Spray Tanning On The Rise Not Just Celebrities

Probably thanks in no small part to celebrities, the appeal of spray tanning seems to be on the rise. As with most things, there can be pros and cons to getting this type of tan.

In this article I will give you both the pros and cons to spray tanning as well as a general overview of how it's done and some things you can do to prepare your skin so the results are more effective and attractive.

Tanning this way means that you are literally being sprayed all over your body, with a compound that is comprised of an element that darkens your skin, DHA. DHA has been declared safe by the FDA for this type of use, which is one of the biggest "pros" to this type of tan.

Even so, you do need to be very careful around the eyes.

Since this is basically just a temporary stain you are adding to your skin, it does not have the same long lasting, harmful effects that UV rays have. Whether you get those rays in a tanning bed or at the beach, UV rays can lead to pre mature aging of the skin and possibly even skin cancer.

Even a little exposure to UV rays can cause problems. There really is no "safe" amount of rays though it is generally accepted that moderate amounts over a lifetime, particularly if you don't ever get sun burnt, is probably not too big of a cause for alarm for most people.

Of course, there are those people who have a pre disposition to cancers of all types, not just skin cancer, and for those individuals even more caution is needed.

Anyway, back to spray tanning. You can do it at home or at local tanning salon. If you do it at home you will probably want to enlist the help of a friend since it can be tough to target all parts of your body on your own.

To increase the effectiveness here are some tips:

1. First of all pick the proper shade for your skin tone. If you are very fair skinned and you try to go ultra dark you may find it looks weird. Instead, try to take your skin up a few steps in color only.

2. Shaving before you get your tan may be a good idea since it is recommended that you don't shave for at least 24 hours after the tan is applied.

If you get rashy after you shave, you may want to shave at least 24 hours prior to your tanning session to make sure that the rash settles down first.

2. Use an exfoliating wash prior to your tan. Getting rid of as much dried skin as possible and moisturizing afterward can make your skin smoother and less susceptible to looking "blotchy".

Pay particular attention to those parts of your body that are rough such as elbows and feet. Making these as smooth as possible will also help ensure that they look good after the the tan is applied.

3. Be prepared to repeat the process every week or so. The tan does wash off and will fade over time. That is one of the biggest "cons"; tanning this way can end up being time consuming and costly to keep your tan looking good all season long.

Spray tanning is not without it's issues, but for anyone who likes that "sun kissed" look it may be a better way to get that look then spending countless hours damaging your skin in the sun.


 

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Stress Headaches And What To Do About Them

Tension or stress headaches are the most common form of headache. Most people have this type of headache occasionally, and around one third of adults have them twice a month or more. In addition, a small number of people (around 3%) have them 15 times a month or more.

Most people find that a tension-type headache affects both sides of the head, although some people have them in one particular place such as one side or near the neck. If you don't take a painkiller they may go away within a short time or they may last for several days. They usually begin during the day and worsen as the day goes on. They may be helped by rest and will often disappear while you sleep.

Stress headaches are different from migraines in several ways. Migraine tends to occur on one side and is characterized by throbbing pain that does not usually go away with a regular painkiller like aspirin. Migraine headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, visual disturbance, nausea, etc. A person with migraine cannot usually continue with normal activities like driving, working or watching TV. A person with a tension-type headache can do those things (although they may make the pain worse).

Stress headaches are usually caused by muscular tension but this in itself is often a physical symptom of psychological pressure or stress that may be caused by worries about relationships, work or financial matters, for example.

Stress headaches can also have directly physical causes. These may include:

– bad posture
– eye strain due to not wearing the right corrective lenses
– eye strain due to long hours reading or at a computer without breaks
– driving
– lack of exercise
– unhealthy diet, especially excessive sugar consumption
– tobacco smoking
– lack of fresh air
– noise
– weather conditions, including low pressure, strong sunlight, being too hot or too cold

To get rid of occasional stress headaches you can take a regular painkiller like aspirin if you don't have any medical conditions that would contraindicate this. However, if you have a tendency to get this type of headache often, it's not a good idea to take painkillers all of the time. Your body becomes used to them and you can even develop withdrawal headaches.

So in that situation it would be better to find something that will prevent stress headaches or make them less frequent. Usually, this means addressing the cause of your stress or tension.

If you can trace a physical cause to the headaches it is usually a simple matter to adjust it. Have your eyes checked, use a good chair, take breaks and regular exercise, etc. If you suffer from other forms of stress you may need to employ stress reduction techniques such as relaxation methods, assertiveness training, time management, etc.

Remember that headaches can be a symptom of more serious problems. If your headaches are frequent or severe or are accompanied by other symptoms, they may not be simple stress headaches and you should see a doctor for a health check.


 

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Looking Ageless – Make The Most Of It

A new acquaintance asks, "How old are you?" You have your reasons for not wanting to answer them, but the fact is that it's a very difficult question to answer accurately. The reason is that there are three types of age: chronological age, biological age, and psychological age. Looking ageless is about taking charge of the ages that you have control over. We will go into more detail on each age, and then give you suggestions for making the most it.

Chronological age – This is simply a function of the day you were born. If you were born 50 years ago, then your chronological age is 50, and there's not much you can do about that. When people ask you how old you are, they usually want to know your chronological age, however, there is much more to age than dates on a calendar. That being said, your chronological age serves as a useful point of comparison for the other types of age.

Biological age – While the calendar gives you one idea of age, your body will have its own idea about how old you are. Things such as your brain function, cardiovascular system, strength, endurance , and balance fall under this category. Genetics do come into play, but there are plenty of other factors that you can do something about.

Psychological age – You could be 30 and feel like you're 60, or vice-versa. "You're only as old as you feel" sums up this age quite nicely. How you feel will be reflected in how you look, so don't underestimate the power of positive thinking.

Now that you have a better understanding of the full meaning of "age" you can start doing the right things for looking ageless. We will start with your biological age, and then move on to your psychological age.

Taking care of your health is the biggest secret to keeping your biological age lower than your chronological age. Eating the right foods and getting plenty of exercise are a good start. Do your best to eat foods that are close to their natural source, and focus on eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meat, low-fat dairy, fish, and healthy fats. Be sure to get the full range of nutrients and enough fiber.

When it comes to exercise and looking ageless, the key is to vary your routine. Cardiovascular exercise should be done most days of the week, and is any form of exercise that gets your heart rate up (walking, jogging, bicycling, boxing, and so on). Resistance training, such as weight lifting, helps keep your muscles strong. Balance and flexibility exercises should also be done on a regular basis as they help your overall fitness level and quality of life.

Your psychological age is all about having the right attitude. The more happy and positive you are, the younger you will look and feel. Embrace life and all that it has to offer. Don't forget about prayer and meditation because they also have a positive effect on how you feel.


 

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How To Get Rid Of Warts

There are many methods by which you can attempt to get rid of warts. There are home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, and medical treatments. Some may be more effective than others; but you may wish to consider some of the many possibilities.

The minor surgical procedure called curettage is one method that may be helpful. In this procedure, a surgical instrument called a curette is used to scrape away the tissue which makes up the wart. Curettage is a safe procedure when done by a medical professional in a manner which will lessen the risk of infection. Sterility of the surgical environment and of the wound itself is essential.

In cryosurgery, the wart is frozen to facilitate its removal. Most physicians will use liquid nitrogen for this procedure. The way it works is that the freezing kills the cells of the wart. This is often a preferred method of wart removal, as it is not invasive surgery. However, care must be taken to insure that the surrounding healthy skin cells are not damaged.

Laser surgery is one of the more recent treatments for warts. In addition to the risk of infection, and its effects on the immune system, this method is generally not recommended because it requires anesthesia. Laser surgery is usually only a suitable course of action if other methods have failed, and if removing the wart is absolutely necessary.

Injections of either cantharidin or candida are also used in wart removal. While their effectiveness varies, the warts often return after the skin has healed.

Imiquimod is a topical cream which aids in wart removal by helping in the production of interferon. This in turn assists the immune system in destroying the virus which caused the wart. It will also help in preventing the virus from spreading.

There are a number of over-the-counter methods being sold for the purpose of wart removal. Their effectiveness varies, but the primary concern is the possibility of destroying the healthy skin cells around the wart. Most over-the-counter methods use salicylic acid. There are many of these products available; they contain either adhesive pads or salicylic acid in small bottles or tubes.

Another over-the-counter method is a caustic pencil of silver nitrate. This method works by burning the wart. Cryosurgery kits are also sold over-the-counter. These kits are considerably more expensive than the other over-the-counter methods.

Although numerous studies have debated its effectiveness, a home-remedy treatment using standard duct tape has been shown to be helpful in some cases. In a process which takes up to two months, duct tape occlusion therapy simply consists of keeping clean duct tape on the wart for six days, carefully scraping the wart with a pumice stone, and continuing this cycle until the wart is gone. Although as of yet inconclusive, the theory of how this method works is that the specific type of rubber adhesive in the duct tape stimulates one's immune system.

Although warts are caused by a virus, the theory that warts are also a sign of potassium deficiency has led many who prefer home-remedies to attempt wart removal by the use of banana peels. Some say it is often quite effective. As bananas are one of the most potassium-rich foods, keeping a fresh banana peel on the wart may cause the potassium to directly enter it. If one uses a fresh peel at least twice a day, the wart is supposed to shrink and fall off within a few days to a few weeks. Many people insist that this method does indeed work.


 

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Genital Warts: Men Need To Be Concerned Too

Only females can die from cervical cancer. Perhaps that is the reason why there has been so much recent emphasis and debate on producing and mandating a vaccine to prevent girls from acquiring the virus which causes the genital warts. Perhaps it is also the reason why most talk about irresponsible sexual activity is generally focused on girls and women. Where there is less focus, however, is that males can be equally responsible in preventing genital warts in themselves. Males can avoid contracting these warts, and can also avoid passing them on if they do become infected.

Given the status of American society today, it should not be surprising that for males as well as females the focus is not on conducing oneself in a responsible manner, but to take preventive measures while continuing risky behavior. Although males generally have much less chance of genital warts leading to life-threatening illnesses, studies show an average of an eighty-percent risk of acquiring genital warts during their lifetimes.

Studies rarely add that the primary risk factor is that of having numerous sexual partners. In that genital warts in men rarely lead to serious health conditions in themselves, the main concern is to not infect their partners with these warts.

One of the most recent studies on the subject of these warts has been by the Medical College of Georgia. The goal of these studies has been to perfect a vaccine made especially for men. The concept behind these studies was that even though men do not usually have life-threatening risks from warts, transmitting the infection to their partners is reason enough to take the issue seriously. Preventing males from acquiring any of the four strains of the virus which cause these warts would in turn prevent outbreaks of warts. This in turn would ensure the safety of their partners.

Although the Medical College of Georgia began its studies into the possibility of such a vaccine a number of years ago, at last check there have been no conclusive results. The College had been seeking test-subjects who had not yet developed genital warts. They were specifically looking for sexually-active males who were between the ages of sixteen and twenty-three, to participate in these research studies.

But while the Medical College of Georgia was also responsible for the largest similar research on this vaccine in women, the vaccine has not only been approved for but distributed to girls, while the vaccine for males has not been. As both males and females are susceptible to this virus, it would seem that preventing both from acquiring genital warts should be the same priority.

As those who have been conducting this research have lacked this priority, it leaves the subject of responsible conduct in the hands of men themselves.


 

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Heal Damaged Hair – Take Care Of Daily Damage

I know that many of the things we do to our hair on a daily basis isn't good for it. To help heal damaged hair there are many things you can do. You can also become more proactive and change some of your daily habits to limit the amount of damage you do to your hair in the first place.

In this article I will provide you with some simple tips to heal damaged hair, but as importantly, I will also give you some ideas of simple changes you can make so you don't do as much damage in the first place.

So, here we go.

First off, to prevent damage there are many things you can do. One of the simplest is to cut down on the amount of heat you use on your hair. As much as possible try to time washing your hair to a time when you can let it air dry.

It might mean a change in your schedule but it can also result in better, more healthy looking hair.

Instead of showering in the morning, for example, why not take your shower earlier in the evening the night before? That way you can allow your hair to air dry. Than, if you need to, you can just get rid of your bed head in the morning by using a damp comb.

Another ultra simple thing to do to prevent damage in the first place is to limit the number of times you wash your hair. True, this will be easier if you are like me and you have dry hair and scalp as opposed to oily hair and scalp.

Though if you suffer from oily hair, your hair is probably not that damaged in the first place. Washing your hair every other day or every third day is perfectly fine for most people.

If you workout and sweat a lot you may need to wash it more during the week, but lay off the washings on the weekends when you aren't working out.

Also, find more all natural shampoos. Many of the hair care products on the market are very hard on your hair. They are loaded with drying, potentially toxic chemicals that can really damage your hair.

Just finding less harsh shampoos can make a big difference.

If you do have some damage despite your best efforts one easy thing to do is go in for a trim. Your stylist can cut off the ends which is where you will find most of the damage.

Another thing you can do is to use a deep moisturizing treatment once a week. Also, find a shampoo that is made specifically for dry, damaged hair.

You can even turn to your refrigerator for help with damaged hair. Adding mayonnaise to your hair like a conditioner can help with some damage.

And, one last point, don't overlook the important of the food you put in your body too. Beauty starts on the inside and works it's way out. Make sure you eat a well balanced diet, get plenty of rest, drink enough water and keep your bad habits to a minimum.

Prevention in anything is usually the best way to go. When talking about keeping your hair healthy it's just as true as when talking about keeping your whole body healthy.

Be willing to make simple changes and you can prevent dry hair so you won't have to worry about how to heal damaged hair.


 

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What Is Chronic Airways Disease and How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Chronic airways disease is actually a group of diseases. These diseases are also called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic airways disease can cause a major change in the quality of a patient's life. However, physiotherapy can help.

Diseases included in chronic airways disease are chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for example. Many other diseases that restrict or limit breathing are included. It is most often caused by cigarette smoking, but also can be caused by inhaling other irritants such as those in the workplace. Chronic airways disease is more common among the elderly.

Along with having shortness of breath, the patient is likely to wheeze and cough frequently. He will produce sputum in copious amounts, and sometimes that will be streaked with blood. The lips and fingers can take on a bluish tint because he is not getting enough oxygen, and heart trouble may follow for the same reason.

Physiotherapy can help with chronic airways disease in many ways. One is in breathing retraining. This is just what it sounds like. A physiotherapist works with the patient to teach him ways to breathe that will draw the most air while eliminating the most wheezing. This can be a great help for those with chronic airways disease.

Another method used by physiotherapists for those with chronic airways disease is called clapping and postural drainage. The postural drainage part is done by positioning the body so that the affected lung is above the trachea.

Many people do this at home by lying on a bed and bending the top half of the body over it. The physiotherapist teaches one how to do this so that the lung will drain. Before long, the patient with chronic airways disease will be doing this procedure on his own.

The other part of the help for chronic airways disease patients is called clapping. This is done by cupping the hand and clapping the back to loosen secretions in the chest. It is also called chest percussion. The physiotherapist will do this procedure, and will teach it to a family member or caregiver.

People with chronic airways disease often have a problem with weakening legs. This is because, as they have trouble breathing, they avoid walking or doing physical exercise of any sort. The goal of physiotherapy in this case is to strengthen the legs through treadmill-walking or stationary-cycling. This can only be done, however, if the patient is well enough to start out.

Conditioning the arms of chronic airways disease patients is just as important. Most daily jobs rely heavily on the arms to do the work. Exercises which focus on the arms not only strengthen the muscles of the arms. They also help the patient start breathing better.

Chronic airways disease is a condition that can benefit from physiotherapy. The physiotherapist treating the patient must have specialized knowledge for this type of treatment. Simple methods can be overlooked as modern treatments come to the forefront. Yet, physiotherapy personnel who know this technique can make a big difference in patients' lives.


 

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Self Tanning Lotions – We Are An Inventive Society

Hey, what can we say, we are an inventive society! If we like the way our skin looks with a tan but getting a tan is dangerous we will just develop and use self tanning lotions instead!

Of course, in life, few things are that easy. Self tanning lotions can work great but there is also usually a bit of a learning curve.

There can be a technique in applying them the right way and making them look good.

With so many different brands on the market, not to mention the various hues you can get, it may take a little trial and error until you have the practice down pat.

In this article I will provide you with some easy to follow tips that may make it a little easier for you to get that "sun kissed glow"… from a bottle.

Here we go:

1. First things first, like a painter you have to prepare your canvas which in this case is your skin.

Make sure you skin is clean and dry. Removing excess oils can help the tanner adhere to the skin better.

This is why you don't want to use a moisturizer too soon before applying the tanner either, if you do it won't soak into the skin as readily.

2. Exfoliate to remove as much excess dead skin as you possibly can. Again, this will make it easier for the tanner to absorb into the skin and provide a more even tone with less of a blotchy look.

3. Many people recommend you start at your feet and work your way up.

That way the tanner can dry completely without you bending over and possibly smearing it.

4. Either wear gloves or wash your hands frequently throughout the procedure. Otherwise you can end up with freakishly tanned looking hands.

5. Apply the tanner in several coats if you want a darker look as opposed to one thick coat.

This tends to look more natural and will usually prevent a "gloppy" look.

6. Tanners tend to dry pretty quickly so make sure you work fast. Don't get distracted when applying your self tanner.

7. Wait a minimum of one half hour between layers or before sitting down on furniture or getting dressed or you might make a really big mess.

8. And last, but not least, to keep that sun kissed look for longer try to reapply the tanner every few days.

Do a light exfoliation before you reapply the tanner to maximize the absorption each time you reapply.

You can also minimize how much gets washed off in the shower by rubbing a little bit of baby oil on your skin right before your shower.

This may help eliminate some of the "run off" of your tanner while you are in the shower.

That's pretty much it, not exactly rocket science is it? Still, there is a technique to it if you want it to look as natural as possible.

To make sure you get the result you want, take some time to experiment. The last thing you want to do is to try to apply a tanner for the first time right before a big event.

You sure don't want to show up for your big day with an orange, blotchy looking tan.

Practice your technique first when using self tanning lotions for the best look possible.


 

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Famous Warts

Average people consider warts to be unsightly, embarrassing, and something to remove as quickly and painlessly as possible. Famous people do not always see the subject the same way. Some may simply not think warts to be a problem. Others may actually consider them to be a unique part of who they are.

Oliver Cromwell was one of the most well-known historical figures. Although fans of history and politics are divided in their opinions as to whether he was actually a hero or a ruthless dictator, he is equally if not more well-known for his request for his portrait to be painted "warts and all." Cromwell's death mask also contains his clearly-visible warts.

Oddly enough, many people who have no interest in the history of Britain are familiar with Cromwell's alleged quote. The quote itself continues to be widely-used, even by the many who have no knowledge of its source. "Warts and all" is a common phrase, meaning to take one exactly as he is, his imperfections included.

In more modern days, while celebrities may not consider their warts to be their claim-to-fame, the subject of their warts gives many something to comment on some more positive than others. Long-time popular movie star Robert DeNiro, while not in the media nearly as much as he used to be, is occasionally brought up by fans and non-fans alike, remarking about his quite visible wart.

While it is doubtful that not having a wart removed is due to a desire for publicity, Mr. DeNiro's wart gains publicity nonetheless. Movie star magazines and everyday "bloggers" all talk about Robert DeNiro's wart.

On female celebrities, warts today seem to be what moles were in the past often passed off as a sign of "beauty." Fans may or may not agree with this point of view.

Another widely-publicized wart is that which belonged to Elvis Presley. The story is that it was removed by a doctor prior to Elvis's military service. The fact that a world-famous singer's wart was preserved, and is still in existence thirty years after his death, says less about the scientific possibilities necessary for such preservation than it does about many Americans' unquenchable thirst for the odd and the outrageous.

Perhaps an attempt to understand it all can be traced back to Oliver Cromwell. Perhaps ordinary, everyday people have a need to see "the famous" as less than perfect, as having flaws just like everyone else. Everybody, from the famous to the average, has some type of "wart." It is certainly a better explanation than the other logical possibility that many people simply are intrigued by the macabre.


 

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How To Look Years Younger – Surgery Not The Only Option

No matter how hard you try to fight it, you are always growing older. However, that doesn't mean that you have to look older. Knowing how to look years younger can give you a newfound confidence in yourself, and help you to feel better. It may not be fair, but the truth is that there are people who will judge you based on your appearance, and how they treat you will ultimately have an impact on how you feel about yourself.

Plastic surgery is one way that some people use to look younger, but it has its share of problems. Most insurance companies won't cover elective surgeries, so you will have to pay for all of it yourself, and it's not cheap. As with any form of surgery, there is always a risk of complications. The recovery time can take several weeks, and you won't know how well it turned out until your recover period is complete. You can get plastic surgery if you like, but make sure you are doing it for the right reasons and that you are fully informed.

Luckily, surgery is not the only way that you can look years younger. Here are a few tips to help you erase a few years from your appearance.

1. Treat your skin well. Your skin is one of the main things people use to guess your age. If it is wrinkling, dry, cracked, blemished, and leathery, then they may guess you are much older than you really are. Taking care of your skin will work wonders for looking younger. Follow a good skin care routine, but avoid the use of harsh chemicals and abrasives.

2. Give up bad habits. If you smoke, then now is the perfect time to quit. Not only is it bad for your health in a number of ways, it will also prematurely age your skin. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also lead to longer older than you really are, but it's okay to enjoy it in moderation.

3. Have a great attitude. The quickest way to look younger is to having a good attitude. You probably know somebody who is relatively young, but is always mean and moody. The calendar may say they're young, but their behavior gives the opposite impression. On the other hand, you probably know somebody that is so positive and happy that they seem much younger than they are.

4. Get plenty of sleep. Your body needs sleep to rejuvenate itself. Do your best to get a full night of sleep on a regular basis. If you can get up without an alarm clock, then you know you're getting enough sleep.

5. Stay healthy. Your level of health plays a major role in how old you are biologically. Eat right, exercise often, and drink plenty of water and you will be able to slow down the march of time.

As you can see, the question of how to look years younger is easily answered; it's just a matter of embracing a few basic principles.


 

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