat. I'm sorry, but I'm just too busy to be a functioning pill popper. I'd rather get rid of the pain without pain killer. By the way, if it truly is fibromyalgia, then you'll get a feeling of being high from the pain killers, but it won't take the pain away.
7. Plan for downtime - I listen to what my body is telling me. I know when I have a really big day (i.e. moving, cleaning out the garage, etc.) that I need to schedule in a day or two for some good downtime. I'll be spending the next several hours, up to a day or two, in bed just sleeping or watching TV on the couch. My entire body will be exhausted and every joint and muscle in my body will ache. Scheduling this time in will help in ensuring that your schedule for other things is not interrupted.

These are a few things I have learned throughout my journey with fibromyalgia. I am currently a fully-functioning mother, wife, employee, and blogger. I am able to work full-time and rarely have to take a day off because of my pain. Getting ahead of the pain is key, anticipating it's next strike by listening to your body and realizing patterns, will assist in managing the pain that you will likely, yet quite unfortunately, suffer from for the rest of your life. Learning how to manage it now will help you to live a normal life with this condition.

What tips have you learned along your travels with pain management?

Tips to Help You During Heart Surgery Recovery

If you need to undergo heart surgery, you may be worried about the recovery period afterward. The length of it will likely depend on the specific type of operation you are having, as well as the condition it is treating. You should listen to your doctor when it comes to getting ready for the healing period, but he or she might not tell you a few details that could help as you recover.

You will likely need a caregiver for at least the first few weeks after heart surgery. This is because you can expect to need to rest or even sleep a lot. Plus, you may be on pain medications that make you drowsy and barely able to function normally as your body heals itself. This is why you should get a friend or relative to help you throughout the day. He or she would ideally stay with you at all times, but if that is not possible, he or she should check on you frequently as you recover. You can also hire a professional caregiver temporarily, which your insurance may help pay for.

Rest is not the only important aspect of the recovery period for heart surgery. If you want to heal properly, you will need to eat a healthy diet. Since it can be hard to cook for yourself while you recover, you should have your caregiver prepare meals or at least plan easy meals for you to cook. Many patients also find it a good idea to tell their loved ones about the operation ahead of time so people can bring them meals as they recover. There are even entire websites people can use to sign up to bring recovering patients dinner every night of the week so they do not have to cook for weeks.

You will be advised to limit your activity as you heal. You will likely be told by your doctor not to lift items that weigh more than ten pounds, nor should you push or pull anything heavy. Even driving and standing in one spot for more than 15 minutes is often not recommended. However, you can usually ride in a car when someone else drives, which is good since you will have some follow-up doctor appointments after heart surgery.

You can ask your surgeon for specific instructions after the operation. But some doctors forget to advise patients on a few particular details, which is why paying attention to tips can help. If you are ever in doubt about whether you can do something after heart surgery, you should call your doctor.

8 Tips for Choosing a Fibromyalgia Health Coach

Choosing the right health coach for you is a decision you don't want to make lightly. Just like different business coaches and athletic coaches have different philosophies and styles, so do health and wellness coaches.

Here's some guidelines to help you make the best choice possible for you and your situation:

1. Find a coach who is a fibromyalgia expert.

If you've been diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as fibromyalgia, and you want to learn how to live well with that illness or discover treatment options available to you, only a health coach who understands that illness can help you effectively.

Not all health coaches focus on helping the same kind of people. If you have fibromyalgia, you don't want to work with a coach who primarily trains healthy athletes. That's a great recipe for ending up in a fibro flare!

This means you'll want to choose a fibromyalgia health coach. Helping women with fibromyalgia should be their key focus, not a service that they've tacked on as a subset of what they offer everyone else.

2. Opt for a coach who understands your struggles.

Now that you know you want a fibromyalgia health coach, you need to find one who has already gone through what you are trying to overcome. Many of us became coaches because we worked with a coach ourselves, found success, and wanted to "pay it forward" and help others find the same success.

This means that if you want to lose weight, find a fibromyalgia health coach who has lost weight themselves. If you want to walk a 5k with fibromyalgia, find someone who has walked a 5k with fibromyalgia. If you want to find healing from fibromyalgia, find a coach who used to be sick who is now living the kind of life you want to live!

By choosing a fibromyalgia health coach who has "been there, done that", you'll have someone who truly understands the struggles you face, can give you practical advice, and who won't blindly accept your excuses. (grin)

3. Make sure your health coach is up-to-date on the latest research.

There is so much conflicting information out there when it comes to nutrition, fitness, health, and fibromyalgia -- plus, it's changing continually. Even scientists can't agree when it comes to some things!

You want to choose a fibromyalgia health coach who loves research, reading, learning, and growing. If she doesn't, it's really easy to get behind and end up giving YOU bad information.

You want a coach who loves this stuff, can stay on top of the latest research -- and will share it with you and your doctors.

4. Decide what type of coaching personality you need for your journey.

As health coaches, we all have different personalities -- and as a client, so do you!

Some health coaches are like drill sergeants, where others are encouraging cheerleaders. Some focus on teaching you how to figure things out yourself, where others offer their own tried and true practical advice and solutions. Many of us are a combination of things.

In the past, I've hired two different types of personal trainers. The first one would say, "Come on! You can do one more!" The second one said, "Do you think you can do one more?"

I learned that for me the second type of coach is best. She made me want to try harder, to see if I could do just one more. The other one made me want to quit right then and say, "No! I can't!"

Decide which type of personality you need, then find that type of coach.

5. Look for a health coach with great troubleshooting skills.

It's one thing to work with your coach when everything is going well. It's a whole different thing when you feel like you've done everything right, but the results you want keep slipping through your fingers.

This is where troubleshooting becomes really important. A coach with great troubleshooting skills will be able to discover what is blocking you, your health, and your progress. She can then help you get past those blocks so you can start living the life you want to live.

When I ran the support department of a local software company, I always told my staff to, "look for the question behind the question." This helps me today with coaching. Often the question you ask isn't the question in your heart. There's usually a "question behind the question."

6. Choose how much time -- and energy -- you have to work on your health.

Do you want a coach who can teach you how to grow, cook, and make everything from scratch?

Or do you want a coach who will give you simple, practical ideas to make adding healthy habits into your life easier?

I find with my clients that if it takes too much energy, or is too complicated, it just won't happen. We fibro babes have limited energy to begin with, am I right?

So it all depends on what you need and want. Take a little time as you're thinking about your search to decide how much time you have to work on changing your habits and your health -- then find a coach who will provide you what you need for the time and energy you have.

7. Ask for a free consultation to check for individualized coaching.

Fibromyalgia health coaching should be a one-on-one, individualized service. With something that varies as much as fibromyalgia symptoms do, a coach must tailor their coaching to meet the specific needs of each individual client.

A free consultation is a great way to find out if the coach you're thinking about working with can offer you an individualized program. If you leave your consultation feeling like you received "cookie cutter" answers or a pre-printed solution, then keep looking!

8. Get a guarantee and get it in writing.

Just like any reputable business, a good fibromyalgia health coach should be willing to offer you a guarantee in writing. It's a reflection of their integrity and the confidence they have in their skills in being able to help you.

Since coaching is a two-way street, you should also expect to sign a contract or agreement when you enter into a professional coaching relationship. This contract should outline what you can expect from your coach and what she expects from you. The contract should also outline what needs to happen in order for you to take advantage of your guarantee.

Action Steps

Make sure you do your research, then schedule a complimentary consultation with a couple of different coaches to see which one fits you and your needs the best. With a good guarantee, you won't have anything to lose by giving health coaching a try!

More Than Just Bone Health: The Many Reasons Why Your Body Needs Vitamin D

Vitamin D might just be the most popular nutrient to ever exist; products that contain high amounts of this vitamin, such as milk and breakfast cereals, proudly boast this fact on their packaging. This immense popularity is well deserved, as vitamin D is essential to ensuring prolonged bone health. In fact, the reason your favorite brand of milk contains vitamin D is to protect your bones. Starting in the 1930s, the US government began fortifying milk with vitamin D to combat rickets, a then widespread condition that causes bones to become soft and weak.

Despite its sterling reputation, many Americans fail to get enough vitamin D on regular basis; the National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 36 percent of Americans fall into this category, though a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine put this figure at a much higher 77 percent. Regardless of actual number, it is safe to say that the diets of many Americans are sorely lacking in Vitamin D.

The problem of vitamin D deficiency is magnified when all of the benefits of this nutrient are taken into consideration. While it's common knowledge that vitamin D helps build strong and resilient bones, research has linked vitamin D consumption with reduced risks of depression, muscle pain and even cancer. Below are some of the lesser-known benefits of wildly popular vitamin.

Depression - Neglecting vitamin D might be the reason for your downbeat attitude. A team of researchers from the University of Texas recently concluded a massive study on depression and vitamin D, observing 12,500 participants over a four year span. The researchers found that subjects with exceedingly low levels of vitamin D were most at risk to suffer from depression. These findings were echoed by another study conducted by an American-based doctor, who found that her patients' depression symptoms improved dramatically after taking significant amounts of Vitamin D supplements.

Dementia - A study released in 2010 suggested a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and dementia. This particular study examined 858 adults over the age of 65, and found that subjects with the lowest levels of vitamin D were also the most likely to suffer from dementia symptoms. Specifically, elderly subjects deficient in vitamin D were 60% more likely to experience a general decline in cognitive abilities, and 31% more likely to have problems organizing their daily activities.

Muscle and Bone Pain - Do you frequently deal with pain in both your muscles and bones? The blame for this persistent problem might lie with your diet. A 2003 study sought to explain why 150 children and adults suffered from chronic bone and muscle pain. The one common factor in all 150 subjects? A noticeable deficiency in vitamin D.

Six years later, a report issued by the prestigious Mayo Clinic reinforced this theory, noting that patients afflicted with chronic pain had worse symptoms if their diets lacked vitamin D. According to Mayo Clinic doctors, subjects low in vitamin D required twice the amount of pain medication as other patients.

For those suffering with joint pain, a vitamin D supplement might prove especially useful. One such supplement with an impressive track record of success is Arthri-D3®, which contains 1000 IU (individual units) per serving.

Being Overweight and Obese - Extra body weight is typically associated with a junk food-heavy diet. While this notion is usually true, new evidence indicates that low levels of vitamin D can also lead to a bigger waistline. A researcher from the University of Michigan found that people lacking in vitamin D were particularly susceptible to rapid gains in weight. Likewise, a study authored by the University of Minnesota reported that increasing vitamin D consumption could assist with weight loss. Of course, vitamin D alone won't shed those excess pounds, so people who are overweight or obese should still exercise regularly and eat healthier.