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Raise your hand if you are familiar with social networking. Maybe you have a Facebook profile or Twitter account. If you are currently engaged in these activities, is it for business, pleasure, or both? If you answered both, are you maintaining separate accounts or just one? In everyday life we have very well established protocols regarding the separation of these activities. For instance, you would never allow your children to accompany you in the treatment room with a client or discuss your personal matters with her other than superficial pleasantries.
The past year has been filled with news questioning the effectiveness of cancer screenings; here is something everyone needs to know: Colon cancer screening can detect the disease early and save lives. The American Cancer Society wants to emphasize that regularly scheduled colon cancer screening starting at age 50 can save lives and help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
Colon cancer is one of only two cancers (the other is cervical cancer) that can be prevented through screening. Precancerous cells called polyps can be removed before they turn cancerous. Screening can also improve survival rates dramatically – colon cancer’s five year survival rate is 90 percent when found early. However, because only about half of Americans get regular screening, only four in 10 cases are diagnosed at the early stage. Thanks to better screening and improvements in early detection and treatment, colon cancer death rates have declined in both men and women over the past two decades.
A 2009 American Cancer Society study found that long term smoking (smoking for 40 or more years) increases colon cancer risk by 30 to 50 percent. But, smokers who quit smoking can begin to reduce their risk. The Society also recommends engaging in moderate activity for at least 30 minutes on five or more days per week, limiting consumption of red and processed meat, and following a healthy diet rich in plant sources and whole grains, including five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day can also reduce the risk for colon cancer. Facts about colon cancer: -In 2009, it was estimated that 146,970 Americans would be diagnosed with colon cancer. -In 2009, it was estimated that 49,920 Americans would die from colon cancer. -Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and cause of cancer death in the U.S. in both men and in women. -African Americans have the highest incidence rate and death rate from colon cancer of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. -Colon cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Hispanic men and women. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic men and third leading cause among Hispanic women. For more information on the American Cancer Society’s recommended colon cancer screening guidelines, please visit cancer.org/colon or call 800-227-2345.
At one time apples were considered the forbidden fruit, but now they are relished as a healthful source of polyphenols and rich antioxidants. Research has shown apples to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease, control cholesterol, maintain healthy weight, and deliver antioxidant compounds to the body. If apples are this good for the body, what can they do for the skin?
Apple (Malus Domestica) in skin care is both a time-tested ingredient as well as cutting edge, because of the advancements being made with the fruit. It has long been used as a protector from oxidative stress, for skin lightening, and as a peeling agent, in the form of malic acid (L), for its exfoliation, skin smoothing, and cellular renewal properties.
Since apple, or malic acid, is slightly gentler, it allows the aesthetician to control the level of peeling – mild to mid-depth – depending on layers and preparations used. It works by digesting surface cells to soften skin then infuses it with antioxidants and hydration, leaving the skin firmed and toned.
Benefits at the core More recent advancements have turned researchers on to apple stem cells. Having used the malus extract to enhance skin care formulas for more than 20 years, I saw the potential in apple stems cells, and began watching the development unfold and incorporating the ingredient into various formulas.
In contrast to human stem cells, plant stems cells are totipotent, which means every cell has the ability to regenerate, be it a leaf, flower, stem, or the entire plant. When a plant suffers a wound, the surrounding cells will revert back to stem cells to form callus cells. Following the healing phase, cells return to their original state and begin building new tissue. This is where the technology behind apple stems cells lies – plant cells replicate their protective and healing ability to promote longevity in human cells. This process is particularly beneficial to human cells as the body ages and cell proliferation slows. Human stem cells are continually making identical copies of themselves, and separating to form specialized cells, but growth slows significantly and longevity is reduced with age. The stem cells are rich in epigenetic factors and metabolites, which further promote the perpetuation and vitality of skin cells.
An apple a day It is also important to note that epidermal stem cells die after a certain number of divisions, and the process of self-renewal is a slow one. This is significant because stem cell loss is more destructive to skin tissues than loss of differentiated cells, and is a major contributor to tissue aging. In studies, apple stem cells significantly reduced the visible signs of aging, shrinking wrinkle depth.
The ingredient has now found its way into other personal care products like body lotions and hair care. Researchers recently discovered that the ingredient not only protects from UV damage, but has also shown promise in hair care. Similar to the skin, it targets the cell to delay hair follicle aging, preventing hair loss and graying.
As research continues, uses for apple will continue to proliferate, just as the cells that make up this amazing fruit. Keep a close eye on this cutting-edge ingredient as new discoveries into its abilities and benefits continue to be revealed.
1. Provide Google with pages of industry relevant text: If Google were a spider that crawls the Internet, then the words on your website are the strands its eight cyber-legs crawl upon and memorize. The more pages of text you provide, the more you increase the chances that someone searching on Google will be shown your website in their search.
2. Quickly tell Google what your webpage is all about: Every webpage has a "Title Tag." One sentence of text displayed at the very top of your computer screen. An example is if you log onto WallStreetJournal.com, at the top of your screen you will see the text "Business News & Financial News - The Wall Street Journal" It is a great title tag as it answers the "what will you find on this webpage?" question. Make each of your title tags unique to their page.
3. Exchange links with skin care related sites for higher Google ranking: This is a hard process to do. You have to find relevant websites to trade links with, then you must contact them, and then you have to put their link on your site and vice versa. It is very time consuming. Which is exactly why Google gives you a higher ranking because they know it is not easy!
4. Tell potential customers what you want them to do on every page of your website: It is amazing how much people respond when they are told what to do. Generally for skin care practitioners, you want people to schedule an appointment. Encourage this by making sure that every single page of your web site has your contact information prominently displayed. Also, include a motivating personalized call to action on the page, like "Contact us today for beautiful skin at 555-555-5555."
by Antonio Prieto
A wedding is one of the most memorable experiences in a lifetime. With photos and videos lasting generations it is an important day for your hair to look fantastic.
By Philip Luque, Director of Artistry & Education, Youngblood® Mineral Cosmetics
When it comes to weddings, hair and makeup are just as important as the dress and guest list. Bridal makeup trends vary from season to season, but they also share similar styles throughout the year. Here, are three different looks for three different skin tones: fair, medium, and dark. When picking a foundation, always be sure it is appropriate for your client’s skin type (normal, dry or oily).
Additional Tip: I advise against using lip gloss for weddings because it can be messy if there is a veil involved or for when the bride and groom kiss.
Additional Tip: When doing wedding makeup for any skin tone, remember to always do a trial run with your looks. Be sure your bridal client is comfortable with any look you put together for her.
This might seem too simple to be important, but it could be the difference between getting a new potential customer or not getting a new potential customer…"We never get a second chance to give a first impression. Have you ever over-heard someone talking on their cell phone too loud, or rudely, and it makes you cringe? With so many people using their cell phones as both their business and personal phone, it is very easy to come across as being unprofessional. We seem to have gotten very casual when we answer our phones; but, this could be the first impression we make with a new potential customer, especially if it is a cell phone, we use for business and personal calls. Remember: When customers perceive a person or business as being professional, they will trust them more, and be willing to pay more for their services and products. Customers do not want to deal with an answering machine, especially if they have a problem or a question. When someone calls a place of business, they expect the person who answers the phone to be cheerful, professional, and knowledgeable. A little note on customer relations: When you are in your salon or your place of business, you should not be taking personal phone calls while you are with a customer. You need to give 100 percent of your attention to your customer with no distractions, as the customer is paying for your time along with the service or product you are providing.
Here are some very simple "Phone Etiquette Tips" which will help you make a fantastic, professional, first impression: • Have a smile on your face when you answer the telephone – your smile shows in your voice, and projects a friendly, ready to help attitude. • Answer the telephone by the second or third ring – most customers find it annoying, waiting for someone to answer their call. In fact, this might cost you a paying customer. • The best way to answer your cell phone, when using it for personal and for business, is to answer with a greeting and your name, for example: "Hello, this is Tammy," or... "Hello, Tammy speaking." • The best way to answer your cell phone, when using it only for business, is answer with a greeting, the name of your business, your name, and a courtesy, for example: "Hello, Tammy Taylor Nails, Tammy speaking, how may I help you?" • Always focus on the call; try not to get distracted by people around you. If someone tries to interrupt you while you are on a call, politely remind them you are on a customer call, and you will be with them as soon as you are finished. • Do not talk loudly. Keep your voice down and do not discuss sensitive matters. • Turn the ringer volume down or use the vibrate mode. • Keep personal phone calls short and few. Customers will get irritated when you are taking personal phone calls. • Do not use slang words or poor language. • At the end of the conversation, do not just hang up. End the call with a warm "Thank you for your call."
Many times, it is the simplest things that can make our businesses more profitable or less profitable.
Howard Murad, M.D., Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and founder of Murad, Inc., is encouraging everyone to “eat their water.” According to a report released by the California Department of Conservation in 2009, billions of empty water bottles are causing serious environmental problems, with more than one billion water bottles winding up in the trash annually in California alone. Instead of seeking hydration from plastic bottles, Murad suggests eating foods that are rich in structured water, such as raw fruits and vegetables, that not only help the body hold on to water longer, but provide the added boost of important antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients. By sticking to a water-rich food diet, one will actually end up eating most of the water they need each day to stay hydrated, while helping the environment in return. “As the world continues to evolve, so must our philosophies and ways of living. A focus on protecting the earth must include examining the way we drink and eat,” said Murad. “The simple act of putting down a bottle of water and picking up an apple or bunch of grapes will lead to a healthier sense of self and a healthier planet.” As water bottles fill landfill space, increase air pollution, and further destroy the ozone layer, Murad suggests everyone take steps to improve hydration and general health of the entire body by tending to the health of cells. The Science of Cellular Water™ looks at the ability of cell membranes to hold water as the fundamental marker of youthful good health. Murad has conducted extensive scientific studies confirming that cellular health can be promoted and protected internally, externally, and by managing stress – the three prongs of his Inclusive Health approach to optimal living. When cell health is optimized, cells use water more efficiently and the body’s systems function better overall. And there is no scientific evidence to prove the common notion that eight, eight ounce bottles of water per day are essential to maintaining an optimal level of hydration. Eating your water will not only increase cellular hydration but decrease your carbon footprint. Harris Shepard Public Relations, Inc.