Health & Fitness

Insomnia - why suffer in silence

Insomnia, which is the inability to sleep satisfactorily or to have any sleep at all, is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is characterized by restlessness, sleep interruptions, decreased sleeping time than the usual, or sometimes complete wakefulness.

Keywords:
insomnia, anxiety, stress relief, sleep apnea

It is commonplace for several people to suffer at least an occasional night of almost non-existent sleep. The causes of insomnia differ from person to person. What made a student insomniac varies from what caused a shift worker or a traveler or an employee to acquire such sleeping disorder.

Insomnia, which is the inability to sleep satisfactorily or to have any sleep at all, is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is characterized by restlessness, sleep interruptions, decreased sleeping time than the usual, or sometimes complete wakefulness.

Aside from the annoyance that insomnia can cause to its sufferers, this sleep disorder causes those afflicted to lose enthusiasm and energy, acquire memory and concentration problems, feel lethargic, frustrated, and of course sleepy. Worse cases that may be induced by insomnia is one’s being prone to accidents, reduced work productivity and the aggravation of psychological and medical conditions.

So what exactly are the culprits that make insomnia one menacing sleeping problem?

1. Emotional Distress

More particularly when it is from internalized anxiety or anger, emotional problems can easily trigger this sleep disorder.

2. Substance Abuse

Drinking too much coffee, colas or other “energy-upper drinks” is known to cause insomnia. Caffeine from these drinks is the main reason. Chain smokers can also be easy victims of insomnia because of the nicotine that cigarettes contain. Herbal remedies, alcohol and other medications can also make one prone to becoming an insomniac. Some may think that alcohol, when consumed, can make one feel drowsy. But little did they know that in the long run, when the alcohol gets metabolized, sudden wakefulness will follow.

3. Biological Clock Disturbance.

Also known as circadian rhythm, one’s body clock, when altered, can damage the amount of sleep one can peacefully enjoy. This body clock disturbance can be caused by an irregular slumber schedule because of too much siesta or partying too late at night. It can also be jetlag or body clock disturbance due to traveling by plane to some place where there is a different time zone. Other causes may be the grave yard schedules of workers and cramming review season for students induced by exams.

4. Environmental Factors

Extreme temperatures can disrupt one’s sleeping patterns. Noise and bright lights can have the same effect too. Homesickness or when one is forced to sleep in an unfamiliar place is also one reason behind getting into the habit of not having enough sleep.

5. Health Problems

Health disorders such as diabetes, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, ulcers, and Parkinson’s disease can also induce insomnia. Asthma may also be one health problem that makes one prone to insomnia because of an asthmatic’s shortness of breath. Frequent urination, heartburn, and chronic pain from leg cramps, tooth ache and arthritis can also cause insomnia.

Psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and depression are also possible culprits for insomnia. Snoring with prolonged pauses in breathing while at sleep, also known as sleep apnea can also cause insomnia. Periodic arm and leg movements during sleep causing the muscles to twitch excessively is one underlying cause of this sleep disorder. Another cause is narcolepsy or one’s lack of control on whether to stay awake or to fall asleep, is another cause of this sleep disorder.

6. Pre-bedtime Activities

Engaging to vigorous activities such as exercise just right before bedtime can deprive one of a good night’s sleep. Consuming large meals when one is just about to sleep can also make one experience this sleeping disorder. This is because when metabolism is at its most active thus the body prompts one to stay awake.

Who are Prone to Insomnia?

Reports have it that 90% of people can acquire transient insomnia at some point in their lives. While an estimate of 30% suffers from its chronic form.

a. Women are said to be more at risk in acquiring insomnia because of the following reasons:

- Pre-menstrual syndrome with symptoms of irritability, depression and anxiety, and bloating due to menstruation disturbs a woman’s sleeping pattern.
- Menopause can also change a woman’s sleeping pattern.
- Pregnancy makes sleeplessness one common thing to happen.

b. Elderly people are also prone to getting insomnia because ageing alters one’s sleeping patterns.

c. Depressed people have lighter slumbers compared to those who don’t feel this psychological condition.

d. Students or younger ones who are conscious with their grades (because of cramming) can easily become insomniacs too.

With that vast information on what causes insomnia and who are at risk with this sleeping disorder, one can easily ward off this annoying condition.

The Amazing Powers of Self Hypnosis

There are no obstacles, except the ones you create in your mind. Remove those obstacles, and you will easily live the life of your dreams.

Keywords:
self hypnosis

I want to share a success story about hypnosis for weight loss. There are so many, but this one stands out in my mind and touches my heart. I was working in the summer of 2004 with a young lady named Jen. She was 19 at the time and was scheduled to undergo gastric bypass surgery. This surgery is very drastic and involved stapling the stomach so that the person can no longer eat large meals. She also already had liposuction but regained all of her weight. Her father had died and all her mother wanted was for Jen to be happy.

As they both sat in my office in tears, Jen told me that this was her last attempt to lose weight before killing herself. After her mom left the room, we began the hypnosis session. While in a trance, Jen remembered being abused by her father. It was traumatic for her to recall this, but helpful at the same time. Jen also revealed that she had “built up a protective layer” with the excess weight. She explained while under hypnosis that the weight repelled men and kept her “safe.”

After Jen was out of hypnosis, I invited her mom back into the office. The three of us discussed this unfortunate event. Her mom said that she had suspected that it happened, but never had proof until now. Jen returned the next week and we began working on re-building her self-esteem using hypnosis. This is very easy to do with hypnosis since the messages go directly to the subconscious mind. If you want to do this yourself, just make a tape with positive suggestions that you play in bed each night as you go to sleep.

In the four weeks that followed, I was able to reframe the way she felt about eating right, exercising, and taking care of herself in general. After only six sessions, I told Jen that I had done all the work we needed to do.

Last week, Jen sent me an e-mail with a picture. You see, I had programmed her to continue to eat right, exercise, and take care of herself. Well, the picture she sent looked like a model! Jen had gone from 325 lbs. to 115 lbs! The e-mail was even more inspirational. Here’s what she wrote:

Dear Steve,

It has been a year since our last session. The pounds have been consistently dropping. I eat differently and don’t even try to. I exercise three times a week and love it. Most importantly, my view of life is completely different now. I went from being overweight and suicidal to being thin, sexy, beautiful and totally confident. My mom is happier than ever and so is my husband. That’s right! I am married. He’s 6′4″, an architect, and wants kids. I feel like I’m living the life of my dreams. Hypnosis is amazing. You taught me that I could do ANYTHING that I BELIEVE I can do. You are right. Feel free to share this letter with others. I want the world to know about the power of hypnosis and the power of the human mind!

With much love and respect,
Jen

In my line of work I get to see this happen often. Jen is one of the many people who decided to make a powerful change in her life. Hypnosis helped, but the change was really due to her commitment to herself. I hope that the sharing of Jen’s journey will inspire you to create whatever powerful change you desire in your life. There are no obstacles, except the ones YOU create in your mind. Remove those obstacles, and you will easily live the life of YOUR dreams.

Want To Get That Tattoo Removed?

Getting a tattoo is a painful enough process. Unfortunately, removing an unwanted tattoo is even more painful, both physically and financially. Laser tattoo removal has brought an easy, less painful solution to people who want to get rid of their tattoos . Read on to know how.

Keywords:
removing tattoos, tattoo removal, Laser tattoo removal, tattoo removed

People get tattoos for any reason, and sometimes for no reason. We get tattoos express your love, to express one’s own self, as a fan or admirer of some idol, under peer pressure, to be up with the Jones’es or maybe just because its hip to get one.

Whatever the case is, many of us in adult life end up regretting this youthful adventure. It could be because the tattoo reminds you of a broken love relationship or may be that visible tattoo is coming in your way of getting good job or joining a coveted university. In other words, you desperately need to get it out of your way, but the very memory of the painful procedure you went through to get it done gives you cold feet.

There are several ways a person can undo a tattoo or at least make it less visible. All, barring one, are very painful and cumbersome. But before discussing ways to remove tattoos, let’s first understand what is a tattoo.

What is a Tattoo

A tattoo, or dermal pigmentation, as the term self explains is a mark made on the skin by inserting pigment into the skin. It is accomplished by injecting this pigment into small deep holes made in the skin. Tattoos made this way are relatively permanent.

Apart from permanent tattoos there are also temporary tattoos. They are more like body sticker, similar to a decal. Temporary tattoos are made on the skin by transferring the design on the skin, rather than inside the skin, using water. Temporary tattoos are waterproof, but can be removed with oil-based creams, and are intended to last only a few days.

Methods of Tattoo Removal

There are several methods of tattoo removal available today showing variable performance, result wise and procedure wise. It is the size of the tattoo, its location, and the length of time it has been on the skin which make the physician decide upon the method to be used. The patient’s healing prowess also plays its part in deciding the method to be used.

Let’s now discuss the methods.

Surgical Method

It is one of the most popular methods around, especially when the dyed area is small. The major advantage here is the removal of the entire tattoo in one go, particularly if it is small tattoo. Larger tattoos, however, require multiple surgical sessions where the centre of a tattoo is removed first followed by removal of sides at a later date.

The surgical removal process involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area after which the tattoo is removed. The edges are then brought together and sutured.

With this procedure, there is minimal bleeding which is easily controlled with electrocautery. In some cases involving large tattoos, a skin graft taken from another part of the body may be necessary.

Rubbing the tattoo off

In this method, the tattoo is literally scrapped off. It is quite painful and cumbersome procedure but practiced nonetheless. There are two ways by which a tattoo is rubbed off the skin:

• Dermabrasion

This procedure of tattoo removal involves spraying of a portion of the tattoo with a freezing solution, after which that part is sanded with a rotary abrasive instrument causing the skin to peel. Because some bleeding is bound to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the area.

• Salabrasion

This is an age old method of tattoo removal. As with the other methods, a local anesthetic is used on and around the tattooed area after which a solution of ordinary tap water dipped in table salt is applied. An abrading apparatus such as the one used with dermabrasion, or an even simpler device such as a wooden block wrapped in gauze, is used to vigorously abrade the area. When the area becomes deep red in color, a dressing is applied.

Laser

Laser tattoo removal is considered as the best of the solutions available. Though it is costly and might require multiple sessions, it ensures that tattoo removal is relatively pain free and blood free. Also the results have been quite encouraging and tattoos have been either totally removed or there were dramatic fading.

Laser tattoo removal procedure involves exposing the tattoo to the pulses of light from the laser, usually Q-switched Nd:Yag, Q-switched Alexandrite and the Q-switched Ruby. This exposure breaks up the tattoo pigment, which are removed from the body by the scavenger cells. More than one treatment is usually necessary to remove the entire tattoo.

Benefits of All-Natural Indian Beauty Methods: Threading, Sugaring, Henna, Turmeric Treatment

Discover the benefits of all-natural Indian beauty methods such as threading, sugaring, henna, and turmeric treatment. Safe for all skin types and ages, and especially recommended for sensitive skin.

Keywords:
threading, sugaring, henna, mehndhi, turmeric treatment, facial hair, hair removal, skin discoloration, temporary tattoos, Indian beauty

India is a country known for its vibrant colors, rich culture, and timeless traditions. What many don’t know, is that India has been at the center of all-natural beauty techniques that have been used for 100’s of years. Below is an account of 4 of these traditional beauty methods, and their benefits.

Threading is a centuries-old technique of hair removal practiced in India, and rapidly growing in popularity across the United States. Being that it is 100% natural, it is especially recommended for sensitive skin. The beautician removes individual or rows of unwanted hair by using string or “thread”, and pulling out the hairs by the follicle. Threading is better than other methods of facial hair removal including waxing, tweezing, and razors. Waxing is not as precise; it burns, peels, and scars skin, and repeated waxing on the face (especially the eyebrow area) can cause premature wrinkles. Tweezing and razors often times cut the skin and cause ingrown hairs. Unlike all 3 of the mentioned methods, threading is precise, gentle on the skin, and is actually excellent for removing ingrown hairs.

Sugaring is an all-natural method of removing unwanted hair, much like waxing. The key ingredients in sugar wax are lemon and sugar, each of which have their own benefitting properties. Lemon is known for its naturally astringent qualities, and is an excellent cleansing agent. Sugar is a natural exfoliant in beauty, ridding the skin of dead cells. Most clients say that sugaring hurts less than traditional waxing, and redness if any, fades quickly. There are absolutely no chemicals in sugar wax, and is therefore ideal for sensitive skin.

Henna, also a centuries-old tradition in India, is used to create intricate hand art designs. The paste of a ground plant, naturally in a reddish-brown dye, is used to create temporary “tattoos” which last between 1-3 weeks. In India, henna has traditionally been used on women before special occassions, holidays, and weddings. In addition to using henna on the body (usually hands and feet), henna has also been used on the hair to color gray hairs to a reddish-brown, and to deeply condition non-gray hairs. It’s an excellent alternate for pregnant women who would like to maintain their appearance, but cannot use the harsh chemicals found in mainstream hair coloring kits.
Turmeric is a yellow spice used in much of Indian cooking. It has also been used as a Ayurvedic beauty agent. Turmeric not only has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, but also corrects hyperpigmentation and softens the skin. For these reasons, many Indian brides use a turmeric treatment to prepare for their wedding day - it leaves skin even-toned, shiny, soft, and supple.

What Type of Arthritis Do You Have?

Learn the different type of arthritis that exists. Can you identify the type you have? Dig deeper into the different types with this article and learn in future articles what you can do if you have arthritis.

Keywords:
arthritis, joints, rheumatoid, Osteoarthritis, gout

Arthritis dates back to prehistoric times and is seen all through the ages in the joints of the skeleton remains.

Most of you will Ahave problems with your joints and it may be arthritis. Arthritis is associated with aging but it is not caused because you are aging. Arthritis is caused by the body not been fed the proper nutrients that keep your joints health and free of wear and tear.

There are plenty of joints in your body and typically there are only specific joints that have arthritic pain. Those are the ones that you use frequently. For men it is
knees, spine, and feet. For women it is fingers, hands, knees, and spine.

Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. When your joints have bone-to-bone contact and grind against each other that area becomes swollen and inflamed.

There are two main type of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid – and others that are less known.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis means inflammation of the bony part of your joint. As your joints move against each other, the protective coating and surrounding material – membranes, oil sacs, cartilage – wear down. This wear down occurs when the joints see excess activity.

Normally you would not expect to see this wear down condition since there are many joints that see excess activity and don’t become inflamed or arthritic. There millions of people who don’t get arthritis, yet the use their joints are used just as much and perhaps even more. Then there are people who don’t use their joint to excess and still get arthritis.

So the actual cause of arthritis is more than excess activity.

The cause of arthritis has come down to a single or combination of nutritional deficiencies, excess joint activity, and emotional issues.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid means “similar to flowing pain.” It is an autoimmune disease where good cell and tissue are attack by the immune system. Rheumatoid first affects the joint membranes and later the bone structure at the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in people of all ages. As this arthritis progresses it can becomes crippling.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a recent disease, which appeared at the turn of the 20th Century. Its cause can be associated with diet where the balance of the joint structure receives chemicals that destroy its balanced condition.

Gouty Arthritis

Gout is a disease where uric acid deposits in the joints of feet and legs. When the body has an excess of uric acid, which it can’t eliminate through normal channels of elimination- the kidney – the uric acid settles in the joints and soft tissue causing pain.

Gout is more common with men, people with high blood pressure, alcoholics, diabetics, and obesity. Gout means drop. It was thought by Romans that gout was caused by poisonous crystals coming from the blood, drop by drop, and depositing in the toes.

There is some evidence that gout is related to the amount of wine that is drunk with the meal. This put an extra strain on the liver that tries to detoxify the wine and the meal at the same time. Result is the liver is unable to detoxify the complete meal.

Other Types of Arthritis

There are other types of arthritis. These account for a small amount of the types of arthritis that most people have. Here is the list:

Bursitis – inflammation of the shoulder joints and muscles.

Neuritis – is know as rheumatism of your nerves. When the sheaths of your nerves dry out you have neuritis

Myositis - pain that comes from working hard and muscles have friction between them.

Fibrositis – is when your connective tissue become inflamed Lumbago – occurs before you get arthritis of the spine.

Which arthritis doe you have? In other articles, I’ll tell you what you can do to prevent or eliminate arthritis of any kind.

How to Control and Treat Acne During Pregnancy

A major problem faced by women during pregnancy is acne. The utmost care has to be taken to control pimples during pregnancy with safe medications.

Keywords:
Acne, pimples, pimple, acne treatment, acne in pregnancy, acne tips, adult acne, adolescent acne, skin care.

The period during pregnancy is considered to be the most pleasant moment in any woman’s life, as it brings a new life into this world. It can be different for different women. Some may face a lot of side effects during pregnancy, while others do not face any. A major problem faced by women during pregnancy is acne. It is likely to develop in the first trimester of the pregnancy due to hormonal changes that take place in the body. The difficult part is that, acne treatment can be frustrating, as it should be kept in mind to ensure that any medication taken to control acne does not harm to the fetus. Most of the acne treatments are not safe to be used during pregnancy. The over-the-counter drugs for treating acne can even cause birth defects in the baby.

Treatments to be avoided during pregnancy:

Acne treatment which contains Accutane : Studies have revealed that when this ingredient is used, it might be very dangerous to the baby causing birth defects, or in some cases, it might lead to miscarriage. This ingredient is not to be used even during breast feeding period.

Tetracycline usage too is not recommended: Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic used in the treatment of adults and teenagers, but not recommended during pregnancy as it may lead to poor bone development in the baby. It is also said to cause discolored teeth in them.

Medications containing female hormones: Researchers are still inconclusive on this subject, which are related with the development of the fetus and the female hormones, certain hormones can be passed on to the baby either during breast feeding or during pregnancy. But then, it is thought to cause birth defects in the baby.

Even though acne during pregnancy is not uncommon, it could cause fears of using topical drugs or any kind of treatment during such period for acne, hence could cause stress. With the hormonal changes happening and the growth of new life within during pregnancy period, it could pose a challenge to control acne too during such period.

By following a simple and easy- to-follow methods, women can avoid and control acne during pregnancy without any side effect:

Drink plenty of water, for a clear skin. Mild exercises during pregnancy can stimulate the blood circulation to all the parts of the body preventing from the outbreak of acne. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be consumed after a thorough wash. Pregnant women should avoid junk foods and foods prepared in the microwave oven. Cleanliness is the secret in the prevention of acne, hence pillows covers can be changed often, Hair brushes and combs should be free from dirt, face could be washed with mild soap and cold water, if possible massaging and steaming can be done to get a clearer skin.

The milky way to beauty

Do you know that goats milk is good for you, not just as a drink but also as a beauty aid?

Keywords:
health, beauty, skin, goats milk

For years, goats milk has been a staple in most culture. Nutrinionally it is superior to cows milk because it contains more nutrients, vitamins, proteins and minerals. Its fat globules are smaller than those of cow’s milk, makng its absorption in the skin and digestive system faster and easier. Goats convert all carotenes in Vitamin A increasing its presence in the milk. Having smaller fat globules and more Vitamin A, goats milk is easier to be absorbed and made into cream.

Scientists are learning that these remedies have a solid basis in scientific fact. Cosmetic chemists call goat’s milk “nature’s liposomes” because it is so easily absorbed into the skin, bringing with it moisture and restorative proteins, minerals and vitamins.

Goat’s milk also contains over 50 nutrients, including the vital vitamins of A, C and B-complex, minerals and other elements that nourish and rejuvenate dehydrated skin. Vitamin A slows down the effects of aging, as well as prevents age spots and thickening of the skin. Zinc contributes to the reconstruction of collagen fibres, encouraging moisture retention and maintaining the skin’s elasticity/ Riboflavin or Vitamin B-2 is another anti-oxidant and is essential for healthy skin, nails, hair and general good health.

Alpha-Hydroxy acid(AHA) naturally exfoliate skin. Goat’s milk has AHA components that contribute to the micro-peeling process, gentry scrubbing off dead skin cells. Goat’s milk helps nourish the newly-grown skin and may encourage the production of elastin. New skin emerges smooth, healthy and younger looking.

The processes of converting goat’s milk into beauty products degrades the efficiency of Goat’s Milk to enhance beauty. The best beauty product produced from a Goat’s Milk is cream bar and Fresh Goat’s Milk itself. To take control of all the benefits that Goat’s milk can offer, soak yourself for at least 30 minutes in a bath tub for three times a week and each time you wash your face.

The changes can be seen in a month after bathing yourself with Goat’s milk , this will rejuvenate and enhance the elasticity of your skin making it smoother and softer skin. In addition, if the milk is taken orally will further contribute to the enhancement of your skin.

Caffeine Causes Wrinkles

Looks into how caffeine can bring about unsightly wrinkles.

Keywords:
wrinkles, eliminate aging, skin, beauty

If you have any intentions of maintaining healthy, wrinkle-free skin, you need to reform your body from the inside out. A good start is refraining from drinking caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and soda. Caffeine, an addictive substance contained in numerous beverages, removes moisture from your skin. When your skin is dry, it is much more prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles. Since caffeine also acts as a diuretic, it also encourages more frequent urinations. These urinations contribute to the depletion of moisture within your skin. Although you can re-moisturize your skin using moisturizing lotions, we recommend tackling the problem from its source.

Those of you who are serious about maintaining excellent skin should drink plenty of water, fruit juices (unprocessed) and coconut milk. These beverages will keep your skin moisturized and will thus leave it less prone to developing wrinkles and fine lines. Since these drinks also aid in keeping many of your organs healthy, your skin will look better than ever before. As many of us know, numerous internal problems are reflected in our skin.

We encourage everyone to start dumping their caffeine beverages in lieu of healthier and less problematic drinks. The numerous problems which stem from caffeine consumption are endless and are not worth the hassle. If you are concerned about dumping caffeine all at once, we recommend gradually reducing consumption until you are no longer dependent. At that point, you can substitute your caffeinated drinks with healthier alternatives.

Good luck on your journey towards a caffeine (and wrinkle) -free lifestyle!