Dress for Success Atlanta Dresses 10,000 Women

Dress for Success Atlanta will suit their 10,000 client on Tuesday, June 3 at 1:45 p.m in the organization’s America’s Mart showroom on Spring Street. Founded in 1997, Dress For Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Atlanta joined the International Dress For Success community in 1999. Since that time, the organization has worked with numerous agencies and organizations to serve the women of Atlanta through job training, mentorship, and, the provision of work appropriate clothing.

Dress for Success clients are eligible to receive a suiting through several referral agencies. Partnered with a personal shopper, clients browse the Atlanta showroom’s collection of suits, shoes, and accessories to put together several interview-appropriate ensembles. When a client successfully obtains a job, she may return the showroom to shop for several more outfits or uniforms. Dress for Success Atlanta suits over 1,000 new clients each year.

Dress For Success Atlanta’s program director, Victoria Hook, says the “10,000 suiting is a huge milestone for the organization. It shows the need for and importance of programs that empower women. Even after 10,000 suitings, we still are meeting a need that grows every single year.”

Event Schedule
1:45 p.m. Welcome
Announcement of 10,000 suiting participant
Flowers, Ceremony

2:00 p.m.
Suiting of 10,000 client
Photo Opps
Cake
Gifts and acknowledgements

Location:
220 Spring Street NW Suite 102
Atlanta, GA 30303

Directions:
Please visit http://www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=1&pageid=1

Teaming Up To Prevent Skin Cancer

NAPSI-With more than 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year, people could be doing more to protect themselves.

In addition to applying sunscreen, there are a few quick, easy steps everyone can take to prevent the incidence of this disease.

One important precautionary step is performing monthly self-examinations.”Self-examination is an extremely simple and effective tool, yet highly neglected by most Americans,” said Dr. Darrel S. Rigel, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Coupled with an annual visit to your dermatologist for a full-body skin cancer screening, monthly self-examinations are the best way to help prevent and detect skin cancer.

When performing a self-examination, do so in front of the mirror, paying close attention to the areas of your body directly exposed to the sun, including your face, arms and legs as well as your hands and trunk, which are also susceptible to harmful sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer.

Dermatologists recommend keeping track of your moles, freckles and birthmarks, noting any changes in shape, size or color and the appearance of any other visible irregularities.

According to dermatologists, performing a self-examination is simple when keeping the ABCD rule in mind:

• A is for ASYMMETRY: Onehalf of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

• B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.

• C is for COLOR: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of red, white or blue.

• D is for DIAMETER: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ? inch-the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.

In the event that you do notice any changes, you should consult your dermatologist right away.

In addition to an avoiding the sun, an important first line of defense against skin cancer is sun protection. Choosing the right product and applying it on a daily basis continues to be a must. Also, consumers should opt for products that contain a stabilizing technology like Helioplex offering superior protection against UVA rays, as well as high SPFs that protect against UVB rays, such has Neutrogena’s New Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85 with Helioplex.

By practicing sun-safe habits and by visiting your dermatologist once a year, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer.

For more information, visit www.NeutrogenaSkinHealth.com.

When choosing sun protection, don’t just look for the SPF factor. It’s important to find a product that offers both UVA and UVB protection.

Protecting Heart Health

NAPSI-There are a number of simple ways women can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Still, the condition kills more than 461,000 women in America annually and is the leading cause of death among women and men.

According to the American Heart Association, 38 percent of women compared to 25 percent of men will die within one year of a heart attack. Risk of heart disease and stroke significantly increases with age--a sobering fact, considering more than 45 million American women were over the age of 50 in 2003. Despite these startling statistics, misconceptions still exist that CVD is not a real threat to women.

Fortunately, a renewed partnership may help change that. It pairs the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement with Jafra Cosmetics International. The company's goal is to empower its consultants and their clients with knowledge that can be used to reduce CVD.

To support Go Red For Women, the cosmetic firm will create educational materials, extend outreach to women and include health information at its popular parties. The company's beauty consultants will be trained to discuss lifestyle choices with party guests and work to help women take better care of their hearts. The firm also plans to raise $75,000 to fight heart disease. The company offers these heart-healthy tips:

Easy Lifestyle Changes

Leading a healthier lifestyle can protect your heart--and be simple. The key is to think in small steps, rather than sudden changes. When it comes to increasing physical activity, for instance, think walking, jogging, cycling or dancing with someone you love. And for reducing stress, think of taking time for your favorite hobby or celebrating your "unbirthday" with friends.

Manage Your Numbers

During a heart checkup, your doctor takes a careful look at your "numbers," including your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, your blood pressure and more. Knowing your numbers can help you and your doctor know your risks and mark the progress you're making toward a healthier you.

Stay Positive

Many experts now believe that a positive attitude is an important part of staying healthy. Positive thinking starts with loving what's wonderful about you-so take care of yourself and appreciate who you are.

For more information, visit www.goredforwomen.org or www.jafra.com.

A unique program could help women protect their heart health.

Improving the Odds in the Fight against Breast Cancer

ARA - In a matter of seconds, most people can think of eight women who are important in their lives, whether they are mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, friends or coworkers.

The ease with which most people can come up with this list just reinforces the prevalence of breast cancer in this country; according to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

“We estimate that more than 180,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, while approximately 40,000 women will die from the disease this year,” says Robert Smith, Ph.D., director of cancer screening for the American Cancer Society.

According to Dr. Smith, encouraging woman to have annual mammograms is one of the primary ways to increase early detection of the disease, which is important since breast cancer is more treatable the earlier it is discovered.

The importance of early detection is the main reason that Aetna, an insurer based in Hartford, Conn., worked with the American Cancer Society to develop an educational video entitled Mammograms Matter. The video, which can be viewed on the American Cancer society Web site (www.cancer.org/aetnamammo), emphasizes the significance of mammograms for women 40 and older by showing several women -- including breast cancer survivors -- describe their feelings about breast cancer.

Education Helps Overcome Fears

Before creating the video, Aetna worked with members who had never had a mammogram or who had not had one in the past five years. These meetings helped the company identify the main reasons the women did not undergo screenings, such as perceived pain and discomfort of the screening; fear of the unknown or finding out the results; and false confidence or misperceptions if there is no family history.

“We tried to address some of these points with statistics, such as the fact that 70 percent to 80 percent of breast cancer patients have no family history of breast cancer,” says Joanne Armstrong, M.D., a senior medical director at Aetna who is also featured in the video. “However, this video is mostly about the voices of the women who participated, trying to explain how important it is to get annual screenings.”

According to Dr. Armstrong, this video is just one way that insurers like Aetna are trying to educate women on the importance of mammography screenings. Through a separate program, Aetna makes targeted phone calls and sends mailings to Latina and African American women who have not had their annual mammogram. This type of outreach, which is made in both English and Spanish, stresses the importance of screenings and can even help women find a local mammography center.

“Early detection of breast cancer is important for all women, but is particularly critical for African American and Latina women, who are less likely to receive mammography screenings, and more likely to die from breast cancer because the condition is not identified early enough,” Dr. Armstrong says.

As this type of information and similar programs become more readily available to women, Dr. Smith is hopeful that the spread of the message will result in some tangible changes.

“If more women realized the true significance of regularly scheduled mammograms, we could reduce the pain and death associated with breast cancer,” Dr. Smith says. “Hopefully, videos like this one will help women overcome any fears they may have and get the appropriate screenings.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Is Laser Vision Correction Right For You?

NAPSI -Now nearly 15 years old, LASIK vision correction is the most common elective surgery in the United States, performed on 700,000 people annually. Besides being popular with patients, most of them are satisfied with the results. A recent analysis of studies looking at patients’ satisfaction after LASIK, a popular type of laser vision correction surgery, found that more than 95 percent of them were satisfied with the procedure.

“LASIK stands for laser in situ keratomileusis and is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering on the front of the eye,” said Marguerite McDonald, M.D., FACS, president of the International Society of Refractive Surgery and a clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The change improves the way that the eye focuses light rays, decreasing your dependence on eyeglasses or contacts or, in the vast majority of cases, eliminating the need for distance correction entirely.”

LASIK is performed in an outpatient surgical suite. The doctor creates a paper-thin, hinged flap on the top of the cornea. The computer-controlled cold laser then sculpts the exposed cornea tissue, removing microscopic bits of tissue. Flattening the cornea corrects nearsightedness, while steepening the cornea corrects farsightedness. Smoothing out irregularities in the cornea corrects astigmatism. The entire procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes per eye. With LASIK, there is generally little discomfort during and after surgery. Vision is generally slightly blurry on the day of the surgery but improves considerably the next day.

“LASIK is not for everyone, and your ophthalmologist can advise you about certain conditions that may prevent you from being a good candidate for the procedure,” added Dr. McDonald.

The ideal candidate is over 18 years of age, not pregnant or nursing and free of uncontrolled eye disease. You should not have had a significant change in your eye prescription in the past year and should have a prescription within the range of correction for LASIK.

Like any surgery, LASIK carries risks that should be carefully considered. Some people experience side effects after LASIK that usually disappear over time. These side effects may include discomfort or pain, hazy or blurry vision, scratchiness, dryness, glare, halos or starbursts around lights, light sensitivity, or small pink or red patches on the white of the eye that disappear in one to three days. Most of these are temporary and resolve on their own and most longer-term complications can be treated without any loss of vision. Serious complications leading to vision loss that cannot be corrected are possible but extremely rare. The same can be said about the very rare serious complications of wearing contact lenses.

If you and your doctor decide that LASIK is right for you, you may join millions of people who have had a refractive surgery procedure and are enjoying active lifestyles less dependent on eyeglasses or contacts.

For more information, visit www.GetEyeSmart.org.

Better vision and high satisfaction are seen in the overwhelming majority of LASIK patients.

Shining A Light On Sunscreen

NAPSI -Despite the flood of sun-protection information that is released each summer, many consumers still don't know as much as they should when it comes to choosing a sunscreen.

While sunscreen may already be a beach bag necessity, certain sunscreen technologies and ingredients will provide superior protection from the sun's harmful rays, so it's important to know what to look for when reading the label.

Sunlight contains the visible light we can see and ultraviolet (UV) rays that we cannot. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns as well as certain kinds of skin cancers, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging and the development of dark spots.

UVA can enhance the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays--the light penetrates windows and clouds and leaves no visible signature on your skin. Most consumers don't know that the SPF rating on the sunscreen bottle only pertains to UVB. That's why dermatologists say to look for a sunscreen label that specifically includes UVA protection. The FDA, however, is now working on new packaging regulations intended to help make labeling clearer.

Also, according to the FDA, sunscreens are neither perspiration- or waterproof. Sunscreens can be washed or worn off as a consequence of swimming or sweating, so consumers are advised to look for products that are water resistant or sweat resistant-FDA approved terms.

Another common misconception is that you can apply sunscreen once and be protected all day. "Ordinary UVA sunscreen chemicals break down as soon as they are exposed to light and become practically ineffective in about one hour," says Boston dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Dover. "It's not just full-spectrum coverage we need to be concerned with; the key is finding a product with UVB and UVA protection, but also one that lasts longer." Recently, new technologies including Dermaplex™ have been created to help keep the key sun-protection ingredients stable so they won't break down for hours and therefore don't need to be reapplied as often.

Sunscreens like the new Continuous Spray SPF 45 from Skin Effects™ by Dr. Jeffrey Dover use Dermaplex technology so it won't break down after sun exposure for up to five hours, allowing for full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Plus, it holds up against sweat and water, is hypoallergenic, sprays on easily and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Most important, sunscreens have an expiration date. Dermatologists recommend buying a new bottle every six months.

Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover is available at all CVS/pharmacy locations.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that we cannot see. It is these UV rays--both UVA and UVB--that can do the most damage to the skin.

Keep Your Eyes Beautiful With Safe Makeup Tips

NAPSI-Department store and drugstore makeup aisles are filled with a tempting array of makeup colors and products for the eyes. But knowing how to apply and remove eye makeup properly will not only make your eyes beautiful; it will also protect your vision as well.

“Makeup is a part of many women’s everyday routine, but they should be aware that improperly applied makeup is a risk to the eye,” says Cynthia Bradford, M.D., clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma. “Even something as simple as testing a sample at the makeup counter can lead to problems. We want the public to know how to look their best without jeopardizing their eye health.”

Through its EyeSmart campaign, the Academy wants to remind consumers to use healthy and safe habits when using and testing makeup. Dr. Bradford explains: “Proper care and caution when using makeup can prevent eye infections that range from minor cases that can be treated with medication to more serious cases that could impair vision.”

Here are some safe makeup tips from Dr. Bradford:

Infection: It’s very important to remember that makeup expires, especially eye makeup. Eye makeup should be thrown away three months after it is purchased but immediately if you develop an eye infection when you are using it. Liquid or creamy makeup can harbor bacteria easily. Once you open and use mascara, cream eye shadow or face base, you should replace it within three months. If you have eye surgery, do not wear makeup around the eye until your ophthalmologist tells you it is safe to do so and then only use fresh, new makeup. Never share your makeup with anyone else.

Allergy: If you tend to be easily allergic when you try a new product, introduce only one new product at a time. If there is no reaction, you can add another new product. If you try a new product line of makeup and add too many products at once, it is hard to pinpoint which one is the offending product. If you notice that you become allergic to a product, you should find out what the ingredients are in the product and bring that to your doctor’s attention. Dr. Bradford recommends using the least amount of products on or around your eyes to prevent irritation or infection.

Applying: When applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are very clean before you begin. Never apply makeup over the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid, as these oil glands secrete oil that protects the surface of the eye. To avoid covering the oil glands or inadvertently applying makeup directly on the eye, always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye.

Removing: At night, remove all eye makeup, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. Use a clean cotton swab to brush along the base of the eyelashes to get the last resistant debris of eye makeup off. If you use an eye makeup remover, make sure you don’t get any in your eye. When you are done, rinse the remover off your eyelids completely to avoid possible irritation of the eye or lids.

If you think you have an eye infection or allergic reaction to your eye makeup, it is important to seek medical help by contacting your ophthalmologist.

Learn about eye diseases and the names of eye M.D.s in your area by visiting www.GetEyeSmart.org.

Get Your Eyes in Shape for Summer with the Right Eyewear

ARA - Along with new flip-flops, a sundress and swimsuit, most people will be looking for a trendy new pair of sunglasses this summer. Of course, when choosing new shades, there are many things to consider -- size, shape, color, design -- but what many people neglect to consider is getting the best lenses.

Fashion can meet function this summer by adding a healthy dose of wellness and prevention to the search for the perfect shades. It’s even more important than smart style to choose high-quality lenses. At any age, but particularly after the age of 40, eye protection and quality sun lenses are necessary.

Style expert and host of the Style Network’s top-rated show “How Do I Look?” Finola Hughes, says her best accessory this year is eyewear. “Sunglasses can finish off a look and make anyone feel stylish and hip, but it’s important to pick the right sunwear frames for your face and age,” Hughes says. “This summer I added a great pair of white and black buckle designer sunglasses to my wardrobe, but I made sure they were fitted with Varilux polarized with Crizal Sun lenses.”

Premium lenses provide complete protection form UV rays, along with better vision, reduced glare, sharper images and improved depth-perception. Some lenses like new Crizal Sun Mirrors offer 100 percent protection from UV rays and feature a brilliant, mirrored front side, dual-sided and fully-integrated scratch protection, and super-hydrophobic properties. Most people take care to prevent sun damage with sunscreen, so it’s important to take the same preventative measures when it comes to eyes.

When choosing new summer specs, consider the following from Hughes:

* Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with polarized sunglass lenses, like Varilux with Crizal Sun lenses. Your eyes don’t need to suffer to be fashionable -- most designer frames can be outfitted with a high-quality lens.

* Classic sunglass frame styles that are essential to complete any wardrobe are wayfarers, aviators, large tortoiseshell and square black -- they will take you from season to season.

* Choose the right frames for your face by concentrating on color and size. Pay attention to your complexion; if you have a pale or sallow complexion, find a good shade to complement it, like a warm brown or amber. Conversely, if you have a darker or olive complexion, hit the reds and pinks, they will look luscious next to your skin.

* Above all else, always be sure to line the top of your sunglass frames with your eyebrows -- nobody wants to resemble a bug.

* If you’re in your 20s and 30s, experiment with trendier fun styles. For 40 and up, have fun in a more artistic fashion by choosing frames that are clever and architectural.

For more sunwear tips visit www.mybestaccessory.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Get Rid of Spider and Varicose Veins Without Surgery

ARA – Swimsuit season is here. Will you be basking in the sunshine every weekend or hiding in the shadows? If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from some form of vein problem, the answer is likely the latter.

According to statistics kept by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 50 to 55 percent of American women and 40 to 45 percent of American men have unsightly varicose and spider veins. Varicose are enlarged veins that can be flesh colored, dark purple or blue and often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. Spider veins are similar in appearance, only smaller, and closer to the surface of the skin.

Among the reasons people get them:
* Being born with weak vein valves.
* Having family members with vein problems.
* Increasing age.
* Hormonal changes. These occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Taking birth control pills and other medicines containing estrogen and progesterone also increase the risk of varicose or spider veins.
* Pregnancy. During pregnancy there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins.
* Prolonged standing or pressure on the veins.

In Dr. Nancy Powers’ case, the spider and varicose veins she has, predominantly on the back of her left leg, were brought on by a combination of things. “Countless hours of sitting with my legs crossed during medical school, being on my feet a lot while giving speeches, my pregnancy, you name it,” she says.

As a holistic physician, health activist and host of “Dr. Nancy Talks Health,” Powers spends a lot of time in the public eye, and her bulging veins eventually reached the point where they embarrassed her so much she wouldn’t even wear a skirt in public anymore, much less shorts on the weekends. When she finally decided it was time to do something about it, she wasn’t happy with the options her doctor offered:

* Laser surgery -- A laser pierces the skin and penetrates the superficial blood vessel. The heat generated from the laser coagulates the blood inside the vessel causing it to collapse and seal.

* Sclerotherapy injections -- Also known as injection therapy, this is a non-surgical procedure in which a solution is injected into the problem veins in order to cause their disappearance.

* Ambulatory phlebectomy -- A method of removing varicose veins on the surface of the legs. This procedure involves making tiny punctures or incisions through which the varicose veins are removed. The incisions are so small no stitches are required.

* Vein stripping -- This procedure involves tying off the upper end of a problem vein and then removing the vein. Vein stripping is performed in an operating room. The patient is usually under general anesthesia.

“All of the options I was offered involved some kind of invasive procedure I was uncomfortable with. I decided I would be better off finding a solution on my own,” says Dr. Powers. She was ecstatic when she came across information about an all-natural treatment that has been popular in Europe for decades and is just now catching on in the United States.

Bioflavonoid-rich and derived from sweet orange, DiosVein is made primarily from the supplement diosmin, which has over three decades of efficacious use as an anti-inflammatory and vascular protecting agent. It is clinically proven to tone and repair vessel walls, resulting in stronger veins, healthier legs and sound circulation. And since DiosVein does not interfere with most therapies, it can be used in combination with other vein treatments.

“I take two pills every day -- one in the morning -- one at night, and my legs have never felt or looked better,” says Dr. Powers.

In addition to taking the supplement, here are some other things Dr. Powers does to promote her own leg health:

* Exercises regularly to encourage blood circulation in the legs.
* Watches her weight and diet -- shedding extra pounds takes unnecessary pressure off the veins.
* Watches what she wears -- avoids high heels and doesn’t wear tight clothes around her waist, legs or groin.
* Elevates her legs often to improve circulation.
* Avoids long periods of sitting or standing.
* No longer sits with her legs crossed as this position can aggravate circulation problems.

To learn more about DiosVein and gain access to a directory of brands that contain it, log on to www.DiosVein.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Natural Relief from Menopause Symptoms

ARA - Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue and sheer frustration -- do these sound familiar? Menopause is a natural transition that is unique for each woman, but for many it comes with a lot of unpleasant symptoms that can disrupt the normal flow of daily life.

Menopause is the point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. As a normal event, menopause is usually confirmed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 40 and 58, with the average at about age 51. Symptoms can start occurring several years prior actually entering menopause. This stage is called peri-menopause.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), and prescription drugs can be effective in treating symptoms of menopause, but many can have negative side effects.

More women are choosing to use natural alternatives that can be as effective as other prescription treatments. Here are some natural options to help reduce the symptoms of menopause:

Soy
Soy contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens. Eating soy and integrating a soy supplement into your diet can help to relieve menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.

A recent clinical trial at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a prominent teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, found that 52 percent of women who took a soy extract called AglyMax had reduced hot flashes over a 12-week period.

AglyMax is a unique soy germ extract that contains isoflavones in their most usable form called aglycones. A special fermentation process maximizes the benefits obtainable from the soy bean and also produces healthy antioxidants.

“What we are trying to find is a safe and effective alternative to hormone therapy,” says senior author investigator George Blackburn, a doctor at the Department of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Surgery at BIDMC. “Our study found that patients who consumed the soy supplement showed a reduction in the number of hot flashes.”

Exercise
Regular exercise is important for overall health, but can help in relieving the symptoms of menopause as well. Exercise is great for reducing stress and strengthening the cardiovascular system and bones. Additional benefits include fewer migraines, reduced insomnia, lower cholesterol and a more toned physique.

Behavioral Changes
It’s important to wear layered clothing when possible so you can adjust if you feel hot. Cotton clothing is a good option because the fabric allows for air circulation. This is particularly crucial during bedtime so you can get a sound, rejuvenating sleep. When you do get a hot flash, relax and take deep breaths. Sip cool drinks and use ice packs as needed. Avoid coffee, alcohol and hot baths or showers before bed. Try to track the triggers that cause hot flashes (spicy food, work stress, etc.) and avoid those activities in the future.

Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture and yoga are alternative medicine options that might be helpful for menopausal women. Some people have found that acupuncture helps to relieve hot flashes and yoga helps to aid the body in relaxation, lessening mood swings and depression.

If you or someone you know is going through menopause, there are many options that can help with the sometimes difficult symptoms. Visit www.Effisoy.com or call (866) 783-3762 to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Spring Shape Up: Easy Routines for Beautiful Health

(ARA) - When it comes to getting in shape, celebrity fitness trainer Kim Lyons from “The Biggest Loser” knows it’s all about forming healthy routines. Lyons has provided support and encouragement to millions of people looking to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle. “I tell my clients that they are not going to see drastic changes in their weight and appearance over night. So it is important to stay motivated by adopting smaller, easy habits that give them the reward of feeling more healthy and beautiful along the way,” says Lyons who just released her new book, “Your Body, Your Life.” Here she offers some unique tips to help you shape up inside and out: * Take notes – Purchase a small notebook that fits in your purse or briefcase, and get in the habit of keeping a “compliment journal.” Record compliments you receive and browse through it once a day for motivation to stick to your healthy, beautiful habits. * Brush up – Just like your body, your smile should be not only beautiful on the outside but healthy on the inside too. Try new Crest Healthy Radiance, a system of daily fluoride toothpaste and weekly deep clean strips that strengthen enamel below the surface and deep clean to whiten. It whitens four times better than the leading whitening toothpaste for results that will motivate you to keep going. * Weigh in – After you start your fitness program, step on the scale one time each week to monitor your progress. You will be able to track your progress and remind yourself that you are getting there. * Choose one – If getting healthy seems too overwhelming, pick one small bad habit and focus on eliminating it for one week. Then pick another for the next week. Do this for 12 weeks and before you know it you will have twelve new healthy habits. * Celebrate – Take time to reward yourself for your healthy habits each week. When you reach a major goal, take a day off and go to the beach or treat yourself to an evening out. Adopting these simple routines will keep you feeling healthy on the inside and beautiful on the outside from start to finish of your fitness program. Courtesy of ARAcontent

How To Give Yourself The Pampered Spa Treatment At Home

StatePoint- Everybody loves the pampering we get at the spa or salon, but those special luxuries can hit your pocketbook hard. These days there are many reasonably-priced ways to indulge yourself with relaxing treatments normally found at top day spas and salons.

Here are some great ideas to treat yourself to some luxurious pampering at home that re-creates the spa experience:

* There are many bath crystals, salts or bubble baths on the market that you can use to make soaking in the tub a relaxing treat. Some calmly-scented candles and soothing music in the background can round out a relaxing experience. You might even try visiting your favorite salon to see if you can purchase some bath salts, oils or bubble bath there. And don't forget a book by a favorite author to read while in the bath.

* Once you get out of the bath, you can wrap herself in a warm towel from a Towel Spa, a compact home towel warmer. A Towel Spa quickly heats towels, bathrobes and more, so you can step into a towel that feels like it's fresh from the dryer every day. No one likes those first chilly steps out of the shower or bath, so why not have heated towels just like at the spa? A Towel Spa is available at all Bed Bath & Beyond (www.bedbathandbeyond.com) and Brookstone (www.brookstone.com) locations and online. You can even use it in other rooms of the house to warm up socks or slippers or your favorite throw blankets on the sofa.

* There are plenty of foot care kits on the market containing foot soaks, foot scrubs to rub away calluses and dry skin, and exfoliating and moisturizing foot creams. Consider purchasing a portable foot spa where you can sink your feet into a bubbling foot bath. Some even come with rollers that massage your feet.

* Massage, massage, massage. Either arrange for a masseuse to visit your home for an hour-long session or have your significant other read up on how to give a great massage, hitting all the right pressure points.

* Take a relaxation, yoga, exercise or stretching class at home. With so many self-improvement DVDs and books on the market, buy a couple to choose from to take a spa-quality class in the privacy of her own home. Another option is simply to relax with a new movie to enjoy along with a heated throw blanket on the sofa - heated by your own Towel Spa, of course - and a favorite beverage and snack!

* Have breakfast and lunch brought in from a favorite restaurant. Nothing beats starting off the day with Eggs Benedict or rich French Toast. And don't forget a little champagne or a Mimosa. Combine favorite fruits with some low-fat yogurt and some honey for a blended drink, just like at the spa. Or, brew up some herbal tea, which can be served hot or iced.

Most importantly, make sure you have enough time to yourself to enjoy all this private pampering without having to tend to the kids and other family members. Set aside time for yourself and before you know it, you'll feel like you own your own day spa.

Ten Tips for a Great Night’s Rest

(ARA) – According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 70 million Americans report they have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep every night. Have we become a nation of the eternally drowsy?

With hectic schedules and a variety of life commitments, women are living more versatile lives. But this new dynamic might be one of the reasons that 67 percent of them claim they experience a sleep problem three or more times a week.

“Researchers have determined that insufficient sleep can cause serious medical problems – high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and depression, to begin with,” says Ellen Michaud, author of “Sleep to Be Sexy, Smart and Slim.” “While it is often easier to look to various medications for sleep assistance, it is in the examining and making of changes to your sleep habits where you can really make the difference.”

Michaud’s book is a collection of easy-to-implement, doctor-tested tips, tricks and strategies for women to achieve better sleep throughout their lifetime. Here are some ideas to help you start sleeping better and living healthier:

1. Don’t check your e-mail before bed.
Researchers at Stanford University have found that the light from your monitor right before bed is enough to reset your whole wake/sleep cycle -- and postpone the onset of sleepiness by 3 hours.

2. Ditch the lights.
Hall nightlights and clock radios with lighted displays can be misinterpreted by your brain as a signal you should wake up. Darkness inhibits the brain’s biological clock and encourages you to sleep sounder, for longer periods of time.

3. Skip the murder thrillers.
Stephen King novels and other thriller-type books are not good to read before bed. No one sleeps when their mind is wondering at every creek and noise in the house.

4. Forget the late-night news.
Since most 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts tend to feature negative, often shocking content, it will do more to agitate you than help you to relax. After 30 or 60 minutes of watching people get hurt, it’s unlikely you are going to drift into a peaceful sleep

5. Keep a “worry” book close.
“Put a ‘worry book’ beside your bed,” suggests UCLA’s Dr. Yan-Go. When you wake and start worrying, jot down everything you’re thinking and any strategies you’ve thought of that will solve the problems. Then put the book back and rest easy knowing you will deal with those items in the morning.

6. Wear socks to bed.
“There’s no solid explanation for it, but studies have found that wearing socks to bed helps you sleep,” comments Michaud. “It may be that warming your feet and legs allows your internal body temperature to drop.”

7. Drink water.
Water is a great thing to drink for overall health. Be sure to avoid coffee, hot chocolate or tea within 6 to 10 hours of bed. Caffeine blocks the effects of adenosine, a chemical produced by your brain that makes you sleepy.

8. Take milk and (low-fat) cookies to bed.
The tryptophan in milk will help you feel sleepy, but you need some carbs to get it where you want it to go in your brain, says Mary Susan Esther, MD, and president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

9. Create a sleep schedule.
Keeping a consistent sleep schedule every day of the week helps to train the brain and body to relax during those designated times. Talk with your family or mate about your sleep needs and how you can work as a team to make sure everyone is getting the sleep they need.

10. Use aromatherapy.
“Try taking a warm bath before bed and using aromas that calm the senses, such as lavender and vanilla,” suggests Michaud. “Before you go to bed, a quick spritz of soothing lavender water on your pillows will help calm your exhausted mind.”

“Sleep to Be Sexy, Smart and Slim” has more than 400 sure-fire strategies for banishing insomnia, including specific tips regarding allergies, biological changes, family stressors, depression and more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Summer Sunscreen Mistakes, Myths and Solutions

ARA– Spring sun and the approach of summer remind many of us to get diligent about applying sunscreen before heading outdoors. But is that enough to protect your skin this summer? More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

“Changes in the environment and popular misconceptions make it more important than ever to take steps that will minimize your exposure to cancer-causing UV rays,” says Dr. Jessica Wu, resident dermatologist at EverydayHealth.com, the number 2 health destination online, and a clinical instructor in dermatology at USC Medical School. “May is national Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention month and now is a good time to get educated about how to protect your skin from the sun.”

Nearly half of all Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they’re 65, according to the National Cancer Institute. Here are some common summer sunscreen mistakes and myths . . . and their solutions:

Mistake: Only applying sunscreen at the beach.

There are two types of Ultra-violet (UV) rays: UVBs, which cause sunburns and UVAs, which cause skin cancer. While UVB rays can’t pass through glass, UVAs do and they’re present year-round during daylight hours. You are exposed through the windshield on your drive to work, through the window in your office or when you go outside for lunch or to run errands.

What you can do: Remember to use sunscreen daily, not just on the weekends.

Make sunscreen a daily habit for your kids as well. “Sun exposure in childhood is closely linked to skin cancer risk,” Dr. Wu says. “Research has shown that having more than five blistering sunburns in childhood will double your risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, later in life.”

Myth: Believing a higher SPF guarantees a stronger sunscreen.

Actually, a sunscreen with SPF 30 only gives you 4 percent more UVB (sunburn) protection compared to SPF 15.To give you adequate protection, your sunscreen should also provide UVA protection.

What you can do: To protect yourself, learn to read labels. Look for a sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and ingredients like zinc, titanium, or Mexoryl, which protect you from UVA rays. If you know what ingredients to look for, you can find a good sunscreen on any budget.

Mistake: Going to a tanning salon to get a “base tan” thinking it will protect you from sun damage and skin cancer.

The “safe” tanning beds many tanning salons claim to offer use mainly UVA rays, and block out UVB (burning) rays. You won’t burn, but you’ll be getting a large dose of cancer-causing UVA rays. One study showed that people aged 35 or younger who used tanning beds regularly had eight times the risk of developing melanoma compared to those who never used tanning beds. Another study showed that women who used tanning beds at least once a month were 55 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer.

What you can do: Don’t use tanning beds - ever. “There is no such thing as a safe tan, and tanning beds, because of the UVA rays they use, are particularly dangerous,” says Dr. Wu.

Despite the risk, more people than ever – of all ages and both sexes – are using tanning beds. In fact, the number of Americans using tanning beds in the past decade has doubled. Some states have legislation to limit tanning bed use among minors.

Mistake: Not reapplying sunscreen.

With summer heat and humidity, sunscreen rubs off and sweats off; if you go in the pool or ocean, it washes off, leaving your skin unprotected.

What you can do: For optimal sun protection, remember to reapply sunscreen when you get out of the water and every three to four hours. If you’re not able to wash your face and reapply your makeup in the middle of the day, try touching up with mineral powder (which has zinc, a natural sunscreen) or makeup that contains SPF to boost your sun protection.

Mistake: Forgetting to protect your eyes, ears and lips.

Ears and lips can sunburn quickly and a common sites for skin cancers.

What you can do: Be sure to apply sunscreen to your ears, especially if you have short hair or pull your hair back in a ponytail. Look for lip balm that contains SPF of at least 15. UV rays can cause cataracts, so be sure to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, especially if you’re out on the water, which can reflect up to 80 percent of UV rays.

To learn more about how to protect your skin from the sun this summer, visit www.EverydayHealth.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Vibrant Nation Celebrates Health and Beauty for Boomer Women with Anne Kreamer and Janice Taylor

BUSINESS WIRE--Vibrant Nation, a social recommendation website for accomplished boomer women over 50, this week features interviews with authors and experts who offer special insights on health and beauty for women during the second half of life.

For the 50 million women over 50, their perspective on health and beauty is more about acceptance than self criticism; they want to look their best, but they also want to do so with authenticity, creativity and humor. These women look to their peers for inspiration and support; and they know that no one can answer their important questions better than women like them.

With that in mind, the following Vibrant Nation members address health and beauty with the following contributions:

• An interview with Anne Kreamer, author of Going Gray: What I Learned about Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, and Everything Else That Matters. In a varied career, Kreamer co-produced Sesame Street; helped launch SPY magazine; served as Worldwide Creative Director for Nickolodeon; and then became a columnist for Martha Stewart Living, MORE and Fast Company as well as a blogger for Yahoo! Health. In our interview, Kreamer tells of her unexpected personal, professional and cultural adventure when she decided to stop dying her hair.
• Author and artist Janice Taylor shares a fresh and deliriously humorous approach to weight loss and creativity. Her most recent book, All is Forgiven, Move On: Our Lady of Weight Loss’s 101 Fat-Burning Steps on Your Journey to Sveltesville, is due out later this month
• Dr. Patricia Yarberry Allen, director of the New York Menopause Center and a gynecologist affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital, shares a list of the top questions women entering menopause should ask their gynecologists.
• Diana Rowden, Vice President of Health Sciences at Susan G. Komen for the Cure, recommends her list of the most reliable websites for women’s health information.

According to Stephen Reily, founder of Vibrant Nation, “These remarkable women have all developed new careers in the second half of their lives, and their perspective on health and beauty is typical of them and their peers. They know that real beauty comes from authenticity, and that most reliable information comes from women like them. These values are also the same values I created Vibrant Nation to embrace.”

“Both Janice Taylor and Anne Kreamer are great communicators and connectors,” Reily added. “They illustrate all the great things we know women in their 50s and 60s are doing, but you don’t see companies talking to these women in a way that shows an understanding for them or the vibrant lives they lead.”

Vibrant Nation celebrates the independence, interests and potential of accomplished women over 50, giving them a forum to ask and answer questions from their peers, and connecting each other to the best resources to get the most out of life. The concept began with the realization that there has never before been a group of women like this: Today’s women over 50 have more money and power — and are expected to live longer — than women of previous generations. Over a 10-year period ending in 2010, the 55 to 64-year old population will grow 48% with a significant female skew. In addition, consumers 50+ own up to 80% of the nation’s financial assets and control 50% of the discretionary spending, spending 2.5 times as much as younger consumers on a per capita basis. Nevertheless, marketers continue to under-recognize their value and potential.