Sunday, February 10, 2008

Why Health Farms Can Help Us Cope With Life Better...

Tired of living in the steel and glass urban jungle? Or feeling a little breathless trying to keep up with those impossible deadlines at work? Maybe your social and personal life is slowly turning into a mess and you know you could do with some more time to yourself.

Modern life comes with its own stresses and strains. We seem to work doubly hard to keep our place and with long working hours, erratic eating habits its easy to see how you can get burnt out. When you stop to think about it, are you as far way from this as you really think?

It seems easy to get absorbed in career life but the downside is when health, relationships or both take a back seat to work.

However there is some hope. Health farms are now filling a felt need for a retreat from the routine. These venues vary in size and location and some are even country mansions with extensive grounds. They provide a cozy ambience and fantastic facilities.

Whether you are a frazzled exec seeking a break from the boss or a working mum trying to reconnect to things past, a visit to a health farm can rejuvenate the mind and body.

Here are some key reasons why more and more people are choosing health farms as a short break:

A short stay in a health farm is a great tonic providing both physical and mental relaxation. It allows you to dabble in things that you would normally brush aside in your hectic work schedule and it gives moments of solitude and introspection.

A Spa Break can also help you relax and cements closeness, which can help bring the love back into relationships.

Often the most attractive feature of health farms is the spa. The spas offer excellent facilities for recuperation of the tired body and mind. Body massage with aromatic oils, refreshing baths in perfumed water and mud treatments can help improve blood circulation and ease muscle stiffness.

Skin treatments include exfoliation, scrub with herbal products and manicure. Meditation, kinesiology and yoga classes can help you learn how to cope with stress. Personal consultations are also available on several lifestyle related disorders and the counselors can explain healthier options in food and living.

Taking long walks in the countryside, playing golf; relaxing outings at the pool and tasting delectable cuisine make the whole experience a memorable one.

A typical Spa 2 day package could include: A body massage, facial, a complete program of exercise and relaxation class, a balanced meal program, luncheon on day of arrival and departure, breakfast and dinner as well as unlimited use of the Spa facilities, hydro pool, luxurious sauna and steam rooms.

There are many health farms in the UK and Ireland. Ragdale Hall, Champneys and Galway are some of the popular health farms. The Utopia Spa located in Kent is also proving to be increasingly popular too.

Blessed with verdant greenery all around, these farms attract the rich and famous with many valued added services. With the growing popularity of the Internet, several websites offer services for planning a holiday at a health farm.

And lets not forget, Health farms are not just for the health conscious. They make a great gift idea for a loved one too.

Here are a few simple things that you should keep in mind while planning a holiday at a health farm: Check availability of accommodation and always pre-book your stay. Forward instructions about any specific preferences to the Spa - this applies especially to any food and treatment choices. Check the residential rules at the venue, but most of all relax and enjoy yourself.

Health farms have doctors for medical advice and counselors for alternative treatment therapies. They can help you with a treasure house of information on better living. Make the most of your stay by picking up a few tips.

Whether you choose a day spa break or stay for a few days, health farms are a great way to beat the circus of the daily grind. It is an invitation for personal indulgence to rejuvenate and de-stress. If you want to do your body and mind a favour as well as spend some quality time alone with a friend or partner then a Spa break could be just what the doctor ordered.

Janette Vince is the managing director of .thanksdarling.com Thanks Darling provides a wide range of Spa Day and Spa Weekend Experiences to suit all occasions. For a wide range of UK Spa Breaks including one day and weekend experiences then visit .thanksdarling.com/categories/spa-breaks.htmDepresion Bipolar
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Men's Acne Facts versus Fiction

MenScience gives the inside scoop on myths and facts about mens acne and acne treatments. How much do you really know about breakouts? Take our quiz and see for yourself!

1. Popping acne pimples makes them go away faster.

* True
* False

2. You should wash your face several times a day if you have acne.

* True
* False

3. Eating greasy or oily foods causes acne.

* True
* False

4. Tanning clears up acne in mens skin.

* True
* False

5. Where you work can affect your skin and cause acne.

* True
* False

6. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective ingredient for acne treatment.

* True
* False

7. Glycolic and Salicylic Acids are effective against acne.

* True
* False

8. If an acne medication causes your skin to get worse, you should stop using the acne product.

* True
* False

9. It takes 28 days for new cells to appear on the surface of mens skin.

* True
* False

10. Acne-prone men should use noncomedogenic products.

* True
* False

11. Perspiration cleanses skin.

* True
* False

12. Teenagers (not real men) get acne.

* True
* False

13. Only men with oily skin get acne.

* True
* False

14. Acne is caused by bacteria.

* True
* False

15. Using a face scrub can control acne.

* True
* False

16. Acne is no big deal.

* True
* False


ANSWER KEY:
1. FALSE: Popping pimples may seem to reduce their size, but it can actually aggravate blemishes by spreading bacteria, causing them to take longer to heal. Not only that, but popping or picking at pimples causes scars and dark spots to form.

2. FALSE: Its important to have a clean face, but washing your face with force several times a day can cause your skin to produce more oil to make up for the moisture being washed away. Not to mention skin will become red and irritated. Your best bet is to wash once or twice a day with a gentle liquid cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree extract.

3. FALSE: Pizza, chocolate and junk food have long been labeled acne magnets, but theres very little scientific evidence to back up this claim. However, men should aim to eat a balanced diet full of vitamins from fruits and vegetables, and drink a lot of water for overall well-being.

4. FALSE: When you tan, dead cells build up on your skins surface. This can often cause your pores to look tighter and the surface to look smoother. Tanning also masks redness caused by acne. However, once the tan disappears, youll be left with greater outbreaks and darker acne scars and marks. Protect skin exposed to direct sunlight by regularly applying sunscreen (especially if using a treatment containing Benzoyl Peroxide).

5. TRUE: Men who work in places that put them in constant contact with grease and oil (restaurants and garages, for example) may find themselves breaking out more because oil creates an ideal environment for bacteria to reproduce. Although theres no simple way to rectify this, they should clean skin gently at least twice a day and try to keep their hands from their faces at all times.

6. TRUE: Benzoyl Peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient prescribed by dermatologists as the preferred topical medicine for safe treatment for acne. It clears acne-causing bacteria on the surface, absorbs excessive oils and clear pores, while promoting greater cell exfoliation and renewal. Doctors also prescribe Green Tea, Urea and Allantoin to help soothe acne-irritated skin. Because Benzoyl Peroxide has powerful antibacterial and exfoliating qualities, it may take some time for skin to get used to the treatment. Once skin has become accustomed to the treatment however, irritation, redness or dryness usually disappears. The best bet is to apply a small amount only once a day, and then increase frequency gradually over 5 6 days. If too much dryness occurs, decrease frequency and gradually increase again.

7. TRUE: Glycolic and Salicylic Acids work very effectively to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear pores. By reducing pore blockage, acne has less of a chance to form and breakouts are reduced. Exfoliation with gentle products that contain Glycolic and Salicylic Acids helps smooth and clean skin, while also reducing instances of ingrown hairs as well.

8. FALSE: During acne treatment, skin often seems to take a turn for the worse before it begins getting better. This is due in part to the need to become accustomed to a treatment and the exfoliating process of shedding dead skin cells. The important thing is to keep usage regular. If, however, skin remains irritated for a long period of time, stop acne treatment and consult a doctor.

9. TRUE: It takes new cells 28 days to form and move through the epidermal layer of skin to finally appear on the surface. This is why results are not always immediately apparent. Using a product with Glycolic Acid may accelerate this process and help clear away dead skin cells.

10. TRUE: Noncomedogenic means ingredients in the product do not clog pores or provoke acne. Although its definitely recommended for men with oily skin, you should use non-irritating, noncomedogenic products no matter what skin type you have. All MenScience products have been developed by doctors and are noncomedogenic.

11. FALSE: Perspiration helps flush toxins from the body and maintains body temperature, but it does not cleanse skin at all. In fact, leaving sweat on your body can actually cause acne breakouts. Because of this, remember to take a shower or wash your face immediately after sweating heavily with a gentle cleanser several times a day.

12. FALSE: If only this were true! While acne outbreaks are often strongest during teen years (due to hormonal imbalances and improper skincare), acne can affect men their entire lives. Good skin health needs to be regularly maintained to avoid falling prey to blemishes.

13. FALSE: Acne can affect guys with any skin type, from dry to combination and even normal. Men with oily skin might be more susceptible to outbreaks, but they are by no means alone.

14. TRUE: Bacteria (P. acnes) play a big part in the creation of acne. Once a skin pore becomes clogged, acne bacteria begin to grow, causing blemishes to form. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective treatment for acne because it introduces oxygen into the bacteria, which kills it.

15. TRUE: Using a gentle exfoliating face scrub that contains Salicylic and Glycolic Acids can help clear pores of dirt and blockage, cutting down on the instances of acne. However, do not use a scrub if your acne is severe; it could aggravate your skin further.

16. TRUE.and FALSE: Acne is a painful, annoying condition, but it doesnt need to negatively affect your lifestyle. While healthy skin is something we should all aim for, an occasional pimple or breakout is nothing to freak out about and can be treated with the right acne products. Remember: almost everyone is affected by acne. By using the most effective acne products and skincare techniques, theres nothing to stop you from attaining a clear, healthy complexion.

SCORING:

13-16 Answers Correct: Acne Expert

9-12 Answers Correct: Good job! Add to your acne know-how with more tips.

5-8 Answers Correct: Knowledgeable, but check out our articles for more info.

0-4 Answers Correct: Needs work. Discover how to treat acne with our expert advice.

Deidra Garcia is a freelance writer and communications manager for MenScience Androceuticals, a men's skincare and grooming company. You can find more articles by Deidra, as well as further tips and advice, at MenScience. Bipolar Disorders Journal
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What Is Acne?

Acne is a common skin disease which affects the various skin parts such as face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. Acne is a relatively less serious health problem but obviously, a nightmare for beauty conscious people. Acne vulgaris is the most common type of acne.

Acne is manifested because of the clogging or blockage in the pores of the sebaceous glands which are the oil secreting natural body moistures. The blockage of the follicles will lead to accumulation of sebum in the portion called the comedon. Propionicum acne, the bacteria, will get attracted to the site and cause inflammation by destroying the white blood cells. Non inflammatory acne also occurs. According to the difference in the clogging location, acne is classified into different sub types such as pimples, white heads, black heads, cysts and manula. It can occur in any age, but is more frequent in teenagers. On rare occasions, the outbreak of acne will grow and lead to moderate and severe type of acne. One of the most drastic consequences is its effects in the emotional well being of patients. Many patients have lost their confidence to go out in public and the result has been difficulties in relationships. The chance for permanent scaring is another potential harm.

Causes

Exact causes are not identified for acne, however, genetics, and hormonal changes are attributed to be the main reasons. Diet, age, pollution, and personal hygiene are also suspected as reasons.

Symptoms

The facial eruptions are the primary symptoms of acne. Certain types will form pus inside the inflammation and some will be slightly hard. Most of them will be tolerable; however, some will cause irritation, pain, tenderness, and itching.

Diagnosis

In most of the acne cases clinical diagnosis will not be essential. Physicians can easily diagnosis acne from external symptoms. In case of severe acne, an endocrinologist may refer for hormonal tests.

Treatment

Usually acne is treated using over the counter medicines in various forms such as lotions, ointments, and pads. However, in moderate and severe cases, the assistance of a dermatologist will be necessary. Physicians used to recommend drugs primarily to reduce bacterial infection and minimize the production of sebum. The comedolytic anti clogging drugs are also popular while Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid (Azelex), isotretinoin and antibiotics are some of the common drugs for treatment. Many surface therapies such as dermabrasion, laser therapies and punching of skin are also treatment measures. Alternative medicines and herbal medicines also suggest many remedies.

Prevention

Often diet and habits are blamed for acne occurrence and even though no evidence supports such arguments, it is better to have a balanced diet and good health habits to prevent it. Regular cleaning of the face and avoidance of irritant cosmetics is essential to avoid clogging.

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - yourfavouriteshop - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health - hapahapa for more articles.Bipolar Treatment Center
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