Aug
22nd

You Can Blame Hereditary too for Cellulite!

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Just as experts are striving to find out if there are any extremely effective ways to treat cellulite, they are also striving to figure out if cellulite is hereditary or not. The truth is that most scientists think it is hereditary. They think genetics play an enormous role in whether someone will have cellulite or not. While many think this is a bad thing, it really will prove to be beneficial in the cellulite battle over time. Take a look at this information to get more of an idea of what they mean.

From Birth

Many experts claim that when a skin biopsy is taken from a newborn infant, they can tell if that child will be likely to have cellulite throughout their living years. They look at the fibrous bands along the septa. This is something that is passed from mother to baby. The experts claim they can not only tell if that child will get cellulite later in life, but also how severe it will be. It must be remembered however that there are other factors that can determine how the child will fair with cellulite. For instance, if they grow up with a not-so-healthy circulatory system, they may cellulite worse than first expected.

Lifestyle

In addition to being plagued at birth with cellulite probabilities, you can link family lifestyles to cellulite. For instance, if you mother is not an active person and never really made you exercise or eat right, you might be at more risk for more severe cellulite. In fact, you may pass these unhealthy behaviors right on to your children as well. So, when you look at genetics, you also have to consider family lifestyle. Family lifestyle can be just as detrimental as genetics.

The Brighter Side

There is a bright side to cellulite being genetic. When scientists can link cellulite to specific gene patterns, they can likely find out more about it and what you need to do to treat it. In addition, if your cellulite is a family affair, you will likely always feel like you fit in, whether you have cellulite or not. You can swap treatment options and save time by telling your family members what works best for you. So, even though you might be bummed you got your cellulite from your mother, there is a brighter side to it all.

Of course, as time goes on and more studies and research are performed, it could be that there is new information found on how much cellulite and genetics are linked. In addition, there may even be new treatment options emerging as more and more information is found. So, although it may seem like a bad thing, it is good that cellulite seems to be linked to specific gene patterns. In fact, women may be able to treat their cellulite altogether because of it in the next twenty or thirty years. Although research takes time, there is hope for new and improved cellulite treatments in the years to come.

Aug
22nd

Breast cancer risk increased by x-ray?

Women in the United States face a terrible risk of contracting the deadly disease that is breast cancer. This year alone, roughly 40,970 women will die due to the affects of this chronic illness, and a full 212,920 more women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While we know many of the factors that may weigh into a woman’s risk of developing the disease, we learn more every day, and a shocking study has shed light onto another possible factor in developing the disease.

While not fully understood yet, studies are being conducted weighing the possibility that X-rays of the chest may contribute to the chance of a woman developing breast cancer. Nadine Andrieu, Ph.D works for France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research, and has said that while data may point to x-rays increasing the risk of breast cancer, much of the data in the study needs to be confirmed before the conclusion is reached. If the study’s results bear true, it may result in Magnetic Resonance Imaging being used to diagnose possible breast cancer in women that bear a high risk for the disease as opposed to the mammogram system which is currently in place.

The possible risk represented by the use of x-rays when it comes to breast cancer applies only to two types of gene mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2. These types of gene mutations are known to greatly increase the risk of the development of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The gene mutations are rare, and are present in approximately 250,000 women throughout the United States. The gene mutation can be inherited, and roughly 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the US are due to inherited gene mutations. To put things into perspective, a normal woman with no gene mutation runs a risk of developing breast cancer that is roughly 13 percent. Women that have the BRCA1 gene mutation, however, run a risk of developing the disease that is somewhere between 60 and 80 percent. If a woman has a BRCA2 gene mutation, the risk for developing breast cancer can vary between 30 and 85 percent throughout the course of their life.

The study was conducted with 1,601 women from Europe and Canada. 853 of the women in the study were diagnosed with a case of breast cancer. The average age of the subjects was 47, and they were told to complete questionnaires which included a question regarding how many times they had x-rays on their chests, not including mammograms. The results of the study showed that woman who had reported any number of chest x-rays were 54 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than those who reported no x-rays. While the data in the study needs to be confirmed, it represents a significant statistic when it comes to the possible role of x-rays in breast cancer development. More studies need to be conducted to ensure that the results of the test are sound, and in the future, we’ll know more about exactly how these gene mutations may develop.

Aug
22nd

Aromatherapy and Safety Precautions

At first glance, it may seem strange to think of safety precautions with Aromatherapy. After all, Aromatherapy uses scents so what could be dangerous about that, right? Well, actually there is plenty of concern to be warranted when using essential oils and Aromatherapy. The essential oils used in Aromatherapy are concentrated forms of plants and herbs. Because these oils are highly concentrated, they can be very irritating to skin if they are directly applied. Every essential oil is different and has different properties. It is because of the high concentration that essential oils need to be diluted either in an infusion or in carrier oil. The only essential oils that are recommended for direct application to the skin are Tea Tree oil, and Lavender. These oils are often applied directly to the skin in cases of insect bites, skin rashes, or eruptions.

As with any product, you should also check to see if you have any allergic reactions before using essential oils. The good news is that you may have an allergic reaction to a plant or herb in a different form, but not have the same allergic reaction to the essential oil. To test for an allergic reaction, apply a small amount of the essential oil to an inconspicuous part of the body. Fourteen hours is plenty of time to wait and see if there is any reaction in the test area. If you have no reaction, it is safe to assume that you are not allergic to that particular oil.

You should take special care when using essential oils on children. You should check for any allergic reactions with children, as you would with yourself before using various oils on children. When using essential oils with children, use one half of the dose that you would normally use with an adult. It is best to avoid all toxic essential oils with children and stick with those that are gentle and non-toxic. However, when used wisely, essential oils may replace many over the counter medications and remedies and may be considered as Mother’s best friend.

Even though many essential oils are edible, it isn’t recommended that beginners take them orally. There is an art and science behind Aromatherapy and the usage of essential oils. It is best to err on the side of caution and this means not to use essential oils in any way unless you have been properly trained.

Pregnant women need to exercise caution when using essential oils. Many oils may even cause premature labor. Here is a list of essential oils and herbs that should never be used by pregnant women, these herbs encourage menstruation and can cause a miscarriage. The herbs to be avoided are Myrrh, Rue, Horsetail, Mugwort, Prickly Ash, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Gentian, Blessed Thistle, Beth Root, Damiana, Chamomile, Black Haw, Goldenseal, Motherwort, Pennyroyal, Angelica, Safflower, Tansy, and American Mistletoe.

These herbs are determined to be very toxic and most Aromatherapists recommend not using them at all: Arnica, Camphor, Jaborandi, Mustard, Narcissus, Nutmeg, Parsley, Rue, Tansy, Turmeric, Wormseed, and Wormwood.

Aug
21st

No cellulite diet

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Most women in their 30s have problems with cellulite. There are several causes, such as the lack of exercises, alcohol and drugs, stress or aging, but no one really knows what exactly causes the problem of cellulite. To be honest, there are many specialist that offer several treatment techniques for cellulite without being sure that they really work.

One of the methods believed to be effective against cellulite is a person’s diet. There is no actual or specific diet which will reduce or cure cellulite, the best you can hope for is to eat healthily and ensure you drink plenty of fluids. (It helps cellulite, but doesn’t prevent or cure it).

Here is how a common cellulite diet usually works for those inexperienced and gullible enough to pay large amounts of money.

To start off with, you will be advised to avoid toxins and foods that kill. We are all aware of this, and you don’t have to be a specialist or a genius to figure out you shouldn’t be eating these types of food.

The water cure is often propagated as a cure for cellulite, but again its effects are only minimal. You may also be recommended to consume more and more natural and organic foods, avoiding drinking and smoking, drugs and stress. Some diets will also include some exercises.

When it comes to cellulite diets, there is just one aspect that is useful and true, and this is that eating healthily and drinking more fluids brings benefits to your body. But it is far from the truth to say they will eliminate cellulite from your thighs, hips and buttocks.

Such a diet will improve the blood circulation and the nutritional health of the person; however it won’t cure their cellulite. It is much better to consider this type of diet a healthy eating and cleansing plan than an anti cellulite diet.

So, if you have a cellulite reduction plan, a diet is not absolutely necessary. Yes it can help you in your attempt to eliminate your cellulite but to reiterate the point, it won’t cure it.

If you really want to try something to help further your attempts to decrease your cellulite, then physical activity is the answer combined with topical creams and massages. You should then see a definite improvement in your cellulite problems.

An exercise plan will also eliminate toxins from your body. This is achieved by sweating. During the process of sweating when exercising, sauna or drinking hot tea in a warm room, you eliminate considerable amounts of toxins from your body, this assists in decreasing cellulite and ensuring your skin looks a lot smoother.

Don’t let yourselves fooled by all those promises made by those companies trying to sell you an anti cellulite diet which promises great results in a matter of days, it’s not true, and you are doomed to disappointment.

Your attempts to reducing cellulite can only be achieved by a strict plan, that doesn’t even necessarily include a diet. Do some research before you plan your diet, and don’t be afraid to ask for professional help. Your physician is a good start, as he will tell you the truth about any claims made about any diet’s anti cellulite effects.

Aug
21st

Breast Cancer in Men

Breast cancer is a malignant tumour which has developed from cells in the breast. Although breast cancer occurs mainly in women, it can occasionally occur in men though this is quite rare. Many people are not aware that men also have breast tissue which can develop into breast cancer and this is given a very low priority by the medical profession.
Prior to puberty, young girls and boys only have a small amount of tissue in their breast which consists of only a few tubular passages known as ducts. These are located under the areola and the nipple.
During puberty, the girl’s ovaries produce female hormones which cause the ducts in the breast to grow in preparation for lactation. The milk glands known as lobules form at the end of these ducts, and fatty and connective tissue known as stroma increases.
Hormones which are produced by males’ testicles work in the opposite way and prevent breast tissue from developing. So although men’s breast tissue does contain ducts, it only has a few lobules.
A man’s breast duct cells can develop cancerous changes, just like the rest of the cells in his body. Because woman have more breast cells than men, breast cancer is more common in women than men because their breast cells are exposed to the effect of female growth hormones. The male hormone tends to suppress this effect.
However there are a lot of different types of breast disorders which can affect men and women the same although most of them are benign. Benign tumours are not cancerous and do not spread outside the breast. They are also not life threatening though can cause concern. Malignant tumours are cancerous and can be life threatening. (Benign tumours are particularly rare in men).
The lymphatic vessels are an important part of the breast. However if breast cancer occurs, they can be the biggest carrier of the cancerous cells.
The lymphatic system carries the lymph which is a clear liquid containing tissue fluid, the immune system cells and any waste products the body may be disposing of.
Lymph nodes are small oval shaped cells situated within the immune system and they are located along the lymphatic vessels. Because the lymph system is so efficient, it is possible for cancer cells to enter the lymphatic vessels and spread to the lymph nodes extremely quickly this causing spread.
The majority of lymphatic vessels within the breast connect to lymph nodes situated under the arm which are known as axillary lymph nodes. Some lymphatic vessels connect to lymph nodes inside the chest which are known as internal mammary nodes and above or below the collarbone, known as the supra or infraclavicular nodes.
When cancer cells reach the axillary lymph nodes, they may continue to grow. This causes the lymph nodes in that area to swell. Should the breast cancer cells spread to the lymph nodes under the arm, they are very likely to have spread to the other organs of the body as well. (This is known as metastic spread). Therefore when choosing a suitable treatment, it is important to establish whether the breast cancer has spread to the axillary lymph nodes or whether it has been contained.

Aug
21st

Aromatherapy and Respiratory Illness

Aromatherapy has many wonderful benefits for treating various Respiratory Infections and illnesses. Respiratory Illnesses carry symptoms such as coughing, congestion, sinus pressure or nasal congestion, and if not treated, it can lead to more serious illnesses such as Bronchitis or Pneumonia.

Aromatherapy is a great way to treat these symptoms due to the fact that steam is used to open up the pores and breathe in the various healing qualities of herbal remedies and plant extracts. There are many different herbs that will help to expel mucous from the lungs and will assist in the healing of the body during a respiratory infection.

If you are interested in taking an Aromatic bath for the sole purpose of treating a Respiratory Illness, here are some herbs that you should consider adding to your regime.

Eucalyptus is a great herb that has successfully treated coughs due to colds and flu for hundreds of years In fact, during the 1800’s; Eucalyptus became wide spread for the treatment of coughs and colds and as use as an inhalant. Eucalyptus is often a main ingredient in cough drops, and vapor rubs. It blends well with Camphor and Menthol as well as Lavender, Peppermint, Rosewood, and Wintergreen. Combine any of these oils or mix and match with complimentary Aromatherapy candles for a powerful treatment that will help you to breathe clear and easily. You can make an infusion with Eucalyptus and adding it to an aromatic bath for immediate relief from congestion and cough. Eucalyptus and Peppermint oils blended together will make a wonderful inhalant when added to a vaporizer. You can also drink Eucalyptus tea or make your own infusion and sip it warm for internal relief.

Anise is another fantastic herb that has a history of treating Respiratory Illnesses. Anise has successfully been used in the treatment of Bronchitis and coughs due to colds and flu. It has estrogen like properties, so it isn’t recommended for use in pregnant women. However, Anise blends well with Lavender, Cedarwood, Rosewood, Orange and Tangerine. Anise has a delicious aroma that resembles black licorice and is a wonderful addition to your Aromatherapy recipes. Try drinking Anise that has been infused and then sweetened for a healthy, powerful, and delicious tea.

Hyssop was once revered as a sacred herb. It is mentioned in the Bible and was renowned for its ability to purify a place and make it holy. Hyssop is also known for its expectorant qualities, and is therefore an herb of choice when dealing with Respiratory Infection. Hyssop blends well with Lavender, Clove, Sage, Rosemary, and other Citrus-based oils. Hyssop baths are recommended for full body Aromatherapy relief of chest congestions, coughs, and as an expectorant. Make an infusion of fresh Hyssop flowers and put them in a cloth bag. The bag should allow for water to easily pass through the bag while not allowing the herbs to escape. Keep the infusion in the bath while you soak for at least 20-30 minutes. If you have previously made an infusion, the infusion may be sweetened and will promote healing internally. You can also add your ready-made infusion directly to your bathwater.

Aug
20th

Cellulite removal products

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Cellulite and stress are the diseases of the 21st century. Cellulite can be defined as a subcutaneous fat tissue, which causes a dimpling effect on the skin, giving it an ugly aspect. These fat deposits are more likely to appear on the hips, thighs and buttocks of both women and men (but more likely to women), but you can also find cellulite on the upper arms. In fact, 99% of women after the age of 30 years tend to encounter cellulite problems.

The market is chock full of anti-cellulite products. The bad news is that few of them are really effective. So, as with any other purchase, intelligent consumers do some research before making the final decision on a certain brand or product. There are some independent organizations such as”E-Consumer” or “Consumer Health Digest” that provide reviews of products and services concerning cellulite. This way the consumers can make better informed buying decisions.

When purchasing an anti-cellulite product, you should know that the ingredients are the ones that will make a difference. First of all, make sure you have no allergies to any of the ingredients that some pills or a cream contain. After that, purchase only those products that contain several ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, caffeine or green tea extract. These are usually recommended and believed to be effective in removing cellulite from your body.

Also, a good method to find out what products are the best in cellulite reduction is to visit several spas. They have special products that they use. If the spa sessions have good results, you can buy those products, and use them at home. This way, you will buy the best products, and save some money. You can also ask for the advice of a physician who will recommend a diet to go with those products and assist you in ridding yourself of your cellulite.
One of the newest anti-cellulite products is the cellulite soap. This special soap will work to restore the collagen in the skin, and clean the harmful bacteria. The soap also uses some sea weed extract that will penetrate the skins surface, and emulsify the fat layer, commonly known as cellulite. Also, the soap is very good at preventing cellulite, so you can reliably use it. The advantage is that, you can combine it with an anti cellulite cream for more effective results. You can use it at home, three to five times a day for good results.
The market is full of anti cellulite products, which are more or less effective. You just need to be aware that creams or pills are not enough for a totally effective cellulite reduction. Exercises, massages, a diet and many other cellulite reduction techniques play important roles. There are special programs designed to help you, and all you have to do is to stick with the one you think is more suitable for your needs. A physician is an excellent resource to use who will recommend a suitable program.

Aug
20th

Breast Cancer FAQ

Despite being one of the most common forms of cancer, breast cancer is still surrounded in a shroud of uncertainty for many women. Thankfully, information about the subject is abundant but even so, one might get lost in this huge jungle of information. That’s why we have set up a breast cancer related FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to guide you around the subject:

Q: What are the main causes for breast cancer?
A: As with other forms of cancer, there are multiple factors that can trigger breast cancer. These include age, an unbalanced diet, smoking, drinking, hormonal dysfunctions, hormone-altering medication (such as birth control pills for example), exposure to powerful light charges and so forth.

Q: Can breast cancer be cured?
A: Yes, but not at the same extent that you would cure any other disease, through sheer medication, treatments or therapy. The main way to “cure” breast cancer is to remove the tumor causing it and the adjacent diseased cells. The tumor is removed through surgery, whereas the remaining cancerous cells can be eliminated through several methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormonal treatments.

Q: Is breast cancer less aggressive than other forms of cancer?
A: No, it’s the same as with other forms of cancer, regardless of the area where the tumor is formed. However, the fact that breast cancer is situated in an area that is more easily treatable allows it to have a better survival rate, hence the popular belief that it’s not as dangerous. If left untreated or if it’s not discovered in time, rest assure that breast cancer is equally powerful as other forms of cancer.

Q: Is it necessary to visit my doctor on a regular basis to check if a breast tumor is forming up?
A: No, not necessarily, although it’s recommended that you visit your doctor for such an examination at least once a year. If you’re not comfortable with that, you can perform breast self-examination (BSE) at home. BSE doesn’t take a lot of time and if it is performed on a monthly basis, it will grant you a big chance of discovering any breast tumors in time.

Q: What happens if I discover the tumor in one of the later stages of the disease?
A: If the tumor is discovered after it has fully grown, surgery is the only option you have left. In most cases, you will be required to undergo a mastectomy, which is an operation where a large part of the breast is removed together with the tumor, in order to prevent any further spreading of the disease. After the operation is over and the doctors give you the green light for it, you may attend a secondary breast restoration treatment that will correct the unpleasant aesthetical effects of the mastectomy.

Q: Is breast cancer hereditary?
A: No, it’s not hereditary in the same sense as other diseases are. However, if one of the members of your family has suffered from breast cancer, there’s a slightly increased chance that you will get it too.

Aug
20th

Aromatherapy and Recovery from Addictions

Anxiety, fear, stress, and depression are on the rise and the result unfortunately is that many people turn to addictions to counteract and self medicate the emotional pain they are struggling with. Addictions can range from sexual, food, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, prescription medication, sugar, carbohydrates, and illegal street drugs. Some people are generally more susceptible to developing an addiction because of their personalities.

Addictions may start off small, and the person who has the addiction may not even realize that an addiction is forming. They may believe that they are in control of the addiction and think of themselves as a “casual user” of the substance they are in fact addicted to. The basic definition of an addiction is compulsion. The compulsion will lead a person to repetitively perform the same action, ex. Smoking cigarettes, drinking until intoxicated, using street drugs, no matter what the result of the action may be. Most people who are addicted, addicts, realize that they have a problem and have no control over the substance that they are addicted to.

Most people are aware that smoking can cause lung cancer; they cough continuously and feel short of breath daily. They can dream about a life without cigarettes, yet when they wake up in the morning, the first thing they do is light a cigarette and smoke. They are addicted and feel powerless to break the addiction.

One of the saddest and most prevalent addictions in America is the addition to illegal street drugs. Drugs such as Crack Cocaine, Chrystal Meth, and Heroin have destroyed the lives of addicts, their children, and those around them. These addictions can become so powerful and controlling that addicts will steal, kill, and destroy anyone who gets in the way of their next “fix” or “high”.

Addictions are emotional as well as physical. In the case of those who are addicted to illegal drugs, the physical results of not having the drug may at times be worse than the physical results of taking the drug itself.

It may take a lot of hard work to break free from an addiction. Often the underlying root of an addiction may be an emotional or spiritual wound. The addiction is often a symptom of someone who is trying to cover up emotional pain, memories, or even a condition such as Clinical Depression. Therapy must be used to help people become free from the addiction and begin to enjoy their lives again. When addicts recover they may in fact be repulsed and shocked by some of their behaviors that they performed while “under the influence” of the addictive substance. It is important to realize that therapy does not stop once the physical side of the addiction is broken. There may also need to be a course of therapy devoted to restoring self-esteem and overcoming guilt and shame.

Aromatherapy may be used along with the selected course of treatment to help break addictions and assist with times of relaxation and helping restore normal functions of the human body. There are many herbs that will help break the physical effects of the addiction, as well as herbs that can help treat the physical symptoms of recovery and withdrawal. An aromatic massage may be a wonderful way to relax and help the body to recover. Here are some herbs that may be added to carrier oil for an addiction breaking massage. All of these herbs will help in the recovery process, Sandalwood, Lavender, Geranium, Vetiver, Myrtle, and Angelica Root.

Aug
19th

Cellulite myths V Facts

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Cellulite is a common problem for more than 85 percent of women nowadays. The problem is, cellulite is surrounded by many myths and ill conceived ideas. I refer of course to those facts about cellulite that are very popular, but are completely or partially false, but are thought by many people to be true.

A. there is a general opinion that only women in their 30s get cellulite. This is not true. Both women and men, of any age, size, weight or structure can develop at a certain age cellulite on specific parts of their body. In fact, there are cases of both young women and men who develop cellulite before they are 20 years old. It is true that older people are more likely to suffer from this condition. This can be simply explained by the fact that older people have thinner skin.

B. cellulite can only appear on the thighs and hip. This is another myth. On women, cellulite is more likely to develop on the hips and thighs; however it also develops on the buttocks, arms and other parts of their body. On men, cellulite is more likely to develop on their abdomen, and sometimes on their neck.

C. the most common cellulite myth is that only over-weight people develop cellulite. Some really obese people develop no cellulite at all, yet many slim people have a lot of cellulite. Though obese people are more prone to developing cellulite, it isn’t an automatic problem. We all have fat cells in our body, so we all can develop cellulite.

D. many people believe that diets and exercises can fully eliminate cellulite. This is partially true. A proper anti cellulite diet and a daily exercise program can lead to a reduction of cellulite. Unfortunately, this will only be a temporarily effect, and after a while the cellulite will appear again on your hips, buttocks of thighs.

E. a salt-free diet will eliminate cellulite. Just like the myth I mentioned above this is partially true too. Salt is not the cause for cellulite, but it definitely doesn’t help it. A normal consumption of salt (5 to 10 grams per day) would not affect you in any way.

F. Eliminate superfluous liquid by using diuretic and depletive remedies and teas. This is common advice you may be given by your friends or relatives. In reality, if you try this, you will only develop more cellulite and you may even make yourself ill. If you really want to eliminate unnecessary liquid, you can do this with green tea, fruits and vegetables, flakes or with soda-free water.

So, don’t listen to all your friends’ advices and make the wrong decisions. The right thing to do in this case is to see a physician or any other specialists that will tell you all about cellulite. Before you start a cellulite treatment or buy ant cellulite products make sure that they are recommended by someone who really knows what he’s talking about.