Acne and its treatment

Acne is a menace. However, it's not something that cannot be tackled. There are loads of acne skin care products around. We can classify acne skin care products into 3 broad categories -
* Preventive or general acne skin care products
* Over-the-counter, specialized acne skin care products
* On-prescription acne skin care products.

The general acne skin care products are the ones that are used as acne-prevention measure. These include cleansers, make-up removers and similar products that help prevent acne. In the real sense, these acne skin care products are just those that should anyway be part of your daily routine. However, some of these are more oriented to act like an acne skin care product. These acne skin care products act against the causes of acne e.g. limiting the production of sebum/oil and preventing clogging of skin pores. Basically, these acne skin care products prevent the oil from getting trapped in pores and hence hamper the growth of bacteria that lead to acne. The general acne skin care products also include exfoliation products like skin peels. These work towards removing dead skin cells, hence reducing the possibility of pore-clogging and bacteria development.

Then there are specialized acne skin care products that are available over-the-counter i.e. without the need of a prescription. These include products like vanishing creams which extract the extra oil from the skin. Most of these acne skin care products are based on benzyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and hence acne). You should start with a product that has lower concentration of benzyl peroxide (e.g. 5%) and see how your skin responds to it.  Alpha-hydroxyl-acid based moisturizers are also popular as acne skin care products. You might have to try a few, before you zero-in on the acne skin care product that is effective for you. If nothing seems to work, you should contact a dermatologist.

On-prescription acne skin care products are the ones that are prescribed by a dermatologist. This can include ointments that can be applied on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical treatment. Dermatologist could also suggest a minor surgical procedure to remove the contents of pustules.  However, never try to squeeze or do this by yourself, it can lead to permanent damage of your skin.  Your doctor could also prescribe a hormone-based treatment (since hormonal changes are also known to cause acne). Such acne skin care products are known to be very effective in some cases.
So, with all those acne skin care products, tackling acne is not that difficult.

Natural Remedies for Losing Weight - Dexatrim

Many will remember the almost famous Dexatrim weight loss capsules.  They've been around in so many different formulations it is almost difficult to keep up with them.  They've so far been through three reincarnations, none of which seems to be all that effective in terms of being able to lose weight.

Formulation number one contained phenylpropanolamine and was banned in 2001 because of its links to strokes.  Formulation number two came out awhile later, and its main ingredient was ephedra also recalled in 2002 because it was cited as causing strokes, heart attacks and death.  The manufactruing company is now on incarnation number three and the main ingredient this time is Bitter Orange Peel extract. - now known as the other Ephedra of the weight loss industry.

The Bitter Orange is combined with a few other proprietary ingredients - which usually means they've just selected other herbals to combine and boost the main ingredient - such as Yohimbe Bark (side effects like bitter orange, high blood pressure, palpitations, headache), Siberian Ginseng (safe),  Licorice root (high doses cause high blood pressure),  and so on.  If you have been counting, there are at least three ingredients in this that can cause high blood pressure.  Can you imagine the effect it may possibly have on you?

Various formulations of Dexatrim have various ingredients in each, all of  which would need to be checked and cross referenced.  For instance, in one of their blends, the main ingredient is green tea extract - the only herbal ingredient that has been shown to suppress appetite without side effects.  But you certainly do not need to be buying a formulation with green tea extract and several other dubious weight loss products when you can buy a whole box of tea bags for about three dollars.

Even though the company that makes Dexatrim (Chettem) has reinvented its weight loss products three times, it still isn't something that is considered to be safe or effective for long term weight loss results.  The only long term effective weight loss program is eating less and exercising more. 

Anti Aging Treatments - Grey Hair Treatments

Aside from wrinkles, sagging facial muscles and the tired haggard look, one of the most obvious manifestations of looking aged is graying hair. The sad part of it is that it affects men and women alike and could happen at any age.  This may probably be the reason that many anti-aging treatments especially hair dyes were formulated ling before most anti aging treatments came to be. With rapid advances in science though, gray hair treatments are today not only limited to the manufacture and sales of hair dyes. There are several approaches that could be resorted to in combating the onset of graying hair.

Treatments for graying hair could be categorized into the following basic approaches:

Cosmetic Treatments

Hair dying is the most convenient, most common and the oldest approach to treating gray hair. Hair dyes are formulated so that the molecules could penetrate through the hair cuticles without causing cuticle damage. While most hair dyes employ chemicals in their formulas, the most common ingredient being ammonia, there are also hair dyes that use vegetable colors for those who have concerns regarding applying dyes with chemicals on their hair. Henna and sage are the best examples for these.

Medical Treatments

What gives the hair color is the amount or the concentration of melanin that is present in the body. Melanin gives skin color as well as hair color. It is also a determinant whether a person will tan or burn in the sun. The production of melanin in the body slows down as a person ages. The purpose of medical treatments for graying hair is to reverse the slowing down process of melanin. Drugs are applied to reverse the depigmentation some of the drugs used are Auxins, Imatinib Mesylate and Gleever. These drugs are always dispensed by qualified physicians as others may cause side effects, are not commercially available or are in fact treatments that were originally intended for other ailments.

Application of Topical Nutrients

The following are universally accepted topical solutions that are applied to improve the nutrients that the hair receives and fight against graying hair. Some of these are ancient remedies and are proven trough time.

Eugenol Oil - Applied topically, the active ingredients of eugenol oil come from cloves. Eugenol oil has demonstrated to restore the dolor of the hair.
Amla Oil - This oil strengthens the follicles of the hair facilitates pigmentation and hair growth.
Ligustrum - Has long been used by the Chinese to prevent graying of hair.
Ashwagandha - This one increases the melanin in the hair treating the grays and giving back its color.
Superoxide Dismutase - Are compounds that are often found in hair gels to protect against graying of the hair.
Shampoos with Omega-3 - Omega 3 are anti-oxidants that fight against degrading of the cells. Omega-3 provides nutrition for the hair follicle to fight against premature graying.
Melanin - Could also be applied topically in the scalp.
Retin A - When combined with alpha-hydroxyl acid are powerful agents that give back the hairs natural color.

There are also several nutrients for the hair that could be taken orally. They could be in combination with other drugs or are their main ingredients. These oral treatments could come in the form of capsules and tablets. Some of these are vitamin 12, minerals, Biotin, folic acid, Para - Aminobenzoic Acid, and Inositol.

Acts Of Body Language That Should Be Avoided

Body language is one of the strongest means of communicating one's feelings, moods, attitude, and personality. In fact more than 60% of the communication process comes from the nonverbal cues which includes the body movements and speech volume, pitch, and pacing.

However, there are body gestures and movements generally considered as inappropriate and rude. A proper body language has a right place and a right time. Most of us are usually unaware of our actions. Thus, it is time to practice learning the acts of body language that must be observed and avoiding the actions which may be offensive to other people.

During A Job Interview

A job interview is a very important step to be accomplished by any applicant. They key to success to be hired for the vacant job does not only depend on the documents you passed. Your employer would also give high regards for the way you move and act. Thus, it is essential for any applicant to observe his body language when being interviewed.

One must avoid slouching, which indicates laziness and boredom. Do not tighten your body muscle as well, for this will make you look stiff thus making you look nervous and lacking confidence. Do not place your hands into your pockets as well; this reflects your anxiety and discomfort. Lack of confidence is very well reflected in tapping of the foot, drumming of the fingers, and fidgeting.

If You Want To Show Interest

Signs of interest includes eye contact, and one must be able to maintain it. It signifies that the focus of your attention is on that person. Frequent nodding and leaning your body towards that person also indicates that you are listening to him or her.

Generally Rude Body Language

There are many gestures that are regarded as rude by most people, or that you are avoiding to interact with them. This includes crossing the arms across the chest, holding objects such as books and a bag in front of you, inspecting the time on your watch or the clock, stroking your chin, standing too close, staring or narrowing your eyes, forcing smiles, placing the hand on the waist, slouching, touching your face frequently, blinking more than usual, foot tapping, and many more. Most of these gestures are done unconsciously, but nonetheless, the people who you are talking to may be offended by the said actions.

Posture And Body Movements

One who maintains a good posture is one who relaxes into the chair provided for him, yet his back remains straight with his chin slightly held up and shoulder pulled back. Confidence is also shown in eye contact and in a firm handshake. A poor posture is shown by slouching; it usually means laziness or lack of interest.

If you have a posture that shows confidence, people will treat you differently. They will treat you with more respect.

Be Conscious Of Your Actions

Be aware of how your body move or act. You might be already sending signals of rudeness even during the moments you do not intend to do so. Make sure you maintain a good posture and perform the proper gestures appropriate for the place and time. You might also as well consider the cultural background of the person you are talking to, and adjust to their acceptable behavior and body language.

Warning-Hazards Of Being An E.R. Nurse

Emergency nursing is a specialized field of the nursing profession. In this field, nurses are equipped and trained to deal with patients in critical phase of their illness and injury. Emergency room nurses are capable of treating patients in this phase without any or complete diagnosis.

Emergency room nurses are used to fast paced environment. Since the emergency department of a hospital, is usually overcrowded emergency room nurses can be seen multitasking to balance and prioritize patients and their time. How dangerous is it to be working in a hospital?

With increasing reports of emergency department violence, emergency nurses are placed among police officers and other peace officers. The Massachusetts Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 4.000 health care professionals to experience verbal and physical assault while working in the ER (2005).

Different steps are being undertaken to address the escalating umber of violence experienced by emergency room staff. Legislations in increasing the penalty for perpetrators are awaiting decision from the Assembly. Various programs and trainings to resolve violence are commencing in hospitals and other health care institutions.

So what else is dangerous about being an emergency nurse?

According to the International Hazard Datasheets on Occupation as released by the International Labor Organization, there are seven main dangers emergency nurses can be exposed to.

1. Emergency room nurses, as part of their responsibilities; cleans, disinfects and sterilize medical equipment. They may be exposed to agents that may damage the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory system.

2. Emergency room nurses can also be exposed to anesthetic gases, drugs and radiation.

3. Emergency room nurses may be injured by sharp objects like needles, blades and other similar objects.

4. They may contact with hot surfaces, faulty electrical equipment and may cause skin burns.

5. Sick patients in the emergency room present a risk of infection from body fluids.

6. Emergency room nurses may suffer from musculoskeletal problems and back pains due to handling heavy patients. Continuous work while standing and walking may cause fatigue and leg problems.

7. Emergency room nurses also may suffer from stress and burnout caused by shift and night work and by other psychological and organization factors.

The Emergency Nurses Association recognizes the increasing number of emergency nurses experiencing stress. The emergency care environment can be very stressful and physically and emotionally traumatic for the health care workers and nurses.

ENA recognizes the following contributing factors in the increasing stress levels of emergency room nurses.

1. Critical incidents that can cause strong emotion and may interfere with the ability to perform the duties. Incidents like mass casualties, disasters, unexpected death of a child or co-worker can be attributing factors.

2. Long term demands can also be a stressor. Long work hours, job insecurity, poor communication and an increased potential for a workplace violence fall under this factor.

ENA sees that unresolved issue of stress can result into absenteeism, sleep disorders, burn out, emotional difficulties and health problems.

So how can these repercussions be avoided?

International Labor Organization (ILO) provided several pointers to keep the emergency department safe for the emergency room health workers. Nurses should comply with all safety instructions and conduct periodic inspection of electrical medical equipment. Keeping all passages clearly visible and uncluttered is also another tip. Following appropriate procedures in infection control and handling and disposing sharp objects is necessary.

To resolve the stress emergency nurses are experiencing, ENA supports the development and utilization of critical incident stress management. ENA also supports the use of personal stress management strategies like relaxation, meditation, exercise, group therapy, guided imagery, massage or humor therapy.

ENA also recognizes the impact of workplace violence and the need for a program which would include education, prevention, appropriate security measures, identification of incidents, reporting and protocols.

Emergency nurses have a very rewarding job and at the same a dangerous one. These are all the sacrifices they have to put up the serve the people.