Have You Heard of Lemon Balm?

I found this article about the benefits of Lemon Balm very interesting. Being a fan of natural, organic/herbal remedies and health aids, I was surprised to find how little I knew about this plant.


Lemon Balm
By Eric Cho

Lemon Balm, or Melissa officinalis, is a sweet-scented
perennial found in southern Europe, with a striking name that
makes it ideal for cosmetic use. But is there more to this lemon
balm than meets the eye?

Lemon Balm Facts

Melissa officinalis is particularly apt to describe lemon balm
– 'Melissa' is a Greek translation meaning 'honeybee' for its
yellowish colour, and 'officinalis' denotes an engrained linkage
with medicine and therapy, which reflects lemon balm's usage for
assisting with a number of conditions. Lemon balm has been used
for thousands of years as a stimulant and sedative, and it is
frequently used in herbal teas for its calming abilities.

What does Lemon Balm Look like?

Despite its natural origins, lemon balm has been artificially
spread across the world, and has adapted perfectly to a variety
of climates and soil types. Lemon balm is so called for the
distinctive lemon smell emitted when the yellowish leaves are
picked. The leaves themselves usually form toothed heart shapes,
which bloom later on in the year from mid summer to late autumn.

Lemon balm has been cultivated across the world, and survives
in a range of different conditions. It was introduced to most of
Europe by the Romans, and now survives in moist lowlands and dry
mountains alike, adapting to the various conditions to which it
is subjected. Its bright yellow, golden leaves make it a firm
favourite with decorative and landscape gardeners, whilst
physicians and alternative therapists appreciated the healing
properties it can offer.

Benefits of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is used largely to promote relaxation and sleep.
Beyond that, it can be used in a number of treatments to help
relieve painful symptoms. Vomiting, menstrual cramps, irregular
digestion and even vertigo can be helped by lemon balm, which
was used by the Romans to revive spirits after battle, and to
boost morale. Furthermore, recent research has shown that lemon
balm might actually be useful in treating nervous disorders
through acting on and soothing specific sections of the brain.

Additionally, lemon balm can also be used for cooking with fish
and poultry, and is great as a liqueur. Why not try a marinade
of lemon balm and other herbs for white meats, or frying some
lemon balm in the pan alongside a tuna steak? Its strong
flavours work perfectly alongside fish to add a further
dimension and enhance the taste of the meat.

Lemon balm can be drunk as a tea to help curb different
sickness symptoms. To make lemon balm tea, add a teaspoon to a
cup of hot water (short of boiling) to help relaxation.
Additionally, a spoonful of peppermint works well to enhance the
effectiveness of this tea. Alternatively, why not try infusing
30 oz ground lemon balm to one and a half pints of boiling water
for five minutes? Add honey to sweeten to create an herbal
remedy that works ideally for treating digestive disorders and
complaints.

Drinking lemon balm is also thought to slow the signs of aging
and promote longer life through regular use, in addition to
clearing the digestive tract and promoting quicker metabolic
function. It can also be made into a cordial over fifteen days
with a collection of other herbs, such as mint, sage and basil,
and alcohol to help treat indigestion and heartburn.

About the Author: Lemon Balm Herbshttp://www.naturalherbalism.com/L/Lemon_Balm.html
Source: http://www.isnare.com

Periods and Hip Pain

Having suffered this symptom for years without anyone understanding, this article jumped right out at me! Years ago I would complain of this pain to my doctor, who would just prescribe pain medication. There is a certain peace of mind in knowing why this pain was happening (a worried mind can play nasty tricks) and that there are alternatives to just pill-popping. Anyway, here's the article

The Endometriosis Hip Joint Pain Link

Although not one of the more commonly known symptoms of
endometriosis, hip joint pain can be a real problem for some
sufferers.

An estimated 5-10% of the female population lives with
endometriosis, causing them great inconvenience and disruptions
in their day to day lives. The fact that endometriosis effecting
the hips and your ability to walk is not widely known means that
many women don't make the connection between the two.

Although some women who have endometriosis may not feel its
effects, the disease can manifest with various signs and
symptoms — hip joint pain being one of them.

Hip joint pain can be associated with the other symptoms that
accompany endometriosis, such as pain in the pelvic area,
increased discomfort during menstruation, constipation,
dysmenorrhea, diarrhea, pain while urinating, pain while having
sex, fatigue, lower back pain and more.

Those with more serious occurrences of endometriosis may even
become infertile. Because of these serious life-disrupting
symptoms, endometriosis is considered to be a very serious
matter in women's reproductive health.

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the endometrium, a
thin tissue lining of the uterus, appear outside the uterus and
attach themselves to neighboring organs in the abdomen,
including hip tendons.

Inline with the endometrium in the uterus these cells grow and
are shed each month. However, unlike the uterus, the menstrual
blood and tissue has no escape, causing inflammation, scarring
and over time adhesions form.

Adhesions are web-like structures made up of scar tissue that
bind internal organs and ligaments together. These stretch and
pull causing pain.

Hip joint pain caused by endometriosis is usually because
endometrial tissues have attached themselves to the sciatic
nerve, the hip ligaments or are present in the lower pelvic
region. This type of hip pain normally worsens during
menstruation and improves during the rest of the month. For some
women it can cause limping or may even effect their ability to
walk altogether.

The actual cause of the disease is still not entirely known.
Early theories about the cause of endometriosis suggested that
the misplacing of endometrial cells occurred when women had
retrograde menstruation. This is where menstrual blood goes
inward to pelvic organs instead of being flushed out of the
uterus. However, this is largely disproved since most women
experience retrograde menstruation but not all of them go onto
develop endometriosis.

Recent studies about the disease revealed that endometriosis
may result from an immune response exhibited towards the spread
of endometrial cells. Furthermore, studies also shown a genetic
link with the disease and thus heredity could be a significant
factor. Unfortunately these studies have still not come up with
a definite answer to what causes endometriosis. More studies are
being conducted about this now.

The degree of endometriosis varies greatly among women, and so
the treatment also differs quite extensively. When choosing a
treatment option, there are a number of considerations to bear
in mind.

A number of the medical treatments available are hormonal in
nature and repress the production of estrogen in the body. This
generally improves symptoms but means you will be unable to
conceive due to ovulation stopping.

For mild endometriosis symptoms you can take painkillers and
anti-inflammatories which are available either as
over-the-counter medicines or prescription pain relievers.

Some women opt for conservative surgery. This primarily
involves the removal and destruction of endometriosis implants
and adhesions. This can also help eliminate the hip joint pain
caused by the disease. Surgeries are usually done using a
laparoscope for minimal invasion, but more serious treatments
might require larger incisions.

If you're interested in discovering natural ways to combat
endometriosis symptoms, keep reading to sign up to our free
Endometriosis newsletter below.

Endometriosis hip joint pain can interfere with your life quite
dramatically each month. If you think you have the signs of the
disease, you should immediately consult your doctor. Otherwise,
it is best to regularly check with your OB/GYN to maintain good
reproductive health.

About The Author: Sign up for Shelley Ross' free Endometriosisnewsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to helpyou discover more about endometriosis hip joint pain athttp://www.treatendometriosis.com?source=is

Women Need to Eat Healthy

Following is a great article that focuses on a woman's need to eat healthy in order to preserve her health. There are some great tips to show you how easy it is to eat healthy even when you "don't have the time" to cook or want to avoid the fast food trap.....

Women and Healthy Diets

In today's modern world, women and healthy diets don't seem
to be making time for each other. Whether women are busier
now or diets are simply more complicated, that may never be
fully understood. What people do understand right now is
that women and healthy diets are connected in ways that
will affect their future health.

Excuses that Women Use... All the Time

If you were honest with yourself, the link between women
and healthy diets is something you already know. However,
you might be suffering from these normal excuses:

- I just don't have the time to (insert healthy habit here)

- I'm working longer hours

- I'm too tired to cook

- I deserve some 'naughty' foods for working so hard

- I don't want to make separate foods for myself and for my
family

- Healthy food doesn't taste good

But with each excuse, you are pushing yourself further and
further away from health and fitness. This is the time to
realize that excuses are just that... excuses!

Creating New Habits Instead

What most women don't realize is that good health doesn't
have to take up a lot of time. By simply looking for ways
to increase the nutrition in each day, women and healthy
diets can work together – without being inconvenient.

- Try adding a multivitamin to each day to ensure you're
getting the nutrition you need

- Add one piece of fruit as an afternoon snack

- Add vegetables to every meal

- Cut down to one drink a day

- Try to drink more water each day

- Let yourself cheat once a week, or have a smaller treat
everyday

When you begin to look at your health as being a series of
small steps in the right direction, you can see that it's
not that hard or time consuming to start looking after
yourself.

Convenience Will Win in the End

Many healthy women and healthy diets they choose are based
on convenience. Here are some ways that you can add
convenience to your menu:

- Try healthy frozen dinners when you don't have a lot of
time

- Cook once a week, freeze the meals in single serve
portions and reheat as needed

- Try prepackaged salads and sandwiches

- Pack your foods the night before

- Only go to restaurants with healthy choices

Good and healthy doesn't have to mean that you're
sacrificing the rest of your life. These changes can apply
to all women and healthy diets can affect all women's lives.


----------------------------------------------------
Michelle Van Otten is the founder and owner of UltimateBody Potential located in Los Gatos, Ca. UBP offerspersonal training, fitness classes, outdoor fitnessbootcamps and much more. To learn more and sign up for lotsof free information please visithttp://www.ultimatebodypotential.com/

Ok.....I'm ranting tonight!

I'm sure that I am not the only one with this complaint & I'm only venting to hopefully lower by blood pressure which has been through the roof, since visiting my OB/GYN's office today. I live in an area of West Palm Beach, Florida much like other metropolitan areas across the country, where good doctors wishing to make ooooodles of $$$$$ form a large group, thereby reducing their patients to a mere number. We need to stand up against these type of groups! There is no personalization anymore in an area that really demands it. I apologize in advance for any grammatical errors. I'm angry, in a hurry to make up for missed work today and am not going to proof any of this - it's ranting.

I have been going to this particular Doctor for a number of years. When I first started seeing her, she was only with one other female Doctor in a small office behind a Target store. Since I feel more comfortable with female OB/GYN's, I was fine with seeing either one of them. After a few years they split, one staying in my neighborhood, but forming a group with what is now 9 other doctors and the other moved a few cities away on her own (but is now with one other Dr). I visited her once, only because I could not get get an appointment within a decent time frame (should have been a clue). I couldn't continue going to her location, because of it's location and my work location, so I returned to the other partner.

This year, when trying to make my annual appointment, I had to wait 3 months! I was told that since it was "just routine" it was not a priority, but if I was having a problem, I could get an appointment in a week. She suggested that I should relay my feelings about their scheduling, to the Doctor, during my appointment. Sounds like a touchy subject! Anyway, I don't know about you, but if you're having a problem, even a week is too long.

I made the appointment three months ago, for today's date. Well, during that time my period was thrown off schedule. So, one month before this scheduled appointment (being the considerate person that I am), I called her office and explained that my period might interfere with the appointment and that I needed to cancel and reschedule. I was told that it would be another two months before I could get in, so obviously, I was a little upset that my annual visit would now be about 1 1/2 years since my last. (because of issues that arose at my last appointment) I explained this to the secretary, I'll call Karen, and she was very understanding. She scheduled an appointment for March and said that she would let my January appointment stay the way it was and that way, if I could make my January appointment, I could cancel the March appointment when I came in. Great! I was very happy and appreciative for her quick thinking.

So today, I walked in 20 minutes before my appointment, waited patiently & then was called up to the desk by the a woman who claimed to be the "supervisor" - she said that my appointment wasn't until March!!! I proceeded to tell her just what I have told you and she said they "never schedule two appointments" "it just isn't done that way" - I asked her to look at who scheduled the appointment (how I love computers) & ask her. I mean, really, why in the world would I make up such a thing? So she told me to "sit back down" and closed the 'window' (oooohhhhhhh!). Ten minutes later, she called me back up to say that Karen "didn't recall the conversation" .....of course; imagine my shock and surprise. Basically I am a liar & the smirks from the waiting room (full of pregnant women more important than I) reduced me to a non-entity. So, I asked if I could at least get the "prescription" (more medical b.s.) for my mammogram that I had already scheduled. Gee, I'd hate to have something show up on that. I might be dead before I could get an appointment.

Needless to say, and sadly to say, I'm shopping for another Doctor.

Mammogram Reminder!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October, which is when my yearly mammogram appointment is usually scheduled. Thought it was an easy way to remember when my last one was, but so much for that little trick. Yes, October came and went, November and December I used the excuse of the holidays and being too busy. Now, a friend's breast cancer discovery has me racing in for a mammography. Not the kind of reminder I wanted.

So to those of you, like me, who have put it off, or found one way or another to procrastinate, try to remember that even though the latest news reports say that the breast cancer numbers are down, it is mostly because of early detection. Breast Cancer is still the most common cancer among women, besides skin cancer, and it is the second leading cause of death due to cancer, after lung cancer.

You should start having regular mammograms at age 35, or sooner depending on your family history - check with your doctor. Most insurance programs cover at least one mammogram per year, so review your policy. I found out that I can have two per year at no charge, since I am between 40 and 49. If you do not have insurance, there are places that offer low cost to free mammograms sever times per year - check with your local health agencies.

Remember that monthly self examinations, regular check-ups and mammograms are the key to early detection.

The Fight Against Breast Cancer: Going Green

By Marcus Stout
In the past few years, a number of women have turned to green vegetables in an effort to attempt to lower their risk of breast cancer. With the disease affecting as many as one in eight American women, it is only natural that women look to natural remedies in an attempt to improve their odds in the fight against this all-too-prevalent kind of cancer.


Increasingly, though, researchers are looking to another green food in an effort to cut breast cancer risk—green tea. While black tea and chamomile tea have long been thought to soothe nerves and combat depression, it is green tea which is making headlines in the world of cancer research.


A number of animal and laboratory studies have shown that green tea can be highly effective in fighting tumors in the mammary tissues. But only recently has the scientific community been able to address the effect of green tea on breast cancer in human beings.


A Case in Point


One significant study indicated that green tea extract prevents breast cancer cells from producing a chemical that leads to tumors. University of Southern California researcher Anna H. Wu and her team noted the dietary and lifestyle choices of more than 500 women with breast cancer and nearly 600 women without cancer in Los Angeles. The women were of Asian descent and ranged in age from 25 to 74. The researchers found that the healthy women were far more likely to consume green tea. And those breast cancer patients who did drink green tea were likely to consume less of it than the healthy women were. In fact, drinking less than six tablespoons of green tea a day appeared to cut a woman’s risk for breast cancer by as much as 30 percent.
Unfortunately, women who consume a great deal of black tea do not appear to be protected from the onset of breast cancer. Since black tea is more popular in Western nations than green tea, such news can be disappointing. But the fact that green tea’s popularity is gaining strength in the West means that Western women could enjoy the same breast cancer protection that green tea drinkers in the Far East have enjoyed for years.


Green Tea and Breast Cancer Recurrence


But what about women who have already experienced breast cancer? Is it possible for them to reduce their chances of a recurrence by downing cups of green tea?


As you might expect, scientific researchers have been asking the same questions. For instance, a Japanese research team addressed those issues in their article, “Regular Consumption of Green Tea and the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Follow-up Study from the Hospital-based Epidemiologic Research Program at Aichi Cancer Center (HERPACC), Japan.”


As the Asian researchers noted, various studies indicate that green tea can inhibit the development and growth of tumors. Given that fact, they thought it helpful to examine the link between regular green tea consumption and the risk of a recurrence of breast cancer.


The researchers studied 1160 new surgical cases of female breast cancers between June of 1990 and August of 1998. About 12 percent, or 133 of the subjects, appeared to experience a cancer recurrence. But those women who consumed three or more cups of green tea each day were less likely to see their breast cancer make a comeback.


The reduced rate of recurrence was most likely among those women with stage 1 and stage 2 breast cancer. However, the link was not apparent for those women with more advanced stages of the cancer.


Cautiously Optimistic


The researchers cautioned that these results need to be interpreted carefully. However, they do suggest that breast cancer patients who drink green tea daily may be able to prevent their cancer from returning—especially if their cancer was diagnosed in the early stages. Therefore, the research team has reason to be cautiously optimistic about the cancer-fighting capabilities of green tea.


A Closer Look at Green Tea


In order to fully understand the potential of green tea as a cancer prevention method, it is first necessary to examine the composition of the beverage. There are a number of compounds that make up green tea, including polyphenols and flavonoids, caffeine, carbohydrates, tannins, fluoride, and aluminum.



As far as cancer prevention is concerned, the most critical substance is the polyphenols—chemicals which act as antioxidants. These substances block cell replication enzymes and therefore prevent the growth of cancer in the process.


In a number of studies, researchers gave rats with breast tumors green tea to consume. These rats were then compared with rats which drank water alone. Interestingly enough, the rats which had been drinking green tea saw their tumor size reduced considerably. In addition, the studies indicated that new tumors were less likely to develop in rats which drank green tea.


How Much is Enough?


Still, you might be wondering how much green tea you would need to consume in order to significantly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Generally, doctors say that you need to consume at least three to four cups of green tea each day—without additives such as milk or sugar—in order to see an impact.


Does decaffeinated green tea offer the same health benefits? Actually, that depends upon the manner in which the caffeine has been removed from the tea. If a solvent has been used to decaffeinate the tea, it will contain reduced levels of EGCG, lessening its effectiveness as a cancer prevention tool. You might also consider taking your green tea in capsule form, although there is little hard evidence to indicate that the capsules are as effective as the beverage in cutting cancer risk.


A Final Note


A woman who has experienced breast cancer has no guarantees that her cancer will never reappear. Even if she begins drinking green tea, she might still undergo a recurrence. However, the available evidence suggests that her risk of facing a second bout of breast cancer decreases significantly when she becomes a green tea drinker.


About the Author: Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and wu long tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com


Source: www.isnare.com

Toxic Shock Syndrome Awareness

There was a lot of press about Toxic Shock Syndrome back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, however nowadays you never see much about it, aside from the little leaflets you may find inside of a tampon box. Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS, is most commonly associated with tampon use, specifically the use of super-absorbent tampons, and it remains a fact that about half of all TSS cases are tampon related. What you may not know is that Toxic Shock Syndrome can affect anyone – men, women and children. Aside from tampon use, Toxic Shock Syndrome has also been associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm, cuts, scrapes, a blood infection called septicemia, surgical wounds, and even chickenpox blisters.

Toxic Shock Syndrome is classified as a systemic illness, meaning it affects the entire body. It can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (commonly referred to as Staph), which produce toxins. Another bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, which is even more rare, is another cause of TSS. People who cannot fight these toxins become sick. Although this condition is rare, it can be a dangerous and potentially fatal condition.

Signs and symptoms of TSS develop very suddenly. Symptoms can include: Sudden high fever of at least 102 degrees Fahrenheit, a drop in blood pressure which may be associated with fainting or feeling faint, sunburn like rash, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, confusion, and pale, cool, clammy skin.

You should call your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome, especially if you are having your period or if it has just ended and you have been using tampons. Doctors typically diagnose TSS by doing a physical exam and conducting blood tests that assess liver and kidney function, in order to rule out any other possible conditions. If they determine that it is TSS, treatment could involve hospitalization and antibiotics.

The best way to prevent tampon associated TSS is by using the lowest absorbency tampon possible and by alternating tampon use with the use of sanitary pads. Change tampons frequently, at least every four to eight hours. If you use tampons when sleeping, try to remember to change to a fresh one just before bed and change it as soon as you wake. It is also a good idea to store your supply of tampons in a cool, dry area, since the heat and moisture of a bathroom are breeding grounds for bacteria. If you have had TSS before, you should not use tampons.

Hand washing is very important in preventing the spread of bacteria that causes TSS and other infections, so try to remember to take extra care when washing your hands, especially during your period, and always wash before changing your tampon. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap, scrubbing for a full 15 seconds before rinsing and drying. Taking just a few precautions can help to prevent your chances of getting TSS.

Laugh Lines - Ha!

What happened to my face? I guess mom was right, keep making that face and it will freeze that way! Whatever they're called…..laugh lines, worry lines, character lines, frown lines and one of the most unflattering descriptions, crows feet...not so cute nicknames. Ugh! They’re just another one of life’s cruel jokes, sneaking up on you over time, but seemingly appearing overnight. Over time, some lines form due to habitual facial expressions or movements, such as frowning or squinting, and some of the other lines are caused by outside factors like air pollution and sun exposure. I'll just check ' all of the above.'

Preventing and eliminating lines and wrinkles in our aging skin has become somewhat of a preoccupation among many people today, largely due to the premium our society places on a youthful look. Aging with dignity for some, cannot be accomplished without the help of a myriad of cosmetic products or even plastic surgery! It’s never too late to learn which elements can expedite wrinkles, and what you can do to slow down the inevitable aging process. Believe it or not, some of the solutions are very simple and won't break the bank.

Cigarette smoking, besides leading you to an early grave, has been known to contribute to wrinkles and aging skin disorders. Smoking for a number of years can lead to those deep lines radiating from your lips.

Air pollution and the effects on our ozone layer have been known to deplete important antioxidant (vitamin E for example) in our skin.

Sun exposure (both UVA and UVB rays) causes damage to your skin, which leads to wrinkles, along with other skin disorders and cancer. Even small amounts of ultraviolet radiation can start the chemical processes in your skin that leads to wrinkles.

What can you do? Well, it is really a matter of just using your common sense. Stop smoking – yes, easier said than done. Use sunscreen regularly (SPF 15 to 30) and make sure that it contains both UVA and UVB protection. There are many inexpensive moisturizers on the market that contain sunscreen, so it's not an added step in your routine, since you should be moisturizing after cleansing anyway. Eating well, getting plenty of rest, taking antioxidant supplements and making sure to drink plenty of water is vital in maintaining your skin's health and youthful glow. Eliminate caffeinated beverages, or at least reduce the amount you drink, and replace it with water. This was a hard habit for me to break, but now I really do prefer a nice cold glass of water over a soda and find it much more refreshing. Drinking water is probably the single most important aid in wrinkle prevention…think of it as moisturizing from the inside!

Perimenopause – A New Beginning

By Susan Megge

Perimenopause, the transitional period before menopause, can bring with it many symptoms, challenges and changes for women. You may notice that you’ve gained some weight, particularly around your mid section, or perhaps your periods aren’t as regular as they once were. You may also be experiencing hot flashes or night sweats and you’re wondering if this time in your life marks the end of your youth.


According to several studies, the answer is “absolutely not.” As a matter of fact, perimenopause can very well signal the beginning of a more mature, happy, beautiful and energetic you – if you have the determination and self-control that are necessary ingredients in the fountain of youth.


You may believe that the days of feeling youthful and full of energy are history, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Maybe you witnessed your mother – or perhaps aunts – get older and the results weren’t pretty. Believe it or not, that has very little to do with you. As a matter of fact, a study conducted by Swedish scientists found that our genes only contribute 20% - 30% in determining how healthy we’ll be and how long we’ll live. That’s very good news, because this means that it is we who determine our fate.


Three key factors to staying youthful and reducing symptoms of perimenopause are: Diet, exercise and a healthy, positive attitude. Unfortunately, most women don’t believe in healthy eating and exercise. As a matter of fact, far too many people become complacent and are more than happy to sit around watching television or writing e-mails, yet the excuse is always the same – “I don’t have time to exercise and eat healthy.” If you were to face unfavorable health conditions and severe symptoms of periomenopause (likely as result of an inactive lifestyle) there’s no doubt you would find the time to seek and receive treatment. Why not use that time for preventative maintenance on your body so that you may reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and many other conditions that so many women face as they enter middle age?


Let’s take a moment to examine the lifestyle of many Americans who are now living past the age of 100. Those individuals currently living past the age of 100 never inactively sat behind a desk, ate fatty processed foods, experienced road rage, or believed that exercising no more than their fingers at the computer was a sufficient amount of activity for the day. Let’s face it, in the early 1900s people walked miles to work not by choice but out of necessity, because cars were still a luxury back then. Boys and girls were expected to till the fields because their farmer parents needed cheap help. People ate what they grew because it was available. Most labor was manual then, and most nutrients were natural. Preserved food was what they sealed in a jar. Tobacco and alcohol were available in the early 1900s, but the majority of today's centenarians didn't indulge to excess.


The lifestyle changes necessary to look and feel youthful and energetic, and reduce symptoms or perimenopause, are so very easy and you’ll be thrilled that you took the time to make these changes, because the results will astound you. Your diet doesn’t need to be so strict that you can’t enjoy those foods that you love. As a matter of fact, recent studies have shown that the consumption of cocoa or dark chocolate may offer protective effects for healthy people and those who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. So, go ahead and enjoy your chocolate – if consumed in moderation, and as part of a well balanced diet, it may be very good for your overall health.


Additionally, red wine has been proven to increase longevity, serve as an antioxidant and may reduce the risk or spread of breast cancer. Also, as you may know, a strong association between moderate consumption of red wine and reduced cardiovascular disease and lower cancer risk has been documented.


So, as you can see, many foods and beverages that you thought you’d have to give up can easily remain a part of your everyday diet. Foods you will want to avoid, however, include those that will contribute to fat accumulation, such as white rice, potatoes and white bread. Instead, add wholegrain bread, oats, rye and wheat germ to your diet.


I know you’re probably not fond of the word “exercise,” as many women don’t understand the benefits of a regular exercise routine – both physical and emotional – but you will be shocked and amazed by the positive results you’ll see by devoting a small amount of time to regular physical activity. You’ll lose the weight you’ve gained around your mid section, and you’ll become toned, fit and thin. You’ll also have much more energy, which is likely a result of being in better shape, as well as knowing that you’ve accomplished a great deal, which leads to so much more self confidence than most of us are accustomed to having.


In summary, perimenopause really can be the start of a beautiful new beginning if you should choose to make it so. Remember, it’s up to you; do you want to become frumpy, overweight and lacking energy, or will you devote a small amount time and effort to looking and feeling youthful, energized and beautiful? I know I’m experiencing some of the best years of my life and if I can do it, so can you – enjoy!


About the Author: Susan Megge is the founder of http://www.40isbeautiful.com, a website designed to assist mature women as they approach and experience menopause. Susan started experiencing symptoms of menopause several years ago and researched various avenues to deal with these symptoms naturally.


Source: www.isnare.com

Proper Bra Sizing: What Every Woman Should Know

By Jessica Valentine

Most women do not wear the correct bra size. With monthly water retention cycles, dieting, and general aging, it also should not be assumed that the size you were two years ago is the same size you are today (or that a bra can be worn that long, for that matter). Even a change of 5 pounds can change your bra size. This guide will help you to properly measure your bust, so that you can find the size for you.

While most shops will have a salesperson to assist you in proper measurements, in order to buy sexy lingerie from a catalog, it is important to know your size.

How To Know If Your Current Bra Does Not Fit

The back rides up. This may mean that the cups are too small, or the band is too tight. The front of the band is too tight to get a finger under it. This means you need a larger band.

The bra cups should be entirely filled, or you may need a smaller cup. If, on the other hand, the cups are overflowing, you may need a larger cup or a different style of bra.

If the underwire digs in, you may need a larger cup size. (Or your bra could just be very old. In either case, it's time to replace it.) This could also be an indication that the side wings of the bra are not large enough.

Proper Measurements

First, you will need three measurements: under bust, upper bust, and full bust. For under the bust, measure directly under your bust. With all measurements, hold the tape secure but not too tight. For the upper bust, measure above the bust and below the arms.

If the difference between the under and upper bust is less than two inches, the under bust is your band size (round up to nearest even number). If the difference is more than two inches, add 2-3" to the under bust measurement to get an even number and use this as your band size. For the full bust, measure around a fullest part of your breast. Make sure the tape is secure around the back.

Your cup size is determined by your full bust measurement - your upper bust measurement. If the difference is less than 1", you are a AA, 1" is an A, 2" is a B, 3" is a C, 4" is a D, 5" is a DD (or an E), etc.

Beyond Measurements

Of course, your measurements are just the beginning. There are other things to keep in mind when looking for a comfortable, yet sexy bra.

When trying on different bras, make sure that the area in between the two cups actually comes into contact with your chest. Do not make the straps support your breast alone! This will be very uncomfortable over long periods of time, the bra will wear out quickly, and the pressure on the straps can cause back problems.

If you are finding the band sizes to differ for a different brand, you may also need to change your cup size. Generally, as you decrease the band size, you will need to increase your cup size, while a larger band will call for a smaller cup.

Bra Styles

Different styles of bras have different fits. Beware the convertible bras: while they may sometimes work, it is rare that every possible style will work for your body.

Full Cup / Full Coverage - Designed for support, these bras cover the entire breast.

Half Cup / Demi Cup - These bras cover 75 percent of the breast. This is a sexy cut that increases cleavage, but make sure your breasts are not "cut-off" in the center. Your profile should still be smooth, and if it isn't, you need a larger cup size.

Underwire Bras - These bras give the most support.

Racerback Bras - These bras have a crossover pattern in the back. They can have a front or back clasp, or can simply pull over the head. This is a common style for a sports bra.

Halter-Top Bras - As the name imply, these bras have a strap that loops around the neck, rather than the usual shoulder straps. These bras can increase cleavage, and can be worn with both halter tops and tops with low center coverage.

Backless Bras - While some backless bras literally have only front coverage, generally this refers to bras with extremely low backs, so that many dresses with low backs can be worn without the bra showing.

Strapless Bras - These bras have no straps at all, only the band. Some of these can cover the stomach area as well, and some even cover the body like a leotard. These longer strapless bras tend to stay in place better.

Padded Bras / Push-Up Bras - These bras have extra padding in the cups in order to give the illusion of a larger breast and/or to increase the cleavage. The padding can be made of the same material as the bra, foam, or gel. Gel is becoming more popular because of its more natural look. In some bras, the padding is removable.

Décolleté - These bras are lower cut than a demi bra, allowing you to wear something even lower cut without revealing your bra.

Light-Support Bras - These bras have no underwire. While you may be tempted to wear one to an all-day event, if you are larger than an A cup, you may not be getting the support you need. A properly fitted bra will be comfortable whether or not it has underwire.

Sports Bra - These bras are designed to minimize bouncing during athletic activity. While some inexpensive varieties do this by squishing your breasts, it is better to find on that is sized by cup sizes (as opposed to small, medium, and large) and get fitted as you would with a regular bra. Over the long term, this will increase your comfort.

Nursing Bras - For the convenience of nursing mothers, these bras have a snap on each of the shoulder straps, so she can easily remove them to feed the baby without taking off the entire bra. Generally, nursing bras are full-coverage for the added support a new mother needs.

Now you can order all your intimate apparel with confidence! So next time you find the perfect little black dress, you can be sure you will look your best

About the Author: Jessica Valentine is a successful writer and publisher interested in women’s apparel providing valuable tips and advice on finding sexy lingerie, lingerie fit, and lingerie buying guides for men. Read her most recent report, "Styles To Make You Look Like a Lingerie Model".

Source: www.isnare.com

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