Preventing overexposure and reducing skin cancer risk

Excessive exposure to direct sunlight is considered potentially harmful to a person's health. To avoid sunburn a person should stay out of the sun for long periods of time. If long sun exposure cannot be avoided or is desired one may cover themselves or use sunscreen or various over-the-counter creams to reduce the risks from UVA and UVB exposure. The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number on a sunscreen product shows its rated effectiveness. Products with a higher SPF number provide greater protection against ultraviolet radiation. However in 1998, the Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science reported that some sunscreens advertising UVA and UVB protection do not provide adequate safety from UVA radiation and could give sun tanners a false sense of protection.

For those who choose to tan, some dermatologists recommend the following preventative measures:

* Make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. These types of sunscreens, called broad-spectrum sunscreens, contain more active ingredients. Ideally a sunscreen should also be hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn't cause a rash or clog the pores, which can cause acne.

* Sunscreen needs to be applied thickly enough to make a difference. People often do not put on enough sunscreen to get the full SPF protection. In case of uncertainty about how much product to use, or discomfort with the amount applied, switching to a sunscreen with a higher SPF may help.

* Research has shown that the best protection is achieved by application 15 to 30 minutes before exposure, followed by one reapplication 15 to 30 minutes after the sun exposure begins. Further reapplication is only necessary after activities such as swimming, sweating, and rubbing.

* The rays of the sun are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m , so frequent shade breaks are recommended during these hours. Sun rays are stronger at higher elevations (mountains) and lower latitudes (near the equator). One way to deal with time zones, daylight saving time (summer time) and latitude is to check shadow length. If a person's shadow is shorter than their actual height, the risk of sunburn is much higher.

* Wear a hat with a brim and anti-UV sunglasses, which can provide almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation entering the eyes.

* Be aware that reflective surfaces like snow and water can greatly increase the amount of UV radiation to which the skin is exposed.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the use of sunscreens, wearing sun protective clothing and avoiding the sun altogether.

Diet tips for a glowing complexion

Diet can play a major role in imparting glow and freshness to your skin, some of the tips that can help are:

~ Drink 12 to14 glasses of water everyday.

~ Avoid eating to much of fried foods like vadas, samosa, chips, bhajias, etc. Stick to fresh vegetable salads or fruit salads.

Depending on the seasonal availability, eat all types of fresh, green vegetables and all types of fresh, juicy fruits (except for strawberries and mangoes; they are heaty and overconsumption can lead to acne).

~ Avoid consuming too much of heaty food like chillies, garlic, non-vegetarian items or dried fruits like dates.

~ Detoxify once a month by consuming fresh vegetables, fruits and liquids all day.

5 Tips To Lose Belly Fat

Losing unwanted body weight does not have to involve prolonged workout sessions at the gym or self-defeating fad diet regimens. In fact, most people find that without a sustained lifestyle change, any weight that is lost during a period of diet or extreme exercise is gained back once the activity is no longer practiced.

5 Tips To Lose Belly Fat

Abdominal training exercises for your abs workout

Here is a list of popular abdominal exercises for people trying to expand their ab workout.

How should you structure your abs workout

You should do abdominal exercises 2-3 times a week for 2-3 set of 10-15 repetitions. Choose 3 exercises that work all areas of your abs for a complete workout. You can vary the exercises you do to prevent your body from getting used to one movement.
Abdominal training exercises for the Upper Abs :

Exercise Ball Crunches - Sit on the exercise ball with your feet flat on the floor. Let the ball roll back slowly and lie back until your thighs and torso are parallel with the floor. Contract your abdominals raising your torso to no more than 45 degrees. Return to horizontal position. Repeat.

Cable Crunches - This exercise requires a triceps pushdown machine with a rope attachment. Kneel down in font of the machine holding the rope just above your head. Slowly crunch down to your right knee and hold for 2 seconds as you breathe out. Return to the start position slowly and repeat to the left knee.

Weighted Curls - Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold a medicine ball or weight plate to your chest. Curl up just enough to lift both your shoulders off the floor a few inches. Hold for a few seconds and return to the start position.
Abdominal training exercises for the Lower Abs :

Lying Leg Raises - If you have back problems consider reverse crunches instead of this exercise. Lie on your back with your hands, palms down under your buttocks. Raise your legs about 30cm (12") off the floor and hold them there. Now trying to use just your lower abs, raise your legs by another 15cm (6"). Make sure your knees are slightly bent, and that you are using your abs not your hips.

Hanging Knee Raises - You need a chin-up bar or something you can hang from for this. Grab the bar with both hands with a grip a bit wider than your shoulders, cross your ankles and bring your knees up to your chest. Pause at the top of the movement for a second and then slowly lower your knees by relaxing your abs. Don't lower your legs all the way. Repeat the movement using just your abs to raise your knees. - Make sure that you don't start swinging. You want your abs to do the work, not momentum. Make sure lower back stays neutral or slightly rounded, not arched, and that your abs are doing the work, not your hips.

Captain's Chair - This exercise requires gym equipment. Start with legs dangling and slowly lift your knees in toward your chest. The motion should be controlled and deliberate as you bring your knees up and return them back to the starting position.
Abdominal training exercises for the Obliques :

The obliques, commonly known as the 'love handles' are an area that is often neglected. There are four popular ab exercises that work the obliques.

Lying Oblique Leg Raises - Lie on your right side on the floor on a mat and keep your left leg over your right, placing your right hand in a comfortable spot and your left hand behind your head. Bring your torso and left leg toward each other as you pull with your obliques. Squeeze for a one-count and return to the starting position.

Standing Side Bends - Begin by standing up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. You can hold a dumbbell in your left hand with your palms in. Keeping your back straight, bend to the left as far as you can, then return to the start position. Repeat for the opposite side. Remember to bend only at your waist.

Seated Barbell Twists - Sit at the end of a flat bench or in a chair with your feet firmly on the floor. Place a barbell (or a broom handle) on your shoulders, keeping your back straight and upright. Slowly twist your torso to the left, then to the right. Keep your back straight and your head up, keeping your abs constantly contracted throughout the entire exercise.

Cross-Knee Crunches - Like ab crunches, take the lying, bent-knee position, but this time crunch diagonally as if you are trying to touch each shoulder to the opposite hip alternately. At the top position, one shoulder and one hip should be off the ground. - This is a good exercise that works your obliques as well as your upper abs.

Be sure to consult your physician before starting any new exercise program.

source

Miss Universe 2009

Miss India Ekta Chowdhry (C) with co-contestants of Miss Universe 2009 beauty pageant in Bahamas.

Heather Mills on Her Newly Cropped

EXCLUSIVE: Heather Mills on Her Newly Cropped “Just-Got-Out-of-Bed” Do

Heather Mills might be most famous for her acrimonious divorce from Beatle Paul McCartney and dazzling turn on Dancing With the Stars, but the former model — and new vegan restauranteur — also knows a thing or two about style. And after she chopped off her hair into a Kate Gosselin-esque do, she chatted to PEOPLE.com exclusively about the funky new look. “I decided I had no more time to keep drying my hair with having to work late and get up early for the new VBites cafe and restaurant, factory, travelling, school drops, etcetera, so I chopped it off back to how I had it in my twenties,” she explained. And while Heather might be a long way from having to scrimp and save, following her $48.6 million divorce settlement last year, she didn’t splurge when it came to her new cut. “I asked a local village hairdresser if she would do it, and thought what the hell,” she says. “She did a great job. I love it. It’s easy. I now just wake up and run my fingers through my hair, as it’s a just-got-out-of-bed look — after a great night in bed, of course!” Tell us: What do you think of Heather’s new do?

source:stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com

Jayde Nicole in leaf skin bikini

Hot Gallery Jayde Nicole in fresh leaf skin bikinisteamy hot!

Good sex everyday, keeps doctors away

Good sex everyday, keeps doctors away

You would have never thought that a kiss could help keeping dental worries at bay or a gratifying sexual act at night make you feel fit and Lovemaking couple fresh the next morning. But that's what studies across the web claim.

Healthy sex leads to a healthy life. You may have tried copious measures to get that extra glowing skin and shiny hair. You must have also worked out rigorously to achieve that perfect ten figure you've desired. But the key to your mind and heart is fulfilling sex. Even for those who lose their temper or are always in a depressed state of mind, 'sex' can be the solution.

A happy sexual life with your partner not only gets you in shape with better skin texture and silken tresses, it also burns extra calories, keeps you fit, combats asthma, relieves headache, reduces depression and tranquilises your mind. From make-up experts, hair stylists, sexologists and fitness connoisseurs – there's a common consensus that a vigourous sexual life leads to a healthy life – both physically and emotionally. We get them share more on this...

There have been several notions stating that 'sex' produces certain hormones that bring happiness, which lead to a fit body and a healthy mind. Shedding some light on this, Dr. Sanjay Chugh, specialist on sexual issues, states, "Sex contributes to general good health. Any sexual intimacy that is enjoyable and pleasurable promotes well being by providing several physical and psychological benefits. It is believed that sex boosts chemicals in the body that protects us against diseases. Research also suggests that sex and masturbation can help ease joint and muscle pain, combat depression, promote heart health and lengthen one's life span."

Dr. Samir Parikh, clinical physiatrist adds, "The basic fact is that a good sex life also means in a larger picture, a good relationship with one's partner and this makes the partner happier, less stressed and by virtue of that physically healthier."

Not just this, sex also accelerates blood circulation and one's basic metabolic rate, which further enhances the well-being of our mind and soul and helps us calm down.

On these emotional benefits, Dr Chugh adds, "A satisfying sexual relationship strengthens the bond between couples, making them feel secure and loved. The feeling of emotional connectedness adds to ones sense of belonging, which in totality helps them achieve a positive physical, psychological and spiritual state that is necessary for one's general health."

Elaborating further, on a scientific angle, Dr Avdesh Sharma, a consultant psychiatrist, and an expert on relationship issues shares, "Sex is a way of bonding at the physical, mental and emotional level and leads to health (including psychological) benefits. If it is used as a mechanical process, it may have limited benefits. There are physiological benefits of positive changes in parameters like pulse, heart rate, reduction in blood pressure (after an increase in B.P. specially if vigourous sex is tried), dilation of blood vessels and capillaries of the skin, leading to a 'glow', burning of a few calories (depending on the duration of the act and vigour), exercising of some of the muscles, thus improving lung capacity (during heavy breathing)."

However, we also need to understand that sexual acts work more in terms of improving resistance, but are not a safe guard or a treatment to illnesses. Any sexual act can neither be used as a treatment nor would it change your stresses of life, which one would need to resolve irrespective.

"The extra edge of sex may be due to the feeling of being wanted, an expression of emotions and certain hormonal and physiological changes that happen as an expression of love for another individual. Unfortunately, the benefits of sexuality are usually quoted out of context and people may look at this as a panacea for everything. But sexuality without emotions have limited value," concludes Dr Avdesh Sharma.

Here are some lesser known fun facts about sex.

Have sex stay fit : Sex may seem like the safest sport you can take up. It de-stresses you, keeps you rejuvenated, elevates your moods and stretchs, tones and exercises your body muscles.

Expert opinion : Dr Ishi Khosla, clinical nutritionist, Director Whole Foods asserts, "Sexual acts certainly lead to a normal mental well-being and a healthy state of mind. This in turn creates a physically fit body. If there's an ill-health or manifestation of any problem, it would reflect on your outer body."

Dr Samir Parikh adds, "You would still need a balanced lifestyle, which means that if you compare two equals in terms of lifestyle age and other factors as a constant, then it's possible that a sexually active person feels better."

Sex burns extra calories : It is indeed a form of exercise and naturally burns one's calories too.

Expert Opinion: Dr Geetu Amarnani, wellness
expert at Kolmet Hospital, opines, "While having sex, the BMP (basic metabolic rate) increases and that ultimately helps in burning the calories, so it's widely believed that one can shed that extra flab through sexual encounters."

Sex for glowing skin and hair : When women make love they produce the hormone oestrogen which makes their hair shine and their skin smooth.

Expert Opinion : Make-up expert Sylvie, also an expert on sexual issues asserts, "As sex helps releasing the extra level of frustration and stress on one's mind and body, so logically it leads to a glow on your face and your skin texture looks better too. Also, hormones in our body are activated at a faster rate than usual during sex, which helps in better blood circulation, adding that extra shine to one's skin and hair."

Sex brings relief from headaches, reduces depression and tranquilises your mind : A satisfying love-making session releases tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain. It brings you out of a depressed state of mind and acts as a tranquilliser.

Expert Opinion : Dr Sanjay Chugh, "The pleasure that is derived from a satisfying sexual act tends to relax one's mind, taking away headache. It releases endorphins into the bloodstream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well-being. Good sex leaves the person feeling relaxed and satisfied thus acting like a tranquiliser."

A kiss to keep dental problems at bay : It is medically accepted that a kiss encourages saliva to wash food from the teeth and lowers the level of the acid that causes decay. It also prevents the build-up of plaque.

Expert Opinion : Dental expert, Dr. Vandana Jyoti opines, “Anything that increases salivation will help in bringing down the acid level, which causes damage to one’s teeth. It also prevents cavity. Other than a kiss, chewing gum and more of lemon intake also tend to act in the same manner. But one has to be extra careful, as it might act the other way round, in terms of spreading germs, if either of the two persons involved in a kiss is suffering from a tooth infection.

source:timesofindia

Egg Face Pack

Egg Face Pack

Craving for that perfect, smooth, wrinkle free skin? Try out the homemade egg face pack. An egg face pack is one of the finest homemade beauty products that can be prepared at home. It is an easy and hassle free option that promises a positive and effective result. An egg face pack uses only natural ingredients that are easily available in any market.

Most of the ingredients included are used for household purposes.

Ingredients required for preparing an egg mask:

* Egg White
* Two Spoonfuls of Orange Juice
* Half Spoon of Lemon Juice
* A Few Drops of Sweet Almond Oil (by choice)
* Flour

A Grapefruit Pill to Fight Obesity

Tart and tangy with an underlying sweetness, grapefruit has a juiciness which rivals that of the ever popular orange and sparkles with many of the same health promoting benefits.

And, now researchers are on track to develop a pill from a chemical compound in grapefruit, which they claim would help obese people shed the flab and diabetics control their blood sugar levels.

Researchers at University of Western Ontario have found that naringenin, the chemical compound that gives grapefruit its bitter taste, has revolutionary effect on the liver making it burn fat instead of storing it after a meal.

According to them, this means that without having to change diets or cut out particular foods, a dose of naringenin could prevent weight gain and even help to lose it as well as help those having diabetes to control blood sugar levels.

Lead researcher Murray Huff said: "The study shows naringenin, through its insulin-like properties, corrects many of the metabolic disturbances linked to insulin resistance and represents a promising approach for metabolic syndrome."

They have based their findings on an analysis of tests which were carried out on mice -- two groups of rodents were both fed the equivalent of a Western diet to speed up their "metabolic syndrome", the process leading to Type 2 diabetes.

Bridal Make Up Tips

* Even if you are getting your makeup professionally applied, do not put aside your wedding makeup to the wedding day. Have a trial session to check out the colour scheme and overall look.

* Get your facials done one week before the wedding.

* For a resistant blushing, experts recommend a powder based blush.

* Use a very resistant lipstick as you will kiss a lot of people. Make sure it fits your eye and hair color, same as the lip liner. For a longer durability, use balm, lacquer or primer, and apply the lipstick with a lip brush. Apply two layers for better resistance.

* Avoid pink tone foundation. It will make your face appear pale in photographs. Also when you apply foundation make sure you apply in all exposed areas , that is your neck, hand and back. For an oily skin choose a matte foundation that is water based.

* While applying make-up, blend it well. Make sure there is no visible lines. In case you are using translucent powder, for a long-lasting make-up, avoid patting too much as it will make your skin look dry and flaky.

* For more natural look avoid applying any makeup to your brows. Apply the eye colour and a neutral shadow after putting on shadow primer.

* For brightening the eyelids, use an eye shadow base.

* Apply two layers of waterproof mascara, having few seconds pause between, to avoid smudging Make sure you use smudge proof eye makeup. Wedding ceremonies take a longer time and you might rub the eyes accidentally. Eye shadow should compliment your skin tone and the outfit your wear. Use eyelashes for a dramatic look.

* Avoid bright and neon colours as they make your skin look ashy. The best bet for your makeup in the big day is to choose a neutral or true color

* After a complete make up, dust a little face powder as it will help the make up stay longer.

* A badly chosen hair ornament will make you look like an un-cropped tree. Ask your hair stylist for a rehearsal before your wedding to make sure you do not look too festive. A very tight bun will result in stiff neck.

* Do use a bronzing powder to warm your skin tone.

* When choosing a fragrance for your wedding day, wear one of your favourites. This is no time for surprises! Layer the perfume to create a magical aura of scented pleasure.

Glowing Skin Tip

* Make a mixture of cucumber & tomato.Grate both & then put them in an ice-tray.After frozen, apply 1 ice-cube on your face.Leave it for 2-5 min, then wash your face with water.

CAN STRESS BE MAKING YOU FAT?

1. Are you stressed out? Depressed? Sad? A Chronic Worrier? Have a Low Self-Esteem?

2. Are you ashamed of the way you look and find yourself constantly comparing yourself to others?

3. Do you find comfort in food, specifically carbohydrate-rich foods?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s safe for me to assume that you are either overweight or have a very difficult time in maintaining your weight.

Studies have shown that human eating behavior IS greatly influenced by the amount of psychological distress people have.

Individuals who have a low self-esteem, high anxiety (worry/stress), and who are constantly depressed tend to be obese, and to also seek comfort in foods that are mainly carbohydrates.

What could possibly be occurring in our brain to make us feel and behave this way?

SEROTONIN – one of the primary neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation and eating behavior.

It is important to first explain that neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in our brain and nervous system that help us to talk, move, breath, think, feel, and to exist.

When we are psychologically distressed, our body experiences internal changes in normal neurotransmitter functioning and in various hormonal and intestinal behaviors.

These changes influence our body weight because of their influential effects on our appetite, our food portions, our food preferences and finally on our body’s ability to burn the calories we consume.

Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter involved in these processes and is found in the Central Nervous System.

It is responsible for the following bodily functions: mood regulation, blood flow, pain sensitivity in our lungs, brain and our hearts.

Other factors that are regulated by serotonin include our sleeping patterns, blood pressure and as previously mentioned, our appetite, food portions and food preferences.

A lack of serotonin in the brain is associated with depression.

Thus, low levels of serotonin can cause us to feel depressed, sad, sensitive to pain, insomnia and headaches, and can decrease our ability to concentrate.

This in turn can cause an increase in the potential for a person to seek relief in addictive substances such as alcohol and drugs.

It can even make them more susceptible to impulsive behavior such as binge-eating, over-eating, and spontaneous eating, which in the end leads to fatigue and inactivity.

Many people fall prey to this vicious cycle of emotional eating and before long, they are left trying to figure out where the extra 20 pounds came from or how it is they put on weight to begin with.

Home Beauty Tips

Everyone wants to look their best and as beautiful as they can. Many of us spend a lot of money on branded beauty products and on numerous visits to the beauty parlor. There are a number of simple beauty treatments that we can use with things that are easily available in our homes. Here are a few home beauty tips that you can try using things from the kitchen without any extra cost.

* To remove puffiness from the eyelids, massage a drop of very fresh castor oil on to them.
* To cool your eyes, make eye pads using thick slices of cucumber. Another option is to use cotton pads soaked in cold milk. Lie down and place them on your closed eyes and relax for a while.
* Putting a drop of rose water into each eye just before you sleep can also refresh you eyes.
* To prevent your lips from chapping, use hot water fermentation on your lips and then apply a mixture of vaseline and honey. Apply this mixture about three times a week.
* To prevent your lips from drying you can use a ground mixture or rose petals and milk butter.
* To delay age spots on your hand, use a piece of lemon and rub all over your hand, before washing. This will delay onset of age-spots.
* If you have no time to shampoo your hair before going out, then brush 1 tablespoon of talcum powder or corn flour through your hair. Try this out first when you are not in hurry to make sure that it works the way you want.
* To prevent hair loss you should have a biotin rich drink. Blend bananas with honey, yogurt and low fat milk. Drink this for a few weeks.
* While blow drying and setting your hair, blow-dry at hot on the roots of the hair. Roll your hair inwards or outwards at the ends. To improve the setting make sure the ends are evenly rolled in or rolled out. Heat the hair for a second and then let it cool. This process of setting the hair will last longer and make your hair look beautiful.
* To condition your hair, after shampooing your hair take some conditioner on your palm and rub it with both hands. Apply from the hair shaft moving downwards. Do not apply on your scalp. Rinse your hair after 5 minutes.
* To add extra shine and glow to your hair add 2 tablespoons of malt vinegar. Use it as a last rinse and towel dry your hair.

source:beauty.iloveindia.com

Hair, Skin Glowing Tips...Monsoon Care Tips

Beauty tips: Beat the monsoon blues!

Come monsoons and you are sure to experience mixed feelings! On one hand there is mischief, playfulness, fun, romance, while on the other, there is misery, gloominess, filthiness and irritation.

In fact, getting caught in rain showers unprotected can convert even the most perfect makeover into a complete disaster. Constant care is therefore required to keep your hair lustrous and your skin glowing.

We asked Dr Mukesh Batra, Founder and CMD of Dr Batras' Positive Health Clinic, to give you a few homeopathic to help you to sail through those bleak-and-dreary-hair days:

1. Skin problems:

Have you noticed how during the rains, your skin tends to wrinkle up, shrink, and develop acne? Here are a few simple tips to get around all these problems.

What you need:

1. Taking 2 tablets of Silicea 6X, a homeopathic remedy, twice daily has been found to be useful in treating acne.

2. Chrysarobic acid 6C, 5 pills twice daily can help to treat generalised fungal infections.

3. Mercurius Sol 30C, 5 pills twice daily is recommended for fungal infection in the groins.

Fungal infections of the nails and in between the toes are common in the monsoons; so keeping them clean is important. Avoid heavy makeup. Preferably use water-resistant products.

2. Hair problem

Dandruff and hair fall are quite common this season. But a little care everyday could keep hair-raising troubles at bay!

To avoid a flat, damp or frizzy look, conditioning and neatly tying a pony tail is a favourable solution as the hair tangles easily in the wet season.

Get a therapeutic and rejuvenating hair massage done to help revitalise those damp roots.

Use a scarf to protect your hair from winds and adverse weather conditions.

Oiling and washing your hair at least thrice a week with lukewarm water is advisable. Use only mild shampoos or herbal-based shampoos rather than lathering shampoos as the latter tend to dry and roughen your hair and preferably dry your hair with thin towels.

Avoid getting wet as high humidity can damage your hair and lead to hair fall. If you get drenched in the rain, wash your hair immediately with a mild shampoo and follow it up by a conditioner to keep the scalp free of germs. If you tend to have dandruff and fungal infections, use an antidandruff shampoo.

Allow your hair to dry naturally. If you must use a hair dryer, hold it 6-8 inches away from the scalp. Do not use styling gels and brush your hair with a wide toothed comb.

What you need:

1. Homeopathic medicine Calcarea Sulph 6X can be taken for scaly and dry dandruff.

2. Kali Sulph 6X can help to treat sticky yellow dandruff. If the dandruff persists in spite of using an antidandruff shampoo and the indicated medicines, consult a doctor.