Causes Of Nail Fungus

Wednesday 9th December 2009

Following my post on Monday about nails and health, I received an email from a reader asking what the causes of nail fungus were and if I knew of any treatments for the condition.

Here is an answer to those questions, so Wendy this is for you and thanks for getting in touch.

Fungi are microscopic organisms that don't need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses, while others cause illness and infection.

Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and molds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections. All of these microscopic organisms live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers. They can invade your skin through tiny invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. They cause problems only if your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture — conditions perfect for the growth and spread of fungi.

Infection with nail fungus occurs more in toenails than in fingernails because toenails are often confined in a dark, warm, moist environment inside your shoes — where fungi can thrive. Another reason may be the diminished blood circulation to the toes as compared with the fingers, which makes it harder for your body's immune system to detect and eliminate the infection.

Nail Fungus Complications

Nail fungal infections can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. They may also lead to other serious infections that can spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.

Fungal infections of the nail pose the most serious health risk for people with diabetes and for those with weakened immune systems, such as people with leukemia or those who've had an organ transplant.

If you have diabetes, your blood circulation and the nerve supply to your feet can become impaired. Therefore, any relatively minor injury to your feet — including a nail fungal infection — can lead to a more serious complication, requiring timely medical care. See your doctor immediately if you suspect nail fungus.

As for treatments, I have done a little research and have found one product which has had rave reviews recently; a natural solution for healthier nails for more information on this product you can visit: http://www.zetaclear.com

That's everything from me today. thank you all for stopping by, as usual please feel free to leave your comments or drop me an email fay@beautyfactor.net.

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Is Liposuction For Me

Tuesday 8th December 2009

Today we welcome our guest blogger Julia Eves who helps us take a closer look at the Liposuction procedure.


It sounds like some sort of a magic cure: Just make a small incision and suck out unwanted fat through a tube - a spiffy piece of body contouring that leaves you svelte and shapely. The good news is that this is pretty much what liposuction does, and its laser form, SmartLipo, is even called the 'lunch-time lipo'. Sneak out for a quick snack and some liposuction! But there may be serious, sometimes fatal, complications with liposuction; so you need to seriously consider whether it is worth it.

What areas does it work in?
Liposuction isn't an alternative to the gym: it's not a good idea if you're looking for extreme weight loss but does work well if you have some specific problem areas. A kind of body contouring, it can be performed under the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, calves, and ankle areas. Liposuction works best for people who don't lose or gain weight too quickly or have any eating disorders. Men usually opt for liposuction to remove double chins and abdominal fat; women for thighs, hips, lower abdomen and around the neck region. If you're opting for liposuction or SmartLipo you should ideally be healthy and have roughly normal body weight.

How is it done?
Liposuction is getting easier. The big cut that surgeons used to make has now been replaced by a tiny incision in a natural skin crease through which a hollow tube is inserted to suck out fat. The newer laser-based SmartLipo is even simpler. It involves inserting a tiny tube into the skin which then moves back and forth distributing the laser's energy to surrounding fat cells, which rupture and drain away. SmartLipo is a simple enough procedure to be performed under local anesthesia and is sometimes used along with regular liposuction to supplement it.

Is there a flip side?
Of course, now that you've been hearing about what a safe procedure it is, you'll probably be tempted to head out and ask for a helping of body contouring right away, please. But although liposuction is one of the safest cosmetic surgical procedures available today and may be advertised as something you can undergo when you have an hour free, you should make sure you speak to a realistic surgeon who doesn't overdo the amounts of liposuction performed on you in a single day. The amount that is considered "safe" varies, so it is important to check how much your surgeon prioritizes safety over results.

There are side-effects that may put you off liposuction and it's best to know these beforehand rather than discover them the hard way later. They include infections, skin necrosis (can be fatal) above the regions where liposuction was done; a change in the sensations in the operated region; swelling, and fluid imbalance.

Also if all that your surgeon has been discussing is the miracle body contouring that you will go home with post-surgery, you need to know that there are certain vulnerabilities you might have that increase risk during or after liposuction. For instance, what's your history with cardiac problems; pulmonary problems; hypertension; diabetes; allergies? After a surgery, are you okay with the chance that there might be some shock (if enough fluid wasn't pumped back into you after fat was sucked out); fluid overload, scarring, drug reactions or possibility of infection.

Liposuction: when not to
It's not a good idea to consider liposuction for general obesity or to treat skin that is uneven or dimpled. Your surgeon should warn you that certain parts of your body shouldn't undergo liposuction such as the fat on the sides of breasts - a common site for cancer. There are alternatives to liposuction and SmartLipo that you can consider: for instance, a tummy tuck procedure; reduction mammoplasty or even a combination of plastic surgery procedures.

Julia Eves works in health industry. Staying Young is the website were Julia publishes her articles on health, diet and cosmetic procedures

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What Your Nails Say About Your Health

Monday 7th December 2009

Most of us are already aware that our nails can hold vital clues about the state of our overall health, but most of us don't know what our nails are trying to tell us. Ripples and bumps, white specks, and a change in colour may all be signs of disease in the body. Keep reading to find out what your nails say about your health.

Pale Nails are often a sign associated with aging, but can also be a sign of illnesses such as Anemia, Diabetes, Liver disease or Malnutrition.

White Nails are often a sign of liver problems.

Yellow Nails are often a sign of a fungal infection. As the infection worsens the nail bed may retract and nails may thicken and begin to crumble.

Blue Nails or nails with a slight tint of blue about them show a lack of oxygen. This could be an indication of lung problems.

Rippled Nails If the surface of the nails is pitted or rippled this could be a sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.

Brittle Nails that are dry and crack have been linked with thyroid disease. If the nails are brittle but with a hint of yellow then you may have a fungal disease.

Puffy Nail Fold If the area around the nail is red and swollen, then this is known as inflammation of the nail fold. It could be the result of lupus or another connective tissue disorder.

Dark Lines should be look at instantly by a medical professional as they are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Bitten Nails Gnawing at your nails may be nothing but a habit but in some cases it can be a sign of anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorders that may benefit from treatment.

Although we all have nails that change throughout our lives it may not necessarily mean we have one or more of the above health conditions, and of course we have to take into consideration other symptoms too. All in all, many nail abnormalities are not dangerous and are quite harmless.

If you want to see the series of photographs that accompany this article then you can do so by clicking here

See you again tomorrow with another guest blogger post!

Photo by thesun.co.uk

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Something For The Weekend 12

Friday 4th December 2009

Another weekend is upon us and Christmas is looming, but if you have not finished all of your gift shopping yet join the club and don't despair.

This week we have found a really good product, perfect for the man or woman in your life who spends most of their waking life standing on their feet.

Carley's Soft And Sensual Feet is a real treat to help soften tired, dry, cracked and aching feet and includes a FREE full size bar of natural soap worth $5.

To read more about what this product can do for you visit the website, click on 'view all products' on the homepage and scroll down to get a fuller picture of this brilliant stocking filler gift idea.

Website Of The Week

Ferro Cosmetics is the place to go if you are serious about using quality make up.

Ferro Cosmetics is the new age of make up revolution, with 100% all natural mineral makeup that makes women look and feel beautiful. Using only the highest quality minerals with no toxic ingredients or fillers, mineral makeup is hand-crafted and made in the USA.

Ferro Cosmetic product are available in a dazzling array of colors for any customer looking for makeup and beauty products that are just that little bit special.

Well that's another week all wrapped up. Enjoy your weekend and I hope to see you again on Monday.

Take care.

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Do You Have Asthma?

Thursday 3rd December 2009

Asthma is an increasingly common breathing problem, and it seems highly likely that you will know someone who suffers with it. The causes of asthma can vary from person to person as too can the symptoms.

I am an asthma sufferer myself, with the illness only flaring up during the winter months. Having a cold recently and suffering with Sinusitis probably triggered my asthma this time around.

So, how do you know if you have asthma or not? Here are some of the most common symptoms that you should be looking out for;

• Coughing, especially at night
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

Still, not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You may not have all of these symptoms, or you may have different symptoms of asthma at different times. Your symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one and severe during another.

Some people with asthma may go for extended periods without having any symptoms at all, interrupted by periodic worsening of their symptoms called asthma attacks. Others might have asthma symptoms every day. In addition, some people may only have asthma during exercise or asthma with viral infections like colds.

Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common but last longer and require immediate medical help. It is important to recognize and treat even mild symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under better control.

If you would like to know more about Asthma, symptoms, triggers, and treatments then visit http://www.webmd.com/asthma/default.htm

Thanks for stopping by. See you again tomorrow!

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Seven Ways To Feel Fitter And Healthier

Wednesday 2nd December 2009

If your new years resolution for 2010 is to get fitter and healthier (again), but all of the conflicting information out there is confusing you, here is a brilliant article that explains the seven things you need to do to feel better, fitter and happier about yourself.

Due to today's hectic modern lifestyle, many people are getting less exercise than they are used to. It also led them to making terrible compromises with their health, particularly on their food choices. The convenience presented by fast food meals and quick-cook meals became more preferred than quick fix greens and veggies. These unhealthy changes are starting to take toll on many people's lives, particularly on their health and fitness.


Health and fitness are two essential factors of living a quality life. That is why it is important to take certain measures in retaining health and fitness. Amidst the present challenges imposed by a hectic daily life, it is actually possible for you to maintain health and feel fitter and healthier than ever before.


1. Exercise plays crucial roles in maintaining health. Not only does it encourage normal body functions, it also helps establish more energy that will enable the body to sustain all your daily activities with no fail. By signing up to a fitness health centre, you gain help in making sure that your body gets enough exercise every day. To people who are dealing with existing medical conditions, they may benefit from the guidance of personal training staff to find the right exercises that will improve their current condition.


2. Along with your exercise fitness program, healthy dieting is essential to regaining fitness and health. Watching what you eat is important in lessening your intake of foods that trigger health problems such as saturated fat and complex sugars. Fitness experts recommend getting 8 servings of fruits and vegetables daily and 8 glasses of water per day. This should give your body enough fiber and fluid to hasten normal body system functions.


3. Achieving a natural state of deep relaxation is one way of effectively feeling fitter and healthier. Indulging to a relaxing massage or in methods like hypnosis, you encourage your body's transmission of positive energies, which improves the way you handle stresses and respond to certain situations.


4. Flexible exercises such as running, walking or jogging make great exercises. There's no problem when the opportunity presents only little physical activity. Doing little activities means a lot. Even doing simple housework or walking the dog is enough exercise.


5. Getting enough sleep, seven to eight hours, is a must. A well-rested body is a healthy body. Lack of sleep will not only make you less effective in the morning, it also weakens your immune system, which makes you susceptible to diseases.


6. Encourage positive outlook in life. Live your life to the fullest by taking great joys from simple things. For instance, if you want to achieve weight loss, appreciating, and celebrating every good change that you make in your lifestyle will keep you motivated in achieving your goal. That way, you will appreciate life, feeling fitter and healthier.


7. To undergo a rigorous and life-changing fitness program, consider joining a boot camp. Boot camps will enable you to achieve health and fitness with fun, fast, and effective ways. Boot camps offer to asset you in achieving all fitness levels, for all ages and abilities.


Article From Article Health And Fitness

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Rheumatoid Arthritis And Diet.

Tuesday 1st December 2009

There are various theories about the cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that inflames the joints in the body, causing pain and stiffness. It is not completely curable. In its advanced stages, rheumatoid arthritis makes the joints deformed and immobile, simultaneously affecting other organs, too. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that can affect anyone, any time, at any age. Since prevention is better than cure, a diet rich in nutrition, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, is best recommended. In the case of arthritis, a good diet will help in keeping the disease under control, even though cure is a one percent chance.

As per the body requirements, a diet should be combination of every food in large, moderate, and small amounts followed by a regular exercise plan or a physically active lifestyle. The typical diet should contain vegetables and fruit, cereals, grains, bread, legumes and beans, skimmed milk, and oils that are low in saturated fats. Researchers have identified a diet rich in fish oil and a vegetarian diet as a good sources to combat rheumatoid arthritis. Moderate amounts of sugar and red meat trimmed of excess fat can also be included the diet. Though in some cases of rheumatoid arthritis more consumption of red meat has been identified as aggravating inflammation in the joints, small quantities are harmless.

The diet should also include minerals like calcium and iron, and vitamins like B and C. Also, the body weight should be always under control. This is because a person having rheumatoid arthritis may turn anemic, lose bone density, develop a fever, and develop other symptoms that body cannot withstand with the pain and stiffness. At such a time, weight gain will only increase inflammation and pain in the swollen joints.

Diet supplements such as calcium and folic acid are recommended, especially when taking medication. Drugs taken for rheumatoid arthritis may have side effects and can affect the normal status of the vitamins and minerals in the body. For instance, folic acid is administered with methotrxate a drug used to fight arthritis. Similarly, alcohol and other beverages such as coffee should be avoided when taking certain other drugs.

Thanks to http://myarthritisnotes.blogspot.com for this weeks guest blogger post, very useful and interesting don't you agree?

See you back here tomorrow.

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