Be Youthful Now

Archive for September, 2008

Did you know that BOTOX injections are one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic surgery today? In fact, Botox injections far out number breast augmentation and rhinoplasty (cosmetic surgery on the nose), as the most preferred aesthetic surgical procedure?

As you may agree, in western culture attractiveness is closely wedded to youthfulness. The appearance of wrinkles on the face is a source of anxiety for millions of women and men.

The search for a miracle drug to help us appear younger presently fuels a multi-billion dollar beauty and cosmetic industry.

The related industries of weight loss and health are just as robust. There is stiff competition between beauty companies constantly trying to sell youth and beauty in a jar.

If you have the money you can opt for the more invasive (and ostensibly more effective) procedures to help you look younger. This is where BOTOX, followed by its more permanent cousin, plastic surgery may fit the bill.

A nutritious and balanced diet, accompanied by a rigorous exercise regimen can make your body look years younger. Unfortunately theres no such workout to tighten your face.

Your face starts reflecting the passage of time the soonest, and most visibly. Studies indicate wrinkles appear on our skin as early as the age of 27.

If it is our face, which betrays our age the first, no wonder it the focus of so much anxiety. This is why we want age-defying intervention.

BOTOX, as of now, appears to be the answer to some peoples prayers. Younger and firmer looks seem to be just a few small injections away.

BOTOX is actually short for Botulinum Toxin Type A. It is a highly toxic substance and one of its milder side effects is food poisoning.

It is actually a protein complex, which is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. What is used in cosmetic surgery is an injectible form of this toxin.

This form of the toxin is purportedly sterilized and purified.

Some consider BOTOX a poison. They feel this way because it is injected in small doses under the skin. It is reported to work by deadening the underlying muscle, preventing any further movement and thus smoothening out the skin.

BOTOX is said to interfere between muscle and nerve interaction. Some feel small doses of this chemical effectively prevent the release of acetylcholine by the nerve cells.

This neuro-chemical transfers signals to muscles, determining their contraction and relaxation. When injected into selected muscles, BOTOX stops them from contracting.

Therefore, any present frown lines are ironed away. In fact, within a week they become almost invisible.

In the April of the year 2002, the FDA approved the use of BOTOX injections as a treatment for the reduction of frown lines. Since then, it has come to be regarded as the fastest growing anti-aging cure in the country.

Keep in mind that the FDA cautions against using Botox more than once in 3 months. Also it recommends that the lowest possible effective dose to be used in a session.

There are other, more permanent, options available if you are inclined towards cosmetic surgery. Procedures like an eyelid tuck (blepharoplasty) and a bow lift (also called a forehead lift) last about 30 to 90 minutes.

They are outpatient operations, so you can leave for home the same day. Another option is the face lift (or rhytidectomy) a slightly longer operation which can go on for 2 to 4 hours.

Patients are advised to stay overnight at the clinic. Although none of these procedures can reduce wrinkles, they very distinctly tighten up a sagging face by literally cutting away any extra bits of facial skin. The recovery period can last from 7 days to a month depending upon the extent of the operation.

However, at the end of it you may be rewarded with a much younger and firmer facial appearance.

Given the risks associated with Botox facial treatments like Rejuvinol deserve a serious look. We have heard that Rejuvinol available from Amazon and BODeStore is a product thats use helps give a younger appearance by appearing to smooth out wrinkles. Its makers say that it contains the universally recognized Argireline from Lipotec S.A. The active ingredient in Argireline is acetyl hexapeptide 3 (AH3), a deep penetrating, powerful amino peptide that helps to relax the intensity and frequency of facial muscle contractions. It just may be a less expensive and invasive way to put your best face forward.

Lately we’ve all been receiving a lot of spam emails. It’s amazing how many of them are promising quick weight loss without any effort! One of them even promises that their new ‘super tonic’ is the new Fountain of Youth…..just take their product and watch the years fade away. If you’ll excuse the expression, that’s all just a bunch of baloney. The radio advertisements promise “weight loss without diet or exercise” and the infomercials brag about the newest and greatest pill that will magically make the fat melt away…..baloney!

We’d like to ask those advertisers just a few questions: If your “magic-weight-loss-potion-miracle-in-a-bottle” is the real deal, then why hasn’t the media picked up on the story? If your product is indeed the Fountain of Youth, why didn’t our doctor recommend it? Why isn’t it being featured on CNN and all the major news networks?

The reason why the media, and the entire world, isn’t going ga-ga over these new ‘miracle’ cures is that they’re not real miracle cures.

However, we do have some BIG NEWS for you! Against all odds, after careful research and years of painstaking effort, WE HAVE DISCOVERED THE REAL FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH!!!

The only real Fountain of Youth (at least, the closest thing we’ve found) is EXERCISE! There, now you’re in on the secret too! It turns out that our doctor was right, the Surgeon General was right, the American Medical Association was right, and your old coach was right too…..the best way to help keep the body young and healthy is through regular exercise!

The human body can fail in a staggering number of ways. Yet most problems develop gradually over months, years or decades. That leaves plenty of time for action. Doctors can help, but studies show that at least 70 percent of healthy aging depends on decisions each person makes about diet, exercise, smoking and other lifestyle choices (Source: St. Petersburg physician Timothy Carlson).

Did you catch that? Let’s read it again: At least 70 percent of healthy aging depends on decisions each person makes about diet, exercise, smoking and other lifestyle choices! Now that’s what we call the Fountain of Youth!

Unfortunately, the vast majority of people make poor decisions. “Only 18% of patients are at goal,” meaning that their body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and so on are normal (Source: St. Petersburg physician Timothy Carlson).

Guess what? Regular exercise improves body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and so much more! People who engage in regular exercise are much more likely to be in the 18% group…..the 18% who are at their goal.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s go exercise!

The 60s flower children, hippies, tie dyed shirts, bandanas and free love. The Rolling Stones, Elvis, the Beatles and the notion they would never grow old began to permeate their thinking. Their new way of thinking made their parents shake their heads at a generation who embraced peace and declared to the world that they would stay young forever.

Baby Boomers begin turning 60! These bold, daring trailblazers have given 60 a new look. Clothing, hair dye and vitamins have given the baby boomers an edge – Being 60 today is nothing like when their parents were 60.

This generation of new thinkers began an odyssey to dispel aging.

Down with the establishment is still their mantra today. An overwhelming percentage of Baby Boomers are turning to alternative methods to maintain and improve their health and well-being. Rather than medication, they’ve turned to meditation, acupuncture and exercise to keep them in better health.

Keeping Father Time at bay is truly a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle. We are bombarded daily with fumes, smog, and other air contaminants; lots of food causes gastronomical upsets and adds pounds to our physiques and our get-up and go has gotten up and left as our energy level plummets.

There are many components to consider for better health:

One of the healthiest things you can do to easily help your body feel more alive is begin drinking at least 6-10 glasses of filtered water per day. Water helps flush the toxins from your body, relieves most back pains and enhances cognitive abilities. Avoid drinking water with your meals so the digestive process can work more efficiently; try drinking a glass of water before each meal and then after an hour or so, drink another glass or two.

Exercise can prolong your life, aid in preserving your sanity and help you lose unwanted pounds. Resistance type exercise will sculpt your body and contour your muscles so it is a good idea to add weight training several times a week. Walking is a form of aerobic exercise that burns calories, improves your heart function and adds a boost to your attitude. There are many modalities of exercise from which to choose, find several that appeal to you and do them regularly. Just move!

Food is our fuel for our bodies. Consuming pure food in its raw, uncooked state without preservatives or pre-packaging means better nutrition levels for the body. Eating raw or lightly steamed vegetables rather nuked or cooked, maintains the vitamin and nutritional content of food, adds fiber to our diet and helps the body alleviate disease. What about meat and fish? Animal based protein in the diet can be worrisome. Colin Campbell, a Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University and the senior science advisor to the American Institute for Cancer Research, says there is “a strong correlation between dietary protein intake and cancer of the breast, prostate, pancreas and colon.” Many nutritionists believe that 20-25 grams of protein a day is sufficient intake. Did you know that fruits and vegetables can provide protein? Yes, broccoli, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, certain lettuce, cucumbers, celery, along with bananas, peaches, cantaloupe and strawberries contain protein. We can completely satisfy our protein needs with fruits and vegetables. There are eight essential amino acids we need from food and we can get all of them just by eating natures organic gifts.

Getting your zzzzzzs without sleep aids is a desire for millions of people. Many people feel they live in a pressure cooker and stress can takes its toll by disrupting sleep. A few nights of tossing and turning can affect our lives adversely. Over time the lack of good sleep could lead to health challenges. Sleep is the bodys mechanism for restoration and strengthening the immune system. The goal of sleeping is to awake refreshed and revitalized. If you want better sleep you might want to take a warm bath before retiring, limit your exercise routine to the morning, avoid adult beverages and stop watching television from your bed. There are four natural supplements that can help induce sleep: l-tryptophan, melatonin, valerian or kava. These are recommended by HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D. Dr. Spreen: “If I really needed sleep (and couldn’t get it) I’d never do any of the Rx drugs, period, but I would have no problem with proper use of any of those four (my favorite being l-tryptophan for younger ages, tryptophan or melatonin for the older folks).” Dr. Spreen also recommends Celestial Seasonings Sleepy Time Tea.

Anti-aging alternative avenues are becoming main stream. Certain Rx drugs have become suspect as many health practitioners claim that most drugs do not heal but rather mask the symptoms and even the FDA has come under scrutiny as drugs are approved, then disapproved when certain information comes to light.

Vitamins and supplements have long been touted as beneficial and their healing powers are legend. Supplementing your diet now with life-saving anti-oxidants will stave off premature aging, boost your immune system and limit free radical damage. What to take? Go to a reputable health food store and speak with their professionals; they will discuss your lifestyle, your needs and help you choose a beginning regimen. Take time to research trusted internet sites that offer information regarding your specific questions.

Life matters.

If you’ve ever tried to find a skin care product to deal with the skin care concerns of aging skin, you’re probably as confused as the average person. There are so many products and ingredients that tout increase in this, decrease in that , revitalized this and revitalized that and on and on and on. Many empty promises or over-hyped formulations.

In order to understand what anti-aging skin care products are intended to do, you have to first understand about what the aging process is for skin. Aging skin has the condition where the structural proteins that bind and support the skin, collagen and elastin, lose their resiliency and cohesion, causing the skin to wrinkle and/or sag. The body’s ability to produce new collagen and elastin also diminishes with age while the cells in the various layers of our skin decline and thin, loosing the ability to adequately maintain moisture. Without proper hydration, the healing mechanisms of the skin cease to function, adversely affecting the skin’s ability to receive nutrients and repair itself. The result is rough, lose, wrinkled skin.

Of course, we all want to have the best skin possible at any age and are searching for solutions to maintain our skins youthfulness. In our quest and with the constant marketing and advancements in skin care, it can sometimes be difficult to find an affordable and effective solution for great skin care. Read the rest of this entry »

Although it is obviously not possible to turn the clock back entirely, we can take many steps now to ensure that not only do we slow down the aging process, but we can also reverse many of the signs of aging that we may presently be experiencing.

The biggest key in the fight against aging is of course our diet and nutrition. The old adage, “you are what you eat” is absolutely true! It is impossible to expect to be healthy and vital if we are not eating the nutrients we need to keep our bodies performing at its best.

I truly believe that the increase in lifestyle diseases that we are presently seeing is in great part due to poor diets and junk food. It is very important to try to increase the amount of whole foods that we eat and decrease the amount of processed foods that we eat.

Processed foods have almost no nutrients left in them … they are considered “empty calories”. But even worse than that, the preservatives, additives and chemicals that are in these processed foods interfere with many bodily functions including hormones. These chemical toxins are called “xenoestrogens” and they often trigger a condition called “Estrogen Dominance”. Read the rest of this entry »