women health issues

Botox has made a huge splash in the health and beauty market because of its ability to erase and minimize wrinkles. The stunning success of the BOTOX solution has had beauty enthusiasts lining up to receive their wrinkle treatments. Are botox treatments safe? After all BoTOX is a protein toxin produced by clostridium botulinum bacteria. This is the first cousin to the deadly botulism bacteria.

Botox has been safely used by opthamoligists for over a decade without any serious side effects being reported. This drug has actually been around since the early 1960’s. Originally it was used as a treatment for crossed eyes. The manner in which botox works is that it is injected into the muscle where the wrinkles appear. When the botox is injected into the muscle the frown lines
crow’s feet and laugh lines temporarily disappear. I stress the use of the word “temporary” because a botox treatment normally lasts about 3 to 6 months. Botox treatments were approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment of muscles that produce frown lines.

Botox injections have quickly become the fastest growing cosmetic procedure and are anticipated to be used on over 4.5 million patients in 2006. They are more popular than breast augmentation. Current botox patients report that after several treatments that the effects of this wrinkle cure last much longer. It is important to note that Botox is ineffective for fine wrinkles because fine wrinkles do not appear because of facial expression caused by facial muscles.
On the flipside
the one negative of botox treatments is a slight and temporary drooping of the eyelid. At the present time this appears to be the most important side effect of botox treatment.

While botox has been safely used by millions of patients
it is recommended that pregnant women
or women who are breastfeeding their babies as well as patients suffering from neurologic disease should never use botox.

Botox treatments do not work for everyone. However
over 90% of patients who have been surveyed are extremely happy with this procedure. This temporary cure for wrinkles has created quite a bit of excitement in the health and beauty field. This procedure is administered by qualified plastic surgeons. The average cost for a simple botox treatment is about $200 - $400 for each area that it is applied to.

Who would have thought that something that is supposedly poisonous could have so many people clamoring for it?

Skepticism proven wrong

When botox hit the market
many were skeptical on the effects of these newly developed chemical. A protein complex made from a bacterium called clostridium botulinum
many feared that the chemical will have the same effect on the skin as it has on the body. For those who do not yet know
botox come from the same toxin that can cause food poisoning in humans.

It turned out to be quite effective and a huge huge success especially in the cosmetic surgery business. It is also being used to relieve pain in muscle areas of people who have has chronic pains. Its is actually so effective that people who were normally confined to their homes because of the pain now live normal lives.

Popular alternative

Since botox inhibits the release of acetylcholine
a chemical responsible for the contraction of muscles in various parts of the body
it is primarily used to clear out wrinkles and frown lines in the face through injection in the areas of concern. The effect of the drug can last for several months. Only small amounts of the toxin are however used for these cosmetic procedures. Too much use of the toxin can produce disastrous side effects.

In 2001 alone
almost 1.6 million Americans have had botox injections in different areas of their bodies. This is a significant increase from 2000’s figures. In fact
botox injections are even more popular than the immensely popular breast enhancement and breast augmentation procedures.

Botox parties

The procedure has become so popular in fact that people even organize parties and social events just for the occasion of injecting botox. This is actually part of the marketing campaign that has gained botox injections so many followers. Women (and men) who regularly inject botox for maintenance get together in small gatherings and simultaneously inject botox. Outsiders especially those who have not yet tried the drugs but are interested can join the party.

Abuse and overuse

One of the growing concerns in the industry is the potential abuse of the drug. Although botox is basically a prescription drugs
there are unqualified people who are distributing the medicine. And because the drug must be injected again and again to maintain its effect
there is also the danger of the drug being overused or for people to over-apply thinking that it will lengthen the effect of the drug.

Injecting too much botox or accidentally injecting it on the wrong area can cause droopy eyelid muscles
a condition called ptosis. This could last for several weeks. Other side effects that botox have are headaches
respiratory infections
flu-like symptoms and even nausea. Some people will also experience pain on the area where the botox was applied as well as redness and swelling. There will also some muscle weakness around the area where the botox was applied.

Contraindications

Although botox is available to all people
there are some who are allergic to the toxin. So it is best that one consults a physician first before applying the drug. Although there has never been any studies or research on the effect of botox on pregnant women and on nursing women
medical people err on the safe side and just prohibit the drug.

As we as a race become increasingly conscious of the way others look at us and not just the way
we look at ourselves
personal grooming has never been more important. And top of the list for many men and women today is to gain a superior attractive quality by getting rid of unwanted body hair. Be it facial hair removal for women
or back hair removal for men
quick hair removal treatments have fast gained in popularity with the masses. As your search continues for the treatment best suited for you
we have tried to put together a concise set of hair removal solutions available in the market today for your benefit.

The commonest form of quick hair removal today is shaving
which as the name suggests is the simple application of a razor blade
either manually or electrically on the skin surface to remove the hair by cutting the hair stem. While it's a quick painless hair removal method which is effective
it lasts only for very short bursts of time and can never be termed a permanent hair removal solution. Still for people short on time and low on cash
shaving still promises to be an affordable practical solution. For the slightly advanced enthusiast
depilatory creams are a good bet to do facial hair removal and leg hair removal. These creams effect quick hair removal through surface chemical reactions with the protein in your hair
breaking it down and making it easy to come off. Available in a variety of forms such as gels and aerosols and typically calcium-compound based
this treatment offers a solution which however is not a permanent hair removal method.

Of course
if you are a girl
you have probably gone through the painful procedure of waxing for body hair removal especially for hands and legs hair removal. Tweezing like waxing works by plucking the hair out of the skin right from its root s
thereby giving a hairless skin which can last for several weeks until the roots of the hair grow back. Electrolysis for hair removal on the other hand works on the principle of destabilizing the hair roots through surface electrical currents charged through electrodes implanted in the skin. While the effect of electrolysis hair removal is long standing in nature
frequent sessions and a serious dent on your bank balance are realistic possibilities that you need to keep in mind.

The best hair removal method available today is laser hair removal for men and women alike. This treatment is swift
precise
painless hair removal technique which normally guarantees an extended period of freedom from unwanted hair. In just a few sessions
whether it is facial hair removal or back hair removal
the laser technology effectively answers all your needs and desires for looking your personal best!

Visit your local salon or contact your beautician for understanding which of these hair removal treatments would work best for you. All the best to looking good and feeling great!!

If you suffer from unwanted hair and are looking for a body hair removal solution there are several options that you can choose from. These body hair removal options will safely remove the hair and in some cases can produce a permanent hair removal solution.

The first body hair removal option that is available to both men and women is shaving. Shaving is a very popular method of removing unwanted body hair but the downside is that hair can grow back very quickly.

Using a depilatory product is another form of body hair removal. This process chemically dissolves the hair but as with shaving the hair will return. Another downside to using a depilatory product is that many of these creams can cause irritations and skin tests are always recommended prior to use.

Waxing is another very popular method of body hair removal but as with shaving this is not a permanent hair removal solution. Waxing is also very painful but re-growth is slower.

Electrolysis as a form of body hair removal can in some cases prove to be a permanent hair removal solution. An electrical current is used to destroy hair follicles but several sessions are required and the results are not guaranteed. Electrolysis can also be very painful and only small areas can be treated at a time.

The last choice available for body hair removal is lazer hair removal. Using a laser hair removal treatment destroys hair follicles and results in permanent hair removal. A laser hair removal treatment can be used all over the body and large areas can be treated at a time. The only drawback with this body hair removal solution is the cost of laser hair removal which can be quite expensive. With lazer hair removal there is minimal pain unlike electrolysis which can be very painful and after a laser hair removal treatment the skin will heal quite quickly
usually within 20 minutes.

There is much confusion regarding what people mean when they say they have dark circles under the eyes
often referred to as the tired look. There are 4 different conditions which can cause dark skin under the eyelid which people call dark circles under the eyes:

1. Dark purple skin color on the lower eyelid skin
2. Brown pigment on the lower eyelid skin
3. A hollow eyed appearance in which the lower eyelid is sunken in.
4. A depression or deep line along the lower edge of the eyelid just above the cheek called the naso-jugal fold
the true dark circle under the eyelid and most common form of dark circle under the eyes

1. Dark Purple Color of the Lower Eyelid Skin

When the skin of the lower eyelid is a dark purple or bluish color people often say they have dark circles under the eyes. If you look closely EVERYONE has darker skin color on the lower eyelid than on the skin of the rest of the face. This is because the lower eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on the face
so thin that you can see through the skin and see the purple color of the eyelid muscle showing through the skin. In people with thicker skin the color looks more bluish
but everyone’s lower eyelid skin is darker because of the color of the muscle beneath the thin skin. There are familial and racial differences in skin thickness and muscle color so there is great variation in the darkness of lower eyelid skin. I do not call this normal phenomena dark circles under the eyelid
rather I call this normal phenomena dark purple lower eyelid. The only solution for this problem is to use a cover up make up like Covermarkฎ or Dermablendฎ.

2. Brown Pigment on the Lower Eyelid Skin

Sun damage to the skin
birth control pills and other medications
and the “mask of Pregnancy” and other metabolic conditions can cause the deposition of brown pigment in the lower eyelid skin. This is not called dark circles under the eyes but is called hyperpigmentation. The treatment is the removal or correction of the underlying cause-stop the medication
sun protection etc. Once the cause is corrected there are several remedies. Skin bleaching agents such as hydroquinone and Kojic Acid can help as can microdermabrasionฎ. Laser resurfacing or Microlaserpeelฎ
deep exfoliation techniques can also be helpful. IPL also called Photo Facial can also help. Very goods results can be achieved with these modalities.

3. A Hollowed Eye Appeance

Some people have a very sunken in or hollowed eye appearance. This is caused by a deficiency of the normal fat which surrounds the eyeball and normally plumps the lower eyelid skin. This deficiency of fat can be caused by heredity
racial factors
malnutrition
general disease
dehydration or trauma to the orbital bone which supports the eyeball.

The correction involves the correction of the underlying disease or medical problem when there is a medical cause.

For people who have this appearance because of heredity or racial factors
the fat must be grafted into the lower eyelid to replace the deficiency. I do this by performing a blepharoplasty through an incision on the inside pink portion of the lower eyelid called the transconjunctival approach. This avoids a scar on the outside of the lower eyelid. I then harvest or take fat from an area of the body where the fat will not be missed (hip or abdomen) and transplant the fat to the lower eyelid to plump the lower eyelid.

4. The Naso-jugal Fold or Tear Trough Deformity-the True Dark Circle Under the Eye.

The true dark circle under the eye is a crease or depression starting at the nose and running towards the outside of the lower eyelid running at the bottom of the eyelid just above the cheek. This dark circle or depression looks dark because it is attached to the underlying bone of the rim of the orbit or eye socket
and the unattached skin of the lower eyelid above the depression is free to move and bulge and creates a shadow which gives the crease a dark color. The cheek skin below the dark circle is also free to move and bulge and bulges above the dark circle
which contributes to the shadow.

The dark circle or naso-jugal fold or tear trough deformity gets worse or deepens as we age because the eyelid above and cheek below begin to sag with aging but the dark circle is attached to bone and cannot sag with the rest of the skin
so the lower eyelid skin hangs over more from sagging and bulging of fat
the depression deepens
the shadow gets worse and the dark circle becomes more noticeable.

The dark circle or naso-jugal fold or tear trough is tethered or held tight to the bony rim of the eye socket bone by a ligament called the arcus marginalis.

To correct the dartk circle I perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. During the procedure I release the arcus marginalis ligament which frees up the dark circle or naso-jugal fold. Once the dark circle is released the dark circle skin is free to move with the lower eyelid skin and the cheek skin and the dark circle or shadow is lessened. To prevent re-attachment of the arcus marginalis and to plump up the dark circle I place a fat graft underneath the dark circle. Some surgeons place an implant called a tear trough implant under the dark circle but I usually use fat.

Correction of dark circles under the eyes
also called the naso-jugal fold or tear trough deformity requires proper diagnosis. This condition needs to be differentiated from dark purple eyelid color
hyperpigmentation and hollow eyes. The correction of true dark circles requires a blepharoplasty operation with arcus marginalis release and fat grafting or tear trough implants.

Cornrows and braids are one of those timeless styles that have crossed all gender and ethnic gaps. In fact
nothing is more beautiful than heedful of intricate braids and rows and no two styles are exactly alike. That is why more and more people are choosing to express themselves and their individual style through braiding and rowing.

But as with all styles
cornrows come with their own special challenges and problems. One of the most obvious problems associated with any tight braiding technique is breakage. While black hair has fewer tendencies to break than Caucasian hair
it can still take a great deal of abuse if the braids are not done and cared for properly. In addition to breakage
you can also experience dull
frizzy and dry hair as a result of wearing cornrows or braids.

To avoid all of these drawbacks and to keep your braids looking shiny and neat
follow the following care tips:

ท Choose your artist wisely – As with any artistic field
braiders come in many levels of expertise. Be sure to choose one that has been in the business for a good while. Also
ask to see sample photos of the stylist’s work. This will give you a good idea about their level of expertise.

ท Grow hair to proper length - In order to get a good braid
your stylist has to have enough hair to work with. A good rule of thumb to follow on length is 10cm for straight hair and a minimum of 5 cm for curly hair.

ท Cleanse without disrupting – Granted
shampooing your hair with all of those rows and braids is not an easy task. To clean down to the scalp without disrupting your style you can use a shower massager or dental water pick.

ท Wrap to prevent frizz and breakage – When you’re sleeping
your hair comes into constant contact with your pillow and your movements cause friction and tension to be applied to your braids. This can result in fly away hair
frizz and breakage. To avoid this simply wrap your head with a do rag or cloth before sleeping.

ท Keep salon appointments – If your braid artist tells you to get a trim every 6 weeks
do so. And if he or she tells you to get your braids redone within a certain time frame
be sure that you do. This will help keep your braids looking neat and fresh.

The typical hair and hair follicles of those of African descent are tightly curled
thus producing hair that spirals. Black hair also typically has a larger diameter than Caucasian hair and retains less water
thus its relative “kinkiness.” The many styling methods utilized on Black hair cause concern with hair loss. Black hair is very strong
fortunately so because Black hair styles cause a great deal of stress on the hair and scalp.

For example
using a hair pick to pick the hair up to a bushy style is a very damaging process due to the constant pulling causing stress on the hair shaft as well as the follicle. In fact
combing Black hair in general can create high stress on Black hair and cause breakage
which perpetuates dryness. Conrowing and braiding are methods of hairstyling that pull the hair tight
and this can cause a great deal of stress on the hair and scalp resulting in hair loss. Braiding that results in the hair being pulled very tight can cause traumatic alopecia
a hair loss that is caused by trauma to the hair and scalp. Traumatic alopecia is usually reversible with proper hair care.

Hot combs and relaxers used to straighten hair can cause a great deal of heat and chemical damage to hair and scalp
which can also cause traumatic alopecia
and over time can cause permanent hair loss. This becomes especially true when the heat or chemically processed hair is pulled tight by rollers or a hot curling iron.

Hot oil conditioners are excellent for Black hair
as hot oil treatments contain proteins and polymers vital to repairing the hair cuticles. Hot oil treatments involve heating the oil and putting it into the hair and scalp
then covering the hair with a plastic cap to allow the oil to soak in. Follow the recommendations on the treatment you are using for the amount of time you should leave the treatment on the hair. This process can heal breakages and shinier stronger hair will be the result.

Consider that hair relaxers commonly used on Black hair contain lye or similar chemicals that break down the hair shaft. Left on beyond the recommended time
these chemicals would eat right through the hair and cause it to fall out in clumps. This is why these same products are used in products like Dranoฎ to clean clogged drains which often are clogged by hair. No-lye relaxers are very popular today
mainly because it leads people to believe that the product is not caustic. This is far from the truth. The combination of calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate are combined to form guanidine hydroxide
which could just as easily clean a sink. Repeated use of such products can cause some degree of hair loss
and if scarring occurs while using these chemicals
the hair loss can be permanent in that area of the scalp. One must ask themselves is it wise to place such caustic chemicals in the hair on a regular basis for the sake of desired appearance? The question must be answered by each individual
however the facts should be known.

There is little that can be done to alleviate this syndrome without changing the typical hairstyles of African Americans. There is a catch-22 concerning relaxing Black hair
since combing natural Black hair causes so much stress and breakage of hair
while chemicals cause so much harm to the hair and scalp as well. There are a few hair-relaxing products on the market that use chemicals and are somewhat less harsh than sodium hydroxide (lye) or its popular equivalent in “no-lye” relaxers: calcium hydroxide (quicklime) mixed with guanidine carbonate. One such product is called Natural-Laxerฎ and Sahara Clayฎ by Baka ProductsTM that has been on the market since 1990. This product is all natural and because it does not contain many of the harsh chemicals of commercial relaxers and actually contains only a finely ground plant called Daphne Gnidium and clay from Africa it is figured to be relatively safe. Of course this product does not straighten hair in most instances the same way as commercial relaxers
however it does tend to make Black hair more manageable. There is yet another product on the market that is reported to be 92-96% natural which is called Naturalaxer Kit In A Jar™ that does not require the applicant to comb through the hair during the application
which results in a lot less damage.

Of course the bottom line is once again
if you can leave your hair in its natural state then you will experience less stress and damage to the hair and thus prevent at least one cause of hair loss. There is a growing segment of the Black population that is becoming comfortable with wearing their hair in natural styles. One such style is dreadlocks. There are many rumors and myths concerning dreadlocks
as there is little proper information available concerning this style
and as with anything that is misunderstood many myths arise around it. Dreadlocks can and must be washed; otherwise they will smell badly like any other dirty hair. The best process to use to wash dreadlocks is to use a residue-free shampoo. Most commercially made shampoos leave residue and can cause hair not to lock
lending fuel to the rumor that hair had to be dirty to form dreadlocks. Clean hair actually locks much better than dirty hair
as dirt is a residue in itself that will inhibit hair from locking. For best results one should use a fragrance free
conditioner free shampoo. Dreadlocks do not react well to oily and greasy substances
yet there are many good substances that are on the market today that will assist you in forming dreadlocks.

Dreadlocks are formed through a process
not simply by not combing or brushing the hair. Generally
one should start with hair about two inches in length
and the hair should be separated into even squares of hair and twisted gently together using a bonding or gel substance. Many use natural beeswax containing no petroleum
while others use loc and twist gels specifically formulated for locks. Once the hair is separated and twisted into small locks
it is important that they are left alone and allowed to bond naturally. The length of time it will take to lock will depend on the coarseness of your hair
but one can normally expect to wait several months before locks begin to form. While the hair is locking
it will need to be washed. Here is where washing should be extended for a while if possible
so that the hair can be allowed to lock for two weeks to about a month without manipulation. When you do wash your hair
use a stocking cap or “do-rag”
and low-pressure water to make sure that the newly forming locks do not come loose. It will be necessary to rinse for a much longer time than you normally do
because of the lower pressure of the water and the lack of direct manipulation of your hair with your hands. The water is good for your hair and locking process
so this is not a problem. It is also imperative as indicated before that you use a shampoo that does not contain a conditioner and leaves as little residue as possible. A little research on your

part will be necessary here; your health food store should contain a variety of natural shampoos. Have a skilled professional or a friend re-twist the hair gently
reapplying the twist gel or beeswax that you used previously. Repeat this process every two weeks to a month
the longer you are able to wait the better
and within a few months your hair will begin to lock. Again
if you have a fine grade of hair rather than a kinky grade of hair
a beautician skilled at forming locks (“locktitian”) or a friend who is very familiar with the hairstyle should be consulted. Even though dreadlocks are mainly a hairstyle for Blacks
there are other races that have people that enjoy the hairstyle. In general
it tends to be a style of hair that in the long run will give the hair and scalp needed rest from the rigors of chemical and heat treatments and rigorous combing and brushing
and therefore can contribute to longer life for your hair.

Working as a nurse in the emmergency room you meet a beautiful variety of people. Among those for whom I feel a special sympathy are those with bipolar. They can of course be quite the characters: some hear voices
some live on the streets
some have an extraordinary sense of humor
some love to sing and entertain… and much more. One thing bipolar patients have in common is that they take heavy medications
particularly antidepressants that have many side effects. To whatever question you ask these patients
the answer will often be
“Well
I have bipolar.” As if this one sad fact is sufficient explanation for all possible questions.

But the word “bipolar”
of course
does not explain everything
and this is particularly true for women having problems with hormonal changes. For example
one woman had a hysterectomy because of severe bleeding
then had to go on hormone replacement therapy. After a couple of months she completely “lost it”. She became convinced that she had to move far
far away and take up missionary work – to the alarm of her concerned family. Bingo. She was put on antidepressants and given the convenient label of “bipolar.” Well – she took her antipressants cross-country with her and ended up living on the streets with the homeless. Rescued finally
by some good friends
she was brought back home
where she if now off most medication
trying to stay as sane as possible
and still saddled with the heavy label of “bipolar.”

Many women in and around menopause go haywire… but is that necessarily bipolar? I often wonder at how strongly hormones can affect mental health
as is often the case with women after childbirth
with the so-called ‘baby blues’. Often due to the hormone progesterone easy to fix with natural progesterone cream. Likewise
women – and men in their own hormonal midlife crisis – often get depressed. But should this really be any surprise? After all
so many things are changing at this point – it’s like adolesence all over again
but in reverse! New sensations and a new view of life… letting go of the old ways and struggling with the new… There can be a lot of confusion with many challenging questions demanding to be lived. Unfortunately
many take the easy road and simply dodge the whole thing. They accept being depressed and can even console themselves with the mantra
“After all
I’m bipolar.”

One solution might simply be to use common sense. Bipolar or not
it’s essential to take in enough essential amino acids and different forms of protein. Many people’s protein intake is limited and unvarying: just red meat
chicken and eggs. If you read Dr. Eric Braverman’s book “The Edge Effect”
you’ll see that we need protein from many sources
including meat
poultry
nuts
eggs
fish
dairy
beans
and vegetables.

This approach is helpful for all of us
but especially for those with bipolar – whether it’s the real thing or not. Dark chocolate can be helpful too
offering some of the same benefits as such antidepressants as Prozac and Paxil
but with no side effects. Just as healthy foods are vital for growing children
they are crucial for anybody going through big changes or having a difficult time. So be sure to eat well and exercise
and study Dr. Braverman’s “The Edge Effect”. Give yourself what your brain needs to function well and create harmony in your being. Don’t worry so much about your bipolar – or the bipolar label. Apply your thoughts to the constructive self-healing that is possible.

Common sense is not so common. Good luck with finding what works for you!

Warmly
Pieternel

Razors

Razors are cheap and many women say they give a closer shave than an electric razor. The cons are they can nick or cut the skin
and lathering up every time you want to shave can be annoying. If you do decide to use a razor as a pubic hair shaver make sure it’s a good one. Choose a female razor and go for best quality rather than lowest price. Throwaway razors are not much good for bikini line hair removal and they are more likely to cause razor burns and soreness while you’re shaving and ingrown hairs later on.

Electric shavers

Electric shavers for women have been around since the late 1940s
although some of the early models were basically just men’s shavers but pink. Today female shavers are much more common and it’s possible to buy shavers designed specifically for bikini line hair removal. Other shavers come with separate shaving foils for pubic shaving. Pubic shavers with hypoallergenic foils
skin coolers
and built-in trimmers are also available.

Fewer shaving cuts and convenience are among the reasons for using a pubic hair shaver. There’s no need to use shaving foam with an electric pubic shaver and it will be safer to use because the skin is protected from the blade. Razor burns will also not be a problem. Some pubic shavers can even be taken in the shower and some manufacturers claim their shavers will shave as close as a razor. If you decide to buy one
make sure you do some research of your own first.

Electric shaver or razor?

To summarize
electric pubic shavers tend to be quicker
safer and easier to use but they may not give such a close shave as a razor. They also cost more. If you change from one to the other
make sure you give yourself a chance to get used to it.

Shaving
Shaving is the most common method of removing pubic hair. That’s probably because it’s cheap and you can do it yourself at home. Most women use a razor and if you decide to do the same
remember to use a safety razor designed for bikini line hair removal. Electric razors are more expensive but less hassle to use and a little safer.

Many women find shaving a quick and convenient short-term method of bikini line hair removal but frequent pubic hair shaving can be a pain. Side effects can include razor bumps and other skin irritations and stubble growth between shaves can lead to itching and ingrown hairs.

Bikini Wax
If you want a longer-term solution than shaving
a bikini wax is an option. As hair is pulled out from the roots
it won’t grow back for four to six weeks. Not surprisingly
the treatment can be painful
and many women are reluctant to use this method of pubic hair removal for this reason. It’s worth remembering though that the pain should be less with every treatment.

Epilators
Epilators are electric devices that when applied to the skin pull hair out by the roots. Hair may not return for up to four weeks so they can be quite a good long-term method of pubic hair removal. They used to be painful to use but current products are reportedly less so as they numb the skin as they work. Very short hairs can be removed too so stubble and ingrown hairs are less of a problem.

Depilatory lotions
Depilatory lotions can take as little as ten minutes to dissolve hair. Some are designed for bikini line hair removal but you should use them with caution. Never use them on the pubic area other than along the bikini line as the chemicals can burn the skin or cause allergic reactions. Always carry out a skin test on your elbow before using a depilatory cream. Don’t use products designed for removing hair on the face: the pubic area is more sensitive.

Women are really fortunate to have a wide range of swimwear to choose from. The bikini fashion industry has mind blowing designs to offer you. Swimming time is the time to relax in the warm sunny afternoon on the beach in your favorite piece of bikini.

A stylish bikini is sure to enhance your beauty. Slipping in a hot tiny string bikini
is in vogue these days. Among so many styles of bikini
this one is surely going to classify you as a sizzling hot favorite babe on the beach side. Beach time is the time to flaunt your body in an ecstatic manner. Every woman wants to look great in a bikini.

The latest trends in the bikini wear are here to allure you with a wide variety of classy bikinis. You can flaunt your entire body with these skimpiest bikinis around in the market place.

The bikini fashion
has come a long way. Earlier the bikinis were perceived as the one piece or two piece swimming costumes. To the most
you could get a few colors in the same conventional designs. But now with the changing trend
you will be allured by the high quality and attractive bikini wear around in the market place.

The women are finding great ways to flaunt their sun tanned bods on the beach. The hottest bikinis like
the tiny string bikini is great for the perfect figured women. The tiny string bikini is really tiny that just covers the bare essentials of a woman’s body. A tiny top would cover the nipple area of the bust and the bottom would just cover the crotch. This bikini supports the body with strings. These strings may be transparent or beaded with some stones or pearls. You can choose from a number of stores selling swim costume.

You can mix and match the tops and bottoms available separately. The bikinis are also available in different colors and materials. The recent bikini fashion is all about showing your body in style. The intelligently created swimwear supports your body to give a great shape to it.

You will find the tiniest bikinis today for around $14 onwards. You can be a sex kitten in the micro G string bikini. Even the tiny bra cups and the bottom pants are made of the transparent material like fishnet and lace. The colors are definitely going to pull you for a purchase. You can buy from a grand collection of hot colors like striking red
royal blue
and baby pink and of course black.

The designers have given us some great designs of bikinis. The tiny string bikini is available in different styles of strings. The tiny string bikini with spidery strings is all the rage for young ladies. It has more than one string at the bottom pants
designed in a crisscross manner. It gives a strikingly different look to your shapely bottoms.

You can remove unwanted hair using different methods. When it comes to bikini area
it becomes tricky for many reasons. The site is sensitive. Self-shaving becomes difficult. Waxing may be very painful. Electrolysis may be time consuming? Laser may be costly. What should a girl do? Let us discuss.

Shaving-

With shaving
there are possibilities of bikini bumps. Shaving has to be repeated frequently and the stubble that grows after shaving may be irritating. There are also chances of cutting yourself with shaving.

Electrolysis-

With electrolysis the removal is practically permanent. But some people find it painful. It is also quite time taking. You have to expose yourself unlike shaving but that also applies to waxing and laser.

Waxing-

Waxing can be very painful. If you are taking Vitamin A derivatives or using them your skin can become very sensitive and tear. Waxing is also not permanent and it is reported that some parlors reuse the wax.

Laser-

This is a permanent method of removal. The hair may grow again but will be finer and less. Except cost
everything goes in favor of laser hair removal from bikini area.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Do you want bigger breasts? Do you think exercise might give them to you? If so
here's a true story that might interest you. (Of course
we asked permission to print this story for you
and the names are changed to protect privacy).

A young lady asked me this
regarding exercise and fitness personal training. Her question was "If I train with you
will my breasts get bigger? Will they lift themselves up
become firmer and fuller like they used to be when I was younger? Truthfully
I hesitated momentarily
before answering this one. Yes
I really wanted to motivate her
as well as gain her service as a new fitness client. And
I also wanted to stimulate her existing desire to re-kindle her fire and passion for exercise. My greatest personal satisfaction comes from seeing other people improve themselves
especially when their benefits come from advice
education
suggestions
and/or training techniques that I have brought to them.

However
my ethics are much stronger than my desire for profit. Ethics in the diet
exercise
and personal fitness training industry are an extremely valuable commodity. They denote character and intent to provide quality service. Therefore
I smartly hesitated before answering the young lady's question. I could see the look in her eyes. She may have wanted me
as a trainer
to say
Yes, of course your breasts will become larger, firmer, and fuller, just like they used to be. All you have to do is exercise.
The truth
however
is quite surprising and perhaps contrary to your probable expectations.

As I began to research the subject
natural breast enhancement,
many truths became obvious
almost instantly. Of course
you find your most immediate replies from Internet sources. Members of the general public
many of whom have no accreditation
formal education
or long-term training expertise
are free to create such highly opinionated responses. Although these individuals (and some small businesses
too) may mean well
they simply lack accuracy
especially in the art and science of conducting skilled research.

Now
let me tell you what I noticed right away. Upon my first query on natural breast enhancement
several web sites displayed conflicting information. For example
one site said that herbs
minerals
and vitamins would cause a woman's breasts to enlarge. The next site said that "exercise" would boost breast size by at least one "letter." A third said that "nothing" would help because genetics alone determined breast sizes. A fourth claimed that wearing pressure clamps all day long would increase breasts by at least two cup-sizes.

As you might already see
the offerings
replies
and suggestions included various alternatives
methods
and techniques. There were suction and pressure devices
creams
encapsulated hormone products
immune system "enhancers
nutrient supplements, etc. A few sites even boasted about
special secret exercises." (Of course
you had to pay first before they told you what these unique
new "special secret exercises" were
if any.) The exercise science industry says nothing about "special breast enhancement exercises." This type of information is only hype. Don't buy into it. Stick with science. Stick with accredited information sources. Maintain your knowledge through licensed
formally trained professionals. Especially
deal only with specialists who maintain high "ethical" standards.

You may be interested to know this. Here is the basic outcome of a comparison between the various natural ingredients associated with "breast health." These ingredients were different from those that claimed to increase "breast size." If you are a candidate for such products
you must be meticulous about the phrasing of such descriptions. There's a saying on the Internet that
You have to already know what you want, before you can find it.
In other words
asking for "breast health" gives you different results than "breast enhancement" or "breast enlargement
or even
natural breasts."

For example
properties of nutrients claimed to exert "anti-cancer" functions. Still
others were reportedly claiming to make the breast expand (or
at least "appear" to) swell in size. Certainly
you could rationalize the following. Some nutrients do indeed tend to protect your cells from deterioration. At least
there are some that may offset the formation of cancerous cells. This
however
does not automatically mean that the tissue will appear larger and/or grow bigger. When you refine your "purpose
you are more likely to find something that can provide you with a satisfactory solution.

Do You Want the Bottom Line on
Natural" Breast Enlargement?

There really is "nothing" available and practical that will give you such results. The only thing that possibly comes close to achieving this for you is the "pressure clamp" concept. That is
you wear pressure clamps all day long for about 20 to 30 days non-stop. Surely
you can see how many people cannot arrange the time for such an activity. Convenience is certainly a factor that affects you. And
can you withstand the discomfort of this type of breast enlargement technique? At least
this idea has some merit
but it's still not your most practical and achievable solution. Now
consider the following.

In a "natural" way
nothing exists that will actually make your breasts firmer
fuller
or larger. You can
however
protect the "natural health" of your breasts. Additionally
with exercise
you can naturally increase the size and strength of the MUSCLE layers BENEATH your breasts. These muscle layers (called "pectorals") can give you a slightly more firm appearance. This is true only because the muscles themselves become more firm
NOT your mammary glands. In reality
breasts consist of fat tissue
not muscle. Fat can seldom be "firm" to the touch
and fat is hardly likely to give you a firm
solid appearance.

Now
think outside of the box
for just a moment. Returning to our original story line
the ironic thing is that the woman you read about already possessed very large breasts.
Thousands of "decent-sized" ladies would "kill" to have what she already has. However
the feeling that your breasts may not be nice enough also comes from other facts. Your surrounding body parts can also lack THEIR proper shape and symmetry. Your overall fitness (including body fat ratio
flexibility
strength and endurance) may be poor or below average.

So
here's a breast enlargement/enhancement/health solution that you can count on
virtually
forever. BECOME TOTALLY FIT. For example
with the woman you read about above
reducing waist size would conversely increase breast size appearance. Do you understand how this works? In exercise science
there is something called a "waist-to-hip" ratio. It measures your cardiovascular risk as well. However
with an excellent waist-to-hip ratio
your body "looks" good
too. In other words
reduce your waistline to enhance your upper body stature
appearance
and appeal.

Next
there is your "body composition." This is an approximated measurement of the amount of fat you carry in your subcutaneous tissue layers (immediately below your skin's outer surface). This is a ratio of the fat to muscle your body carries. Via practically any combination of aerobic
bodybuilding
endurance
toning
or strength workout activities
you can remarkably enhance your body composition. This
in turn
enhances the size of your waist
plus the shape of your torso
and consequently
the appearance of your breasts. Therein lies your "breast enlargement
the
natural way."

It's time to train your way into a more pleasing appearance
and a higher level of stamina comes with it. It's a win-win situation for you
without medical complications
and with no negative side effects. Help "nature" take its course by helping your body do what it is supposed to do – that is
to PERFORM. Call your trainer or weight management specialist and get more information. Then
step into higher gear with enjoyable and effective diet
exercise
and fitness physical activities. Your breasts will say
Thank You.

Most females in most species want 3 things.

Women want the best genes.

What are the best genes?

Well. It’s kind of complicated.

We can intuitively define best genes as genes that give us better potential to succeed.

While it’s true
it’s also true that all of us have huge potential to succeed. All of us are under achievers.

But let’s postpone the discussion for latter. Genes do matter. Different genes do give different capability. Some traits
among species
are so important it become common nowadays.

While your success on anything
including getting laid
depends on your choices rather than your genes
your genes still decide how you best achieve success.

Say Mary and Jane lived in the past. Say they were females Cheetah. Mary picks Bob the Slow. Jane picks John the Fastest.

Mary’s son will of course be slow. Slow Cheetah’s died. So Mary’s went extinct. Jane’s son will be fast. Fast Cheetah survives. So Jane’s genes proliferate.

After a while
all females Cheetah’s will be like Jane. Got it?

The same way works if Mary and Jane were human. If Mary pick Bob the poor and Jane pick John the rich. Mary’s son will not be good at making money. Jane’s son will be.

So Mary’s son will have few descendants. Jane’s son will have plenty. After a while
all women will be materialistic like Jane. That while
has come a thousands of years ago.

So
considering that factor alone
a male that want to mate with many females do not need to worry about how to attract females. Women want the best genes and will automagically pick males with the most potential to survive. That’s just one factor though.

Peacock’s elaborate tails do not help his survival. If anything
it reduces it by making the peacocks’ easier target for predators. But peahens like peacocks with long tails. Why?

That’s where the second factor is. That’s the factor of advertising. In advertising
appearance is sometimes more important than real quality. Hence
it is often worthy to sacrifice some real quality for better appearances of it.

After all
some genetic traits like beauty
has no other use besides signaling good genes.

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries that balances the production of estrogen
a hormone that can cause a variety of serious ailments such as cancer. Production of progesterone by the ovaries decreases as people grow older
which leads to excess estrogen in the body. This condition usually occurs a few years before menopause.

Severe stress
anxiety
and an improper diet can also be the reasons for the ineffectiveness of the progesterone cream. These factors will cause the body produce more estrogen than must be handled by progesterone in the body. The side effects can be drastic if this estrogen level is not controlled as early as possible. Other reasons for the increase in estrogen levels in the body are any kind of diseases in kidney and liver. Also
chemicals in food tend to act as fake estrogens and create problems.

Natural progesterone cream
produced in laboratories using an extract from wild yam and soybeans as raw material
can be a good solution to women facing low progesterone problem. Other prescription based synthetic progesterone creams are also being manufactured.

Very rarely have side effects been noticed in women using natural progesterone. In most of the cases
synthetic progesterone has been known to produce a number of side effects such as depression
insomnia
nausea
fluid retention
etc.

Natural progesterone cream must be used with utmost caution to avoid unpleasant side effects. It can be used as per doctor’s instructions for a limited amount of time. Most women need to use this cream till adrenal hormones normalize. Usage can usually be stopped after this. Natural progesterone will easily convert into testosterone and estrogen if required by the body.

Some of the common benefits of using this cream are that it keeps estrogen level in check and helps in bone building
which can help to avoid osteoporosis. It is also supposed to increase libido in men and prevents various cancers like endometrial and breast cancer.

Whilst it may seem far fetched to think of beer as a natural menopause treatment
there is actually credible scientific research to support it. The key feature of beer in relation to menopause is the presence of phytoestrogens.

Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like plant compounds that are also in alternative menopause treatments like soy. They work by binding to estrogen receptors
and so provide a mild estrogenic effect on the body. Phytoestrogens are not as strong as regular estrogen
but as estrogen levels decline in menopausal women
this boost of estrogen has a balancing effect on the body. Supplementing with phytoestrogens in soy and hops (which is made into beer
but can be purchased as a supplement)
can alleviate hot flushes and improve the general quality of life for women during menopause.

Hops has more typically been used by herbalists for its mild sedative effect. It's great for sleeping problems
and also for nervous gastrointestinal and stomach problems. It is stimulating to the stomach
and has been used for anorexia
irritable bowel disease
inflammatory bowel disease
dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea.

Hops has long been suspected of having an effect on the hormonal system. Before the advent of machine pickers
women and girls picked the plants at harvest
and would often spend 3 weeks doing so. It was observed amongst the young girls picking hops that their menstrual periods would come on early. But it wasn't until hops was studied scientifically that this result was explained and validated. It turns out that hops contains very high levels of phytoestrogens - between 30
0
IU to 300
0
IU per 100 grams. The levels of phytoestrogens are highest when the plant is fresh.

The phytoestrogen in hops is called 8-prenylnaringenin (8PN)
and is stronger than other estrogens studied so far. It is present in beer
but levels are low compared to levels in plant extracts.

8-prenylnaringenin (8PN) is a flavone. It has been found in the animal model to have milder but similar effects to estradiol. The hops flavone also had a stimulating effect on the uterus in this study (on animals). It has not been established if this effect is also present in women taking hops. If so
progestins
or natural progesterone
would need to be taken at the same time to prevent overstimulation of the endometrial tissue.

Czech scientists have developed this research by using a new technology to create a non-alcoholic beer that contains the same amounts of hops and malt as regular beer. No mention was made at this stage as to whether the menopause beer would have higher levels of phytoestrogens. The idea came about because the Czech Republic is a strong beer drinking nation
and menopausal women there had low levels of estrogen in their diet. The menopause beer is aimed at relieving the symptoms of menopause and improving bone density.

Scientists have also found hops to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Compounds in hops have an effect similar to regular pain killers like ibuprofen
but with less of a disturbing impact on the gastrointestinal system. These active constituents of hops work in the same way as the arthritis drugs vioxx and celebrex
in that they are COX-2 inhibitors.

Hops is also an antioxidant
it may reduce insulin resistance
and is being investigated for its potential anti tumor properties. Hops was found to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells 'in vitro'
or in the lab
paving the way for further studies to be done. Hops should not be taken by people with depression however
according to traditional herbalists.

References:
1. nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=68117
2. raysahelian.com/hops.html
3. R Weiss
Herbal Medicine
4. Fisher and Painter
Materia Medica of Western Herbs
5. joe.endocrinology-journals.org/cgi/content/abstract/188/3/397

The never ending battle against the Media and it`s bogus idea of the "PERFECT WOMAN". *sigh*

Lately I have been studying the media
reading articles
watching news
and looking for anything that I can find to make me feel that there is still hope for our world. If you have read any of my past blogs
then you will already know where my concerns lie.

For those of you that are just reading me for the first time
my concerns are strong regarding women of today and their search for the true identity of themselves.

Women today have fierce competition. I have spoken to many men also and they have strongly let me know that they would not trade their gender for any amount of money. They actually feel sorry for the women of today. A few of them even shared with me that they hate the fact that everywhere they look
the media's idea of
The Perfect Women
is stuck in their faces. Sure its nice to see
any human being will appreciate a nice looking picture. What happens at that very minute though is that they (the men) are put in a situation of feeling that they are betraying their partner by not knowing exactly how to react. I know
I know
some of you are thinking that it is the women's fault that the men think that way. I will agree in some cases
but these men that I have spoken to were being quite genuine in the fact that they themselves did not appreciate it.

I will be the first one to say yes to prostitution. Why? Because it keeps some of the damn rapists of the streets from attacking the unwilling women. I say yes to pornography; it keeps the men that are afraid to approach real women relieved of a very needed natural release. I also say yes to alcohol and to chocolate with ice cream
but my dear readers
before you frown on me for what I just said
hear me say this. "I do not condone the force and uncontrolled manor with which the media shoves all this down our throats. I thought this was a free country. When did we lose the right to choose whether we want to have the media's idea of
The Perfect Woman
shoved down our throats every time we turn on the television
walk into a bar
just drive down the road (billboards)
open a magazine
listen to a song
or even simply look in our teenagers room."

I was reading an article that was advertising the new television line ups for this falls season. I was horrified when I read about the graphic violence being used against women. Episodes showing a woman thrashing in a cage
with duct tape across her eyes
while a man's hands are shown grabbing her bloodied fingers through the bars of the cage and ripping off her fingernails. Another is chained up like a dog in a basement by her so called loving husband. It gets worse; there is also one with a woman paralyzed by venomous spider bites and is being raped by a masked figure. These are what society is allowing for after dinner viewing. I am embarrassed to even say that this is my world seeing this. They made more noise when Janet Jackson slipped a peak of her nipple at a damn football game. In a word...SAD!! The media has definitely figured out how to make money at every woman's expense.

On a much happier note
in my searching the worlds media I did find a very refreshing commercial put out by DOVE. It can be viewed at their website:

www.campaignforrealbeauty.com . "Cheers Dove" is all I can say. Dove is pushing hard and continuing an uphill climb to bring back what was put on this earth as
The Real Women.

I also ran into an article trying to cut this refreshing change down. The magazine people that pride themselves on using air-brushed models with unrealistic looks
called the Dove girls in this commercial
civilians
. Ha! Now that is a very obvious show of defeat. They're even trying to say that women of today will not want to buy from ads that do not promise you unrealistic beauty. Ladies
the media is in fact calling you stupid as far as I read. I take that as an out right insult.

It's about time that someone stood up and gave the media's negative actions a run for their money. Money made at real women's expense
as I said already once. They also mention something as silly as women worry if they looked fat in their pants
as being an old age insecurity. DUH! No one ever said it was new
jeesh. I am also curious just how far women today are willing to let the media's idea of "The Perfect Woman" go. We are already the butt-end of the cosmetic surgery joke. I feel that the only reason any woman would be turned off by Dove's real women
is because they have been so brain washed into thinking that the media's idea of "The Perfect Women" is what is real. I feel sorry for them. Ladies of today
we must stand up and fight back. Do not let them turn
what is suppose to be real
into barbie dolls.

So many women are confused about what is
and what is not. Why do you think so many women suffer from low self-esteem
with cosmetic surgery at every street corner and so many unrealistic expectations coming to us from the media on how a women is suppose to look? Blah
blah. It's no wonder women are so confused.

Well I know that there is strength in numbers and I do know that there are more women today that are sick of all of the media's ideas. Ladies with low-self esteem
stand up
go to the store
and support DOVE. So what? They make money and yes
maybe there is a bit of truth that they too are using us as a way to profit. But at least we have a place to start to turn things around. We will never be able to turn them back
but we can make them work for us
not against us. Oh if anyone thinks that Dove has asked me
or payed me to speak of them in my blog
NO and NO. I am speaking on behalf of every women out there has been damaged by all the garbage that the media is trying to run our world with. Womens Selfesteem.com is happy to say that Dove is doing a very good thing
on the "real women" of today's behalf.



"Don't back down just to keep the peace


Standing up for your beliefs builds self-confidence and self-esteem."

-Oprah Winfrey

Dorothy Lafrinere
Owner/Operator
Website- http://www.womensselfesteem.com
Weblog- http://www.justblogme.com/Dorothy
Forum- http://womenselfesteem.proboards29.com
email- dorothy@womensselfesteem.com

Breast augmentation is one of the most sought after plastic surgery procedures. Women of all ages
sizes and walks of life get breast augmentation. For some women the choice is a matter of looking better
for others it may be a way to aid recovery after breast cancer. Whatever the reason it is still surgery. Surgery should always be taken seriously and before undergoing this surgical procedure a women should know as much as they can about it.

Breast augmentation is surgery to enhance or change the size or shape of the breast. Women seeking this procedure are cautioned to understand that it will not solve problems they may be having in their life. Unrealistic expectations regarding breast augmentation can lead a woman to regretting her decision. What breast augmentation can do is help the way you see and feel about yourself.

There was once a lot of media attention directed towards breast implants. Silicone implants were found to be susceptible to leakage which could cause health problems. Today the only approved implants are saline implants. Saline is a natural product already found in the body and leakage
if any
is not threatening. Other concerns
however
are still present with saline as with silicone.

There are always risk with surgery. General risks can range from infection to anesthesia problems. Complications that are specific to breast augmentation include
loss of sensation
problems being able to breastfeed in the future
and hardening of the implant. The most common complications are breast pain and numbness. The most serious complication that can occur are toxic shock syndrome
implants breaking the skin and skin dying.

The long term look at breast augmentation shows that many patients will have a need for at least one additional surgery within 10 years. There have not been studies to indicate how long an implant will last
but it is proven that they can break.

Breast augmentation is an expensive procedure. Most insurance companies do not cover this surgery. It is very important to understand why you want the surgery
what results can be achieved and what long term effects can occur. Reversing the surgery means extra pain and money.

For moms who work from home
balancing the home and business sides of their lives can feel downright impossible
especially when the reason they began working from home was so they could spend more time with family. However
many home businesses actually fail because moms don’t manage to balance business and home life. How can you juggle your family’s needs
your business needs and occasionally find some time for your needs without being a super hero?

The first thing any mom should do to achieve balance is to get the family involved. If your children and husband support you
you will find that they interrupt less often and are more likely to pitch in to get household chores done. You’re probably thinking that will happen the day the moon turns to blue cheese
right? However
if you mention that you need to get a major project done and will be able to buy a pizza and rent a video when you are paid
you may be surprised at how quickly everyone pitches in to help out.

If you have young children
they may not be able to understand the concept of waiting for a reward. To get your younger children involved
try explaining what you are doing in very simple terms and having them help you. Set up a small desk or table for your toddlers and add crayons and paper so they can help you with your work by drawing some pictures or writing a letter. Children that are a bit older can put stamps on envelopes and seal them
paperclip papers together or do other simple organizational tasks.

Of course
no matter how supportive your family and friends are
they are not going to be happy if you work 15 hours a day. Make sure that you ask for uninterrupted time to do your job or run your business
but also make sure that you schedule time for your family and friends. While you are making up that schedule
don’t forget your significant other. If you sit at your computer all evening after the children are tucked away for the night
you may end up with some serious relationship issues!

Once your family and friends are involved and you’ve scheduled time for them in your life
it is time to consider a few ways to make the most of your valuable work time. While you may be tempted to work non-stop during the time you have dedicated to your business
you should actually try to take some breaks. Taking a half-hour walk or having lunch away from your desk can really help you recharge your mind and keeps your body from growing stiff and tired. When you sit back down
you can do so with a clearer view of your goals and fresh energy and focus.

Also
don’t be afraid to make a “to do” list for your business. Write the four or five items you absolutely must do on your list and promise yourself that you will get them done before you visit your favorite forums or check your email. This can really help you get more work accomplished in less time.

So
although you may not have super powers
you can still have a home life
a business life and some time for yourself. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed
take a deep breath
ask your family for some help and try out a few of these great ideas for balancing your life.

Are you a victim of back hair? Does your wife or girlfriend cringe when you take off your shirt? There may be help for you with laser back hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a trend that is sweeping the country. With improvements in laser technology
these procedures are safer and less expensive than ever
and the results are longlasting. Most treatments use a very low level laser that is targets the affected area. The energy of the laser enters the pigment in the hair and causes the shaft to heat up
killing the hair. The follicle is also rendered ineffective
stunting new hair growth. Although the hair follicle deactivated
the surrounding skin is unharmed by the procedure.

Of course
this treatment has many applications for men and women
but one of the most popular is back hair laser removal. Previously
men had to undergo painful waxing
smelly dilapitory chemicals or shaving their backs to eliminate the hair that so many women find distasteful.

Of course
the type and amount of hair will determine how much your procedure costs. Darker or olive skinned patients will require more treatments than natural blondes
and hair thickness and density varies widely. Different lasers are even used to treat different skin color groups
so be sure to ask if your treatment center can handle your needs. Prices typically start at about $200-225
but back hair laser removal can run much higher
due to the larger area being treated. You should also expect to return for several treatments
as hair is removed in certain parts of the growth cycle only.

Although it may seem initially expensive
back hair removal using laser treatments is actually cost effective in the long run. Typically the hair does not regrow
and most centers offer touch ups for the few that do
as part of the package. If your back hair is an embarrassing problem
invest in yourself and try hair laser removal for your back!

No woman in her right mind would turn down a chance to go shopping for new shoes. Whether she has 1 pair or a 100
the lure of shopping for shoes is over powering. There just is no question about it
shoes are FUN! That is not to even mention the infinite outfit combinations we have even more FUN putting together as a result of new shoes! Shoes must both look right and feel right for the occasion. Therefore
options are needed and the more you have
the absolute better.

Styles change and so do women’s tastes. Whether high heels or platforms
square
rounded or pointed toes
flip flops or athletic
the lure of shopping for shoes is irresistible. There are just so many kinds of shoes all serving different purposes. Hours are spent in shoe departments all over the world shopping for shoes. From $5 flip flops to $500 designer name shoes there are so many things to consider. One thing is generally certain: If a woman REALLY likes a pair of shoes
whether she needs them or not
she will most likely buy them
regardless of price.

I know a couple and the wife has hundreds of pairs of shoes. The husband has but two pair
one black and one brown. BORING and oh
so WAY not enough options. What about style? And does he have dress shoes or are these two pair of the athletic variety or what? That
of course
does not include his golf shoes. Most men have at least two of those if they are like my Father and Brother
both avid golfers. Any way
he said “That’s all I need and I always have plenty of money to go golfing every weekend.” She said “You take the golfing (and your boring shoes) and I will take all the therapeutic effects of the shopping. It also is such good exercise
both mentally and physically!”

Being practical about buying shoes is so out dated.. The more shoes
the more choices. Life is good if it is all about choices
not about being practical. Practicality was for my mother
and the days of practical shopping are gone forever. Now plastic rules (along with beautiful shoes) and somehow the credit card bill will get paid. I mean if we only live once
we should certainly be spending like it. Life is way too short to not have the cutest and best shoes possible. We can find other ways to be thrifty but please do not be so when it comes to shoes. The days of the “have mores” are here to rule and the days of the “have nots” (shoes
that is) are long gone forever.

Another couple I know try to go shopping together (BIG mistake). Inevitably and much to her husband’s dismay and irritation
the wife ends up in the shoe department trying on shoes
one pair after another. A beautiful thing to see
right? She finds a pair she likes and says to her husband “I want these shoes!” Her husband replies “Do you need them?” She says “No
but they will go great with my pink dress that I bought six months ago and have never worn because I have never had just the perfect shoes to go with it. Besides
I did put back several pair that I also liked very much
but not quite as much as these. They are so ‘choice’
‘sweet’ and absolutely the ‘most divine’ shoes I have
to date
ever seen!!!” The husband gives in
all the while thinking about the bills that are coming due.

Let a woman give you husbands a few tips about shopping:

1 -- It’s a losing battle.

2 -- Don’t go shopping with your wife – It ruins her shopping trip. Would you want us to go golfing with you? I didn’t think so. It would ruin your day.

3 -- When your wife goes shopping –Expect a marathon and don’t expect her home before the stores close—should she arrive home early it will be a pleasant surprise. If she doesn’t--Fix your own dinner!

4 -- Never call her on her cell phone and ask “Where are you?” or “When are you going be home?” Big “NO NO” and grave interruption to her “therapy”. She does not want to be in touch with reality while shopping. Trust me on this one.

Girls—Enjoy a most pleasant shopping experience! Happy shopping! Husbands—Heed my warnings and all will be well! AND--Happy golfing or whatever other pastime compensates for your serious lack of options!

If you're nearing 60
you have some pretty good company. Actress Sally Field
the seemingly ageless icon of a Baby Boom generation that starts turning 60 this year
has revealed that she has osteoporosis and is leading a public action campaign to inspire women to fight the fragile bone disease.

Surprised by her recent diagnosis of osteoporosis
Field chose to go public with her personal health and is launching Rally With Sally For Bone HealthSM
sponsored by Roche and GlaxoSmithKline. The campaign encourages women with osteoporosis to protect themselves against fractures so they can remain active and reduce their risk of a debilitating injury.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weaker
more brittle and susceptible to fractures. One in two women over age 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime
which can result in significant pain and loss of height and may possibly cause some women to lose their ability to dress themselves
stand up and even walk. It can also lead to possible institutionalization and even death.

"My generation has pushed for so much change to improve the lives of women
and today the biggest hurdle many of us face is our health
said the two-time Academy Award winner who has fought for women and workers' rights both on and off screen.
We've never been willing to sit back and take it-and that includes osteoporosis
too. I'm asking women to take action by talking to their doctors and joining me at www.BoneHealth.com."

"Today
women in their 50s and 60s are leading more active lives than past generations
and it's essential for them to take care of their bones to continue their energetic lifestyles
said Dr. Robin Dore, a rheumatologist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA.

After being diagnosed with osteoporosis in early 2005, Field attempted lifestyle changes, including calcium and vitamin D, to slow the progression of her disease but supplements alone were insufficient. Her doctor then recommended that she begin taking medicine and prescribed Bonivaฎ (ibandronate sodium), a once-monthly tablet for postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Although 44 million Americans are affected by or at risk for osteoporosis, it often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs.

A major new campaign is under way to help protect women maintain their bone health.

Important Safety Information: Boniva is a prescription medicine for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. You should not take Boniva if you have low blood calcium, cannot sit or stand for at least 60 minutes, have severe kidney disease or are allergic to Boniva. Stop taking Boniva and tell your doctor if you experience difficult or painful swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. Follow the once-monthly Boniva 150 mg dosing instructions carefully to lower the chances of these events occurring. Side effects are generally mild or moderate and may include diarrhea, pain in the arms or legs or upset stomach. If you develop severe bone, joint, and or muscle pain, contact your healthcare provider. Your doctor may also recommend a calcium and vitamin D supplement.

So
Ashton Kucher
27
and Demi Moore
43
got married with her kids and ex-husband in attendance.

It’s great! It’s Bizarre! She’s a cradle robber! It’s a giant step for older women!

Which one is it?

How about “A giant step for older women.”

Well
almost.

It’s not unusual for older female celebrities to hook up with much younger men. Fame and fortune are powerful magnets. But men are visual creatures. What happens after her beauty fades? Not to worry. Loss of a youthful appearance is no longer an issue. With the variety of cosmetic procedures now available women with ample financial resources can look younger than springtime until the day they die.

To a shrewd
future-oriented man
an older woman with money promises long-term benefits. If her age is really “up there” he can look forward to a bundle upon her demise. If the relationship or marriage doesn’t last
he’s likely to win a hefty settlement. So
what does a younger guy have to lose?

What’s significant about the Moore-Kucher union is that it has driven one more nail in the coffin of the “older woman younger man” taboo that “common folk” – older women seeking younger men but not endowed with fame or money – have to deal with in their quest for a suitable partner.

Sometime ago I gave a talk to a group of older women. After my presentation
a woman I’ll call Betty
came rushing up to share that she was 84
single
dating
and never tells her age. Furthermore
she had no use for men older than 60
and prefers them younger than that. “I can’t stand old geezers. They’re all dead. They are living but they are dead
if you know what I mean” she explained in a confidential tone of voice.

I could understand why Betty preferred younger men. She looked fabulous -- a trim figure
she was intelligent
her eyes lit up when she spoke
and she had beautiful smooth skin. Clearly
she had it goin’ on. She could easily pass for 60. Why would she want to put up with a cranky old codger her age?

Here’s the problem: When Betty finds someone with potential
and age comes up
Mr. Potential is gone. I suspect that if Betty had money and celebrity
it would be a different story.

Let me relate a personal experience: At the pharmacy where I work
a customer I’ll call Mr. Smooth
in his mid-fifties
made it clear that he found me interesting
even though he knew I was married. One day the local paper ran a story about my new book and mentioned that I was 76. Before that
my age was mostly unknown because I never talked about it. The public disclosure of my age raised eyebrows
and whispers began at work. “She’s HOW old?” Formerly friendly male coworkers began looking the other way. Sheesh! Be seen talking to an old woman? The guys will think there’s something wrong with me.

Back to Mr. Smooth. He must have seen the story in the newspaper because soon after
he appeared at my prescription counter. Glaring at me with disdain and disgust
he blurted out
“I can’t believe you are as old as you are. I just CAN’T believe it!” He turned around and strode away never to be seen again.

A woman’s age matters to most men. Except when she’s 18 and he’s 81. Then it’s a different story. Society accepts it with a knowing look and a wink. If the relationship produces progeny
that’s really
really cool --until the kids lose their father before their sixth birthday.

Betty has it right. She knows what she wants. She knows what she has to offer. She’s not allowing antediluvian age taboos to stand in her way of finding happiness. Withholding the number of years she has lived
and maintaining a youthful demeanor and attitude
she refuses to bear the stigma of “invisible older woman.”

Joan Collins
Susan Sarandon
Tina Turner
Carol Burnett
Mary Tyler Moore
Victoria Principal
and now
Demi Moore
have defied convention and chosen younger men.

Eventually it will become chic for a fabulous older woman who doesn’t have a bank account or celebrity status to have a relationship with a fabulous younger man.

How can I predict that? Think about this. We are living longer
healthier lives. Yesterday’s 60 is today’s 40 for many women. Dr. Helen Harkness
in her book
Don’t Stop the Career Clock reinforces that reality with her perception of aging chronology that makes sense for today:

Young adulthood: 20-40
First midlife 40-60
Second midlife: 60-80
Young-old: 80-90
Elderly: 90 and above
Old-old: 2-3 years to live

Dr. Harkness’s vision of the stages of aging may take a while to catch on with mainstream thinking
but it will happen. In the meantime
fabulous older women looking for a guy who is still alive and kicking should not tell their age. Happy hunting!

Sugar Scrubbing is a gentle way to exfoliate the skin just about anywhere on your body. A basic sugar scrub includes of course sugar and some sort of liquid and lotion or moisturizer. For a very simple sugar scrub mix some sugar with enough of your favorite body lotion to form a paste that’s easy to rub into you skin.

But why would you want to use a sugar scrub in the first place? Sugar scrubbing is a great way to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating removes dead skin particles
as well as any oil and residue. This will soften your skin and preparing it for anything else to follow such as a moisturizer. A sugar scrub stimulates the lymph system
which is responsible for eliminating toxins out of the body. The gentle massage of rubbing a sugar scrub into your skin also improves the circulation of the blood right under you skin
giving you that healthy glow.

Start your sugar scrubbing treatment by cleaning your skin with a gentle soap or other cleanser and warm water. Then grab a handful of the sugar scrub and massage it into your skin in circular motion. The grainy sugar will gently exfoliate your skin. Rinse the sugar off with plenty of cool water and use some more cleanser to get any sugary residue off your skin. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft
clean towel and follow with your favorite moisturizer. You should use a sugar scrub to exfoliate once or twice a week as needed to maintain that soft skin and healthy glow.

Are you ready to give sugar scrubbing a try? Here are some great recipes you can put together in no time at all and give this a try.

Invigorating Lemon Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

1 cup of sugar
ฝ cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
3 – 5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Combine all ingredients to form a paste. Rub it into your skin in a circular motion and rinse.

Tip – For a calming sugar scrub
replace the peppermint essential oil with lavender or rosemary oil.

Almond Grapefruit Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

1 cup of sugar
ฝ cup of almond oil
5-10 drops of grapefruit essential oil

Mix the sugar and almond oil until well combined
then slowly add the grapefruit essential oil drop by drop until you get the desired fragrance. Use like the sugar scrub above.

Give sugar scrubbing a try. You’ll be amazed at the results this simple beauty treatment provides. Not only will your skin get soft and glowing
but the scents in your sugar scrubs uplift your spirits as well. Before you know it you’ll be mixing sugar scrubs on a weekly basis
experimenting with different oils or lotions and using different essential oils.

Pain during intercourse is the most sensitive problem amongst women that most of them feel it difficult to consult a physician. But this can be treated as the reason might be some physical illness.

Since a woman plays a major part of the whole reproduction process right beginning from the formation of the ova till giving birth to the child
painful intercourse could be a difficult stage for you to pass. In medical terms
it is known as dyspareunia that leads to tearing
ripping
burning or aching sensation during penetration. This pain could occur at the vaginal opening or deep in the pelvis or anywhere else in between. This could also be felt throughout the pelvic area and sexual organs.

Reasons for pain during intercourse

1. The most common reason for the irritation during intercourse is insufficient lubrication or arousal that could create a vicious circle leading to a fear among the woman. Women having a hysterectomy or mastectomy can also face this problem with arousal because of the feeling of incompleteness. This could be treated with prompt and proper consultation whereby the physician provides you with lubrication methods that in turn will reduce discomfort.

2. Another factor for painful intercourse is thinning and drying of vaginal tissues when menopause begins amongst women. This occurs due to less production of the estrogen hormone that is needed to maintain vaginal tissue moist. As the ability of the vagina to make its own mucus tissues declines so as it becomes dry
itchy and painful leading to pain during intercourse.

3. Unintentional muscle spasms of the thighs
pelvis and vagina can also make penetration impossible and this stage is known as vaginismus that could develop from any of the above mentioned factors or due to psychological factors. A victim of traumatic sexual experience or rape can also lead to vaginismus and as such counseling can help a lot.

4. Most common reasons for painful intercourse is vaginal
pelvic infection or boils or cysts and boils
tumors
scars or anything that narrows the vagina
uterine tissue growing outside the uterus with bleeding and pain
intact hymen
complications of any past surgery
diseases such as diabetes that interfere with the physical process of arousal or orgasm.

Any of the factors due to less lubrication can be overcome with methods such as lubrication gels
estrogen creams or estrogen replacement therapy in pills.

For further details
visit our recommended website womensreproductivehealth.info

It's a sad but true fact that so many women over forty feel invisible. Changing this has become my passion.

One of the things that inspired me to do what I now do
after having had an executive position with a telecom giant
was an experience I had one day following one of my seminars.

An attractive
well dressed woman came up to me and told me that the thing she hated most about becoming older was that she felt invisible. She explained how
everywhere you look
you see woman in their twenties and thirties being presented as role models for beauty and style. Rarely do you see mature women in TV and print ads and some of the fashion magazines feature teenagers as models. There's only one magazine devoted entirely to the mature woman - More Magazine.

Just because we're getting older doesn't mean we have to become an invisible part of society. It doesn't mean we we have to let ourselves go
gain weight and start looking frumpy. My late aunt Josie
while in her eighties
looked like she just stepped off the cover of Vogue whenever she went out.

A woman can still look great as she ages if . . . she learns how to do it.

Many of the makeup techniques that work on a twenty or thirty year old
are a disaster on the face of a forty five year old woman. Unfortunately
many older women have not yet learned this. As we age
one of the makeup secrets we need to know is that "Less is better."

Mistakes in wardrobe are even more apparent. Recently
I was asked by a national magazine to comment on some celebrity women. Here's what I had to say about an outfit that Kim Catrall
who I happen to adore
was wearing:

"Belly bearing cutoffs and lace up top are not for the over forty woman. Longer
boy cut shorts and a fuller cut tank with a built-in bra would give her the same bare look."

Below are some fashion anchors every woman over forty should have in her wardrobe:

- A “Little Black Dress” - Black/Navy Pencil or A-Line Skirt - Black/Navy Slacks/Trousers - Black Cashmere Sweater - White Shirt - Comfortable yet Chic Black 2” heels - Classic Trench Coat

Fashion tips: Pants with clean lines
no pockets
no pleats look best on almost every woman because they are slimming.

Black or navy will make you look thinner
but add some color with accessories to give your look some flair. Elastic waist pants or skirts are to be avoided at all costs because they flatter no one.

Develop a signature. Wear a favorite ring or special bracelet all the time. Something people will always identify and remember about you.

The scarf should be a wardrobe staple. Learn how to use it and wear it many ways
such as
looped through your pants as a belt
or tied on the handle of your handbag.

If you want to learn all my insider techniques for looking fabulous after forty
fifty
sixty and beyond
visit: http://www.LookingFabulousAfter40.com

Until next time
keep looking your best and claim your power.

Many women suffer from painful heavy
irregular flow in different form of reproductive disorders is a sign of endometriosis. You may face pain from the onset of your menstrual cycle and shall end after the lapse of the menstrual cycle. The problem here is that this sends most of the women with endometriosis to their doctors with chronic pain in their pelvis.

Other possible signs of endometriosis include diarrhea and painful bowel movements during the menstrual cycle. However the only symptom may be the tenderness of the abdomen most of the times in any particular spot.

Endometriosis is most commonly related to the menstrual cycle however it is not cancerous in about 95 percent5 of cases. In endometriosis
a layer of tissue that lines the uterus normally thickens with blood
shreds through the vagina as the menstrual period arrives. However
this tissue is found outside the uterus attached to or embedded in the body tissues.

In such condition
fragments of endometrial tissue appears almost anywhere in the body except within the “uterus”. Most often
the ovaries
fallopian tubes between the ovaries and uterus
the vagina and the uterine wall followed by the abdomen
intestine
bladder
and kidney is the most affected. In some rare cases endometrial tissue is even found in the lungs
skin
surgical scars
certain nerves
the brain and the lymphatic system.

It develops outside the uterus and appears to be normal and stimulated by the estrogen hormone continues to perform its normal function selling to accept a fertilized egg
disintegrating when conception does not occur and sloughing off in preparation for the next cycle. During each menstrual cycle
the tissue bleeds just as the endometrial does. The trouble here is that the tissue is longer in the uterus where it belongs but anywhere else in the body. The bloody debris formed by the breakdown of the misplaced tissue has no way to escape. These tissues when accumulate produces irritation
inflammation and pain that could continue period after period. If left unchecked
the bleeding may create scar tissue that could even spread through the pelvis
twisting and attaching organs to each other thereby interfering with their proper function
filling the entire cavity and later producing a tumor like mass.

For more information
visit our recommended website womensreproductivehealth.info

The Internet can be a shopper's paradise
as long as you know how to shop safely and avoid hidden fees. Here are some tips to make sure your online shopping experience is a positive one.

Make sure the web site is reputable.

If you're shopping on a new site that you've never done business with before and it isn't a brand name you recognize
take the time to do a little homework before you share any sensitive personal information. Look around the site to see if there's a third-party seal of approval posted from a trusted source like the Better Business Bureau Online
or Trust-E. Membership in these organizations means the web site has agreed to be held to strict standards in how they handle personal information
as well as customer complaints.

You can also enter the name of the web site or business into your favorite search engine to see what comes up. If someone has had a bad experience with the site
it may be mentioned in a user forum or consumer information site.

Only shop at sites that use secure technology.

When information is passed between your computer and the shopping site's server
it should be encrypted. If a shopping site's server uses encryption technology
your data will be scrambled into something like 'secret code' and then unscrambled when it reaches the shopping site's server
to prevent unscrupulous hackers from capturing the information during transmission.

When a shopping site asks you for any kind of personal data
there are two things to look for to know that it's using encryption technology:

- An icon of a small locked padlock will appear in the bottom right of your monitor's screen.

- The URL of the web page should begin with "https:"
which also indicates that it's a secure web page.

Know what your shipping costs will be before you check out.

A reputable site will make their shipping costs easy to find
before you check out. Take the time to look for this information
to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Data collected from surveys of online shopping experiences consistently show that the one thing online shoppers dislike above all is shipping charges. While it's unavoidable that you have to absorb the cost of shipping one way or another
smart retailers will try to keep these costs to a minimum. Sometimes they'll do this creatively by offering you incentives to purchase more
to help offset their costs for discounted shipping charges.

And while reputable sites will have a liberal return policy in the event you're not happy with your merchandise
be aware that in most cases you won't be reimbursed for the shipping charges to return the item.

Make sure you understand the return policy.

Never purchase anything from a web site without reading the fine print - particularly the fine print about its return policy. Good retail sites will allow you to return items you're not completely happy with
but sometimes there are stipulations that you should be aware of before you order.

Is there a restocking fee? This charge can be anywhere from 5%-20% of an item's purchase price
and is meant to discourage customers from returning merchandise. Also make sure you know how much time you have to return an item in order to receive a refund. Some companies seem to allow an almost unlimited return window
but in some cases it can be as little as one week after you receive your order. You may still be able to return an item after this period
but will only receive a store credit instead of a full refund.

Shop with confidence.

Online retail sales in the U.S. amounted to $65B in 2004
and predictions for 2008 expect that figure to rise to $117B. An unbelievable variety of merchandise is already available on the Internet
and as time goes on the choices will be even greater. But to take advantage of this shopping paradise
consumers still need to be savvy shoppers. Shop securely and read the fine print
and then enjoy the savings and convenience of online shopping!

There are many reasons that a disposable color contact is a good choice for your needs. Today
most contact lenses that are purchased are disposable and there is good reason for this. No matter if you are new to contact lenses or looking to add them to your ability to look perfect with these fashion accessories
you need to know why disposable color contacts are a better choice.

These contacts are ideal for anyone that is looking to change their eye color. They can be made in both prescriptions and non prescriptions. They will provide you with a wide range of benefits as well. For example
the disposable products are often able to provide a more healthy atmosphere for your eyes. Because they are thrown out
they do not allow for the break down and dysfunction that happens over time.

They are also more affordable to purchase in the short run. They are offered at a lower price in most cases. But
in the long run you may pay more for them than other versions of contact lenses. Of course
if you just want to have them to provide you with a fashion accessory need
make sure to dispose of them as you should to keep your eyes healthy.

Disposable colored contacts allow many people to change the color of they eyes easily. Most of the time
these are ideal because they are throw away which means a lower price for them. It also means that you need to insure that you get the right product for your eyes. You should always have a full eye exam and measurement before you purchase any of these. In any case
disposable color contacts are often a good
or the best
choice for eye needs. They are available throughout the web for even lower and more affordable purchases as well.