What about fitness?

Biologists use the word fitness to describe how good a particular genotype is at leaving offspring in the next generation relative to how good other genotypes are at it. So if brown beetles consistently leave more offspring than green beetles because of their color, you'd say that the brown beetles had a higher fitness.

Of course, fitness is a relative thing. A genotype's fitness depends on the environment in which the organism lives. The fittest genotype during an ice age, for example, is probably not the fittest genotype once the ice age is over.
Fitness is a handy concept because it lumps everything that matters to natural selection (survival, mate-finding, reproduction) into one idea. The fittest individual is not necessarily the strongest, fastest, or biggest. A genotype's fitness includes its ability to survive, find a mate, produce offspring — and ultimately leave its genes in the next generation.

Caring for your offspring (above left), and producing thousands of young — many of whom won't survive (above right), and sporting fancy feathers that attract females (left) are a burden to the health and survival of the parent. These strategies do, however, increase fitness because they help the parents get more of their offspring into the next generation.
It might be tempting to think of natural selection acting exclusively on survival ability — but, as the concept of fitness shows, that's only half the story. When natural selection acts on mate-finding and reproductive behavior, biologists call it sexual selection.
Caring for your offspring (above left), and producing thousands of young — many of whom won't survive (above right), and sporting fancy feathers that attract females (left) are a burden to the health and survival of the parent. These strategies do, however, increase fitness because they help the parents get more of their offspring into the next generation.
It might be tempting to think of natural selection acting exclusively on survival ability — but, as the concept of fitness shows, that's only half the story. When natural selection acts on mate-finding and reproductive behavior, biologists call it sexual selection.

Exercise and Fitness Equipments

There are a hundred lots of home fitness equipment nowadays that are sold in the market. Do not make the mistake in buying something and then regretting why you bought it after a day or two. Home fitness equipments vary and you should always have one good reason to buy it. Don't believe on everything commercials tell you about the equipment. Some equipment may seem easy to use on television but n fact will not really work for you. Try to ask yourself first of these questions before you grab your wallet and buy that equipment.
Do you need it?The equipment should suit your interests and needs. The activities that you will do with that equipment should be challenging and something to enjoy on. Buying equipment is never a guarantee that you will use it especially if it is something new that makes it harder to use. Make sure that you already know the equipment and that it is something that you already tried in a fitness club. Start from buying small equipments that are aligned to your interests.
Can you afford it?Don't be fooled with the thought that you will be forced to use something because you spent too much money for it. Expensive equipments are never an assurance that you will use them or that they are effective for you. Always consider how much are you willing to pay for certain equipment. Also ask yourself iif it is worth it. Always check on the quality before you buy equipment. The price may be too low but consider that the quality can also be low. Or it may be expensive but then the quality is not that good. You can try choosing on cheaper alternatives but not sacrificing the quality of the equipment.You may also want to check out for some used equipments. Most of the time, this is where you find a better deal. You can even find equipments that do not seem to have been used at a very low rate. Or you can find the equipment 3 months old but the price is almost half the original.
Do you have enough space for it?This is often what buyers forget to consider. Try to consider first where to place a treadmill before buying it. Before you buy something, make sure you know where you will place it. Your place may not accommodate the equipment. Plan ahead and make sure that the equipment can be placed in your home without causing any hassle.
Is it safe for you?If you have existing conditions, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that the equipment will be safe for you. Some equipment may be painful to use and might cause harm to your body. So make sure to try it first be fore you buy it.It also suggested that you first consider if a gym near you already has that equipment. You can save money by just registering to that gym and use that equipment compared the price you will spend if you will buy that product.Buying fitness equipments should be bought with consideration. Do not buy by impulse. Always ask the opinion of a professional gym instructor before you buy something.

Fitness: Getting Serious About Your Health

Obesity is rampant in this country, and the reason for this is simple. We have come to a point in our society where we would rather hit the drive through for lunch than pack our own. We are, as a society, lazy and our waists are growing, but there is something we can do about it. If we are going to combat obesity in this country, then we are going to have to get serious about fitness.
Change Doesn't Have to be Difficult
When you think about fitness, you probably think of salads, long workouts, and high-priced health clubs. You probably think that you have to completely change your lifestyle, and many people do not want to change. The thought of a change sounds too overwhelming to even think about. That's why most people don't start and then wonder why they are getting fatter.
The thing is, committing to fitness doesn't need to include drastic changes in your lifestyle. If you want to be more fitness-oriented, simply eat better, exercise more, and make better lifestyle choices. You can still live your life and be fitness-minded. It's easy, can be fun, and the best part is, you'll look and feel great.
Eat Better
Eating better doesn't mean you have to eat like a rabbit. You can enjoy the foods you love, just not as much of it. There is a myth that you have to go hungry; however, experts say that you should eat less food more often. For example, they recommend you eat every few hours to keep your metabolism high. This doesn't mean you should raid the fridge every few hours. A small meal eaten every few hours should raise your metabolism and you won't even think about being hungry.
Drink Water
In addition, you should drink eight to ten glasses of water a day, because water helps your body to work more efficiently. Not only that, but water actually helps slim you down, so try this, drink a glass of water before each meal. Water fills you up so you'll feel less hungry. If you eat smaller, more frequent meals and you consume water before each one, you should be able to get your daily requirement in fairly easily.
Exercise
Exercise is part of any fitness regimen, so work out if you want to remain fit and healthy. Working out does not have to include two-hour long workouts - you're not training for the Olympics, after all - you are just trying to improve your health. Try walking for twenty to thirty minutes every night after dinner, and if you can't go for that long, go for as long as you can.
The key to fitness is the old adage, 'something is better than nothing.' Walk for as long as you can and build up to twenty or thirty minutes. Doing this for two weeks will not only improve your cardiovascular health, but your legs and lower body will appear and feel stronger and more defined.
If walking isn't possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from your destination - just do anything you can to get your heart going. Remember, something is better than nothing.
Use fitness to your advantage, the key is to eat less but more often, get a little more exercise, and make better lifestyle choices. Try the above steps for two weeks and you will definitely see results. In fitness, the results give us the main motivation, and even if you don't see it, your friends and family definitely will. They will love the way you look and will definitely want to know your secret.

How to assess your general fitness level and estimate your VO2 Max

VO2 Max is the maximum capacity of an individual’s body to transport and utilize oxygen during exercise. It will therefore reflect the person’s general physical fitness.

Instructions
Difficulty: Easy

Step1You can try the test below and compare to others in your age group to assess you general fitness level. The test below is based on the Cooper 12 minute run test developed in the late 1960's. It should be used as an estimate of your VO2 Max.
Step2Warm up for 10 to 15 minutes and stretch before attempting the test. Ideally run this test on a 400m track.
Step3Run or walk continuously for 12 minutes. Try to maintain a constant pace throughout. After 12 minutes take note of how far you have run in meters. You can then use this to calculate your estimated VO2
Step4Multiple your distance by 0.0225 and subtract 11.3. For example 2600 * 0.0225 - 11.3 = 47.2. Therefore you VO2 Max is 47.2 ml/kg per minute.
Step5You can find charts on the internet to compare your VO2Max to other athletes but below are some general guidelines.
Step6Men. 18 to 25 years old. Poor is 30 to 36. Average is 42 to 46. Good is 52 to 60. 26 to 35 year old. Poor is 30 to 34. Average is 40 to 42. Good is 49 to 56. 36 to 45 year old. Poor is 26 to 30. Average is 35 to 38. Good is 43 to 51.
Step7Women. 18 to 25 years old. Poor is 28 to 32. Average is 38 to 41. Good is 47 to 56. 26 to 35 year old. Poor is 26 to 30. Average is 35 to 38. Good is 45 to 52. 36 to 45 year old. Poor is 22 to 26. Average is 31 to 33. Good is 38 to 45.

Fitness

Shape up with fitness tips and exercise techniques courtesy of the health pros at eHow. Get great advice on running, pilates, spinning and aerobics, and look and feel your best. Want to shed pounds and tone muscles while achieving a state of inner calm? Become a yoga expert with the numerous techniques and poses you can learn at eHow. Tired of having skinny arms and legs? Hit the gym armed with eHow’s tips on free weights, and get buff now.

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Oblique Twist Punch Crunches

Description:This is a fun exercise designed to work the obliques.

Start this exercise sitting on a mat. Your legs should be bent, and your feet flat on the mat. Your torso should be slightly leaning back, and your arms bent. Hands should be gripped into fists and in the punch position.

Inhale and punch your right fist towards your left

knee, bringing your right hip slightly forward.

Exhale and return to center.

Inhale and do the same with your left fist on the

other side. Do both sides for one full rep.

Notes:Recommended reps: Do 10-12 reps.

JustAboutFitness

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Makeup - How To Apply Makeup

Follow the Steps
1. Wash face with cleansing milk .
2. Apply a toner followed with a moisturizer.
3. Start by using a little foundation so as to get a very thin layer of foundation to even out your skin color. You may even use a cover stick or concealer marks, dark circles and blemishes.
4. Apply concealer if required.
5. Brush powder for the matte finish as it controls oiliness
6. Do up your eyes with shadow, liner, kajal and lastly mascara.
7 . Blush your cheeks, according to your face shape.
8. Finish defining the lips with a lip pencil and lipstick.
Make up step by step
Step 1: Before makeup
Step2: Applying Foundation
Step3: Concealer
Step4:Powder
Step5: Eyeshadow
Step 6: Eyeliner
Step7: Eyebrow Shaping
Step8:Kajal
Step 9:Mascara
Step 10: Blusher
Step11:Lip make up
Step 12:Removing makeup
Step 13:After removing makeup
How To Apply Makeup?
1. Cleansing in makeup
Start by applying cleansing milk on the face and neck with your fingers. Gently massagewith your fingers in an outward and circular motion for a few seconds. Wipe off with a damp piece of cotton wool or splash water on your face, to get a perfectly clear face. Pat dry with a clean towel to dry the face.
Never stretch or pull your skin while applying or removing the cleansing milk. Use the ringfinger to massage around the eyes. Move the ring finger from the inner corner of the eye to the outside and then under the eyebrows with extremely light and feathery strokes.
2. Toing in makeup
TO remove the greasiness which appears on the face after the use of cleansing milk, you definitely need to use a toner. Put a few drops of toner on a piece of cotton wool and apply it on the face and leave it on. It contracts muscles, refines (shrinks) pores, absorbs the oil and grease immediately, leaving behind a fresh, radiant skin. Use it to see the immediate difference it makes to your complexion.

Dry Skin Fixes

Skincare is totally seasonal, just like your wardrobe. In summer, you're busy with sun protection (aren't you?), while in winter you may seem addicted to moisturizers because your skin gets so dried out and flaky (this is called "winter itch"). So why the dry skin in winter? Low temperatures, low humidity and strong, harsh winds deplete skin of its natural lipid layer which keeps the skin from drying out.
To keep your skin feeling dewy and moist even in the harsh winter weather, follow these dry skin fix-it tips:
Keep Water Lukewarm, Not Hot Hot water robs skin of moisture causing dry skin, so it's best to shower in lukewarm water. If you can't bear this rule -- I can't -- try to keep your warm showers short and try showering only once per day. This also means skipping the hot tubs in winter (another rule I simply cannot bear). The hot, hot temperature, combined with drying chemicals, is torture on dry skin.
The same rule applies to hand-washing: Wash hands in lukewarm, never hot, water (this is a rule I firmly abide by). If your skin turns red, the water is simply too hot.
Moisturize After Showers or Handwashing Moisturizer is the key to soft, supple skin in winter. Apply product when skin is slightly damp. For best effect, pat skin dry instead of rubbing with your towel before application.
Antibacterial soap in public places can be harsh on hands, so I like to keep hand salve in my purse (my hands-down favorite: Kiehls). To keep cuticles soft, I massage in olive oil.
Extra tip: I love keeping moisturizer and facial water on my desk at work. I spritz Evian Mineral Spray (about $11 in drugstores), and then dab on moisturizer. The water locks in moisture and leaves my skin refreshed even in harsh office heat.
Exfoliate on a Weekly or Semi-weekly BasisMoisturizer is much more effective on properly exfoliated skin. Use a scrub in the shower and exfoliate facial skin with a mild scrub made for the face.
It's best to scrub skin when it's dry, according to Marcia Kilgore, the founder of Bliss Spa in New York, in InStyle Magazine's September, 2005, issue. Apply scrub to dry skin before you turn on the water (mix with lotion if it's not moist enough). Massage the scrub in for a good five minutes for best results.
Extra tip: Dry brush skin before a shower with a body brush to remove flaky skin (it's more effective than brushing in the shower).
Invest in a Humidifier Furnaces rob air of moisture, leaving very little humidity in the air. I once read that your skin needs more than 30 percent humidity to stay properly moisturized. A room heated by a furnace can have as little as 10 percent moisture. In the winter, consider sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom. Keep doors closed so the moist air doesn't escape the room.
Skip the Drying SoapsStick with a creamy moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin or petrolatum, such as Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (my current drugstore pick).
Extra tip: Simply can't skip the bath? Skip the bubbles, which can contain harsh foaming ingredients and opt for bath oils or oatmeal scrubs, which are great for soothing itchy skin.
Baby Your Hands & FeetHands and feet can suffer terribly in winter. Put on moisturizer and gloves BEFORE you head outdoors, and consider lathering up your feet in thick moisturizer and sleeping in cotton socks at night.
Extra tip: Cover feet in a thick moisturizer, wrap feet in Saran Wrap, then pull on a pair of socks for a couple hours. Try to sit or lie down while the moisturizer soaks in or risk sliding into a full split and pulling your groin muscles. The same treatment can be done on hands, except try plastic bags and keep hands in a pair of socks. A half-hour should do you.
Stay Hydrated But Don't Go OverboardMany people believe if they drink more water, they'll hydrate skin. But I've read time and time again that this is a myth and you simply cannot moisturize skin from the inside out.
That said, a small study recently published by the University of Hamburg (and reported in Allure magazine), suggests people who drink relatively little water could see a significant benefit in skin hydration if they started drinking nine eight-ounce glasses of water per day. What does this mean? Probably that dehydration does affect skin, but a normally hydrated person isn't going to see major benefits by drinking even more water. My advice: don't expect bottled water to save you from winter itch.
Don't Forget Your LipsLicking your lips will not moisturize them and instead will help dry them out. Lips retain less moisture than other parts of the body, so they tend to dry out more quickly. A simple lip balm helps, as does my all-time favorite lip trick learned in high school from "Seventeen" magazine: moisturize your lips with Vaseline. Take a toothbrush and "brush" your lips in a circular motion. This will remove dead flakes and leave your lips soft and supple.Try: Kinerase Lip Treatment (about $38).
Your Face Needs Extra Care in WinterCold, winter wind can wreak havoc on skin. To keep your face supple in winter, apply moisturizer to your face before going out into the cold and cover your face with a scarf in harsh wind.
If you have super, duper sensitive skin, consider avoiding rinsing your face with tap water, which can contain harsh minerals that are especially drying to the skin (Dr. Dennis Gross once told me New York water contains a lot of harsh minerals, while Seattle water, for example, does not. Go figure).
Instead, do like the French and cleanse skin in winter with a cleaner that does not require rinsing, like Pond's Cold Cream. You can also rinse with special water that contains selenium and chamomile, suggests beauty expert Valerie Monroe in the September, 2006 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine.
Extra tip: Try spritzing your face with facial water (Evian Mineral Spray, $11, works great) before applying moisturizer several times during the day in the office. The water locks in moisture and leaves skin refreshed even in harsh office heat.
Consider Fish Oil Pills New studies show omega-3 fish oil pills may soothe super dry skin. Patients who took fish oils pills in a study reported in Allure magazine, saw significant results within a few weeks. "You can see, within six weeks, the skin, hair and nails improve markedly," according to skin expert Dr. Andrew Weil in Allure. Ever since I started taking fish oil pills in March, 2007, I have received numerous compliments on how amazing my skin looks. So there you have it.

How to Cover Up Your Dark Roots

Anyone who gets her hair colored knows that at some point the roots grow in darker, lighter or grayer than the color initially put in. A quick (& inexpensive) trick is to use Clairol's new Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up Kit ($7 at your local drugstore or buy it online here..This permanent color & brush makes it easy to hide obvious regrowth (most prominent along your part). You'll find the product is thick -- a good thing because if this stuff drops on your bathmat, you'll find your hair will match it! Don't want to purchase a special root touch-up kit? Try a basic all-over hair dye & apply it to your part with a clean mascara wand. Don't worry if your color doesn't match the hair dye exactly -- it probably won't. But don't worry, no one will probably notice.

More Beauty Quick Tips

Baliage Hair Color

To get the perfect highlights, you basically have two options: traditional foil highlights and the newer, edgier "baliage." I sat down with my hairstylist Antonio Gonzales of Eva Scrivo Salon in NYC (check out Antonio's Website) to get the scoop on the difference between foils and baliage.
Antonio, I hear you've been getting a lot of questions from clients about baliage. Baliage is sometimes referred to as "hair painting," right? The stylist basically paints color onto chunky sections of hair to lighten it.
Antonio: Yes, it's referred to as painting. Actually, it's called "sweeping" because we use a sweeping motion when we apply the color with our color applicator. So rather than taking a section of hair in a square foil (keeping in mind that the head is round) we carefully take pieces of hair from the head. It can be a few strands, or as you mentioned "chunky." With great control, we gently apply our lightener on from roots to ends or roots. If it's just a color touch-up, we can apply the product to the roots only.
When do you choose to do baliage over traditional foil highlights?
Great question, being a foil man I feel that there is a woman for either one. I choose to baliage...
A) When it's a first time highlight client who is specifically asking for very subtle natural highlights on any shade hair.
B) If the client (male or female) has very short hair. Often you are standing behind someone and you think "what the hell happened" -- all you see are stripes of bleached hair. Foils in this case may not be the answer, baliage will give you the most natural finish.
C) I have had clients come to me who were foiled and are asking for less maintainence. They feel that they are too blond. Sure, you can archive this with foils but highlighting and low lighting with the baliage technique is plain old fabulous!
D) Recently I met a friend of a friend for the first time and after saying hello she promptly asked "what would you do with my hair?" Her hair color was pretty, but because of the dark roots or dark shadow like a halo around the hair line I quickly responded, "well, I am guessing you haven't had your color done for a month or so. To my surprise, it had been done 1 week before. Her fustration is her stylist never being able to get to the fine hairs at the hair line by foiling.
Can I tell you, I was so EMBARRASSED!! I quickly invited her into the salon and we baliaged the hair line and she was very happy, it totally looked SO much better.
Baliage was popular back in the 80s, right? It experienced a resurgence a few years ago and has been popular since. Is it still a hot trend at Eva Scrivo, your salon in Manhattan?
Yes, it was and is very popular. It's been practiced in uptown Manhattan for a long time and we are so happy it is back in high demand once more. Actually I started working with Eva (the owner of Eva Scrivo Salon) 5 years ago and she was doing it long before then and she help me really perfect the technique.
What's great about it is there are so many different ways to Baliage all when in the right hands produces beautiful color.
Do you use the same bleach with baliage as you do foil?
I don't. Different bleach has different consistancy. I like a powdered lightener, when mixed it is creamy almost like yogurt rather than to dry or flakey. It allows me to leave the product on longer to give the amount of lift that is needed. Once the bleach is moist it will continue lifting if it dries out it stops lifting.
When I think of this technique, I think of beach effect, because that's how it's always described. Is it better to get baliage in the summer?
For first time clients and the client that highlights but is not a total blond... YES!! A few pieces along the hairline will make any woman feel like a million bucks. For the already highlighted (the blonde) client, it depends on what they desire.
How would you highlight brown, black or red hair with baliage? It's really easy. If it's virgin hair you can use high lift tints. These are great because they allow you to lighten the hair while controlling unwanted tones keeping the desired color. For example, if someone has medium brown hair and want highlights but would like to stay away from being too warm, you can choose a high lift tint that has a ash or violet base to counteract the natural warmth in the hair giving you highlights that complement the natural hair color without being too red. If it is color-treated, you can then use lighteners which will give you enough lift. If I am using lighteners on hair already color treated, I use heat as the last resort especially if the hair is not too dark. So I slowly allow it to lift to the desire tone, it will lift!!
My friend has naturally curly hair and loves to get baliage. Is it especially nice on curly hair?
Honey, it's like magic!!! No matter what the clients hair color is, this technique is by far more natural and sexy on curly hair, and yes, a color can be sexy! With curly hair, you can not only use thick and thin sections, you can also use different colors and it's so beautiful. It really enhances a great "sparkle of color in the hair.
Since it's less tedious and time-consuming than foil highlights, is it less expensive?
I can foil with my eyes closed, but baliage actually can be far more tedious that foiling, it depends on the palate you have in front of you. Pricing varies, I don't use terms like "half head" or "full head" for foils or baliage anymore, because color is far more sophisticated than it used to be, most of the times if the client wears her up I would apply a few pieces at the back as well, and who counts foils to decide where a "half head" starts or ends? So then that affects the pricing, it really depends.
The color doesn't get close to the roots with baliage, so the roots aren't as obvious when it grows out.
Actually the color gets very close when applied well, what makes the growing out process natural is the way the color is applied by getting very close to the roots and the very thin application of color which really disguises the roots, so as it grows its far more blended.

If I have dark hair, but want to go blonder, can you bleach my base color and then add baliage highlights?
Not recommended, that would end up looking like a double process blond. There are other ways in creating a softer color base that is more gentle on the hair and has a natural looking color than bleaching. We call them ON and OFF, glazing, toners etc. But that's a whole other topic.
Since I've had foil highlights, would I be a candidate for baliage, or would the baliage effectively wipe out those cool contrasting colors?
You can create color equally with both techniques.You are a perfect candidate for Baliage, in fact the next time you come in I will baliage you with my magic color wand and give you some gorgeous Summer streaks to write about.

Short Hair - - Everything You Need to Know

Whether you choose a classic bob or a spiky cut, short hairstyles can transform your face. There's nothing like a short haircut to show off your best features. Short hair can be more more sophisticated and edgy than long hair. And as a bonus: They can be low-maintenance.
Here are 4 short hair tips and tricks your hairdresser knows, from how to avoid the wrong color to exactly how to do it yourself. Plus, find photo galleries of short hairstyles to save and print out your favorite cut.
Tip No. 1: Find a cut that flatters your faceShort cuts are popular because they make your features the center of attention. If you have a strong jaw, show it off with a bob that hits you at the jawbone, like this cut on Katie Holmes. Make sure and angle the bob so it's shorter in back than in front.
If you have a round face, consider a short cut that ends an inch or two below the jawbone and has a few long layers, like this other cut on Katie Holmes. Blunt bobs only accentuate the roundness. High forehead? Cover up your large forehead with blunt or side-swept bangs like this one.
Tip No. 2: Your hair texture and type If you have straight hair, you're in luck. A short hairstyle will be easy for you to maintain with little fuss. If you have wavy hair, you may require a blowdryer and flat iron. Curly hair? Reconsider your quest for short hair. Curly hair tends to frizz up when cut short and it can make hair too triangular. Try to stay a couple inches lower than the jaw -- when hair is dry.
Tip No. 3: Consider your maintenanceNot all short haircuts are low-maintenance. They're actually the hardest cuts to maintain, which is something to consider when getting your hair cut. You must get them trimmed every six weeks, they take styling products to keep them in check and you may have to invest in a flat-iron to keep waves at bay.
Tip No. 4: How to tell if a short cut suits youHere's a fun tip to find out if a short haircut would suit you.
Photo galleries of short hairHere, we show off photo galleries of short hair cuts by style (bobs, jaw-length, super short and pixie) and color (black, blonde, brown and red).
Bob HairstylesPerhaps the most trendy of hairstyles at the moment, the bob can be sleek and sophisticated. Angled in at the jawbone or longer, hitting a few inches below the chin, the bob is typically one-length.
Bob hairstyles: Gallery 1
Bob hairstyles: Gallery 2
Bob hairstyles: Gallery 3
Bob hairstyles: Gallery 4
Bob (& other types of short) hairstyles: Gallery 5
Chin-Length HairstylesChin-length cuts can be blunt cut into a bob, or have soft layers for a feminine touch.
Chin-length hairstyles
Pixie Short HairstylesComing soon....
Our Favorite Celebrity Short Hairstyles Celebrities with short hair: Gallery 1
Celebs with short hair: Gallery 2
Celebrities with short hair: Gallery 3
Blonde Short Hairstyles Short Blonde Hairstyles -- Gallery 1
Red Short Hairstyles Short red hairstyles: Gallery 1
Brown Short Hairstyles Short, brown hairstyles: Gallery 1
Super-Short Hairstyles Super Short Hairstyles: Gallery 1
Super short hairstyles: Gallery 2
Super short hairstyles -- Gallery 3
Black Hairstyles Black hairstyles: Gallery 1

Nail Care Dos and Don'ts

Who among us doesn't feel better when we have a great set of nails to show off? Going to the salon and getting the works is one thing, but what are the steps to caring for those gorgeous nails all week long?
Paula Begoun tells us the dos and don'ts of nail care from her book, The Beauty Bible (Beginning Press):
Do coat the outside of the nails with polish or ridge fillers, which can help protect the nail and prevent breaking and splitting, at least while the manicure lasts.
Do moisturize the cuticle area to prevent cracking and peeling, which can hurt the matrix.
Do wear gloves to protect nails and cuticles from housework, gardening and washing dishes.
Do be cautious when doing office work. Nails and cuticles take a beating filing, opening letters (use a letter opener), typing (use the flat of your finger pads on the keyboard instead of the tips of your nails) and handling papers.
Do apply hand cream frequently, especially after you're done washing your hands, and pay attention to the cuticle area.
Do wear a sunscreen during the day on your hands and cuticles to prevent sun damage, which can hurt your nails. Reapply every time you wash your hands.
Do meticulously clean all nail implements and change nail files often. Bacteria and other microbes can get transferred by the nail tools you use, causing infection or harm to the matrix.
Do disinfect any tears or cuts to the cuticle, and treat ingrown nails as soon as possible. Nail infections are not only unsightly, but also can cause long-lasting damage to the nail. Any drugstore antibacterial ointment, such as Polysporin, Neosporin or Bacitracin, will do.
Don't use nail products that contain formaldehyde or toluene. They pose health risks for the nail and for your entire body as well.
Don't use fingernails as tools to pry things open.
Don't use your fingers as letter openers. That destroys the cuticles, which destroys the nail matrix and affects nail growth and strength.
Don't soak nails for long periods, and never use any kind of soap or detergent when soaking. Nails and cuticles that become engorged with water weaken, and the longer soap or detergent is in contact with skin and nails (despite the advertisements for Palmolive dish detergent) the greater the potential for damaging the nail and cuticle structure.
Don't overuse any kind of nail-polish remover. Use a minimal amount on the nail and avoid getting too much on the cuticle and skin.
Don't push the cuticle back too far. Leave the cuticle alone as much as possible. Trim only the part of the cuticle that has started to lift away from the nail.
Don't allow any manicurist to touch your hands with utensils that have not been properly sterilized. The importance of this step cannot be stressed enough. Risking your health and well-being for a manicure is just not worth it, and that is a definite possibility with bacteria-laden nail instruments!
Don't pull or tear at hangnails. Always gently cut them away, leaving the cuticle intact and as untampered with as possible.
Don't ignore nail or cuticle inflammation. Disinfect the skin as soon as you can with an antibacterial or antifungal agent. Any change to the nail's appearance needs to be checked out by a dermatologist.

Q & A With Beauty Expert Paula Begoun

Beauty expert, author and publisher Paula Begoun has performed extensive research on the cosmetics industry; she has just about seen it all — from wrinkle-vanishing claims that don't pan out, to "miracle" pills that fail to deliver what they promise.
Paula has appeared on a number of syndicated television programs and has written two ground-breaking books on the cosmetics industry: Don't Go to the Cosmetic Counter Without Me (in its sixth printing from Beginning Press) and The Beauty Bible (Beginning Press), which is in its second edition. She is also the author of Blue Eye Shadow Should Be Illegal (Beginning Press), and who could disagree with that?
We asked Paula to share some of her findings on a variety of beauty beliefs.
Q: What made you decide to pursue the truth about beauty products?
A: It's an interesting premise to take on the cosmetics industry. It's the notion of giving critical feedback and providing information that the cosmetic companies and the fashion magazines don't have any reason to tell you. I think that there is very little [critical feedback] — whether it's in the dermatology part of it [the industry] or the plastic surgery part of it or the cosmetic part of it — there is very little analytical or critical aspect to it . Dermatologists aren't critical of themselves, and plastic surgeons aren't critical of themselves, and Lord knows the fashion magazines and the cosmetics industry can't be critical of the cosmetics world. So you are inundated by all of this "latest and the greatest" and "oh, look at this and look at that," and then if you stand back and take a look, you end up not seeing the forest for the trees, so to speak.
Q: What is in your background that makes you qualified to write on the subject of cosmetics?
A: Education-wise, I had a science background in college, but I was a makeup artist and an aesthetician for several years and owned my own cosmetic stores. In the late '70s and '80s, my take on the industry was, "If astringents could close pores, we'd have negative pores," and "If wrinkle creams got rid of wrinkles, then we wouldn't have wrinkles," and they [the cosmetic companies] wouldn't have to keep launching them because the last one would have worked. Then I started doing beauty reports for KIRO-TV and became a reporter and got out of the business of beauty. What I learned as a reporter led me to write a book in 1984 called Blue Eye Shadow Should Be Illegal (Beginning Press). With the demand from readers and the number of books I sold, I kept writing about the cosmetics industry. I have spent the past 20 years researching the cosmetics industry. Interviewing cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, oncologists and reading journals and studies. So basically I do what a reporter does: find out if this ingredient is good, what is the research that says it is? Are they making it up? Is there research on it? I even take chemistry classes to keep myself up to date. But mostly I accumulate the information from many sources and put it together to form an opinion.

Q: In your book, you say it's OK to squeeze blemishes? Isn't that bad advice?
A: If you are a dermatologist or an aesthetician, you can do it. Because we all know the reason we do it: When you remove the swelling and the stuff that is causing the swelling inside the blemish, it goes down. We wouldn't do it if it didn't make it better. The key is to do it gently without damaging the skin. There is an edema in there — a cystic sac that has grown up around the contents — and that makes it feel like there is still something there; we are not patient. You can't push the whole thing out by continuing to squeeze. And then we don't disinfect afterward. You should use benzoperoxide or salicylic acid. There are many products on the market that contain those ingredients. Then we don't wash gently, and we scrub, which causes scabs. When you cause scabs, you're going to get scars.
Q: Next, we asked Paula to play a sort of word association with us. Read on to get the skinny on the following products:
A: The Product: MoisturizersThe Truth: We believe they can get rid of wrinkles. The second thing we believe is that dry skin and wrinkles are associated. So if you don't use a moisturizer and you don't use it religiously, you are doing something to cause wrinkles. The wrinkling process is unrelated to the dry state of your skin. I can't think of a bigger myth. If wrinkles were caused by dry skin, then 10-year-old kids with dry skin would have wrinkles. The major cause of wrinkles is sun exposure (about 70 percent), and genetics can play a role as well. So we focus on moisturizers instead of sun protection. I think there are some good moisturizers, but it's a myth to think that they can get rid of wrinkles. Also, when it comes to moisturizers, we think expensive is better. And we don't look for sunscreens for use during the day. There is nothing about a $50-100 moisturizer that makes it better than a $20-$30 one. But if the one you're using doesn't contain a sunscreen, then you're doing nothing to prevent wrinkles. At night it's fine [to use a moisturizer], and there are many wonderful moisturizers with antioxidants and all kinds of anti-inflammatories; some really beautiful formulations. But wearing them during the day without a sunscreen is useless.
The Product: ExfoliatesThe Truth: The bottom line is that for most skin types exfoliation is a good thing. No question about it. Dead skin cells make your skin feel rough, and if you are over the age of 20 (given the number of adults who have sun damage, clogged pores and dry skin), you would most likely benefit from exfoliation. There are two types of exfoliates : mechanical (or manual) exfoliation, and alphahydroxy acids and betahydroxy acids. The former you have to manually move around your face. They are pretty much '80s-style exfoliates. I think that form of exfoliation is dated, and I don't think there is anything in a scrub that can't be replaced by a washcloth. What does make a difference is a well-formulated betahydroxy or alphahydroxy product. There aren't many of them around because they are tricky to make and there is a risk of irritation. But much of the objective research out there suggests that exfoliation is good for most skin types.
The Product: FoundationThe Truth: We often wear the wrong color. Your foundation should match your skin exactly. What you have to do is keep looking until you find the right one. Take the time to look in the daylight, instead of trusting the lighting in the department store. Stay with the one that matches your skin color, because across the board — for all skin colors — foundations colors have improved dramatically.
The Product : Eye ColorThe Truth: I think the biggest mistake I see is that women forget what they are dressing for, so one of the things on the market is these intense, strange-colored eye shadows or very shiny iridescent eye colors. The problem with wearing those is that if you are not wearing iridescent clothing for daytime, why are you wearing iridescent eye shadows, with glitter spilling all over the place? So what I often see women doing is forgetting what makeup is for. Makeup — by my definition and how I write — is about empowering women; making women more beautiful. And part of being beautiful is being appropriate. Going to the gym in 4-inch high heels doesn't make sense. By the same token, if what you are wearing to work is a business suit, in a conservative environment, why would you wear iridescent, bizarre colors that don't go with your outfit?

Ethnic Skin: Is It Any Different? Dermatologists Say "Definitely!"

Myth: Those with darker skin needn't be concerned about skin cancer.
Fact: This misconception can be the kiss of death — literally. While ethnic skin provides some built-in "sun block" against the rays that can kill, its natural protection (approximating SPF 10) isn't enough to promise immunity.
Myth: Darker skin is more oily than lighter skin tones.
Fact: This issue is less black and white than once thought. While oil might be more visible on darker skin, ethnic skin spans the whole spectrum of skin types — oily, normal, dry and combination — just like light skin.
It's true that skin is more alike across ethnicities than many people know. Still, dermatologists are trained to treat people differently based on skin color — and those with ethnic skin should likewise take care to treat their own skin in a special way.
Brown and white skin are pretty similar under the surface. But the same brown pigment, called melanin, that offers darker skin some protection from the sun — and can keep people looking younger — can, on the other hand, leave disfiguring marks behind from even an ordinary bout of acne.
"Dark skin is a blessing as it relates to sun damage and aging," says Susan C. Taylor, M.D., director of the Skin of Color Center in New York and author of Brown Skin: Dr. Susan Taylor's Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair and Nails (HarperCollins, 2003).
"A 50-year-old woman of color often looks 40, while a white woman of the same age might look 10 years older than her real age." But, the dermatologist continues, "skin of color can cause significant problems, as well."
When Pretty Skin Becomes Problem SkinWithout proper care, melanin can permanently mar the skin's thin protective blanket. Among the melanin-blamed skin problems in darker-skinned persons with African, Hispanic, Middle Eastern or Asian ancestry:
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Skin damage as minor as a scratch or a pimple triggers excess melanin production and results in dark patches. Without prompt attention, the marks can last for months and even years before they fade.
Postinflammatory hypopigmentation. Burns or other skin trauma leaves lighter areas as unwelcome reminders.
Keloids. Injuries leave behind large, raised scars.
Still, skin of color is anything but doomed to disfigurement. An ounce of prevention, by gentle treatment and consistent sunscreen use, can go far to keep ethnic skin healthy and beautiful.
For more on making the most of the special skin you're in, read about skin-saving steps for African Americans, Hispanics and Asians/Middle Easterners.

(Hint: Keeping your skin looking its best depends on (1) picking the right products and (2) getting advice about blemishes before they become long-lasting scars.)

Healthy Habits for TV, Video Games, and the Internet

No doubt about it—TV, interactive video games, and the Internet can be excellent sources of education and entertainment for kids. But too much screen time can have unhealthy side effects.
That's why it's wise to monitor and limit the time your child spends playing video games, watching TV, and playing games on the Internet.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that kids under age two have no screen time, and that kids older than two watch no more than one to two hours a day of quality programming.
It's also a good idea to make sure kids have a wide variety of free-time activities like reading, playing with friends, and sports, which can all play a vital part in helping them develop a healthy body and mind.
Here are some practical ways to make kids' screen time more productive.
TV time
Limit the number of TV-watching hours:
Stock the room in which you have your TV with plenty of other non-screen entertainment (books, kids' magazines, toys, puzzles, board games, etc.) to encourage kids to do something other than watch the tube.
Keep TVs out of kids' bedrooms.
Turn off the TV during meals.
Don't allow your child to watch TV while doing homework.
Treat TV as a privilege that kids need to earn—not a right that they're entitled to. Tell them that TV viewing is allowed only after chores and homework are completed.
Try a weekday ban. Schoolwork, sports activities, and job responsibilities make it tough to find extra family time during the week. Record weekday shows or save TV time for weekends, and you'll have more family togetherness time to spend on meals, games, physical activity, and reading during the week.
Set a good example. Limit your own TV viewing.
Check the TV listingsand program reviews. Look for programs your family can watch together (i.e., developmentally appropriate and nonviolent programs that reinforce your family's values). Choose shows, says the AAP, that foster interest and learning in hobbies and education (reading, science, etc.).
Preview programs. Make sure you think they're appropriate before your kids watch them.
Use the ratings. Age-group rating tools have been developed for some TV programs and usually appear in newspaper TV listings and onscreen during the first 15 seconds of some TV programs.
Use screening tools. Many new standard TV sets have internal V-chips (V stands for violence) that let you block TV programs and movies you don't want your kids to see.
Come up with a family TV schedule. Come up with something the entire family agrees on. Then post the schedule in a visible household area (i.e., on the refrigerator) so that everyone knows which programs are OK to watch and when. And make sure to turn off the TV when the "scheduled" program is over instead of channel surfing for something else to watch.
Watch TV with your child. If you can't sit through the whole program, at least watch the first few minutes to assess the tone and appropriateness, then check in throughout the show.
Talk to kids about what they see on TV and share your own beliefs and values. If something you don't approve of appears on the screen, turn off the TV and use the opportunity to ask your child thought-provoking questions such as, "Do you think it was OK when those men got in that fight? What else could they have done? What would you have done?" Or, "What do you think about how those teenagers were acting at that party? Do you think what they were doing was wrong?" If certain people or characters are mistreated or discriminated against, talk about why it's important to treat everyone fairly despite their differences. You can use TV to explain confusing situations and express your feelings about difficult topics (sex, love, drugs, alcohol, smoking, work, behavior, family life). Teach your kids to question and learn from what they see on TV.
Find out about other TV policies. Talk to other parents, your doctor, and your child's teachers about their TV-watching policies and kid-friendly programs they'd recommend.
Offer fun alternatives to television. If your kids want to watch TV but you want them to turn it off, suggest alternatives like playing a board game, starting a game of hide-and-seek, playing outside, reading, etc. The possibilities for fun without the tube are endless—so turn off the TV and enjoy quality time with your kids.
Look at the ratings. Video games do have ratings to indicate when they have violence, strong language, mature sexual themes, and other content that may be inappropriate for kids. The ratings, established for the Entertainment Software Rating Board, range from EC (meaning Early Childhood), which indicates that the game is appropriate for kids ages 3 and older, to AO (for Adults Only), which indicates that violent or graphic sexual content makes it appropriate only for adults.
Preview the games. Even with the ratings, it's still important to preview the games—or even play them—before letting kids play. The game's rating may not match what you feel is appropriate for your child.
Help kids get perspective on the games. Monitor how the games are affecting your kids. If they seem more aggressive after spending time playing a certain game, discuss the game and help them understand how the violence that's portrayed is different from what occurs in the real world. That can help them identify less with the aggressive characters and reduce the negative effects that violent video games can have.

Your brain on shopping

Shopping is war. The battle is not just among the jostling crowds at the sale bins and cash registers in these pre-Christmas days; it is also between warring factions of our own brains, some economists and neuroscientists say.

Recent studies suggest that each buying decision plays out in the brain as a fight between a pleasure center seeking the bliss of acquisition and an aversion center seeking to avoid the pain of paying.
In the hot field of neuroeconomics, MRI scans have turned up heightened activity in deep, primitive areas of the brain as subjects shop. The nucleus accumbens, a seat of pleasure, lights up when they are contemplating a purchase, and the insula, a seat of disgust and pain, lights upwhen they are thinking about how much that purchase is going to cost.
As such findings accumulate, they suggest potential strategies for spending less - or at least, more wisely - at this difficult juncture of dark economy and season of light.
"Your purchasing decisions are largely emotional, driven by very inarticulate feelings you have, this pain-versus-pleasure tug of war," said Jonah Lehrer, author of the forthcoming book, "How We Decide."
"So it's very important to impose a little bit of deliberation onto that emotional process, force yourself to think long-term, and rationally think through the consequences of what is ultimately a very emotional decision," he added.
How might that be done?
Cash is best: First and foremost, researchers say, if you want to spend smarter, avoid using your credit card.
"One of the pernicious qualities of credit cards is that they anesthetize the pain of paying, which is ordinarily your first defense against overspending," said George Loewenstein, professor of economics and psychology at Carnegie Mellon University.
Need convincing? In a 2001 study, two professors at MIT's Sloan School of Management held an auction for tickets to a sold-out Celtics game, and divided subjects into those who must pay cash within 24 hours and those who must pay with credit cards. The credit-card buyers were willing to bid on average up to twice as much as the cash buyers, they found.
Know your feelings: Be aware that emotions that do not penetrate conscious awareness, and that have little to do with an actual buying decision, may still affect it. One study found that shoppers tended to spend much more when they were feeling down. Another found that men who had just been exposed to erotic pictures were more willing to take economic risks, and the trick seemed to be that the erotica set the nucleus accumbens, the pleasure center, on a roll.
"The idea is that if you can just change activation in these areas, no matter what the stimulus is, you might be able to push around financial decision-making," said Brian Knutson, an associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Stanford.

So how can you fight back against your unconscious emotions? Perhaps shop with a buddy who can supply reality checks, Knutson said. Others suggest shopping with a list and vowing not to deviate from it

To avoid the stimulating atmosphere of stores, you might want to shop online. But that also has its dangers. "I would say one-click shopping on the Internet is a lot more dangerous than paying cash at the store," Loewenstein said. "You can do a lot of damage in a short time."
Lehrer also advises staying away from the free treats offered at Costco, Whole Foods, and elsewhere. As they activate the pleasure center, "they put you in the reward mood" for buying, said Lehrer.
Keep your distance: Avoid flirting with items you cannot afford, trying them on or carrying them around until they start to feel like yours, to avert what neuro-economists call "the endowment effect."
Knutson explains it like this: In his classes, he'll give a student a coffee mug, then ask how much he must pay to get the student to part with it. They usually reply that they'll sell it for $4 to $6. But if he asks the other students how much they'd pay for such a mug, they usually price it at $2 or $3. Though it makes no economic sense, we tend to value things more highly simply because they're ours. In a recent study, Knutson noted, brain scans bore out the phenomenon: the insula, the pain center, tended to kick in when subjects contemplated selling items they viewed as theirs.
Keep moving: Some researchers warn against buying too much in one store. "You may experience something called 'decreasing sensitivity to losses,' " said Loewenstein. "Especially if you've spent a large amount, say $100, at a store, you don't want to start buying a bunch of small stuff, because it will start feeling free. If you go to another store, it won't feel free."
Tightwads, in particular, need to watch out for this, he said, because they are prone to spending binges when they finally loosen their pursestrings.
Beware of bargains: As with credit cards, studies have found that the feeling of getting a bargain blunts the pain of payment. Call it the "You can't go wrong at this price" effect. The insula lights up when people pay a price that seems high, and shuts down when they think they are getting a good deal, Loewenstein said: "That can interfere with rational decision-making just as much as the excitement about the good itself."
Know why we buy: We give presents to foster social bonds, points out Dan Ariely, professor of behavioral economics at Duke and author of the recent book Predictably Irrational - and realizing that can help us refocus how we spend. Ariely says he tries to buy gifts that people wouldn't have bought for themselves, either because they would feel too decadent or because they lacked knowledge about the item.
Get over the idea that it's about money, Ariely said, and "You might be able to spend much less and get much more meaning out of it."

Sex no longer a taboo subject at nursing homes

By MARGARET STAFFORD
Associated Press
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
When Kansas State University sent researchers into nursing homes to find out how the topic of sex was being addressed, they initially found silence.
“Nobody was talking about it; it was a really hush-hush subject,” said Gayle Doll, director of the university’s Center on Aging. “I guess it’s hard enough for people to think about their parents having sex, let alone their grandparents.”

In response, the researchers have produced seminars and training aids to encourage nursing home caregivers to discuss and accommodate sexual desires.
The effort brings Kansas into a national discussion that advocates say will only grow as baby boomers age and take their beliefs about sexual freedom and civil rights into the nation’s nursing homes.
One of the first Kansas seminars was held at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, where many staff first reacted with, “We’re going to talk about WHAT?” said Lillian Claassen, vice president of health services at the villa.
Claassen said residents’ sexuality had always been a difficult subject for nursing homes and the Kansas State training affirmed her earlier efforts to address the topic.
“It wasn’t like we hadn’t cared for these needs in the past, but it was liberating to some folks to have an open discussion with university researchers,” Claassen said. “It empowered people to think about how they could help folks.”
Doll said the training focuses on explaining what sexuality means for older adults, identifying barriers to fulfilling the sexual needs, finding strategies to help residents and how to discern appropriate from inappropriate sexual behaviors.
Solutions can be as simple as providing “do not disturb” signs or making sure staffers don’t barge into residents’ rooms without knocking. Claassen said her nursing home provides a discreet room for residents and has staff work through possible scenarios they may encounter.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as arranging a bed for someone who needs physical therapy in a way that also allows that patient to be with his or her companion, she said.
“My greatest interest is to promote dignity in a situation that can be very challenging,” Claassen said. “We all need touch, kindness and companionship. We try to enable that in this setting, which can be very public but where there is still a need for privacy.”
Sexuality doesn’t always mean intercourse. Many lonely or depressed residents are simply looking for ways to relieve loneliness and depression, Doll said.
For example, she told of one resident who had asked for pornography but dropped the request when the staff started spending more time with him.
“The staff can help with the loneliness and need for connection that residents often have,” Doll said. “Some sexual expressions that might be seen as inappropriate will go away when they simply get the attention they deserve.”
When the need does include sexual activity, the issue becomes more difficult if one of the residents is suffering from dementia, advocates say. That can manifest itself in a resident making passes at a staff member.
Claassen said her staff is trained to respond politely and to understand that the impaired resident may be mistaking the staff member for a spouse or reacting as he or she has in the past, which is often more vivid than the present for those suffering from dementia.
If a resident with dementia becomes involved with another resident, the issue becomes determining if the sexual activity is consensual, said Robin Dessel, a national expert on dementia who is the director of memory care at Hebrew Home in Riverdale, N.Y.
Dessel said people with dementia, even those who can no longer speak, have wants and desires and the ability to express them. It takes a trained and educated staff to recognize if a sexual overture or relationship involves abuse or is borne of real need, she said.
Dessel said she has seen a growing awareness that the aging do not forfeit their rights as they become infirm, and that includes the right to express sexuality. She expects that trend to increase as baby boomers, with more liberal attitudes toward sex than their parents, continue to age.
“No matter what we see, even if someone needs total care or is incontinent, they still feel,” Dessel said. “If there’s a bonding with someone else, I think it’s a time of celebration at that point that there’s something left, something good and pleasurable for that person.”
To meet that challenge, clinicians and providers need some standardized parameters to use to assess patients’ consent, Dessel said.
The Kansas State researchers say federal guidelines should be developed to help nursing homes deal with sexuality in a positive way.
“Nursing homes are the second most regulated industry in the country, behind nuclear power plants,” Doll said. “But none of those regulations address sexuality. So, consequently, no one knows how to handle it.”

Health (Acne)

Soundness of body and mind; absence of disease and infirmity; and the steps needed to optimize one?s chances of surviving and thriving. This is easier with dark chocolate and red wine on your side.

Definition

Acne is a common skin disease characterized by pimples on the face, chest, and back. It occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Description

Acne vulgaris, the medical term for common acne, is the most common skin disease. It affects nearly 17 million people in the United States. While acne can arise at any age, it usually begins at puberty and worsens during adolescence. Nearly 85% of people develop acne at some time between the ages of 12-25 years. Up to 20% of women develop mild acne. It is also found in some newborns.
The sebaceous glands lie just beneath the skin's surface. They produce an oil called sebum, the skin's natural moisturizer. These glands and the hair follicles within which they are found are called sebaceous follicles. These follicles open onto the skin through pores. At puberty, increased levels of androgens (male hormones) cause the glands to produce too much sebum. When excess sebum combines with dead, sticky skin cells, a hard plug, or comedo, forms that blocks the pore. Mild noninflammatory acne consists of the two types of comedones, whiteheads and blackheads.
Moderate and severe inflammatory types of acne result after the plugged follicle is invaded by Propioni-bacterium acnes, a bacteria that normally lives on the skin. A pimple forms when the damaged follicle weakens and bursts open, releasing sebum, bacteria, and skin and white blood cells into the surrounding tissues. Inflamed pimples near the skin's surface are called papules; when deeper, they are called pustules. The most severe type of acne consists of cysts (closed sacs) and nodules (hard swellings). Scarring occurs when new skin cells are laid down to replace damaged cells.
The most common sites of acne are the face, chest, shoulders, and back since these are the parts of the body where the most sebaceous follicles are found.

Holiday Food Safety Tips or How to NOT Spend December 26 in the Loo

Christmas is almost upon us, and some of you may be preparing your first Christmas celebration in your own homes, while others may be preparing their fiftieth. We're all excited to have our loved ones rally around our festively festooned tables, oohing and awwing over our lovingly created culinary masterpieces. At least I am. I love seeing my family's faces when they come to the table for a feast of my own making. Seeing their faces light up over a meal I have prepared is as much a gift to me as anything wrapped in shiny paper.BUT,,,the last thing I want to give my friends and family is a case of the trots with profuse vomiting. Well, maybe one sister-in-law, but thats another story.Lets keep our loved ones safe this holiday season by practicing healthy food safety, shall we? There are four basic food safety rules to follow to ensure your Holiday celebrations don't result in spending a day or two praying to the porcelain throne, not to mention possible trips to the Emergency room

Food borne illnesses usually show themselves a day or three after eating contaminated food. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps surely would put a damper on hitting all this after Christmas sales, wouldn't it? Not to mention the possibility of it becoming a life threatening problem for the elderly, infants and children, those with compromised immune systems such as HIV/AIDS and cancer patients.Lets keep our loved ones safe by practicing the four safety rules form the FDA:CLEAN: The first and foremost rule is to keep everything clean.Wash hands with soap and warm water, using lots of friction for twenty seconds before handling foods. For kids, thats the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday ", twice.Wash all contact surfaces( cutting boards, dishes utensils etc..) with hot soapy water after use, and before going on to the next item.Rinse fruits sand vegetables under running water, and use a scrubber on potatoes or other foods with visible dirt.Do Not rinse raw meat/poultry before cooking, as washing increases the chance for any bacteria they are harboring to spread to countertops, and sink.SEPARATE: Don't give bacteria a chance to spread to other foodsWhen shopping, keep raw meats, poultry and sea foods away from foods that won't be cooked. We all know how disgusting it is to have a piece of beef drip juices all over our other groceries, not only nasty, but dangerous.Use one cutting board for meat, another for veggies and fruit. Wash the boards in hot soapy water after each use.NEVER put cooked meat on a plate which has held raw meat.COOK: Color is not a good indicator of doneness."Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal temperature. To check a turkey for safety, insert a food thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 165ºF. If the turkey is stuffed, the temperature of the stuffing should be 165ºF. Make sure oysters in oyster dressing are thoroughly cooked."If you don't have a meat thermometer, and your bird doesn't have one of those pop-up thingies, insert a fork into the innermost part of the thigh, and check the juices. They should run clear, with no hint of pink.When reheating, bring all sauces, gravies and soups to a rolling boil before serving.When making eggnog, or other dishes calling for raw eggs, try using pasteurized shell eggs, liquid or frozen pasteurized egg products, or powdered egg whites.Don't eat raw cookie dough which contains eggs. Yeah, that'll happen!CHILL: Bacteria grows quickly on warm foods as they cool, so clear the table soon after eating, two hours, at the latest.Set your refrigerator no higher than 40 degrees F.Never defrost foods at room temperature. Place in the fridge for a few days to thaw a turkey. A 20# bird needs 4-5 days to thaw in the fridge, so leave room for him.If you forgot to take him out of the freezer in time, use the microwave, or place under cold running water to thaw. If using these methods, cook immediately after thawing.Lastly, if a dish looks or smells funky, for God's sake, don't taste it to find out if its spoiled.Have a safe, and healthy holiday, and good luck in all those preparations. Now, get busy.

New Research Shows Why Every Week of Pregnancy Counts

This time of year, some hospitals see a small uptick in baby deliveries thanks to families eager to fit the blessed event in around holiday plans or in time to claim a tax deduction. Conventional wisdom has long held that inducing labor or having a Caesarean section a bit early posed little risk, since after 34 weeks gestation, all the baby has to do was grow.
But new research shows that those last weeks of pregnancy are more important than once thought for brain, lung and liver development. And there may be lasting consequences for babies born at 34 to 36 weeks, now called "late preterm."

A study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in October calculated that for each week a baby stayed in the womb between 32 and 39 weeks, there is a 23% decrease in problems such as respiratory distress, jaundice, seizures, temperature instability and brain hemorrhages.
A study of nearly 15,000 children in the Journal of Pediatrics in July found that those born between 32 and 36 weeks had lower reading and math scores in first grade than babies who went to full term. New research also suggests that late preterm infants are at higher risk for mild cognitive and behavioral problems and may have lower I.Q.s than those who go full term.
What's more, experts warn that a fetus's estimated age may be off by as much as two weeks either way, meaning that a baby thought to be 36 weeks along might be only 34.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the March of Dimes are now urging obstetricians not to deliver babies before 39 weeks unless there is a medical reason to do so.
"It's very important for people to realize that every week counts," says Lucky E. Jain, a professor of pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine.
It's unclear how many deliveries are performed early for nonmedical reasons. Preterm births (before 37 weeks) have risen 31% in the U.S. since 1981 -- to one in every eight births. The most serious problems are seen in the tiniest babies. But nearly 75% of preterm babies are born between 34 and 36 weeks, and much of the increase has come in C-sections, which now account for a third of all U.S. births. An additional one-fifth of all births are via induced labor, up 125% since 1989.

Many of those elective deliveries are done for medical reasons such as fetal distress or pre-eclampsia, a sudden spike in the mother's blood pressure. Those that aren't can be hard to distinguish. "Obstetricians know the rules and they are very creative about some of their indications -- like 'impending pre-eclampsia,'" says Alan Fleischman, medical director for the March of Dimes.
Why do doctors agree to deliver a baby early when there's no medical reason? Some cite pressure from parents. "'I'm tired of being pregnant. My fingers are swollen. My mother-in-law is coming' -- we hear that all the time," says Laura E. Riley, medical director of labor and delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital. "But there are 25 other patients waiting, and saying 'no' can take 45 minutes, so sometimes we cave."
There's also a perception that delivering early by c-section is safer for the baby, even though it means major surgery for the mom. "The idea is that somehow, if you're in complete control of the delivery, then only good things will happen. But that's categorically wrong. The baby and the uterus know best," says F. Sessions Cole, director of newborn medicine at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
He explains that a complex series of events occurs in late pregnancy to prepare the baby to survive outside the womb: The fetus acquires fat needed to maintain body temperature; the liver matures enough to eliminate a toxin called bilirubin from the body; and the lungs get ready to exchange oxygen as soon as the umbilical cord is clamped. Disrupting any of those steps can result in brain damage and other problems. In addition, the squeezing of the uterus during labor stimulates the baby and the placenta to make steroid hormones that help this last phase of lung maturation -- and that's missed if the mother never goes into labor.

"We don't have a magic ball to predict which babies might have problems," says Dr. Cole. "But we can say that the more before 39 weeks a baby is delivered, the more likely that one or more complications will occur."
In cases where there are medical reasons to deliver a baby early, lung maturation can be determined with amniocentesis -- using a long needle to withdraw fluid from inside the uterus. But that can cause infection, bleeding or a leak or fetal distress, which could require an emergency c-section.
Trying to determine maturity by the size of the fetus can also be problematic. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes are often very large for their age, but even less developed for their age than normal-size babies.
Growing beyond 42 weeks can also pose problems, since the placenta deteriorates and can't sustain the growing baby.
Making families aware of the risks of delivering early makes a big difference. In Utah, where 27% of elective deliveries in 1999 took place before the 39th week, a major awareness campaign has reduced that to less than 5%. At two St. Louis hospitals that send premature babies to Dr. Cole's neonatal intensive-care unit, obstetricians now ask couples who want to schedule a delivery before 39 weeks to sign a consent form acknowledging the risks. At that point, many wait for nature to take its course, says Dr. Cole.

Email: healthjournal@wsj.com.