Tips To Help Women Get A Better Night's Sleep

(NAPSI)-Women are often faced with balancing the demands of work, family and household responsibilities, which can interfere with getting a good night's sleep. It's no wonder that sleep problems affect more women than men. When women do sleep, it tends to be light and easily disturbed. In fact, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, insomnia affects about 40 percent of women compared to only 30 percent of men.

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, poor sleep quality and impairment of next-day function. Symptoms include waking up feeling tired or not well rested, feeling tired during the day, having trouble focusing on tasks and feeling anxious, depressed or irritable.

Women and Sleep

Many factors can influence the quality of women's sleep, which may change over time. Common factors affecting sleep include:

Lifestyle

• Life events (e.g., loss of a loved one, financial concerns)

• Poor sleep hygiene (sleep hygiene involves practices that are necessary to have normal, quality nighttime sleep and full daytime alertness)

• Stress

Health

• Medical problems (e.g., acid reflux and asthma)

• Medication use (e.g., antidepressants, antiepileptics, CNS stimulants)

• Pain conditions (migraine, tension headaches and arthritis conditions are more common among women)

Research shows that poor sleep and sleep-related problems are more strongly associated with poor health outcomes in women than in men. Not getting enough sleep may cause:

• Increased accidents

• Increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease

• Poor job performance

• Trouble concentrating

• Weight gain

It's important to note that prescription insomnia treatments have not been shown to impact these consequences.

Getting Help

Many treatment options are available for insomnia. In fact, nearly $15 billion is spent each year on healthcare related to sleep problems. Non-prescription treatment options include practicing good sleep hygiene (see adjacent SLEEP Tips), over-the-counter therapies, natural remedies and behavioral therapy. Prescription insomnia medications are available as well, including benzodiazepines (BZRAs), non-BZRA sedative-hypnotics and melatonin receptor agonists. Each type of medication works differently in the body. For instance, melatonin receptor agonists, the newest class of prescription drugs for sleep-related problems, work with the body's normal sleep-wake cycle to initiate sleep, while BZRAs and non-BZRAs work with GABA receptors in the brain.

Your healthcare provider can help further explain the differences between treatment options and answer questions.

For more information about insomnia or appropriate treatment options, please speak to your healthcare provider.

Speaking with your healthcare provider about prescription insomnia medications can be an important step in finding an appropriate insomnia treatment.

Bra Basics: Experts Share Fit Tips

(NAPSI)-Finding intimate apparel to fit and flatter may be easier with a few tips from the experts.

To help you find a great-fitting bra, Don Allen, Warner’s intimate apparel designer, offers a few strategies:

• If you are smaller busted and need a bit of lift, look for a bra with “light lift” or a push-up. These bras have padding on the bottom or side cup and add lift to fill the cup. A fuller-busted woman wearing the same bra will have a more dramatic cleavage display.

• Today’s busy women with active lifestyles have new options in underwire. Warner’s new Elements of BlissWire™ bra features a soft underwire that provides true comfort and support with fit and flexibility. The underwire casing features three layers of fabric for increased softness. Light contour cups offer great shaping without show-through.

• If you experience “double-bubble”--breast tissue spilling out over the front edge of the bra and at your underarm--you may be wearing an incorrect cup size. Try the next cup size up. A good check would be to try your bra on under a snug T-shirt. If your breast tissue isn’t contained to your bra and it’s apparent under the shirt, then you chose the incorrect cup size.

• If you are “shallow in the bust” and you experience an open, hollow area inside your bra where the strap attaches to the cup, choose a bra with a pared-down style, such as a semi-demi. If you have a full, rounded bust, choose a full-coverage bra that will contain your entire bust without any “double-bubble” effect.

• When choosing a strapless bra, your bust should comfortably fit into the cups without any gaping or spilling over, the center of the bra should lay flat against your body, and the back panel should sit comfortably and straight across your back. A back-close bra has three adjustments.

For more information on the latest innovations and styles in bras, visit www.warners.com.

The design of underwire bras has evolved greatly. New styles provide true comfort, support, fit and flexibility for busy women.

Women Use Friendship to Tackle Domestic Violence

(ARA) - Whoever first said that “a friend in need is a friend indeed” certainly knew what she (or she) was talking about. Good friends encourage you to live your dreams, and stand by you through good times and bad. And, as one recent poll shows, women are most likely to confide in a friend when they are facing violence in their home.

“Women draw support from friendship on so many levels, from sharing beauty secrets and common experiences to dealing with life’s ups and downs,” says Shelley Simmons of The Body Shop, whose recent global survey revealed that 59 percent of women are most likely to confide in a friend if affected by domestic violence. “Social misconceptions about domestic violence may make women feel more comfortable confiding in a friend whom they can depend on for caring, nonjudgmental support.”

No one is certain exactly how common domestic violence is since many cases probably go unreported. The U.S. Justice Department, however, estimates the number of annual cases somewhere between 960,000 and 3 million. Across all age groups and social strata, women experiencing violence in the home are far more likely to turn to a friend for help than anyone else, including police, health care providers and support groups, The Body Shop survey shows.

“With the approach of International Friendship Day in August, it’s a great time for women to get educated on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and what to do to help a friend going through it,” says Simmons. The Body Shop’s 2008 Stop Violence in the Home Campaign focuses on how friendship can provide a lifeline to women in crisis, and promotes education on how women can help each other if they are facing domestic violence. Also, for every “For Me, For You” Shea Lip Care Duo sold, the company will donate $9 of the purchase price towards domestic violence prevention, education and rescue.

Tell-tale signs a woman is experiencing violence in the home include:

* She has become quiet or withdrawn from friends.
* She ends phone conversations suddenly when her partner appears.
* Her friends feel unwelcome or tense when her partner is around.
* She shows signs of difficult-to-explain bruises or cuts.
* She has mentioned that her partner is possessive or jealous.
* Socially, she begins to see less of her friends.

“Once a friend confides in you about violence in her home, there are many things you can do to help her,” Simmons says.

* Be patient. Listen, but don’t judge. She must make decisions about her life in her own way and her own time.
* Don’t be critical of her partner, as this may make her feel ashamed and prevent her from confiding in you again.
* Don’t give up if you lose contact with her for a while. She may temporarily retreat.
* Tell her that the violence isn’t her fault; it’s a choice and her partner is the only one responsible for his behavior.
* Remind her that domestic violence is illegal and the police have to investigate. Encourage her to seek confidential help from the police.
* Continue to support her and don’t give up on her. You may be her only lifeline.
* Finally, if you suspect she is in immediate danger, you have no choice but to go to the police. Saving her life trumps saving the friendship.

“You may not know someone who is dealing with domestic violence, but it’s still possible to help those who are,” Simmons says.

First, education is key. Teach your teen girls that domestic violence is never acceptable. Second, be the best friend you can be; you never know what emotional challenges a friend faces. Simply by sharing love, support and fun times, you could be giving support to a friend who needs it, even if you don’t know it yet.

Finally, support causes that raise funds for victims of domestic violence. “Not only does buying a ‘For Me, For You’ Shea Lip Care Duo support efforts to end domestic violence, it’s also a great way for someone to show a friend she cares and give her a gift that will make her feel good about herself,” Simmons says.

To learn more about how you can support the fight against domestic violence, or to find a store of The Body Shop near you, visit www.thebodyshop.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Link Between Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cosmetic Industry

24-7 -- American women have grown tired of the billion dollar cosmetic industry not addressing 21st century needs. By not providing cosmetic brushes That promotes comfort, provides an easy grip or help alleviate pain in the fingers associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Musculoskeletal Disorders. Ask.com writes" the force place on the fingers, hand and wrist by repetitive task contributes to CTS"

"Women are three times more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome than men. Although there is limited research on why this is the case, scientists have several ideas. It may be that the wrist bones are naturally smaller in most women, creating a tighter space through which the nerves and tendons must pass. Other researchers are looking at genetic links that make it more likely for women to have musculoskeletal injuries such as CTS. Women also deal with strong hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause that make them more likely to suffer from CTS."Medic 8 Family Health Guide(May 2008)" the three fingers affected by musculoskeletal pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome are the thumb, index and middle finger.

Denise Brown Hubbard a makeup artist for the past 25 years; suffers from hand and finger pain do to carpal tunnel syndrome; she explains" the technology exist to develop cost effective cosmetic brushes to address pain in the fingers associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders the findings stem for 4 years of research" as stated by the Curtis National Center. "CTS is from constant muscular contractions, the tendons that move the fingers go through the carpal tunnel. Chronic over working of the tendons causes them to swell with cause's pressure on nerves. This starts the carpal tunnel symptoms." Denise explains" the pain from those disorders are sometimes felt in the fingers and that is what the cosmetic industry have the ability to address. By developing brushes to contour, the digital bone structure of the fingers instead of resting on top of the bones will relieve pressure on the three fingers affected most by musculoskeletal pain. Focusing on the Digital Bone Structure of the fingers to relieve stress, will provide comfort, an easy grip and ultimately help reduce the pain in the fingers that come from musculoskeletal disorders."

According to Curtis National Hand Center "recognized as the largest most experienced hand center in the nation" statement on Hand Injuries and Conditions "the hand is involved in almost every activity we undertake from the moment we wake until we end our day. Yet we often take our healthy hands for granted. It is when we can not use our hands that we realize how vital they are each minute of our lives."

Newell Rubbermaid's Goody Luxe Hair Accessories Unite Style and Technology to Solve Common Consumer Frustrations

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Newell Rubbermaid's (NYSE:NWL) Beauty & Style global business unit today announced the launch of Goody Luxe(TM), a premier line of hair jewelry designed to address global hair trends while offering consumer-desired functional benefits previously not available in this category. Equipped with StayPut Hold(TM) technology, the Luxe Collection holds steady at the office and on the town to resolve the most common frustration women experience with hair jewelry -- it slips or falls from their hair -- while adding a touch of timeless sophistication.

Historically, hair jewelry has been reserved for special occasions, such as weddings and holiday parties. However, Goody brand managers have found that many women now wear hair jewelry at least once per week as an affordable way to add style to everyday attire. Extensive consumer research and focus groups with female consumers in their 20s, 30s and 40s highlighted an innovation opportunity in the growing hair jewelry segment. Consumers indicated a desire for distinctive, well-made hair jewelry in classic styles appropriate for everyday wear and special occasions. They also expressed disappointment with current hair jewelry offerings, where metals and embellishments often mean additional weight that is not only uncomfortable to wear but is also prone to slip from the hair. In fact, 89 percent of consumers studied cited experiences with accessories that were too heavy, of poor quality or slid out of the hair.

"The Goody Luxe Collection addresses a trend toward hair jewelry that is being embraced by women across the globe, whether in the U.S., Europe, China or Mexico," said A.J. Ross, president of Newell Rubbermaid's Beauty & Style global business unit. "Our female consumers continue to seek affordable luxuries to add sophistication to their wardrobes, and they trust our Goody brand, with more than 100 years of hair products experience, to meet their needs with products like Luxe that are on trend and offer real performance benefits."

To solve consumer concerns with slipping, many of the products in the Goody Luxe Collection combine the elegance of hair jewelry with Goody's patented StayPut Hold technology. StayPut Hold grip technology provides a secure hold that prevents accessories from sliding out of hair during activities but is gentle enough to remove without snagging. It was first used in a line of Goody hair accessories for athletes and active women. In the Luxe Collection, StayPut creates a strong hold so wearers can work, play or dance without worrying about mussed hair styles or lost hair accessories.

The Luxe Collection is comprised of a variety of high-quality barrettes, fashion combs, headbands and ponytailers in four styles: Vine, Deco, Antique and Starburst. They range from classic to modern and capture the crisp, sleek lines of art deco, the charm and romance of vintage jewels, the whimsy and light of the constellations and the flourishing expressions of vines and blooms. The Goody Luxe Collection is now available at leading food, drug and mass market retailers in the U.S. and Asia with a suggested retail price ranging from $2.99 to $6.99. Luxe will be available in Europe, Mexico and Australia later this year.

Celebrate the Queen Bee in all Women

(ARA) - Although moms get their own special day of recognition every May, what about all of the other women that help make the world go ‘round? Grandmothers, sisters and best friends all deserve to know how much they are appreciated on a daily basis.

The summer months are dotted with special days dedicated to the ladies. This summer, declare all of the women you know a queen bee and celebrate the things that make them beautiful – inside and out. Keep these dates in mind and surprise her highness with a day of pampering.

Gorgeous Grandma Day – July 23
Girlfriend’s Day – August 1
Sister’s Day – August 3

Natural beauty is easy to attain with an item you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboard – pure honey. Used by itself or with a combination of ingredients, honey can help moisturize, ward off unwanted bacteria and help give your skin an all-over natural glow. Not only is honey a humectant, it also contains vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antimicrobial properties, making it one of the more natural ways to indulge your skin.*

Christopher Watt, Hollywood aesthetician to stars such as Halle Barry and Jennifer Lopez, has developed a database of recipes especially for the National Honey Board that focuses on natural ingredients and easy do-it-yourself directions.

* Not a significant source of vitamins, enzymes or minerals.

RECIPES:

The Honey and Gold Luxe Facial

Ingredients:
1/3 cup pure honey
1/4 cup papaya, peeled, seedless (optional)
1 banana (optional)
1 Tbsp. Chamomile tea (optional)
24-karat gold leaf sheets

Treatment Instructions:
Steep 1 Chamomile tea bag for 5 minutes and set aside. Mix together honey, papaya and banana in a small bowl. Add 1 Tbsp. Chamomile tea; mix until completely blended. Apply to clean skin in circular motions. Leave on face for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove using tepid water. Apply gold leaf sheets to entire face and neck. You may need to use tweezers to handle as the gold sheets are very thin and delicate. Leave on skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse. Skin may appear shiny after application. If desired, wash face with a gentle cleanser. Apply moisturizer.

Note: Honey may be used alone on clean, damp skin prior to the gold leaf application.

Golden Honey Body Polish

Ingredients:
1/2 cup pure honey
1/2 cup Dead Sea Salt (can substitute Epsom Salt)
2/3 cup grape seed oil
24-karat gold leaf sheets

Treatment Instructions:
Combine honey, Sea Salt (or Epsom Salt) and grape seed oil. Crush 2 to 3 sheets of 24-karat gold leaf until almost powder consistency; add to honey mixture and combine. Apply in bathtub or shower to damp skin. Work the mixture in on rough areas such as elbows, knees and the soles of your feet. Rinse with warm water. Towel dry and apply moisturizer.

Note: You may also add the crushed gold leaf to further enhance your favorite moisturizer.

Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath

Ingredients:
1 cup sweet almond oil, light olive or sesame oil may be substituted
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Treatment Instructions:
Measure the oil into a medium bowl. Carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water - then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.

For additional beauty tips and recipes using pure honey, visit www.honey.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Myth Busting: Some Helpful Tips for a Nutritious Pregnancy

(ARA) - If there ever was a love/hate relationship for the record books, it’s the relationship between a pregnant woman and food. On one hand, it’s a time when food cravings go on overdrive, and the body shouts “More, more, more!” On the other hand, certain foods can trigger discomforts such as nausea, causing a “Less, less, less!” reaction. Here are some common myth busters about pregnancy and nutrition.

Myth Number One: I’m eating for two, so please pass the gravy.
A common misperception is that you can eat anything you want while you’re pregnant. While it may be true that you need to eat wisely for your baby, it’s not about volume, according to pregnancy nutrition experts.

“You need to use nutritional common sense throughout your pregnancy,” says Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., and author of “Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy.”

“Although it takes 55,000 extra calories to make a healthy baby, that amounts to just 300 extra calories per day in the last two trimesters. You can easily meet the requirement by eating a couple of healthy snacks throughout the day.”

Suggested weight gain for a person of normal weight is 25-to-35 pounds. A woman who is considered underweight should put on 28-to-40 pounds, and an overweight person should put on 15-to-25 pounds. So, instead of asking someone to pass you the gravy boat, simply give gravy a “pass” all together. Choose a healthy snack, such as a whole grain bagel, some yogurt or an orange.

Myth Number Two: Fish is a no-no, so I can’t have sushi.
When you are pregnant, many favorite and everyday foods suddenly become off limits – for example, unpasteurized cheeses, caffeinated beverages and deli meats. Many pregnant women think sushi is off limits too, since certain types of fish may contain toxins and pollutants that can be harmful to both mother and baby.

Fortunately you can crave your sushi and eat it, too, thanks to Fujisan Sushi, the only sushi enriched with life’sDHA -- a vegetarian and sustainable source of the omega-3 DHA derived from microalgae, with less risk of contamination. Fujisan Sushi provides 32 mg of this important nutrient per serving and is considered an excellent source of DHA, the primary building block for your baby’s brain, eye and cardiovascular health throughout life.

“Most women are not getting enough DHA. The daily recommended intake for pregnant women is 300 mg and, yet, most are consuming less than one-third of what they need,” says Peg Plumbo, certified nurse-midwife. ”From supplements to fortified foods and beverages, there are now many delicious and easy ways for pregnant women to get more omega-3s in their diet.”

Myth Number Three: Nausea is a given, no matter what I eat.
While it may be common in pregnancy, there are ways to combat nausea. Most of us have heard of tried-and-true remedies such as munching on soda crackers. A limited number of human studies also suggest that one gram daily of ginger may be safe and effective for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting when used for short periods, according to a report by the University of Maryland Medical Center.

In a small study of 30 pregnant women with severe vomiting, those who ingested one gram of ginger every day for four days reported more relief from vomiting than those who received a placebo. In a larger study including 70 pregnant women with nausea and vomiting, those who received a similar dosage of ginger felt less nauseous and experienced fewer vomiting episodes than those who received a placebo.

Ginger is a common cooking spice and can be found in foods such as ginger bread and ginger snaps. However, ginger may alter the effects of some prescription and non-prescription medicines, so check with your health care provider first.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Top Five Questions Women Have for Life Coaches

(ARA) - Millions of women often wonder how they can continue to juggle it all or wish they remembered who they “used to be” before having a career, kids or both. Life coaches can help women find their way back to what they really want.

According to MyLifeCompass.com founder and author, Kim Fulcher, four common themes speak to modern women, no matter what life stage they are in. They are:

* Identity – “Who was I before and who am I today?”
* Work Balance – “How do I manage it all and how do I say no?”
* Nurture – “How do I take care of myself physically, spiritually and mentally?”
* Self Worth – “How do I learn to love myself for who I really am and how do I stop feeling guilty?”

Some of the country’s leading life coaching experts from MyLifeCompass.com, an online life coaching community, are now helping women of all ages and walks of life find their passions and, most importantly, reconnect with themselves. Fulcher weighs in on the “top five” most frequently asked questions life coaches hear from their clients:

Question: I’m a mother, a wife, a friend, a sister, a caregiver to my parents and more, but I’ve forgotten who I used to be before I took on all these roles. How do I find the “self” I was long ago? Is she still around?

Answer: Rediscover yourself in baby steps. Get started by scheduling 10 minutes every day to spend a bit of time with yourself. Take time to sit quietly, take a walk, or use a coaching program, like the one offered at www.mylifecompass.com, to ask and answer key questions about who you want to be and what you want in your life.

Question: I never feel like I have any downtime to take care of myself since I’m so busy with work, kids and personal commitments. How do I find the "self" I was before all of this?

Answer: You’ll never “find” time for you; you have to make it. Ask yourself when you can schedule a small amount of time (10 minutes) each day just for you. Then make appointments with yourself, and give those appointments the same level of commitment and respect you would a date with a friend or a scheduled doctor’s appointment.

Question: I’m constantly feeling “mom guilt” since I work outside the home. How do I cope with liking my job, but also wanting to be a good mom?

Answer: You have to stop “shoulding” on yourself. This means you must stop playing the mom game by other people’s rules or your own made up standards and remove the words “should of” from your vocabulary. Ask yourself what kind of mom you want to be, and what kind of example you want to set for your child. The best model for any child involves a happy, healthy, and satisfied mom. If liking your job helps you set this example, it sounds like you’re already a good mom.

Question: I always seem to over-commit. How can I learn to say “no” without feeling like I’m letting someone down?

Answer: Take three steps. First, break your “yes” habit. For the next two weeks, do not accept any invitation or request on the spot. Take 24 hours to consider whether or not you really want or have time to make a commitment. Second, ask yourself why you tend to over-commit. Are you trying to earn love, respect, or friendship? Finally, remember that everyone is busy. While you may fear another person’s anger or disappointment, I’m willing to bet few people will give your decline a second thought.

Question: I used to feel so good about myself both physically and mentally but now I’m overweight and don’t even recognize myself! How do I find my way back to looking and feeling good about me?

Answer: You start by committing to taking care of yourself again. You say you used to feel good about yourself physically and mentally. What were your habits when you were in this place? Did you work out, eat healthy foods or write in a journal? Pick one habit you used to engage in when you liked how you looked and felt, and schedule appointments with yourself every day to recondition this pattern.

For more ways that women can be inspired, empowered and connected, visit www.mylifecompass.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Aging Gracefully Inside and Out

(ARA) - Whether you’ve noticed the signs of aging in family and friends, or acknowledged how it affects your own mind and body, getting older is an unavoidable part of life. And while Ponce de Leon never found the Fountain of Youth, daily preventative measures can be taken to help you age beautifully both inside and out.

The most frequently recognized signs of aging include extrinsic indicators such as gray hair and wrinkles. But have you ever stopped to think about other factors that influence how young we feel and how young others perceive us to be? Here are some tips on how to take aging in stride and help you look and feel your youngest:

* Heart-felt: Choosing a heart-healthy diet may not only lengthen your lifespan by helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, it will also help you age healthier. The FDA recommends eating well-balanced meals low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt. Additionally, heart-friendly foods, especially those high in fiber, such as salmon, soy protein, oatmeal and spinach, will help you stay “young at heart.”

* Smile On: Tooth stains and red gums can age the appearance of your smile and impact its health. In fact, gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that affects one out of every two adults, can be a major cause behind prematurely aging smiles. “The good news is that it’s preventable,” says Dr. Jamie Sands, D.D.S. “I recommend using Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, which helps stop gingivitis before it starts and protects all these areas dentists check most -- plaque, cavities, tartar, sensitivity and stains and a power toothbrush, such as Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean, which reduces up to two times more plaque than a manual brush.”

* Work It: No one is too old to reap the benefits of exercise. Regular physical activity provides endless advantages -- from reducing the risk of osteoporosis to increased energy and feelings of well-being -- even a brisk 20-minute walk several times a week can improve your overall health.

* Skin Deep: Although genes are a major factor in how skin ages, a great deal of visible aging also stems from environmental factors. Just a few minutes of sun exposure a day can cause noticeable changes to the skin, such as freckles, age spots, spider veins, fine wrinkles, and of course, skin cancer. To maintain your youngest-looking skin, avoid deliberate sun exposure, wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat, and apply sunscreen, preferably SPF 15 or higher, year-round.

* Thought-provoking: Studies suggests that people who engage in logic-based activities, such as crossword puzzles and games that involve strategy like Scrabble or chess, are less likely to develop memory loss. Not only will these hobbies keep your vision and hand-eye coordination sharp, but such challenges also help to keep your mind active.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Helmet Hair: Fighting Back Against Crunchy, Stiff Locks

(NAPSI)-According to a recent survey, 42 percent of women face the ‘do disaster known as “helmet hair.” This crunchy, brittle feel and look is generally caused by styling products-and as a result, 83 percent of women are confused about which product to use for what styling purpose.

Fortunately, with today’s styling products, it’s possible to kick helmet hair to the curb. For example, one new line, which includes a shampoo and conditioner, spray gel, styling mousse and hair spray, is designed to give women the strong hold they need, with the touchable softness they crave.

Celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa is a huge fan of this new line. “I’ve used Aussie’s Opposites Attract products on celebrities and on my own hair with fantastic results,” she says. “The products capture a modern approach to style, which combines strong hold and run-your-fingers-through-it softness.”

This season, women can get gorgeous style with some of Potempa’s easy styling tips:

• Lightly mist a flat, boar-bristle hairbrush with the hair spray and then brush the hair back for a perfect, smooth ponytail.

• For a casual, beachy look, apply a small amount of styling mousse to damp hair. Then take large sections of hair and scrunch upwards. Allow to air-dry and watch your hair transform into beautiful, soft waves.

To learn more about Opposites Attract, visit www.touchablesofthair.com. While you’re there, you can check out Aussie’s “End Helmet Hair” makeover contest, where you can enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City and a style makeover with Potempa.

Celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa recommends a new line of styling products that “capture a modern approach to style, which combines strong hold and run-your-fingers-through-it softness.”

Shining Some Light On Warm-Weather Lip Protection

(NAPSI)-With the beach, backyard barbecues and baseball games beckoning, slathering sunscreen has become part of warm-weather rituals. While many are diligent about protecting skin from top to tips, the lips are often overlooked.

Dermatologists urge using lip balm with at least SPF 15 as part of a daily sun protection routine-especially during warm weather, when people spend more time outdoors.

“Lips are more vulnerable to burning and sun damage than the rest of your skin,” says Dr. Charles Zugerman, associate professor of dermatology at Northwestern University Medical School. “Whether spending a day at the pool or an hour outside for lunch, wearing lip balm with sun protection is essential for lip health.”

Since many lip balms have either minimal SPF protection or none at all, Dr. Zugerman recommends that consumers carefully examine labels to find products offering sun protection with an SPF of 15 or higher.

“If your favorite gloss or lipstick lacks sun protection, apply a layer of lip balm with at least SPF 15 first to ensure a protective base,” he advises.

Dry, cracked and chapped lips aren’t limited to cool weather. Given extended time spent outdoors, more exposure to harsh UV rays and the ill effects of chlorine and seawater, warm-weather months are particularly punishing on pouts.

To keep a sensational smile year-round, experts at Blistex offer the following dos and don’ts of lip care:

• Do remember to use a lip balm with SPF 15 prior to swimming outdoors for protection in the water and reapply after swimming to ensure continued coverage.

• Do rehydrate parched lips to prevent cracking and chapping. Drink plenty of water and use a moisturizing balm such as Blistex DCT (Daily Conditioning Treatment), which combines SPF 20 with aloe, lanolin and cocoa butter.

• Do be diligent about using lip balm with at least SPF 15 if you’re susceptible to cold sores or fever blisters, as sun exposure can trigger an outbreak.

• Do streamline your beauty routine with products that work overtime. For example, Blistex Silk & Shine offers a one-step process for protection and shine. It contains SPF 15 and real silk extracts that deliver a light, glossy finish.

• Don’t assume you’re safe on overcast days; 80 percent of ultraviolet rays penetrate through the clouds. Lip balms with SPF 15 should be applied daily for ultimate protection.

• Don’t forget to brush your lips. Use a toothbrush to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and apply lip balm immediately afterwards for smoother lips.

For more tips, tricks and frequently asked lip care questions, visit www.Blistex.com.

During the warm-weather months, lips need extra protection against sun damage.

The Integrated Approach to Weight Loss

GBB Note: Fayette County has its own integrative medical clinic in Tyrone. Everyone we've talked to raves about Georgia Integrative. Here's more evidence supporting the potential benefits.

(ARA) – Two-thirds of American adults are overweight and one in three are considered to be obese. An integrative approach can be an effective strategy for losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight.

“This is a transitional time in medicine. New therapies and treatments, once called alternative, are emerging to meet the needs of our physical, mental and spiritual health. Good health is more than your physical health because you are more than just a body,” says Dr. Brent Bauer, director of complementary and integrative medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. “This blending of the best of conventional and alternative medicine is known as integrative medicine.”

In response to the public’s growing interest in integrative therapies for common conditions, Mayo Clinic and a lifestyle company called Gaiam teamed up to produce Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions, a series of 10 DVDs that offer an integrated approach for treating 10 common health conditions. Each DVD includes an action plan specific to that condition. For weight loss, the action plan combines exercise, nutrition, stress reduction, yoga and meditation. Here are a few highlights from the DVD:

Exercise

To lose weight and successfully keep it off, it’s important to increase your level of physical activity. Pace yourself at first, but as your body grows stronger, your goal should be 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week.

“Regular, old-fashioned exercise is one of the most important steps you can take to fight disease and enjoy life. The merits of exercise, ranging from preventing chronic diseases to boosting your confidence, are hard to ignore,” adds Dr. Bauer.

For most of us, technological or industrial advancements such as elevators or escalators, driving, and riding lawnmowers are great conveniences, but they keep us from getting the exercise that we need. Simply planning a 30-minute brisk walk four days a week can help keep you healthy and double your rate of weight loss. Steady aerobic exercise is important for any successful weight loss plan.

Nutrition

“What you put in your mouth every day has a direct effect on how you feel and how your body functions. By consistently making healthy food choices, you are showing you care about yourself,” adds Dr. Bauer.

Healthy nutrition is an important part of an integrated weight loss plan. With all the convenience foods available, many of us don’t eat enough healthy foods that have the vitamins and nutrients we need.

Dr. Donald Hensrud, chair of preventive medicine at Mayo Clinic, says good nutrition starts with smart shopping at the grocery store. He offers these tips to shop healthier:

* Eat before going shopping so you’re not tempted to buy more than you need.
* Prepare meal plans and make a list prior to shopping so you come to the store with focus and direction.
* Shop primarily around the perimeter of the store where the healthiest food is usually located.

A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. When buying produce, remember different colors equate to different nutrients, so aim for a colorful diet. For example, broccoli contains anti-cancer properties. Blueberries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food. Frozen vegetables often contain more nutrients than their fresh counterparts because they are frozen right after they are picked.

Meditation and Yoga

Yoga can be a healthy part of an integrated weight loss program because it can help strengthen your body and increase flexibility. Meditation can help the body and mind relax so you achieve a higher level of peacefulness and a more restorative rest.

Guided meditation and practicing yoga through direction from a DVD can help lead users through the proper steps so they can get the maximum benefit. On the Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions DVDs, Gaiam yoga master Rodney Yee presents yoga and meditation programs designed specifically for each health condition.

An integrated approach is important in achieving weight loss and in the treatment of many types of conditions. Additional topics from the Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions DVD series include arthritis, back pain, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart health, high blood pressure, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and menopause.

For more information visit www.Bookstore.MayoClinic.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent