Skin Care With Seaweed- New Beauty Advice

There are many benefits of seaweed and you don't have to limit yourself to just skin care with seaweed, though it can be great for that too.

Another thing to take into consideration is that skin care with seaweed does not just mean applying seaweed to the outside of your body.

We all know that what we see on the outside of our bodies actually begins on the inside.

Adding seaweed to your diet can provide many nutritional benefits that will make your whole body healthier… and that will show up on your skin too.

Another benefit of some varieties of seaweed is that they can help you cleanse your body from the inside out. You may have heard of clearing toxins from your system by doing a colon cleanse.

There are some variety of seaweeds that can be used jut for that purpose. Again, you can start on the inside to improve the look of the outside.

If you want to also use seaweed on the outside in the forms of creams, soaps and wraps you can do that too.

Kale, for example, can not only be added to many of your foods to get even more of a health benefit, it can also be used as a body scrub.

Several varieties of crushed algae have been used for creating facial masks and scrubs.

Another seaweed that has been used as a beauty treatment is Carrageenan. This Irish seaweed is used to thicken creams used in cosmetics.

Bladderwrack is used to help remove cellulite by applying this cream to those trouble spots.

Other benefits of seaweed to your appearance can be to thicken your hair and prevent hair loss. Many people claim that by taking a seaweed supplement made from Nori, you can not only slow down any hair loss but you can also improve the strength and the rate at which your hair grows.

To get the hair growth benefit, though, you must actually eat the seaweed you don't just apply it to your head. Since it comes in supplement forms or it can be added to many dishes you already eat, it is a simple thing to get more of it into your daily diet.

Another popular use for seaweed is a seaweed wrap. If you enjoy going for spa treatments, you will have no doubt heard about this.

A seaweed wrap can help your skin in many ways, but it doesn't just stop at making your skin look better. Since it can tone, moisturize, oxygenate, and detoxify your body it can also help with other issues such as arthritis relief, help heal strains, increase circulation and even help with weight loss.

You can have a wrap just on your face or a full body wrap. These will usually last anywhere from one to one and one half hours.

Afterward you will feel and look relaxed and rejuvenated. These are just some of the skin care with seaweed benefits you can get from this amazing sea vegetable. You can use it to make your skin look good on the outside by improving the health on the inside.


 

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Anxiety And Nervous Breakdown-Not Exactly The Same

At first glance, it may not be easy to see how anxiety and nervous breakdown are related. Let's define each term so we can be sure we are on the same page. Anxiety refers to a series of conditions including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), phobias, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nervous breakdown, though it is not used as a medical term, can be defined as an acute mental disorder that prevents a person from functioning at a normal level; furthermore, these breakdowns are often related to or result in anxiety and depression.

NOTE: Nothing in this article is meant to be medical advice, and should not be taken as such. You must always talk to a qualified medical professional about any health concerns you have, including anxiety and nervous breakdown.

Even though clinical anxiety may be caused by specific life events, the cause of it is frequently associated with neurology, biology, heredity, or body chemistry. On the other hand, a nervous breakdown is more sudden and the direct cause is typically more immediate and not associated with anything physiological. That being said, there are always exceptions, so don't make any assumptions about your particular situation until you have received a professional opinion.

There are no hard and fast statistics on how many people have had a nervous breakdown, but chances are that the number is higher than you think. It used to be that people who admitted to having one would be put into an insane asylum (another term that has fell out of favor in recent years) to recuperate. The stigma attached to this meant that anxiety and nervous breakdown were not discussed openly. While many advances have been made, and people are more open than they used to be, there is still an unfair stigma attached to these common conditions.

Seeking treatment sounds easy, but the problem is the lingering stigma. However, you need to understand that health care providers will keep all of your information confidential, and furthermore, will treat you with respect. To put it in simple terms, if you think you need help, go get some help and don't worry about what other people may think about it (hint: almost everybody thinks about themselves anyway).

If you have an ongoing anxiety problem, then your chances of having a nervous breakdown go up. Therefore, it makes sense that by treating the underlying anxiety your chances of having a breakdown will decrease. Cognitive therapy and medication are the two most common treatment options and can be quite effective. Be sure to have an honest and thorough discussion with your doctor so they can give you the best possible treatment.

Anxiety and nervous breakdown isn't any fun, and even with treatment, it's possible for breakdowns to happen. If this happens to you, you should take it seriously so it doesn't turn into something worse. The main thing to remember is that there is help available for you.


 

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Skin Care Products Are You Blessed With Great SKin

Some people seem to be blessed with naturally healthy skin…then there are people who have problem areas and need skin care products to look their best. We call the people in the latter group "normal". In other words, if you have less-than-perfect skin, then you are not alone.

When purchasing any skin care product, it is important that you read the label carefully. You want to make sure the product is right for your age and complexion. If you have any allergies or are sensitive to particular ingredients, then you will want to know if the product contains anything you can't tolerate. If things such as animal testing are a concern, then you will want to check the label for that too.

It would be possible to list hundreds, if not thousands, of different skin care products, but it is much easier to break them down into four broad categories: moisturizers, cleansers, exfoliants and sunscreen.

1. Moisturizers – As with any skin care product, you need to select a moisturizer that is right for you. It's even possible that you may not need a moisturizer, but if your skin doesn't snap back, feels tight, is wrinkled or just looks dull, then moisturizing is important. Look for products that not only hydrate the skin, but also trap the moisture. If the label mentions "humectants" or the ability to "lock in moisture", then that's what you want. The ability to trap moisture will allow the product to keep on working long after you apply it. If your skin is oily then choose moisturizers that are oil-free as well as noncomedogenic (which is the technical way of saying the product won't clog your pores). If you have sensitive skin then opt for products that are free of scents and dyes.

2. Cleansers – You need to keep your skin clean, but you don't want to overdo it by using harsh cleansers that do more harm than good. Again, your cleanser will be determined by your skin type, and where you will be using them (e.g., use a more gentle cleanser on the face). A general cleanser such as Ivory soap works for most people, but try not to use regular soaps as they tend to be too harsh when used on a regular basis. Cleaning your face at night and then using a warm-water rinse in the morning may be enough for you, but you shouldn't have to use a cleanser more than twice a day, at most.

3. Exfoliants – These are the skin care products that take off the dead skin cells that are left on the top of the skin. Exfoliation can be thought of as a deeper cleaning, and most people find that doing it every one to two weeks is sufficient.

4. Sunscreen – While you need to get some sun, getting too much will quickly age your skin. Using a sunscreen every time you go outside will protect you and your skin from the damage the sun can do. You can get stand-alone sunscreen, or you can get skin care products that have a sunscreen added to them.


 

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Hormones And Menopause-Changes For Women Usually In Forties

As a woman, your hormone levels can fluctuate wildly throughout your life. Once you start getting your period and are going through puberty all the way through menopause, it can be quite a ride. Since hormones and menopause can have such an impact on your life, I've written this article to provide you with more information.

This can all start slowly in the stage that is known as perimenopause. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid thirties, though it's more common in your early to mid forties.

Perimenopause will last anywhere from a few months to a decade. During this time you will still menstruate, but your periods will be erratic. Your flow may increase or decrease and you usually won't know form one month to the next when to expect your monthly "friend".

During this time you will also usually experience some of the hormones and menopause symptoms that you hear so much about, and are probably dreading.

Things like hot flashes, anxiety, dry hair and skin, weight gain, etc. It is important to remember that not everyone will get every one of these symptoms.

It is also important to remember that even if you do get some of these symptoms they may not be as severe as someone else has had and they may not last as long either.

You can still get pregnant during perimenopause so you must use birth control measures or you may end up with more of a surprise than you bargained for.

Once you have gone for one full year with no period you are considered to be in menopause.

There are many treatments that are available for each of the symptoms you may have to deal with. Some are safer than others, some work better than others.

To a large degree it will simply be a matter of trial and error to find what works best for you. If you don't have a doctor who you feel comfortable with and who you feel you can talk to (and who actually listens to you) you might want to change doctors.

Going through menopause will require you to have complete trust in your doctor and you want someone who has an open mind and can truly understand what you are going through.

You don't want a doctor who thinks a hot flash is really "no big deal" or is close minded about trying herbal remedies to provide you with some relief.

As I said, this can go on for a long time and you will likely have to try several things to find the right types and combinations of medicines to provide the relief of your menopausal symptoms. You need a doctor who will work with you as a partner.

And no matter what, you want to make sure you keep yourself healthy. Weight gain during menopause is not a given… far from it.

As a matter of fact there is no reason for you to gain weight. Sure, as we get older our metabolisms do slow down but there are many things we can do to counteract that.

In a lot of cases women suffer from depression during this time of life and just eat too much, or eat too much "comfort food" and that is the reason for their weight gain.

Your hormones fluctuate throughout your whole life and hormones and menopause can provide you with some challenges, but with some knowledge and a good doctor in your corner, you will be just fine.


 

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Simple Remedies To Relieve Stress-Find Relief

Stress is a major health problem in many parts of the world, and the causes of stress are not going away any time soon. What that means is that you need some simple remedies to relieve stress. The causes may still be there, but they won't have a negative effect on you if you are able to deal with them in a positive way. Here are a few simple things you can do to prevent stress from taking a toll on you.

(Always talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have, including stress.)

1. Reduce your sodium intake. Stress raises your blood pressure which can be especially dangerous if you already suffer from hypertension. Reducing your sodium intake will help to keep your blood pressure under control, and will also minimize the damage that stress does to your body.

2. Get plenty of sleep. While everybody is different, there is no question that most people have a major sleep deficit. You should aim for about 8 hours of sleep, though you may need more. Set a regular time for going to bed and getting up, and stick to it (even on weekends). The quality of sleep you get is also important. You should only use your bedroom for sleeping so your body associates it with sleep. The tricky part to all of this is that stress can cause insomnia, which can lead to more stress. If you think this is a problem then talk to your doctor about getting a sleep study done.

3. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine. It stands to reason that you're going to be tired if you don't get a good night's sleep, and one way to compensate for that tired feeling is to drink caffeinated beverages. The problem is that caffeine is a stimulant which not only puts stress on your body, it also makes you more on edge and susceptible to stress.

4. Reflect on the positive. If you are the type of person who is worried and anxious on a regular basis, then reflecting on the positive things that have happened will help you to reduce stress. This turns your focus away from the things that cause you stress, and puts it back on those things that make you feel good. Recalling the positive things will take some practice at first, but stick with it and will count this as one of the simple remedies to relieve stress.

5. Take a nap. We all have times when we feel overworked and stressed out. When this happens to you, take a nap and recharge your batteries. Studies have shown that naps can make you feel better, and there is even some evidence that naps in the workplace can improve productivity. A quick twenty-minute snooze should be enough to reap the stress-reducing benefits of napping.

You will be able to calm down by using these simple remedies to relieve stress. Use them as often as needed and you will feel much better in no time.


 

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Signs You Might Need A Twelve Step Program For Help

While you might be in denial about your alcoholism, signs might be pointing to your having a problem and needing treatment. Look carefully at these symptoms and honestly look at them and try to see if that is portraying a picture of you. It could be that only one or two of them apply, but you wouldn't be off the hook. All you need is for a couple of these to be right and you could still very well be an alcoholic.

1- Feeling guilty or ashamed for drinking. You might act defensive when questioned about it and you may try to hide it, but take a close look and honestly as yourself if you feel ashamed for what you are doing.

2- Are you using alcohol in situations where it is physically dangerous to do so? Driving a vehicle while intoxicated is the most obvious, but by far not the only one. It may be operating equipment of any kind can put you at risk. Using heavy machinery at work can be deadly when you are drunk. Also, consider drinking when pregnant. There are some serious issues that come along with this.

3- Don't know when to say when. You may have had in your head how much you want to drink, but once you get started you can't stop. A few drinks will turn into a lot more.

4- Alcohol takes up your energy and focus. How often do you think about drinking. Does it ever interrupt your thinking? Also, how often do you have to plan your schedule around going to get a drink? If this is a recurring and daily theme with you, you might have a problem.

5- You want to quit, but you can't. You know the benefits of stopping and know what bad can come from not. As much as you want to do it, you just can't pull yourself away from it.

6- Finding excuses to drink. It might have started out with you drinking socially, but then you started doing it to ease some pain or calm yourself down. Now you look for any and every reason to throw one back.

7- Drinking in secret. You try to hide it. You hide the booze where you can and you try to do it when no one is around. You may just not want to be bothered, but you are being bothered for a good reason. You need to stop.

8- Blacking out or forgetting what you did while drunk. How do you know you have any control over what you are doing? How do you know you aren't going to do something that will totally screw up your life or the life of someone else because you can't stop. You don't know what you are capable of and not capable of if you have blackouts. You have no control.

9- Hurt someone because of being drunk. Alcohol is often looked as something that ill make you bold. Sometimes that can be too bold and could harm seriously one that you love.

10- Built up a tolerance. Have you reached a point where it takes two or three times more alcohol to get that buzz than it did in the past? If you feel like you can handle more that doesn't mean that you should. It just puts you at greater risk.

11- Lie to others about your drinking. If you have to hide it, you probably shouldn't be doing it. Lying betrays trust and hurts relationships.

12- You drink even though you know it causes you problems. You know better, but if you don't do anything than your knowledge is useless. You choose every day to do the right thing or the wrong thing. The right thing for you is to not do those things that cause you and your family hardships.

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms by any means, but it can give you an idea of what to look for. If you can honestly look at yourself and see some of these traits then you need to do yourself a favor and get help.


 

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Anxiety And Insomnia-Under Reported Medical Conditions

Two of the most widespread yet under-reported medical conditions are anxiety and insomnia. You may also be surprised to learn that they can be related to each other. The relationship between these two conditions can lead to a vicious spiral that makes it difficult for sufferers to cope.

What we are talking about here is not the occasional sense of feeling anxious or a night or two where you have a hard time staying asleep. Those things happen to everybody, and are nothing more than a minor annoyance. What we are talking about is chronic anxiety and insomnia; the kind that happens on a regular basis and has a negative impact on other parts of your life.

NOTE: Always talk to your personal doctor about any health concerns you have, including anxiety or insomnia. Nothing in this article is meant to be taken as medical advice of any kind; however, it can form the basis of your initial discussion about your concerns.

All of this can lead to a tricky problem: determining whether it's the insomnia causing the anxiety, or vice-versa. Scientific studies have shown that both cases are quite possible, so it could really be either one. However, that means it is also possible that by treating one of the problems, you can alleviate the other.

Most people can relate to insomnia caused by anxiety. Imagine lying in bed with all of the troubles of the day running through your head; add to that your worries of what tomorrow will bring, and it can be next to impossible to a restful night of sleep. That feeling of not being able to sleep isn't any fun at all, and it only leads to more restlessness.

On the other hand, most people are surprised to learn that insomnia can lead to anxiety. The reason for this isn't entirely understood, but it seems as though a decrease in the body's overall ability to cope due to not sleeping could be a contributing factor to anxiety.

Understanding the relationship between anxiety and insomnia can be a real discovery for people that suffer from either or both conditions. It's as though they suddenly realize that their insomnia leads to their anxiety, and vice-versa.

As mentioned earlier, you should always talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have. When talking to your doctor, you may want to discuss if you should start by treating your anxiety or insomnia first. After all, if you can improve both conditions by treating only one, then it will be much easier to manage your treatment options.

You can find resources to help you treat anxiety and insomnia, but they will only work if you make use of them and follow through on their advice. Either way, it's reassuring to know that you don't have to keep suffering. There is a lot of help out there, and the sooner you start learning what you can do, the sooner you will find solutions that work for you.


 

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Dry Skin Remedies-Patchy Flaky And Red Oh My

Dry skin. Yuck! Nobody wants to deal with the red, flaky, painful, itchy condition that makes them feel so miserable. Luckily, there are several dry skin remedies that treat the condition effectively. What follows are a few remedies that have brought relief to millions of people. Everybody is different, however, so you may need to try a few before finding the ones that work best for you.

NOTE: You should always talk to a qualified doctor or dermatologist before treating any skin conditions. Nothing in this article is intended to be medical advice, and should not be taken as medical advice.

It may sound obvious, but dry skin is the result of a lack of hydration. This lack of hydration can be internal, external, or both. Drinking plenty of water is often all that needs to be done to battle dry skin. How much water you need will vary, but if you ever get thirsty during the day, then it's a sign that you are not drinking enough. The other benefit of drinking plenty of water is that it's good for your overall health and will help to make you feel better.

Most people think of external hydration when they consider dry skin remedies. External hydration covers anything that is applied to or done to the outside of the skin. Here are a few popular examples:

1. Lotions and creams. The beauty aisle at the store is filled with products that promise to hydrate and moisturize the skin. The good news is that all of them work, at least for some people. Even if you have tried many different products in the past, some of the ones you haven't tried may just work. One thing to look for is a product that contains humectants. A humectant is any ingredient that not only moisturizes but also locks moisture in.

2. Humidity. If you find that your skin gets especially dry in the winter, it's most likely due to the lack of humidity in the air. You can fix this problem by adjusting the heating system in your home to put more humidity in the air (assuming it has that feature installed). The other option is to use a humidifier to put more moisture in the air.

3. Natural dry skin remedies. Your kitchen cupboard may just hold all of the dry skin remedies that you need. Mother Nature has provided all of us with solutions to any number of health concerns, and dry skin is no exception. Honey and olive oil can be applied directly to the skin. A mashed up banana applied to the face can work wonders. Some people have found success with a mixture of egg yolk, olive oil, orange juice, and rose water.

As you can see, there are many dry skin remedies waiting for you. The big "secret" is to keep trying various solutions until you find the ones that work best for you. Rest assured, there is at least one remedy that will have your skin looking and feeling great.


 

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Risks Of Alcohol Disease You Can Look For

There are many social and mental problems associated with alcoholism, but there are also alcohol disease risks that can cause severe short-term or long-term conditions if left untreated. There are risks to the heart, as well as an increased risk of cancer. There are problems that affect one's blood sugar levels. The liver can be effected and reproductive systems may be hurt as well as several other complications. All of these conditions are preventable by abstaining from alcohol or decreasing the amount that is consumed.

The heart is affected in several ways when alcohol is abused. One may become afflicted with cardiomyopathy with is an inflammation of the heart and prevents it from working as it should. Alcohol abuse will also bring about what is known as "holiday heart" otherwise known as catrial fibrillation that is seen in an irregular heart beat in what is otherwise a normal and healthy body. It's usually associated with binge drinking. Hypertension or high blood pressure is also common.

Cancer is also a greater risk here. The areas that are largely going to be more prone to getting cancer are anything having to do with the digestive system. It can start as high as the mouth, lips, and tongue, it can show up in the esophagus or in the colon and rectum. In female alcoholics, breast cancer is also a greater risk.

A condition of the liver known as steatosis or fatty liver is an issue that you want to avoid, especially since it can change into a more serious and long-term condition of the liver known as steatohepatitis or a serious inflammation of the liver. One may also find that they have cerrhosis, which is a scarring of the liver and results in poor liver functioning. This can lead to kidney failure, cancer of the liver, and even mental health problems.

Both males and females may have infertility issues. Females have to worry about passing on problems to their unborn child giving them fetal alcohol syndrome. Males may have to deal with testicular atrophy (a shrinking of the testicles) and a condition known as gynecomastia in which the mammary glands reach an abnormally large size.

Osteopenia is another that is essentially a problem of low bone density bought about by alcoholism that can lead to osteoperosis.

There are many other health issues that come about and many more that will come as more is learned about the harmful effects. The cost of getting that buzz comes with a high risk of serious problems in all aspects of life. One has to wonder if it is worth it. When you look at what harm can come from what may start out as a rather simple and harmless drink, it might be wise to abstain from it altogether. A little alcohol may do you some good from time to time, but overdoing it can cause much more harm than good.


 

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Protection From Flu- At All Cost During Holiday Season

The flu season rolls around every year and every year people do what they can to protect themselves from catching this meddlesome illness. After all, the flu is not something you want to be burdened with. It is a nasty and miserable experience that can prevent you from enjoying the holiday season as you are stuck in bed recovering. So the best Protection from flu would be to simply avoid getting it all together.

Avoiding the flu sounds easy, but it also seems quite difficult. How can you avoid something that is so wide spread? Well there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself from catching the flu. If you use the following tips you can protect yourself from getting the flu, allowing you to enjoy the holidays illness free.

1. Exercise. The human body needs to be able to run properly if it is to fight off diseases such as the flu. The healthier your body is, the healthier your immune system is, the stronger it is and the more able it is to fight off foreign invaders like the flu virus. So getting plenty of exercise and staying in shape allows you to not only strengthen your body as a whole, but also your immune system, allowing it to kill off the virus before it can make you sick.

2. Eat fruits and vegetables. Your body is a machine and like all machines it needs proper fuel to have proper Protection from flu. Exercise is important but so is eating the right kinds of foods, fruits and vegetables are loaded with various vitamins and minerals that can keep your immune system in tip top shape and running smoothly. Without these essential fuels your immune system may not be as strong as it should be and may be susceptible to the flu virus, which means you will get sick.

3. Get plenty of rest. Make sure to keep your body well rested and charged up as well. If you run yourself ragged and are exhausted, your immune system suffers as a result as it has not had time to recharge and keep itself at the ready. So even in your hectic life, you should try to find the time to get enough sleep to keep your body fully charged and ready to fend off invading viruses.

4. Wash your hands. This one seems like a simple method for Protection from flu and it really is. As we all know, as we move about in our daily lives we touch a lot of things, and those things carry a fair few germs on them. Regularly washing your hands, especially before meals, mitigates the amount of germs you are taking into your body. This in turn means your immune system does not have to work as hard killing these germs off, allowing it to focus on the flu virus should it pop up.

5. Get a flu shot. Lastly, and the most simple method out there. Simply get yourself the vaccine. This will allow your immune system to target the virus and kill it before it can take hold and cause harm, and is probably the most surefire way to protect yourself against the flu.


 

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