Universe Of Gender Issues


May 16, 2008: 5:42 am: adminUniverse Of Gender Issues

What causes the body to be inflamed all the time? Women who have the genetic tendency towards inflammation are more susceptible to environmental or food-related inflammation. Unfortunately, the standard Western diet is a clear cause of inflammation. Foods that can cause inflammation include:

* Red meat
* Dairy
* White flour
* Refined sugar
* Preservatives
* Food coloring
* Artificial flavors
* Unhealthy oils such as partially hydrogenated oils, oils heated to a high temperature, etc.
* Foods that cause allergies such as soy, wheat, citrus, etc.

Looking at this list it does not take long to realize how so many of us could be suffering from our bodies attempts to fight off these inflammatory foods. So, what can you do to help yourself? An anti-inflammation diet can make the difference. Not surprisingly, the diets that are already shown to help women with PCOS such as the low-glycemic index diet are also shown to lower inflammation.

Low-carb diets that are high in meat, nitrates and dairy are actually shown to raise inflammation, which may explain why they tend to work for a while but eventually stop working for many women.

So, how do you treat polycystic ovarian syndrome? Try changing your diet to include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, ocean fish, and chicken. Avoid foods that are known to cause inflammation. Follow this diet for 6-12 weeks and see if you feel better. Chances are you will reduce your symptoms and lose weight.

In addition you may wish to research anti-inflammatory herbs. I have chosen to begin taking ginger, turmeric, boswellia, lecithin and anti-oxidants. I have also chosen to increase my dosage of fish and flax oils. All of these supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation.

Be careful however. These supplements are all known to lower blood pressure and increase the chance of bleeding. Do not take them if you are on a blood pressure medication or blood thinner. Do not take them if you are menstruating, about to have surgery, pregnant, or at risk for excessive bleeding. As always, discuss any supplements or herbs with your doctor to make sure they are safe for you.

Learn about beneficial PCOS herbs and more ways to treat PCOS naturally in the groundbreaking PCOS book Alternative PCOS Solutions.

Julie Renee Callaway is the author of two books and numerous articles about polycystic ovarian syndrome. She is a life coach and PCOS sufferer who eagerly shares her wisdom with those who wish to break the PCOS cycle and transfrom their lives. You can sign up for the free PCOS Success! newsletter at http://www.pcoscoach.com.

May 1, 2008: 3:35 pm: adminUniverse Of Gender Issues

So you’ve decided to start searching for Mr. or Ms. Right
online. Good for you! So now what? What should you consider
first? Well, first and foremost, decide on what you want to get
out of this experience. Do you merely want to find a movie
buddy? Someone to date on special occasions? Are you looking for
a long-term relationship? “Holy Matrimony”? A
boyfriend/girlfriend? A sex buddy? Before you “jump into the
pool” so to speak, it would be a good idea to think about
exactly what it is that you’re looking to get out of this
experience.

The first secret (and it’s more of a commom sense thing than a
secret) of online dating would be, “Decide EXACTLY what it is
that you want to get out of this experience.” It really will
help guide you as you meander your way through the online dating
maze.

Here’s to happy dating!

Nicolette.

Copyright 2005 Nicolette Arden All Rights Reserved

April 29, 2008: 11:16 am: adminUniverse Of Gender Issues

Are those fine lines and wrinkles worrying you? Before you do
anything drastic…

Do you know that just taking care of your skin routinely can
make a noticeable difference in its appearance?

There are five little steps for creating and maintaining healthy
skin. They are to cleanse, exfoliate (lightly), freshen or tone,
moisturize and protect. Treat your face, twice a day, to steps
one through four. Seem too complicated? Some skin care products
combine the first three into one timesaving step so all you have
to do afterwards is moisturize. (Once a week, exfoliate your
face more thoroughly to get rid of any build up of dead surface
cells which can dull the appearance of your skin. Then carefully
hydrate the newer cells to replace any lost moisture.)

Each morning, add step five to your regime. Protect your skin by
using a sunscreen or sun block and then adding a foundation.
Foundation helps to shield your face by providing a layer
between your skin and the environment. The first trick it to
match the color as closely as possible to your jaw line and
neck. The second trick is to put on just enough foundation to
smooth lightly and easily over your face (preferably with a
sponge). Instead of covering up signs of aging, thick foundation
settles into and emphasizes the fine lines and wrinkles you want
to minimize.

There’s an urban myth that each time you sleep with your makeup
on your skin ages by 11 days. Scary thought, isn’t it? Within
two weeks of establishing a routine of caring for your face, you
should start to reverse the effects of bad habits and see the
results in clearer and smoother skin.

Once the appearance of your skin improves, makeup can be used
as an enhancement rather than as a “mask.”

Like foundation, too much concealer will detract from its
intent. Concealer should be applied very lightly on under eye
circles and blemishes and then blended well with your foundation

For eye color, choose warmer tones over cooler ones, lighter
shades over darker, and matte consistencies over those with
sparkle … they’re less aging and “kinder” to your face.

For eyeliners and eye brow pencils, select a shade of gray or
brown or a complementary color rather than black. They’re more
natural (unless your hair is black) and look much softer. To
emphasize your eyes, line only the top lid and apply extra
mascara on your lower lashes. Then “open” your eyes with an
eyelash curler.

For cheeks and lips, the most becoming colors are usually the
ones that complement your natural warm skin tones.

Highlight either your eyes or your lips (but not both) then
enjoy the visual effect of clearer, smoother skin with subtle
makeup!

Sources: Mary Kay Inc., Robert Jones (simple beaute)

© Copyright 2005. Charlotte Maddox. All rights reserved.

Be treated to a $10 GIFT CERTIFICATE for the holidays (through
December 31st) by registering on Charlotte’s web site:
http://www.marykay.com/charlottemaddox

Also receive a seasonal catalog with the latest looks plus
samples!

April 5, 2008: 6:50 pm: adminUniverse Of Gender Issues

Unique merits define individuals. The merits of unique botanicals define Bullie, a revolutionary men’s skin care method. With specialized cleansers, after-shaves, balms and scrubs, Bullie products are customized to meet the needs of three distinctive skin types: all skin/combination, normal/oily and sensitive/dry.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is medially diagnosed as higher level of oils on the T-Zone (forehead and nose) and a degree of dryness on the rest of the face, cheeks, and jaw line. To help keep the face healthy without causing added dryness or oiliness, certain steps should be taken.

There is a long list of enemies that, over time, can damage the face and aggravate combination skin. Exposure to wind and sun are primary but stress, pollutants, petroleum-derived products (mineral oil, etc.), and the natural aging process all contribute.

Most of the time men tend to assume any product will help alleviate the problem. In actuality, using a specially formulated men’s moisturizer is best for several reasons.

The pH level of men’s skin and women’s skin is different. Bullie men’s moisturizer was developed with the proper ingredients to effectively hold moisture in the skin without adding to oiliness. Bullie’s men’s moisturizer contains effective levels of vitamins such as A, B, C, E, iron, and copper that can help contribute to a great complexion. Chamomile, wheat germ, and other natural elements help to add moisture back into your skin, too.

It’s best to apply lotion within a few minutes after showering when skin is more accepting of moisturizers. A consistent routine of applying a men’s moisturizer daily can have a dramatic impact on the skin’s overall look and feel.

Bullie also offers men’s cleanser and men’s post shave lotions especially developed to promote overall skin health without the normally-associated drying effects.

Of course, diet plays a major role in how skin looks and feels as well. Eight glasses of water are recommended per day.

Dry/Sensitive Skin

There’s really no wonder that so many men have dry or sensitive skin. Showering with deodorant soap and daily shaving can easily cause stinging, blotching, and redness of the face.

Again, look for and use products developed just for men when possible. Men’s cleansers will have the correct pH level for skin (just like men’s moisturizers). So will men’s post shave lotions. But that alone won’t guarantee help for dry or sensitive skin.

Based on the Bullie philosophy, products are primarily free from dyes, alcohol, and fragrances. Other men’s cleansers will sometimes include alcohol as a main ingredient. Men’s post shave and toner is also likely to have irritating dyes and fragrances. The carefully chosen, natural ingredients in Bullie men’s skin care products work better and are much easier on skin.

Bullie men’s cleanser is uniquely designed to revive collagen production and rid free radicals without exacerbating the problems men with dry or sensitive skin face. Bullie men’s moisturizer offers a combination of aloe, sandalwood and other exceptional agents to restore moisture without adding shine. Bullie men’s post shave for dry/sensitive skin gives the advantage of reduce free radicals and bacteria while actually healing and replenishing the skin instead of drying it.

Normal/Oily Skin

Perhaps the number one problem in men’s skin care is that of excess oil. This can lead to acne breakouts and, in some cases, acne scarring. Keeping skin clean and moisturized is a primary way to prevent breakouts in any skin type. By using men’s skin care products made for normal or oily skin, the prevention of acne, blackheads, or other blemishes (and the scars they may leave) is more likely.

Men’s cleanser for normal/oily skin by Bullie contains papaya enzymes and silk amino acids to gently exfoliate skin and wash away impurities and excess oil. The men’s moisturizer contains lecithin and Vitamin E along with other natural ingredients to further help with the exfoliation process while restoring balanced moisture to the face. Bullie’s men’s post shave prevents the advancement of free radicals and acne causing bacteria with powerful alpha hydroxyl acids.

Overcoming the three biggest men’s skin care problems can be a simplified process if you take a new approach. Focus on what your skin needs instead of what’s the most convenient product to grab from the shelf.

Want help with overcoming the three biggest men’s skin care problems? Bullie offers quality products developed especially for men that cleanse, sooth, protect and polish. Made from natural ingredients, Bullie products for men are available at better retailers or online at http://www.bulliecare.com/

About The Author

I began Bullie for those among us who endeavor to present and conduct ourselves in a manner befitting a gentleman.

Unique merits define individuals. The merits of unique botanicals define Bullie, a revolutionary skin-care method. With specialized cleansers, after-shaves, balms and scrubs, Bullie products are customized to meet the needs of three distinctive skin types: all skin/combination, normal/oily and sensitive/dry.

Bullie wishes to help you safeguard and nurture your epidermis so your shield against bacteria and your presentation to the world remains youthful and fit. Our formulas employ natural elements to cleanse and protect the intricate singularities of each skin type.

Live well, live long.

John Alfred

March 24, 2008: 6:47 pm: adminUniverse Of Gender Issues

The holiday is almost here and you know what that means! That
means that it is time to start thinking about getting her that
perfect necklace. All women fall over themselves to get a heart
necklace. The heart shape is the universal symbol of love and
this holiday season is the season for you to get the love of
your life her very own heart shaped necklace.

You have a few different choices, many actually. It seems like
the heart necklace is getting more and more creative all of the
time. Who knew that there were so many things to be done with a
simple heart design? It is amazing what these jewelers come up
with and they are all so gorgeous.

There are a multitude of gem choices for you to choose from as
well as metals. You can choose silver, platinum or gold. I have
even seen some magnificent copper heart necklaces out there in
stores. Of course the two top sellers as far as gems go are
rubies and diamonds but that does not mean you cannot choose a
different stone. If the love of your life loves aquamarines or
emeralds then choose them, whatever will make her the happiest
of all is the way to go.

There are also a few different places that you can go to buy
your heart necklace. There are the typical offline stores that
are a favorite among many and there are the stores online. When
it comes to online shopping you can choose a retailer, a
wholesaler or even an auction site. Each of these types of
stores have their own pros and cons. My advice is to check out
all of you options in order to see where you can get the best
price on the most gorgeous heart shaped necklaces. Chances are
you will find the best deals online so start there.

March 23, 2008: 5:45 pm: adminUniverse Of Gender Issues

Menopause is a natural transition all women experience, as natural as adolescence. For your grandmother and great-grandmother, life expectancy was shorter. Reaching menopause often meant that their life was nearing an end. But this is no longer true. Today women are living longeron average, until age 78. How you experience menopause is determined by many factors: attitude, diet, overall health, genetics, and your cultural group. Medical science views menopause as the state of your body after you had completed one full year without having a period. It is most definitely not a disease! By making wise decisions about your menopause and healthy lifestyle, you can make the most of the 20, 30, or more years afterwards!

Attitude

Many women report that they are glad to no longer have their monthly periods and all of the hormonal or just physical issues that accompanied their periods. They feel a freedom from having to be concerned about pregnancy and birth control. There is a sense of more energy, and a sense of freedom that comes without the biological drive to be mother, helper, and nurturer. Many women turn their attention to those things in life they have put aside. Some start new careers or businesses. Others take up creative pursuits like photography or painting, while others travel to places they have wanted to see. These women have a positive attitude.

Those women who dread menopause, see it as unnatural, or a sign of old age (and we all get old don’t we!), have more problems enjoying the transition during perimenopause. They report more symptom issues. Negative attitudes result in negative experiences.

Wake-up Call

Everything is magnified, starting in your perimenopause, then continuing on as you make the transition into menopause. Issues you have not reconciled as a woman will surface for you to deal with. Perhaps long overdue lifestyle changes need to be made. Your body is very smart and it will start to purge any “stuffed” emotions. This means the body does not want to carry these negative thought patterns or habits inside anymore. If you have experienced trauma or hurtful experiencesthe ones unresolved–they will come up. You will remember incidents you ignored or just could not deal with at the time. Maybe you did not have a safe space to work on them. This is the opportunity to let them go. If you understand this purge and welcome it, you will experience an easier transition.

Health issues that have been neglected will also wake-up. Be sure you get thorough check-ups and tests during this time, including dental, vision, heart health, as well as hormones. Health issues are serious to me. I have walked the path of being unhealthy and the path of health. I very definitely choose being healthy. We can implement preventative health. Diet, exercise, clean water, stress management, healthy environment, and no synthetic drugs go a long way in creating and keeping a healthy body.

Spiritual Awakening

You may find that the changes you are making lead you to an awakening spiritually. This happens to many women who welcome this growth. Seek out your local church, take classes in meditation, discover new spiritual thought, or a renewed connection with God. You are a spirit with a body. Approaching your spiritual wellness includes making choices that take care of yourself physically and emotionally.

Proactive Steps

Although menopause is one of the important physical milestones in a woman’s life, many women lack concrete information about what is taking place, and what are the options. It is your right to know your body and be informed. With a proper attitude, diet, nutritional supplements, exercise, and simple lifestyle changes, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized to a great extent. With this knowledge and preparation you can step forward with grace and embrace it!

To make menopause fun and pleasant:

  • Make choices to eliminate/reduce stress.

  • Create a sanctuary space for yourself where you can meditate, write, draw, or anything that expresses your thoughts and emotions.

  • Find an exercise you like and stick with it.

  • Evaluate diet and reduce weight, if you have gained pounds over the years.

  • Become selfish with your time for yourself. Do more things for you and evaluate care-giving roles.

  • Get enough rest and sleep.

  • Develop an outside interest or hobby.

  • Have joy and fun in your life. If this means making new friends, go do it.

About The Author

Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP is a Doctor of Naturopath, Clinical Nutritionist and Holistic Health Practitioner in the Houston, TX area and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. A teacher, educator and seminar speaker, she counsels Oasis Advanced Wellness clients on the aspects of getting the body healthy and keeping the body healthy. As a cancer survivor, she is able to relate extensively, both as a patient and a practitioner, to clients suffering from disease. She is also involved in researching new alternative disease treatments and products. Dr. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. To receive a free subscription go to: www.oasisadvancedwellness.com. Be sure and visit our hormonal balancing site at www.menopause-pms-progesterone.org and www.oasisserene.com.

staff@oasisadvancedwellness.com