Recently, some members of various environmental and toxicology communities have expressed concern about nanoparticles. Nanotechnology is commonly defined as the creation and manipulation of materials at the atomic and molecular level. The issue is whether the tiny particles can penetrate the skin thereby posing health risks to humans. This is a legitimate concern.
However, when considering zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the two compounds commonly found in broad-spectrum sunscreens, and at the zinc oxide nanoparticles used in sun protective clothing, the evidence suggests that the health benefits of using this nano technology clearly outweigh any risk. In fact, most experts give a resounding "yes" to the issue of whether to apply and wear products using these compounds.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a not-for-profit scientific organization, reviewed the literature and found that "In 15 peer-reviewed studies, nanosize zinc and titanium were shown not to penetrate through unbroken skin at concentrations exceeding 1.5%."
EWG actually indicated some surprise by their findings and then went further to say that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide-based products are among the safest and most effective sunscreens available in the U.S. today. An excerpt of the report states: "Although we expected to reach a different conclusion at the outset of our sunscreen investigation, when we balanced all factors important in sunscreen safety, we found many zinc and titanium-based sunscreens that our analysis shows are among the safest and most effective sunscreens on the market."
Some leading manufacturers of sun protection clothing are creating fabrics embedded with zinc oxide. Their studies show that these nanoparticles do not wash out or wear out, and are therefore unlikely to rub off on skin. However, even if they did, the studies mentioned above show they would not pose any health risk.
Zinc is an essential mineral. Zinc oxide has been used and continues to be used to help heal damaged skin like diaper rash or burns. Contrary to posing a health risk, nanoparticles of zinc oxide in sunscreen and sun protective clothing offers the highest protection against UVR while providing the healthy soothing/healing properties associated with this compound.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
How to Stop Forehead Frown Lines From Ruining Your Appearance
Do you remember when you were little and your mother would say "if you frown like that your face is going to freeze that way"? Well, the truth is, these lines are not the result of frowning. Rather, they are the visible result of the loss of your body's natural collagen and elastin production. But the good news is, this is a condition that can be reversed. If you use the information I'm about to give you, your so-called frown lines will be a thing of the past.
Now, before I get started, I guess it's only fair that I mention Botox and collagen injections. These are two viable options for getting rid of lines on your forehead. However, if you choose either of these two treatments you should be prepared to pay a high cost in money, pain, and recovery time. You should also be prepared to repeat the process every 3 to 4 months.
That being said, my personal recommendation for how to stop forehead frown lines is to enlist the power of your body's own natural healing ability.
Most people don't realize what an ally they have in their body when it comes to treating and restoring youthful good looks. Getting your natural collagen and elastin production running in high gear again can be easily achieved with three simple lifestyle changes.
The first lifestyle change is to avoid long-term exposure to sunlight. I don't recommend completely avoiding the sun, because some sunlight is necessary for good health. Your body needs regular, short-term exposure in order to produce vitamin D, and to regulate your mood.
However, if you spend long periods of time outdoors, then it's wise to cover your face with a brimmed hat, or carry a parasol. Sunscreens do not provide healthy protection since they are made from high concentrations of synthetic chemicals.
The second lifestyle change is to improve your dietary habits by adding lots more brightly colored fruit and vegetables. These foods are rich in antioxidants which are necessary to get rid of damaging free radicals. You should also drink more water so that environmental toxins, which also harm healthy skin cells, aren't allowed to build up.
The third lifestyle change is to alter the type of skin care products you are using. Old-school cosmetics, made from synthetic chemicals that clog your pores and temporarily mask forehead frown lines, are becoming a thing of the past.
If you want to stimulate your natural collagen and elastin production so that lines on your forehead are eliminated, you must feed your cells with stimulating nutrients contained in natural extracts.
You probably haven't heard of some of the more powerful nutrients because they come far away places. For example, a substance (Cynergy TK(TM)) that is extracted from a special type of sheep in New Zealand, is achieving significant results in clinical tests on collagen and elastin production, as well as, new skin cell formation. Scientists are reporting similar results with an extract of Japanese sea kelp, called phytessence wakme.
These are just two in a host of remarkable bioactive ingredients that are being used to create truly effective skin care products that support the body's natural healing ability.
So there you have it! My simple, but effective recommendations for how to stop forehead frown lines from ruining your appearance.
If you would like more details about the clinically-tested, bio-active substances I talked about and personally use, please visit my web site.
Now, before I get started, I guess it's only fair that I mention Botox and collagen injections. These are two viable options for getting rid of lines on your forehead. However, if you choose either of these two treatments you should be prepared to pay a high cost in money, pain, and recovery time. You should also be prepared to repeat the process every 3 to 4 months.
That being said, my personal recommendation for how to stop forehead frown lines is to enlist the power of your body's own natural healing ability.
Most people don't realize what an ally they have in their body when it comes to treating and restoring youthful good looks. Getting your natural collagen and elastin production running in high gear again can be easily achieved with three simple lifestyle changes.
The first lifestyle change is to avoid long-term exposure to sunlight. I don't recommend completely avoiding the sun, because some sunlight is necessary for good health. Your body needs regular, short-term exposure in order to produce vitamin D, and to regulate your mood.
However, if you spend long periods of time outdoors, then it's wise to cover your face with a brimmed hat, or carry a parasol. Sunscreens do not provide healthy protection since they are made from high concentrations of synthetic chemicals.
The second lifestyle change is to improve your dietary habits by adding lots more brightly colored fruit and vegetables. These foods are rich in antioxidants which are necessary to get rid of damaging free radicals. You should also drink more water so that environmental toxins, which also harm healthy skin cells, aren't allowed to build up.
The third lifestyle change is to alter the type of skin care products you are using. Old-school cosmetics, made from synthetic chemicals that clog your pores and temporarily mask forehead frown lines, are becoming a thing of the past.
If you want to stimulate your natural collagen and elastin production so that lines on your forehead are eliminated, you must feed your cells with stimulating nutrients contained in natural extracts.
You probably haven't heard of some of the more powerful nutrients because they come far away places. For example, a substance (Cynergy TK(TM)) that is extracted from a special type of sheep in New Zealand, is achieving significant results in clinical tests on collagen and elastin production, as well as, new skin cell formation. Scientists are reporting similar results with an extract of Japanese sea kelp, called phytessence wakme.
These are just two in a host of remarkable bioactive ingredients that are being used to create truly effective skin care products that support the body's natural healing ability.
So there you have it! My simple, but effective recommendations for how to stop forehead frown lines from ruining your appearance.
If you would like more details about the clinically-tested, bio-active substances I talked about and personally use, please visit my web site.
HPV and Women - Why Protection is Critical
When you have sex with a new partner, you're having sex with every partner they ever had sex with, and every partner they had sex with, and on and on...
Researchers have uncovered over 35 different types of HPV that infect the genital tract, and of these, at least 15 are known to lead to cervical cancer. The most dangerous strains, #16, #18, #31 and #45 account for over 70% of all cervical cancers. HPV is also known to cause cancer in the vulva, vagina, anus, head and neck.
What Is HPV?
Genital HPV (human papilloma virus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease and it's believed that up to 70% of women will have come into contact with HPV by the time they're 60 years old.
Most women may never show any signs of HPV infection and their immune system fights off the virus. However, for a number of women, certain strains of HPV can lead to genital warts, which are a clear indication that she has come into contact with a sexual partner who has HPV.
While genital warts can be embarrassing, unsightly and often painful, the strains of HPV that are responsible for this type of infection are different from the strains that can develop into cervical cancer.
HPV causes normal cells to become abnormal. These abnormalities can present in the form of genital warts, which often appear within weeks or months of infection. However, it's the strains of HPV that lead to cervical cancer which you need to be most concerned about. These infections can lay dormant in your system for many years and display no signs or symptoms. But over time, the infection alters cells in the cervix and by the time the cancer is detected in HPV women, it can be too late.
How to Protect Yourself Against HPV
Every year hundreds of thousands of women die from cervical cancer that is directly linked to HPV. The reason so many women die from this form of cancer is because the symptoms often go undetected for many years.
So it's important to do everything you can to protect yourself from the risks associated with HPV. Let's look at some of the steps you can take:
1. A HPV vaccine is available to girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 which prevents the most common strains of HPV in women. In particular, the vaccine protects women against the strains which can lead to cervical cancer.
This vaccine is most effective on women who have had no previous sexual experiences.
2. The most effective HPV treatment is a regular Pap smear to test for any abnormal cells in the cervix. If you have the same sexual partner, or you are not sexually active, a Pap smear once a year is appropriate. After the age of 30, your medical practitioner may suggest you have a Pap smear every 2 or 3 years.
If you have a number of sexual partners, it doesn't hurt to have a Pap smear every time you start a new relationship. Sure, Pap smears are a little uncomfortable, but a few moments of feeling uncomfortable is worth it if the results show abnormal cell development.
That wonderful new man you've just met may be THE ONE, but he may also unwittingly be THE ONE who is carrying a HPV infection he isn't aware of, and it's easy to pass that virus on to you.
3. Have a frank and open discussion with new sexual partners. Although it may seem embarrassing, it could save your life! If you have ever had an outbreak of genital warts, this type of infection can't be cured so although you may not have any symptoms, you can easily transmit the virus to your partner.
Similarly, he may have been exposed to the virus and not know.
4. Practice safe sex. Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, it's only one of many, so practicing safe sex by using a condom can help protect you against a number of serious infections.
5. Keep yourself healthy and well. You can reduce the risk of contracting HPV if your immune system is strong enough to fight off the infection. But let's face it: being healthy isn't just about protecting yourself against HPV - it's about protecting yourself from a number of infections that can attack your system if it's not in good shape.
HPV and women can be a deadly combination, so ensure you read all the information you can about the risks and know how to arm and protect yourself at all times.
Researchers have uncovered over 35 different types of HPV that infect the genital tract, and of these, at least 15 are known to lead to cervical cancer. The most dangerous strains, #16, #18, #31 and #45 account for over 70% of all cervical cancers. HPV is also known to cause cancer in the vulva, vagina, anus, head and neck.
What Is HPV?
Genital HPV (human papilloma virus) is the most common sexually transmitted disease and it's believed that up to 70% of women will have come into contact with HPV by the time they're 60 years old.
Most women may never show any signs of HPV infection and their immune system fights off the virus. However, for a number of women, certain strains of HPV can lead to genital warts, which are a clear indication that she has come into contact with a sexual partner who has HPV.
While genital warts can be embarrassing, unsightly and often painful, the strains of HPV that are responsible for this type of infection are different from the strains that can develop into cervical cancer.
HPV causes normal cells to become abnormal. These abnormalities can present in the form of genital warts, which often appear within weeks or months of infection. However, it's the strains of HPV that lead to cervical cancer which you need to be most concerned about. These infections can lay dormant in your system for many years and display no signs or symptoms. But over time, the infection alters cells in the cervix and by the time the cancer is detected in HPV women, it can be too late.
How to Protect Yourself Against HPV
Every year hundreds of thousands of women die from cervical cancer that is directly linked to HPV. The reason so many women die from this form of cancer is because the symptoms often go undetected for many years.
So it's important to do everything you can to protect yourself from the risks associated with HPV. Let's look at some of the steps you can take:
1. A HPV vaccine is available to girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26 which prevents the most common strains of HPV in women. In particular, the vaccine protects women against the strains which can lead to cervical cancer.
This vaccine is most effective on women who have had no previous sexual experiences.
2. The most effective HPV treatment is a regular Pap smear to test for any abnormal cells in the cervix. If you have the same sexual partner, or you are not sexually active, a Pap smear once a year is appropriate. After the age of 30, your medical practitioner may suggest you have a Pap smear every 2 or 3 years.
If you have a number of sexual partners, it doesn't hurt to have a Pap smear every time you start a new relationship. Sure, Pap smears are a little uncomfortable, but a few moments of feeling uncomfortable is worth it if the results show abnormal cell development.
That wonderful new man you've just met may be THE ONE, but he may also unwittingly be THE ONE who is carrying a HPV infection he isn't aware of, and it's easy to pass that virus on to you.
3. Have a frank and open discussion with new sexual partners. Although it may seem embarrassing, it could save your life! If you have ever had an outbreak of genital warts, this type of infection can't be cured so although you may not have any symptoms, you can easily transmit the virus to your partner.
Similarly, he may have been exposed to the virus and not know.
4. Practice safe sex. Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, it's only one of many, so practicing safe sex by using a condom can help protect you against a number of serious infections.
5. Keep yourself healthy and well. You can reduce the risk of contracting HPV if your immune system is strong enough to fight off the infection. But let's face it: being healthy isn't just about protecting yourself against HPV - it's about protecting yourself from a number of infections that can attack your system if it's not in good shape.
HPV and women can be a deadly combination, so ensure you read all the information you can about the risks and know how to arm and protect yourself at all times.
Why Using Krill Oil Instead of Fish Oil Will Lower Your Protection Against Disease
There's no doubt about it, taking krill oil will reduce the amount of health benefits and protection you get compared to a good fish oil. Here are the reasons why and how to select the right oil.
The new hyped up kid on the block is krill oil. You may have read many of the claims from suppliers and manufacturers about the health benefits. The truth is you can get far, far more benefits from a much cheaper fish oil and here's why.
It is all about the omega 3 fatty acids called DHA and EPA. These are the two main ones and it is actually DHA that provides most of the benefits like prevention of heart disease, lower cholesterol, improved brain health and many more.
Oil from krill only contains about 5% DHA per capsule while a quality oil from fish like tuna or hoki will contain 28%! This has a major impact on the amount of health rewards you receive and is an undeniable fact.
Many claims also centre around the fact that krill oil has high levels of beneficial antioxidants. While this is true, they are not present to help your health but in fact to preserve the life of the oils instead.
While fish oil has had thousands of major studies over the last couple of decades, krill has only had a handful, making the claims even more far-fetched and not based in reality.
It is also important to consider the impact on the environment as at present there are no limits of the size of krill catches and most are from the pristine Antarctic waters. How this will affect the delicate marine ecosystem is yet to be seen.
Oil from fish is much higher in quality than krill as long as you ensure it has been molecularly distilled to remove all the toxins and contains at least 270mg of DHA omega 3 per capsule. Many do not so check the label carefully.
On a final note, krill oil costs around six times as much and still delivers fewer benefits.
If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA omega 3 supplements I personally take, visit my website below.
Avoid krill oil and use the best fish oil available today instead.
The new hyped up kid on the block is krill oil. You may have read many of the claims from suppliers and manufacturers about the health benefits. The truth is you can get far, far more benefits from a much cheaper fish oil and here's why.
It is all about the omega 3 fatty acids called DHA and EPA. These are the two main ones and it is actually DHA that provides most of the benefits like prevention of heart disease, lower cholesterol, improved brain health and many more.
Oil from krill only contains about 5% DHA per capsule while a quality oil from fish like tuna or hoki will contain 28%! This has a major impact on the amount of health rewards you receive and is an undeniable fact.
Many claims also centre around the fact that krill oil has high levels of beneficial antioxidants. While this is true, they are not present to help your health but in fact to preserve the life of the oils instead.
While fish oil has had thousands of major studies over the last couple of decades, krill has only had a handful, making the claims even more far-fetched and not based in reality.
It is also important to consider the impact on the environment as at present there are no limits of the size of krill catches and most are from the pristine Antarctic waters. How this will affect the delicate marine ecosystem is yet to be seen.
Oil from fish is much higher in quality than krill as long as you ensure it has been molecularly distilled to remove all the toxins and contains at least 270mg of DHA omega 3 per capsule. Many do not so check the label carefully.
On a final note, krill oil costs around six times as much and still delivers fewer benefits.
If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA omega 3 supplements I personally take, visit my website below.
Avoid krill oil and use the best fish oil available today instead.
Cabbage Family Provides Antioxidant Protection
You have heard a lot about antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and beta-carotene, which help ward off disease by mopping up harmful oxygen molecules called free radicals that naturally accumulate in the body. Free radicals damage healthy tissues throughout the body, causing changes that can lead to heart disease, cancer, and other serious conditions.
• Members of the cabbage family are packed with these nutritious compounds. Particularly good are cabbages like bok choy and Savoy, which are super sources of beta-carotene, a nutrient that other cabbages don't have in abundance. High blood levels of beta-carotene are related to lower incidences of heart attacks, certain types of cancers, and cataracts.
• Not only are these cabbages high in beta-carotene; they are also a good source of vitamin C, which has been shown to boost immunity as well as reduce blood pressure and fight heart disease.
• A half-cup serving of raw bok choy provides 16 milligrams of vitamin C, 27 percent of the Daily Value (DV), while the
Same amount of raw Savoy cabbage supplies 11 milligrams, 18 percent of the DV.
• Both bok choy and Savoy cabbage are also decent sources of folate, with a half-cup of either providing about 35 micrograms, or 9 percent of the DV. Your body uses folate for normal tissue growth. Studies show that folate also may pro-tea against cancer, heart disease, and birth defects.
• Research shows that women are at high risk for folate deficiency, especially if they take birth control pills.
• Keep a cool head. Boiling cabbage removes about half the valuable Indoles. To preserve these compounds at maximum levels, experts advise eating cabbage raw-mixed in with a green salad, for example, or concentrated in coleslaw.
• Enjoy the variety. To get the healing benefits of cabbage several times a week without getting bored, explore the different varieties. Green, red, and Savoy cabbages, along with bok choy, all are high in protective compounds. They can be eaten raw in coleslaw, slow-cooked in soup, or wrapped around your favorite filling.
• Stock up. We often avoid stocking up on fresh produce because it can go bad so quickly. Never fear with cabbage. A head of cabbage will keep for up to 10 days in the crisper drawer, making it easy to eat a little bit each day without worrying about it spoiling.
• As produce goes, cabbage is a cook's best friend. It is versatile, inexpensive, readily available, and easy to prepare. Long cooking times release more of the strong-smelling sulfur compounds.
• Members of the cabbage family are packed with these nutritious compounds. Particularly good are cabbages like bok choy and Savoy, which are super sources of beta-carotene, a nutrient that other cabbages don't have in abundance. High blood levels of beta-carotene are related to lower incidences of heart attacks, certain types of cancers, and cataracts.
• Not only are these cabbages high in beta-carotene; they are also a good source of vitamin C, which has been shown to boost immunity as well as reduce blood pressure and fight heart disease.
• A half-cup serving of raw bok choy provides 16 milligrams of vitamin C, 27 percent of the Daily Value (DV), while the
Same amount of raw Savoy cabbage supplies 11 milligrams, 18 percent of the DV.
• Both bok choy and Savoy cabbage are also decent sources of folate, with a half-cup of either providing about 35 micrograms, or 9 percent of the DV. Your body uses folate for normal tissue growth. Studies show that folate also may pro-tea against cancer, heart disease, and birth defects.
• Research shows that women are at high risk for folate deficiency, especially if they take birth control pills.
• Keep a cool head. Boiling cabbage removes about half the valuable Indoles. To preserve these compounds at maximum levels, experts advise eating cabbage raw-mixed in with a green salad, for example, or concentrated in coleslaw.
• Enjoy the variety. To get the healing benefits of cabbage several times a week without getting bored, explore the different varieties. Green, red, and Savoy cabbages, along with bok choy, all are high in protective compounds. They can be eaten raw in coleslaw, slow-cooked in soup, or wrapped around your favorite filling.
• Stock up. We often avoid stocking up on fresh produce because it can go bad so quickly. Never fear with cabbage. A head of cabbage will keep for up to 10 days in the crisper drawer, making it easy to eat a little bit each day without worrying about it spoiling.
• As produce goes, cabbage is a cook's best friend. It is versatile, inexpensive, readily available, and easy to prepare. Long cooking times release more of the strong-smelling sulfur compounds.
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