To Botox or Not To Botox This Christmas

To Botox or Not To Botox This Christmas

Are you bothered by wrinkles to stick needles into your face? This is the question millions of Americans will be asking themselves about the Botox craze.

This anti-wrinkle shots was approved by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA). But is this wrinkle shots the right one for you?

Botox is short for “Botolinum Toxin” the substance that caused botulism. This is sometimes a fatal form of food poisoning. Sounds scarier! Botox merely interrupts nerve impulses to muscles in the face.

Botox are the biggest thing since nose jobs. It is considered the most popular cosmetic procedure among Americans. About 1.8 million Americans got the shots this year alone — a drug originally approved to calm twitchy eye muscles. Approved by FDA for a removal of certain wrinkles, expect clinics to be inundated by people yearning to be wrinkle free.

The creases between the eyebrows when you frown, the lines that furrow the forehead when you raise your eyebrows and crows feet that appear when you squint, these are all caused by tension in underlying muscle, which squeeze and contract the skin like accordion. Botox shall keep this from happening.

Fortunately, the following are the not so serious side effects of Botox:

1. Allergic reactions are rare

2. In most cases, the worst is that you will lose the ability to raise your eyelids all the way

3. It will leave you drooling, if you’re getting shots around the mouth

4. You might not able to frown or raise your eyebrows or squint

5. After a while, it wears off which means you have to go back every 6 months at up to $600 per treatment

In Hollywood, some directors, complain that their leading actors and actresses can no longer perform a full range of facial expressions. Hahaha

This is not to discourage Botox enthusiasts. To tell you, Botox isn’t cure-all. Don’t mind getting shot up with poison and don’t mind paralyzing parts of your face. Please don’t end up looking worst this Christmas! Merry Christmas and always wear a smile this coming 2008!

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Life is Good! Welcome to 2008!

Life is Good! Welcome to 2008!

Welcome to 2008! While some people are convinced that this year is going to be hard and bad, I say the future is what we make it. Please don’t start the year with negative vibes, ignore those people who are always complaining and whining. As you can see, they are the people who always see a glass half-empty. Avoid them and remember just believe in yourself, believe in miracle.

Vitamins are not miracle pills though. Of course, vitamins and minerals can’t cure everything, but they can do a lot. But I really tempted to think of them that way, a miracle. Anything that can help me look younger, live longer, stave off heart disease and cancer, boost my energy, enhance my immune system and my libido certainly sounds pretty a miracle to me.

In the last decade, researchers concluded that supplements do indeed play a major role in improving one’s health through heightened immunity and reduced stress levels. I’m faced with overwhelming choices and varieties when I go shopping for my vitamins and minerals. More and more rigorous scientific studies and researches accumulate showing spectacular health benefits from these nutritional supplements. Something that people are now more confused.

Why take vitamins? What’s a person who wants to take vitamins and minerals in a responsible and safe manner supposed to do? All you really want to know, after all, is what really works. But in this ever-expanding and fast-changing arena of nutritional therapy, you can’t always get all the answers to some of your frequently asked questions about vitamins and minerals. All you have to do is to be well keep up-to-date with the latest information, important discoveries and news on nutritional health.

I’m happy that my doctor is increasingly open to nutritional therapy, with all of the scientific breakthroughs in the area of medicine and health. Unlike years ago, I may be pleasantly surprised to find my doctor willing to work with me to find the right dosages and supplements. And this brings me to another important point that vitamin and mineral supplements should be treated with the same concern and care for safety like I would with prescription medicine or drugs.

Just a friendly reminder, large doses of certain minerals can be toxic too. Some can cause side effect, example of these is niacin that can cause hot flashes for us women. Some minerals can interact with medications that you might be taking. So it’s very important to work with your doctor closely and mention any supplements you’re taking. This is especially true if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. In addition to these, supplements are not a substitute for good nutrition. And therefore, one should get her healing vitamins and minerals from foods whenever she can.

Remember this, play a healthy role in your life always. Feel good and get always the best for your health this coming 2008. Don’t forget to nourish your beautiful mind also. Try to find out the important connections between nutrition and wellness.

Let me wish you a healthy and happy year ahead!

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No Sex in The City This Christmas?

Lack of libido seems to be an epidemic this Christmas Season. And you better not watch out and you better cry, Santa Clause is not coming to town?

Has the sizzle disappeared from your sex life? Is generating heat in bed seems like Mission Impossible? Low libido is widespread these days. And the Good News! You are not alone, because more than forty percent (40%) of American women have sexual dysfunction. And the better news, you can change the situation — start now!

There are many benefits of a healthy sex life. Good round of sex relieve pain, boost your heart, lowers your risk of breast cancer and keeps you healthy. The doctor’s advice: Sex after a heart attack is safe. Intercourse burns about 200 calories, this is equivalent to thirty (30) minutes of running vigorously. Good sex leaves its mark on your whole body. And because of this, it gives you a healthy and a glowing skin and a fairer complexion. Remember this, married people live longer than singles do.

So bring back the desire and the fun into your bedroom. Here are my simple and natural tips to increase your libido with pleasure:

1. Eat a well-balanced diet
2. Have a regular exercise
3. Avoid high-fat foods
4. Try the tested Ginseng (Chinese, Korean Red, etc.)

Sometimes, at the end of the day, I was very tired and I can’t think about sex anymore. I try Ginseng, an aphrodisiac that enhances my physical performance and my sexual performance as well. It may take some time for ginseng to work. Believe me it is magic and it is worth waiting for.

But fatigue and stress is not always the culprit. Hormone imbalance is sometimes the villain for us women. The ups and downs of hormone affect women of all ages. And this condition causes our libido to lay low.

For those women whose low libido is related to menopause. This is because of “lack of testosterone” and both men and women rely on testosterone for sex drive. Since the cause is known, cheer up! It is only Oatmeal to the rescue! Oatmeal (try oat straw, oat bran or wild oats) will raise your testosterone levels quickly and safely. It also decreases dryness in your vagina and leads to increase sensation and pleasure.

You can also try the nutrient L-arginine, the “Natural Viagra” that is known to work for us women. It is less costly and no side effects. Believe me, it will surely improve your sex life. Take it from me. Wanna bet?

What feels good is good for you. Just remember, sometimes your turn-on can leave your partner cold. There are no ending remedies for an ailing or dying sex life. It is important that you know the source of your problem and after knowing the source or cause of the problem. Follow my above simple remedies. Sit back, relax and wait for the fireworks to begin this New Year!

Merry Christmas and an abundant sex life this coming New Year!

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My Healthy Resolutions for 2008!

 

First thing first, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all! This coming New Year I expect Blessings, an abundance of good luck, good fortune and good tidings for all this year. But what is life without good health? The answer is Short!

 

To start the New Year right, I promise to do the following Seven Healthy Resolutions for a long, healthy and fulfilling life:

1.  Say my prayers, and I will kiss and hug more often. Say a prayer and always thank God for my blessings. I will let my loved ones know how much I love them and care for them. I will spend some time kissing and hugging too! My favorite!
2. Simplify my life. At this moment of my life, I decided what really matters to me and get rid of excess baggage.
3. Learn how to relax. I will consider the sources of stress in my life and look for ways to alleviate or lessen them.
4. Have my regular check-ups. At my age I will have a complete medical examination annually. As a woman I must learn how to examine my breasts and do so monthly. Get a regular pap smear test to detect cervical cancer.
5. Be fit and strong. My muscles, I use them or I lose them. For me, being fit doesn’t have to be drag. I will start an exercise program to keep myself in good shape and top form, balanced by a healthy diet.
6. Be good to myself. I will be vigilant about protecting myself from toxic chemicals and pollution. I will take responsibility for my health and vitality.
7. Protect the environment. I promise to live and to leave this world a better place for my children and their children’s children.

This is my life, I will choose life, I will choose health! Again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Urinary Tract Infection: Symptoms And Preventions

Our risk of infection goes up as we grow older. Although infection is painful, it can easily be cured with antibiotics.

The most common urinary tract infection that we can get is cystitis. Bacteria always live on our skin and in our anal area. Germs can get into the urinary tract and travel up the urethra. It can grow in our bladder and cause swelling and pain. It can infect our urethra and our kidney as well if infection reaches them. Prone to infections are people with weak immune system, people with diabetes and those people using catheters due to kidney stones or other urinary problems.

What are the symptoms of Urinary Problems:

• If it hurts or painful to urinate. With combination of aches in lower back and abdomen.

• If your urine looks very cloudy

• If you have a fever with intense pain in your back above or near your waistline

• If you have pain in your back below the ribs that moves toward your groin

• Pain during intercourse

• Yellow discharge from the urethra

• Burning or stinging when urinating

• Strong smelling, cloudy or bloody urine

How to Prevent Urinary Problems for us Women:

• Drink lots of fluids, mostly water. At least 8-10 glasses or more if you can.

• Try supplements of Vitamin C, it slows down the growth of bacteria

• Don’t use scented soap or bubble bath, scented products can irritate the skin around the urethra

• Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton panties

• Empty your bladder every time, urinate when you have the urge to go.

• Take showers instead of baths

• Don’t have intercourse if you have symptoms of infection, wait until the symptoms are gone

• Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine and foods with a lot of spices such as black pepper.

Adult women like us are more likely to get Urinary Tract Infections than others. But those women who are sexually active are most at risk. Since the urethra is near our vagina, during intercourse, germs can move into the urethra, and then to the bladder. I suggest that the best thing a woman can do is to consult a doctor when symptoms occur or symptoms don’t go away.

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Top Ten Reasons to Love Fats

Not all Fats are created equal.

Fats are the most hated guys of nutrition, the most demonized of all nutrients and the black sheep of fine dining. Are fats really that bad? Do Fats deserve all these bad publicity?

I must admit, surely some fats do pose health risks. But please don’t jump into conclusion that fats are the killers would be. Let me tell you something, there are two kinds of fats on this fatty world of ours:

• Saturated Fats — The bad boys of the fats community. Hahaha. These are fats found in animal food. And are all associated with an increased risk of heart disease, has been implicated in prostate cancer and breast cancer.
• Unsaturated Fats — The best type is what they call monounsaturated fats. As I have searched this is plentiful in olive, canola, pecans, as well as peanut oils, shellfish and cold-water fish such as trout, mackerel and salmon.

Here are the top ten reasons to love fats:

1. Fats provide energy. There is no doubt about it. Do you agree?
2. Fats supply hormone-like chemicals, the prostaglandins that regulate blood pressure, normal blood clot formation, blood lipids, immunity and inflammation in response to injury.
3. Fats enhance flavors to foods that imparts enticing aroma to foods.
4. Fats helps your body absorbs, transport and store the fat-soluble vitamins A for strong immunity, D for absorption of calcium, E to protect cells and K for normal blood clotting.
5. Fats protect your heart. I suggest fish oil, which is composed of omega-3 fatty acids that reduces blood pressure, lowers triglyceride levels, prevent abnormal blood clotting and heart arrhythmias.
6. Fats fight obesity. Yes, I wrote it right! And you read that right! Fat can fight fat! It is true that when you are on a diet, you are usually told to cut o dietary fat, right? But there is omega-6 fat that is found naturally in meat, dairy products, sunflower oil and safflower oil. They call this conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that helps you burn body fat. OK?
7. Fats help treat arthritis. These are particularly found in fish oil that is a best treatment of “rheumatoid arthritis” in medical terms. This is a joint disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks its tissues.
8. Fats help fight cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids thwart cancer mainly by slowing the growth and spread of tumors. It also protects against cancer of the breast and colon. Just a piece of advice, avoid saturated fats for they seem to promote cancer.
9. Fats defeat depression. Again this is the turf of omega-3 fatty acids. High rate of fish consumption lowers the rate of depression. In addition to this, it relieves the symptoms of manic depression. One thing for sure, fats chase your blues away!
10. Fats rejuvenate the brain. Fats are considered the building block of your brain. It is required for normal brain development as well as for mental well-being. It may help brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, memory loss and dementia.

Are you still confused? Remember this, as a general rule, the healthiest fats are the monounsaturated oils, seconded by polyunsaturated and the last the saturated fats.

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Sigourney Weaver at 58

She was twenty nine when you saw her in that little T-shirt in the movie Alien. She is a remarkable and enormously talented actress, and at the age of 52 remains as one of the world’s great beauties. Now, she’s fifty-freaking-eight!

Sigourney Weaver was born Susan Alexandra Weaver, on October 8, 1949, in Leroy Hospital in New York City. Her father, TV producer Sylvester L. Weaver, Jr. Her mother, Elizabeth Inglis, was a British actress who had sacrificed her career for a family. In 1963, she changed her name to “Sigourney”, after the character “Sigourney Howard” in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”. She speaks fluent French and German.

Sigourney was chosen by the Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (1995). She is one of the elite ten thespians to have been nominated for both a Supporting and Lead Acting Academy Award in the same year for their achievements in two different movies.

In the film Alien: Resurrection (1997) Sigourney actually managed to sink the basketball into the hoop backwards on the first take, even though she wasn’t supposed to or intended to. No wonder, she stands 5′ 11½” (1.82 m).

She enjoys each new decade of her life. And would you believe this? Her mother who is very fit, still plays golf and her father stopped skiing in his early eighties. But they are both a little frail now, and they won’t acknowledge it. She believes that at fifty-five or sixty, she is still young and in terms of how she feels inside, not looking in the mirror, she feels thirty-eight. “I really believe that if you feel good, you look good. I’m not trying to live in the past: I’m living in the present” She said. What is her idea of the word menopause? And her answer is “Hmmm. I don’t really have one. I’ve had no sign of it so far. When I asked my mother about it – since I haven’t experience it yet, I’m curious to know when she experienced it” – her mother said “I never have”.

One of my favorite quotes of hers is “I’d rather have a small part in a movie I love than a bigger part in one I don’t care about”. She likes to act for as long as she lives and likes to die in the middle of a take. Can you imagine? Alien 97 — with a cane! hahaha

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Wake up call: Sleep well and live longer

In my previous article, Secrets of long life, I have mentioned that quality sleep is essential for long life. Here, let me discuss the relationship between quality sleep and quality life. Sleep is promoted as a necessary ingredient of a healthy life and not as a form of laziness.

Most of us, baby boomers or in our golden years still require at least seven to eight hours sleep for good health. Sleep may make us smarter and healthier. Sleep increases the ability of our immune system to fight off infection, for resetting our body’s temperature and for our memory.

Research suggests that eating right, exercising and regular, ample sleep is indispensable to long life.

Difficulty in concentrating, higher stress and lower immunity are the causes of poor night’s sleep. There are some easy steps to take so we can get more sleep even in our plugged-in and overworked present life:

• Don’t use sleeping pill or use alcohol as your sleeping pill, it disrupts normal sleep patterns

• Make your bed a sleep-and sex-only zone

• Avoid decaffeinated coffee, tea, softdrinks and chocolate after noon

• Light bulb is partly to blame, artificially illuminated rooms may disrupt sleep and sleep pathology may produce in some people

Enjoy the simple rejuvenating pleasures of a good night’s sleep. As we grow older, good sleep may prove to be more difficult and more important than it was when we were younger. Sleep well and live longer. Good night… Good sleep…

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Free yourself from fat-free and sugar-free diet

Liking for sugar is instinctive. Newborn babies can be seen to react pleasurably to it. And fat’s appeal is not that it tastes nice but that it is crucial to other tastes. The fat in ice-cream keeps the crystal small and stabilizes it, without fat, it tends to be gritty and melt too fast. Fat has large round molecules, which feel smooth on the tongue.

There may be something deeper to people’s liking for fat and sugar than molecules titillating the tongue. Several studies have suggested a link between fatty foods and mood. Foods we eat affect our mood.  Foods high in carbohydrates (pasta, chips, sweets) alters the availability of trytophan, an amino acid involved with serotonin, which regulates mood. In my opinion, sugar and fat make people feel and behave better. People who are already gloomy seem particularly susceptible. That may help explain why premenstrual women have a tendency to overdo the chocolate, and why people get fat when they give up smoking.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs and diets, suggested that although lowering cholesterol cut deaths from heart disease, it increased deaths from suicides, accidents and fights. Women with low cholesterol levels who had given birth were more susceptible to depression than those with normal or high levels. 

Taste is instinct and a habit as well. Once people are used to fatty and sugary foods, they find it hard to give them up. For now, it’s important to know that not all fats and carbohydrates are bad for you.  So, the nest time you free yourself from fat-free and sugar-free diets, don’t feel too guilty.

If you wish to share your thoughts and comments, visit my site. Thanks. 

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Secrets of Long Life

When people talk about health, wellness, fitness, what they are really hoping for is to have a long life. Nobody wants to get old. It is a human desire not to get old or extend life and live beyond 150 years old. All these profound discussions about immortality have yet to make its mark. The human body is the most complex system ever created. Longevity is largely dependent upon genetics. That is if your family members lived for a long time, chances are you will live longer too.

It was discovered that there are essential vitamins required to maintain good health that cannot be manufactured in the body. These same vitamins can prevent disease from developing, make us feel better. Aging, cancer, stem cells, tissue reengineering, cloning are the stuff of the modern day.. They reflect some of humankind’s most ancient hopes and fears. But the most important thing is prevent disease from developing, make us feel better and slow the aging process itself.

Here are the interesting secrets of long life and cutting-edge tips on how to take care of your health and live longer.

• Good Nutrition – Have the best nutrition and an attentive and tender loving care during illnesses. It should also be taken into consideration that psychological health is far more important than physical health for maintaining well-being in later life.

• Sleep – Quality sleep is essential for repairing daily cell damage, which over time could lead to cancer and breakdown of organ function. Too much sleep, however, might be worse than not enough. I have read that excess sleep can lead to depression, sloth and mental inactivity — proven impediments to long life

• Smart Habits – After good genes, smart habits might be the single most important longevity factor. Fruits, vegetables and unprocessed carbohydrates such as rice should make up most of your diet. Go easy on the red meat, protein should come mostly from fish or legumes. Moderate consumption of alcohol is good for your health. Daily consumption of a glass of wine, beer or any other kind of alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of coronary disease and heart attack.

• Exercise – Walking is particularly good for maintaining fit abdominal muscles. A regular exercise not only helps to maintain joint resilience, flexibility and balance but it also keeps the cardiovascular system healthy and the mind alert. In one published study, participants with weak abs suffered a higher death rate.

• Sex – For those men who ejaculated for less than once a month, have at least two orgasms per week. But please be reminded that increase in sexual activity, however, does not mean that swinging singles have any advantage over their coupled counterparts. Just a little piece of advice, limit sex within the context of marriage.

Everyone is absolutely fascinated with aging. We try our best to reduce the symptoms of aging and delay it as long as we can. I believe that our focus must be to live better, get healthy and fit and enjoy every minute of it. And so… enjoy a longer, richer and more fulfilling Life.

Want to know more secrets to a richer, longer, more fulfilling life? Visit my site often, or subscribe to my rss feed. A long life to you!

 

 

 

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