Mustela - Skin Care Designed For Newborns, Children & Moms-To-Be

Do you worry you'll get those deep, ugly stretch marks that seem to come with pregnancy? I remember rubbing vitamin E oil on my belly when I was pregnant trying to keep from getting them. I don't know if that's what did it, but I don't have many. If you are expecting, or looking for a great gift idea for someone newly pregnant, Mustela has a Pregnancy Program Introductory Set that you're going to love! In the kit you get products to help the mom's skin during pregnancy. For instance, the Stretch Marks Double Action helps prevent and reduce new stretch marks; Specific Support Bust prevents sagging skin and soothes tension and tightness in the breasts; and Instant Comfort Legs provides immediate relief of tired legs... something I would have loved rubbed into my legs during those last couple of swollen weeks! What about sun protection for your baby? I remember wondering if I was doing more harm than good to my son by putting all those chemicals that are in most sunscreens on him. Mustela has the answer! They have sun protection for your baby made with 100% mineral based sunscreens, that are still strong enough to ensure protection against a wide spectrum of UVA (long and short) UVB and infrared rays. Over 50 years ago, Mustela began after creating a product designed specifically to cleanse the delicate skin of the newborn without the harsh drying effects of ordinary soaps. Today they are still dedicated to the special skin care needs of children and mothers and have developed products just for them.

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Get Private Pilates Instruction In Your Home

Well, kind of. At UltimatePilatesWorkouts.com you can view full-length pilates workouts taught by NYC's top instructors, for free! Or you can download them for later viewing for a low fee. If you bore easily, like I do, you probably need new workout videos every couple months. Here you'll find an array of pilates workouts. I signed up today just to see what the workouts looked like and was very impressed. They were very well done, clear, and easy to follow along with. There are many workouts to choose from with routines using balls, bands, reformers, and more. They range from 30 - 45 minutes each, which means a different one every day! Hope you enjoy your own 'private' lessons!

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Acai Packs An Antioxidant Punch

Have you heard all the talk about acai? The acai berry looks a lot like a dark, plump grape, and tastes like a blend of berries and chocolate. What it is though, is quite amazing! Considered one of Dr. Perrisone's top ten superfoods, this little fruit contains a remarkable concentration of antioxidants. Because of it's high fat content, the fruit itself deteriorates quickly and so it cannot be transported to your local grocery like many fruits. However, the berries can be made into juice or freeze-dried into acai powder, and still have a high antioxidant activity. Alone, acai berries rate just above guava for antioxidant potency, but Monavie Acai Juice has brought together a powerful mix of not only acai berries, but also included other vitamin-rich fruit extracts, put them into amazing drinks (Monavie & Monavie Active) to give you energy, vitality, and longevity. Antioxidants protect your cells from oxidative damage which is what ages us and causes health problems, acai is one of the things you can add to your diet to ensure you are getting enough.

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A New Option For Early Stage Esophageal Cancer

A little over a year ago I posted about a workmate of mine that had esophageal cancer. I'm sorry to say that he lost his battle this past spring. Now any time I see anything on esophageal cancer I sit up and take note. So, as I was thumbing through the November issue of Reader's Digest I was struck by a short article in their health section which offers a new option for patients who have very early stage esophageal cancer or Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous lining). It's called cryospray ablation.

After reading about the treatment it reminded me of how they treated the warts I once had on my hands. For them they 'froze' them, they then blistered and a scab formed and, for some of them, the wart went away with the scab. With cryospray ablation, "a gastroenterologist places a flexible endoscope down the throat of a mildly sedated patient and then sprays of liquid nitrogen freeze and kill the abnormal tissue, which sloughs off. In about four weeks, healthy tissue grows in its place." The procedure is so new that the patients are still being followed, but presumably it may cure early cancer. To learn more visit www.csamedical.com.

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When Do You Need An Orthopedic Surgeon?

An orthopedic surgeon specializes in injuries and surgeries involving the musculoskeletal system. In other words, the muscles and skeletal system that allow you to move. When thinking about my own encounters with an orthopedic physician, I realized my son and I had seen one on more occasions than I originally thought. My son has broken both his wrist and his foot, which required multiple visits. And I have a condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, which causes a high arch and hammer-toes, in addition to other problems, and has caused me to visits to an orthopedic doctor more than once. Other conditions that might send you to an orthopedic physician would be sports injuries such as ACL tears or strains or other torn ligaments, carpal tunnel problems, hip replacement, foot, ankle, or hand and finger problems or spine problems including scoliosis. The good news is, that the majority of musculoskeletal problems can be treated without surgery. However, in the cases where surgery is necessary, it is important that the physician be board certified or board eligible. Peninsula Orthopedic Associates are a group of San Francisco orthopaedic surgeons that not only have the required certifications, but they also comprise a combined experience in excess of 50 years! They are committed to providing the highest quality treatment for their patients and pride themselves in the areas of patient understanding and education. . Visit their site, not only to learn more, but also to see video animations of common surgeries and find information on sports medicine.

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Your Cell Phone Might Be Causing That Rash

One day I noticed that my sister's skin was red and peeling right where the stem of her glasses touched the sides of her head. I immediately realized she was allergic to the metal in them. It made sense since she couldn't wear earrings which contained nickel either. Lately there has been an influx of people with rashes on their faces and ears that are being caused by the nickel in their cell phones. Nickel allergies are fairly common. According to the video below, about 1 in 10 cell phone users suffers from them. If you have experienced this problem, or know someone who has, watch to see how you can be sure that is the cause, and what steps you can take to alleviate the problem.

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Send Your Mind To A Spa

Are you aware of the mind-body connection; which means what a person thinks can impact the health and well-being of the body? The fact that the placebo effect (where a patient thinks a pill, that is nothing more than sugar, is curing whatever it is that ails them) can occur proves that what we think can impact our health, for better or worse. At the Skyler Madison Center For Well Being they base their philosophy on the belief that "your thoughts not only reflect - but create - your reality." And to that end, their programs teach you how to train your mind to change your life. The belief is that symptoms that display themselves physically may be emotionally based. Therefore, the approach taken will help to rebalance energy centers of the body and reprogram old habits. How you think and feel can be under your control and therefore you can overcome dysfunctional behaviors such as overeating and smoking. Become empowered! We all have the power to make things happen in our lives, yet few people know how to harness even a fraction of our personal power. It requires exceptional mind training. At Skyler Madison you will be instructed in things such as yoga and weight loss, stress reduction, habit control and more. Visit today to learn more and set up your free consultation.

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Improve Your Running Speed With Squats

A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that weighted half-squats can improve your running speed. Using heavy weights, distance runners performed four sets of four reps three times per week. After eight weeks, they shaved the equivalent of 90 seconds off their 5-K times. Heavy lifting stresses the nervous system, which adapts by communicating with muscles more efficiently. To try it, stack a squat machine with enough weight to hold perfect form, squat, stop when your knees are at 90 degrees, then stand. Do no more than four reps max.

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Do Your Insides Need A Cleaning?

Have you noticed how popular colon cleansing has become? Celebrities do it, (I heard Sherri Shepherd say on The View that should used to do it before a big event) or at least advocate it, and there are infomercials and ads everywhere you turn for them. I have a friend who has done the Master Cleanse twice. She says the first couple of days are rough, but she loves the way she feels afterward. So just what exactly is a cleanse supposed to do for you? According to the Dual Action Cleanse website, "The idea behind a colon cleanse process is to eliminate the toxins which have built up in your digestive system. The detoxification processes of a colon cleanser treatment are so important to maintaining a healthy balance in your body that many doctors consider it to be a key to personal wellness." Dual Action Cleanse is an herbal cleanser that is specifically designed to help the body rid itself of accumulated waste such as mucous and undigested matter that can become built up in the colon. You are not required to fast while taking it, but there are a few tips you'll want to take into consideration while cleansing to obtain optimum results. If you're feeling fat and sluggish, a cleanse might be just what you need!

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Not All Breast Cancer Has Lumps

By now you've probably heard that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I've wanted to post something in honor of it, but wasn't sure exactly what. But then, while dropping Entrecards, I came across a post on AZ Mom Of Many Hats, and I knew that was it! I was really touched by a post she made entitled, My Sister's Cancer. Her post describes her sister's (Amy's) journey with breast cancer. The thing is, it's a type of breast cancer that we aren't taught to check for and I hadn't even heard of. It's called Inflammatory Breast Cancer, (I.B.C.) because it causes the appearance of inflammation in the breast -- not a lump! Her sister was doing everything right, she knew her family history, she knew to have mammograms, she knew to look for a lump when doing her self breast exams --but her cancer was not in the form of a lump, and now Amy is engaged in the fight of her life. (Follow Amy's journey at http://www.familyaffairratz.com/Amy_s_Battle_I.B.C.html.) What do you need to know to protect yourself? Although doing your monthly self exam can be a life-or-death matter, in addition, you need to be aware to look for the signs of I.B.C. which AZ Mom tells us are: S -size or swelling I -inflammation or itch S -soreness T -texture, orange peel E -engorgement, flat nipple R -redness, change in color What can you do to help win the fight against breast cancer - of all sorts? One of the easiest things you can do is to click on the pink ribbon icon at the top of my first sidebar. Clicking that button "helps fund free mammograms for women in need — low-income, inner-city and minority women whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited. Your click is paid for by site sponsors, and mammogram funding is provided to clinics throughout the U.S. through the efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation." In addition, many companies now make it easy to help. For example, Yoplait® will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, up to $1.5 million, for every pink lid you send in to them. You may also want to join in the "Komen Race for the Cure, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, with well over 1 million participants since 2005. The races raise significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrate breast cancer survivorship, and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease." Visit http://cms.komen.org to find a race in your area. And of course, donations are always welcome! Thanks to both AZ Mom and Amy for sharing this important information. We wish all the best to Amy as she struggles to become cancer free and hopefully her story will help others to recognize the signs of I.B.C. and receive early treatment.

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Kick Some Butt And Get A Trimmer, Toned Body And More!

At the gym I attend they offer martial arts classes and I've seen some of the competitions through the glass windows as I trudge along on the treadmill. There seems to be people of every age-group represented and I wondered what made them sign-up. Then I found an article at Prevention.com that helped explain it to me. The article said that, "each (type of martial arts, i.e. karate, jujitsu, judo, etc.) delivers a great workout and is good for self-defense," but additionally, they may offer even more. For instance, it's said that "they help preschoolers develop social skills and improve their attention spans; they give grade-schoolers and teenagers a confidence boost while teaching self-control; and they leave parents with greater stamina, improved endurance, and a trimmer, toned body." If you too would like to kick some butt, AMWA.com offers a great selection of martial arts uniforms, DVDs, and other martial arts equipment.

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No Cold Medicines For Children - What To Do?

You have probably heard that cough and cold medicines sold over the counter will soon carry warnings that the drugs should not be given to kids under age 4. Government advisers said the medicines are risky for young children and do not work. Decongestants, in particular, are dangerous because they are cardiac stimulants. The investigation began after more than 100 reports of children's deaths between 1969 and 2006 which were linked to OTC and prescription decongestants and antihistamines. I feel so guilty now because I have a son who, every autumn, would get either a bad cold or asthmatic bronchitis. I was always told to give him Dimetapp or Robitussin, but even then it would make me nervous and I would check on him all night long. So what are parents to do now? The good news is that there are natural remedies for coughing. For instance, in one study buckwheat honey** seemed to allow children to cough less and sleep better than a dose of cough medicine. Here are some other natural recipes you may want to try: Homemade Cough Syrup 2 large onions juice from half a lemon 1 TBSP raw honey**

Slice onions and place in a pan. Drizzle lemon juice and honey over onions. Turn oven to lowest heat and place pan inside; cook 45 minute to 1 hour. Pour off juice and discard onions. Store "syrup" (juice) in a glass bottle and label. Makes about 1 cup cough syrup. Cough-Control Tea 1. Pour hot water over 2 teaspoons organic lemon rinds, 1 teaspoon sage, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme. (Dried or fresh herbs can be used.) 2. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. 3. Strain tea, then add juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 tablespoon honey.** 4. Drink two to three cups daily for cough relief.

Homemade Cough Syrup 2 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1 Tbs honey** 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar 2 Tbs water Mix all ingredients. Take 1 tsp. every few hours as needed for cough. **Note: Honey should not be given to infants under 12 months. sources: http://www.redorbit.com/news/health http://www.prevention.com http://homemakerscottage.blogspot.com http://www.wholeliving.com http://www.recipezaar.com/56268

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Everyone Should Be Able To Get Low-Cost Medical Insurance

My husband illustrates being without health insurance to jumping from a plane without a parachute. There's a possibility that you will land over water and be OK, or maybe not. It's definitely a gamble! You may stay in great health and not even need it, but then again, you may be in a car accident and have over $300,000 in hospital bills. But if you run your own business, your company doesn't offer insurance, or you want to retire before Medicare kicks in, will you still be able to find decent rates? There's a place you can turn for low-cost medical insurance in California, with quality coverage at reasonable prices, Kaiser Permanente. Kaiser Permanente California HMO policies offer some of the best California health insurance plan benefits available. They provide affordability, adequate benefits, and trusted HMO managed healthcare. Their diverse selection of plans provides you with the options you need to find the healthcare that's right for you. Whether you want a low-hassle co-payment or an affordable deductible plan, you'll find something suited to your specific needs. So don't hit the ground! Make sure you have a parachute that works! Get quotes on Kaiser Health Plans available across the United States.

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Laugh Away The Weight?

The attached clip is of a workout video that is sooo funny! Honestly, I dare you not to laugh! My son and I did it along with her and I can see where it would be a great ab workout too. Plus, you get the added endorphins from laughing. Try it! Come On! I promise you'll feel silly at the time and great afterwards!

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Another Great Lap-Surgery Resource

Last month I mentioned that if you are obese and have tried all the conventional methods of weight-loss and still find your health to be in serious danger you may want to try lapband surgery. Today I found a site that offers lapband candidates support groups, message boards, member forums, recipes, tips for success, nutrition education, tips on learning to love the new you, and they even host free seminars many times throughout the month. Visit http://www.journeylite.com for more information.

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Why Is World Sight Day 2008 Important?

World Sight Day 2008 which is coming up on October 8. World Sight Day is included in the World Health Organization's official calendar and it's aim is to raise global attention concerning the current reality of 300 million people living with blindness and vision impairments worldwide. I personally didn't realize that 75 % of blindness cases are preventable, curable, or treatable. 75%! That's huge! In honor of, and to help raise awareness, LensShopper.com is hosting a prize drawing competition on their site that you can enter! If you'd like to win up to 1 year's supply of free contact lenses, and you have a valid prescription from an eye care professional, you are eligible. Visit them today to learn what you can do to help and possibly win contacts for yourself for a year!

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Are You Missing Your Hair?

My hubby started balding in his early 20s. By the time he was 30 there was nothing on top, just that ring around the back and sides. You know the one! So about 8 years ago he just shaved it all off. Now mind you, he really doesn't mind, even when my younger sister used to call him Mr. Baldo. And he's not alone, some men don't care, and some actually look better without hair. However, if you don't care to be called Mr. Baldo, and if your hair loss affects your self-esteem, there are now many natural-looking options available to you. One option, for a permanent solution is to visit Nu/Hart Hair Clinics. Nu/Hart has a hair solution for you that is safe, simple, effective, reliable and affordable. You can feel confident because they have performed over 30,000 individual hair restoration procedures and have over 20 years of experience in the industry. With 10 offices around the world in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Puerto Rico, Dubai, Hong Kong, Manila, and Poland, people from just about everywhere are re-growing their hair! The process to get started is very simple. You can have a phone consultation, set up a free, private, no obligation, in-person consultation with a Nu/Hart physician at a clinic near you, or you can fill out an online consultation form which will be reviewed by a Nu/Hart physician. All it takes is a click of your mouse to visit www.NuHart.com and regain the confidence, image, and appearance you once had with a great-looking head of hair.

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Skin Solutions

What do you do for these common breakouts? Read on to find some easy remedies.

• Back and Chest Acne. Ugh! White-heads and zits where you'd least expect them! The rememdy? An oil absorbing mask. (You may have to ask someone to help you apply it to your back.) Then apply an over-the-counter five or ten percent benzoyl peroxide medication or wash. It also helps to wear breathable fabircs (cotton or linen) and switch to lightweight, oil-free sun protection.
• A Sunscreen Rash. Some sunscreens can react with sun and cause a form of photocontact dermatitis. The rash usually takes about six hours to develop, by which time it's too late to wash the sunscreen off. To remedy it, take two aspirin to relieve the pain and swelling, and use a cloth soaked in ice-cold milk as a compress for five minutes, two to three times a day. Stay out of the sun and don't use makeup, which can irritate it further. For future use, try two sunscreens, one should be 'chemical-free' with titanium dioxide, and the other should contain oxybenzone or PABA derivatives. Apply one to each arm and use the one that causes no discernible reaction in the future.
• Bikini-Line Folliculitis. Shaving quickly or carelessly--without moistening the area or using a shaving cream may cause tiny red bumps along your bikini line. This happens when you nick yourself and the bacteria get in and cause a mild infection. To remedy use a chamomile tea-bag as a compress to soothe and take out the sting. Apply and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide cream. Use gel or cream every night to soothe until it goes away.

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ED Can Be A Sign Of More Serious Problems

I can clearly remember the first time my hubby, my son and I were watching a NASCAR race and a commercial came on stating, 'if your erection lasts longer than four hours see a doctor!' My son burst out laughing, and I felt like crawling under a table. Unbelievably, we don't hardly even take note of those commercials for Cialis anymore. They're just another commercial break. (and chance to run and grab a snack!) But the truth is, roughly 25% of men over the age of 65 have some degree of erectile dysfunction. And that is why you receive those 20 spam online pharmacy ads in your email inbox every day. Should you be concerned if you are experiencing ED? Yes, and you should see a physician. Why? Because the reason for a change in the way blood flows to the penis can be serious. The cause could be conditions such as hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, depression, stress, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or hypogonadism. (A low level of testosterone.) The famous Dr. Oz suggests preventing problems like that before they start, and to do that he suggests garlic, due to a chemical it contains called allicin, which works only when it's raw. Also be certain that all underlying conditions that may cause the ED are treated. Then if all else fails you can always buy Cialis.

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What To Do About The Guilt

A book I once read called guilt and worry the useless emotions. That quote helped me immensely. It's true we all worry and feel guilt to an extent, and sometimes that can be good when it moves us to action. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful. And that is the case with these two emotions. So much so that studies have shown that people with low levels of guilt were less likely to go to the doctor, or to report suffering from colds or flu. But what can you do if you find yourself constantly believing you should do, be, and please more? Ty Colbert, Ph.D., author of Why Do I Feel Guilty When I've Done Nothing Wrong? offers these suggestions:

• The moment you feel guilt, stop and ask yourself why. Identify the source of the feeling. Something that your boss, spouse, or friend said? Something you've forgotten to do, such as pay a bill? You must learn how your guilty buttons get pressed before you can defuse them.
• Decide whether you've done anything intentional or truly thoughtless to cause your guilty reaction. If you haven't you're experiencing unhealthy, not healthy, guilt.
• Disconnect the guilty button by consciously placing the blame on the person or situation responsible. For example, if your mother has said, "Can't you stay longer?" and you immediately feel guilty, unload the blame by saying to yourself, "I'm tired of her always putting me in this position. I don't deserve it and I'm not going to let her do it anymore." This is an empowering step that breaks down the guilt.

Unhealthy guilt is a way to avoid emotional pain. Asserting yourself in this way will force you to face the hurt underneath. Allowing yourself to feel this pain will be difficult, says Dr. Colbert, but it's an essential step to maturity and independence.

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