Friday, October 19, 2007

How To Get Rid Of Stomach Fat Naturally

Stomach Fat!! Don't you just love it? If you are like most people, the answer is a very loud and resounding "NO!" We all hate to look in the mirror and know we can pinch an inch or more around the hips. Not only do we see extra lumps, but it makes buying clothes that fit properly much more difficult. In the list below, we will learn how to get rid of stomach fat.

Exercises targeting the muscles around the hips and sides are ones to include in your daily schedule. Such exercises include side bends - standing tall and bending slowly and steadily as far to the right as you possibly can, straightening back up and repeating to the left side. Another good exercise is the torso twist. Standing straight with feet shoulder width apart, keep your hips completely still and turn your torso to the right, back to the front and then to the left. Other exercises that help tone up the love handle area are the ones that work the buttock muscles and lower stomach muscles.

In addition to muscle toning exercises, you need to incorporate some type of aerobic exercise several times a week. Because no exercise truly reduces fat in only one area of the body, the combination of weight training and cardio is the key to losing the bundles of fat all over. By targeting weight exercises towards the area of the body you wish to reduce, you actually change your shape for the better.

As for nutrition, the bottom line is that to lose weight you must use more calories than you take in. Don't be sucked in by the "magical cures" as there is none. Our bodies are amazing, but some things remain true no matter what scientific advances are discovered. Just to be sure you get it: To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in. So - make sound nutritional choices based upon the food pyramid. Instead of high-sugar white bread, choose whole grain breads that don't contain trans-fatty acids. Instead of potato chips, choose an apple or banana.

How to get rid of stomach fat is a common question people ask. Remember that the solution is simple in theory, but does require dedication and self-control. Aerobic exercise, muscle toning exercises and healthy eating habits are the key.

By John Whelan

John Whelan is a Freelance Writer & Fitness Enthusiast who enjoys helping others achieve their goals. For More Information on How To Get Rid Of Stomach Fat and Lose Weight Naturally visit my site at: http://burnthefatjourney.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Whelan

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10 Tips to Keeping off the Weight You've Worked So Hard to Lose

So how much weight did you lose? 10 pounds? 20 pounds? 30 pounds? Excellent! But you'll still need to keep working to keep it off. It's really easy to slack off and start to regain that weight that you worked off, but you don't have to if you truly don't want to.

Let me give you some tips that will help you in your life after weight loss. They're easy and effective, so there's no reason for you to regain that weight that you worked so hard to remove!

Tip #1 - Lose the high fat foods! I know, I know. You want to reward yourself a bit for all of the weight that you have lost, but this is one of the easiest ways to regain that weight. Stick with the foods that helped you lose weight, not the ones that didn't.

Tip #2 - Overhaul your recipes! You don't have to give up your favorite recipes, but you can adjust them to your new weight loss lifestyle. Anything that can be replaced with low fat ingredients should be changed to low fat. It's that simple!

Tip #3 - Eat small, eat often! Remember, you still need to eat, but continue to eat small portions several times during the day. This helps you to not be hungry and keeps your metabolism high!

Tips #4 - Always get the scoop! Be sure to write down what you eat and when you eat it. This will help you to monitor your eating habits. Review this at least once a week to make sure that you're still on the right track!

Tip #5 - Work your plan! Remember, you still need to exercise and you need to plan your exercise and exercise your plan!

Tip #6 - Surround yourself with success! Don't lose contact with any people that supported you in your weight loss efforts. They can continue to be a source of encouragement in keeping that weight off!

Tip #7 - Chill out, dude! Don't allow yourself to become stressed. Stress is one of the worst triggers of weight gain known to mankind. Stay relaxed, stay focused... stay thin!

Tip #8 - Educate to eradicate! Learn as much as you can about nutrition. The more you know, the easier it will be for you understand the effects of what you're eating and that will help you to make the best food choices to keep your weight off.

Tip #9 - Weigh the right way - daily! Be sure to weigh yourself daily so that you'll know if you're gaining back the weight that you worked so hard to remove. This is the best way to know if there are any changes in your weight.

Tip #10 - Last but not least, change, change, change! You can make your weight loss efforts exciting simply by making changes to your eating habits or even your exercise routines. Change up all of your normal routines on a regular basis to shock your body into continual weight loss. It's easy to do and, most of all, fun!

By Karl Warren

Karl Warren is the owner of 'Fight Your Flab... Fast' - a new site dedicated to helping you achieve your perfect body. If you are serious about losing weight, or you simply want to slim down a little, you should check out http://www.fightyourflabfast.com/blog now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karl_Warren

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Thursday, October 18, 2007

Who Else Wants To Know About Acne Blemish Laser Treatment?

Whether you are a teenage or an adult, the most embarrassing and frustrating skin condition is acne. Why? Because it appears on your face, meaning that you can't cover it up. Some acne treatments also can cause even more skin problems because of allergic reactions. On top of all that, acne, if left untreated can cause permanent scarring on the face. Don't be too alarmed, however, if you can learn about effective treatment, such as creams as well as proper diet and exercise you can control the condition. Other treatments, such as, blemish laser treatment can even get rid of scars due to chronic acne.

Does Acne Affect Men and Women Equally?

Yes, acne affects both men and women equally, but it is important to realize that there are many differences between the two. For instance, men are more likely than women to have more severe and longer lasting forms of acne. Young women are more likely to have intermittent acne due to hormonal changes caused by their menstrual cycle and changes during pregnancy.

Acne Blemish Laser Treatment

There are fortunately quite a few different forms of treatment that are presently available for acne, but one that is quickly becoming incredibly popular is theblemish laser treatment. This acne blemish laser treatment is able to improve overall skin tone, as well as, get rid of unsightly scars caused by acne.

The process itself involves using very fine aluminum crystals to create a micro-dermabrasion effect on the patient's face or other part of body.

How Does A Acne Blemish Laser Treatment Work?

First, all makeup is removed from the patient and the patient's skin is washed and cleaned, then the power peel is performed by the laser. The skin is removed layer by layer, which removes the uppermost portion of at least most of the scars.

At the same time, the heat that is being produced by the laser is working to smooth and tighten the skin, so that the remaining parts of the scars will be even less noticeable.

How Long Does The Acne Laser Treatment Take?

The treatment takes about a half hour, after which a moisturizer is applied to prevent drying and peeling, and the skin will tend to remain slightly pink for a few days after the acne blemish laser treatment, especially if you have particularly sensitive skin. In order to get the very best results the blemish laser treatment technique should be combined with other treatment methods, such as three-step creams, diet, and exercise. Even with the laser acne treatment, you will have to have it done more than once, especially those with chronic acne.

Before you go ahead with the laser technique you need to speak to your doctor and make sure that you are an eligible candidate for the procedure. Many people can get rid of acne with treatments that aren't as serious or expenisve as the laser treatment.

By Madison Greene

Madison Greene is no different than anyone else. She has also suffered the embarrassment and frustration of unsightly blemishes and acne from time to time. Through her own research, and trial and error, Madison has made it easy for people to find the perfect acne treatment to improve the quality of their skin. It's guaranteed to work. Visit: www.ProvenAcneTreatment.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madison_Greene

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Treating Acne - What To Do And What Not To Do

Acne treatments using prescription are not always the best treatment and sometime it is best to treat them yourself without prescription. The absolutely best way to treat acne is to actually treat it from within. You might find these tips helpful in treating it from the inside out.

What NOT to Do:

1. Don't consume too much sugary foods or sugary drinks.

Stay away from candy, sodas, chocolate, and anything that has refined sugar as a main ingredient. Sugar will clogs pores and dries out the skin, which are two main causes of acne.

2. Don't scrub or/and exfoliate skin with acne.

Rough treatment of skin with acne will only cause skin inflammation and make the problem even worse. Don't use harsh chemicals, soaps, or cleansers on sensitive skin with acne.

3. Don't use oil-based products.

Skin with acne is already battling an overproduction of oil so don't exacerbate the problem by using oil-based products. Watch out for typically oily products such as moisturizers, facial creams, and including hair gels. Hair often gets in the face and hair products would definitely affect the skin on the face. There are many treatments and products that are water-based and thus gentler and more appropriate for acne-prone skin.

4. Don't unnecessarily touch your face.

Touching your face, especially with dirty hands and fingers, could cause and further aggravate an acne problem. This also means not touching it in any way using your hands. Doing so will traumatize the skin and make the healing process a lot slower. It will also create unwanted acne scars and blemishes.

What TO Do:

1. Drink lots of water.

Make sure you are always drinking water when you feel thirty or even a little hungry. Drink only in small amount throughout the day. Drinking lots of water not only replenishes the body's water supply, but also flushes out toxins from the body that may cause acne.

2. Have a good skin care routine.

Prevent acne problems by establishing a daily facial washing, toning, and moisturizing regimen early on. Non-comodegenic skin care products are specially formulated for sensitive skin with acne. Natural and organic product is highly recommended.

3. Relieve stress.

Stress can disrupt your body's natural balance and lead to many health problems such as acne. Avoid acne and skin problems from happening by relaxing yourself. Getting enough sleep, taking a long bath, going to the spa, getting a massage, or simply managing your time and schedule better are considered acne treatments because they reduce acne-inducing stress.

4. Consume more vegetables and fruits.

Natural vegetables and fruits are filled with minerals and vitamins, which are the best acne fighters around. For example, orange and leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A prevents over-production of sebum, which causes acne. Broccoli, strawberries, Oranges, bell peppers, and lemon juice are some Vitamin C rich foods that are also great treatments.

Eating these types of foods fortifies the body's defense system against acne-causing microbes and aids faster healing of acne. Vitamin C also helps your body replenish its sources of Vitamin E, which is essential in revitalizing the skin and repairing damaged skin.

Remember that you can effectively treat it just by taking good care of your body. Acne treatments are not all about buying antibiotics or gels from local drugstores.

By Sean Bower

Learn how you can start healing your acne and get rid of those scars right away: Visit Acne Care Natural Skin and get Acne Tips

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Bower

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Teenage Acne

Teenage acne can be a real headache. Acne usually takes place on the facial skin, although the disease can also be seen occurring on the neck, the upper back, the shoulders, and sometimes, on the chest. Acne also happen to come in various types, each one having its own name and description: the most common of which is whiteheads, which typically stay below the skin surface; blackheads, which tend to rise above the skin surface and characterized by a dark color; papules, which are small, tender, and pink bumps; pustules, which are pus-topped pimples with red-colored bases; nodules, which are large and painful pimples that tend to grow deep into the skin; and cysts, which are deep and painful pimples often filled with pus and can often cause facial scars. Acne affects people from virtually every social class. It has been found as, to have no exact cause although medical practitioners tend to agree that hormone production within the body might have some connection with it. Mainly, the oil or sebaceous glands of some people tend to produce oil in excessive amounts during certain periods. The oil principally functions as a skin lubricant, but an overproduction of this causes the oil to get trapped in the oil ducts, eventually resulting to the so-called pimples or acne.

Another explanation for acne is the production of thin hairs inside the skin follicle. A follicle is a type of canal that links the skin pores or skin holes to the oil or sebaceous glands. These glands produce the needed skin oil, more popularly known as a sebum, and this gets transported towards the skin surface. Along with the transported oil are dead follicle hairs that also attempt to make it towards the skin surface but these get trapped somewhere in the middle of the transportation process. It's from these clogged hairs that acne eventually grows.

Acne is considered to be the most common of all skin diseases, with millions of Americans suffering from it on a daily basis. Typically, it tends to mostly afflict teenagers and even young adults, with the average age ranging from twelve to 24. The possible explanation as to why this particular age group is most susceptible to acne attacks can be attributed to the fact that during the age of puberty up to the late adolescent years, a significant amount of the hormone androgen is produced This unfortunately causes the sebaceous or oil glands into increasing their production of sebum, often causing an excess. Following the theory of trapped oil in the follicle, it does not come as a surprise then that teenagers commonly suffer from frequent acne attacks.

Teenage acne can cause many adolescents to become depressed mainly because they are at the period in life when physical beauty is starting to become an important aspect, particularly with regards to the opposite sex, and blemishes in any area of their body is often considered a major imperfection on their part. A wide range of emotions can cause stress to interplay in the process, which can possibly result in more cases of acne breakouts. Eventually, this can lead to more severe acne cases which can be devastating for the self-image that an adolescent is trying to create for themselve’s.

The love and support of parents and close friends will be particularly crucial during this time to help teenagers accept their situation and to realize that life is more than just having a beautiful face and a sexy body.

Ideally, though, it is always best to treat the problem upfront, and this should involve some very basic solutions to either prevent acne attacks or prevent future ones from occurring if one is already having acne problems. For starters, one should make it a point to regularly cleanse the face with clean and warm water so dirt and dust will not get accumulated in the facial skin. Getting enough sleep, especially at night, is likewise important since sleep helps rejuvenate the skin. Regular exercise should also be considered as this increases blood circulation, ultimately providing the needed oxygen to various organs of the body, including the skin.

In mild cases of teenage acne attacks, however, non-prescription treatments may be sufficient, and these may include either a short and quick solution characterized by the use of an acne cream or lotion over a limited time period, or a more complex process that covers a longer healing time. HealthyPores.com properly belongs under this particular category because it involves a comprehensive system of treating acne that effectively addresses every significant aspect in human life that can contribute to the formation of acne. Aside from keeping the pores healthy, the Healthypores system also concentrates on killing the bacterias that are known to cause acne. In addition, it also seeks to control the hormones responsible for the unnecessary production of acne by keeping them within manageable levels.

By Kandanae Miley

A more comprehensive approach to treating acne such as that being offered by http://www.HealthyPores.com is definitely a more preferred option since it ideally covers all the important aspects of the problem. In essence, while the approach may initially appear to treat only a present concern, its comprehensive nature actually deals with future acne problems that may eventually crop up.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kandanae_Miley

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Varied Causes for Adult Acne

"Ah! I'm thirty-five! And I'm still getting acne!" Jenny screams. Jenny is an adult who like many other adults still get acne on their skin all the time. Usually, when we think of acne, we view it as an adolescent problem. Only teenagers get it. But that is far from the truth. Millions of adults all around the globe suffer from these problems a large part of their lives. In fact, statistics show that 25% of all male adults and 50% of all female adults suffer from adult acne at some point of their lives.

What causes adult acne? Well, the causes of adult acne are varied. One reason why more women suffer from adult acne than men is because menses is one of the causes for it. This is because menses causes the body to increase its production of hormones, and in doing so, indirectly causes the production of sebum and this leads to the chemical reactions that causes it.

Another cause for adult acne is having too much stress. Why is stress a cause to adult acne, you ask? Well, when your body is under stress, it produces hormonal steroids like cortisol which affects your skin in a disruptive manner and causes acne to erupt. And it's a vicious cycle. You see acne on your face, that causes you to be more stressed, and when you get more stressed, that causes you to get more pimples! Drinking too much coffee causes it too. That is because when we drink coffee, our bodies are stimulated to produce cortisol as well. So if you are getting adult acne and feel stressed about it, the last thing you want to do is to try to make yourself feel better by chilling out with cups of coffee because it will make it worse!

Some adults get their acne from drinking milk instead. That's because these people's bodies react adversely to dairy products. The fact is milk contains hormones that potentially causes acne breakouts. Hormonally induced acne breakout like these usually occur at the chin and jaw line. Overexposure to the sun is another possible cause for adult acne. When you are exposed to the sun, it causes free radicals to be produced within the skin which in turn causes and affects the body's ability to repair itself. Adults who are suffering from it will do well in protecting themselves with sunscreen lotions.

Lastly, exposure to dirt and bacteria can cause our skin to breakout in acne as well. If the face towels you use and the pillowcases you sleep on are dirty, then you are exposing your skin to unwanted bacteria and this causes acne. So make sure you change your face towels and pillowcases regularly.

So what do you know what causes your acne problems? You don't? Maybe you can take a look at your existing lifestyle. Are you having too much stress from work lately? Are you drinking four to five cups of coffee daily to keep yourself awake? Do you crave milk like a baby ? Are you crazy about sun tanning? Do you have a habit of changing your towels and pillowcases often? Perhaps adjusting your lifestyle in one of these areas might address the problem that you are facing.

By Patrick Loh

To find out more how to prevent acne, visit http://www.skinproductsreview.net

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Acne Laser Skin Treatment

If your one of many people who can't seem to get rid of acne, and your local doctor or dermatologist can't seem to help, you can also go for the acne laser skin treatment. In most cases this gets rids of your acne completely.

Personally I've never had the acne laser skin treatment, but as I believe is works as such; your dermatologist have total control of the treatment, and the procedure works by vaporizing your acne, leaving you with beautiful skin. I don't know the stats, but I think around 70% of people come back from acne laser skin treatment completely rid of there acne.

The procedure doesn't last too long, and you don't have to spend days in hospital, in most cases you don't even need to spend a night there. Usually the procedure only takes 45 minutes maximum, and you usually get to go home straight after. Depending on how senstive your skin is, your usually have pink skin for a couple of days afterwards. My advice to you, would be to avoid touching your face for a few days.

The results vary from person to person, so if you know someone who's had acne laser skin treatment done before and they didn't have a good experience with it, that doesn't mean you won't. The scars from your acne are able to be removed in a precise and simple fashion way, and the acne laser skin treatment nearly always achieves excellent results.

I don't recommend going straight for the acne laser skin treatment straight away, try different treatments, and discuss it with your local doctor or dermatologist, they'll be able to decide the best treatment for you.

By Thomas B Dean

Stoptheacne.com - click here - For your free information on how to get rid of acne. Including a free 24 page ebook on acne cures and treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_B_Dean

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Food Acne - What Food Causes Acne

In this article find out what food causes acne. The food acne connection is vital to understand if you want to clear your skin and avoid getting any new blemishes and cysts. Get the lowdown here...

Food and acne are close buddies. In fact food is the cause for most acne, especially the worst kind of acne - cystic acne. So you need to avoid a certain food to clear up your skin. And you need to eat another kind of food as well...

Food to eat to defeat acne

Vegetables are vital to clearing up acne. They have nutrients in them that clear up toxins that would otherwise manifest on your skin as acne. They also keep hormones balanced, which is important in staying acne free.

The best vegetables are green ones like broccoli and salads.

Food to avoid for clearer skin

Vegetable oil is vital to avoid for clearer skin. Vegetable oils imbalances your hormones and result in overproduction of oil in the skin glands. This leads to acne, especially inflamed cystic acne.

The worst vegetable oil is cooking oils like sunflower oil.

By eating more vegetables and cutting out vegetable oils you will see a considerable improvement in your acne. More and more scientific evidence is showing that the food acne connection is of paramount importance in understanding and curing acne.

In a few years time dermatologists will start to implement diet changes as part of their treatment plans for their patients. For more information on clearing your acne visit my free website now.

By Jack Venta

Jack Venta has set up a free website for you that reviews the best acne cures available and reveals how he cured his acne 100% within 1 week. Check out his website at Acne Solved right now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Venta

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Think Pink! A Guide To Breast Cancer Awareness Gifts

Breast Cancer has affected millions of people around the world. It's the leading type of cancer in white women, and the number one cause of death of African American women. And there's still no cure. With October just a few weeks away, it's still possible to participate in the fight for a cure. Motivators.com has several items available in their breast cancer awareness section and for each order placed, 10% of the sale is donated to the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research fund. There are several ways to get involved and do your part in the fight against breast cancer using pink items!

Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaways

It's a common fact that everyone loves free stuff. If they get it they’re not going to question it. If it’s a popular item, they’ll clamor for it. You don’t need to break on the bank to raise awareness. Try getting something that will stay in people’s sight line and that they can use all year round. An ideal item for the office is the translucent pink power clip. Not only can it hold several papers together, but its magnetic backing allows it to be stuck to filing cabinets and magnetic boards. Another office friendly Breast Cancer awareness item is the Breast Cancer Awareness Post It note pad. The 4 x 6 pads, available with either 25 or 50 sheets, feature the pink ribbon. Because Post-It notes are usually thrown away after they’ve done their purpose, pair them with a pink pen and you’ve got a great giveaway.

Breast Cancer Walk A Thons

One of the most common events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a walk a thon. Breast Cancer walks happen all over the country and it’s a great way to raise money for a cure. Even if you’re not a walker, there’s still ways to get involved by using breast cancer awareness products. The most common way is to sponsor someone or a team. But go beyond just giving money. Provide the team with imprinted pink apparel, like a pink t-shirt with your corporate logo on it. Give walkers a breast cancer awareness water bottle to help quench their thirst along the way. An imprinted pink pedometer will help them see just how many steps they’ve taken for a great cause, not to mention how many calories they’ve burned!

Fundraising Items

Fundraisers are a great way to collect money for breast cancer awareness. Imprint a logo or message on an item and sell it. Then donate the proceeds to the charity of your choice! Pink ribbon lapel pins. pink ribbon key chains and breast cancer awareness bracelets are just a few items that could be sold to not only raise awareness, but help raise money for the cause. Add your company logo to a tote bag or sport towel and sell them at a charity fundraiser. Not only will you be raising money for a great cause, you’ll be branding your logo as well!

Thank You Gifts

After your event is over, be sure to thank those who donated generously of their time and of their wallets! Send or give them a simple gift to show your appreciation. Send a simple thank you letter to donors, with an enclosed breast cancer ribbon magnet and a breast self exam chart to remind them of the importance of self testing all year round. For corporate sponsors who gave larger donations, try sending a box of gourmet cookies wrapped with a pink ribbon to the office or a refillable Breast Cancer Awareness Jelly Bean Dispenser.

Sarah Shepherd is a e-marketing specialist for Motivators, Inc., a Long Island based promotional products distributor. The company's website, Motivators.com boasts over 30,000 e-commerce enabled promotional products. 10% of every order placed on items in Motivator's Breast Cancer Awareness Section will be donated to the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund, a Long Island based breast cancer foundation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Shepherd

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Tips To Avoid Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs when cancer cells start to develop in the breast tissues. In the recent years, breast cancer has become rampant among the women of the world, being ranked fifth in the list of deadly cancers.

Tragically, news had been spreading for more than a decade about famous female individuals who struggled to fight this killer disease, but the fight was in vain. Those included in the list were singers Minnie Riperton and Dusty Springfield, Linda who was the beloved wife of Beatles member Paul McCartney, and Oscar award-winning actress Bette Davis. There still are women out there who are braving this disease, some of whom have won the battle. Still, prevention is better than cure! So to all the women reading this, do take this matter as seriously as you can, before it is too late.

Let us explore the symptoms of breast cancer for earlier detection and prevention:
One will experience a change in the way the breast or the nipples feel. The nipple may soften or a thick lump may be seen situated near the breast or the underarm area. One will also encounter a transformation in how the breast or nipples look. The shape and size of the breast or nipples may change and grow a little inwards. The breast skin may turn reddish or bloated and may develop edges that take after the skin of an orange.

The more evident symptom is the discharge that comes out from the nipples. It is normally yellowish in color. If you observe that these symptoms have befallen upon you, start your engine and give your breasts an early prevention….

1. Avoid too much of alcohol. Limit yourself to drinking one glass or stop drinking it for good!

2. Maintain an acceptable weight because obesity is one of the factors that can heighten the risk of breast cancer. Improve on your dieting by restricting your fats intake.

3. Be more physically sound by carrying out regular exercises. Exercising contributes to the maintenance of your weight, thus reducing the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

4. Go for a mammogram for early detection of breast cancer. You should do so especially when you have reached the age of 50 and above.

5. Avoid sleeping with your bra on. Wearing a bra for more than 12 hours can contribute to the growth of cancer cells in your breasts. And do not keep on wearing the same bra for a few days. You should change to a brand new bra every single day.

To the women who are still fighting the disease, be strong and do not feel embarrassed about going through. Keep your spirits alive! And to the rest of the women out there, take this seriously and do follow the tips given to ensure guaranteed protection from this ‘lethal weapon’.

Nafa Danfad

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nafa_Danfad

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Breast Cancer Awareness Going Pink In October

Breast Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for American women. This year, an estimated 180,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

Early detection allows early intervention and is the best way to increase the chance for survival. Mammograms and other screening services can help doctors diagnose cancer before it has a chance to spread. Early detection makes treatment more effective, it gives hope to patients, and it saves lives.

No one knows why some women get breast cancer, but there are a number of risk factors, such as age, genes and family history that are risks unfortunately you can't change. Other risks include being overweight, using hormone replacement therapy, taking birth control pills, drinking alcohol or having dense breasts.

According to Dr. Antonio Nelson, M.D., “Symptoms of Breast Cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple.” ”Breast self-exam, mammography screening, and the use of ultrasound, can be beneficial and help find breast cancer early,” said Dr. Nelson. Regular check-ups , and knowing your family history, may also help in early detection, prevention and treatment.

Treatment may consist of radiation, lumpectomy, mastectomy , chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Men can have Breast Cancer, too, but the number of cases detected is small. For more information go to www.Cancer.org; or ask your primary physician for local resources available.

by Victor R. Harris

Simply Seniors News staff

http://www.SimplySeniorsNews.com

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Women and Cancer Risk Factors

Experts are expecting 178,000 women to be diagnosed with large-scale breast cancer and 62,000 of locally confined cancer. This is the prediction, however do not stand by and wait and see what will happen. No, all precaution must be taken seriously. Know the risk factors; some may appear uncontrollable but others are.

The very first factor of developing breast cancer is being female followed by advancing age. This type of cancer develops in seventy-five percent of women over the age of fifty.

Get to know how your breasts look and feel at a very early age giving the opportunity to notice any changes such as dimpling, skin redness, lumps, or thickening tissue. Any of these changes should be reported to your health care provider immediately. The health care provider will look for these changes clinically about every three years in your twenties and thirties and then annual mammograms after forty.

Although mammography screenings detect the disease in its early stage and reduce the mortality rate, it's not sensitive enough to detect abnormalities in dense breast tissue. For that reason, women over forty years of age with high risk of cancer and those with dense breast tissue should have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as the mammograms.

*This was recommended by the American Cancer Society in March 2007 of women with twenty to twenty-five percent or greater risk of breast cancer or ovarian and other form of cancer.

Now back to the risk factors, two have been named, sex and age. Next is family history. The risk is high if someone in your family was diagnosed with cancer before menopause or age fifty. If that someone is a mother, sister or daughter the risk doubles. But only five to ten percent of breast cancers are linked to inherited changes. These suspected inherited changes are mutations in certain genes which have been linked to breast, ovarian and colon cancers.

Find out about your family history, talk to relatives and if there is a strong family history, genetic testing may be in order. Talk to your health care provider about your family genetic make-up there could be clinical trials or other preventive methods available for high risk women. Studies have shown a fifty percent reduction in chemoprevention. Of course this involves an estrogen inhibiting drug (tamoxifen).

If breast cancer has occurred, the risk is great for reoccurring cancer in other breast tissue. Although some conditions were benign there is still a risk of breast cancer at a later time, such as atypical hyperplasia (an over growth of cells in the breast ducts), and dense breast is a factor as well.

Take charge of your health; be observant of your environment and lifestyle. Stay away from pesticides and hazardous chemicals even household products. Watch your lifestyle, diet, weight, excessive alcohol and other unhealthy habits that maybe a breast cancer risk.

Start in your early twenties and observe your body, notice any changes, read articles concerning breast cancer, know your family history, and talk to your health care provider and asking questions. Be vigilant about breast screening; if you are at high risk ask for a MRI along with your mammograms.

By Carolyn Bell Smith

Carolyn Bell Smith, committed to help others improve their health, lifestyle, fight sickness, disease, and building a strong immune system. Author and creator, Healthy LifeStyle and More, and Lifestyle Tips Newsletter yourhealthrenewed Subscribe to our newsletter ezine_newsletter

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Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Environmental and Lifestyle Risks for Breast Cancer

Though still an area of active research, many lifestyle and environmental risk factors for breast cancer have been identified. Fortunately, almost all of them are controllable by an individual seeking to optimize his or her health. Yes, men get breast cancer, too, at about 1/133 the rate of women.

Women who have had no children prior to age 30 are at a slightly higher risk. The cause of the increase is likely to be twofold: the number of menstrual periods experienced and the related factor of the amount of estrogen in the body. Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, play a role in cell growth and cancer is a condition in which cells grow in abnormal shapes and numbers.

Multiple pregnancies before age 30 lowers the risk of breast cancer. But pregnancy itself carries some risk too, even in a modern medical setting. Offsetting the risk of breast cancer by this method should therefore be low on anyone's list. But for those who intend to bear children anyway, it's comforting to know about this not inconsequential side benefit.

Incidentally, the jury is still out on the relative cancer risk of taking oral contraceptives. Women who have ceased using birth control for more than ten years show no increased risk. Since most women who contract the condition don't get breast cancer until their 50s or later, it's difficult to isolate the contribution.

Diet is a more direct contributor, but here again research is ongoing and the final answer is far from clear. What is known, however, is that a healthy diet in general is a factor. Obesity almost certainly raises the risk of breast cancer since fat cells store estrogen. They also produce a small amount on their own, though most is generated by the ovaries.

But the exact contribution of diet isn't known. It was popular for a while to assert that a high fiber diet was almost a preventative. The research doesn't support that notion, but a high fiber diet is undoubtedly healthy for a number of reasons. Even if diet doesn't prevent the onset of breast cancer, general good health is extremely helpful when it comes to any kind of treatment and diet is a major part of that effort.

Along with diet, age and body type-appropriate exercise is a major contributor to good overall health. An hour a day of moderate activity is a major factor in keeping muscles toned and the body in overall good shape. Exactly how much this helps reduce the risk of breast cancer is unknown, but one study correlated a 1-2 hour brisk walk per week with an 18% lower risk.

Surprisingly, there are several factors commonly suspected to increase breast cancer risk that are not supported by contemporary research findings, according to the American Cancer society. Smoking is one of them. No link has been found between cigarette smoking and breast cancer. Lung cancer, of course, is another story. Environmental pollutants in general have not been correlated with breast cancer.

But since these are clearly not healthy lifestyle choices, the goal of optimizing overall well-being would weigh against them.

Alcohol in moderation is healthy. But heavy use of alcohol is definitely correlated with increased risk of breast cancer. The risk increases by about 10% for every daily drink of hard alcohol consumed. And since it also damages the liver and contributes to overall poor health, heavy drinking is an unwise choice.

Maintain a good attitude and a good health program and your odds of breast cancer will be as low as you can make them.

By Aditi Joshi

Aditi Joshi is a Independent SUZANNE Sales Consultant and the owner of http://www.ageless-diva.com

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Help the People You Love Survive Breast Cancer

Normally, I write about how self defense and combat martial arts training can prevent death and injury. Today, though, in honor of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as a cancer survivor myself, I am writing about another kind of prevention. By the end of the year over 40,000 women will die from breast cancer in the United States alone. Let that sink in for a minute. And while the devastating effects of breast cancer to the women in our lives are well documented, you should know that while it's less common, men can also contract breast cancer. The survival rate for those stricken with breast cancer has steadily increased over the years, due largely to increased awareness. We all have to do what we can to continue this trend and protect the ones we love from this deadly killer.

As with your self defense training, you have to remain vigilant at all times and take action before you're attacked. Experts say that women should start getting mammograms yearly at the age of 40; this is a smart step, but in itself is not enough. Women and men should do self-exams regularly at home, and see a doctor right away if they find anything unusual. After all, it's better to hear your doctor say you have a cyst a week from now than to hear a year from now that you have a tumor. Encourage your partner and / or loved ones to visit the doctor. Talk about these issues to understand how your partner feels - the toughest and strongest thing you can do is step up and face your fears together.

Also, not all preventative steps have to be medical; there are many lifestyle changes people can make to decrease their odds of getting breast cancer. Some easy examples: Limit yourself to one drink a day. Maintain a healthy weight - work out together and keep active. Decrease your fat intake, which can help reduce the risk of not just breast cancer but also diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. If you and your loved ones work on being healthy together, you'll be better off in general and you may be fortunate enough to avoid cancer all together.

Sadly, sometimes cancer appears regardless of what actions you take, and that could mean dealing with the pain and discomfort of radiation and other treatments. Look outside your immediate circle; if you have a friend who is fighting cancer herself or if you know people helping their own loved ones in the fight, let them know they have a shoulder to lean on in you. Don't be afraid to act - you can't know how much even the smallest gesture can mean to someone in a fight for her life.

You would never back down in combat, and you live without fear - so don't back down when it comes to the health of the people you love. In self defense you remain vigilant and strike first; you should also apply these principles to dealing with a deadly disease like cancer. Guys, be there for your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, aunt, or friend when she needs you. Ladies, help the men in your life be strong when they need to be. Be smart and make the healthy changes you need to make together, and don't ever let each other feel alone. Don't let the people you love face a killer alone.

By Chris Pizzo

For more information on Chris "Lt. X" Pizzo former soldier, cancer survivor, mercenary, barroom bouncer, educator, and hand-to-hand combat instructor, and his incredible FREE Accelerated Battlefield Combatives close-combat learning system, visit his martial arts supersite

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Pizzo

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Surviving Breast Cancer

A woman's chances of surviving breast cancer depend on early diagnosis and treatment. Higher rates of breast cancer survival in recent years are because the average tumor is smaller in size and not merely because treatments have improved. Doctors often stress on regular mammograms for an increase in early detection of breast cancers. This can lead to earlier treatment when the tumors are smaller.

Many women should consider taking a combination of chemotherapy drugs after surgery for localized breast cancer. This additional treatment improves long-term survival rates. Three to six months of treatment with two or more chemotherapy drugs is considered optimal by the experts. This additional chemo therapy treatment will even benefit those women whose cancer has not spread to their lymph nodes.

Women diagnosed in their late 40s as having breast cancer stand a better chance of surviving the disease over the long term as compared to the women who contract it in their 20s or 30's. The age of the women at diagnosis is an extremely important factor of survival.

Doctors are likely to modify the way they treat breast cancer after a study that found that combination of chemotherapy with hormonal treatment increases women's chances for long-term survival. The study also reported that removal of the ovaries had life-prolonging benefits in breast cancer patients.

According to a study radiation after surgery for early-stage breast cancer improves survival chances for most patients. The study found that women who omitted radiation therapy after surgery had higher mortality rate than women who had the radiation therapy.

By Andy Kahn

ANTIOXIDANTS HELP FIGHT BREAST CANCER

http://www.vitamlin.com for more information

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