Electrolysis: Not a OneStop Shop

7:52 PM

Hair removal can be confusing sometimes in terms of what method or product to use. To avoid this, one should start with the basics. Like everything else, one should begin with the definition.

Hair - No matter how unwanted it is, you need to understand what hair is because this is what you are removing. Where the hair grows is known as the hair follicle. The word is derived from the Latin 'follis', for bag. This is a sac where a hair shaft grows from and through the open sebaceous (oil) glands.

Each hair follicle normally undergoes a five-year cycle of growth and rest periods. There are about 90% of the follicles growing hair at any one time, growth which averages at about six inches (15 cm) of growth per year. Because of this cycle, whenever someone says that their product removes hair at one time, it doesn't mean that it removes all hair types. Actually, it's impossible to have every hair type removed from an area permanently and in one treatment only. The amounts of each type of hair and growth rate differ from one person to another. Anywhere from 20% to 85% of hairs are in the anagen phase, where hair is actively growing, depending on the surface area and body part where the hair is removed. A lot of hair-removal techniques have shown to be successful on fast-growing anagen hair although this indicates that a single treatment from any procedure is not enough to remove all the hairs of that area.

Potential Follicles are the types of follicles that do not produce hair, but still have the ability to do so. These follicles could be stimulated to produce hair by changes in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, aging, etc., or by chemical exposure or medical conditions. This is the reason why, even if hair is permanently removed, some new hairs may still grow.

Permanent Methods - If you are looking for permanent ways to get rid of hair, you have a few flawed options. A number of ways have been developed to regulate hair growth with the use of chemicals, various types of energy, or a combination. Permanent hair removal ultimately means permanently destroying these areas while sparing the surrounding tissue. This is a tricky test. Choose wisely.

Electrolysis - Electrolysis is a method of removing unwanted hair permanently. In this procedure, a metal probe that is as thin as a hair is slid into the unwanted hair follicle. This is properly done if the probe doesn't puncture the skin when inserted. Upon insertion, an electric current runs from the probe to the follicle and causes localized and contained damage to the area. This results in the inability of the follicle to produce hair. Electrolysis has the best results in terms of longevity of the effects. This method also boasts of 125 years of safety and effectiveness that has been clinically proven. However, this can be very expensive, painful and tiresome. Also, with areas of large amounts of hair, this method may require repeated sessions. If electrolysis is done incorrectly, this may result in partial to full hair re-growth, temporary or lasting skin damage and infection. Electrolysis must be done by licensed and competent practitioners.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Hair Removal

Prevent Hair Fall and Dandruff the Natural Way

1:07 PM

Hair loss and dandruff are one of the most irritating disorders that can even make a person depressed at times.

There is a huge market for hair disorders such as hair fall, dandruff, alopecia etc. Companies are making a quick buck and exploiting in the name of herbal remedies. Many of these remedies are not purely herbal and may contain some herb as a component with inorganic and harmful chemicals as the prime component. Such products give only temporary relief, for example, anti-dandruff shampoos widely marketed, give relief only for a day or even lesser period.Ofcourse, there are genuine products in the market and the companies need not be pointed out for it is not their fault alone, but also of consumers who wants a quick remedy! Application of such temporary remedies and easily accessible products is not the right solution for the hair disorders, the solution lies in the age old systems of traditional medicine.

Such traditional medicine with modern science and technology can throw some effective long term and easy to use remedies. While I don?t remember at this point of time any such ready to use natural remedy manufactured by companies, I am suggesting some time tested age old traditional or natural methods for containing hair fall and dandruff. Though some of the methods are cumbersome or the ingredients not readily accessible, this is the only way and natural way for preventing as well as curing the irritating disorders.

The ripened fruits of Soap nut, botanically called Sapindus emarginatus, are soaked in hot water for 10-15 minutes and then crushed with hand in the same water to get the extract.The extract can be daily used beneficially with no side effects as a shampoo. It gives rich lather and can be compared in lathering property to synthetic lathering agents generally found in manufactured shampoos.

Another time tested natural shampoo, is the thoroughly ground powder of Blackgram, which should be made into a viscid paste with which the hair is washed and the scalp massaged. This is a good soap for the body also. For starters, the paste when applied, may be rough as compared to the soap, but a beautiful soap with all goodness.

Both the above, Soap nut juice and Black Gram powder are natural shampoos, with no loss of natural oil from the body and in addition are anti dandruff.

Prior to head bath the following applications are useful

Prior to shampooing or head bath, the scalp is thoroughly massaged with a combination made of crushed fenugreek seeds and sour curd. Leave for 15-20 minutes and wash with the shampoos suggested above.

People who do not like to apply oil in day times may apply oil like pure coconut oil before going to bed and then shampoo the natural way in the morning. This restores the lost oil from the scalp.

Another remedy widely used in India and known as a c-vitamin rich fruit all over the world, Powder of Indian Gooseberry is an excellent rejuvenator for the hair. It brings lustier, prevents or contains dandruff and helps strengthen the roots.

There are several such remedies, but access to the raw materials or genuine products is a problem in addition to the time consuming preparations. At least choose a product that has less of synthetic components and more of naturals. Never go for a shampoo full of chemicals, just because it gives tons of lather!

Ravikumar Uppaluri hails from Kaikalur, Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh State in India. The famous Kolleru bird sancturay, a fresh water lake that attracts birds from as far as Siberia, is located near Kaikalur. Kolleru lake once vast, beautiful and sheltering scores of birds and other animals is on the verge of extinction.

The author Holds a Masters degree in Agricultural Sciences and is cofounder of an organization involved in Nature conservation and sustainable development. The author has profound interest in the fields of medicinal plants, natural products and organic farming. The author can be reached at uravikumar@yahoo.com Visit http://www.geocities.com/uravikumar for more information on Kolleru lake.

Drug Testing In A Nutshell

7:13 PM

For people who want to have a loved one undergo drug testing or for anyone who just wants to (or has to) go through it, here are some highly important points to take note of. First of all, however, it really is high time for people all across the United States, even the entire world, to put greater importance on the life threatening risks involved when it comes to drugs and substance abuse.

1. Testing: What Works?

As compared to having a drug testing by taking samples of the patient?s blood, it is highly recommended that the medical technician use the patient?s urine. The urine has been proven to be more reliable when it comes to the detection of any drug abuse. Unfortunately, it also a more expensive kind of drug testing. As an added benefit, it is also gives the clearest results; it is very easy for medical technicians to see whether or not a person has taken drugs into one?s system.

One downside of drug testing using urine samples is that it is impossible to accurately say when the patient took the drug. Blood testing is more accurate and this associated information can be derived from a blood sample.

2. Future Techniques: Hair Sampling

Another drug testing technique is through hair testing which is not recommended because a lot of laboratories are finding some difficulty with regards to the reliability of the results especially, as most often than not, drug testing through the hair poses positive results for the patient. A lot of people don?t buy into this kind of drug testing since with the simple act of washing one?s hair as well as being subjected to other hair contaminants an incorrect reading is possible.

3. Problems With Drug Testing:

- Confirming the reliability of the testing
- Questionable accuracy of hair testing results
- Urine drug testing accuracy highly dependent on how the procedure has been carried out by the medical technician

Unfortunately, most especially during this time wherein more and more people are getting lured into doing drugs as well as other substance abuse, a lot of the clinics that are conducting drug testing all over the United States are not really capable of providing the reliable results that people need due to the rampant mishandling and as well as the improper ways that some clinics conduct their drug testings. Therefore, the top three most reliable aspects that people should need to look for in a drug test for it be considered as reliable: strict collection procedures, proper testing procedures and random notification.

For more great drug testing related articles and resources check out http://www.bestdrugtesting.com

Chair Yoga Case Study Reduced Anxiety and Blood Pressure

6:07 PM

After teaching chair yoga for several years Liz Franklin can testify that it appropriate for almost anyone, even if they are feeling the effects of aging or have physical limitations. It is not for hard-bodied 20-somethings that can twist themselves into poses that look impossible ? the only prerequisite is that you can sit in a chair, including a wheelchair.

What better way to illustrate how chair yoga has benefited those unable to attend a traditional yoga class than to tell it in their own words?

Hi! I?m Penny Hoober. I?m proudly 64 years old, a mother and a grandmother. I?ve been working part-time at my church for 20 years. I?ve been married to a wonderful man for 38 years. I have been doing chair yoga since June of 2005.

I had a stroke and my neurologist suggested practicing yoga. I called three yoga studios, and when they heard I was ?post stroke? they did not want me to attend classes there. My daughter kept researching and found Liz? chair yoga class. She called Liz and after a nice conversation, I went to my first class. I was looking for more balance in my life and help with severe anxiety and other health issues, including high blood pressure.

At first I was somewhat skeptical, but I kept coming to class and after 6 weeks I began to notice subtle shifts and benefits. Now if I am unable to attend class I really miss it. My anxiety kicks in and my depression worsens. The classes have become a social time for me and I have made some wonderful new friends. My Monday class is a great way to start my week and keeps me going for the rest of my week. All the other students are non-judgmental and it is wonderful knowing that they are all dealing with their own health issues.

I have made incredible strides in lowering my blood pressure. I went from readings of 190/120 to 115/62. My doctor was shocked and amazed. I have found ways to incorporate brief yoga breaks into my life. I do little ?bites? of yoga all day long. Just dropping my tongue to the bottom of my mouth makes such a big difference in how I feel, both physically and mentally. I don?t make time to do an entire hour of yoga on my own, but the small things Liz suggests that we do during the day have made a big difference in my life.

I really enjoy the way Liz keeps the classes interesting by mixing things up. The classes are not monotonous and she is very sensitive to the needs and mood of her students. This program really does help your mind and body. It brings balance to your life but you do have to work at it.

Yoga has now become a part of my daily life and I find myself incorporating more and more each month. The release of tension makes such a big difference in my life. If you are thinking about joining a class or purchasing the videos, give it a try ? not just once but several times ? and you will be hooked on chair yoga!

Mark Franklin enjoys telling people about Liz Franklin's Yoga In Chairs(r) because he knows it is helping people live healthier, happier, and longer lives. If you want to find out about her special style of chair yoga, visit http://www.yogainchairs.com

5 Steps to Get Rid of Dandruff

1:03 PM

What is dandruff anyway?

Dandruff is actually a condition whereby the scalp surface has a rapid increase in cells. These cells quickly replace older cells, so the oldest topmost layer of cells becomes dead and is shed off as flakes of skin.

Dandruff is seasonal: the worst season is in winter and the least severe season is in summer.

There are a few common symptoms of dandruff, mainly that of scaling (shedding of small white flakes of skin) and occasionally itching.

But more importantly, how can you cure dandruff?

Because it is a natural body process, dandruff cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

Here are 5 important things you should do to control your dandruff problem.

1. Use a medicated shampoo. The medicated shampoo will reduce the speed of the growth of the cells on the scalp, thus lessening the cell replacement and decreasing the amount of dandruff. The shampoo should also have an antiseptic that will help prevent infection of your scalp so as to reduce itchiness.

2. Shampoo more often, up to three times a week using medicated shampoo until the situation is controlled. Then, continue use of the medicated shampoo once every week.

3. Stop using gels, hairsprays and hair-coloring products. If you must use them, do not use them excessively and learn the proper use of such products.

4. Don?t scratch the scalp when it is itchy. This will cause the problem to worsen.

5. If the problem is severe, see your doctor for anti-inflammatory cream for your scalp or anti-dandruff tablets to ingest.

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