Aging And Wrinkles

Skin becomes thinner with age and loses its ability to retain moisture, making it dry. At the same time, aging reduces the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping the skin firm and elastic so that it snaps back into shape when stretched. When these elements break down, the skin loses its ability to repair itself, so there is a vicious cycle of skin sagging and wrinkling as it dries out. The cycle continues unless we intervene to repair and rejuvenate our skin.
Sun Exposure is a Major Cause of Wrinkles
One of the main causes of wrinkles, other than aging, is sunlight. Many of us grew up without knowing how harmful the sun could be or that people with fair or light skin were even more susceptible to the sun's rays than others. We spent endless hours soaking up the sun with little or no sunscreen so that our bodies were unnecessarily exposed to the UVA and UVB rays that at the very least can cause premature aging- and could potentially cause skin cancer as well.
Photo-aging occurs when there is skin damage from the sun. It is usually prevalent on the most exposed parts of the body (e.g., the face). It creates wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and skin keratosis or liver spots, along with really rough, dry skin. Continued exposure over time makes the skin especially vulnerable to photo-aging if steps are not taken to prevent further damage.
Sunscreen and the New Government Guidelines
Very recently the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Government changed the guidelines regulating sunscreen products.
For the first time in over thirty years, the FDA has submitted new guidelines for the use of sunscreen products. Consumers will start to see changes on the labels of these products by the summer of 2012. If the product does not protect the user from both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, the label cannot state that the sunscreen protects against skin cancer or premature aging.
Sunscreens will no longer be allowed to advertize sun protection factors (SPF) above 50. Instead, the label can only indicate that the SPF is 50+, since there is no evidence to demonstrate that protection is improved above 50 SPF.
In order to be considered a broad spectrum sun protectant, a product has to provide both UVA and UVB protection. At present, UVB protection is displayed on most sunscreen or sun block products. UVB rays can cause cancer, aging, and sun damage, but UVB rays can be blocked--by the windows in your home or the windshield in your car--because they cannot penetrate as deeply as UVA rays. UVA rays do penetrate and do cause skin damage, and both types of sunrays can cause cancer. The FDA has therefore determined that sunscreen products must protect against both.
Another change is that products will no longer be able to promote themselves as waterproof since no product is completely waterproof, nor can it be marketed as "sun block" since nothing can completely block the sun's rays. Labels must now use words like "water resistant," and they must state how long, in minutes, the product will resist water before it must be reapplied.
The newer guidelines are meant to help consumers avoid confusion about which sun care products actually protect them from cancer and premature aging. A sun product that provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 15 or higher can state that it will protect against cancer and premature aging. If a sunscreen is not a broad spectrum protectant (e.g., only protects against UVA OR UVB rays--not both), it cannot state that it will help prevent cancer or skin aging.
Steps to Take to Deter Wrinkles
Many people have occupations that keep them outdoors all the time--farmers and fisherman for example--and they are constantly exposed to the sun. Recreational activities like swimming, sailing, and other outdoor sports like golfing, tennis, baseball, and soccer expose participants to the sun and the weather. It is therfore essential that people participating in these types of activities be well protected.
An adequate broad spectrum sunscreen is essential for anyone that spends a lot of time outdoors, particularly those with sensitive or fair skin that is more prone to sunburn. An SPF of 15 or more provides good protection against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Clothing plays a major part in protecting the skin and minimizing the risks of exposure to the sun. Wearing a hat protects the top of the head, which is especially vulnerable if you have short or thin hair. A hat with a wide brim protects the face as well. Long sleeves cover the arms and pants or long dresses limit exposure to the legs. All of these precautions help deter wrinkles and fine lines.

Get Healthy, Stay Healthy With Chiropractic

When you think of chiropractic, do you think only of injuries and athletes? Think again. Chiropractic has health benefits for everyone--including you!
During National Chiropractic Health Month, chiropractors across the country are promoting, "get healthy and stay healthy with chiropractic." Join the nearly 21 million Americans who already know how chiropractic care can greatly improve health and wellness and create a better quality of life.
Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? Do you have trouble waking in the morning? Do you find yourself tired and running out of energy before the day is over? Do you have aches and pains that frustrate you? Do you have acid reflux or digestive problems? Are allergies or asthma making you feel bad? Do you feel like there are things you could be doing to improve your health but you aren't sure where to start? If you answered yes to any of these questions, chiropractic can help you address your concerns and improve your health and wellness.
One of the many ways chiropractic can help improve overall health is to balance the body, tackle fatigue, and increase energy and stamina. And who doesn't want more energy? We all want to be more productive in life. Chiropractic care can put you on a path to increased energy and improved health. Under your chiropractor's care you may receive spinal manipulation, nutritional counseling, exercise programs, and lifestyle advice as part of an integrated and balanced plan of care for improved health and wellness.
To start your path to a healthier you, create a health and wellness goal. Do you want to lose weight and be slimmer? Do you want to build muscle and increase your strength? Do you want to train for your first 5K run? Do you want to improve your posture and appearance? Do you just want to sleep better and have more energy during the day? Whatever your goal or goals are, discuss them with your chiropractor and make sure he or she knows what you want to achieve. Your chiropractor can even help you develop and outline your goals. Your framework, timeline, and plan of care will be individualized to you, according to your background, level of activity and stated goals. Once you achieve your first goal with the help of your chiropractor, you will be hooked on setting and striving for more health and wellness goals.
Get healthy, stay healthy with chiropractic and join the millions of people living healthier, happier lives.

Permanently Lose Weight Following These Easy Steps

One of the most common New Year's Resolutions that Americans make is to lose weight in the coming year. Many people, though, find it a struggle to follow through, especially if they do not approach it with well-tuned plan in hand.
Before you start obsessing over calories, work to cut down your portion sizes. The current perceptions of a healthy diet seem to include a lot of chemistry and focus on individual ingredients. The most important thing to consider is portion sizes. You will make major changes to your diet if you just eat less.
Dancing is a great way to exercise and have a good time. Most cities offer less expensive dance classes through the Parks and Recreation office. There are usually several styles of dance offered.
The most common reason people quit trying to lose weight is a failure to be properly motivated. Your excitement is high in the first weeks of a gym membership, but the excitement can quickly fade. Find ways to keep yourself motivated and re-evaluate your goals often.
Do not surround yourself with junk food. If you often go out and shop at fast food restaurants, bakeries or candy stores, this will prove to be a difficult task. Instead, go to health stores and farmer's markets.
Try drinking eight glasses of water each day in order to lose weight. If you fill up on water, you won't be tempted to drink sugary soft drinks when you're thirsty. Drinking water also helps you to feel full, so you end up eating less.
Green vegetables should be incorporated into any weight loss plan because they are regarded as "super foods". This means they're full of minerals, fibers, nutrients and other great things the body needs. Some great examples of vegetables you should eat are green beans, asparagus, broccoli, spinach and kale. These foods should be added to your diet.
It is helpful to weigh yourself on a regular basis in order to remain motivated to lose weight. This isn't best for everyone, but many will benefit from this strategy. Weigh yourself around once a week. Weighing yourself once each day is ideal.
A great way to lose weight is to join an organization like Jenny Craig. There are others who are on the same journey and you can also get meals delivered. If you are able to afford it, joining one of these organizations can really help to make weight loss easier.
When beginning to monitor your diet, try to stick to no more than 2,000 calories daily. Research every meal to know exactly what vitamins and nutrients you are receiving, and make sure you are getting enough of everything! If you realize that you are not getting a specific nutrient in your diet, consider changing it or adding some sort of supplement.
If you want to lose weight, this is the place to be! Now you should have a good place to start with your weight loss plan and be on your way to a new and healthy you. Best of luck to you!

The Job of an Oral Surgeon With Root Canals

Have you ever heard any scary stories about root canals? Any oral surgeon will tell you they just aren't true.
Basically, a root canal is a specialized dental treatment, performed by an oral surgeon, which repairs and saves a decayed or infected tooth. During the procedure, the pulp and nerve inside the tooth are removed and the tooth is cleaned and sealed. If these things aren't done, the tissue around the tooth will get infected and painful abscesses may develop.
Many years ago, it was discovered the nerve of a tooth is not essential to the function and health of that tooth once the tooth has pushed its way through the gum. The only thing it really does is let you know if something is hot or cold when you taste it. But the nerve does not affect the everyday functioning of the teeth. This is great news because when the nerve tissue or pulp gets damaged, for various reasons, it begins to disintegrate and very harmful bacteria develop. This process is what causes infections and abscesses.
There are many signs and symptoms that will let you know this process is occurring. When they begin to develop, it's time to seek the help of a good oral surgeon.
Here are a few of the more common root canal symptoms:
- Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing food or applying pressure to the tooth.
- When the tooth is subjected to hot or cold temperatures, pain or sensitivity continues long after the heat or cold are removed.
- The tooth becomes discolored or dark in appearance.
- The nearby gum may begin to swell and becomes very tender.
- A "pimple" begins to develop and remain on the gum or go away and return periodically.
An abscess is actually a pocket of pus that develops in the tooth at the end of the roots. If an oral surgeon does not have the chance to clean out the tooth, the infection will continue to grow and cause tremendous pain.
Root canal infections can cause swelling of the face or the neck or the head, bone loss at the root's tip and drainage problems. The drainage can form a hole on the side of the tooth. It will then drain into the gums or even through the cheek.
There are several reasons the nerve and pulp of a tooth gets damaged. Deep decay which causes them to become inflamed, repetitive dental procedures on the same tooth and a cracked or chipped tooth to name a few. Even trauma to the face can be a culprit.
It's a comfort to know that an oral surgeon can easily and painlessly take care of your tooth's health with a simple procedure. Root canals, however, can be costly and time-consuming. But, considering the consequences, if you don't have them done, you'd be better off to put all your fears aside and let a reputable dental specialist restore you to dental health.