Friday, February 26, 2010

Something For The Weekend 22





Friday 26th February 2010

If you want to be right on trend this season without having to spend a fortune why not try this amazing Barry M Lip Paint in orange. Yes, I said orange, because believe it or not, orange is the hottest lip colour to brighten up your lips at the moment.

Barry M Lip Paint is known for it's soft creamy texture and is packed full of moisturisers which help it stay on for longer. So if you want to celebrate the arrival of spring in style do it with luscious lips.

Website Of The Week

Here is a great little website that I have been itching to tell you about for a while now. It's name? Fragrance Direct it's business? Designer fragrances with a discount. Not only is this site an excellent place to find a nice smelling bargain but it is user friendly and they even have a monthly prize draw in which you could win a bottle of their 'fragrance of the month'. Good eh?

Not only do Fragrance Direct supply you with designer fragrances they also stock top branded men's aftershaves, hair products, cosmetics and more. Well worth a visit in my opinion!

And so another week draws to a close here at The Beauty Factor. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by. I will be back with you on Monday morning so don't forget to drop by and say hello.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Can You Ever Eat Too Much Protein?




Wednesday 24th February 2010

Everywhere I turn it seems more and more people are ditching a good balanced diet and replacing it with one that is low in carbs and high in protein.

While there are advantages to consuming protein, such as a decreased sense of feeling hungry and the stabilising of blood sugar levels, eating too much protein can have a negative effect on the body. In this blog post we are going to find out exactly what eating excessive amounts of protein is doing to your body and exactly how much protein you should be eating.

Surprisingly the average non vegetarian person consumes a diet which exceeds the RDA (recommended daily amount) of protein. This is particularly true for athletes, body builders and weight lifters who often consume up to five times the RDA of protein.

According to recent studies there are consequences to eating too much protein, and when I say too much, I mean more than 25% above the RDA.

Firstly there is an increased stress on the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering out the proteins we consume and it has been suggested that those who already have a mild kidney problem, could have that problem inflated if they were following a high protein diet. Another thing to remember is that a high protein diet can also lead to dehydration, so if you are following a high protein diet plan, remember to help your kidneys by drinking lots and lots of water.

Studies have also shown that older women who eat large amount of protein tend to have a higher rate of bone density loss than those who don't. This happens because too much protein results in the excess amino acids being converted into organic acids. When the body processes these organic acids it does so by pushing out calcium into the urine, the calcium that is needed to maintain good bone health.

Consuming levels of protein beyond a certain amount probably won't give you any additional benefit unless your aim is to build large muscles via bodybuilding and weight training.

To calculate a suggested daily intake of protein for yourself all you have to do is grab a calculator input your body weight (in pounds) and multiply that by 0.37. To promote overall better health and reduce your risk of disease and illness, decrease the amount of protein you get from animal sources and add more vegetable sources of protein such as beans, lentils, and nuts. This is also a good general recipe for better health and longevity.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit The Beauty Factor again soon!

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Monday, February 22, 2010

Contraception - Diaphragms And Caps




Monday 22nd February 2010

Continuing with our short series about contraception today we are going to talk about Diaphragms and cervical caps.

Diaphragms and caps are barrier methods of contraception. They fit inside your vagina and prevent sperm from passing into the entrance of your womb (the cervix).

Diaphragms are soft domes made of latex or silicone. Caps are smaller and are also made of latex or silicone.

To be effective, diaphragms and caps need to be used in combination with spermicide, a chemical that kills sperm.

How effective are diaphragms and caps?

If used correctly and in combination with spermicide, diaphragms and caps are estimated to be 92-96% effective in preventing pregnancy.

There are other more effective contraceptives available, such as the oral contraceptive pill. Some women prefer to use diaphragms or caps because they do not like taking the pill. Others cannot take the pill for health reasons.

Diaphragms and caps only provide limited protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV.

Most women are able to use diaphragms and caps. However, there are some situations and circumstances where they may not be suitable for you. These are listed below.

  • If you have an unusually shaped or positioned cervix.
  • If you have weakened vaginal muscles (possibly as a result of giving birth) that cannot hold a diaphragm or cap in place. However, most women find that if they cannot hold a diaphragm in place, they are able to hold a cap.
  • If you have a sensitivity or an allergy to latex, or the chemicals contained in spermicide.
  • If you have ever had the rare condition known as toxic shock syndrome (a life-threatening bacterial infection).
  • If you have had repeated bouts of urinary tract
    infections (an infection of the urinary system such as the urethra, bladder or kidneys).
  • If you currently have a vaginal infection. You should wait until your infection clears before using a diaphragm or cap.
  • If you are sexually active with multiple partners, which increases the risk of you catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

How To Use A Diaphragm or Cap

A diaphragm looks like a small shower cap with a brim. It is flexible so it fits into your vagina easily.

Before you use a diaphragm, you should first cover the sides of it with a small amount of spermicide. This will stop any sperm 'leaking' round the edges of the diaphragm.

Wash your hands and then place the diaphragm high up into your vagina so your cervix is completely covered.

A cap looks like the tip of a male condom, with a thick rim that allows it to stay in place. You should fill one-third of the cap with spermicide, but do not put any on the rim as this could make it difficult for the cap to stay in place. You should then wash your hands.

The cap should fit neatly over your cervix and stays in place through suction. As with the diaphragm, always check that your cervix is completely covered.

Some types of cap require you to put some extra spermicide on them once they are inside your vagina. If you are unsure about whether this applies to your type of cap, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

If the diaphragm or cap is fitted correctly, you or your partner should not be able to feel it during sexual intercourse.

When should I insert a diaphragm or cap?

You can insert the diaphragm or cap up to three hours before you have sex. After this time you will need to take it out and put some more spermicide on it.

You will need to leave your diaphragm or cap in for at least six hours after having sex.

You should not leave a diaphragm or cap in for more than 30 hours as this could cause an infection.

You should avoid having a bath in the six hours after sex as the water could dislodge the diaphragm or cap and wash away the spermicide. Showers are recommended instead.

How do I remove a diaphragm or cap?

The diaphragm or cap can be easily removed by hooking your finger under its rim and pulling it out. Wash it with warm water and mild unperformed soap. Rinse it thoroughly and then leave it to dry.

You will be given a small container that looks much like a make-up compact that you can use to store your diaphragm or cap between uses.

Never boil a diaphragm or cap. You should also not use disinfectant, detergent, or talcum powder to keep it clean, as this could damage it. Check your diaphragm or cap for any signs of damage before you use it.

Most women can use the same diaphragm or cap for a year before they need to replace it. You may need to get a different size diaphragm or cap if you gain or lose more than 3kg (7lb) in weight, or if you have a baby, miscarriage or abortion.

Do not use a diaphragm or cap if you are having your period, as using one during this time has been linked with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) - a potentially fatal bacterial infection.

Diaphragms and caps are an effective contraception. However there are better forms of contraception that are out there for you to use and that is one reason why they are far less popular then the contraceptive pill or condoms.

If you have any questions relating to this or any other or my contraception posts, please feel free to ask in the comments box below. You can remain anonymous and all questions will be answered as soon as possible.

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Friday, February 19, 2010

Something For The Weekend 21





Friday 19th February 2010

Olay Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream has been dubbed as the first super cream. Promising to seriously improves the appearance of your skin by dramatically making it look younger, this long lasting moistuiser offers the ultimate in skin nourishment targeting the fragile jaw, eye and neck areas.

Containing Olay's most concentrated amino-peptide formula and Hyaluronic Acid, it's Olay's first super-cream.

More about the amino-peptide complex
Olay's innovative use of amino-peptides is renowned. These tiny protein fragments help renew the appearance of skin cells damaged by environmental factors and free radicals. With higher levels of amino-peptides, vitamins and antioxidants, this new formula gently improves the appearance of the skin - leaving it looking dramatically younger.

The fortifying role of Hyaluronic Acid
Give your skin a lift without drastic measures New Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream enhances intracellular hydration. Hyaluronic Acid draws moisture into individual skin cells and the amino-peptide complex locks it in, forming a hydrating meshwork that helps restore volume, shape and plumpness to over 10 million surface skin cells.

Your skin is visibly lifted and firmed, especially in the hardest to treat areas - around your eyes, jaw line and neck.

TIPS & TRICKS

- Use more product at night and massage for longer as your skin is more receptive at night time

- Once a week, as a treat, use more product than usual and take time to perform the massage with more strokes

- As you use the product every day, make sure to smooth any excess product across the back of your hand, it will hydrate and leave your skin feeling wonderfully smooth.

- Use Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream as part of your everyday skincare regime, it works well with Regenerist Cleansers and Serum

Save 50% on the RRP by purchasing here : Olay Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream 50ml

Website Of The Week

As you may or may not have noticed, I have finally gotten around to creating a Facebook Fan Page for The Beauty Factor. You can become a fan by simply clicking on the Facebook link on the top right hand side of the page, or simply do a search for The Beauty Factor next time you are logged in.

If you do decide to become a fan you will get some exclusive links to freebies, discounts and voucher codes for all manner of health and beauty related items, so me thinks it is well worth the effort!

That's it from me this week, if I don't see you on Facebook then I will see you back here on Monday.

Have a great weekend!
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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Essential Vitamins For A Healthy You




Thursday 18th February 2010

You can get all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs by eating a varied and balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. We all know that vitamins are vital part of any healthy diet, but what is it that makes vitamins so important?

Found naturally in our foods, vitamins and minerals are the foundations which our bodies need to be able to work properly. For example iron helps to make red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body.

With vitamins being essential for life, how do we now if we are eating enough?

Government guidelines insist that every single one of us should be consuming '5 a day' That's five portions of fruit and/or vegetables per day and this is not without good reason; A Cambridge University study has revealed five behaviours that could extend our life expectancy by 14 years, and one of those is eating the '5 a day'.

A lot of fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamin C which helps keep your cells healthy. Excellent sources of vitamin C can be found in broccoli, oranges, kiwi fruits and peppers.

Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are also great sources of vitamin K, which helps build strong bones. Carrots, broccoli leaves, spinach, kale, pumpkin and other leafy vegetables are also good sources of vitamin A.

Getting your five a day is not as difficult as you might think. Fruits and vegetables fresh, frozen, dried or tinned (in juice), all count. A glass of fruit juice can also count as one of your portions, and so can a fruit smoothie. But they only ever count as one of your five a day, no matter how much you drink in an entire day.

You probably knew that fruit and vegetables are important sources of vitamins. But that’s not the whole story. Cheese, eggs, oily fish and milk, for example, are all good sources of vitamin A. Liver is very rich in vitamin A. If you’re pregnant, too much vitamin A can harm your unborn baby, so pregnant women should avoid liver, liver products and supplements containing vitamin A.

Vitamin B6, which helps the body to store energy, can be found in chicken, pork and turkey, as well as eggs, milk and vegetables.

The best sources of vitamin E – which helps to protect cells against damage – are plant oils such as olive, soya and corn oil. Nuts and seeds are also a great source.

But there are two vitamins that are not found in fruit, vegetables or grains: vitamin B12 and vitamin D.

Vitamin B12 helps keep red blood cells healthy, and helps us access the energy in the food we eat. It's mainly found in animal products, such as meat, dairy foods and eggs. It’s also in yeast extract, which is great if you love Marmite, as well as some fortified breads and breakfast cereals.

Because vitamin B12 is not in vegetable foods, vegans, who eat no animal-based foods, need to pay particular care to make sure they get enough.

Vitamin D is also found in a small number of foods: good sources include oily fish and eggs. It's also in fortified foods such as margarine, breakfast cereals and powdered milk. But sunlight is our biggest source of vitamin D.


As one of the B group of vitamins, Folic Acid can be found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, peas, chickpeas and brown rice. It's also in some fortified breakfast cereals.

Folic acid helps the body to make red blood cells. Most people can get enough Folic acid by eating a healthy and varied diet. But if you're pregnant or thinking of having a baby, you should take a daily 0.4mg (400 microgram) supplement. This should be used from the time you stop using contraception to the 12th week of pregnancy unless your doctor advises you otherwise.

Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. If you've had a pregnancy in the past that was affected by a neural tube defect, you should take a higher dose: speak to your GP for advice.

Should I Take A Supplement?


Ideally, we should get all the vitamins and minerals we need from the food that we eat. We tend to absorb nutrients more effectively if they’re in our food, rather than taken via a tablet.

With the supplements available at shops today, it’s possible for any of us to exceed the recommended daily intake of many vitamins and minerals. But beware: more doesn’t always mean better.

If you take supplements, you need to know what you’re taking, and the possible consequences.

Research suggests, for example, that having more than 1.5miligrams of vitamin A every day over a period of years could make your bones weaker and more likely to fracture. Taking large doses of vitamin C can cause stomach pain and diarrhoea. With many vitamins and minerals, little evidence exists on the long-term benefits or harms that may come with large regular doses.

There are circumstances, though, in which specific supplements are recommended. Pregnant women are advised to take:

  • 400 micrograms of folic acid a day, to reduce the chances of birth defects.
  • A daily vitamin D supplement. This is also recommended for breastfeeding women.

A daily vitamin D supplement is also recommended for older people and young children. People who cover up their skin entirely when outdoors should also take a vitamin D supplement, because our primary source of vitamin D is sunlight.

So now you know how important it is to get your five a day, maybe you should think about making some changes this week when you go to the supermarket!

See you tomorrow!

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Monday, February 15, 2010

Contraception - Female Sterilisation



Monday 15th February 2010

Female sterilisation is an effective and permanent form of contraception.

The operation usually involves cutting, sealing or blocking the fallopian tubes, which eggs travel through from the ovaries to the womb. This prevents the eggs from reaching the sperm and becoming fertilised.

How popular is it?

Every year, thousands of UK couples choose sterilisation as their method of contraception. It has become increasingly popular since the late 1960s. In 2001, one in 10 women aged under 50 was sterilised in the UK.

Who is it for?

Almost any woman can be sterilised. However, sterilisation should only be considered by women who do not want any more children, or do not want children at all. Once you are sterilised, it is very difficult to reverse the process (see Risks, above), so it is important to consider the other options available (see box, right).

Surgeons are more willing to perform sterilisation for women who are over 30 and who have had children, although some younger women who have never had a baby choose it.

How effective is it?

Female sterilisation is more than 99% effective, and only one in 200 women will become pregnant after the operation. It can be reversed, but the success rate is much smaller, with only 50-80% of fertility returning, depending on age and what sterilisation methods were used.

How sterilisation is carried out

Sterilisation is usually done using a technique called tubal occlusion (blocking the fallopian tubes), where a cut is made in your abdominal wall to access your fallopian tubes.

In 2004, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines (see Useful links) on a relatively new technique that does not involve cutting into the body. This is called hysteroscopic sterilisation, and involves inserting implants into the fallopian tubes. However, the technique is not yet widely available.

Both procedures are described below.

Tubal occlusion

First, doctors need to examine your reproductive organs, using either laparoscopy or mini-laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy

This is the most common method of accessing the fallopian tubes. The doctor makes a small cut in your abdominal wall, and inserts a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a tiny camera lens attached), which lets them clearly see your fallopian tubes. Additional cuts can be made if other instruments, such as surgical scissors, need to be inserted.

Mini-laparoscopy

This involves a smaller incision than a laparoscopy (usually less than two inches), just above the pubic hairline. The fallopian tubes are pulled out of the incision, operated on, and then put back into place. This procedure may be appropriate for women who have just had a baby, or have had recent abdominal or pelvic surgery.

Blocking the tubes

The fallopian tubes can be blocked using one of the following methods:

  • Applying clips: plastic or titanium clamps are closed over the fallopian tubes.
  • Applying rings: a small loop of the fallopian tube is pulled through a silicone ring, then clamped shut.
  • Tying and cutting the tube: this destroys 3-4cm of the tube.
  • Sealing the tubes (electrocoagulation): a harmless electrical current is used to burn a small portion of each fallopian tube and seal it closed.

Fallopian implants

These are usually inserted under local anaesthetic. A tiny piece of titanium metal called a microinsert is guided through your vagina and cervix and into each of your fallopian tubes, using a small flexible tube (a hysteroscope) and a guidewire. This means that the surgeon does not need to cut into your body.

The implant causes the fallopian tube to form scar tissue around it, which eventually blocks the tube.

Removing the tubes (salpingectomy)

If blocking the fallopian tubes has been unsuccessful, the tubes may be completely removed. Removal of the tubes is called salpingectomy.

Recovering from sterilisation

Your doctor will tell you what to expect and how to care for yourself after surgery.

If you have had a general anaesthetic, you should not drive a car for 12 hours after the operation. If you leave hospital within hours of the operation, do not try to drive home. Ask a relative or friend to pick you up, or take a taxi.

How you will feel

It is normal to feel unwell and a little uncomfortable for a few days if you had a general anaesthetic. You may have to rest for about a week.

Also, you may notice some slight bleeding and pain. There is no need for concern, but see your GP if it gets worse.

Having sex

Your sex drive and enjoyment of sex will not be affected. You can have sex as soon as it is comfortable to do so after the operation, but if you had tubal occlusion, you will need to use contraception until your first period to protect yourself from pregnancy.

If you had an implant fitted, you will need to use another form of contraception for the first three months after surgery. After three months, X-rays will be used to check that the implants are in the correct position.

Remember, sterilisation will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so continue to use barrier contraception, such as condoms, if you are unsure of your partner's sexual health.

This information was sourced from the NHS website.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Something For The Weekend 20




Friday 12th February 2010

Have I ever told you that my most favorite piece of gym equipment is the Classic 65cm Gym Ball ? No...well it is. Why? well it is really inexpensive (best price 9.99), easy to use, fun to use, and it is really good at helping you build up your core and transform your posture and tummy area.

I have had my gym ball for well over two years, I'm sitting on it right now and just using it as a desk chair had helped me better the way I sit at my computer. It has also helped me relieve lower back pain during my pregnancy and I have even used it as a foot stool when I twisted my ankle a while back.

Apart from the practicalities that I have already mentioned here, it is a great piece of keep fit equipment and if you need a little help then I have found this great DVD Gym Ball Workout for Beginners (best price 4.73).

Website Of The Week

One day I plan to write an article on the importance of keeping your Brain active. That is why this weekend, if you have a little spare time, I would like you to pay a visit to this great little website I found that will help you to train your brain with a number of fun games.

Scientific Brain Training from Luminosity can help to improve your attention span, memory and processing speed to help keep your brain in tip top condition. Right now you can get yourself a Free Trial. So what are you waiting for?

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my posts this week. Feel free to leave your comments, they are always appreciated, and I will be back here again on Monday talking about contraception...again!
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Is Leech Detox Therapy Legitimate?




Wednesday 10th February 2010

If you saw the feature on Sky News yesterday about Leeches and how they are fast becoming the hot celebrity beauty secret, then you may be curious to know a little bit more about this seemingly bizarre form of beauty treatment favoured by actress Demi Moore.

If we start at the beginning you would want to know that using leeches for medicinal purposes actually goes back a long long way, with the popularity declining toward the first half of the 20th century, leeches are still in use today primarily by plastic surgeons where they help with skin graft surgeries or when reattaching severed fingers or toes.

While Demi Moore insists that her experience of leech therapy was as a detox, I have to say that this is rather an overstatement. Leeches do not have some magical gift in which they feast on around 5ml - 15ml of your blood and replace it with some substance from the 'fountain of youth'. However, leeches do release a number of enzymes into the blood stream that inhibits blood clots, but these enzymes do not provide any form of blood detoxification at all.

It seems that all the hype surrounding Demi Moore and her highly publicised claims of detoxification by leech may be another one of those scam specials that will have literally hundreds of people running to their nearest unauthorised therapists, but lets hope not.

What are your views on leech therapy and the claims made by Demi Moore?

If you would like to read more about it then read this scambuster report to get the facts.

See you again tomorrow!
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Monday, February 08, 2010

Contraception - Patches




Monday 8th February 2010

The contraceptive patch (transdermal) is a form of hormonal contraception that is worn by a woman to stop her getting pregnant when she has sex.

However, unlike like barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, the contraceptive patch does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The contraceptive patch is very reliable and easy to use. You stick it on a clean, dry, hair-free area of your body, such as your buttocks, stomach, chest (apart from your breasts) or the outside of your upper arm. Make sure the area of skin you choose is clean, dry and not hairy, and that it is not going to be rubbed by tight clothing. You should not put the patch on areas of the skin that are broken or irritated. The patch needs to be changed for a new one each week.

The patch protects you from pregnancy by introducing hormones into your body which prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg.


Every day, the patch gives you a dose of the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progestogen, that move through your skin and into your bloodstream. These hormones are similar to the hormones that are made naturally by your body, and they control your periods and help to prepare your body for pregnancy.

The hormones in the contraceptive patch stop your ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation) which could then be fertilised by sperm. The combined oral contraceptive pill works in this way too.

The contraceptive patch also has some other effects. It makes the mucus in your cervix (entrance to the womb) get thicker. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through the mucus and into your womb, where it could reach an egg. It also makes the lining of your womb thinner, so that it is harder for an egg to attach to the womb where it could be fertilised.

If you start using the patch on the first day of your period, it starts working straight away. This means you can have sex without getting pregnant. If you start using it on any other day, you need to use an additional form of contraception for the first seven days.

The contraceptive patch is not suitable for everyone. If you are thinking of using the patch, the healthcare professional that you see will first ask you about your health and your family medical history. It is very important to tell them about any illnesses, or operations, that you have had, or medications that you are currently taking.

You will not be able to use the patch if:

  • you are, or think you might be, pregnant,
  • you are breastfeeding, or
  • you smoke and you are over 35 years of age.


There are also some medical conditions that mean that you cannot use the contraceptive patch. You will not be able to use the patch, if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions:

  • thrombosis (blood clots) in a vein or artery,
  • a heart problem, or disease affecting your blood circulatory system (including high blood pressure),
  • serious migraines, or migraines with aura (visual problems),
  • breast cancer,
  • active disease of the liver or gall bladder,
  • diabetes, and
  • bleeding from your vagina that does not have an obvious cause (such as between periods, or after sex).


If you weigh more than 90 kilograms (14 stone) the contraceptive patch may not work as effectively, so you may want to think about using other forms of contraception.

In some women, the contraceptive patch can cause skin irritation, such as itching and soreness. It also does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so you may need to use condoms as well.

Some women get mild side effects when they first start using the contraceptive patch. These include:

  • headaches,
  • nausea (sickness),
  • breast tenderness,
  • mood changes, and
  • slight weight gain, or loss.

However, these side effects usually settle down after a few months.

Breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods) and spotting (very light, irregular bleeding), is common in the first few cycles of patch use. This is nothing to worry about if you are using the patch properly, and you will still be protected against pregnancy.

Some medicines can make the patch less effective. If you are prescribed new medicine by a healthcare professional, you should tell them that you are using the patch. If you are buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, you should ask the pharmacist for advice because some complementary medicines, such as St John's Wort, can affect how the patch works. You might need to use an extra form of contraception while you are taking the medicine, and for two days afterwards.

If you have any questions regarding the contraceptive patch, please feel free to ask them in the comments box below. You can keep your comments anonymous too!

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Friday, February 05, 2010

Something For The Weekend 19




Friday 5th February 2010

Looking at the photograph here you have probably assumed that we are still sticking to the Valentines theme for today, and my fellow readers, you assume correctly.

Today we are going to stick to real Valentine tradition and I have found this brilliant gift set with a 10% discount that you could send to your loved one on the 14th February.

You don't actually have to be in a relationship to tell someone that you love and appreciate them. A gift set like this would be ideal to send to your mother, grandma, friends or other relatives, so let the people you care about in your life know that you are thinking of them. The company who supply these gift sets are International, so even if the people you care about are in another part of the world, you can still make them feel special on Valentines day. To get prices for this product, in your own currency click here.

Website Of The Week

I am sure you all know what a great workout you are supposed to get from pole dancing, so why not get your very own pole to dance around at home? Well the Electra-Pole (endorsed by Carmen Electra) has been designed and tested to remain completely stable under the most extreme pressure, so you can dance, spin and flip to your hearts content. Right now there is a 25% discount on the pole, but even if you don't want to buy one, check out electrapole.com because there are some great videos on their to show you how to use one.

Well that's all from me.

Have a great weekend, whatever your plans are and I will see you here again on Monday.
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Thursday, February 04, 2010

What Is Bulimia?



Thursday 4th February 2010

Bulimia may occur due to depression and stress. Or it may also be an after-effect of problems related with low self-esteem. If a person goes through a binge-eating spree, he tends to lose control. When that happens, he goes through a feeling of short-lived calmness. Bulimia is a repetitive process of purging and overeating. Over time, it becomes an obsession that is quite addicting.

It’s not easy to know for a fact whether or not a person suffers from bulimia. The act of binge eating and purging are usually done by the patient secretly. Most of the time, a bulimic person tends to deny her condition. Individuals suffering from this disorder usually consume up to 20,000 calories at a time.

Types of Bulimia

There are two known sub-types of bulimia. And these two sub-types have different characteristics. These are:

1.Purging type bulimics

People who suffer from this type of bulimia go through self-induced vomiting in order to remove the food that they have consumed. They usually take laxatives, diuretics, and enemas for quicker results.

1.Non-purging type bulimics

This type occurs in as low as 6% to 8% of the cases only. The person who suffers from this type of bulimia performs excessive exercises to offset the calories that he consumed in after eating. However, the purging type bulimics also exercise excessively as a second method of controlling their weight.

Bulimia nervosa often starts during one’s adolescence stages. Compared to anorexia, it is quite hard to know if an individual is bulimic or not. A bulimic person tends to be within or slightly above average of their ideal weight. It is possible for a person to have irregular eating habits and excessive exercising patterns without reaching the complete diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa.

The continuous phase of rapid and out-of-control eating can only be stopped if another person has interrupted or if the patient’s stomach suddenly hurts. Pain occurs because of the overextension of the stomach, which is usually followed by self-induced vomiting or any other forms of purging. Purging and binge eating performed on a repeated manner can cause lots of problems to the digestive system.

Bulimia Treatment

Bulimia can be easily treated. Bulimia doesn’t require hospitalization unless there are apparent physical complications. Bulimia is best treated during its early stages. Help patients by monitoring their behavior and making sure that they maintain a reasonable eating pattern. Encourage them to stay on treatment and keep their doctor’s or therapist’s appointments.

The medical treatment for bulimia normally involves counseling and behavioral therapy sessions. Bulimia may be an eating disorder but it is not just about food. It is more about a problem of self-esteem and self-perception. Therapists deal with what triggers the behavior rather than focusing on the behavior itself. Antidepressants are usually prescribed as an oral medication. Group therapies are also effective in treating bulimia, as patients get to share their experiences with people having the same problems.

Article source : Dr James Pendergraft
Image from uclahealth.org
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Monday, February 01, 2010

Contraceptive Implants And Injections





Monday 1st February 2010

Contraceptive implants and injections are long-acting, effective methods of contraception. They are over 99% reliable in preventing pregnancy, which means that less than one in 100 women who use the implant or injection will become pregnant each year.

The implant and the injections work in the same way: by slowly releasing a hormone called progestogen into your body. They do not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

They can be started at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you and your doctor are reasonably sure that you are not pregnant.

Implants

There is currently one type of contraceptive implant used in the UK called Implanon.

Implanon is a small (4cm), thin flexible tube. It is implanted under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse, using a local anaesthetic to numb the area. The small wound made in your arm is closed with a dressing and does not need stitches.

Implanon works for up to three years before it needs to be replaced. You can continue to use it until you reach the menopause.

The implant can be removed at any time by a specially trained doctor or nurse. It takes a few minutes to remove, using a local anaesthetic.

As soon as the implant is removed, you will no longer be protected against pregnancy. If you want to use a different method of contraception after the implant, you will need to start this seven days before the implant is removed. This is because sperm can survive in the womb for up to seven days after sex.

Injections

The contraceptive injection is usually given into a muscle in your bottom, but sometimes into a muscle in your upper arm. There are two types available:

  • Depo-Provera is the most commonly used injection in the UK and is effective for up to 12 weeks, after which another injection is given.
  • Noristerat is effective for up to eight weeks.

Where to get them

You can get an injection or implant at your GP surgery or a genito-urinary (GUM), contraception or sexual health clinic. It will be given to you by a specially trained doctor or nurse.

Who can use them

Most women can be fitted with the contraceptive implant or given the contraceptive injection. They may not be suitable for you if you:

  • think you might already be pregnant,
  • want your periods to remain regular,
  • have bleeding in between periods or after sex,
  • have arterial disease or a history of heart disease or stroke,
  • have a blood clot in a blood vessel,
  • have liver disease,
  • have migraines, or
  • have (or have had) breast cancer.
How Do Contraceptive Implants And Injections Work?

Contraceptive implants and injections steadily release the hormone progestogen into your bloodstream.

Progestogen is very similar to the natural hormone progesterone, which is released by a woman's ovaries during part of the menstrual cycle.

The continuous release of progestogen:

  • stops you from releasing an egg every month (ovulation),
  • thickens the mucus from the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to pass through to the womb and reach an unfertilised egg, and
  • makes the lining of the womb thinner, so it is unable to support a fertilised egg.
This information was taken from the NHS direct website where you can find out more about the pros and cons of using contraceptive implants and injections.
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