Managing Acne and Dispelling Myths

By: Jay B Stockman

Improper hygiene, poor diet, stress and sexual behavior were thought to be causes of acne, but in reality the causes are unclear. What is clear is the cascade of events that form acne. Hair follicles, or pores, become blocked by oil, which normally drains to the surface of the skin. This blockage occurs way below the skin surface, and causes the pores to collapse. At this point bacteria begin to overgrow, resulting in the formation of a white head. If this trapped oil, and bacteria partially reaches the surface, a black head is formed. Acne affects most teenagers, however this condition is not restricted to any age group; adults get acne as well. In addition, acne can occur on the face, neck, back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. While not life threatening, acne has a profound social effect, and if severe enough, can lead to permanent scarring. Avoiding acne is a difficult task; treating acne has become more manageable.

Contrary to popular belief, face scrubbing with an abrasive washcloth will cause skin irritation, and worsen the problem. A gentle cleanser twice per day, that does not over dry the skin, would be the better alternative. Avoid using any bar soaps, which can irritate the area. Research has been done on the efficacy of different antibacterial alternatives. Several studies have shown that a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution has a very high acne bacteria kill rate, and is not subject to bacteria tolerance. Applying Benzoyl Peroxide liberally to the infected area should improve the acne within 10 days. It is important that a moisturizer be used in conjunction, since Benzoyl Peroxide does dry the skin. Further, it is important to check to see if any allergies to Benzoyl Peroxide exist by applying a small amount to the skin, and observe any reactions. Most cases of acne can be easily managed, however there are cases that are extreme, and result in scarring.

In cases of extreme acne that cause pain, and scarring it is necessary to see a Dermatologist. Today, virtually every case of acne can be resolved, and future out breaks can be avoided with the appropriate Dermatological care. Several options are available if scarring does occur. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure whereby the physician attempts to make scars less noticeable by sanding them using a small hand held tool. This procedure is ideal for shallow imperfections. Laser Resurfacing works the same as dermabrasion, utilizing a laser rather than a hand held tool. Skin augmentation is a nonsurgical way to remove small skin depressions caused by acne scars. Various materials are injected into or under the skin to raise the surface and make the scar look smooth.

Not only is acne a physical condition, a psychological component is present as well. Acne sufferers can experience, behavioral problems, academic decline, social isolation, substance abuse, depression, even suicide. Teenagers are more vulnerable in this respect because both acne and depressive disorder have a peak incidence during adolescence. Although acne is not a life-threatening disease, appropriate management is vital to its successful resolution.

About the Author

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Acne Remedies Visit http://newacne-control.com/ for more information.

The Most Unmistakable Sign of Aging; Wrinkles

by: Jay B Stockman
Aging is an undisputable fact of life that transgresses any human intervention. The most unmistakable sign of aging is the formation of wrinkles, and furrows on the face. Hormonal changes, heredity, and the skin’s inability to retain moisture are natural aging factors contributing to the formation of wrinkles, and are unavoidable. External factors such as over exposure to sunlight, pollution, stress, smoking and poor dietary habits are factors that we do have control over. All these factors make the skin less supple, thereby reducing skin tone creating a loss of firmness, and the appearance of wrinkles. Skin begins to show signs of wrinkles when skin cells dye off faster than what can be replaced by normal regeneration. With time, these wrinkles deepen, reaching the supporting dermal layer. When the dermis loses its elasticity, deeper, and more permanent wrinkles form. While all these changes are taking place, gravity exerts its influence by pulling at the skin, causing it to sag.
Harsh environmental conditions cause free radicals to form; as a result, the skin becomes rough and dry resulting in loss of flexibility, and firmness. The sun is the major cause of unwanted changes in the skin, causing a cascade of events. UV radiation from the sun causes collagen to break down, resulting in an abnormal rebuilding process. Over time, this abnormal rebuilding process leads to the development of wrinkles. Beginning at childhood, it is important to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, a brimmed hat, and other protective clothing. Avoid sunbathing and limit exposure between 10:00am and 3:00pm.

In addition to the devastating effects of cigarettes, smoking causes collagen damage much like sun light which lead to wrinkles. Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen supplied to the skin by reducing circulation, and compromises the skin's ability to fend off free radicals. All of these factors considered separately and together, cause the appearance of wrinkles.
While the formation of wrinkles, for the most part are unavoidable, treatments have been developed to address the various types. Products, and procedures that increase the thickness of the skin, or that remove damaged skin are the goal in wrinkle treatments. Moisturizers are perfect for superficial, surface deep wrinkles. Facial creams would be the next line of defense, Retinoic acid, used successfully in treating acne, has been shown to improve the surface texture of the skin, and increase dermal collagen. Alpha hydroxy acids also show promise in reversing some of the effects of the sun. Resurfacing is one of the most common Laser treatments used for wrinkles. These procedures improve wrinkles by vaporizing damaged skin cells and allowing the remaining collagen to become thicker and healthier. Botox, is an injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles.
There are several practical steps that can be taken to hasten, or delay the appearance of wrinkles. It is important to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes , the tendency is to stretch delicate skin. Maintain a stable body weight, a constant weight gain or loss can cause the skin to sag. Keep your skin moisturized to maintain its elasticity and suppleness. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Drink plenty of water. Eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount necessary for adequate hydration. Spend 15 minutes each morning and evening exercising the muscles in your face. Try to think about your face several times a day and totally relax all your facial muscles.
About the Author
Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Wrinkle Treatment Resource. Visit http://wrinkletreatmentonline.com/ for more information.

A Car Donation Does Make a Big Difference

By: Jay B Stockman
Mother nature’s fury, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, have wreaked havoc on many people, and communities. As a result of these devastating events, homes, and lives have been destroyed. Rebuilding infrastructure and property, requires a great deal of resources, and capital. Federal, and local financial aid are much needed, however this aid falls short of what is truly required. Individual contributions are vital to fill these vast short falls. Beyond monetary contributions, donating a used vehicle can greatly benefit the needs of these desperate communities. A car donation is a process whereby both the donors, and the recipients benefit from the transaction.
Car Donations are relatively easy, and are done through a charity vehicle donation program. Generally, a telephone call is all that is necessary, in addition to a clear title to the automobile. Many charities will take vehicles that are running or not running. The car donation program will arrange for the vehicle to be picked up, conduct a charity auction sale, and distribute the proceeds to the charity of your choice. It is important to have the following information ready before you make the call:
-Owner's name
-Owner's address
-Owner's telephone number - work and home
-Owner's e-mail address
-Year, Make and model of vehicle
-Running Condition?
-Address where the vehicle is located.
-Approximate mileage on vehicle

Your car donation is fully tax deductible, as long as the charity is a registered 501(c)3 organization. A registered 501(c)3 organization is a non-profit organization permitted by the IRS to accept contributions and offer donors a tax deduction for their gifts. Thanks to a new tax law in effect as of January 2005, the IRS has taken the guesswork out of determining the value of your vehicle. You may deduct the full price that is received from the sale of your car. This greatly simplifies the process, because you no longer have to research and arrive at an estimate of the fair market value of the vehicle. This also eliminates the risk of getting into trouble by overstating the value of your deduction on your tax return. You’ll know exactly the amount you may deduct, eliminating guesswork, and saving both time and risk.

A car donation will help provide humanitarian aid, and disaster relief for devastated areas, and communities. Additionally, a car donation will eliminate the hassles of selling a car, and give something back to a community in need at the same time. A car donation can and will make a difference.

About the Author

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Charity Car Donation Service Resource Visit http://www.car-donation-usa.com/ for more information.

The Facts About Personal Bankruptcy

By: Jay B Stockman
The thought of personal bankruptcy is very frightening, however over 5.4 per 1,000 people have filed for bankruptcy last year, and this rate has been growing at an average of nearly 7 percent. Researchers have determined that the primary cause of personal bankruptcy is uncontrollable levels of consumer debt oftentimes coupled with an unexpected event, such as a major medical expense not covered by insurance, the loss of a job, divorce or death of a spouse. According to economists’ surveys, the classic bankruptcy filer is a blue collar, high school graduate who is the head of a household in the lower middle-income class with heavy use of credit. In order to protect both debtor, and creditor, laws were enacted to provide equal, and fair measures to satisfy the objectives of all parties. The primary purpose of the laws of bankruptcy are: (1) to give an honest debtor a fresh start in life by relieving the debtor of most debts, and (2) to repay creditors in an orderly manner to the extent that the debtor has property available for payment.

There are two types of structured plans for filing for personal bankruptcy, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Over two-thirds of personal filers choose Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Basically Chapter 7 requires the debtor to liquidate all non-exempt assets, and have them distributed among creditors. Some examples of exempt assets include equity in a primary residence, and a retirement program. On the other hand, Chapter 13 does not require liquidation, rather a debtor agrees to a specific payment plan, whereby a portion of any unsecured debts is paid, and the balance is forgiven. It must be stressed, that under both plans, certain debts are ineligible for bankruptcy protection. These debts include government student loans, child support, alimony, and income tax debt. These must be paid back in full.

Some analysts are concerned that this unprecedented level of debt might pose a risk to the financial health of American households. In an attempt to reverse the increasing trend in personal bankruptcy, the federal government has recently implemented sweeping bankruptcy reform legislation. On March 10, 2005, the Senate passed S. 256, the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. On April 20th, President Bush signed into law the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (Bankruptcy Act of 2005). This act makes filing for bankruptcy more difficult through income-means testing, tougher guidelines for the homestead exemption, increased lawyer liability and required credit counseling.
About the Author

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Online Bankruptcy Resources Visit http://online-bankruptcy-lawyer.com/ for more information.

High Blood Pressure, the Insidious Killer

by: Jay B Stockman

Next time you are with a group of 3 friends, take a good look around; one of you will have high blood pressure. The sad part is, since there are no symptoms, you may not even be aware of it. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, or kidney failure. Various risk factors contribute to this disease that are both under our control, and out of our control. The only way to determine if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked. The insidious nature of this disease makes it a true Silent Killer.

The brain requires unobstructed blood flow to nourish its many functions. Very high, sustained blood pressure will eventually cause blood vessels to weaken. Over time these weaken vessels can break, and blood will leak into the brain. The area of the brain that is being fed by these broken vessels start to die, and this will cause a stroke. Additionally, if a blot clot blocks a narrowed artery, blood ceases to flow and a stroke will occur. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking, or seeing, sudden severe headache. If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay, call 911.

Like the brain, the heart requires blood to bring oxygen, and nutrients to its muscle tissue. The narrowing of the arteries due to blockage can cause high blood pressure. If this blockage occurs in the arteries of the heart, coronary arteries, heart muscle damage can occur, resulting in a heart attack. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, however most heart attacks start slowly with mild pain and discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Shortness of breath may occur, as well as nausea, or lightheadedness. It is vital to get help immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

The kidneys act as filters to rid the body of all waste products. Eventually, high blood pressure can thicken, then narrow the blood vessels of the kidneys. The kidneys becomes less efficient, filtering less fluid, and waste builds up in the blood. Over time, the kidneys may fail altogether. When this happens, medical treatment such as dialysis, or a kidney transplant may be needed.

The best way to find out if you have high blood pressure is by having your blood pressure checked regularly. Generally speaking, doctors will diagnose a person with high blood pressure on the basis of two or more readings, taken on different occasions. A consistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure, or hypertensive. It is vital to take steps to keep your blood pressure under control. The treatment goal is blood pressure below 140/90 and lower for people with other conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating habits, reducing salt in the diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, being physically active, and quitting smoking is an effective step in preventing and controlling high blood pressure. If lifestyle improvements alone are not sufficient in keeping pressure controlled, it may be necessary to add blood pressure medications. There are several options that physicians have at their disposal, and each option should be discussed, as to their side effects and efficacy.

About the Author

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for High Blood Pressure Information Visit http://highbloodpressureweb.com/ for more information.

An Air Purifier for a Breathe of Fresh Air

by: Jay B Stockman
One of the most important elements for the survival of human beings is air. Air is a vital component of a very complex set of respiratory functions. This air must be free of contaminants that could cause a potential health risk. Air that contains particles of dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold spores can cause asthma, allergies and respiratory illnesses. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor air is 70 times more contaminated than outside air. Airborne chemicals from flooring, insulation, paints, cleaning products and other building materials give off dangerous chemical fumes. As a result, homes and offices could potentially increase the likelihood of an allergy or respiratory problems. In order to alleviate these risk factors, it is necessary to utilize a high efficiency air purifier. A high efficiency air purifier circulates air through filters that trap toxins, and allergens, and removes them from inside air.
An air purifier works by drawing in dirty air through an inlet vent. Air then passes through a prefilter which traps large particles, then passes through a carbon filter which captures particles and reduces gases and odors. The air then passes through a filter made of tightly woven fibers to capture the smaller particles. This filter is known as a HEPA filter, which is an acronym for high efficiency particulate absorbing. These filters can absorb particles as small as 0.3 micrometers. Some units have electronic ionizers which further capture smaller particles, and particles that have escaped the previous other filters. A fan then recirculates the filtered air back into the room.

Health hazards from polluted indoor air at home or at the work place have increased the incidence of respiratory illnesses. The use of an air purifier could play a significant role in reducing these risks for healthy individuals, as well as individuals with existing conditions. Purifiers minimize contaminants in the air effectively, before they can cause harm to human tissue. It is important to note that air purifiers are only a part of a bigger solution, keeping a clean living and working environment is absolutely essential.

About the Author

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Digital Air Purifiers Online Visit http://air-purifiersite.com/ for more information.