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According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is estimated that in 2009 there were 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed among women, and approximately 1,910 new cases in men. For the many men and women who have been, and will be diagnosed this year, the battle to get through treatment and surgery is only the beginning of the journey to survive. Although the feeling of survival is unsurpassed, the physical scars at times may leave some survivors anxious with their new appearance. Ruth Swissa has taken her passion and artistic expertise in the permanent makeup industry to provide areola pigmentation for breast cancer patients post reconstruction to help renew self-confidence and boost self-esteem. "Many of my patients have said that waking up every morning, and looking in the mirror is a constant reminder of their battle, which although comes with a sense of pride, it also at times causes insecurities because they don't feel like themselves," says Swissa. Micropigmentation is an alternative method of creating a realistic nipple and areola after a mastectomy, to achieve a more symmetrical shape and even coloring using artistic light and shade effects. Swissa works closely with her patients in order to achieve the desired coloring and size to create a natural looking effect. This procedure takes less than an hour and is usually painless. Ruth uses a customized medical tattooing technique for applying permanent makeup for areola pigmentation. This unique method proves to be more exact, very gentle, and less invasive than traditional cosmetic tattooing. The results look more natural and subtle in appearance.
The search for safe and effective relief from osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that occurs when joint cartilage wears down over time, can feel like an uphill battle. Certain natural remedies can bring lasting relief from OA according to the Arthritis Research Council (ARC) study and other experts. That is good news, since the pain, stiffness, and loss of flexibility from arthritis makes it the nation's most common cause of disability.
One massage, and call me in the morning Spa-lovers with osteoarthritis will be pleased to learn that all those massages that leave you feeling loose and limber are doing more than just helping you relax. According to a 2006 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Swedish massage improves flexibility, decreases pain, and increases range of motion in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Low-impact exercise "When people start to hurt, they tend to cut back on exercise," notes Michele Olson, Ph.D., professor of exercise physiology at Auburn University Montgomery and Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. But that is a mistake, as inactivity can make pain and stiffness even worse. Olson recommends Pilates and swimming or doing aqua-aerobics, but she emphasizes the importance of choosing gentle, weight-bearing exercise. Michael Murray, N.D. suggests that a person should find something they love, and find a way to continue doing it: If walking on concrete sidewalks is too hard on the joints, walk on the golf course.
Spice rub Using a gel containing capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili, is very effective at providing temporary relief from osteoarthritis pain. Studies have found that capsaicin can deplete the substance that acts to transmit pain signals from nerve endings to the brain and cause inflammation in the joints.
Healing herbs An ARC study evaluated several herbs and herbal combinations and found that one stood above the rest. Phytodolor, a branded combination of three herbs – aspen (Populus tremula), common ash bark (Franxinus excelsior), and golden rob herb (Solidago vigaurea) effectively manages the pain and inflammation associated with OA. Some studies have shown that aspen contains a substance that when ingested inhibits the production of certain prostaglandins in the nerves, resulting in pain relief. Common ash bark and golden rob herb also have pain-relieving properties, and common ash bark is an antioxidant – meaning it may reduce oxidative damage in the joint. The combination of the three herbs has been shown in animal studies to reduce inflammation. No major adverse effects have been reported, though some people do experience diarrhea, stomach upset, or skin reactions.
The SAMe Game First discovered in 1952 and widely investigated for its usefulness in treating depression, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is now showing promise as a treatment for OA. SAMe is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the body, where it contributes to the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. Studies suggest that when taken as a supplement, SAMe reduces pain and also stimulates the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans, which are the major components of joint cartilage. Adverse effects are infrequent and mild, but can include nausea, restlessness, headache, dry mouth, and stomach upset. People with depression should consult with a healthcare provider before taking SAMe, as some incidences of anxiety and mania have been reported. Copyright© HealthyLifestyles.com
This survey was created in partnership with the National Psoriasis Foundation and Galderma Laboratories, L.P.
Within this issue, as well as our November and December 2010 issues, we will be printing important findings revealed from the recent survey, "The Impact of Psoriasis on Personal Relationships." This survey, sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, was distributed to the National Psoriasis Foundation membership database via Survey Monkey. The survey was completed by approx 1,520 people; statistics below represent the percentage of people who answered a specific question (not always all 1,520 respondents). Statistics are rounded to nearest percentage point and percentages may not add up to 100 percent depending on the structure of the question. Not every respondent answered every question.i Below is a list of findings relating to psoriasis and its impact of social relationships. Nearly 80 percent (78.7%) of question respondents feel that psoriasis has had a negative impact on their personal relationships.ii
Social Relationships
Eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice may help prevent and slow the growth of some types of breast cancer. A new study shows a group of phytochemicals called ellagitannins found in abundance in pomegranates inhibited the growth of estrogen-responsive breast cancer in laboratory tests. "Phytochemicals suppress estrogen production that prevents the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors," researcher Shiuan Chen, Ph.D., director of the Division of Tumor Cell Biology and co-leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program at City of Hope in Duarte, Calif., says in a news release. Researchers say the ellagitannins in pomegranates work by inhibiting aromatase, which is a key enzyme used by the body to make estrogen and plays a key role in breast cancer growth. "We were surprised by our findings," Chen says. "We previously found other fruits, such as grapes, to be capable of the inhibition of aromatase. But the phytochemicals in pomegranates and in grapes are different." Researchers say pomegranates have recently been hailed for their potential anti-cancer and heart healthy benefits thanks to their high antioxidant content. But they say this is the first study to look at their effects on aromatase and breast cancer growth. In the study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, researchers examined the impact of 10 ellagitannin-derived compounds from pomegranates on aromatase activity and breast cancer cell growth in laboratory tests. The results showed that of those 10 compounds, urolithin B most significantly inhibited breast cancer cell growth. Experts say further studies will be needed to determine whether eating or drinking pomegranate-derived products will have the same effect in humans, but these results are promising. Until then, researchers say people may consider eating more pomegranates to protect against cancer in the breast and perhaps other tissues and organs. Copyright© WebMD Health News
Shampoos and products for the scalp are available over-the-counter (OTC) at most supermarkets, pharmacies, and many corner shops. It is important to remember that seborrheic dermatitis can be controlled, but not cured with these products. Before using an anti-fungal shampoo see if you can remove any scaly or crusty patches on your scalp - do this with care. If you manage to remove them the shampoo will be more effective. If you have dandruff on your beard you can use dandruff shampoo on it. Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients:
Ideally, select a shampoo that has one of the above ingredients and shampoo your hair with it every day until your dandruff is under control. When that happens use them less frequently. You may find a particular shampoo stops being so effective after while, if this occurs switch to one that has another ingredient. Make sure the shampoo has time to stay on your scalp before you rinse it off - perhaps about five minutes. If you rinse it off too quickly the ingredient will not have enough time to work. If after several weeks of treating yourself you still have dandruff, you should consider seeing your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist).
Menopause is a normal, natural stage of life that affects everyone differently. In the U.S., an estimated two million women enter menopause annually. Over the past five years, I have used my own menopause experiences to educate women and clinicians about the choices available for symptom treatment.
What are the Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? Since the release of the findings from the Women's Health Initiative study in 2002 the practice of prescribing hormones to women going through menopause has changed significantly. Prior to the study, it was widely believed in the medical community that prescribing hormones to women experiencing menopause symptoms would not only relieve these symptoms but also protect women against heart disease and osteoporosis. The new recommendations are:
For more information on this topic, visit www.themenopauseexpert.com.
This treatment is appropriate for all patients in need of facial rejuvenation and is appropriate for Fitzpatrick skin types I-V. The expected result is improved skin texture, clarity, and hydration. This is an excellent choice for baby boomers.
>> STEP 1 – Cleanse Facial wash oily/problem (pHaze 1): Cleanse the area of treatment thoroughly. Rinse and pat dry. >> STEP 2 – Prep/Degrease Smoothing toner (pHaze 2): Apply with a cotton pad to prep (degrease) the skin. Allow the skin to dry. Assess sensitivity by asking the patient, "On a scale of one to 10, 10 being extremely active, how do you rate this sensation (or feeling)?" >> STEP 3 – Treat Ultra Peel® I: Apply the solution to a cotton pad, placing the neck of the bottle directly onto the pad, spacing it to give a sufficient working area to complete a full-face treatment. (About four to five spots on the pad). Apply in layers according to the needs, goals and individual sensitivity of the patient. Use the scale of one to 10 to gauge sensitivity. Depending on your patient's sensitivity, you may apply up to four layers. >> STEP 4 – Correct ExLinea® peptide smoothing serum (pHaze 25): Using a small fan brush, apply to areas of laxity and wrinkling, such as the eye area and forehead. >> STEP 5 C-Strength 15% with 5% Vitamin E (pHaze 16) and rejuvenating serum (pHaze 24): Apply a mixture to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis while improving barrier function and increasing hydration. >> STEP 6 eyeXcellence (pHaze 12): Gently apply around the delicate eye area to reduce dark circles and puffiness while stimulating collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. >> STEP 7 – Retinol Booster (optional) Esthetique Peel: Apply one pump for increased exfoliation, bacteria control, and added melanogenesis inhibition. Gently spread the product over the area of treatment, keeping the application even and thin. Note: Application of Esthetique Peel will enhance benefits; however, it can be omitted if the patient does not wish to experience increased visible flaking. >> STEP 8 – Hydrate and Protect ReBalance (pHaze 17) and perfecting protection spf 30: Apply a combination for added melanogenesis inhibition and to calm, hydrate, and protect the skin from UVA and UVB exposure.
Salt is a mineral that is composed primarily of sodium chloride. There are two main forms of salt: unrefined (sea salt) and refined (table salt); of the two, unrefined salt provides the highest benefits when used for aesthetic purposes. Bath salts are a great way to relieve many different kinds of health concerns, such as acne, arthritis, psoriasis, insect bites, female problems, tendonitis, water retention, stress relief, etcetera. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, noticed the benefits from 'salt' water after he noticed that fisherman were able to heal their hands by soaking them in seawater.
Summer makeup has always been about minimal looks, bronzed glowing skin and keeping it easy. When fall rolls around, the looks start to get more ornate and dramatic, which can be intimidating to many women. I know from my days of working retail that many of my customers were creatures of habit and liked wearing the same lipstick, blush or eyeshadow. When their favorite shade was discontinued, they would look high and low for the same color. I used to explain that this was a sign to try something new.
The anti-aging skin treatment to fight all stressors. Christina Laboratory has combined with the world’s leading scientists to develop this unique and advanced facial treatment for the prevention of skin’s aging due to environmental and internal stressors.
>> STEP 1 – Gentle Cleansing Milk and Revitalizing Toner Massage Gentle Cleansing Milk into entire face and neck, rinse off with cool water. Gently wipe off all residue of cleaners from the face and neck, avoiding eye area, with cotton pads soaked in Revitalizing Toner. >> STEP 2 – Pro-Biotic Peel Apply a thin uniform layer of the Pro-Biotic Peel to the entire face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for three to five minutes. This Peel gently exfoliates without irritation to increase the skin’s immune defense. >> STEP 3 – Frangipani Concentrate With a facial towel soaked in the frangipani solution; thoroughly remove the Pro-biotic Peel from your client's face. Steam may be used. Continue with extractions if needed. Do not discard the remaining Frangipani liquid, retain for further use during the Unstress treatment. The Frangipani solution soothes and calms stressed skin and creates a protective barrier. >> STEP 4 – Total Serenity Serum Gently massage Total Serenity Serum into the entire face, neck and décolleté with smooth, upward strokes. Do not remove before continuing to Step 6. This serum helps the skin maintain healthy hydration levels and skin tone. It also prevents and reduces irritation, inflammation, and itchiness. >> STEP 5- Relaxing Massage Cream and Multi-Vitamin Supplement Massage Relaxing Massage Cream into your client's entire face, neck, and décolleté; frequently adding drops of the Multi-Vitamin Supplement into your palms. Both will help the client’s skin retain moisture and nourishment. >> STEP 6 – Clarifying Mask Brush an even coat of the Clarifying Mask onto the entire face, neck, and décolleté – avoiding the eye area. Do not massage. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with a cool compress soaked in the remaining Frangipani Concentrate. During this waiting period we recommend applying an eye compress soaked in the Total Serenity Serum from Step 4. The Clarifying Mask is rich in antioxidants to help the skin repel free radicals. >> STEP 7 – Optimal Hydration Mask Spread a moderate layer of the Optimal Hydration Mask into the entire face, neck, and décolleté. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes while the mask absorbs. Massage remaining traces into the skin, leaving a subtle glimmer effect. Do not remove. The mask improves hydration, elasticity, calms skin, and reduces redness. >> STEP 8 – Pro-Biotic Moisturizer SPF 12 Complete the Unstress treatment by gently applying a thin uniform layer of Pro-Biotic Moisturizer directly on top of the Optimal Hydration Mask. By doing this it prevents collagen breakage and loss of elastin.