Contents Of This Page Health&Fitness Article Hair Removal Guide Permanent Hair Removal Made Easy Summer Skin and Hair Care Guide Advice For Stress-Free Days Fight Osteoporosis Do Your Skin A Favor: Skip the Tan The Healthy Facts of Walking

Hair Removal Guide Copyright  2001 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes People have been removing unwanted hair for thousands of years. Archeological digs show evidence of flint razors dating back to 30,000 B.C. Like clothing, the fashions for hair removal have come and gone over the centuries. With temperatures rising and summer-baring fashions just around the corner, now's a good time to look at the current hair removal methods. If you've fallen into a "rut" with this part of your life, it's probably time to determine if what you're currently doing is still the best solution for you. Eyebrows Tweeze or wax eyebrows to remove unruly hairs or any hair between brows. Follow your natural brow shape instead of the latest trends-brows tend to re-grow slowly or sometimes, not at all. You don't want to be stuck with an over-tweezed look. When having your brows waxed at a salon, consider these tips: 1. Avoid using Alpha Hydroxy skin care products for at least a week before having brows done. These peel skin, as does waxing. Give your skin a break between the treatments. 2. Make sure the technician you go to knows what she's doing. This is not always a given. Ask about her training and experience if you're using her for the first time. 3. Don't allow the technician to apply heavy creams to the skin right after waxing, particularly if you're prone to breakouts. To calm pain and irritation, use a baby teething pain remedy like Oragel?. 4. Skip waxing if you have sensitive skin. For best results when tweezing: 1. Start with a sharp, clean pair of tweezers. The choice of professionals? Tweezerman, www.tweezerman.com/tweezers/tweez.htm . They cost more than the typical pair of tweezers, but they offer lifetime sharpening and will last you for years. An excellent investment. 2. Tweeze right after your shower, when the skin is soft and malleable. If that's not possible, place a warm washcloth over the brows for 5-10 minutes before plucking to soften the area. 3. Use natural light whenever possible. 4. Pull skin taut and remove unwanted hairs as close to the root as you can AND in the direction of growth. 5. Close pores with an astringent as soon as you've finished plucking. Did You Know? In the Middle Ages, when it was fashionable to wear large and outrageous headdresses, women removed all hair from eyelashes, eyebrows, and temples by plucking and shaving every day. Beginning around 476 A.D., this practice was still in vogue during the reign of Elizabeth I. ============================ Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com   Safe, Natural Hair Removal Product Solves Embarrassing Problem Of Unwanted Hair Non-Surgical Topical Cream Brings Hope To Those Seeking Effective Solutions Without Painful And Potentially Dangerous Surgery BRITISH COLUMBIA - April 17, 1999 - Victoria Bodyworks herbal products (http://www.e-hairremoval.com) has come out with a hair removal product "Ultra Hair Away" that they say removes unwanted hair safely, naturally, and effectively. Hairaway was created to help those people who are unhappy with the expense, pain, and frustration caused by electrolysis, waxing, and traditional topical creams. "I call Hairaway, 'The missing link for people who get teased about looking like the missing link'," says Victoria Bodyworks owner Sheila Myers with a smile, referring to the cruel taunts that hairy people sometimes get about looking half human, half ape. "For those who are sensitive to this problem, these kinds of 'jokes' are mortifying." Hairaway is a clear odorless topical solution that is made from a special mixture of very unique plant enzymes in very precise quantities. Once applied, it saturates the base of the hair follicle and begins the patented process of stopping hair growth. Based in Canada, Victoria Bodyworks ships their products worldwide. Says Sheila, "The best thing about this business is that I'm not just gaining customers, I'm gaining friends as well. The most rewarding part for me is when I get a letter or email from someone telling me how much this product has improved their life, not just by making them look better, but also by bringing back their self-confidence." Full details on Hairaway can be found at the company's web site at E-HairRemoval #### Victoria Bodyworks 10836 West Saanich Road Sidney British Columbia V8L 5N8 CANADA Phone TOLL FREE (877) 957-8675 E-HairRemoval info@victoriabodyworks.com Summer Skin And Hair Care Guide Copyright  2001 by Diana Pemberton-Sikes Hot, humid days. Warm, tropical nights. Evening barbeques. Pi?a coladas by the pool. Ah, yes, the joys of summer. But in the midst of vacationing and making memories this year, don't forget the toll these languid days can take on you physically. Just as you're getting your warm weather wardrobe together, so too, should you be changing your skin and hair care regimes for the season. Heat, humidity, and the sun extract a heavy price. Not only are you more prone to heat stroke and sunburn during the summer months, you can also be doing long term damage by basking it in the sun's warm rays. Remember the late 1970's trend of slathering your body with baby oil and lying on a reflective mat to bake in the sun? It was the "in" thing to do. Nowadays, those sun worshippers are paying the price. If they managed to escape a brush with skin cancer, they probably look older than they are. Such is the price for a "healthy" tan. Yes, I know it feels good to lie in the sun. I know a tan looks hot. But unless you take the necessary precautions, you'll do irrevocable damage. Damage that can lead to skin cancer and make you look much older than you are. So, regardless of your skin color (yes, even black skin can get sunburned!), you need to protect your skin. Here are some tips for summer sun worship: 1. Always use a sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before you go into the sun to allow your skin time to absorb it. Re-apply as needed throughout the day, particularly after a swim. 2. Wear broad-rimmed hats, light-colored coverups, and UV protective sunglasses when in the sun. 3. Whenever possible, stay out of the sun between 10am and 2pm to avoid exposure to the most intensive rays. 4. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and heat stroke. 5. Apply cool compresses to sunburned skin to help reduce the area temperature. Never exfoliate or use a mask on sunburned skin until the area has healed, and be sure to go light on your favorite perfume until the burn is gone. Sunburn products on the market that will help you heal and peel less include: Coppertone Cool Beads, www.coppertone.com American Vitamin Company Rehydrator, www.gloskincare.com/avc/beauty.asp Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm, www.clinique.com REMEMBER: If you are severely sunburned, consult a physician as soon as possible for treatment. Did you know? Until the 1920's, white women of stature stayed out of the sun. A tan was considered a sign of the working class, as those who had them labored in the sun. When machinery replaced manual labor in the fields, everyone stayed indoors. So when did tans become popular? When Coco Chanel stepped off a yacht in the South of France in the mid-1920's, sporting the tan she'd picked up on board. By the 1930's, a tan stood for health, wealth, and style. ============================ Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com .

Stress Got You Down? Put Sleep at the Top of Your To-Do List
Advice for stress-free days, sleep-filled nights

(ARA) - To do today: work projects, school activities, sports practice, music lessons, neighborhood meeting, household chores, and family time. Oh -- and somewhere on your list, tryto find time for a good night's sleep. "We all have too much to do, so be sure to derive the greatest benefit from your time in bed," stated Andrea Herman, director of the Better Sleep Council. "How well you sleep at night can make all the difference in how productive and stress-free you'll be the next day, whether you're scrubbing the bathrooms before houseguests arrive or rushing to the grocery store to stock up." Like proper nutrition and exercise, sleep is essential to feel your best. Because we all want to stay healthy, it's important that we get the best night's sleep possible every night. To help ensure relaxing days and sleep-filled nights, the Better Sleep Council offers the following tips: 1) Give yourself "permission" to go to bed. As hard as it may be to put away your "to do" list, make sleep a priority. You'll thank yourself in the morning. 2) Take care of yourself. Cut back on alcohol, caffeine and smoking, all of which can make it more difficult to fall and stay asleep. Regular exercise can help relieve tension and stress. 3) Unwind early in the evening. Finish chores and run errands early in the evening so you can clear your mind and relax before bedtime. 4) Keep regular hours. Go to bed around the same time each night and wake up close to the same time each morning to keep your biological clock in check. 5) Create a restful place to sleep. Be sure your bedroom is cool, quiet and dark, and that you are sleeping on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation. A bed that's too small, too soft, too hard or too old can rob you of sleep. For more information on getting a good night's sleep or on buying a new mattress, visit the Better Sleep Council's Web site at www.bettersleep.org. Courtesy of ARA Content EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, contact Erin Hill at (202) 452-9405 or erin.hill@ogilvypr.com.

Fight Osteoporosis by Changing Your Diet

(ARA) - According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, 10 million individuals in the U.S. today are suffering from osteoporosis and approximately 28 million more are at risk. This disease affects the density and quality of bone mass, leading to bone weakness and a greater likelihood of fracture. Among those afflicted with osteoporosis, 80 percent are women. Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis because many of the factors that contribute to the condition, such as menopause and amenorrhea, are specific to women. Other behaviors that increase the likelihood of osteoporosis are cigarette smoking, excessive use of alcohol, an inactive lifestyle and a diet low in calcium. While tests have been designed to measure bone density and detect osteoporosis, taking a few simple steps earlier in life can prevent osteoporosis from becoming a problem later. By maintaining a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, an active exercise program and a healthy lifestyle with no smoking and limited alcohol, your risk of osteoporosis will be greatly reduced. Many people who are lactose intolerant have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis because their diets fail to meet the daily requirements of calcium and vitamin D. The perfect substitute for this group and others wishing to add vitamins, minerals and calcium to their diets are Imagine Foods' non-dairy beverages such as Rice Dream Enriched, Soy Dream Enriched Beverages and Power Dream Soy Energy Drinks. Rice Dream Enriched Beverage is made from premium California brown rice and available in original, vanilla and chocolate flavors in aseptic and refrigerated cartons. Rice Dream is great on cereal, in coffee and in recipes. It's made without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, hormones, antibiotics or soy. Because it contains the same amount of calcium, and vitamins A and D as milk, it's a great non-dairy alternative for people who are unable to tolerate dairy but need these vital nutrients to minimize the risk of osteoporosis. It would be hard to miss all the positive health benefits recently attributed to soy foods. Soy Dream Enriched Beverage offers them in a delicious non-dairy soy beverage rich in isoflavones, the compounds in soy that have been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, menopausal symptoms and certain types of cancers. Soy Dream is also a great source of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins A, D, E, B12, and essential minerals. Soy Dream Enriched is available in original, vanilla and chocolate flavors in refrigerated cartons and aseptic containers. Because it's fortified with the same amount of calcium as dairy milk, Soy Dream offers a wealth of nutrition while it helps maintain bone health. Power Dream Soy Energy Drink is fortified with 23 vitamins and minerals and has 10 grams of soy protein per serving (Mango Passion has 8 g). It is easy to digest, low in saturated fat, and has a nutrient-dense combination of soy protein and complex carbohydrates that are essential for athletes and people leading an active lifestyle. Each container of Power Dream delivers 300 mg of calcium -- exactly the same amount as dairy milk. It comes in five flavors including Vanilla Blast, Mango Passion, X-Treme Chocolate, Sky High Chai and Java Jolt. These recipes will provide some creative ideas for using non-dairy products in your everyday cooking. Rice Dream French Toast 1 1/2 cups Original Rice Dream Enriched Beverage 4 to 6 slices whole wheat bread 3 teaspoons arrowroot or two eggs 3 to 4 teaspoons oleic safflower oil or butter 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon In a wide bowl, whisk together Rice Dream, cinnamon, and eggs or arrowroot. Cut bread into triangles; soak break in Rice Dream mixtures until softened, 1 to 3 minutes. Heat portions of the oil or butter in a frying pan or griddle, over medium to high heat. Add several pieces of soaked bread; do not overcrowd the pan. Cook evenly on both sides for 2 to 3 minutes or until each side is browned. Serve immediately with your favorite fruits, jam or maple syrup. Serves 2 to 3. Dreamy Potatoes 1/4 cup olive oil 1 leek, sliced 8 medium potatoes, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 cup Original Soy Dream Enriched Beverage 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs Salt and pepper to taste Preheat over to 400 degrees. Place oil in deep skillet and heat. Stir in leeks and cook until just tender. Toss potatoes with flour and stir into leek mixture. Add Soy Dream and stir. Pour into a 7 x 11 inch baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs, salt and pepper. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until top is browned. Serves 4. Health conscious consumers will be glad to know they can reach their goals of good health and fighting osteoporosis while enjoying non-dairy beverages from Imagine Foods. For more information, visit www.imaginefoods.com. Courtesy of ARA Content EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information contact Mary Garrett at (602) 952-1222 or Ellen Weiser at (650) 595-6336. Imagine Foods was founded in 1982 in St. Louis by Robert Nissenbaum, president and CEO. For the past 20 years, Imagine Foods has maintained its commitment to making the highest quality, most delicious all-natural foods. Imagine Foods makes some of the best-selling organic and natural products available. For more information on our products and vision, visit our Web site at www.imaginefoods.com.

Do Your Skin a Favor: Skip the Tan

(ARA) - On an average day, more than 1 million Americans visit tanning salons. Many of those people are high school and college students who want to get a base tan before heading to the beach or the pool. But whether the tan comes from a salon or from the sun, young adults are not doing their skin any favors. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says chronic sun exposure eventually causes signs of premature aging -- including wrinkles, sagging cheeks and skin discoloration. In other words, says AAP president Louis Z. Cooper, MD, FAAP, "All that effort put into looking 'good' now will probably leave high school and college students looking a lot worse in the future." Then there's the cancer connection. The AAP says all that skin damage in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood is a key factor in the development of skin cancer. The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, killed about 7,800 people in the United States last year, and that number is expected to rise this year. Melanoma often strikes people who have suffered deep, intense sunburns, particularly in childhood and adolescence. And most non-melanoma skin cancers (the most common cancer in America) can be attributed to unprotected sun exposure -- specifically ultraviolet or "UV-A" and "UV-B" rays. Research suggests bulbs at tanning salons emit ultraviolet rays, too. Tanning is actually a protective skin response to sun exposure, so by the time a sun-hungry teenager has a tan, the damage is already done. People can go their whole life without a sunburn, and still suffer skin damage from simple tanning. Light-skinned people are particularly at risk, but people with dark skin are not immune from skin cancer and other problems related to sun exposure But it's not too late for young people to prevent further damage to their skin. The first and best defense against the sun is covering up. The AAP suggests wearing a hat with a 3-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet rays, and cotton clothing with a tight weave. Stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours -- between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 should be effective for most people. Be sure to apply enough -- about one ounce per sitting for a young adult. High altitudes also increase the risk of tanning and burning, so take extra precautions if you are going skiing. Dr. Cooper says, "Some self-tanning products contain sunscreen, but others don't, so read the labels carefully. Tanning oils or baby oil may make skin look shiny and soft, but they provide no protection from the sun at all." American culture often equates a suntan with health and beauty. But in reality, that image contributes to skin damage and cancer. It's time for young people to value their skin's natural pigmentation, instead of going to extremes to change it. Courtesy of ARA Content

THE HEALTHY FACTS OF WALKING by Nicole Niemiec Walking is one of the simplest and safest aerobic exercise you can do. It will help you strengthen your bones, control your weight, and condition your heart and lungs. Being consistent in your walking exercise routine is one of the most important factors in developing a healthy physical activity program. Research has shown that people who walk approximately 20-25 miles per week outlive those who don't walk by several years. The following are some quick facts about walking: -On average, every minute of walking can extend your life by 1.5 to 2 minutes. That's about a 2 for 1 trade-off! -Walking an extra 20 minutes each day will burn off 7 pounds of body fat per year. -To burn off 1 plain M&M candy, you need to walk the full length of a football field. Think about that next time you dip your hand into a candy bowl at someone's office! -Longer, moderately-paced daily walks (40 minutes at 60% to 65% maximum heart rate) are best for losing weight. -Shorter, faster walks (20-25 minutes at 75% to 85% maximum heart rate) are best for conditioning your heart and lungs. Walking provides the following benefits: -Improves efficiency of your heart and lungs -Burns body fat -Raises your metabolism so you are burning calories faster, even while you rest -Helps control your appetite -Increases your energy -Helps relieve stress -Slows aging -Reduces levels of cholesterol in your blood -Lowers high blood pressure -Helps control and prevent diabetes -Reduces risk of some forms of cancer including colorectal, prostrate, and breast -Aids rehabilitation from heart attack and stroke -Promotes intestinal regularity -Helps promote restful sleep -Strengthens muscles of your legs, hips, and torso -Strengthens your bones and reduces bone density loss in older women -Reduces stiffness in your joints due to inactivity or arthritis -Relieves most cases of chronic backache -Improves flexibility -Improves posture -Promotes healthier skin due to increased circulation -Improves mental alertness and memory -Spurs intellectual creativity and problem solving -Elevates mood -Helps prevent and/or reduce depression -Improves your self-esteem -Increases sexual vigor -Helps control addictions to nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs   Walking is much more preferable than running or jogging because it creates less stress on your joints, including hips, knees, and ankles. Remember to properly warm up before and cool down after every walking session...your muscles will love you for it! ___________________________________________                               Nicole Niemiec is an occupational therapist with 10 years of experience working with patients of all ages and illnesses. She is the Health and Fitness Editor of Why Men Are. Nicole has seen firsthand how poor health habits can affect your body. She developed her site, to provide information to assist you with leading a healthy lifestyle in order to enhance and prolong your quality of life. Copyright Nicole Niemiec. Healthy Insights