New research reports a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among patients with psoriatic arthritis. Seasonal variation in vitamin D levels was not observed in patients in southern or northern locations. The findings published in Arthritis Care & Research also show no association between disease activity and vitamin D level.

A new survey conducted by Wakefield Research, shares the truth behind scars and stretch marks from 500 pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Exterior and Interior Rebuilding:

Consumption for skin care:

• Eat watermelon and pomegranate – Both are rich sources of lycopene to boost your natural SPF and omega-3 to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function.
• Stock up on whole grains, which contain vitamin B, an essential ingredient essential for proper cell division.
• Eat high-quality protein like organic turkey and chicken to help produce collagen.
• Avoid coffee and sugar, both can dehydrate the skin and cause unneeded inflammation.

While probiotic-foods contain live bacteria, prebiotic foods feed the good bacteria already living in your digestive system. You can find prebiotics in foods such as asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, oatmeal, red wine, honey, maple syrup, and legumes. Eat prebiotic foods on their own or with probiotic foods to perhaps give the probiotics a boost.

Despite the sluggish economy, e-commerce reported record sales last year with an anticipated double-digit growth in 2011. Fueled by new technology and an evolving social-media shopping sphere, commerce is almost unrecognizable to the common consumer. However, it spells good news for retailers who quickly adopt such changing sales and marketing strategies. Here are six retailer trends that are changing the way consumers shop in 2011:

There is nothing more beautiful than an expectant mother and nothing more sacred than the new life of a child. A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy and after the delivery, as does her mental and emotional state. Research has shown that massage lowers anxiety, decreases back pain, helps with leg pain, improves sleep and decreases stress. Incorporating stones significantly enhances a prenatal massage.

As beneficial as massage is during pregnancy there are many considerations to take into account when massaging manually or with stones. This article focuses on clarifying contraindications for prenatal stone massage.

It is most important to be aware that all contraindications that apply for manual massage also apply for stone massage.

• You should avoid massage during the first trimester when miscarriages are most likely to occur. Massage itself will not cause a miscarriage, but the therapist needs to be mindful of liability.
• Hot stones should not be used on the abdomen; only very light pressure with hands is recommended. In the last trimester, therapists may feel the baby move toward their hands.
• Do not perform a full body massage, especially in the late stages of pregnancy; spot work is recommended.
• Therapists should avoid the reflex points on feet, ankles and hands.
• Do not raise the core temperature of the body.
• Implement extreme vigilance when massaging the legs. Do not implement deep tissue massage or tapotement on legs especially the calf and inner thigh because of the increase danger of blood clots. Your massage strokes should always go toward the heart.
• Exercise extra caution with high risk clients and only with a doctor’s permission.
• Make the expectant mother comfortable by having her lie on her side and supporting her with pillows.

It is imperative to keep the core temperature stable when working on an expectant mother. The hot stones are a great tool for relieving muscle problems and calming the mother-to-be. A full body hot stone massage is contraindicated. A full body massage would raise the core temperature significantly and put the baby at risk. However, spot treatments with the stones are recommended for problem areas in the low back and neck. To sustain a normal core temperature while working with the hot stones, place cold stones under the hands, under the occipital ridge, and on the feet. If you are unable to keep the cold stones on the feet, then wrap the feet with a cold rag.

Cold stones offer extraordinary therapeutic value. During the gestation period, many women feel warmer than usual, so the application of cold marble stones provides a welcomed relief. The cold marble stones are valuable in releasing muscle strain and tightness.

During manual prenatal massage placement, stones are quite beneficial. Place warm or cold marble stones under the trapezes muscles or under the gluteus muscles. Remember to always use a barrier for hot placement stones. If the stone is warm, then it can be placed with caution; but remember to check that it is not too warm to damage the client’s skin. Cool or cold marble stones can be placed directly on the skin with no adverse effects. Marble is a soft stone and has the tendency to absorb the heat and inflammation from the body.

A therapist should have training and a certificate from a qualified instructor on prenatal massage before offering massage for a pregnant client. There are quality seminars available from many experienced instructors.

It is a gratifying experience to massage an expectant mother through her pregnancy. To work with her weekly or monthly to help keep her stress level down, and to keep her muscles relaxed and loose as they support the added weight gain and postural changes. Regular massages through pregnancy help to prepare the muscles for the hard work they will do at the time of delivery. The therapist can then follow up with postnatal massage which will help the new mother relax and get back in shape.

Unless effectively controlled, rosacea can play havoc on job interactions and employment, according to a new survey by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) on the impact in the workplace of this red-faced, poorly understood disorder now estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans.

In the survey of 1,134 rosacea patients, 60 percent of all respondents and 88 percent of those reporting severe symptoms said the disorder had negatively affected their interactions with others in the workplace. Among those with severe symptoms, 51 percent said they had even missed work because of
their condition.

“Because the signs and symptoms appear on the most visible part of the body, rosacea is much more difficult to ignore than many other conditions,” said Dr. Boni Elewski, professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. “Beyond physical discomfort, such as facial burning and stinging or eye irritation, the effect of rosacea on personal appearance can be emotionally and socially debilitating.”

In the new survey, 69 percent of all respondents and 87 percent of those with severe symptoms said they had noticed others staring at their face when they were experiencing a rosacea flare-up. Forty-five percent of all respondents, including 66 percent of those with severe symptoms, had also heard rude or inappropriate comments in the workplace about their facial appearance.

Moreover, many of the patients reported that rosacea had inflicted direct damage to their careers. Nineteen percent of all respondents and 39 percent of those with severe symptoms felt they did not receive a job offer because of their condition. In addition, 19 percent of all respondents and 41 percent of those with severe symptoms believed they were denied a promotion or new responsibilities because of the way they looked. Of the survey respondents who were affected by rosacea in the workplace, 78 percent said effective medical treatment had improved their professional interactions with others. For more information, visit www.rosacea.org

Remarkably aromatic and delightfully sensuous, vanilla is an exotic spice that has been steeped in history, legend, science, and culinary enchantments since its discovery.

Vanilla was first cultivated by the Totonec people of Mexico. Then, in the 15th century, the Aztecs conquered the Totonec people and required tribute in the form of vanilla beans. Later, the Spanish conquistadors were indoctrinated into the joys of vanilla when they conquered the Aztecs; and they, in turn, introduced vanilla to Europe.

Vanilla beans are the long, greenish-yellow seedpods of the fragrant tropical vanilla orchid. Grown as a vine and hand-pollinated, vanilla orchids are harvested by hand and undergo a complicated curing process after a seven to eight month pollination. Only two species – Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla tahitensis (Tahitian vanilla) – are cultivated for commercial use as a flavoring or fragrance, and they are grown in Madagascar, Mexico; Indonesia; and Tahiti.

The Legend of Princess Xanat
According to Totonac mythology, the vanilla orchid was born when a princess, forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the forest with her lover. The lovers were captured and beheaded. Where their blood touched the ground, the strong vine and delicate orchid grew.

The aroma of vanilla is a sweet balsamic with calming, comforting, and balancing benefits.

When using high-quality Bourbon beans, crystals (often resembles a white fur) might be noticed after time, this is an indicator that the beans are high in natural vanillin and are of good quality; the formation of these crystals is a natural and delicious process.

How to Buy and Store Good Vanilla Beans

Premium quality vanilla beans have a rich, full aroma and are oily to the touch. They should be pliable enough to bend without breaking, and dark brown (almost black) in color.

Vanilla beans will keep indefinitely if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, or if they are vacuum-packed. While it is important to keep vanilla beans cool to avoid mildew, they should not be refrigerated or frozen, as this causes them to harden and lose flavor.

If your vanilla beans have dried out, simply add them to warm liquid to draw out the flavor. A dry bean pod added to a mug of hot chocolate or a cup of hot tea results in a
delicious experience.

Copyright© Frontier Natural Products Co-op

Vanilla benefits skin care by tightening the pores and protecting against imperfections of the skin.

Health Benefits of Vanilla Essential Oil

The health benefits of vanilla essential oil can be attributed to its many virtuous properties, such as: Antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-carcinogenic, febrifuge, anti-depressant, sedative, tranquilizing, and relaxing.

The essential oil of vanilla is extracted by solvent extraction of a resinous substance obtained from fermented vanilla beans; from the vanilla plant with the scientific name ‘Vanilla Planifolia.’ Its main components are acetic acid, caproic acid, eugenol, furfural, isobutyric acid, and vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde. Most of the flavors with a ‘vanilla’ tag on them are not derived from original vanilla at all; they are synthesized from hydrocarbons.

Apart from its widespread use as a flavoring agent in the food, beverages, and pharmaceutical industries, the essential oil of vanilla has also found its use in the world of medicine.

• Antioxidant: This property alone can take care of most extrinsic and intrinsic problems. Oxidation is one of the biggest causes behind most of the troubles and diseases that plague the body. It is directly and indirectly responsible for a number of diseases caused by organic malfunctions and infections. Oxidizers, or free radicals, cause oxidation of the living cells and tissues – essentially burning them to death. Gradually, this results in the weakening of the immune system, loss of memory, organic and nervous malfunctioning, gradual loss of vision and hearing, mental instability, macular degeneration, et cetera; eventually causing the body to become prone to disease. The antioxidant property of this essential oil neutralizes these free radicals and protects the body from wears and tears; infections; and even some forms of cancer, such as those of prostrate, colon, et cetera, in addition to repairing damage already done to the body.
• Aphrodisiac: It is well proven that a systematic administration of vanilla essential oil to patients with impotency issues, erectile dysfunction, frigidity, loss of libido, et cetera can relieve them of their problems. By stimulating the secretion of certain hormones like testosterone, estrogen, et cetera it helps bring about normal sexual behavior and
  promotes arousal.
• Anti-carcinogenic: To some extent, the anti-carcinogenic property of vanilla oil comes from its antioxidant properties. The free radicals or oxidants do not only damage tissues, but can also cause certain type of cancers, such as those in prostrate, colon, et cetera – certain components of this oil checks the growth of cancerous cells, thereby helping
  cure cancer.
• Febrifuge: Can effectively reduce fever by fighting infections due to presence of components like eugenol and vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde. Being a sedative, it also reduces inflammation due to fever.
• Anti-depressant: One of the biggest advantages of vanilla is its aroma. The aroma from real vanilla is best, but synthetic vanilla or artificially synthesized vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde (which is an effective anti-depressant and mood up-lifter) works well, too. The flavor from vanilla alone is so pleasingly sweet and soothing that most everybody enjoys it.
• Sedative: Soothes all types of inflammations and hyperactivity in all systems functioning in the body, namely: The respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous, and excretory systems. It also sedates inflammation due to fever, convulsions, anxiety, stress, hypersensitivity of allergy, et cetera.
• Tranquilizing: Helps with sleeplessness due to its sedative and relaxing properties. By lowering blood pressure, the oil has a sort of tranquilizing effect on the brain and nerves, giving relief from anxiety, anger, restlessness, et cetera.
• Other Benefits: It helps regularize menstruations (although not exactly an emenagogue) by activating certain hormones like estrogen.

Reference:

www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-vanilla-essential-oil.html

Gone are the days when waxing was a service just for women! The bliss® spa at the W Fort Lauderdale is responding to the trend of ‘manscaping’ by introducing the He-wax – a whole new waxing menu for ‘body-hair conscious’ men, which promises smooth skin from head-to-toe (and everywhere in between).

Bliss® spa understands that grooming puts a little pep in their male client’s step, but not just any waxing product will suffice for their sensitive side. As a result, bliss® has introduced He-Wax – a far superior method of hair removal to shaving because it quickly pulls the hair out by the root rather than cutting it bluntly like shaving which leads to no stubble and slower, softer re-growth.

• Technology: A signature stripless wax grips the male client’s hair (as short as 2 millimeter), not the skin, so there is less ‘pinch’ in the pull. Getting hair at the root eliminates uncomfortable and unsightly stubble from razors and trimmers, leaving the client with the ultimate feeling of confidence and power.
• Menu: From a little off the top and sides with the “Basic Brief He-Wax” to the bare minimum of the “Ultimate He Wax” the male client decides how smooth he wants to be. And, of course while there he can enjoy face and body treatments from the “Extreme Sports Massage” to the “Homme Improvement Facial.”
• Comfort: With separate men’s locker rooms and lounges; Powerbars to refuel; a cool, peaceful atmosphere bliss® spa delivers confidence to their male clients with this new manscaping service.

Take a fresh approach to eating right with the "fab five" of super foods. Each is packed with nutrition and flavor to jumpstart any meal. Super foods are excellent sources for the vitamins, minerals, fats, and fatty acids the body needs. These "fab five" foods provide even more of a nutritional boost and are easily incorporated into meals.

• Walnuts – Taste great and they are a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Flaxseed – Over 50 percent of the fat in flaxseed is omega-3 fatty acid. They have been shown to prevent or reduce the symptoms of arthritis, colitis, cancer, heart disease, and even acne.
  
  
  
  
• Pomegranates – Rich in antioxidants. Among other benefits, the fruit is listed as a source of folic acid, potassium, niacin, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and a rich source of fiber.
  
  
  
  
• Salmon – A good source of easily digestible proteins; fatty acids; vitamins D, A, and some B vitamins; and minerals like selenium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, and iron.
  
  
  
• Dark greens – Calorie for calorie, they are perhaps the most concentrated source of nutrition of any food. A rich source of minerals and vitamins; greens are spectacular when quickly heated in a skillet with a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
  
  

"Taking a fresh approach to any meal means choosing healthy foods in the right portions," says Doug Taeckens, president and CEO of Healthy Steps by Jokari, "Working these five power-packed foods into a weekly diet will help your body get the proper nutrition it needs to function at maximum capacity."

Copyright© Healthy Steps by Jokari

Despite repeated warnings from dermatologists on the health dangers of tanning, results of a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) confirmed that a large percentage of Caucasian teen girls and young women admitted using tanning beds or intentionally tanning outdoors in the past year.

Thirty-two percent of respondents had used a tanning bed in the past year, and of those respondents, one-fourth (25 percent) used a tanning bed at least weekly, on average. An overwhelming majority (81 percent) of all respondents reported that they had tanned outdoors either frequently or occasionally in the past year.

“Our survey underscores the importance of educating young women about the very real risks of tanning, as melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – is increasing faster in females 15 to 29 years old than in males of the same age group,” said dermatologist Ronald L. Moy, M.D., FAAD, president of the AAD. “In fact, most young women with melanoma are developing it on their torso, which may be the result of high-risk tanning behaviors such as indoor tanning. In my practice, I have had patients – young women with a history using tanning beds – who have died from melanoma.”

Despite claims by the tanning industry to the contrary, indoor tanning is so dangerous that the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer panel have declared ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial light sources – such as tanning beds and sun lamps – as a known carcinogen. Studies show indoor tanning increases a person’s risk of melanoma by 75 percent.

When survey results were analyzed by age, significant differences were noted by respondents who reported using indoor tanning. Specifically, 18 to 22 year olds were almost twice as likely to have indoor tanned (40 percent) when compared to 14 to 17 year olds (22 percent).

Although spray tans are considered a safe alternative to UV exposure from the sun and indoor tanning beds, the majority of respondents (86 percent) indicated that they never received a spray tan in the past year.

“Exposure to UV radiation is the leading risk factor for skin cancer, yet – despite this knowledge – droves of teens and young women are flocking to tanning bed facilities and beaches or pools to tan every year,” said Moy. “The challenge is that teens have access to indoor tanning salons on almost every corner. A recent survey of 116 U.S. cities found an average of 42 tanning salons per city, which means tanning salons are more prevalent than Starbucks® or McDonalds®. We are very concerned that this tanning behavior will lead to a continued increase in the incidence of skin cancer in young people and ultimately more untimely deaths from this devastating disease.”

At current rates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Approximately 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma, and the incidence of melanoma has been rising for at least 30 years – particularly among young, white women in most recent years.

For more information, contact the Academy at www.aad.org.

Resource:
About the “2011 Indoor Tanning: Teen and Young Adult Women” Survey
More than 3,800 white, non-Hispanic females ages 14 to 22 responded to a nationwide survey online to determine their tanning knowledge, attitudes and behavior. The survey was conducted by Relevant Research, Inc. (formerly RH Research) of Chicago from December 28, 2010, to January 11, 2011. Data were weighted by age and region based on the US Census Current Population Survey (released in 2010).

At DePasquale, The Spa, the owners have implemented a new ventilation system designed to keep air chemical-free for its stylists and customers. Without proper air ventilation ingredients found in popular hair straightening treatments have caused side effects that range from respiratory problems to skin irritation. At DePasquale, The Spa a new device is used in a designated area of the salon to scrub these potentially harmful vapors from the air and create a more healthful salon environment. This system is a specialized ventilation device designed to absorb and remove keratin treatment vapors from the air. In addition to creating a very well ventilated area for stylists and salon patrons, the device lowers the potential for excessive inhalation exposure.

“As a salon owner I want to make sure that I am taking every possible precaution to ensure a safe atmosphere in my salon,” said Justin DePasquale, co-owner of DePasquale, The Spa. “This is a great solution for my customers because now I can provide the service they are demanding while in a clean and safe environment for my employees.”

This all-purpose cleaner can be used on washable walls, countertops, et cetera. The herbs contained in this cleaner contribute both scent and antiseptic properties.

• 1 cup liquid castile soap
• 6 cups water
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup eucalyptus leaf or thyme leaf tea, strained

Combine all ingredients together in a cleaning bucket and use with soft cotton rags.

Important: Whenever you create a homemade cleaning product, you should test it in an inconspicuous spot before using it, to make sure it will not stain, fade, or otherwise affect your carpet, upholstery, woodwork, wallpaper, et cetera.

Copyright© Frontier Natural Products Co-op

According to experts from Dallas Cooper Complete®, a division of Cooper Aerobics, learning what vitamins do to help your body function is a step toward making smart food and supplement choices.

Our bodies need a basic "list of vitamins" to work optimally. As we grow, and progress through life, the relative quantities may vary, but the body has its basic requirements listed by recommended daily allowance.

Pro-Vitamin A (beta-Carotene)

• Keeping the cells of your skin healthy
• Helps relieve skin disorders -- often to treat acne and wrinkles
• Helps to heal any wounds you may have
• Boosts your immune system
• Maintains healthy vision
• Some studies have also shown that vitamin A may help insulin regulate blood sugar levels – a big benefit for people with diabetes
• Food sources: milk, margarine, eggs, beef liver, fortified breakfast cereals, carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, and spinach

Vitamin B 12

• Helps formation and regeneration of red blood cells; your body's manufacturer of DNA and RNA
• Aids with proper nerve function
• Food sources: fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products, liver, and shellfish

Vitamin C

• Helps heal wounds
• Produces collagen
• Boosts the immune system
• Protects artery linings
• Food sources: Citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, potatoes, red and green peppers, kiwi fruit, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe

Vitamin D

• Maintains normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus
• Aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones
• Prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults
• Food sources: Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel; beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks

Vitamin E

• Potent antioxidant
• A possible role in protection against heart disease; some types of cancers
• Boosts your immune system, and helping as an aid in the healing of injuries
• Some studies have shown it can boost the immune system in elderly people
• Food sources: Vegetable oils like wheat germ, sunflower, and safflower oils; nuts such as peanuts, hazelnuts, and especially almonds; and seeds like sunflower seeds

Vitamin K

• Helps blood clotting
• Source to strengthen bones and counter osteoporosis
• Food Source: Green leafy vegetables, Brussels sprouts, seaweed, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, lettuces, okra, peas, and parsley

Todd Whitthorne, president and CEO of Cooper Concepts, says, "Fueling our bodies with the proper vitamins is the first step toward preventing life-altering illnesses. Knowing what vitamins do for us will aid in better decision making."

The average human emits approximately 95 watts of energy as heat in the form of infrared light. A standard 100 watt incandescent light bulb emits only about five percent of its energy as visible light, the rest is given off as heat in the form of infrared light. This means the average human produces the same amount of heat as a 100 watt light bulb.

A common skin condition, rosacea affects more than 16 million Americans. It is a non-contagious facial skin disorder that usually begins as a redness, like a blush, appearing on the face – most often on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Typically, rosacea symptoms appear in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and usually impacts women more often than men. At first, the redness may come and go, but over time, it can become more persistent, presenting visible blood vessels. If left untreated, bumps and tiny pimples may develop.

David J. Goldberg, M.D., a dermatologist that is recognized nationally and internationally for his innovative work with skin lasers, cosmetic dermatology, and facial rejuvenation techniques, recommends some laser and light treatments for the flushing reaction of rosacea.

Laser and Light Treatments: The Nd:YAG Laser is used to treat visible blood vessels associated with rosacea and is less likely to cause bruising. YAG laser gets deeper down to the blood vessels but requires technical expertise. In addition, the pulsed dye laser helps with superficial redness and when used in combination, the two treatments can provide positive results. When a red light emitting LED treatment is added, the inflammation associated with rosacea decreases. By using this technique of all three laser and light source treatments together in a series of monthly treatments dramatic results have been provided to rosacea suffers.

According to the National Rosacea Society, rosacea patients can improve their chances of maintaining remission by identifying and avoiding lifestyle and environmental factors such as extreme weather and sun exposure, stress, spicy foods, and alcohol. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to controlling rosacea.

Intercon Solutions is partnering with PrettyCity.com this month to encourage spas and salons to properly recycle electronic waste, bulbs, and packaging during the annual “Green and Gorgeous” eco-friendly beauty and wellness campaign.

The average spa creates thousands of pounds of waste annually; waste such as plastic bottles, cardboard, paper, and packaging. In addition, even sustainable spas may be unwittingly contributing to land filling by not properly recycling their out-of-date electronics.

Intercon Solutions properly recycles – never land filling – products ranging from bulbs to obsolete computers. Out of use spa equipment can also be recycled by Intercon Solutions, an R2/RIOS and NAID AAA certified recycler.

For more information and tips about how spas and salons can “green” their recycling program, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To learn more about PrettyCity’s Green and Gorgeous Campaign visit www.prettycity.com/green

 The argan tree (argania spinosa) is perfect for a harsh environment, surviving heat, drought, and poor soil.

 The argan tree is little known outside Morocco, and many Moroccans themselves have never heard of it because it grows only in the south-west of the country – roughly between Essaouira and Agadir, in an area covering 700,000 - 800,000 hectares. But within the area where the argan grows there are about 21 million trees which play a vital role in the food chain and the environment, though their numbers are declining, it is thought the modern rediscovery of this precious oil will halt the decline in tree numbers.

The tree, which is thorny and can reach heights of eight to10 meters, probably originated in Argana, a village north-east of Agadir. It lives longer than the olive and requires no cultivation.

The trunk of the argan is often twisted and gnarled, allowing goats to clamber along its branches and feed on the leaves and fruit.

When goats eat the fruit, the fleshy part is digested but the nut remains. Later, the nuts are collected by farmers to produce oil.

The fruit has a green, fleshy exterior like an olive, but larger and rounder. Inside, there is a nut with an extremely hard shell, which in turn contains one, two, or three almond-shaped kernels.

The production of argan oil, which is still mostly done by traditional methods, is a lengthy process; it is said that producing one liter of oil takes 20 hours worth of work.

In the Southwestern parts of Morocco, argan oil is extracted from the nuts of argan trees. Often times referred to as “liquid gold,” this oil has recently been classified, on the World Heritage List, as endangered due to its severe exploitation.

The process used to extract this precious oil from the argan tree is a manual and laborious process that has become a tradition among the local Berber women. The production of argan oil allows these women to gain social benefits in a country where equal rights are not yet fully established; affording them a sustainable livelihood and an opportunity to earn fair wages.

Over the years, the Berber women have formed cooperatives to keep the production techniques, manufacturing, and controlling of argan oil in check. As mentioned before, the process of manually producing this oil is laborious. The initial stage of this process is the actual removal of the nut from the fruit. Next, the shell of each nut is forcibly opened to obtain the kernel. Once all of the kernels are collected they are roasted over mild heat. Then, the roasted kernels are left to cool, ground in a quern made out of stone, and then blended with water into dough.

Mechanical presses are now becoming more widely used for efficiency reasons. The process of cracking the nuts of the argan tree is still done by hand, but after the roasting of the kernels, the nuts are ground and extracted using a mechanical press. As a result of this time consuming and labor intensive process, whether it is manual or mechanical, the oil from this tree is quite costly, however the great number of benefits received from the oil itself increases the value substantially.

In regards to our personal health and beauty, argan oil is an outstanding choice. There are two types of argan oil, one used for cosmetic purposes and one for culinary purposes. As a culinary medium, argan oil is slightly darker than olive oil, with a reddish tinge and it is appreciated for its unique, rich flavor. Beyond its taste the oil is also known for its health benefits helping a person’s body effectively control cholesterol – due to its monosaturated fat and oleic acid content; it assists in stimulating circulation; and helps strengthen the body’s natural defenses.

Beyond its nutritional benefits, argan oil has many beautifying effects as well. As a cosmetic medium, The oil is magnificent for the hair, skin, and nails. In addition, argan oil is a rich source for vitamin E (a strong antioxidant) making it a great way to combat the aging process. Another benefit from this oil is its ability to assist in locking moisture within the skin’s cells. The reduction of moisture evaporation, upon contact, is another benefit from the use of the oil on the skin making it an excellent choice to use after waxing.

From internally assisting the body in maintaining a healthy life to externally nurturing the skin thereby stimulating a natural youthfulness, argan oil provides unparalleled results making it worthy of its informal title… “liquid gold.”

The Beauty Bus Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for terminally or chronically ill people and their caregivers appeared on ABC’s one-hour alternative series, “Secret Millionaire.”

The foundation itself provides in-home beauty and grooming treatments, free of charge, to empower their clients, help them maintain dignity, and give them respite during a difficult time. Services are focused on people with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), cancer, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, other select neuromuscular and motor neuron diseases, and
their caregivers.

The series allows the viewer to follow some of America’s most successful self-made business people, these secret millionaires embark on an once-in-a-lifetime journey, going undercover within various communities and ultimately gifting unsung community heroes with hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money.

“The Secret Millionaire experience was extraordinary. We were completely surprised and overwhelmed that ABC and our Secret Millionaire, Ali Brown, believed in our mission,” remarks Wendy Marantz Levine and Alicia Marantz Liotta, co-founders of the Beauty Bus Foundation. “We are so grateful for the support we have received and Ali’s graciousness. Her donation put us in a position to hire our first employee and through the gifts of ‘Secret Millionaire’ we are able to bring beauty home to more patients and caregivers.”

Secret Millionaires come face-to-face with extraordinary people who place their own needs aside for the sake of their communities. At the end of the Secret Millionaires’ journeys, they reveal their true identities and donate their own money to these community activists, changing lives and encouraging others to keep
giving back.

"Meeting Alicia and Wendy from Beauty Bus was a powerful experience," says Ali Brown, Beauty Bus Foundation’s Secret Millionaire. "To experience firsthand how they help their clients touched my heart deeply because of my own father's illness. My mom worked around the clock to care for my dad in his last year of life, and a service like this would have been a welcome reprieve for both of them. I look forward to continuing to support their mission in whatever way I can!"

For more information please visit

www.beautybus.org or call 310-287-1272

Adding Blueberries to your diet can help cleanse your blood, strengthen your immune system, is great for digestion, can even help keep colds at bay, and do not forget you are protecting and repairing your skin.

Facts About Blueberries

• Prevent and relieve arthritic symptoms
• Help strengthen blood vessels, leading to healthier blood pressure levels and heart health
• The manganese in blueberries supports strong bones
• Vitamin C to support the immune system
• Lower cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Improves eyesight
• Improves memory, coordination and balance
• May help to prevent urinary tract infections
• Hypertension

Copyright© Forever Looking Younger

Preventice, Inc. a leading developer of mobile health systems announces that it will collaborate with Mayo Clinic to introduce health applications based on cloud computing and mobile phone technology. The first application from this collaboration is the CARD System.

Millions of Americans suffer from skin allergies. A National Ambulatory Medical Care survey conducted in 1995 estimated that 8.4 million people visit their doctor because of skin allergies. Meanwhile, allergic reactions to skin care and cosmetic products were the second most frequent dermatologic diagnosis.

Licensed from Mayo Clinic, the CARD System gives physicians and patients instant access to information about chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances in skin care products that cause allergic skin reactions. The CARD System helps patients find safe products while shopping, track their allergic reactions, and electronically share information with their physician.

Hereditary breast cancer is rare. However, women with a family history of breast cancer can be at higher risk of developing the disease.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer has developed a new guide for people with a family history of breast cancer. It sets out what a family history is and how your risk is assessed, including genetic testing options. It explains what breast screening is available to people at higher risk of breast cancer and ways to manage risk.

This new guide is based on the latest available evidence, together with the experiences of women with breast cancer.

Hereditary breast cancer is associated with patterns of cancer in families. Defining a family history of breast cancer is quite complex. Breakthrough Breast Cancer defines a person’s family history as having an unusually high number of close relatives with breast cancer, often at a younger age than would normally be expected. So, having one relative diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50 or older usually would not mean that you have a family history. Other factors that can contribute to a family history are cases of male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer in both breasts, or having Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.

A family history can be classed as moderate or strong, based on the number of family members on the same side of your family with the breast cancer, how closely related they are to you, and the age they were diagnosed with the disease.

If you are concerned about any history of cancer in your family, speak with your doctor.

For more information on the free version of Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s guide on family history please visit

www.breakthroughbreastcancer.com

Calling attention to a disease that kills one American every hour. Melanoma however, if detected early, can often be successfully treated.

NYU Langone’s ABCDEs of Melanoma Still a Critical Detection Guide

Over 25 years ago, NYU Langone Medical Center developed the ABCDEs – a melanoma detection guide that provides criteria for diagnosing skin cancer including melanoma. Created by dermatologists at NYU Langone, the ABCDEs are a quick and simple guide for self examination of the skin in order to detect moles that could be cancerous. The ABCDEs for melanoma detection are:

A is for Asymmetry where one-half of the mole is unlike the other.

B is for Border where the mole is irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.

C is for Color which varies from one area to another or has different shades of tan, brown, black, and sometimes white, red, or blue.

D is for Diameter of a mole when it is bigger than the size of a pencil eraser.

E is for Evolving or changing in size, shape, or color.

Skin Cancer Checks Important for Everyone: Including African-Americans

While uncommon, skin cancer can occur in African-Americans. African-American’s typically do not worry about skin cancer and as a result do not have regular skin cancer screenings. However, dermatologists recommend that African-Americans get annual skin cancer exams and use sunscreen diligently because when skin cancer does occurs within this population the mortality tends to be high due to late detection. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer in African-Americans while basal cell carcinoma is the rarest. Malignant melanoma, the most deadly of the skin cancers, occurs in African-Americans most often on the palms or the soles of the feet. The incidence of melanoma is about 1.1 cases a year for every 100,000 African-Americans.

UVA Radiation Damages DNA in Human Melanocyte Skin Cells – Causing Mutations that Can Lead to Melanoma

A study by researchers at NYU School of Medicine found that UVA radiation damages the DNA in human melanocyte cells, causing mutations that can lead to melanoma. Melanocytes, which contain a substance called melanin that darkens the skin to protect it from the ultraviolet rays of the sun, are more vulnerable to UVA radiation than normal skin cells because they are unable to repair themselves as efficiently.

This is the first time, UVA rays have been shown to cause significant damage to the DNA of human melanocyte skin cells and because melanocytes have a reduced capacity to repair DNA damage from UVA radiation, they mutate more frequently, potentially leading to the development of melanoma. This finding that helps identify the underlying cause of melanoma may allow researchers to develop new ways to assess a person’s risk of melanoma, prevent the disease, and aid in the design of more effective treatments.

NYU Langone Study Investigates Genetic Factorsof Melanoma

NYU Langone is conducting a new study designed to investigate the genetic factors that may predispose patients to develop melanoma. Enrollment in the study includes a short questionnaire, a photograph of their back to assess the number of moles and sun damage to their skin, and a sample of their saliva to collect their DNA. Once enough study samples are collected the DNA of melanoma patients will be compared with the DNA of non-melanoma patients to identify any gene variations.

High Risk for Melanoma: Do You Have a Skin History?

Are you high risk for melanoma? Do you have a significant amount of moles, especially some that are atypical? If so, a new total body photography and mole-mapping tool called MoleSafe may be the best way to be screened fully for melanoma. The technology creates a digital, baseline skin history and allows dermatologists to track any suspicious moles or future changes in your skin over time. NYU Langone was the first academic medical center in the U.S. to use this tool – combining full body photography with the skills of highly qualified dermatologists to diagnose melanoma at the earliest possible stage.

For more information, visit www.nyulmc.org.

Copyright© NYU Langone Medical Center

Out of all the plants in Mother Nature's garden, lavender is the crown jewel. It is one of the safest and most widely used of them all – a modern day multi-tasker. It is fragrant, colorful, edible while at the same time both stimulating and soothing. Its therapeutic benefits are well documented. Every home and spa should keep a bottle of lavender within reach. 

Lavender oil's treasure chest of antiseptic and therapeutic properties comes from its natural alcohol linalool, ketones, esters, and aldehydes content; which exceptionally complement one another. Linalool kills bacteria and viruses as well as helps to heal skin irritations including burns, wounds, acne, and sores. The aldehydes in lavender are responsible for its distinct aroma and soothing properties. The ketones in lavender effectively reduce pain and inflammation and help induce sleep. The esters in lavender reduce soreness and swelling, fight fungal infections, and prevent scarring.

Medicinal Uses: Lavender is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic, sedative, and detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scarring while it also stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by stimulating the cells of a wound to regenerate more quickly. Almost all parts of the plant have a medicinal value which makes it a truly indispensable oil.

Some Quick Home Remedies:

Insomnia
Mix ten drops of lavender oil to four ounces of water into a spray bottle, lightly spray your pillow and let dry.

Minor skin irritations
Mix three drops of lavender oil with one quart of distilled water and dab on affected area daily.

Cosmetic Uses:
Its versatility makes it suitable for all skin types, including a couperose complexion. Lavender oil is a cell regenerator that helps prevent scarring and stretch marks, it has a reputation for slowing down the appearance of wrinkles. It can be used on sun-damaged skin, wounds, rashes, skin infections, varicose veins, and anything swollen. There is no better remedy for burns than lavender. This is one of the few oils that can be used undiluted to stop the itching of insect bites and on small, first-degree burns several times during the day for treatment.

Emotional Benefits:
Lavender has a balancing effect on the emotions, it both relaxes and stimulates, depending on the dosage. Quite a few studies on lavender have shown that the scent alone helps counter insomnia, depression, mental stress, anger, anxiety, improves concentration levels, one's mood, and memory.

Quick tip
Anytime you are feeling a little overwhelmed or stressed simply add a few drops of lavender oil to a cotton square or piece of gauze and hold it close to your nose and take several deep inhalations. Store it in a plastic bag to use again later.

Culinary Uses:
Using lavender in foods may seem odd when one first thinks about it, but it is not much different than adding mint or rosemary to other recipes. Lavender adds a little delicate surprise that makes your palate sit up and pay attention. All lavenders are edible, though the nuances of flavor vary widely.

As you can see there is no limit to the myriad uses of lavender. Okay, maybe it cannot do everything on your wish list, but it can do quite a bit. From medicine cabinet to the kitchen cabinet the power of lavender truly makes it a "miracle herb." There are few plants in the world that are as naturally powerful and beneficial as the lavender plant. These plants and their wonderful blossoms have healed many for centuries. Its popularity continues to grow and likely will for generations to come.

We all know we need to eat our veggies, especially with the new wave of processed food companies touting how their sauces and canned pastas now contain a full day’s allotment of vegetables.

It is a tricky definition of terms. It is really not as healthy to eat processed foods to begin with, but for them to say that using vegetables as fillers somehow makes processed foods healthy is disingenuous, at best. It is like saying “Don’t pay attention to all the chemicals, dyes, and sodium we put in the can – there is vegetables in there, too, so that makes it all okay!” We need to eat actual vegetables if we want to have a real healthy diet, and there are five key veggies at the top of this list that are the healthiest, they include:

Spinach – Popeye was right. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6. It is also a good source of fiber, copper, protein, phosphorous, zinc, vitamin E, omega 3 fatty acids, niacin, and antioxidants.

Lettuce (greenleaf, red leaf, romaine) – Lettuce is a low calorie fiber food that is also a great place to find vitamin A, folic acid, lactucarium (which helps enhance calmness and pain relief), as well as the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Lettuce also contains a good amount of anti-cancer properties.

Broccoli – Besides having great flavor and texture, Broccoli contains copious amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, and vitamin K. The minerals in broccoli include calcium, potassium, iron, and folate. A great source of fiber, broccoli also provides lots of bioflavonoids, which is an antioxidant that helps protect against cancer and heart disease.

Brussel sprouts – A staple in the diets of Asian cultures, who are among the longest lived people in the world, the crunchy garnish contains lots of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, beta carotene, and vitamin K. This is also another great anti-cancer vegetable.

Cabbage – Although best known as the partner of corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day, cabbage is a great low calorie food that contains a good amount of fiber, calcium, and vitamin C. Cabbage is incredibly packed with substantial anti-cancer agents.

When picking vegetables, fresh and frozen vegetables are better than canned vegetables, because they have less added salt. If you have to buy canned vegetables, I recommend draining the water they are packed in before preparing them to remove a good amount of the added sodium, or simply buy those veggies labeled as having low sodium. 

Broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts also contain glucosinolates, which are known for their chemoprotective agents against chemically-induced carcinogens by blocking the initiation of tumors in the liver, colon, breasts, and pancreas. These anti-cancer compounds are released more effectively when you chop those vegetables before serving, and serving them raw increases the anti-cancer benefits even more.

With all this said, I believe that it is important to note that through research I have found that the vitamin numbers go up when vegetables are cooked, but the anti-cancer compounds go down. So, I suggest that you steam or roast your vegetables in a pan for no more than seven minutes, which has proven to be a good way to keep the anti-cancer compounds and make it more edible.

Remember the olden days when you mostly talked on phones? The phone was always plugged into your business or home wall and it was used only for conversation. Those days are long gone. Seems like more and more people use their phone, or nowadays it is called a “mobile device,” for many things - except talking! Many medical spa employees and owners find that their mobile devices are useful for a lot of things:

• Surf the web – Most mobile devices can have Internet access - You can check out your vendors latest anti-aging products or look at “before” and “after” pictures from the most innovative technique.
• Do e-mail – You can easily send and receive emails on your mobile device. While waiting in line at the grocery store or waiting for a doctor’s appointment; you can save a lot of time by doing e-mails anywhere.
• Take pictures – Most phones come with a built-in camera. You can take pictures of clients and save for future reference.
• Remote access – If you have Internet access on your mobile device and you have a scheduling software program you can access your schedule and appointments right from your phone.
• Apps – If you have an iPhone, you can even get thousands of useful apps to help you run your business better.

SkinMedica, Inc., has announced that it is introducing a new, fast-acting anti-redness product, Redness Relief CalmPlex™.

This formula contains, CalmPlex™, a patented, nature-inspired ingredient that treats the underlying causes of redness by inhibiting the release of a key natural vasodilator as well as niacinamide which helps to strengthen the skin by supporting the barrier function. Ideal for sensitive skin types, this non-comedogenic formula contains no added fragrance and offers relief and results to improve overall skin appearance by neutralizing unwanted redness.

CLINICAL STUDIES:
In multiple clinical studies, Redness Relief CalmPlex™ demonstrated efficacy in relieving visible redness and improving overall skin tone. It demonstrated a 40 percent reduction in UV-induced redness in as early as three days, as well as providing significant reductions in chronic redness after one week with continued improvement through week twelve.

Physicians assessing the clinical study reported the following results after only four weeks:

• 43% reduction in appearance of visible redness
• 51% improvement in evenness of skin tone
• 49% improvement in overall severity

Participants in the study reported the following results at Week four:

• 78% of subjects reported an improvement in overall condition
• 72% of subjects reported a reduction in visible redness
• High patient satisfaction; 100% of subjects liked the product

For more information, visit www.skinmedica.com

Re-create this Spring’s must-have look – sultry, smokey, mossy-green eyes. Nothing says “hello” better than a glance from a pair of sexy eyes and all it takes are these three simple elements – boldly lined eyes, colorful smokey lids, and voluminous lashes:

1. Smudge black eyeliner along the entire upper lash line; creating a dramatic look.
2. For the perfect smokey look it is all about layering three eye shadows in three different shades that compliment one another. For this season’s Mossy-Green look start with a rich, deep metallic green and apply across your entire lid from lash line to crease, as well as underneath the bottom lash line. Follow that with the medium toned khaki-green for your creases and finish up by highlighting the brow line with a highly iridescent, pale gold eyeshadow.
3. To complete the look, apply volumizing mascara in black. The rich, lush pigment lengthens and plumps lashes, inten-sifying your look, and leaving you with glamorous eyes.