Does Nut Eating Lead to Weight Gain?

Are you a nut lover? When it comes to snacks, nuts are certainly one of the healthier alternatives, but what if youre watching your weight? With their high fat and calorie content, many people are concerned that reaching for that jar of nuts is a sure recipe for weight gain. Is nut eating likely to wreck havoc with your diet?

Of course if you eat too much of anything, youll experience weight gain and nuts are no exception. With a calorie content ranging anywhere from 150 to 220 calories per ounce, nuts arent a low calorie food. Despite this, studies show that nut eating may actually help to promote weight loss if not eaten in excess. Plus, the additional health benefits gained from eating nuts is a positive.

A study published in the journal Obesity showed that people who eat nuts two or more times per weight have a lower risk of weight gain than those who avoid eating nuts entirely. Even more surprising is the fact that studies have shown that eating nuts without cutting back on the rest of your diet still may not result in weight gain as would be expected due to the additional caloric intake.

Why might night eating be beneficial for weight control? Nuts are a rich source of several key components including protein, fiber, and monounsaturated fats. Protein and fiber are thought to promote a feeling of fullness which may reduce the urge to snack on less healthy foods that would be likely to cause weight gain.

Most people report that nut eating satisfies their hunger and reduces their urge to snack on less healthy foods during the day. The monounsaturated fats found in nuts are a beneficial form of fat that may help to reduce levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) and protect the heart. Theres also some question as to whether the monounsaturated fats in nuts are completely absorbed when nuts are eaten. This could mean that not all calories from nuts are being fully utilized by the body.

Although nut eating may be a positive even if youre trying to lose weight, eating too many nuts could still make it difficult to get into those size six jeans. Its best to practice portion control by measuring out an ounce of nuts and restricting yourself to only that amount. Nut eating directly out of the jar is a sure fire way to end up eating too many nuts at one time.

The bottom line? Nut eating can be a healthy habit and may even help you lose those excess pounds. Just practice moderation.

If a Mole Changes Color Should You Be Concerned?

Most people have a few moles on their body - and some have as many as a hundred or more. Moles are more common in light skinned people, although anyone can have them - regardless of skin type. Some people are born with moles, while others acquire them during childhood or as a young adult. People who have a greater number of acquired moles are at a higher risk of developing a malignancy that arises from moles called malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma is a serious form of cancer and it can be lifesaving to know the signs of this common malignancy. What if a mole changes color? Should you be concerned?

When a mole changes color, its always a cause for concern. Mole color changes can be the first sign of malignant melanoma. Unlike most skin cancers which rarely become life threatening, malignant melanoma can quickly spread into the deeper tissues and metastasize to other areas of the body - and the incidence of malignant melanoma is growing in frequency as people spend more time in the sun. Observing moles for signs of malignant melanoma such as color change is important to pick them up early when they can be successfully treated.

What kind of mole color changes are important? Any change in the color of a mole should be brought to the attention of a doctor. When a mole undergoes a color change to become a malignant melanoma it usually becomes darker in color and may develop shades of pink, red, blue, or white. The color may spread outside the normal boundaries of the mole causing it to look irregular. Mole color changes associated with itching, swelling, bleeding, or crusting are particularly suspicious.

What are other signs of malignant melanoma? Although a malignant melanoma can arise from an existing mole, it can also appear de nova - so its important to be alert to any suspicious skin changes. Other signs that a mole may be undergoing a malignant change include borders that become irregular or assymetrical, moles that change from flat to elevated, changes in texture, or any change in size. Any change in the appearance of a mole needs to be evaluated.

The bottom line? When a mole turns a new color or develops new spots of color, it should never be ignored. Detecting a malignant melanoma early can be lifesaving. Do regular skin checks to make sure pre-existing moles arent changing and that no new suspicious skin spots have developed.

References:

Merck Manual. 18th Edition.

Should You Exercise When Youre Sick?

People who schedule exercise into their busy day are more likely to get it done than those who do it when they have a free moment. But sometimes life throws a wrench into the best laid plans to exercise. Illness is a good example. Few people feel like going on a power walk when they have a temperature of 101 degrees. Despite this, some gung-ho exercisers choose to tough it out even when they feel ill. Is this a good idea? Should you exercise when youre sick?

While its good to be committed to fitness, everyone needs a day of rest especially when theyve pushed themselves too hard and, particularly, when theyre sick. That being said, whether you exercise when sick should depend upon how sick you are. Most people who are simply feeling a little tired with no other symptoms may feel re-energized after a workout. Theres really no better cure for simple sluggishness than forty minutes of fast paced aerobic activity.

On the other hand, there are probably more times that you shouldnt exercise when sick than occasions that you should. If youre running a fever, its almost always best to take the day off. Intense exercise can temporarily suppress immune function and make it more difficult to fight offa cold or flu virus. Exercise also causes fluid loss through sweating which is harmful if youre running a fever. There are few benefits to exercising with a febrile illness.

Its also best to take the day off from exercise if youre vomiting or have diarrhea. Exercising when youre sick with a gastrointestinal virus can lead to dehydration, lightheadedness, fainting, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. If you have to make extra trips to the bathroom, do yourself a favor and give exercise a rest.

Keep in mind that when you go to the gym to exercise when youre sick, youre exposing other people to illness. How many times have you heard someone with a hacking cough walking on the treadmill next to you? Chances are theyre doing themselves and others around them more harm than good. Its best not to spread your illness around the gym.

Its also important to avoid exercising outdoors in cold weather when youre sick for obvious reasons. If youre not feeling well, some gentle stretching exercises or yoga moves can be a good substitute for your standard workout until you start to feel better. Sometimes its best to give your body a few days to heal and then you can come back stronger than ever!

How to Remove a Splinter

It feels good to set your feet free of shoes and walk barefoot on the porch or deck, particularly in warm the summer months. Unfortunately, there can be a drawback to all of that foot freedom in the form of painful splinters. A splinter lodged in the foot can quickly put a damper on the day unless you can extract it quickly and return to enjoying your activities. With a few simple tools, you can do just that. Heres how to remove a splinter successfully.

What tools do you need to remove a splinter?

To remove a splinter thats superficial, all youll need is a pair of tweezers, some gauze or cotton pads, and some rubbing alcohol. Youll also need access to a good light so you can visualize the splinter.

How to remove a splinter:

First, use the rubbing alcohol and gauze to thoroughly clean the tweezers youll be using to extract the splinter. Apply a small amount of alcohol to a gauze or cotton pad and pat it lightly around the splinter. Dont rub because you could push the splinter further under the skin making it more difficult to extract. Under a good light, visualize the splinter. Once you can clearly see the splinter, grasp it firmly with the tweezers and pull the splinter out. Once the splinter is removed, clean the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol on a gauze pad.

What if the splinter is too deep to grasp?

As long as you can visualize the splinter and its just beneath the surface of the skin, you can use a clean, sterilized needle to lightly scrape off the superficial layer of skin covering the splinter. Its important not to go too deep. If youre unable to grasp the splinter after scraping off the superficial skin layers, leave the splinter alone. If you can grasp it, use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to pull the splinter out. Wash the area thoroughly the soap and water.

What if you cant reach the splinter despite the above?

If the splinter is painful and is interfering with your ability to walk, see your doctor for removal. If the splinter is small, itll probably work its way out of the foot over time, but youll need to watch for signs of redness and swelling which could indicate an infection that needs immediate medical attention.

A final precaution

After you remove a splinter, its important to verify that youre up-to-date on your tetanus vaccine. If theres any doubt, make an appointment with your doctor for an update.

Are You Concerned About a Twitching Eye?

If youve ever experienced a twitching eye, you probably already know how distracting this annoying symptom can be. You may have also been concerned that this symptom may signify a serious eye or nervous system condition. Most cases of mild eye twitching are not a cause for concern, although there is a condition known as essential blepharospasm where persistent, more severe spasms of the eyelids occur. While symptoms of a mild twitching eye rarely require treatment, severe and persistent eye twitching may signify the presence of essential blepharospasm which needs consultation with an eye specialist.

Most cases of eye twitching are mild and transient in nature. The cause of eye twitch can be related to eye strain and fatigue from long periods spent staring at a lighted computer screen or can be due to fatigue, lack of sleep, and even stress. Symptoms of a twitching eye usually resolve on their own within a few days although taking a rest from computer work as well as getting additional sleep to treat fatigue may help to speed up the healing process. Reducing caffeine consumption can also help to resolve the symptoms of a twitching eye. Sometimes taking a complete break from work and relaxing in a warm bath with the eyes closed can work wonders for symptoms of mild eye twitch. The more you can do to reduce your stress load and limit the use of your eyes, the quicker the symptoms will generally resolve.

If the symptoms of eye twitching fail to resolve over the course of a few days, involves both eyelids, or becomes severe, you may have a more serious form of blepharospasm that needs treatment by an eye doctor. The most common treatment for essential blepharospasm is botox injections to allow the muscles around the eye to relax. . In most cases, this will need to be repeated every few months to prevent recurrence of the eye twitch. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the offending nerve thats causing the eye to twitch.

To prevent reappearance of a twitching eye in the future, make it a point to take frequent breaks if you work in front of a computer screen. Resting your eyes by getting up from your computer screen every thirty minutes can walking around can be therapeutic for this problem. Of course, youll want to work towards reducing stress and getting a good nights sleep each night which will not only reduce symptoms of eye twitching but will help to optimize your health in general.

Why You Should Check a Vitamin D Level Before Orthopedic Surgery

Are you scheduled for orthopedic surgery? Better check a vitamin D level before heading to the operating room. A new study shows that almost half of all people getting orthopedic surgery are vitamin D deficient - and it could affect the outcome of their surgery.

Vitamin D Deficiency before Surgery Could Delay Recovery

According to a study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, vitamin D deficiency among people getting orthopedic surgery is surprisingly common and it could make it harder to heal. When they looked at charts from over 700 patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery, they found forty-percent were vitamin D deficient and an even higher number had levels that were not optimal. This included patients undergoing all types of orthopedic surgery from hip and knee replacements to surgery to repair a fracture. Even some healthy athletes getting surgery for sports-related injuries were vitamin D deficient.

Why are doctors concerned about low vitamin D levels before orthopedic surgery? Vitamin D is critical for successful healing of bones and muscles and being vitamin D deficient can slow down the healing process. Adequate vitamin D levels are especially important in the two to four week period after surgery when bone is actively remodeling as part of the healing process. To have the best chance for proper healing, a person should correct a low vitamin D level before entering the O.R.

Correcting Low Vitamin D Levels before Surgery

Researchers in this study emphasize the importance of correcting vitamin D deficiency before getting bone or muscle surgery. Correcting low vitamin D levels is slow and usually requires high dose vitamin D supplements for at least a month before surgery. Not every surgeon checks a vitamin D level prior to surgery, so you may have to ask to have this test included in your pre-surgical blood work. The sooner a level is drawn before surgery the better - so youll have time to correct any vitamin D deficiency.

Low Vitamin D Levels before Surgery: The Bottom Line?

If you plan on undergoing any type of orthopedic surgery, check a vitamin D level at least six weeks before and make sure youre within the normal range. It could lead to quicker healing - and a better outcome.

References:

Eurekalert.org. "Vitamin D deficiency rampant in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, damaging patient recovery"

A New Drug to Help Accident Victims?

Each year almost 600,000 people bleed to death as a result of a serious accident or injury. Stopping the blood loss is the key to saving accident victims in many cases. According to a new study from the United Kingdom, a simple, inexpensive injection could help accident victims by stopping the uncontrolled bleeding that so often takes their life.

Save Accident Victims with an Injection?

A drug called tranexamic acid, or TXA, helps to stop blood loss in patients undergoing surgical procedures, but it may also help accident victims who are at risk for serious blood loss.

A recent study looked at the effects of TXA on over 20,000 adults who had sustained serious injuries associated with significant bleeding. These adults received either TXA to stop blood loss - or a placebo. Researchers were interested in whether TXA reduced the risk of these trauma patients dying as a result of their injuries.

The results were encouraging. TXA reduced the risk of serious bleeding and death by 15 percent. None of these patients had serious side effects from the medication, which had been a concern. TXA has the potential to stop blood loss, and, potentially save the lives of accident victims.

Why Isnt TXA Already Being Used to Help Accident Victims?

TXA is used to prevent excessive blood loss during major surgeries, but doctors have hesitated to use it to help accident victims. Why the reluctance to use this life-saving drug? Some are concerned about the potential risks. TXA works by preventing the breakdown of blood clots, which helps to stop blood loss. Because of its effects on blood clotting, it could theoretically increase the risk of stroke, blood clots in the lungs, or heart attack. Despite these concerns, the patients in this large study had no serious side effects from the medication.

TXA to Help Accident Victims: The Bottom Line?

TXA could provide a safe and inexpensive way to help accident victims by lowering their risk of serious blood loss. This could save thousands of live worldwide, particularly in low-income countries where the accident rate is higher. It could also reduce the risk of long-term disability. Hopefully, emergency room doctors will add this to their list of "must-have" medications in the near future.

References:

Eurek Alert website. "Simple injection could save the lives of thousands of accident victims worldwide"

Will More Olive Oil Help You Lose Weight?

More olive oil, please. Thats what more people are saying as they discover the good things this oil from the olive tree can do for their health. Now, you can add weight loss to the list of health benefits of eating olive oil.

Eating Olive Oil for Weight Loss?

According to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating more olive oil may lower the risk of obesity. Researchers made this discovery after measuring levels of fatty acids in the bloodstreams of 613 people - to get an idea of their olive oil consumption - and then comparing it to their body weight. The results will make you want to head to the grocery store for a bottle of extra virgin olive oil. The group who got the least amount of olive oil in their diet was 2.3 times more likely to be obese compared to their olive oil loving counterparts.

This is certainly good news for olive oil lovers; but why does it prevent obesity? Possibly, by its effect on appetite. A study conducted at Pennsylvania State University showed that eating olive oil with meals helped keep participants satisfied longer than foods prepared with corn oil. One reason olive oil is so filling is that it causes production of CCK - a hormone that tells the body its had enough to eat.

The Health Benefits of Olive Oil

There are even more reasons to love olive oil. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil help to lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase insulin sensitivity - which is a good thing for diabetics. Another bonus. Diets rich in the monounsaturated fats found in olive oil helps to reduce central obesity - the not so attractive or healthy fat that settles around the waist and upper tummy.

Eating Olive Oil: Do It in Moderation

A single teaspoon of olive oil contains forty calories - and a teaspoon isnt much. So, dont go overboard by pouring it on everything in a misguided attempt to lose weight fast. If youre eating more olive oil with meals, cut back on calories in other areas.

Health Benefits of Olive Oil: The Bottom Line?

Substituting olive oil for some of the fat youre currently eating could help you lose weight and tummy fat - as long as you eat it in moderation. Plus, youll get the heart-healthy benefits that this versatile oil offers. Keep a bottle on hand - and use it to lose it.

References:

Fitness Prescription for Men. March 2010. page 32.

Does Alcohol Help Insomnia?

Drinking alcohol isnt all bad in terms of health. Sipping one to two drinks per day helps to increase HDL cholesterol levels - the good form of cholesterol that protects against heart disease. On the other hand, women should think twice before drinking even one alcoholic beverage since as little as one drink daily increases the risk of breast cancer. Some people enjoy having a drink at bedtime in hopes of helping them sleep more soundly. Others even use it regularly as a treatment for insomnia. How does alcohol affect sleep?

Does Alcohol Cause Insomnia: How Does Alcohol Affect Sleep?

Despite the fact that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and makes people drowsy, some experts believe it worsens insomnia Drinking alcohol around bedtime makes it easier to fall asleep, but does it lead to more frequent awakenings and fatigue the next day?

Because people so commonly use alcohol to help with sleep problems, researchers took a closer look at how alcohol affects sleep. In a study to be published in the Annals of Family Medicine, they looked at the sleep and alcohol habits of almost 1,700 adults from forty different primary care clinics.

Surprisingly, they found that drinking alcohol had no real impact on sleep quality or insomnia. What they did find is that people who drink alcohol to sleep are more likely to have alcohol-related problems that could put them or others in danger. Thus, using alcohol to sleep may be a sign that a person needs professional help.

Drinking Alcohol and Sleep: The Bottom Line?

Despite the results of this new study on alcohol and sleep, drinking alcohol at bedtime isnt a smart idea. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means more trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Plus, other studies show that alcohol causes more frequent nighttime awakenings. Most importantly, using alcohol as a sleep aid can be a sign of problem drinking.

If you know someone whos treating their insomnia with alcohol, encourage them to see their doctor. There are better options for getting a good nights rest that are less risky than using alcohol. Its better to make lifestyle changes or use meditation or self-hypnosis to wind down. Instead of drinking alcohol, try a cup of hot chamomile tea instead.

References:

Medical News Today. "Alcohol Consumption Not Associated with Sleep Problems"
Psychiatric Times. Vol. 21 No. 2

Why Infertile Men Need a Testicular Exam

Infertile men should consider getting testicular cancer screening. According to a study published in The Journal of Urology, men with fertility problems are more likely to have cancer of the testicles than normal males, especially if they have a low sperm count. Getting a timely testicular exam is critical since early diagnosis means a better prognosis for this common form of male cancer.

Causes of Male Infertility: Cancer of the Testicles?

Cancer of the testicles isnt rare. In fact, its the most common form of cancer diagnosed in men under the age of thirty-five - and the rates of testicular cancer has increased more than two-fold in the last forty years. Some experts attribute this increase to the number of pollutants and toxins men are exposed to that mimic the effects of estrogen.

When researchers looked at the medical charts of 3,800 men with fertility problems and compared their rate of cancer of the testicles to that of the general population, they found the infertile men were twenty times more likely to have cancer of the testicles. So compelling were these results that many experts now recommend that infertile men undergo testicular cancer screening. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of your reproductive organs.

Testicular Exam: Other Signs and Symptoms of Cancer of the Testicles

Any asymmetry in the size, shape and texture of the testicles is suspicious. Other symptoms of testicular cancer are a "heavy or aching sensation in the scrotal area. Testicular cancer may be completely painless, so pain shouldnt be used as an indicator. Rarely, tumors of the testicles produce hormones that affect other parts of the body, which can lead to enlargement or tenderness of the breasts. Men who have a history of an undescended testicle are also at higher risk for cancer of the testicles.

Infertile Men and Testicular Cancer Screening: The Bottom Line?

Its important that all males have a regular testicular exam, but infertile men need more frequent monitoring. Men with fertility issues and any man with a low sperm count should get prompt evaluation of their testicles. A testicular exam in an urologists office may be all thats needed to rule out this common form of cancer.

References:

WebMD. "Testicular Cancer and Infertility Link"
National Cancer Institute. "Testicular Cancer: Questions and Answers"

Would a Glycolic Acid Facial Peel Transform Your Aging Skin?

Are you looking for a solution to aging skin? Chemical peels have become a popular and effective way to reduce the signs of aging and brighten the complexion. One of the most popular type of chemical peel is the glycolic acid peel, commonly known as the "lunchtime peel". The lunchtime peel gets its name from the fact that it can be done during lunch hour with no down time, meaning you can return to work and no one will ever know you had a peel.

Studies have shown glycolic acid face peels can be effective in treating the signs of sun damaged aging skin. Not only do they reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles, they also have been shown to stimulate collagen production which can help to slow down the aging process. In addition, they can reduce unwanted pigmentation due to age spots and long term sun damage.

Glycolic acid facial peels are generally performed in a doctors office and usually require no anesthesia of any type. The procedure takes about 20 minutes in most cases. The face is thoroughly cleansed in preparation for the glycolic acid solution. The solution is evenly applied to the face and neck and allowed to remain on the skin for about three minutes. The solution is then washed off. Most patients experience a slight stinging sensation while the solution is on their skin which is very well tolerated.

What are the results? After a glycolic acid face peel, your skin usually appears brighter and a bit more vibrant and rosy. It usually takes several consecutive face peels to see reduction in fine lines and wrinkling. Side effects are minimal, consisting of some skin flaking and peeling for a few days after the procedure. In extreme cases, your skin may appear to have a mild sunburn. Since glycolic acid can make your skin more susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun, your dermatologist will probably recommend the use of a good sunscreen.

The disadvantage of a glycolic facial peel is the lack of an immediate beneficial effect on wrinkles, as repeated peels are usually required. The other downside may be the cost. Although the price of an individual face peel can be quite reasonable, when a series of peels is required it can be more expensive. Despite this, most people find the results quite gratifying and well worth the potential price.

If youre looking for a quick and effective way to improve the appearance of your skin, you may want to consider a glycolic acid facial peel.

What Causes Garlic Breath?

Do you love the taste of garlic? Adding garlic to food not only adds flavor, but health benefits as well. The sulfur compounds so abundant in fresh garlic help to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer - and even wards off infection causing bacteria and viruses. Unfortunately, theres an unpleasant side effect of eating foods seasoned with garlic - garlic breath. The funny thing about garlic breath is you can have it and not even know it because your nose becomes accustomed to the scent and you no longer smell it - but rest assured - everyone else will. What causes garlic breath and is there anything you can do about a garlic breath odor?

What Causes Garlic Breath?

As with most things, theres good and bad. The same sulfur compounds found in garlic that are so heart healthy and cancer protective also cause a garlic breath odor. When these sulfur compounds are broken down by the body, they form less complex sulfur compounds that first enter the bloodstream and then make their way to the lungs, where theyre exhaled. The human nose is very sensitive to sulfur breakdown products and can detect even small amounts of them on the breath - which isnt good if youre at a party or other social function. It doesnt stop with a garlic breath odor either. Sulfur compounds also exit the body through the skin pores which leads to an unpleasant body odor. Garlic definitely leaves its calling card!

What Can You Do About a Garlic Breath Odor?

Reaching for the toothbrush wont do a thing to stop garlic breath odor since the sulfur compounds are escaping through the lungs - and will continue to do so for up to three days. Mouthwashes, gum, and mints will only have a temporary, masking effect. The reality is that its very difficult to eliminate garlic breath odor since its in the bloodstream. Makes you think twice about eating garlic, doesnt it?

One Solution for Garlic Breath Odor That May Help

Some people claim that eating parsley with a garlic rich meal reduces garlic breath odor. Whether it does or not, parsley is a good source of vitamin C, chlorophyll, and beta-carotene. Chewing fresh parsley or mint leaves after eating garlic can also help to temporarily mask the odor. If youre using garlic for its health benefits and not its flavor, you may be better off taking an odor-free garlic supplement - but keep in mind the health benefits may not be the same.

Tea Bags Made of Paper: Are They Harmful to Your Health?

If you enjoy sipping a hot cup of tea, youre not alone. Tea has a long history of being enjoyed for its pleasing taste and aroma. Not only is tea a tasty drink to enjoy, the health benefits are being increasingly recognized. The catechin polyphenols found in green and white teas, are being studied for their potential to not only reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, but also as a metabolism booster. While a cup of black, white, or green tea provides a healthy alternative to soft drinks, there may be good reason to brew your next cup of tea from loose leaf tea leaves rather than tea bags. Why? It appears that the paper used in the manufacture of commercial tea bags may be a source of a cancer causing chemical known as epichlorohydrin.

The Potential Toxicity of Tea Bags:

Many people choose to brew their own tea from loose leaf tea leaves simply because it produces a better tasting cup of tea. The tea leaves packed into commercial tea bags are usually tea fragments and dustings of inferior quality and produce a cup of tea that lacks the full-bodied taste of tea produced from loose leaves. Not only is the taste compromised when tea bags are used, but the health benefits may be reduced by the toxicity of the bag itself.

Many tea bags made of paper are manufactured with a chemical known as epichlorohydrin, a compound used in the manufacture of plastics and used as an insecticide. When this chemical comes into contact with water it forms a chemical called 3-MCPD, a known cancer causing agent. Not only is epichlorohydrin found in paper tea bags, its also used in the manufacture of paper coffee filters. While this chemical in and of itself is troubling, when it comes into contact with water as when steeping tea, it becomes of even greater concern because of the cancer causing 3-MCPD it produces.

Toxicity of Tea Bags: How to Avoid Epichlorohydrin

While not all tea bags made of paper contain epichlorohydrin, many of them do. The best way to find out if your particular brand of tea uses tea bags manufactured with epichlorohydrin is to call and ask. One tea company that states that they dont is Bigelow Tea Company. Hopefully, in the future, other tea manufacturers will also eliminate this harmful chemical from their tea bags so that the health benefits of tea can be enjoyed without exposure to cancer causing chemicals. Until then, it may be best to enjoy tea in its loose leaf form.

Is There a Newer and Faster Face Lift Procedure in the Making? Yes!

Of course you want younger looking skin, but you may not be willing to undergo cosmetic surgery to get it? Theres good news on the horizon if you want a subtle lift without going through the risks and hassles of a full surgical face lift. A new face lift procedure using ultrasound is being developed to tighten facial and neck skin quickly and safely. The beauty of this new procedure is it would require no surgical incisions and could be performed quickly and easily with almost no down time. Sounds like just what the doctor ordered, huh?

A group of doctors at University of Chicago recently performed a study on a group of 36 adult patients using transcutaneous ultrasound on their face and neck regions. Of the 36 patients who received this procedure , a full 75% of them experienced a 1-2 mm elevation of their facial brow as well as a significant reduction in neck wrinkling. The only side effects noted from the procedure were mild facial swelling and redness.

In fact, using this new application of ultrasound significant improvements were seen in all areas of the face including tightening of neck jowls, softening of wrinkles in the region around the mouth, tightening and smoothing of forehead tissue, and a decrease in crows feet and wrinkles around the eyes. The doctors who performed the procedure believe the results achieved with this modality were actually better than those obtained with other more invasive facial treatment modalities. The procedure was also well tolerated by the patients.

Could this be the answer youre looking for for firmer, more youthful skin?

Unfortunately, the ultrasound device used in this study has not yet been approved by the FDA, so its not widely available to the public.. BUT, the doctors are convinced this procedure has tremendous potential for future skin rejuvenation. The results of this interesting study were reported at the yearly meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Its gratifying to know that something as simple and safe as an ultrasound can potentially serve as an alternative face lift procedure for those who dont want to undergo the risks of "going under the knife". The potential for scarring should also be much reduced or even eliminated with this noninvasive procedure. Stay tuned for further developments on this new form of face lift procedure. If you want younger looking skin, this is one you dont want to miss!

Hormonal Contraceptives May Not Work Well in Overweight Women

Oral hormonal contraceptives such as the birth control pill are a popular form of birth control because of their convenience and reliability. But women who are overweight or obese may want to consider using an alternative form of birth control. A new study shows that hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings, may be less effective in obese and overweight women.

Oral Contraceptives Pills and Obesity

After reviewing eleven different research trials involving almost 40,000 women, the authors of a study published in the Cochrane Database concluded that oral hormonal contraceptives and patches and vaginal rings are less effective in women with higher body weights and BMIs. On a positive note, the rate of pregnancy doesnt seem to be higher in obese women who use an implant or an injectable form of contraception.

Why Are Hormonal Contraceptives Less Effective in Overweight and Obese Women?

Hormonal contraceptives could be less effective in overweight and obese women for a variety of reasons. The hormones in oral contraceptives, patches, and rings are stored in fat tissue. If the contraceptive hormones are sequestered away in fat, there are less of them available to prevent pregnancy. Plus, most hormonal forms of contraception contain very low levels of hormones for safety reasons " and the levels may not be high enough for women of a certain weight or BMI.

Obese and overweight women may also metabolize oral hormonal contraceptives faster, which could reduce the amount of hormones available in the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Giving higher doses of hormones isnt necessarily a good solution, since this could increase the risk of serious side effects such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack in some women.

Should Obese and Overweight Women Use Hormonal Contraceptives?

Until more is known, obese and overweight women should considering using an implantable or injectable form of birth control, as opposed to pills, patches, or vaginal rings. These forms of hormonal therapy were effective in the study irrespective of body weight or BMI. Another option is to use a barrier method instead. Discuss the options carefully with your doctor.

References:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20614470?dopt=Abstract

Art for Dogs: Is Your Dog a Budding Artist?

Is your dog restless and bored? Maybe he could use a little more creativity in his life. Your dog may be a budding artist who just needs a little motivation to express his latent art talent. Now you can give him that motivation with Pup-Casso, an art for dogs paint kit thats guaranteed to bring out your pups artistic abilities.

Its not like theres not a precedent for art for dogs. Theres a Labrador retriever named Nick who holds a paintbrush in his mouth and creates unique abstract art thats earned him a solid reputation in the world of dog art. You can find his heartwarming story at http://www.metropawlitanart.com. Theres also a Jack Russell Terrier named Tillie who creates art by attacking the canvas with her paws. She now has seventeen solo art exhibits behind her and continues to create with much talent and enthusiasm.

Maybe your dogs the next canine art sensation. With the Pup-Casso paint kit, you can find out just how much artistic aptitude your dog actually has. The kit consists of three pieces of art paper, five tubes of nontoxic paints, three paw protector sheets, a frame, and even a surprise gift for your dog. Introducing your dog to the kit couldnt be simpler. Simply apply paint to the paper, place a paw protector sheet over the paper and tape it securely. Now invite your dog to walk on the canvas. Remove the paw protector sheet to reveal your dogs abstract masterpiece. If your dogs art work is impressive enough or even if he needs a little more practice, youll probably want to frame the artwork he created for you. Simply slip his painting into the frame provided. Voila! Your dog is an artist.

The Pup-Casso art for dogs kit can be purchased at the companys website at http://www.pupcasso.com for the price of $24.99. If you find your dog is a budding artist, you may want to start a website and gallery for your dogs artwork. Yes, there are people who are successfully selling art created by their dogs. The key is to personalize your dogs artistic creations by telling his unique story and what brought him to the world of art. The more personality your dog displays on his website, the more likely his art work will sell. You can also sign each one of your dogs creations to make it more collectible.

Art for dogs? Its not so far fetched anymore. Could your dog be a budding Pupcasso?