Thursday, March 5, 2009

An Easy Way To Ensure You Lose Weight Forever!

By Frances Norah Smith

It is strange how you can gain weight by odd means. This can be easily avoided if you plan your meals ahead of time. In this article I will show you how to do that!

See, if you don't plan your meals ahead of time, you tend to eat junk foods and less likely to have healthy choices. On the other hand, if you make a plan of what you would be eating the following week or month, then it becomes easier to maintain a healthy diet.

Those who don't plan their meals ahead of time often end up gorging on something tasty; and often, that 'tasty something' turns out to be a calorie-rich junk food!

You are required to make a list of what you would be eating for your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course snacks. Make sure that you eat only low-calorie and low-fat foods! If you are going to eat out at a restaurant, ensure that you plan your food choices in advance by visiting the restaurant's website. Most decent restaurants have their own websites where they display their menus, as well as point out which foods would be low on calorie and fat.

Just think about it - have you ever had the guts to say 'No' when you were invited to a delicious, non-veg dinner? Or do you ever turn down an offer of a boatload of cookies from your friend? I know how hard it is to turn down such tempting offers. But if you are serious about losing weight, the first thing that you need to do is to control your temptations and appetite!

The only way you can do it is by cooking a healthier alternative of the 'tempting dinner' at your home. An example is, if red meat is going to be served there, you can instead cook lean chicken meat at your home. Use minimal oil for cooking to make sure that the food remains low on calorie!

Eat one half of it during dinner and keep the other half for the following day!

Also, it is a good idea to keep yourself full at all times. Try to eat foods which are rich in fiber, as they are likely to keep you full for a long time. Natural fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, low-fat yogurt, etc., are usually healthy choices for someone who is looking forward to losing some inches and pounds quickly! Even if you haven't gained weight yet, making healthy food choices would make sure that you never gain even one pound of extra fat! - 15438

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Lawsuits are Pending against the Zimmer Durom Cup

By Maxwell Schmickman

Zimmer Holdings, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of orthopedic devices, introduced its Durom Cup Hip Implant in 2003 in Europe. Three years later, in 2006, it was approved for use in the United States. From the onset, however, U.S. procedures were plagued with problems. Within the first two years of its use, 12,000 of the devices were implanted, and within a few months, many of them began to fail. In an attempt to explain the numerous surgical failures, doctors finally that the Durom Cup is a defective product.

In most U.S. states, laws are in place to help patients who suffer due to defective prosthetic devices. The laws are designed to compensate them for pain, medical expenses, and the loss of wages caused by their problems with orthopedic procedures resulting from a malfunction of a prosthetic device. Zimmer, while not admitting to producing an inferior product based on its success rate in Europe, voluntarily pulled the cup from the U.S. markets in July, 2008 pending further investigation.

If you perform a search on the Internet for "Zimmer Durom Cup Lawsuits", you will find a host of attorneys who are looking to help file lawsuits against Zimmer on behalf of patients. As the number of cases of implant failures continues to grow, these attorneys have done their research and believe that they can file successful individual or class action lawsuits against the manufacturer.

Doctors who have done further surgery to determine the cause of patient discomfort have found that the cups have loosened over time to the point where they just pop from the sockets at the slightest touch. Other patients have devices which have actually migrated a short distance in their bodies so they are no longer located exactly where they should be. Although Zimmer contends that the rate of failure of the Durom Cup is quite low, physicians believe that hundreds of them will fail and need revision within the next few years.

Zimmer stockholders take the position that Zimmer should have announced a suspension of U.S. sales before January 22, 2008 instead of waiting until July. Because of this belief, they have filed a class action lawsuit in Indiana requesting damages for those investors who purchased stock between January 22 and July, 2008 when the product was finally pulled from the market.

Zimmer still pleads its case that its Durom Cup is not to blame for the surgical failures in the United States. Instead they contend that physicians did not receive adequate training for doing the procedure. Even so, in October, 2008, Zimmer announced that it had reserved $47.5 million to pay claims won in lawsuits against it. In July it was shown that the failure rate of cup implants could be as high as 5.7%. Zimmer states that this money is not being reserved for all patients and revisions but only for "revisions associated with surgeries that predate the company's voluntary suspension and which also occur within two years of the original surgery date." The resolution of this problem remains to be seen. - 15438

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Can You Find Chic Clothing For A Decent Price

By Sandy Kalzer

When you are on a budget, it might be a little difficult to imagine having chic clothing in your wardrobe. It is possible to find some great deals on some of the most fashionable items that are currently in style. All you have to do is make sure that you are shopping in the right places and you can have a great looking wardrobe at the price that you can afford.

One of the first places that you can look for chic clothing at a reasonable price are the outlet stores. There are outlet malls that are spread all around the country to offer a good price on the designer items that you want for your wardrobe. If you have one of these malls in your local area, spend a day shopping in the stores to bulk up your wardrobe for a price that you can deal with. The clothing is of the quality that you would expect from these designers. All it will take is a little bit of time spent in the stores to find the items that you need for the prices that you want.

Many people find chic clothing for good prices with catalog shopping. One of the greatest parts of shopping with catalogs is that you will be able to shop at any hour of the day or night when it suits you. You won't have to spend hours in the stores searching through the racks and fighting the crowds when you use catalogs to find your chic clothing. All you have to do is browse through the catalog and select the items that you want at the prices that you can afford.

Online shopping is another way that many people have found for chic clothing at good prices. You get the same benefit of catalog shopping when you choose to shop online for your chic clothing. However, there is one important difference between online shopping and catalog shopping and that is the number of sites that you can visit at one time. You don't have to wait for the latest catalog to be delivered to your house, you just find the sites whenever you want and look for the best deals for your clothing needs.

There are also some stores that have a great selection of designer brands at discount prices located all over the country. These stores are a great resource when you are looking for the very best looks at prices that you can afford. Many people visit these stores once a week to find the best deals on the chic clothing that they are looking for. If you are a serious shopper, this is a great way to find the items that you want for your wardrobe.

Chic clothing is always possible if you put in the time and effort to find the best price. Your wardrobe can be quite remarkable with a little effort on your part. The styles that you will find will make it all worth it in the end. - 15438

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Ankle braces For Football - Prevent Ankle Sprains

By Kenneth Elliott

Numerous studies have stated that previous ankle sprains if not cared for correctly when they occur have a higher chance of being re-injured. Previous injuries to ankles make the ankle unstable, opening a window for the ankle to being re-sprained. Football players that have had previous ankle problems need to be proactive by wearing ankle braces for football. These ankle braces help to keep the ankle in alignment during high end activities. Major fractures also disrupt and cause nerve damage. Doctors speculate major injuries damage the nerves that tell your body what position your ankle is in. These nerves are call proproceptors. They tell the body if the ankle has done too far in a wrong direction, alerting the body to take immediate steps to put the ankle back into a position that will not damage it. When the body is unable to accomplish this task during the healing process it is better to have a brace to help out were the body falls short.

Do you have an idea that you may have proprioceptor damage? This is a way that you can tell.

Balance or lack of it is one of the key factors for those to determine that they may have damage to their proprioceptors. This is a easy test to administer. Researchers have found in studies that injured player have a problem with balancing on one foot for 15 seconds without having to put down the other foot.

Playing on quality surfaces conditions can lower your risk factor in having another ankle sprain. Football players know that artificial turf can cause problems with ankle sprains, the tension between the players shoes and the surface increases friction. High friction will hold the players foot in contact in a stationary position while the upper body is still moving. This is a prime way to get a sprain. As I spoke before, those football players that have had previous sprain would want to wear ankle braces for football. - 15438

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Review of the Panasonic EP 1273TL Massage Chair Recliner

By James Knolan

With so many massage chairs on the market, how does one navigate to find what is right for them? One effective method our past customers have told us is by comparing reviews of massage chairs. We are going to review a Panasonic massage chair which is in the mid-range level. The model is the EP1273 massage recliner. Our review process rates a massage chair in 5 key areas. Each area is worth a possible 20 points. The overall score is attained by adding up the scores in each key area for a possible score of 100 total points. We present our review of the EP-1273 by Panasonic.

Warranty Coverage & Customer Service: We start with the dry subject of warranty coverage. It is less glamorous than going through the wonderful features on this massage chair, but nonetheless, it is important. Warranty coverage is like insurance. It protects you from disaster-just in case. With large ticket items, you want some protection for shelling out your hard earned money. Panasonic gives you rather light coverage on parts and labor which is covered for only 1 year. Other chairs in this range are longer from the factory. The best coverage which exceeds the norm is one year coverage for field service. Customer service is OK. Overall, we give the EP 1273 a 16 in warranty coverage.

Comfort & Ergonomics: Let us take a look at the EP-1273 from a comfort perspective. The chair back is well padded. You get a pillow to support your head that can accommodate the size of different users. The chair tends to fit the body well and support the back. The materials selected add to the comfort of the chair. The remote is simple for the amount of functions. Panasonic has thought through the design well and earns an 18 for the EP1273.

Ease of Use: Panasonic has designed a fairly intuitive and easy to use remote. Everything is labeled clearly. Adjustments can be made without having to push a number of buttons to get what you want the chair to do. Adjustments are easy to make to the chair. You can switch from automatic programs to manual programs easily. We give the EP 1273 an 18 in ease of use.

Key Features: There are quite a few important features, but we will narrow it down to two. The two key features are the 8 manual massage treatments and the Swede-Atsu massage mechanism. Panasonic incorporates an amazing array of eight manual techniques. The manual techniques include Shiatsu, Swedish, Hawaiian, tapping, rolling, kneading, compression and percussion. There is a massage therapy for virtually every need. The other key feature is the Swede-Atsu massage mechanism. This is a mechanical feature that is designed to replicate the feel of the use of thumbs and the palm of the hand. The mechanics were patterned after real hand movements and then built into the massage chair. These advance features rate an 18 in our book.

Massage Therapy: The EP 1273 comes with the most variety of massage treatments for a massage chair in its class. You have a choice of automatic and manual programs. You can select from 4 automatic and 8 manual massage techniques. The automatic programs run the entire chair, including the air massage system. The 8 manual massage techniques are specifically for the back. Furthermore, there are 3 massage courses that target specific areas of the back. You can also vary the roller width and the intensity settings of the massages. The leg rest comes with an air compression massage for the feet and calves. This is a nice package of thorough massage therapies for a mid range massage chair. The EP-1273 is rated an 18 for massage therapy.

Overall, the EP 1273 earns a score of 88/100. The EP-1273KL massage chair is certainly one of the better values provided by Panasonic. You get some excellent massage therapy treatments which are also available in their higher end models. The dual use ottoman is nice with the built in stretch system. We feel that the foot massage could be better, since you have to raise the leg ottoman and then bend your knees to perform. The aesthetic design of the chair is also lacking. However, the massage therapy is solid and you get a good variety of choice with this chair. If you are looking at a massage recliner in this class, then it is worth your time to check out the EP 1273 massage chair from Panasonic. - 15438

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Dermalogica Brings Herbal Skin Care And Results Together

By Celia Santori

Eye skin care itself isn't a new topic; it has been in practice since ancient times, when herbal skin care was probably the only way to take care of the skin. However, eye skin care has transformed in a big way.

For a time, herbal skin care ingredients had been replaced by factory-created ingredient 'breakthroughs.' The natural eye skin care treatments which used to be handed down from generation to generation was lost to highly commercialized, manufactured treatments.

We all want results and we all want them right now. That's what the eye skin care professionals heard, so some responded with products that technically worked quickly, but contained irritating and harmful ingredients.

Even commercial herbal skin care products had to be mixed with preservatives in order to increase their shelf-life, hence making them less effective than the fresh ones made at home.

However, it seems that things are changing fast and consumers are now opting for more natural, organic and herbal skin care products.

The commercial market of herbal skin care products is on the rise but the research and development of natural-based products has been ongoing for many years. Dermalogica Products were created with the sole mission of developing a results-driven line of skin care products that contained no irritants and no harmful additives.

The proven ingredients that are included in today's natural, premium eye skin care products are plentiful, including:

There are many, many herbal and natural ingredients that are being used in today's natural skin care products. Here are a few:

- benzoyl peroxide

- hyaluronic acid

- hyaluronic acid

Aloe vera, which is an extract from Aloe plant, is one of the best examples of herbal skin care product. Freshly extracted aloe vera is a natural hydrant that helps in soothing skin. It also helps in healing cuts and treating sun burns.

Many herbs have cleansing properties. Rosemary, chamomille and dandelion are examples. Their beneficial properties are expanded when they are combined with other herbs like green tea.

Dermalogica Eye Total Eye Care SPF 15 contains bisabolol, a derivative of chamomile, known retexturize the skin around the eyes. Bisabolol helps reduce the appearance of eye puffiness and eye wrinkles.

Dermalogica Eye Total Eye Care SPF 15 contains bisabolol, from chamomile, known retexturize the skin around the eyes. Bisabolol helps to minimize the appearance of puffy eyes and eye wrinkles.

Tea plays an important part in herbal skin care. Tea extracts are used for treatment of skin that has been damaged by UV radiation. Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair contains green tea, cucumber, arnica (perennial healing herb) and Vitamin A.

Oils derived from herbal extracts are another form of herbal skin care. Tea tree oil, Lavender oil, borage oil and primrose oil are some popular oils used in herbal skin care. Some fruit oils (e.g. extracts from fruits like banana, apple and melon) find use in shower gels (as a hydrating mix)

The most important reason for choosing herbal skin care products over synthetic products is to avoid side effects. And when it comes our eyes, its even more important to take the natural or herbal route when looking for eye skin care products that deliver results. Dermalogica Eye Products is that brand. The ingredients used in Dermalogica Products are gentle, non-irritating, non-harmful, yet truly effective.

Can't ask for much more. - 15438

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The Many Advantages of Stretching to Promote Weight Loss

By Jose Grinden

If you're on the lookout for one of the more simple weight loss tips that just about every person can do and one that is highly satisfying too, why not have a go at this? This weight loss concept involves something that we all do at times during the day, but never for sufficient duration for it to have much effect. So what am I talking about?

Stretching!

Absolutely! Not a huge amount of people believe that the superlative time of the day to undertake this is first thing in the morning. That's in advance of getting out of the nest! Instantly you wake up, before getting straight out of bed, take a minute or two enjoyably stretching your body!

By providing a good stretch to all of your muscles, you will gain a particular fitness edge. Stretching is so ridiculously easy to do and it totally sets you up for the day ahead. Commence by stretching your legs as tightly as you can. Enjoy a good yawn at the same time and stretch your arms right up over your head. You need to be sitting up straight while you do that. After that stretch your neck and back. Really sense all of the muscles elongating as you do it.

Afterwards, feeling revitalized, you can skip out of your bed and, further increase the benefits, stretch your legs one more time, stretch up onto the balls of your feet and a last big finale, go on and stretch your whole body once more. One might ask what the advantages are of going through with this exercise?

The answer is simple. Stretching just wakes up your muscles from their extended period of immobility while you were in the land of nod and gets them ready for such of the work that they will need to do during the day. Stretching naturally increases the capacity of your muscles to consume some of the surplus calories with the best efficiency. It also helps to ward off any injuries that might result from doing any other elementary exercises by straining or pulling a muscle.

Damage to muscles is more unlikely to turn up when you do a bit of pre-exercise strategies and stretch your muscles first. The bottom line is that this is an exercise that is easy to do, anyone has the ability to do it and exercising does not come much easier or more enjoyable than a completely fulfilling stretch and a yawn! - 15438

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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Reduce The Appearance of Cellulite and Reduce That Dimply Skin

By Dan da Silva

The problem of losing cellulite is the plight of many females who have tissue containing fat that has the appearance of the surface of an orange. This has become a serious cosmetic issue for women all over the world and ways of losing cellulite are sought continually because as women age the issue gets worse. The causes ofcellulite are many as are the ways and treatments used for losing cellulite but none of them claim that it won't return if you do not maintain certain habits.

Ordinarily, cellulite is found on the thighs, stomach, and the rear and is much more common in females than in males because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissues are distributed in men and females's skin. Some of this is because men normally have lower amounts of fatty tissue than females. This storage of fat is aided by the female hormone estrogen as additional fat is essential by the woman during menstruation, maternity and when breast milk is needed. There are other reasons for cellulite including being chubby, but this is not a direct reason although it can make it worse. Pregnancy is another reason because a woman's body experiences shifts like the elevated fatty deposits, weight gain and water retention.

Losing cellulite using a low calorie, high fiber diet, is now thought by many specialists to be about the best way to lose cellulite as long as it is combined with plenty of physical exercise. Tanning sometimes helps because is even believed that cellulite is not noticeable on darker skins. Unfortunately, doing various cellulite therapy exercises may still not be enough in the pursuit of losing cellulite or cure a person's hormonal imbalance which is still usually thought of as the main cause why females get cellulite. Other than eating healthily with lots of exercise, other methods of losing cellulite include massage, cellulite ointments, which can make the skin more elastic and hide the cellulite as well as those that claim to burn it away, as well as giving up cigarettes.

A more intense method of cellulite therapy is suction lipectomy for instance, which removes collected fats from the muscles surgically and in this process a suction pump is allowed to penetrate through small incisions made on the skin. This suction breaks through the deposited fats, massages the affected area with rollers attached and the connective fibers that hold fatty tissues, until the toxins and water are expelled. However, this cellulite therapy is pricey and not a something every woman wants to experience. Cellulite is neither a medical disease nor a life threatening illness but does bring sadness to many women and is commonly an indication of an unhealthy lifestyle. So once the cause of cellulite has been ascertained in an individual then it should be easy to solve what cellulite therapy will be the most efficient in losing cellulite permanently. - 15438

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Clinique Cosmetics - Tips on Safe Makeup Use

By Kathy Summer

Women love using makeup to cover some unwanted blemishes and imperfections that can be seen clearly by naked eyes. They love using makeup to look prettier and eventually be more confident in showing their face to anyone. However, what these most women failed to realize is that use of makeup can destroy their face, making it unhealthy full of bacteria, acne, and other infections. But of course it's still possible for these women to have a healthy skin despite use of makeup. They just have to educate themselves with some tips on safe makeup use like the ones we have below.

Safe Makeup Use Tips

Washing of Hands/Fingers

If you apply makeup barely with your fingers, be sure your hands/fingers are always clean. Be aware that your fingers produce natural oils that can eventually create breakouts and other skin inflictions. Not to mention that they too have contact with germs very often. Thus, it's best to always wash your hands/fingers before grabbing your makeup.

Washing of Face

It's a good habit to wash your face at night or in the morning before you put on makeup. Doing so will keep you away from danger of breakouts, black heads, and blocked and expanding pores. You must be aware that not washing your face before you put on your makeup may cause you a lot of unwanted skin problems. Nonetheless, if your face is dirty and you immediately put on your makeup most likely dirt inside your pores will be trapped and eventually during the day will be covered by more dirt and oil.

Keeping Your Makeup Safe

Be sure that you will always be using a clean makeup. Thus, it's important that you keep your makeup, particularly the brushes you use in safe place away from some possible sources of dirt and germs. The more your brushes or other makeup products are exposed to dirt and germs, the greater the possibility you will have skin problems later because you will actually be using them.

Using Own Makeup

Always use your own makeup. Never borrow makeup from your friend and never lend your makeup to any friend as well. Sharing makeup with a friend is not a good idea. Let's say even though your friend looks clean and is hygienic, still you don't know if she has bacteria and germs underneath her pores. Always think of the consequences. - 15438

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How Do You Clean A Wristwatch?

By Debra Brian Hunt

While cleaning wristwatches is best done by a professional, you can do it at home if you like tinkering with mechanical things .You might not want to try this at first on an expensive or favourite wristwatch that means a lot to you, as you will most likely ruin the first watch you try this on. Get an inexpensive watch to practice on till you get perfect.

To begin with, make certain you have a place to practise. A big table that is clear will be good, or it would be even more wonderful if you have an apposite workstation in your garage where you can do this peacefully. Include a white sheet on top of the table prior to beginning, since this will not only make it convenient to see the little bits and pieces, but will also thwart parts from bouncing off the table when they fall.

On top of this, you will require excellent lighting in the room. You must also add a light, (fluorescent would be perfect) to the table so you can get some unswerving light. After that you require a first-rate screwdriver set. Confirm you get a fine quality set because this will not harm the screws on the watch.

Besides this, you will also need a tray to put all the parts you take out of the watch on. It would be best if this has sections built into it, and as you strip the watch start putting the pieces from right to left so you don't get confused later. Another thing you need is a good pair of tweezers. This will be needed to handle the small parts, and make sure you fit them back into the watch accurately.

You will also need cleaning supplies. If you are serious about this hobby, you can buy proper ultrasonic parts cleaners from online, but in the start you can just use Naptha. This is the ingredient that makes up lighter fluids, and evaporates fast without leaving a residue. Pour a very small amount in a cup and then soak all the parts in this for a few minutes.

After you do this, you need to take a small brush, paintbrush, or makeup brush, and brush the pieces and then remove them from the liquid and put them on a towel or filter paper to dry them out.

You will also need to get oil, like Moebius to oil the watch pieces. To apply this, you need an oiler which is a thin wire with a flat end. To be able to see what you are doing, you will also need to get a magnifying glass. Buy a blower to help you remove dust from parts, and get a hands remover to properly remove and fit back the posts when you are cleaning the watch.

To commence, remove the back of the watch and open it up. After this, you need to let down the mainspring which is what allows the watch to work. The next thing to exterminate is the movement, followed by the hands and the dial in the end. Keep removing the parts till you are left with the frame of the watch in your hand. Now set all of them in the cleaner fluid and wait for some time.

After cleaning, start putting the parts back the way you removed them making sure you get the order right. Wind the watch and screw the lid back on and see if it works. - 15438

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3 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Fat Belly

By Frances Norah Smith

If you thought there is no easy way to lose weight, you are dead wrong! What if I tell you about three weight loss methods that are both easy and natural? No, I am not going to ask you to diet, since I know that dieting doesn't work for long! In this article I will tell you about weight loss methods which are better than dieting!

1. Eat breakfast: When you wake up early in the morning, your body usually runs low on fuel because you probably had your last meal nine or ten hours ago! Obviously, you need to supply fuel to your body in the form of food.

This is the reason why breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Normally, you are perhaps adapted to having a small breakfast, medium lunch and a large dinner. If you eat this way you will NEVER lose weight.

In order to lose weight, you need to do just the opposite: have a large breakfast; in fact, your breakfast should be the largest meal of the day, and dinner would be the smallest one! Just think about it, if you have a large dinner, you will probably go to bed soon after that. As anticipated, your body won't be able to utilize all the extra calories and would instead store them as fat deposits.

In contrast, if you have your largest meal at breakfast, your body will get an entire day to break down the food and burn off all the calories successfully. As a result, you won't put on weight!

2. Stay away from sugar: Sugar is the one thing that would make you gain more pounds pretty quickly. Our body is able to convert sugar into fat very fast. You will probably get an instant burst of energy if you eat too many sugary foods, but that energy would only be short-lived, followed by unbearable pangs of hunger.

Then the obvious would happen: you probably would eat more and more sugary foods and gain more and more fat. I would suggest that you replace sugary foods with their healthier alternatives such as lean chicken meat, natural fruits and vegetables, bread, pasta, etc.

3. Drink water: If you don't drink sufficient water, then forget about weight loss! Water is a natural drink that doesn't make you fatter; instead, it helps you burn fat by boosting your metabolic rate! If you have ever woken up in the morning feeling tired and fatigued, there is a chance that you are suffering from dehydration.

Remember that your body needs water in order to perform even minor tasks; if you don't supply it with enough water, it will tend to store water instead of flushing it out. The result would be that you would gain some more pounds! - 15438

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Step into the world of Winsor Pilates

By DeeCee Clayton

Turn on the television and you will see various infomercials that promise you the moon and the sky. Unlike the others however, a Winsor Pilates segment is a welcome change. Aside from famous celebrity endorsers, this Pilates exercise makes you want to move to the groove on your way to a gorgeous looking body.

Mari Winsor was the woman who introduced this concept to the world, and after many years of being dancer, she knows what she is talking about. She's a certified Pilates instructor, and she has helped all kinds of people lose weight, get better body control, and bring out their body's real beauty. We've been doing Pilates fitness for along time, but with Mari's superstar clients, it really is something else.

The Winsor exercise program can be accessed in different exciting forms. There are books and a website to get immersed in, interactive Pilates videos you can bring home, and a Winsor studio to go to. All are equally valuable to suit your exercise and lifestyle needs.

The Winsor DVDs and Winsor Pilates videos were all produced by Mari herself, and today, they are are the only virtual 3D exercise program around that will be able to give you proper form and positioning. You can collect your choice of thirty different videos, and you can relax knowing that they are all designed to give you a more trim, more taut body. Tone your body and lose weight with these great Pilates fitness programs.

Check out great Pilates videos on things like bun and thigh sculpting, upper body sculpting and abdominal sculpting, all while losing weight. There are also Pilates exercises on the mat and the Pilates training with equipment as well. Make sure that you take advantage of the money-saving packages of five DVDs, which will also get you a sculpting or magic circle.

Meanwhile, back in 1990, Mari Winsor opened her first studio in Los Angeles and has come a long way since then. Here students get the maximum of benefits from their programs as they are taught how to build their bodys core system. Thus, each exercise is directed in the abdominal and back muscles. This way, they do not only achieve a sculpted look but a strong midsection as well. One can be saved from the dangers of back injuries.

When you want a smooth and sleek look, make sure that you are looking at getting good muscle toning on the legs and buttocks. When you finish a Winsor Pilates workout, you'll be getting great posture along with more energy to get you through your day.

Being trained in classical Pilates, who had been known to help with the rehabilitation of dancing professionals suffering from injuries and those who with health conditions, Mari continued to bring Pilates fitness to an innovative level to help the health aficionados .

So now you are a few steps away from that Winsor Pilates lifestyle and much nearer to a healthier and slimmer person. - 15438

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If We Make Targets Your Body Growth And Weightloss Is Enhanced

By Rob Molloy

When you are trying to change your body, it is good to know where you want to go and how good you are doing at getting there. You may have an idea of what you want your body to look like, how much body fat you want to have or a certain weight that you are trying to get to. There will be times that it may seem that the goal is just too far away and you aren't making any progress. There may be times when someone says something that may make you feel that you aren't doing well and aren't getting very far. The truth is that any work that you do is going to show results. The best way to know how far you are going is to set goals for yourself and keep track of all that you are doing.

First things first! Begin by asking yourself what it is that you want to achieve, because seting goals for yourself is both helpful and also important. The best way is to write this all down in a journal using what is called the S.M.A.R.T method. The goals you set need to Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely, because you need to work within a specified time-frame. Make sure that your goals are written down and always close by so that you are able to see them at any time.

When you decide what your long-term goals are you need to be specific, because this will enable you to focus on achieving them more easily. So you need to identify what your long-term goals are. Do you want a smaller waist? Do you want to build more muscle? If so, which particular muscle groups do you intend focusing on? Once you have determined what your body fat percentage is, perhaps this is something you wish to change. The whole point is to know what your long-term goals are and then to be specific about them.

They also need to be goals that you can measure. Getting a smaller waistline or bigger biceps is good but try to have a number in mind that you would like to get to. Be ready and have a scale and a tape measure handy to chart your improvements. You will know you have reached your goal when you have reached those measurements.

It is extremely important that the goals you decide to set for yourself are not only attainable but realistic as well. Having a grand set of ideas is one thing and can be motivating in a good way, but they should never be so grand as to be unrealistic. One sure way to demotivate yourself is to set the bar too high and then having to realize that you are unable to reach the goal you set. That can be very discouraging and frustrating. But not only is setting realistic goals important, so is the time-frame that you give yourself to achieve your goals. And as with everything else make sure you enter all this in your journal.

Also, try to visualize what it is that you want to accomplish. If you are trying to get back to the way you used to look then put that picture in prominent places for you to look at, so that you can constantly be reminded of what it is you are trying to do. If it is a certain person or people that you are trying to look like then have their picture up where it can easily be seen. If there is a motivating factor that is causing you to make these changes, someone you want to impress or win back, then put their picture up.

Now that you have successfully determined what your long-term goals are you can turn your attention to setting and achieving your short-term goals. By breaking down the long-term goals into smaller bite-size pieces, you will find that they are easier to achieve and less daunting. When it comes to achieving long-term goals the saying about the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time is most certainly true! As mentioned before, use the S.M.A.R.T method when you set your short-term goals that you wish to achieve each week. Decide what you intend doing for that week toward attaining your long-term goals. If aerobics, decide how much time you will devote to it. Decde how many and on which days of the week you will be focusing on muscle training. Keeping all this written in your journal will help you to stay the course.

It is vital at the starting point of this journey that you are embarking on, that you know you are the one who determines how you reach your destination and what your destination is. Throughout this adventure you are in control and never believe that it is impossible for you to reach your goals. This is a journey to a healthier, fitter and happier you and all you need do is to set realistic goals and believe that you can do it! - 15438

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The Length of your Curly Hair

By Cynthia Ramona

Choosing a length for your hair can be found troublesome. It isn't always easy getting it just right. It varies from person to person. One length that is great on one person might be horrible on another. No matter who you are, you want to have the best length that looks great on you.

Curly short hair can be either easy or hard to maintain. With really short hair, your hair is always very healthy because it is only the newest hair and the dead ends are frequently cut off. Healthy hair looks better and behaves better giving you more beautiful curls.

Short curly hair usually curls better because there is less hair weighing it down. This can actually work against you in some instances. If it's short and curls too much, it can end up looking like an afro.

If you want really short curly hair, work carefully with your hairdresser. Find a cut that looks right curly and that you can easily maintain. If you cut it really short, be aware that if you decide to grow it long again, it might look funny for a little while when it's in the in between stages.

Medium or shoulder length hair is great for curls. It almost always works. It's long enough to keep from getting an afro, as long as it's not too curly, but short enough it won't pull out the curls or get in the way. Experiment with different layers and lengths to get the look you want.

Long curly hair can be very beautiful, but it is also much harder to get where you want it and maintain it. As your hair gets longer, the ends get older and older. You should stay away from heat and dye as much as possible and get a balance between growing it out and trimming off the dead ends.

Make sure you give your curls as much moisture as possible, especially if you are trying to grow it long. Keeping it moisturized will keep it healthy and looking its best. Trim off the split ends and the dead ends to keep it looking beautiful.

Also, with long curls, the weight of your hair can weight it down, pulling out the curls. Or, if your hair is really frizzy and curly, you could have a huge poof for hair. If you want more tamed curls and your hair works this way, then by all means, grow it long. If you get a poof, your hair probably doesn't get the right moisture and needs some extra care. Use a good conditioner and add an antifrizz serum. - 15438

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There's More Than One Kind of Stretching

By Pat Lowe

You might be aware that there are a number of benefits to stretching your muscles. But are you aware that there is more than one kind of stretching? These motions are commonly called static or dynamic stretches.

Dynamic stretching routines are most beneficial just before engaging in heavy cardiovascular exercise. This might include a workout at the fitness club, participating in a team sport, or taking a dance class. Dynamic stretches incorporate muscle movement into the routine. A static stretch involves holding a position for at least 10 seconds before you relax the muscle.

There are pros and cons to each of these stretching techniques. Static stretches particularly seem to cause controversy among fitness experts. Although stretching routines have been practiced for countless years, there is still some disagreement with regard to the benefits of each particular style.

Static Stretches

Static stretches are generally done just before a vigorous aerobic workout or an extended weight training session. The benefits of static stretches for your muscles are impressive. Among these is improved blood flow. Better blood circulation leads to a better delivery of oxygen to your muscles and organs.

The benefits of stretching your muscles are best achieved by doing a variety of stretches. These should each be targeted to a different area of your body. Pay attention to the muscle groups in your chest, legs, arms, neck, and back.

Dynamic Stretching Routines

Dynamic stretching exercises are generally most beneficial to competition athletes. But they have benefits even if you're not heading into an intense workout. While performing these kinds of stretches, you will want to move around while trying to get the maximum stretch out of your muscle.

When performing a dynamic stretching routine, you have to wait for your muscles to warm up and reach maximum capacity. Sudden, intense physical activity can be the cause of something as minor as a muscle cramp, to more serious issues such as strains, sprains and other injuries.

As you can see, both dynamic and static stretches have their unique benefits. Really, the choice is up to you and will depend on what you're trying to accomplish in your fitness routine. - 15438

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Improve Your Bowling Score

By Jamie Hollie

Bowling can be a lot of fun, especially if your score is high and you can learn to do so with some bowling tips. There are some things you should consider to help improve your bowling, particularly some of the top bowling tips. These include knowing the conditions of the bowling lanes you are using, your bowling equipment, bowling accessories that can enhance your game, where and how to throw your bowling ball and last, but not least, practice, practice, practice.

Owning your own bowling ball is important because, not only is it measured to fit your hand, you also become more familiar with it as you bowl more. Using a bowling ball provided by the bowling alley does not always allow you to find the right weight bowling ball nor does it allow you to have the correct grip on the ball.

Owning your own bowling shoes also helps to improve your game. The more you wear your shoes and the more comfortable you become with them, the better you will be able to approach the bowling lane.

Knowing the condition of the lanes on which you will be bowling is important. If the lanes are oily, your bowling ball will not move as well and you will need to make adjustments to your stance and release. If you know the maintenance schedule at the bowling alley, you should try to bowl when the lanes are dry because your ball will move much easier and you will not have to make adjustments for the lanes.

The real secret to a good bowler is practice; this is one of the best bowling tips. As they say, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the more familiar you become with your bowling equipment and how to approach the bowling lane.

Bowling a consistent game is more important than bowling a high score game. If you consistently bowl one hundred forty, people will want you on their team because they know they can always count on you to bowl the same or about the same score.

There are some accessories that help you bowl better. These include tape inserts that you place inside the finger or thumb holes in your bowling ball to allow a better grip. A bowling towel is essential because it allows you to keep your hands dry as well as to wipe any oil off your ball that has accumulated from the oil on the bowling lanes.

Where and how you throw your ball is crucial. Whether you throw a straight or curved ball, it is important that you know how to make adjustments to your bowling when you are not bowling well. This could be moving your feet one or two boards to the left or right or it could be moving your ball one or two boards when you release the ball onto the lanes.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing when you bowl. If you wear tight clothes that do not allow you to move freely, your release will be affected and your bowling ball will not go where you want it to go.

If you follow these bowling tips, your bowling game is sure to improve. Bowling is fun. Bowling well is even more fun. - 15438

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Discover How To Get Rid of Stretch Mark Without Surgery

By Sapphire Rylee

Not everyone believes that surgery is the best way of getting rid of stretch marks. There are other options worth discovering. If you are not keen to go under the knife yet interested on getting rid of stretch marks there are plenty of other treatments available that are equally effective.

If you want to get rid of stretch marks, it is important to know what causes it first. Conditions that result to overstretching of skin are the common culprits resulting to these unwanted streaks. Individuals who experience radical weight gain and subsequent weight loss display stretch marks in areas where fat cells are located like hips, waist, thighs, and lower back. Pregnant women also develop stretch marks as their bellies expand. Extreme weightlifting and exercise resulting to too much muscle development in a short time also cause stretch marks to appear.

Below are tips and noninvasive options against the infamous stretch marks:

Hydration - Make water your best friend. Not only does water keep your skin well hydrated for that dewy and plump look, people who prefer water than the usual sugary beverages are more likely to maintain their weight stable. Water also aids in flushing out toxins that can manifest in your skin.

Develop A Good Diet - Pile on the produce. Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients that play a role in healthy skin. Citrus fruits for vitamin C, nuts and monounsaturated oils for vitamin E, and carrots and leafy vegetables for getting your daily dose of vitamin A. Zinc is a mineral found in oysters an seeds that is also vital for the promotion of good skin. Added benefit by munching on fruits and veggies? Most of them are low in calorie, so go ahead, eat away!

Eat Meat - Protein, as many of us know, is the main building block of the body including your skin. Specifically collagen and elastin, the substances responsible for the structure and elasticity of skin, respectively, are made up of proteins. Thus, the more protein you eat, the more raw material for collagen and elastin production, which in turn means the stronger and bouncier your skin will be. Choose lean and trimmed cuts of chicken and beef for meat lovers while tofu and nuts for meat freers.

Regular Exercise - Exercise daily. Not only is exercise good for your heart and your weight, it also keeps your body and your skin toned. Just imagine how good your skin will look and be free of toxins as you endure that hour-long spinning class.

Go Natural - Go try herbal. Creams, ointments, and lotions are worth trying. Results may be more gradual compared to surgical methods but they do work. Some random ingredients in these topical treatments include vitamins A, C, and D, zinc minerals Centella asiatica extract, and collagen elastin hydrolysate. Remember that results may vary from one person to the next. Nevertheless, these topical remedies have other advantages in soothing associated symptoms of stretch marks such as easing of itchiness and other discomfort. Cocoa butter, aloe vera, lanolin, and wheat germ oil are also herbal alternatives used to supposedly treat stretch marks.

Camouflage - If one cannot wait to put on that bikini, concealers and other camouflaging cosmetic products are the way to go. - 15438

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Fitness Tips - Weight Loss Cleanse

By Gregor Mahrer

If you have not, you may want to take the time to examine them. Colon cleanses are mostly used to remove unwanted toxins from the body, but they can also be used in weight loss. That is why it is sometimes possible to find colon cleanses being referred to as weight loss cleanses. If you have never tried a colon cleanse before, namely to lose weight, you may be wondering what you should look for in a colon cleanse. If that is the case, you will want to continue reading on. Outlined below are a few of the many points that you should take into consideration, when looking to buy a colon cleanse.

Perhaps, the most important factor to take into consideration, when looking to buy a colon cleanse or a weight loss cleanse, is safety. It is important that you find a colon cleanse that is safe to use. Colon cleanses and weight loss cleanses are made and sold by a number of different manufacturers and distributors. While many colon and weight loss cleanses do work, you will find that not all do. In fact, there are even some colon cleanses which can put your health at risk. That is why it is important that you review each colon or weight loss cleanse that you are interested in buying.

When it comes to researching colon cleanses and weight loss cleanses, you have a number of different options. Perhaps, the easiest way to review this favourite weight loss tools is by performing a standard internet search. You may want to perform a standard internet search with the study of the colon cleanse that you would like to try. You will want to examine all information that you come across, especially product reviews. Another way that you can determine if the colon cleanse or weight loss cleanse that you are interested in trying is innocuous is by consulting with a healthcare professional, like a dietician or your primary care physician.

Another factor that you will want to take into consideration is the length of the colon cleanse or weight loss cleanse in question. When examining the length of the colon cleanse in question, you will find that it often depends on the type of cleanse that you are using. You should be able to find colon cleanses or weight loss cleanses that are in pill format, those that are in ready-to-drink format, as well as those that can be mixed into a drink. For the most part, you will find that drinkable colon cleanses require shorter use times, like for two or three days. It is common to find colon cleanses, especially those in the pill formats, which need to be taken for up to thirty days or more.

As with the length of a colon cleanse, you will find that the directions of each cleanse also varies. For instance, there are some colon cleanses, namely those in pill formats, that allow you to go about eating your normal diet. On the other hand, there are some colon cleanses that require you to limit your food and drink intake, often to specific products. If you choose a colon cleanse that requires you to only eat certain foods or go without eating for a day, it is important to make sure that you can follow those directions. If not, your colon cleanse may not work as intended and you may not be able to lose weight.

While some colon cleanses are not marketed as weight loss products, you will find that many do result in weight loss. - 15438

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What Does Health Net Do?

By Dennis Durrel

There are large varieties of medical jobs at Health Net online. Have you always required to be a part of a medical occupation?

Have you just classified from a medical course or certificate program If so, probability are that you are ready to go into the topic of your choice Health Net online is set to assist you in this endeavor!

On this certain website, you capable search for a fresh vocation with just a click of the button.

You can go onto the website and create a profile that details you, your qualifications, and your basic area of expertise. Then, you can use the online database on Health Net of jobs that are available for you.

Health Net is considered to be at the top of the ranks in the United States when it comes to health care that is managed. It is the goal and intention of the company to not just put professionals in the medical positions that they qualify for, but to also provide top notch care to patients in the country.

Health Net works to ensure that the rights and privileges of all patients are upheld to the highest possible standard.

If you are looking for a career, you will discover that they offer many benefits and packages to employees as well. Health Net is the one stop resource for all positions and components of the medical field! - 15438

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2 Easy Principles for Rapid Fat Loss

By Frances Norah Smith

There is plenty of diet programs which can help you lose weight fast; there is also plenty of diet pills and supplements which promise to 'melt away your pounds' instantly! However there is a lack of knowledge: knowledge about good weight loss principles. There are some weight loss principles you must follow in order to lose weight successfully! Without these principles, neither any diet program nor any pill could help you with fat loss! In this article I will tell you about these two principles.

1. Cut down your calorie intake but don't go to the extreme: It is well known that in order to lose weight successfully, you must consume fewer calories than what you burn. This creates a calorie deficit within your body. When your body faces a calorie deficit, it has no other option but to burn your fat deposits for the purpose of energy production, which is actually what you WANT!

All these sound good, and actually, this is how people lose weight. However, problem occurs when people try to reduce their food intake drastically or worse, start starving in the hope of quick weight loss!

Starving is a strict no-no for anyone who is looking forward to shedding the extra pounds! Your body is designed in such a way that it would fend off any effort you make to lose weight faster than the normal speed. The normal amount of weight that you can lose per week is no more than two pounds, and you shouldn't decrease your daily calorie intake by more than 500 calories!

If you try to go beyond these limits, your body will burn muscles instead of fat. Consequently, you will lose all of your valuable muscles but not even one pound of fat!

2. Don't forget to do workouts: You can burn off another 500 calories with the help of workouts! Workouts not only help you burn fat but also build strong muscles! The more lean muscles you have, the more fat you will burn, even when you are not exercising! Personally, I have found weight lifting to be a good workout for weight loss. You should lift weights for three days per week!

For the rest of the four days, you can do some moderate cardio exercises. Make sure you don't spend hours on cardios. Spend no more than thirty minutes per day on this workout; that is enough to burn 500 calories. Long cardio sessions actually do more harm than good!

With this deadly combo of two workouts and one calorie deficit diet, you are bound to lose weight! Remember that weight loss is not as hard as you think, but quick weight loss is absolutely impossible! Try to lose weight slowly but steadily; this will help you achieve your weight loss goals! - 15438

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Bach Flower Remedies For Natural Healing

By Frank Terne

A natural remedy that made use of flower essences that restores a person's emotional equilibrium was first brought to light by Dr. Edward Bach, a physician from Great Britain. The method could supposedly aid in a person's healing of various medical conditions without relying on more conventional medicines. Dr. Bach first wanted to achieve this as there was nothing he could find from the modern medical community that did the same thing.

Dr. Bach then discovered what is now his legacy, that a person's mental and physical well being are in some ways dictated by their emotional equilibrium. This equilibrium is made up of 38 main emotions, which he then assigned to a specific remedy. Each remedy would then help project positive energy on a person's emotions.

Dr. Bach founded the natural healing power of flower essences to deal with these emotions. With Bach flower remedies, one would be able to bring each emotion into an equilibrium, if any of them were unbalanced previously. Once they were in equilibrium, the individual would be in a better state to deal with his health conditions.

The most important benefit that Dr. Bach derived from the flower remedies were the lack of any negative side effects. This was attributed to the natural origin of their healing qualities. The essences were also only helping to stabilize a person's emotions, and not direct cures for any specific health condition but more to promote self healing.

There is no artificial component used in the making of the flower essences. Real flowers and fauna make up the main ingredients for their healing properties. Mineral still water is then added together with some alcohol to retain the mixture's effects for a longer period of time.

Negative emotions can lead to many different types of health problems, such as migraines, nervous attacks and even muscle aches. By using the Bach flower essences, a person suffering from these conditions can be brought back to equilibrium. At this stage, he or she is more likely to not only think and act clearly, but also in a more beneficial way for the body.

Bach's natural therapy can also be used to help animals and plants. We know that animals have emotions just like us and thus treatable in the same manner. But not many realize that plants also own energies that are akin to emotional states in humans.

There are so many benefits to using Bach flower essences that an increasing number of doctors are enthusiastic about their qualities. There will be some time before the therapy reaches the mainstream as it slowly reaches out to more people. As modern medicine carries its own risk, natural methods like Dr. Bach's flower remedy might be more favorable for use. - 15438

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Why Choose Makeup without Bismuth Oxychloride

By Marilyn Etzel

Mineral makeup is popular today for many reasons. For one, women want to healthy natural look to their skin when they wear makeup. Using minerals from the earth is one way to accomplish that. But, these helpful minerals are not the only ingredients in some mineral cosmetics.

One filler that is commonly used is bismuth oxychloride. The main component, bismuth, can be located on the periodic table squeezed between arsenic and antimony. From the former, you can guess that it keeps quite toxic company. As a standalone element, bismuth gives off unhealthy fumes when it is burned.

As filler, bismuth undergoes a refining process to become bismuth oxychloride. The first step involves combining it with another element, chlorine. Hydrochloric acid is produces which is still no good because it is a strong acid. Further addition of oxygen results in a harmless compound used as filler for cosmetics. Bismuth oxychloride can show as diamond or pearl in texture.

Bismuth oxychloride appears as a white crystalline powder when ground. To touch it, the powder feels silky. Adding the substance to makeup provides good adhesion with the other makeup ingredients. It applies easily to the skin for a smooth appearance.

In mineral makeup, the filler bismuth oxychloride adds shine to the makeup when applied. Wearers talk about the glow they get to their skin. Using the pearlesque form provides a matte look, while the diamond variety adds a gloss or shimmer to the makeup wearer.

While some of the qualities of bismuth oxychloride may seem not so bad, your mineral makeup doesn't need this filler to still provide good flawless coverage to your face. In fact, many mineral makeup manufacturers have omitted it from their list of ingredients.

Why you are better off without bismuth oxychloride

1. We mentioned the fact that bismuth oxychloride provides a shine to the face. While it can look natural if you want to appear sun-kissed in the summertime, most women want to wear makeup that avoids the shine effect. If you have oily skin, you already shine a bit and a mineral makeup that adds to the shine is not that appealing.

2. How do your pores look? If they tend to be large, you'll look to your makeup to conceal them. Bismuth oxychloride does the opposite and with the added shine, those pores will seem even larger to your eyes.

3. Bismuth oxychloride is not a naturally occurring mineral. The basis of mineral makeup is to use natural products to enhance the look and health of your skin. Traditional minerals blend into the skin when it warms and do no harm even to people with skin issues. As a manufactured compound, it can cause problems.

4. As we alluded to, skin problems can be caused by bismuth oxychloride. Who wants to ruin healthy skin? For women who are affected, they develop breakouts, itching, and rashes. There is no way to determine if your skin will be the one experiencing the adverse effects.

Want to try mineral makeup? Use as natural a formulation as possible by checking the ingredient list for bismuth oxychloride. - 15438

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Review of the Panasonic EP-30003 Massage Chair

By Steve Esquire

Panasonic has introduced a new series of massage chairs. This new series is called the Real Pro Ultra. There last series was the Real Pro Elite. The first of this series is the EP 30003 massage chair. This review will look at some of the features and discuss the warranty coverage of this chair. This chair is a mid range model in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range.

Although warranty coverage is not as exciting as the features of the chair, it is important for you as a consumer. The warranty coverage should reduce the risk you are taking in the purchase of a given product. The warranty is to protect you from defects in workmanship of the product. The EP-30003 comes with 3 years on the parts and 1 year labor. Panasonic will cover the shipping for the first year. Panasonic has finally started to offer in home technician service for its massage chairs. Prior to this one had to take their chair to an authorized service center. An extended warranty is at extra cost, but is recommended, since this is a big ticket item.

We are currently seeing an explosion of new technologies and features being poured into massage chairs by their manufacturers. The price of the features is dropping to integrate, so features are being added without significant price increases. The next challenge for manufacturers is to keep the controls simple enough to use without having a PHD. Panasonic has tremendous experience with electronics, so we expect their controllers to reflect that knowledge. We are not disappointed. The remote control is simple and easy to use. Panasonic has one touch automatic programs which operate massages based on themes. Also, they have included a voice guidance system to help walk users through using the controls.

The important features of the Panasonic EP-30003 are the Junetsu massage and the extendable leg rest. Panasonic research has yielded a new massage technique called Junetsu. This technique is aimed at deep penetration of the muscles. It uses small circular motions combined with firm pressure. This combination provides for a penetrating and invigorating massage to targeted areas of the back. Junetsu is defined as ultra fine kneading and this is an effective massage technique. The other key feature we like is the extendable leg rest. Although this is not quite as exciting as the Junetsu, it is important for the American market. With few exceptions, massage chairs are designed for the Asian market and secondarily exported to America. The typical American is taller and heavier than the typical Asian. This is reflected in massage chairs which are small for Americans. Panasonic finally introduces 5 critical inches to extend the leg rest. It is a start in the right direction.

You will want to make sure that your massage recliner is comfortable to sit in, since it can also be used as a recliner as well. Some are quite frankly, not very comfortable when not being used for massage. The Panasonic Real Pro Ultra comes with nice padded armrest covers. The upholstered chair back is plush and the synthetic leather is very soft to the touch. The chair comes with a detachable, contoured head support pillow. Panasonic has added an extendable leg rest which can be extended an additional 5 inches. This is a big improvement over their prior series without this feature. The chair is well designed and ergonomic.

There are one touch automatic programs in the Real Pro Ultra. These automatic programs include such programs as Shiatsu, Swedish, Deep, Stretch and Quick. The first four are 15 minute programs and the Quick is a 5 minute invigorating massage. Each of the automatic programs is targeted for specific benefits for the user. You are free to use the manual massage techniques. These manual massage techniques are Junetsu, Shiatsu, Swedish, Knead, Stretch, Tap and Full Roll. You can also select specific back courses to target your back. You can select the whole back, upper or lower back. This focuses the massage in that particular area. There is a built in air massage system which targets the feet and calves in the leg rest.

The Real Pro Ultra is the new series of massage chairs by Panasonic. The EP-30003 is the entry level lounger at the mid range price level. We like the Junetsu massage techniques for its deep penetration capability. This is a great innovation included in this chair. The aesthetic design of this chair is its only major issue with us. The quality and reliability of this chair is pretty solid. If you are looking a mid tier massage chair, this is definitely worth your consideration. - 15438

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Review Ahava Power Essentials for Men Gift Set

By Alia Jae

This is a great gift for men, because with this gift set comes with a sports stop watch! This is a mineral based product that will nourish skin that has just been freshly shaved. The nutrients are ginger root extract, gingko bilboa and ginseng root extract. It will cleanse, soothe and also moisturize your skin.

It has been tested and approved for sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic and is safe to use on all skin types. It includes Soothing Aftershave Moisturizer, Men's Minerals Shower Gel, Men's Mineral Hand Cream and a Men's Sport Watch.

The products in this gift set were specially formulated with sun filters, Dead Sea Minerals and Dead Sea water. This is all good stuff that really nourishes the skin. I really don't know of any other product for men like this on the market. The emollient in this product soften the skin and provides nourishment on a daily basis.

The lotions are made to protect the skin from sun damage. It has been formulated with SPF 4. What I really like about this lotion is that the smell is very delicate. You know some times when you use lotion with SPF at any level it has that smell that makes people think you have been hanging out at the beach or by the pool; well this is not the case with this lotion.

I would also recommend that you try some of Ahava's exfoliating products. Their exfoliating products work great for men and women. This will really help to prep the skin for using the rest of the products in the kit. The thing about this kind of high quality exfoliator you only need to use it a couple of time a week. The rest of the products in the set you can use on a daily basis.

Actually, I would advise you to use the products on a daily basis because then you will see greater benefits and changes in the health of your skin. Apply these products daily after showering. Also, when you have had long exposure with the sun be sure to lather these products on your body after you spent hours in the sun.

Give this product a try. It does cost more than what you spend if you just went to Longs Drugstore and picked up something. I think it is worth though because you are getting higher quality ingredients, which you will see better results. - 15438

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Who Invented Eyeglasses?

By Amy Nutt

Eyeglasses are truly one of the most incredible inventions in the history of man, without them many people who've made astounding contributions to society would have been unable to participate in even some of the simplest everyday tasks. Thinking about the sheer number of people you know that require some type of vision correction and how their lives would be affected for the worse if eyeglasses had never been invented puts some perspective into just how important the invention of eyeglasses was to humanity.

We know a good time frame for when eyeglasses where invented, as there are several references to lenses that magnified and aided vision in writings dated between 1265 and 1290, but the actual person responsible for inventing eyeglasses remains a mystery.

Original Glasses

From descriptions and imagery in paintings it is known that the original eyeglasses were quite a bit different than the glasses of today. Original eyeglasses were only perched on the nose, with no extra means of support - this made them very uncomfortable for the wearer and very unsteady if the person wearing them had to do any moving about at all. It wasn't until the more than four hundred years later (sometime during the 1720's) that the frames evolved into what we would recognize as eyeglasses today with arms that use the wearers ears as the primary means of support, making glasses much more comfortable and stable to wear.

The first pairs of eyeglasses produced had frames made of metal or bone and, at the time the "opticians" didn't have the capabilities of producing flawless lenses in glass so original eyeglasses had lenses made out of quartz.

Over the next few hundred years glasses evolved in both function and comfort, glass became a viable option for lenses because production methods that eliminated bubbles and other imperfections emerged. Glasses were produced to correct a variety of vision problems, from simple magnification for reading to correcting near sightedness and far sightedness.

Evolution of Eyeglasses

In the mid 1780's, American pioneer, inventor and visionary Benjamin Franklin invented the first version of the bi-focal. It was said that Franklin was bothered by the hassle of having to constantly change glasses to be able to clearly see as he completed different tasks, so to put an end to the hassle he began work on a set of lenses that would work to correct both vision problems that he suffered from.

In recent years lenses have evolved even further beyond what even the great mind of Benjamin Franklin could have imagined - progressive lenses these days have any number of different correction properties as you proceed from the top of the lens down to the bottom.

The frames of glasses have also come a long way since the invention of eyeglasses. Today your average wearer has little trouble getting their hands on an almost weightless frame that is practically indestructible. New advancements have made possible the creation of eyeglass frames that can be bent and twisted and then will just return to their originally designed shape.

It's also safe to assume that without the invention of eyeglasses that there would be no hard or soft contact lenses and that there would be no vision correction surgery available. Though it's impossible from the information that we have to determine exactly who invented eyeglasses, it's very safe to say that whoever had a hand in the creation and development of this form of vision correction changed the way that a huge part of the history of the population went about living their lives for the better. If it weren't for eyeglasses as we know them, there are a lot of people over the course of the last several hundred years whose quality of life would have been substantially lower than it was because of the benefits received from eyeglasses. - 15438

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How to Warm up and Cool Down

By Jim Bocimaz

Only an inexperienced runner would ignore the importance of the warm-up and cool down. The warm-up helps your body gradually become prepared for what it's about to endure and the cool down does just the opposite.

A person would not go out to a fancy restaurant without taking a few minutes to get dressed up, so you shouldn't start your running workout or marathon without preparing yourself also. The warm-up is really just a small amount of exercise with some muscle stretches done afterward.

You shouldn't stretch first because your muscles are still cold and it won't be as effective. The goal of your warm-up is to get your entire circulatory system ready for action. Your muscles will get a hefty dose of well oxygenated blood and will pump up and be ready to go for the main event.

You see, the warm-up gets your body ready for the impact received when you are running. Running with cold muscles will male you more prone to getting injured. You could get strains and sprains that could ruin your day. A good warm-up for runners is to jog at a mild pace for 5-10 minutes and follow that up with about 5 minutes of deep muscle stretching.

Cooling down isn't quite as vital as the warm-up but you really should still do it. A good way to make sure you are doing a proper cool down routine is to simply repeat what you did as a warm-up. If you have been running briskly for 30 minutes or longer, when you are finished, gradually slow your pace to a slow jog.

You could even just walk for 5-10 minutes also. Finish this up with another 5 minutes of stretching and you're good to go. The cool down helps your body return to its normal state at a gradual pace instead of suddenly.Some people can become lightheaded or even dizzy if they suddenly stop running and aren't completely hydrated so it's best to avoid that situation altogether.

If you are dilligent in your warm-ups and cool downs you won't get hurt or injured nearly as often. The common injuries will be very rare for you. Always drink lots of water before you run or do any exercise. You should also hydrate yourself during and after the run to keep your performance up. - 15438

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Cure Insomnia with Non-Medicinal Sleep Aids

By Veronika Namesse

There are several treatments for insomnia symptoms. However, cure for insomnia is not totally limited to medications. The easiest way to solving sleeping issues is through the help of natural sleep aids. Here are some of the treatments used for insomnia that do not involve medications.

Enhanced Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene refers to the sleep habits and sleep environment that help you sleep. When you improve your sleep hygiene, you will help your body conquer insomnia. Make sure to assess your practices and make changes in your daily activities when you need to. This will help you determine if behavioral and environmental adjustments are beneficial in helping you get some sleep.

Stress Management and Relaxation Methods

Sleep aids can also come in the form of stress management and relaxation techniques. Try to learn how to relax both your physical and mental faculties. Since it's hard to subjugate the function of the body and the minds right away, you need to wind them both down an hour before you go to sleep. You may discover that getting yourself immersed in a good book or playing relaxing games like solitaire are some relaxing activities that may help your body unwind.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of treatment that involves inserting very small needles into certain areas of the skin. It is regarded as one of the most effective sleep aids in that it produces a very soothing effect on the nervous system. Acupuncture works by triggering the manufacture of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, which is a component believed to help a person sleep.

Acupressure

Acupressure is another method known to be effective in helping insomniacs. This method is done by systematically putting finger pressure on different areas of the body, as with acupuncture. Compared to the acupuncture method that needs a professional acupuncturist's assistance, acupressure is a technique that you can accomplish yourself.

Massage

Massage therapy induces sleep. Through a good rubdown, the body is able to go into an extremely relaxed mode, which is a precursor to a restful sleep. Two of the massage techniques that are the most effective in conquering insomnia are foot and back massages.

Hypnosis

The method of hypnosis is also one of the proven sleep aids that aid sufferers in their inability to sleep restfully and helps them totally overcome insomnia. The technique involves inducing a person suffering from sleeping problems to a hypnotic state and prodding the subconscious mind to find out the reason for the inability to sleep. This is then ensued by encouraging the mind at the subconscious level to alter its mind-set.

The final step involves willing the mind and body to rest and thus, to fall asleep without difficulty. For most people, this type of insomnia treatment is one of the most effective sleep aids as it yields results in only two or three hypnotherapy sittings. - 15438

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Breast Augmentation: 5 Things to Know Before Choosing It

By Amy Nutt

Surgery has become so common place in our society over the past decade that most women think nothing of going in for a little cosmetic work that once would have been a big deal. Television makeover shows and plastic surgery Toronto ads would have you think that these procedures, such as tummy tucks and breast augmentation, are simple little procedures that are over and done with in no time and can work miracles.

We've come a long way in cosmetic surgery. Toronto is one of the leading areas for procedures like breast augmentation, but there are still some things you need to consider if you are seriously thinking about getting a breast augmentation.

1. Recovery time. What you don't see on television is that you aren't going be feeling that great for some time after your breast augmentation. That`s not to say that you shouldn`t go for it, just be prepared to be rather uncomfortable for some time afterwards. Immediately after the surgery, you'll be bruised and in pain, but your breasts will stay tender for some time afterwards and you'll need to wear a special bra to keep them from swelling too much and to give the proper support. Keep in mind that you might not be up to working for a week or more after surgery.

2. Breastfeeding. If you are of childbearing age, this is something to consider. For many women, the benefits of a breast augmentation greatly outweigh the possibility of not being able to breastfeed a child at a later date. However, it is certainly something to consider, particularly if you are going up several cup sizes. The more drastic the change, the less likely it is that you`ll be able to breastfeed. It`s up to you to choose a doctor with a high rate of success in this type of cosmetic surgery. Toronto has a variety of doctors who will be able to give you statistics on their patients` success rates.

3. The cost. While the cost of plastic surgery has dropped drastically over the past several years, it can still be a blow to the bank account to get a breast augmentation. Make sure you understand all the costs up front and talk to your plastic surgeon about any possible extras, for example if you need to stay longer in the hospital. Often, doctors will give you a discount for having more than one procedure done at one time, so if you plan to have a couple of things fixed up, schedule it for the same surgery. At the very least, you`ll save on the hospital stay.

4. Where to have it done. When it comes to plastic surgery, Toronto is a good option for breast augmentation. The surgeons in Toronto have a good reputation for doing excellent work and it is one of the more medically advanced cities within Canada. Choose a hospital where you feel comfortable and that will cater to your needs.

5. Complications. While everyone hopes their surgery will go smoothly, there are cases where complications arise, either during or after the surgery. Find out from your doctor what the risks are in your particular case so you can make an informed decision. Keep in mind that most people come through surgery just fine. However it`s just smart to know what might happen, such as infections or leakage.

Breast augmentation is one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery. Toronto has a reputation for this type of surgery and many women choose to have their operations done in the city. It`s important to consider the above points before making such a big decision, though. - 15438

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Palomars Starlux 2940 vs. C02 Laser Ablation

By John L. Jeghelian

Cosmetic dermatology, plastic surgeons, medical spas and their patients will be hearing more and more about fractional skin resurfacing technologies like ActiveFX, DeepFX, Starlux 1540, Starlux 2940, Fraxel Repair.

To grasp the significance of these new laser skin resurfacing devices some minor understanding of the technologies of cosmetic laser skin rejuvenation treatments as well as older cosmetic laser skin treatments is a good start.

Cosmetic Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacings History

Fraxel was the first on the scene with a non-ablative fractional laser for the cosmetic medical market. Fraxel has been upgraded and has been improved on by a number of other competing fractional laser skin resurfacing technologies including the Lumenis DeepFX and ActiveFX, and Palomar Medicals Starlux 1540, and Starlux 2940.

Fractional skin resurfacing is new area of cosmetic medicine that intersects cosmetic dermatology and traditional plastic surgery. Advances in these types of cosmetic medical technologies are occurring frequently and are fueled by an aging population of patients. The benefit for these patients is a rapid increase in the effectiveness of fractional laser treatments and less down time and potential side effects.

Fractional laser technologies new cosmetic applications are quickly expanding into related cosmetic medical areas like skin tightening, where fractional treatments compete with radio frequency (RF) treatments (Thermage), and are now moving into fat removal and cellulite treatments.

What was a revolutionary advance in 1995, full face CO2 Laser Resurfacing for wrinkle removal using the Ultra pulse CO2 laser, fairs poorly when compared to new fractional laser treatments and although the wrinkle removal results were fantastic, the CO2 laser resurfacing created a very real "burn wound" that took many months of recovery and the need for general anesthesia. After a year, the skin would turn white or show hypo pigmentation. Because of the side effects, few patients today choose to have this very effective wrinkle removing procedure.

The Newest Fractional Skin Resurfacing & Rejuvenation Technologies

Within the last few years the technologies around cosmetic Fractional Skin Rejuvenation or Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing has changed to eliminate many of the older technologies shortcomings. The erbium laser used in the Starlux is divided or 'fractionated' into many tiny micro-beams which treats only a portion of the skin (think tiny pin pricks) and leaves the surrounding skin intact and greatly improves the healing time.

These 'fractionated' treatment areas are referred to as micro-treatment zones and cause just enough injury to the layers of the dermis to trigger new collagen production and stimulate the replacement of collagen damaged by aging and sun exposure. This production of new collagen 'fills in' or 'plumps' the underlying dermal tissues and smoothes wrinkles. The surrounding, untreated skin speeds the healing process to a mere 3-4 days. Since most of the pigment cells remain intact, hypo pigmentation is effectively prevented.

Starlux 1540: Palomars New Fractional Non-Ablative Laser Resurfacing Technology

The Fraxel and Starlux 1540 are new non-ablative lasers (ablate means to "surgically remove) which means that the skin is not removed by the laser. Instead, the laser instantly heats the skin, causing new collagen growth.

Results for wrinkle removal and skin tightening are less dramatic than with ablative lasers, but the benefit of reduced recovery time and fewer side effects are mean that non ablative laser treatments are often the patients first choice.

Starlux Fractional Ablative Laser Resurfacing In The Near Future

New fractional ablative lasers have recently been developed that provide the benefits of fractional treatments (less down time and reduced complications) as well as the benefits of ablative skin resurfacing (better wrinkle removal and facial rejuvenation).

These newer fractional ablative lasers remove the tissue in the micro treatment zone rather than just heating it as is done with the old Fraxel and the Starlux 1540.

The benefit of this new form of fractional laser ablation is that more wrinkled, sun damaged skin is removed than with the older laser technologies, and a better cosmetic result is attained. There is some increase in recovery time with redness and pink skin for around 5-6 days. The Starlux fractional ablative lasers still require much less recovery time than the old non fractional erbium and CO2 ablative lasers which actually burned off the top layers of the dermis.

Competing Fractional Laser Technologies

Reliant (the company that makes Fraxel) has launched a new CO2 fractional laser called Repair

Lumenis: CO2 fractional ablative lasers called ActiveFX & DeepFx

Palomar: Starlux 2940 Erbium fractional ablative skin resurfacing laser. - 15438

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