Know you baby gender

There are a number of wives' tales that claim to predict the sex of your baby. Some of them talks about your diet while you’re pregnant, the way you walk, carrying low or something about the fetal heartbeat of the baby. You should've known that none of these myths are proven. The best way of predicting your baby gender is the use of scientific method that is backed up by medical technology.

The Myths

Despite the advancements in technology and ways to determine the sex of the baby, there are even stranger myths that claim to predict it. The most common are the following:

• Your baby's heartbeat. Measuring your baby’s heartbeat is claimed to predict the baby’s sex. Girls have higher heartbeats than boys. Although trials have tested this theory, the baby’s heartbeat is still influenced by factors such as the age of the fetus (number of weeks) and the level of activity at the time the heartbeat is counted. Thus, there is still no link made between the baby’s heartbeat and its sex.
• Your baby's position on the stomach. It is also believed that if the belly hangs or in front, you are having a boy. When it's high right in the middle, your baby is going to be a girl. This is also considered a myth since carrying is only related to muscle toning and how the baby is positioned inside the womb. Your body shape and how much you gain determines how the baby is carried in your womb.
• Food cravings. Having a sweet tooth or craving for sweets would indicate that your baby is going to be a boy and a girl if you crave sour foods. Food cravings such as these are related to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and are not related to the sex of your baby.

There are a lot more myths that are believed to be predictors of the sex of your baby and there is no harm believing them. Women who are pregnant for the first time are usually the ones susceptible in believing such claims as they are so concerned about doing things right owing to the excitement of a baby coming to become part of the family.

How will you be able to know the sex of your baby?

Genetics basically determine the baby’s gender. Understanding how genetics work in such determination is a tedious and complicated process. To make it simple, humans have one pair of sex chromosomes. Males have one X chromosome and  one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. The presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the sex of the baby (which makes the male determinants of sex of the baby subsequently). Each sperm cell has either X or Y chromosome. The chromosome that is contained in the sperm cell that fertilizes the egg cell determines the sex of the baby.

Using ultrasonography in detecting a baby's gender

Ultrasound is one of the tests that are used to provide at least 80% to 90% accuracy as to what the sex of your baby may be. This is usually done during the 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. The accuracy also depends on the view of the technician during the scanning. This technique of determining your baby gender involves the use of a device called a transducer that emits a sound wave that helps in viewing the structures inside the body. It is possible to get a view on the size of your baby, listen to its heartbeat and view the body parts of the baby including the spine, brain and kidneys. Through an ultrasound, it is possible to view the baby's genital as well, which helps in determining the baby gender.

Amniocentesis and Chorionic Villi Sampling

Amniocentesis may be done during 15 to 18 weeks of pregnancy. In this procedure, your doctor will use a long, fine needle to carefully remove a sample of your amniotic fluid. This will contain the cells of the baby which are then analyzed. The chorionic villi sampling (CVS), on the other hand, is done earlier at about 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. However, these tests are both invasive and are usually saved for diagnosis of chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome.

The Chinese Gender Predictor

There is also another way of predicting the baby gender using the Chinese gender predictor. The process has been practiced as part of the ancient Chinese tradition about 700 years ago. The prediction of the baby gender involves the use of the Chinese lunar age at the day when you get pregnant and determining the lunar month of your expected birth delivery. There is however no scientific proof that supports this kind of prediction for a baby gender.

If you want a fail proof way of predicting your first baby gender, Click Here! to find out more.

The science behind a good jump training consists of getting the right exercise and training that is focused on allowing you in attaining your goals. Good athletes will always tell you your training gears are not mainly responsible in getting a good high jump such as an expensive pair of shoes. What you need is the proper muscular training that will bring the fast and low twitch muscle fibers come into active function in order to give you the best surge of power to get that high jump that you aim of getting. Keeping the muscles strong and agile while making your central nervous system activity highly functional are what it takes to get the best high jump over.

Balance and strength jump training

Learning how to perform a good high jump doesn't happen overnight. You need to engage in a jump training consisting of balance and strength training in order to prepare the body to do the high jump you aim of doing. It also involves preparing the body's physiologic response to high jumping, especially when you need to accelerate the body movement during a jump. To do this, it is necessary to draw out force and strength in order to have a good initiation for high jumping. Jumping high requires force, strength and balance and most importantly, the body need a consistent jump training for better conditioning for a more powerful vertical jumping.

Key exercise for effective jump training

For an effective jump training protocol, it is crucial to include the following exercises in order to obtain better results.

1.       Deep squatting

Doing deep squatting exercises will provide you better acceleration for doing a vertical jump. Studies have shown that there is about 8% improvement on the vertical jump performance of athletes after a 10-week jump training consisting of deep full range squats. This type of activity aims to strengthen the gluteal and hamstring muscles that are called to perform during the initiation of a jump.

2.       Squat and deadlifts

Squatting and deadlifting are effective exercises in strengthening both the gluteus and hamstring muscles that are the prime movers of the hip. The gluteus or gluteal muscle is known to increase the vertical jump performance by 40% more. The hamstring muscles that are located behind the thigh, on the other hand, is known to improve vertical jumping by 25%. Both the squatting exercise and deadlifts can improve your body's biomechanics during a jump training.

3.       Depth jump training

Your jump training should consist of depth jumping, which is important in helping the body to learn how to gain the momentum on the reaction time involved when activating the lower leg muscles to catch air. This activity is usually performed by standing on a box that is about 6 to 8 inches high and then set to jump off. As your feet reach the ground, try to jump as high as you can. As you jump in an athletic position, try to recover and then begin the cycle again by stepping back again on the box to initiate another set of jump.

4.       Do plyometrics

The British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that doing plyometrics can contribute to about an 8% increase in the improvement of a vertical jump. The exercise helps to optimize the stretch shortening cycle that is involved in high jumping. With plyometrics being integrated with your jump training consisting of strength, power and flexibility exercises, you can expect maximum improvement on your counter movement jumps. Professional athletes are getting more inclined in incorporating plyometrics on their jump training for best results.

Use these basic but important exercises that can help you attain the best results out of your jump training.

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A child with ADHD to be hyperactive

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a common mental disorder seen in about 8 to 10 percent of school age children. It is characterized by behavior problems with the child having trouble in focusing his attention on a particular task or activity. They tend to be hyperactive and most parents describe their child with ADHD as having a world of its own. It can be a frustrating situation for parents to have a child with ADHD, but the condition is manageable with the proper treatment and therapy.

Recognizing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children

The early recognition of ADHD helps in the management process in helping the child and the parents cope with the condition. Children with ADHD may manifest both the inattentive type of symptoms or the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD or both.

1. The inattentive type of ADHD symptoms

A child manifest the inattentive type of ADHD symptoms when the inability to pay attention to details and instructions is apparent. The child is usually careless and cannot retain information more accurately. There is the difficulty of sustaining information communicated and the problem of organization is very common. The child often do not like to perform tasks that involve mental activities and has the tendency of being forgetful and most of the time appears to be distracted.

2. The hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD symptoms

A child with the hyperactive-impulsive ADHD behavior is often very talkative and always on the go. Their energy level is very high and tend to be squirming all the time. They never stay in one place. Instead, they like to run around most of the time. They tend to be impatient with the difficulty of waiting for their turn during an activity.

Common causes for ADHD in children

Genetics has a strong relation to the development of ADHD, but there are other causative factors identified as contributory to the development of ADHD in children.

• Genetic history has a strong correlation to the development of ADHD. Researchers believe that there are specific genes that are responsible for causing the ADHD symptoms. A thinner brain tissue is apparent among children with ADHD that is responsible for the attention deficit commonly seen in the condition and it is common among children having a specific gene suspected of causing ADHD.
• Traumatic brain injury is also suspected to cause the ADHD symptoms, but only a few children with the condition have a history of TBI.
• Exposure to harmful chemicals in the environment is also known to cause ADHD. The exposure to secondhand smoke is likely to contribute to the abnormalities in the brain activity and alcohol drinking during pregnancy can also result in ADHD.
• Medical researchers also pointed out food additives as the culprit in causing the manifestations of the ADHD symptoms in children, more particularly in the hyperactivity response of the child. Artificial colors or preservatives are the current interest of researchers in discovering its contribution in causing ADHD to occur.

Symptoms of ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD

Because ADHD in children manifest itself differently according to the child personalities, behavior and temperament, a closer observation is required in order to detect the condition at its early stage. Children with ADHD will show different levels of energy which is often mistaken as a normal behavior until it manifests on a certain extreme level. The symptoms of ADHD usually become apparent at the age of three, sometimes when the child reaches six years old.

Both the parents and the teachers are in the best position to take notice of the child's unusual behavior. Teachers often suspect the child's abnormal behavior when the child gets out of control in the classroom, has difficulty in paying attention in class and following the rules. Taking the child to a pediatrician will help rule out the other possible causes for the child's unhealthy behaviors. Most of the time, a specialist will go over the child's performance in class and school records to find the common patterns of ADHD symptoms. The physician will also investigate about the child's environment that may cause a stressful situation that tend to induce their symptomatic behavior for ADHD.

Proper management of ADHD

Both the parents and the teachers need to know the proper management of ADHD in order to help the child cope with their condition. Managing distractions will help the child manage their difficulty in retaining instructions. Teachers usually ask the child with ADHD to sit in the front row in order to avoid distractions and to help them focus on the class discussion. It is also easier for the teacher to provide assistance to the child when needed.

Providing ADHD children with a clear instruction will help them focus on the important details given to them. Breaking down the instructions into steps and dividing activities into smaller tasks can help the child accomplish more. Children with ADHD are likely to be hyperactive and you can help them release their energy by assigning them in doing tasks such as cleaning the house and helping chores will make them more productive while using their high level of energy.

Medication and treatment

There is no known cure for ADHD. Medication treatments are prescribed in controlling the symptoms, but they do not provide a cure. Drugs can help the child improve their attention span and control hyperactivity. Behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and counselling are also among the resorted measures in helping the child and his family in coping up with the condition.

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Child Anxiety

A child can be in an emotional state called anxiety which is a normal behavior, but can be extreme in certain cases. It is a normal behavior to be afraid or fear about something in certain situations. The feeling of being extremely terrified about something, however, can become a difficult situation for a child and parents need to learn how to help their children overcome anxiety and teach them the proper way of coping.

When anxiety is a normal response

The feeling of anxiety can help the person identify and anticipate dangers that helps in determining the proper ways of dealing with the situation. Child anxiety usually manifests as the feeling of being concerned, worries, tense, nervous and cautious. Even babies manifest the feeling of anxiety by crying when they are hungry or show a defiant behavior such as tantrums to express how they feel. There are different causes why anxiety occurs in children. Among the common sources of anxiety include the following:

• Sudden changes in the environment
• Transitions occurring in the family circumstances
• Peer pressure
• Fear of social acceptance
• Struggles to belong in a group
• Academic pressures and difficulties
• Community violence
• Traumatic experiences

When anxiety becomes a problem

The child's ability to cope with a stressful situation will define whether anxiety becomes an issue or not. A child who has the inability to cope with anxiety often manifest the following symptoms:

• Aggression
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Negative thinking
• Self criticism
• Defiant behavior
• Opposing behavior
• Tantrums
• Crying
• Headaches and fatigues
• Constant worrying
• Perfectionism
• Procrastination
• Sleeping difficulties
• Excessive separation anxiety
• Withdrawal syndrome
• Avoidance behavior
• Eating problems
• Poor concentration

Give the child comfort and support

Helping the child cope with anxiety

Child anxiety may become out of proportion according to the present situation which calls the attention for proper management to help the child develop a healthy coping ability. Teaching the child some coping skills and providing support can ease their difficulty in dealing with a stressful situation and anxiety.

It is important to respect your child's fears and anxiety in order to help connect with them and help them to get through the process of overcoming their feelings. It is important to recognize their feelings to be able to give them the comfort that help is available. Providing verbal assurance to a child can help ease their discomfort and anxiety levels. Giving a child a soothing and comforting words can put them on a relaxing condition. Cuddling, hugging, holding and singing a lullaby can put the child at ease and can these comforting actuations may be enough to release the tension that the child feels and in assuring the child that he is safe.

Encouraging your child to be brave is another way to help them cope with their fears. Rewarding the child for showing a brave behavior for overcoming their anxiety is a good mechanism to make the child learn their ability to cope with stress. Teaching the child what to do in dealing with a situation will essentially make them understand that they can do something about the situation and that they can be in control of their anxiety.

Teaching the child relaxation techniques is also a proven way of helping them cope with anxiety. Breathing exercises consisting of slow, deep breathing will help them relax. Teach them to imagine good things when they feel frustrated or angry about something for diversion. Teaching the child some problem solving activities will help them learn how to look for their own strategies of coping with stress. The activity will enable them to learn their ability and skills in resolving difficult situations that can relieve their anxiety levels.

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Natural way of whitening your skin

If you are one of the millions of people around the world who wish to have a lighter and a fair complexion, then you are probably looking for the most effective ways to whiten your skin. There are many cosmetics that are offering the promise of a fair, beautiful skin, but every consumer should be aware of the fact that cosmetics may include harmful chemicals that can be unsafe for the skin. While some of these chemicals can be harmful to your skin, there could be other adverse effects that may occur that could affect your health in general. According to a survey by the British Skin Foundation, 16% of dermatologists believe that lightening creams are unsafe, and 80% believe that only creams prescribed by dermatologists are safe. It is your best judgment to resort to using the natural and safe way to whiten your skin by finding good organic products and home remedy treatments that are considered safer and healthier to the skin.

Natural Ways to Whiten Your Skin

If you prefer to use the natural way of whitening the skin, there are many natural foods, vitamins, and minerals that are known to have lightening qualities in them.

• Lemon

When added in water or rubbed directly on the skin from the pulp, lemon can produce a lightening effect to the skin. It is said that citric acid or vitamin C is abundant in lemon, lime, orange, and other citrus fruits. It plays a major part in the production of collagen which helps keep the skin firm.  Citric acid has also been shown to slow down the activity of overactive melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin in the lowest layers of the skin which causes the skin to tan or become darker.

• Aloe Vera Gel

When taken directly from the Aloe Vera plant, Aloe Vera gel can mitigate hyperpigmentation, rebuild cells and even the skin tone.  Likewise, new cell growth is encouraged by the cooling effects of aloe.

• Niacin (Vitamin B-3)

Niacin is known to suppress the production of melanin (pigment) to the skin. Vitamin B applied to localized areas of the skin discoloration or dryness improves the ability of the skin to retain moisture.  The result is a softer, smoother, and more supple skin.

• Morus Alba

Morus Alba or white mulberry extract naturally inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase. Tyrosinase triggers the production of melanin which is a broad term for a family of pigments in the skin that can cause skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

• Yogurt

Aside from possessing many nutrients that are good for overall health, yogurt also contains lactic acid that has bleaching properties. It is applied and used in treating all skin types by simply leaving the yogurt on the skin and washing it off with a lukewarm water after a few minutes. When done once a day for several weeks, a noticeable change in the complexion will become apparent.

• Garbanzo bean flour

Garbanzo bean flour is one of the best natural sources for people who wish to lighten their skin complexion. Simply mix some garbanzo bean (chick pea) flour with a small amount of water to make a thick paste and then apply it on the face, hands and legs to whiten your skin. Allow the paste to dry and then wash off the application with water.

• Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian gooseberry)

Like the citrus fruits, the extract from this plant has an antioxidant component with unique antimicrobial properties and copious amounts of Vitamin C. Emblica protects the skin from photo-damage, effectively reducing wrinkles, holding in check the formation of melanin, and helping the skin to retain natural moisture.

• Honey

Honey helps lighten the skin while also acting as a moisturizing agent. Dry skin is a common factor that contributes to blotchy, uneven skin color and tones. Honey is also an antibacterial that can help age spots dim, and smooth out acne scars. Apply a pure honey on the face, leaving it on for a few minutes and then wash it with lukewarm water. A skin lightening mask can be made by combining one teaspoon of honey and one of lemon juice, one tablespoon of powdered milk, and one-half teaspoon of almond oil. Mix well and apply gently to the skin.  Apply every other day, and leave on for 10 to15 minutes, washing it off with cold water for best results.

• Teas

Teas are an excellent antioxidant and researches have shown that drinking tea can lower peroxides, a major cause of  skin burn and roughness.

• Beetroot

Beetroot purges toxins through the body's metabolism.  It contains potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, fiber and vitamins A, B, and C that will help lighten and make the complexion look fairer.

Chemicals Used for Skin Whitening

There are also synthetic products known to help whiten your skin and they are usually commercially available at any dermatology centers and local cosmetic stores. Most of these whitening products contain the following chemicals that are known to produce skin whitening effects.

• Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is an organic compound known to be a strong suppressor of melanin. It helps to lighten the skin without any bleaching effects. Its main action is to inhibit melanin production on the skin that is responsible for hyperpigmentation and skin darkening. Some countries ban products containing hydroquinone however, owing to the speculations that it may contain carcinogenic chemicals. There is no actual study that can support the actual health risks of the chemical however. Topical applications on the other hand have reported minor negative reaction on the skin when used in high concentrations. The adverse reaction is higher among African women and the reaction usually takes place when it is applied alongside other skin lightening agents such as glucocorticoids or mercury iodine. Hydroquinone has been shown to cause leukemia in mice and other animals, however through heavy oral dosage.

• Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are often used as ingredients in cortisone cream, which is known to help reduce skin itching and dry, flaky skins. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps prevent skin breakouts while producing a lightening effect to the skin.

• Mercurials

Simply known as mercury, mercurials are as compound known for its lightening effects. However, it is rarely used in many cosmetics owing to the body immune system's sensitivity to mercury that can cause bodily reactions. Metallic mercury vapors or organic mercury may affect many different areas of the brain and their associated functions, resulting in many disorders, including personality changes, tremors, changes in sight (constriction the field of vision), deafness, muscle incoordination, loss of sensation and difficulties with memory. 

Lastly, there are many variations of natural foods, minerals, and herbal agents that can offer the safest, not to mention the tasty ways of achieving a lighter skin tone. You can whiten your skin safely using the natural healing power of nature without the risk of toxicity. Choosing the right products to apply on the skin in order to obtain the desired whitening effect is crucial to protect yourself against the harmful effects of skin whitening chemicals that can possibly do more harm than good to your skin health.

Discover a Safer Way to Whiten Your Skin by Clicking Here!

Breast Implant

The decision of getting a breast enlargement is usually affected by different views and reasons. Women who want to enhance their physical appearance to improve their self-esteem and confidence find that breast enlargement can provide them a sense of self worth and accomplishment. Others want to enhance their breast features owing to career and employment reasons such as celebrities and models. Getting a fuller, youthful looking and toned breast is now possible with various cosmetic surgeries and natural remedies that make breast enlargement possible.

Breast augmentation surgery

A breast augmentation surgery offers one of the options for breast enlargement. It involves the introduction of breast implants in order to enhance the size and contour of the breast, as well as to restore its volume after pregnancy or weight loss. The benefits of a breast augmentation surgery include the improvement of the breast appearance, making it look fuller and well toned. It also increases the projection of the breast, giving the person improved self-esteem and confidence. The procedure, however, cannot correct drooping breasts. In order to manage this condition, a breast lift offers a more viable solution which involves a different surgical procedure.

Breast implant surgery

A breast implant surgery can be cosmetic or reconstructive in its approach procedure. Women who have a breast cancer and undertook a mastectomy may resort to a breast implant surgery to enlarge the breast and maintain its size despite the removal of the breast tissues during a mastectomy. Cosmetically, the surgery can enhance the size of the breast and improve its shape.

Breast implants are used during the procedure consisting of saline implants or silicone gel implants.

• Silicone gel implants

The silicone gel implants can give the breast a fuller, firmer shape. The implants are already pre-filled prior to the insertion to the breast. The process of using the silicone gel has years of safety in its use and they unlikely to cause wrinkles. Many like this type of implant because it gives a more natural movement of the breast with a more natural feel.

• Saline implants

Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt water solution that is pre-filled or placed on a valve prior to its insertion into the breast. The implant is safe to use and the solution is the same as the body fluids which can be easily excreted out of the body in case of implant ruptures. While it is a good way of accomplishing a breast enlargement effect, it is not as popular as the silicone gel implants owing to the possibility of the implant to rupture or deflate and can produce a wrinkled appearance to the breast.

Artifical Breast

Considerations for breast enlargement

Going through a cosmetic surgery for the purpose of breast enlargement can be a costly option. It may cost you about $5,000 to $10,000 for a single surgery, which is not covered by any health insurance. The lifetime of breast implants may take up to 15 years, but the risks against rupture and complications are not guaranteed. When a rupture happens, it can mean additional cost for the procedure on your end. Surgical procedures may not be the only options you have for breast enlargement. Ask your doctor for other possible solutions available that can help you enlarge your breast without an invasive procedure.

Natural remedies for breast enlargement

Among the natural remedies for breast enlargement include a regular breast massage and regular breast exercise. Massage movements can help enhance the breast to grow by rubbing the breast in a circular motion twice a day. Performing pectoral exercises and those concentrated on the chest muscles can also improve the breast appearance.

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The white patches in vitligo

Vitiligo is a skin disease that is characterized by fine, white patches appearing on the skin. The main cause of this skin appearance is the loss of the ability of the cells to produce melanin, which is responsible in giving the skin, eyes, and hair its color. The condition can affect almost all areas of the skin, especially those with longer exposure to the sun such as the face, neck and hands. Both small and big patches may occur and it affects all skin types. Vitiligo is not contagious and is often permanent.

Causes of Vitiligo

The cause of vitiligo is the absence or decreased melanin in the body. Melanin is a specialized skin cell that produces the eyes, hair and skin colors. The cause why the body is unable to produce melanin remains unclear, but autoimmune disorders and exposure to neurochemicals are suspected to cause damage to the body's melanin producing cells. Stressful conditions, skin damage such as cuts or severe sunburn and exposure to certain chemicals are also possible causes.

An autoimmune disorder is a condition where the body's own immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. The most common type of vitiligo, which is the non-segmental vitiligo is associated with autoimmune disorders. Antibodies attack the melanocytes, causing destruction to the healthy cells responsible for producing melanin. Vitiligo may also be due to the neurochemicals produced from the nerve endings in the skin, which release poisonous chemicals that are responsible for the cellular death of melanin producing cells.

Risk factors for vitiligo

The following are the known risk factors that can predispose individuals to develop vitiligo:

• Family history of vitiligo (a family member who has the condition)
• Family history of autoimmune disorder
• The existence of an autoimmune disorder
• The individual has melanoma (a certain type of skin cancer) or any type of cancer of the lymph nodes
• Genetic changes linked to vitiligo

Symptoms of vitiligo

The main symptom of vitiligo is flat, white spots or patches on the skin. The first white patch usually develops after it has been exposed to the sun. Initially, the vitiligo may start as a discoloration in an area of the body that may appear to be pale. Gradually, the patch becomes completely white. Some of them may appear to have white spots surrounded by a pale skin. In the skin areas above the capillaries and blood vessels, it may appear pink. The edges of the patch may appear to be smooth and irregular. Some of them may be inflamed and appear to be darker than the others (red to brownish discoloration of the skin). It does not cause any pain or discomfort, but some of them may be itchy. Vitiligo can make a person susceptible in developing sunburn when exposed to the sun.

The most common areas of vitiligo include the skin around and inside the mouth, around the eyes, fingers and wrists, armpits, groin and genitals. It may develop in the areas where there are hair roots such as the scalp. The absence of melatonin in the skin can also turn hair into gray, especially in the affected area. It is often unpredictable how fast vitiligo can spread in the body. Every person with the condition manifests varieties of pattern in the development of vitiligo. In certain instances, it has been observed that small, symmetrical patches tend to develop slowly while localized patches tend to progress more rapidly.

Types of vitiligo

The two main types of vitiligo are segmental and non-segmental. In rare cases, vitiligo may affect your entire body. This is known as universal vitiligo. Segmental vitiligo is a type of vitiligo that appears locally on a specific area. This is known as localized or unilateral vitiligo, which occurs commonly in children. Unilateral vitiligo starts earlier and affects 3 in 10 children. Non-segmental vitiligo, on the other hand, is also known as bilateral or generalized vitiligo. In this type of vitiligo, the symptoms appear on both sides of the body and they appear to be symmetrical. It usually appears at the back of the hands, the arms, eyes, knees, elbows and feet.

Diagnosis  of vitiligo

As with other medical conditions, physical examination and history taking is important in diagnosing vitiligo. Your doctor would be able to diagnose vitiligo by ocular and physical assessment without the need of performing laboratory tests. Among the areas of interest of a physician when diagnosing vitiligo involves the length of time the person has the vitiligo, the presence of a history of vitiligo in the family and whether or not the person is suffering from an autoimmune disorder. Most of the time, doctors also take note whether the patient can easily burn the skin when exposed to the sun.

Ultraviolet lamp for diagnosing vitiligo

An ultraviolet lamp is often used to assess the patches on the skin more thoroughly. The test is undertaken inside a dark room and the lamp is positioned 4 to 5 inches away from the skin. Patches of vitiligo are easier to see under the ultraviolet light. This may also assist your doctor to differentiate the patches of vitiligo from other skin disorders such as Pityriasis (an infection that causes skin discoloration of small round patches).

Tests for autoimmune disorder

Because vitiligo is greatly linked to autoimmune disorders, you may also be tested for autoimmune conditions. A sample of blood may be taken to check how well your thyroid gland is functioning. You may also be evaluated for Addison's disease and diabetes.

Treatment for vitiligo

The white patches in vitiligo tend to be permanent, although there are a number of therapies and treatments available. The treatment modalities include phototherapy and medications or the combination of both. Others have undergone treatments such as topical pimecrolimus or tarcolimus (medicines usually used for eczema), skin grafting, depigmentation, counselling and support groups as well as complementary and alternative medicine. In some case, using these treatments may restore pigmentation but such effects are usually temporary. Treatment however may delay the condition but cannot stop it from progressing.

Complementary therapies

Complementary and alternative therapies for vitiligo are getting popular nowadays. Some individuals with the conditions seek alternative medical options, including oriental medicines and folk medications for it. Generally, CAT may include, but are not limited to lifestyle modification including diet restrictions, regular exercise, stress or trigger reductions and herbal treatments.

One herbal remedy that is currently recognized for the treatment of vitiligo is gingko biloba. There is very limited evidence published to prove the effectiveness of the herb, however. It is believed to have antioxidant and immodulatory effects that will help prevent the rapid progression of vitiligo and promote repigmentation of the affected areas.

If you decide to use herbal medicines, contact first your primary health care provider since they may affect the effectiveness of your current treatment. It is imperative to call your doctor first to prevent life threatening conditions that may happen, especially drug to drug or drug to herb adverse reactions that may occur.

Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder that affects the quality of life of a person, particularly one's self esteem. Due to lack of melanin you may be at risk for sun sensitivity and skin cancer. Treatment and therapies including support groups are available for persons with vitiligo. If you are suffering from vitiligo or you have noticed white patches on your skin, contact your health care provider as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and management of the condition.

Find An Effective Treatment for Vitiligo Here!

facelift Surgery

Facelift offers an alternative treatment for removing wrinkles and the common signs of aging on the face. It is also known as rhytidectomy that encompasses various ranges of procedures in removing the visible signs of aging such as the following:

• Wrinkles on the face
• Sagging skin
• The formation of deep creases below the eyelids
• Fats forming on the skin
• Loss of muscle tone on the face
• Loose skin caused by fatty deposits along the jaw and chin
• Appearance of a double chin

A facelift is a restorative procedure that is considered to be the gold standard for rejuvenating the face and can help prevent the signs of the aging process from becoming visible on the face and neck. People are willing to pay for a facelift in order to preserve a youth looking face.

Is a facelift right for you?

A facelift is a cosmetic procedure that can help a person improve their self esteem and confidence. There are people who feel the need of improving their appearance in order to feel and look good. If you feel that your face doesn't show a youthful glow and can significantly affect your energy and deprives you of enjoying a youthful spirit, a facelift may be right for you. There are different reasons why people get a facelift. It includes career and employment reasons, while others want to correct some skin deformities such as facial sagging and wrinkle formation. Talking to your doctor regarding the benefits of getting a facelift will also help you make an informed decision whether the cosmetic procedure is right for you.

Considerations about facelift procedure

While facelift can effectively help improve the appearance of the skin and restore its youthful look, some individuals who underwent a facelift may need to undergo the same procedure again. A facelift is effective in improving several areas of the skin during a single treatment, but depending on the skin type and age of the patient, the response of the skin will usually vary. Among the benefits of getting a facelift is that the effect is long lasting (usually up to ten years) and can make the skin look ten to fifteen years younger.

It is important to keep in mind however that a facelift cannot provide the solution in retarding the aging process. Some people often have the unrealistic goal of getting a facelift in order to erase all signs of aging. You need to complement a facelift procedure with other treatments because there are limitations on what the procedure can do. It cannot fix a sagging eyelid and cannot correct skin discoloration which requires a different treatment approach.

The facelift procedure

facelift procedure

The doctor will prep the patient by explaining the procedure and will perform an evaluation of the skin consistency prior to the surgery. The approach is usually different for every patient because of the unique and distinct facial contour and shape in every person. A facelift procedure requires weeks of preparation. Changes in lifestyle are often required, such as quitting smoking at least a couple of weeks before and after the date of the procedure. Taking aspirin is also contraindicated as it can put the patient at risk for bleeding during the surgery.

Local anesthesia is administered and the patient is often sedated. The facelift technique performed will differ according to the targeted areas on the face. The removal of fats or the addition of fillers is decided according to the circumstances. Facelift procedures on the lower facial areas are performed on the jowls, jaw line and the cheeks while those performed on the midface involves the cheeks and the forehead where incisions are made in order to complete the contouring of the face by repositioning the connective tissue and removing the fatty deposits on the area.

Facelift risks and complications

The risks for a facelift surgery are rare and it remains to be one of the safest cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation. Your doctor will usually discuss the risks and limitations of the procedure and will conduct a thorough assessment about your health condition to determine whether you are a good candidate for a facelift surgery. Among the common risks and complications from a facelift surgery are the following:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction
• Sensation changes
• Hematoma
• Abnormal reaction to anesthesia
• Tissue scarring

The risks can be avoided by preparing the patient prior to the surgery and by strictly following the instructions provided by the cosmetic surgeon before and after the procedure.

How does a facelift surgery costs?

The price involved in undertaking the procedure usually vary. It depends on where and who will perform the facelift surgery. But there is no doubt that the procedure is very expensive and the average cost for a single procedure is $12,000. Insurance companies don't shoulder the costs for a facelift procedure because it is merely elective and not a necessary one. Getting a facelift is a major decision that you have to make because of the price involved, but the effects are long term, usually 10 to 15 years.

Alternative options for a facelift surgery

There are other facelift procedures that are good alternatives. They are cheaper, but may not provide the lasting effects of a surgery for years. This usually involves natural facelift remedies that are also known for their effectiveness. Their great advantage is that the process is non-invasive and eliminates the risks and complications that can possibly occur in a facelift procedure.

Improve your skin condition with this natural facelift solution. Click Here! to learn more how to rejuvenate your skin naturally.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common causes of death in the United States. It can be a single common killer of both men and women. The true frequency of atherosclerosis is difficult to determine because it is predominantly a symptomatic condition which begins early in childhood with the development of fatty streaks. CAD occurs when the arteries of the heart harden and become narrowed. This is due to the buildup of lipids, cholesterol and other substances called a plaque. This buildup causes decrease in blood flow to the heart resulting in decreased distribution of oxygen and other nutrients to the heart muscle. At first, the heart will try to compensate. However, as the plaques continue to build this may cause signs and symptoms.

Risk Factors of CAD

Coronary atherosclerosis is thought to begin with damage or injury of the blood vessels. The damage may be influenced by a number of factors as follow:

• Age

There are a number of physiologic changes when the person grows old. Physiologic changes in the arteries occur such as stiffening and thickening that predisposes a person in having CAD.

• Sex

Men are generally at greater risk of coronary artery disease. However, at the age of 70 years old, the risk becomes equal to both sexes. Women who have other conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, third trimester bleeding, preterm birth and birth of an infant small for gestational age increases the risk of having CAD.

• Family history

A family history of heart disease predisposes a person of having coronary artery disease. There is a significant increase with if the first degree relatives of an individual who develops CAD at age 55-65 years old.

• Smoking

Vasoconstriction occurs during smoking and carbon monoxide can damage the inner lining of the blood vessels which poses higher risk of developing CAD.  The incidence risk of heart attack in women who smoke 20 cigarettes per day is six times higher than that for non-smoker females. The incidence of the men who smoke is triple than that of non-smokers.

• High cholesterol

High levels of cholesterol in the blood increase the risk of plaque formation. High cholesterol levels are caused by increased low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) and relative lesser high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol).

• Diabetes

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for coronary artery disease. Diabetes and coronary artery disease have practically the same risk factors and both are worsened by obesity.

• High stress

Physical and emotional stresses are known to be factors that trigger angina. They also worsen other risk factors related to CAD.

Signs and Symptoms of CAD

The symptoms of atherosclerosis may vary widely. Patients with mild atherosclerosis may present with significant symptoms and signs of disease and myocardial infarction but some of the affected persons have sudden cardiac death as the first symptom of the condition. The spectrum of presentation of the signs and symptoms is consistent with the following conditions:

• Asymptomatic state
• Stable angina pectoris
• Unstable angina
• Acute myocardial infarction
• Chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy
• Congestive heart failure  and
• Sudden cardiac arrest

History assessment of a patient may include chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue, palpitations, leg swelling and weight gain. Some of the persons affected with CAD may also have intermittent claudication or pain in the extremities during walking.

Rupture of the plaque or denudation of the fibrous plaque may result in the exposure of the highly thrombogenic area and lipid core which may result in thrombus formation. This in turn may partially or completely occlude the blood flow of the particular artery which usually occurs in unstable angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.

The cardinal sign of coronary artery disease is retrosternal chest pain that is caused by ischemia in heart tissues. Chest pain in CAD is characterized as pressure or tightness in your chest and is usually associated with shortness of breath. This is referred to as angina. This is usually triggered by physical and emotional stress and is usually relieved by rest. In some cases, pain may be fleeting or sharp and may be felt radiating to the arm, back and abdomen. Unstable angina describes a pattern of chest pain increasing in frequency or intensity and includes pain at rest. A prolonged episode of angina pectoris that is associated with diaphoresis is suggestive of myocardial infarction.

Preventive measures against coronary artery sclerosis

A coronary artery sclerosis is a chronic disease and can become a lifetime disorder that puts any person at risk to more serious complications like stroke and heart attack. While the major treatment goal for the condition is to relieve the symptoms, preventive measures are possible in order to reduce the risks to complications. Changing your lifestyle is very important in order to eliminate the risk factors that can contribute to the aggravation of the disease such as quitting smoking, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and reduce body weight. Getting more exercise and eating a healthy and balanced diet can help reduce the cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. This is also best when you have diabetes. Regular exercise will help the circulation in the body to flow normally which helps avoid clot formation that are also risks to coronary artery sclerosis.

If you experience any of these symptoms of a coronary artery sclerosis, make sure to consult a doctor to prevent the more serious complications arising out from the condition.

Millions of women all over the world suffer from breast cancer and have to undergo one (or several) of the following surgery types: