3 ways yoga can make you better in bed – Mind Body Green Gluten-free recipes good enough to fool the bread-eater – Health Keep your workspace germ free with these 10 tips – HuffPost Healthy Living More on Ioana Spangenberg, the lady with the 20-inch waist – Blisstree 20 celebs criticized for their curves speak out – Shape Is it chocolate that’s causing your acne? – Self The secrets of happy people – Fitness

My philosophy about aging mirrors my outlook about well being in general. Simply put, I think that any sign of aging that bothers you should be addressed – if there’s a pragmatic and relatively safe way to do so. Changes in skin appearance is one of the most obvious manifestations of advancing age. Fortunately, there Related posts: Aging Skin and Ellagic Acid Coconut Oil, Lactoferrin and Natural Skin Care News White Tea, Skin Aging, Prostate & Breast Cancer Updates Natural Skin Care Natural Hair and Skin Care

Snacking? Protein? Sugar substitutes? With so many questions about food, we turned to our friends and registered dieticians Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh of C&J Nutrition for some tips and tricks. Watch and learn how to eat not only for weight loss, but for your skin, too.

In a 21 to 5 vote on Thursday, U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisers said that the labels on certain oral contraceptives do not adequately reflect the risk-benefit profile of these drugs. The pills in question contain the hormone drospirenone. The brand names for these products include Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz and Sayfral. At a joint meeting of two FDA advisory committees in Adelphi, Maryland, members discussed the available evidence suggesting that drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives may be linked to a higher likelihood of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which are blood clots that can break away and move around in the circulatory system. Some studies suggest that the risk is higher for VTE in birth control pills with drospirenone than those with another hormone called levonorgestrel, a progestin.  But the results are conflicting, and the labels for these products should communicate that uncertainty, committee members said. The majority of the committee members (15-11) present voted that the benefits of these drugs – primarily, preventing pregnancy, but also treating certain menstrual-related problems and acne – outweigh the risks. Many said that while the relative risk of these drugs was shown to be higher in some studies of VTE, the absolute risk level is still relatively low. Those who voted "no" noted that the alternative is not necessarily unwanted pregnancy; there are other birth control pills on the market that appear to show a lower risk of VTE. Many voters noted that the studies on the subject, some industry-funded and some not, do not adequately take into account many factors that could contribute to the development of VTE.  Body mass index, smoking, socioeconomic status and family history are just some of the variables that could skew results.  These are also observational studies, not controlled.  Participants were not randomly assigned to take one kind of pill instead of another and followed. Advisers called for further investigation into these confounding variables. Filed under: Heart , Pregnancy Tagged: Elizabeth Landau – CNN.com Health Writer/Producer

Skin, nails, and hair can be outward signals of your overall health and can indicate where you may be lacking in the nutrition department. Having a whole, well-balanced diet contributes to shiny, silky hair with minimal breakage and split ends. In addition, eating lots of antioxidant rich fruits and healthy fats can help clear skin and protect you from skin cancer. Lastly, loading up on nutrient-rich foods enables your body to grow strong, healthy nails without the dints, white spots, or hang nails. Here are the five foods you should eat regularly to start radiating health and natural beauty . Salmon: Omega-3s contributes to a healthy scalp and keeps the skin lubricated. The protein helps fight against a protein deficiency, which can change your hair color, make your nails brittle, and your skin dull. Whip up some poached salmon with curried yogurt sauce to get your fix. Cashews: High in zinc, eating cashews in trail mix or as a quick snack will keep your hair shiny, prevent white spots in your nails, and aid in healing acne or scabs on your skin. You could also opt to sprinkle them on top of your favorite veggie dish like this Indian spiced chard recipe. Beans: Legumes and lentils have lots of biotin, a fatty acid complex that strengthens nails and hair. Dark leafy greens: Kale, collard greens, and chard are just a few sources high in vitamin A and C, which your body needs in order to produce sebum, the oil that’s secreted in your hair follicles. In addition, eating greens at every meal helps your body store more iron, which is essential for healthy hair and giving your skin a healthy glow. Here are seven ways to prepare kale – our fave green of the season. Whole wheat: Start eating sprouted grain bread, buckwheat, and other variants of the West’s favorite grain, because it contains selenium, a key mineral needed for healthy, cancer-free skin. Plus, studies have also shown eating whole wheat leads to clearer skin .

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar! Reduce wrinkles and look younger with your a.m. meal By Mara Betsch, Prevention There’s more to getting healthy, glowing skin than buying the perfect anti-aging skincare products. “You can put on all the makeup and concealer in the world, but unless you’re eating a diet full of beauty foods, your skin will not look its best,” says Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, the author of The Beauty Diet . Start your morning off right by whipping up these beauty-boosting breakfasts. They’re full of beauty foods that protect your skin and keep it looking young, fresh, and absolutely radiant. Omelet Italian-Style Tomatoes add juicy flavor to this simple omelet, but they also boost skin health. “Tomatoes are the number one skin-friendly vegetable,” says Jessica Wu, MD, a Los Angeles dermatologist and the author of Feed Your Face . Studies show that eating these bright red veggies may help fight sunburn, boost collagen, and even reduce skin roughness. Get the Full Italian-Style Omelet Recipe! Fruit and Spice Cut Oatmeal Besides being heart healthy, this steel-cut oats breakfast may improve your complexion. While instant oatmeals are often packed with sugar, this recipe instead relies on spices, fruit, and a touch of honey for flavor. “Sugar may contribute to wrinkles, and there’s research that shows that following a diet lower in refined carbs improves adult acne,” says Drayer. Try it Yourself! Get the Fruit and Spice Oatmeal Recipe Keep reading for more anti-aging recipes!

Donald asks… How to ask therapist about useing Drugs for GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) to therapist? I think I should be put on some type of drug for GAD , how should I ask my therapist about it? Jonjune answers: Let your therapist know the extent your anxiety is affecting you. Let him/her know you are having a very hard time coping with the things you are doing each day. Say that you would like to be evaluated by a psychiatrist to see if medication is an option. Best Wishes Joseph asks… What are ways to get over my GAD ( Generalized Anxiety Disorder )? Ways that don’t involve my doctor or the use of drugs? Anxiety is runing my life, I ALWAYS have to use the washroom in public, I’m always worried about my loved ones, I can’t sleep at night, and I’m always worried about something. ALL the time. And I don’t know what that something is. Jonjune answers: There are self-help books at the library. Some people find the Lucinda Bassett program helpful – my county uses it for classes for people with severe & persistent mental illness, and my social worker says that many people do much better and don’t need pills hardly ever, or ever, after doing the progarm (and they all have very severe mental illnesses). I think that program is expensive, like a few hundred dollars, but dont’ know for sure – I think it’s DVDs Generic anxiety tips (print them out): Try turning the heat up in the house or dressing more warmly. It is hard to feel anxiety when you are too warm Hot baths work, and at work/school, you can try running hot water over your hands. Avoid caffeine; it increases anxiety. Also, some cold remedies & other drugs can cause anxiety. Look for the “agitation in children” warning on the box. Adults can get problems too. For me, antidepressants caused agitation and panic attacks, and that is listed as a common side effect. Birth control, blood pressure, acne and sleeping pills & others often cause depression. Try meditation tapes like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. Try The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook; check the library. There are guided imageries in there, you could make a recording or get a friend to do it. I read mine into the computer using a program called Audacity (free) and digitally altered my voice so it doesn’t bug me. Free 15 minute guided imagery download at healthjourneys.com. Go out with friends, and if you don’t have any, find a club to join and MAKE yourself go until you actually look forward to it. A little laughing helps reduce anxiety. Exercise at least 1/2 hour a day, and anytime you feel really hyper or depressed. Exercise is a great mood stabilizer and cuts down on anxiety, research shows. Don’t do it a couple hours before bed, though, or you will be too hyped up. Here are “sleep hygiene” tips. Go to bed and get up about the same time each day, even weekends. Don’t use your bedroom to watch TV and read and use the computer -just use the room as a bedroom Don’t do stuff that pumps you up right before bed, like exercising and using the computer. Wind down, instead – take a bath ? The light from the computer screen or TV wakes you up if you use them right before bed. Make the bedroom really dark, cover up the clock, even. Use a noise generator (makes wave sounds etc.) to cover up disturbing sounds. Try soundsleeping.com for free relaxing sounds downloads. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Put colorful happy things around the house, and let the sun in. Make a list of things that make you happy. Part of my list: A basket full of fluffy kittens, bread fresh from the oven, Fireworks popping on a warm summer evening, The first fireflies of the season, the scent of Jergen’s cherry almond lotion, The crisp sound of a saltine cracker breaking, fresh sheets on the bed, flicking a topwater plug out onto the still surface of a summer lake, etc. Use all your senses and read that list when you are breaking down. I also use familiar scents, like Jergens lotion, or vanilla or cloves. Scent can be comforting. Work on time management if overwhelmed. Cut back on other responsibilities temporarily so you can spend more restorative time with friends and family. Ask for help. If there are people or situations that stress you , identify them and reduce them as much as possible. Learn to breathe. Put your hand on your belly. Now breathe deep, and feel your belly move up in down. That is the right way to breathe. You are probably breathing up in your chest area, and that makes you more anxious. Now breathe slowly. Do a mantra in your head innnnnnnnnnn ouuuuuuuuuuut innnnnnnnnnnn ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut slowly breathing. Focus on whatever 2 words you want as you breathe slowly. Look at an object, and observe everything about it for 5 minutes, then stretch that to 10, then 15 min as your gain experience. That’s a form of meditation. Finally, are you catastrophising, always thinking of the WORST thing that could happen? Try to catch yourself doing this, then change your thinking to, what is the MOST LIKELY thing to happen – hardly ever is the worst going to happen. You can’t die of a panic attack, either. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is the most effective kind of counseling. Try free computerized CBT at moodgym.anu.edu.au. Computerized therapy appears to be almost as effective as counseling, research shows. All the best!! Helen asks… what is the best treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? I need a medication that has been well tested and confirmed to have none or very little side effect Jonjune answers: You ask too much. Begin with psychotherapy and ask a doctor for a tranquilizer Paul asks… what is the best over the counter or non medication remedy for GAD (generalized anxiety disorder)? any help is appreciated! please be nice! if you could please be specfic and mabe even leave some websites for some advice on what i should do! i have limited money so therapist r out the question thank you! i need to know how to deal with this!…. its a awful feeling! Jonjune answers: Hi I found this really great FREE ebook about anxiety and panic attacks titled: “Code Red: Kill Panic! Annihilate Anxiety!! Now!!!” Inside this Free report, you’ll discover: – What Are Panic Attacks And Anxiety? – Triggers & Causes Of Anxiety & Panic Attacks – Therapies & Remedies For Anxiety & Panic Attacks – How To Survive With Anxiety & Panic Disorder – How To Stop Panic Attacks Forever – etc., etc. To grab your free report (while it’s still free) simply click on the link below. PS: You can thank me after you have read it. Charles asks… Do I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? I don’t know if I should see a doctor about whether or not I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder . I first thought I might have GAD after I strained a muscle. I had a hard time sleep for a while and when I pulled the muscle I didn’t sleep for four days. I also couldn’t eat. This was just before I started college. I was worrying about. I don’t have irrational worries. Things I worry about are school, family, and money. Once when I was talking with a friend she made me realize I go to the bathroom too much. I thought it could be a precursor to diabetes or some other problem, but I when I looked up GAD symptoms it said frequency was a symptom. This made me think back. I didn’t have to go a lot after eating a meal, but when I was studying and in the library. Also, during finals and studying for hard test, I can’t keep food down. I think it was the stress that caused it. Sometimes it might happen after a single stressful thought. The last test I studied for caused me to start shaking. Today I knew I was going to be a minute or two late to class and I started hyperventilating. A heart palpitation was another listed symptom. I don’t know what that is supposed to feel like, but sometimes it feels like a shot of air was injected in my chest. Also, I thought it was just a cold or allergies, but before I went home, right after finals, my throat closed up. I noticed it because I was choking in my sleep and when I looked in the mirror I could see it closed up. Is that a possible GAD symptom? It went away during break and so did my lack of concentration and fatigue I’d been feeling the fall semester. These problems don’t necessary happen every day and there isn’t a consistent pattern in symptoms. I get different symptoms at different times. Some happen while others don’t. It sounds silly to me and I don’t want to embarrass myself by going to a doctor like a hypochondriac who’d been on WebMD. I just would like to know so I can focus more and not freak out so much when I have money problems or a test to study for. Jonjune answers: Hello, It is always important to be checked out by the doctor first. After that I have a site that I think can help you. I have recently launched a project entitled I Wanna Live Again (www.Iwannaliveagain.com) This project serves as a safe haven and recovery zone for people struggling with anxiety induced PCVs, PACs (Skipped Beats), Palpitations, Panic, and Chest Discomfort. The goal of this project is to help people better understand and cope with what is happening physically and mentally inside their bodies. It sounds like this would be a great resource for you to check out. You can even subscribe at the bottom to stay up to date! Good luck Powered by Yahoo! Answers Related Blogs

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Mary asks… Social Phobia? I’ve been reading up lately about Social Phobia . I’m pretty sure i have it, but i’m so scared.. The symtoms work; i blush excessively! i sweat a lot and i get a stomach ache when i’m in social situations that can be embaressing or when i think i could be in a situation like this. I was reading up things to do to stop it on the net, but the only advice is see your doctor. I really dont want to do this. I dont even know where the doctors is and i never go there. My mum has a type of phobia like this called Agrophobia, it’s like this just much worse. I’m scared I may grow up to be like this, as it is probably inherited. But i really dont know what to do, there’s nobody i can really talk to about this, as its too embaressing! Please help me. And don’t just say ‘See your doctor’ This isn’t something i want to do, i know i should, but this isn’t really telling me something i dont know. Thanks so much.. Jonjune answers: I lived this life for years. I didn’t leave my house for 9 month’s when it first began. I know how frightening this is and the fear you have when you go out manifest’s itself into more, you have a lot of good advice here, take it slow, avoid being in large crowd’s, understand that everyone is NOT looking at you . I tried the medicine route, i tried the therapist’s, these didnt work for me. It boils down to self confidence hun, and your ability to face your fear… Try to figure out what makes you afraid in a sociol situation, understanding what is going on is half of the battle…I had my worst attack at my old work, in the end i passed out, woke up, and realized that ,that was it, that was all that was ever going to happen, once i realized that this “thing” wasnt going to kill me as i had thought befor i got better..i now work in a store with alot of customers and most times i am the only one there….i have my moments still but there just little ones…Dont be afraid to be afraid , we all fear something….god bless and good luck to you Mark asks… social phobia? I have social phobia , what can I do to lessen it w/o resorting to poping a pill. Jonjune answers: First, thank you for being smart enough not to take pills to treat a phobia. Psych meds are not very healthy in the long run. Second, phobias are hard to deal with and i would reconmend seeing a psychologist (not psychiatrist, they are paid by medical insurance companies only if they prescribe you with meds). If you cannot afford it, try to go to social settings and relax yourself as much as possible, meditate if possible. If you fall asleep in a social setting you are definitely improving this phobia. After so many times of reaching a peak in relaxation in a social setting, you will immediately feel comfortable in settins such as malls and parks. Lizzie asks… Social phobia…? Im 15 years old. I have been bullied all my life in school since the 3rd grade. After about 5th grade… it caused me to have social phobia because people would always torment my looks and my “BIG BONEDNESS” Its caused me to drop outta school and forced to be locked up in my house. Like i cant go outside if a neighbor is standing there… i always have like this shyness that he/she is looking at my appearence. Is there like a way i could treat this? I used to be social and have friends and everything, but the past 4 years ive been kind of a loner. Which i like very much. I dont know, i just love being by myself. Jonjune answers: Well if you really want to get rid of your problem. You just have to be brave. You have to understand that soem people will like youm, and some will not. If you have a hobby you enjoy, try getting out there and joining a club or something. The best way to meet people is to meet people with similar interests. Above all, don’t be afraid and just have fun! Donald asks… Social……..phobia?????????? Ok,so here is my story… I’ve been in a long rush trough my life ,it all begun at the age of 14 when i had severe depression treated with antidepressants.I was very very anxious&stressed&co. later i became socialy isolated and very shy, i think it’s because my dopamine was depleted in that strong depression (full 3 months of panic attacks + more) I had some other problems that induced my social phobia ,I had severe acne & scars wich made me impossible to talk/look/carry a conversation with people,i was extremly stressed 2 years like passing out every day with my mouth dry. However my acne was treated and i have no longer scars,the fact is that all my past friends are gone and I became isolated,there is one major problem in all this bullshit. THE PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE EXTREME ANXIETY AT MEETINGS,after I meet someone that i know i can carry a conversation but I just cant meet that person so i just keep runing from them ,i can’t look in their eyes i preffer ignoring my old friends…what’s wrong with me ? i find it impossible to meet someone just like say ”HI,HOW ARE YOU” im always feeling heartbeat and my blood running like a train when I see the person girl or boy.But if i can do a good salute everything goes well,it’s just i fear to met them,what the heck is this ???? anyway it’s very strange that im not anxious with unknown persons,just with girls when it comes to meet them.But i’m terrified of my old friends,maybe it’s linked to my past or something?And even if I meet a new person and after some weeks I meet him again i’m terrified of the meeting (shaking hands,saying hello,etc) but as I told..im afraid of meetings. someone experienced this ? is it normal ? Jonjune answers: View the information and weblinks for social anxiety/shyness, and self confidence, in sections 9, and 38, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris Here is an exercise that can help you. It is called “Act as If.” When you are in a social situation, act as if you are outgoing. Talk more, smile at everyone, ask questions, speak in a normal or excited tone, not a meek tone. Watch some of your outgoing peers, and imitate the style of their social behavior. Research shows that when you “act as if” continually, your image of yourself begins to conform to your new behavior. In this case, you will gain self-esteem and self-confidence, and begin to see yourself as socially normal, not shy. You will become more socially successful, and this will motivate you to continue your new social behavior until it becomes a habit. Try this for a month, in every situation you can. I am confident that you will become much more comfortable and outgoing. One form of therapy is to go somewhere that nobody knows you, and deliberately make an utter fool of yourself: put on a paper hat, and scream out: “I’m queen/king of America!”, or something else ridiculous, then get back in the taxi, (warn the driver of your intentions, first) or car, and leave. People will point, and say: “Look at that idiot”. But, you’re probably not up to the stage where you can do that, yet (I can, and I used to be shy). It will teach you that, although it isn’t actually pleasant, you will survive; be stronger for the experience, and the next time (should you need to repeat this type of therapy) will be considerably easier. Remember: “A fear avoided is a fear strengthened; a fear faced is a fear reduced.” Regard it as your final test: once you have accomplished it, the barrier will be broken; just don’t go too far, the other way! Learn to laugh at yourself, and give a big, cheesy grin when others see you do something foolish, as we all do, occasionally. It is endearing, if you don’t do it too often. Use positive affirmations: for example: “I am very likable and other people feel comfortable around me”. Write down all of your self limiting beliefs; then write down the positive counter of them, (exact opposite) and repeat them and imprint them into your mind. Most importantly: Force yourself to approach somebody and initiate some sort of communication. Start out small by asking the time and directions and gradually go bigger. Although there are anti-anxiety medications (anxiolytics) available, these come with risks, and the possibility of side effects, habituation, even addiction, and withdrawal problems, and are unsuitable for young people. Try having a cup of “Tension Tamer”, herbal tea, by Celestial Seasonings, (from supermarket tea, or health food aisles) or make some at home, and cool, then bottle, and drink as needed (I find it so strong tasting, that I need to drink it quickly, followed by something like fruit juice, to take away the taste, but others may find it more tolerable). C(h)amomile tea is a more palatable option. As with all herbal/green teas, use lemon/lime, and/or a little sweetener (NOT ARTIFICIAL!!!) but no cream, or milk. Panic: see section 8. Anxiety: section 6: view page N first. Look people on the top of the bridge of the nose, instead of the eyes. You could try “shaping” to salute, but if civilians are involved, change it to scratching your forehead, as a substitute. Ruth asks… What is the difference between Social Phobia and Avoidant Personality Disorder? How can you tell if you have Avoidant Personality Disorder or a severe case of Social Phobia ? Jonjune answers: Research suggests that people with avoidant personality disorder, in common with social phobics, excessively monitor their own internal reactions when they are involved in social interaction. However, unlike social phobics they also excessively monitor the reactions of the people with whom they are interacting. The extreme tension created by this monitoring may account for the hesitant speech and taciturnity of many people with avoidant personality disorder. They are so preoccupied with monitoring themselves and others that producing fluent speech is difficult. Avoidant personality disorder is reported to be especially prevalent in people with anxiety disorders, although estimates of comorbidity vary widely due to differences in (among others) diagnostic instruments. Research suggests that approximately 10–50% of the people who have a panic disorder with agoraphobia have APD, as well as about 20–40% of the people who have a social phobia (social anxiety disorder). Some studies report prevalence rates of up to 45% among the people with generalized anxiety disorder and up to 56% of the people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although it is not mentioned in the DSM-IV, earlier theorists have proposed a personality disorder which has a combination of features from borderline personality disorder and avoidant personality disorder, called “avoidant-borderline mixed personality” Powered by Yahoo! Answers Related Blogs

Eating too much dairy can cause a number of issues for people such as tummy troubles, congestion, and acne, so if you’re trying to cut back on the amount of dairy in your diet, here are some ways to do it. Skip the cheese on your burger. Eating a hamburger not only avoids dairy, but it also saves you about 100 calories. Pour almond milk in your cereal. It’s deliciously creamy, lactose-free, and contains the same amount of calories per serving as skim milk. If you love yogurt with fruit and granola for breakfast, opt for soy yogurt. O’Soy and WholeSoy are slightly higher in calories than regular yogurt, but offer six or seven grams of protein, just like Stonyfield Farms’ Nonfat Vanilla. Continue reading for more ways to ditch the dairy from you diet.