Almost everyone has suffered from acne at one time or another in his or her lives. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous gland (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, the neck and back. When the sebaceous glands become clogged with the oily substance they create, the accumulation results in pimples. There are several forms of acne, but the most common is acne vulgaris, found primarily in adolescents.

The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to this condition include heredity, oily skin and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, the use of certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics and the monthly menstrual cycle.

In addition, the skin functions to eliminate a portion of the bodys toxic waste by sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. As toxins escape through the skin, they can disrupt the health and integrity of the skin, creating issues.  

Recommendations for Wellness  

Note: Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before any results or improvements are experienced.  

Apply distilled white vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to the face and affected areas. Allow this to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.  

Lemon or any citric fruit works great as a natural exfoliate, removing dead
skin cells that may clog the pours. As with the white vinegar, apply the juice of a lemon (or desired citric juice) to the face. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may feel a mild sting or burn when the lemon juice is applied. If so, diluting the juice is acceptable.  

Increase water consumption. Water helps flush toxin out and help transport nutrients in the body.  

Eat a properly balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition. Take a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutrients missing in todays foods.  

Echinacea or Oregon grape can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.  

Dandelion, Burdock or red clover can help to keep the liver clear of toxic overload.  

Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine’s Ayurvedic Skin Detox, and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.  

Large quantities of vitamin A have been successfully used to treat severe acne. Large amounts, however, can be toxic and should only be used when working with your health care provider.  

Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the healing of tissues and assists in preventing scarring. It is also important for the body in resisting infection and inflammation.  

To clear and heal the skin, try a homeopathic Acne remedy. It can help to dry up pimples & prevent future outbreaks.

Are you female, Caucasian, have a lesser education, and overweight?  Then you run the greatest risk of either arthritis or chronic joint symptoms.  Check out the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

These statistics left me stunned. Just for openers:

Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect nearly 70 million Americans, or about one of every three adults, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States.  As the population ages, this number will increase dramatically.Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.  Double that of heart trouble.  Triple that of respiratory trouble.  Five times that of diabetes.  Over six times more than that of stroke!

Nationally, medical care for arthritis cost nearly $22 billion in 1995 (latest figures).

Total costs, including medical care and loss of productivity, exceeded $82 billion in 1995.

Who has arthritis?

As the CDC reports: The prevalence of arthritis is high for all demographic groups, but especially higher among women, older persons, and those with less education.

Whats being done?

The CDC reports that in 1998, the first ever plan to address arthritis using a public health approach was released.  This plan was developed by the CDC, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, with input from over 90 organizations.  The plan recommended actions in Three major areas for individuals and groups interested in reducing the impact of arthritis.

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Prevention Research
Communication and Education
Programs, Policies, and Systems

For some reason, this evokes a scene in my mind from the TV show Star Trek Voyager where the holographic Doctor is helping one of his patients recover from a leg joint injury.  The crewman is in great pain, while the Doctor dispassionately tells the patient to live with the pain and do the exercises.  The crewman, exasperated at this attitude, complains to the Doctor that he was programmed not to hurt his patients.  The holographic Doctor quickly replies I was programmed to do no harm.  However, I can inflict as much pain as I wish.

In the daily media, we are bombarded with stories about AIDS, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), Heart Disease, and even the latest outbreak of the West Nile
Virus.  Yet, you hardly ever hear anything about the greatest thr
eat to our quality of life …  Arthritis!

Let me repeat the findings of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).

Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect nearly 70 million Americans, or about one of every three adults, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States.  As the population ages, this number will increase dramatically.

One in Three

God forbid you are a Caucasian woman, with little education, and are 30 lbs or more overweight (obese).

What can be done?

The CDC recommends: We can do the effective things that are not being done enough. 

Research shows that physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability.  In addition, research studies suggest that maintaining an ideal body weight and avoiding joint injuries reduces the risk of developing arthritis and may decrease disease progression. Obtaining an early diagnosis so that appropriate management, including self-management, can be initiated may improve the quality of life for persons with arthritis.  Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including …  self-help courses, weight control, and physical activity can help people with arthritis function better, stay productive, and lower health care costs.

Has your Doctor ever told you to just keep doing your exercises, keep dieting and keep your weight down, and keep taking your medications and just try to live with the pain?

What else is your Doctor going to say?  Are we crazy? Could it be that if your Doctor said anything else it would mean committing financial suicide?

I know most doctors are hard-working and doing their best and in many cases are achieving astonishing things.

However, the pressure to use drugs and more drugs is overwhelming.  It is not their fault!  It is ours!!  We go to them for a magic bullet and expect them to heal us…  and with not having to make any lifestyle changes.  Is this fair to the doctors?  Of course not!

Margie Garrison - The Arthritis Lady

There are at least five things that every person who suffers the agony of arthritis must do to stop being in pain and taking drugs that are killing you.

 

Stop being a victim of the myths of arthritis.  Get the facts that will let you walk, run, play, and enjoy your life.  Start smiling again. 

 

1 in 3 American’s has one of over 100 types of arthritis.  This does not have to include you.  Do not buy into the myth that you have to take drugs and “Go Home & Live With It”.

 

Learn to live without arthritis.

 

The Five Most Important Things You Must Do To Control Your Arthritis

 

1. Take control to become pain free.  Add years of longevity and health.  Get the information you need to stop your medications, with your doctor’s approval and add years to your life by rebuilding your immune system.

2. Control of your destiny.  By age 40 we are falling apart due to our bad decisions we have made in our life style.  By realizing that you have control of how you feel and of the diseases you have.  Learn how you are the one in charge and live pain free and healthy.

3. Avoid being bedridden and helpless.  Avoid having someone do things for you because you cannot move or bend or walk or use your hands.  Play golf again…or the piano…or knit…or hike…whatever it is that you have done in the past and cannot do now.

4. Control signs of aging.  Look younger.  Stop shuffling when you walk, if you can still walk.  Dance again.   Put your energies and time and money into things that really matter to your well being.  Not in doctor’s bills, drugs and hospital stays. Stop being passive.  Take charge of your own person.  Get the facts.

5.      What foods to eat and what foods not to eat.  Why certain foods make one person hurt and not another.  How to find out which foods are bad for you.  Which foods promote making your immune system work the way God intended it to work.  And why degenerative diseases can be reversed.

 

Best Of Health,       

 

Margie “The Arthritis Lady”

The phrase “body burden” has been used by scientists to describe the heavy load of chemicals that can be found in the average person – the result of lifelong exposure to industrial chemicals.  Before we are even born, synthetic chemicals and heavy metals of all kinds begin building up in our bodies as passed on by the mother through the placenta. 

In a study led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, in collaboration with the Environmental Working Group and Commonwealth, researchers at two major laboratories conducted a study on nine volunteers (a group consisting of individuals who were neither exposed to chemicals in their work environment nor lived near an industrial facility).  The results were quite remarkable.  They discovered an average of 91 industrial compounds, pollutants, and other chemicals in their blood and urine and a total of 167 chemicals.  Of the 167 chemicals found, 76 cause cancer in humans or animals, 94 are toxic to the brain and nervous system, and 79 cause birth defects or abnormal development.

While it is difficult to measure a precise picture of human contamination because chemical companies are not required to report to the EPA how their compounds are used nor are they responsible for monitoring where their products end up in the environment.  The above sited study does give us much reason to be concerned and certainly would explain why such a high percentage of the public are suffering today from chronic diseases.  The chemicals we cannot process end up accumulating in our bodies and this growing body burden works to poison our tissues and exacerbate, as well as cause, disease.

What is different today, and only as recently as August of 2005, is an easy to use alternative health supplement that is truly within the reach of all who wish to rid themselves of the numerous toxins accumulating in their body.  Our new line of defense against an environment we cannot control is a product called Natural Cellular Defense (NCD), a non-prescription substance made from natural ingredients.  The active ingredient in NCD is a volcanic ash called zeolite.  This is not a new substance.  What is new is the process by which this particular zeolite is manufactured.  It is now available in a liquid form as a detoxifier capable of removing toxins from the body in a simple to use formula.  It’s honeycomb framework of cavities and channels work at the cellular level trapping allergens, heavy metals and harmful toxins.  Because it is one of the few negatively charged minerals in nature, zeolites act as magnets drawing toxins to it, capturing them in its cage and removing them from the body.

Originally this substance was being looked at by pharmaceutical companies as a cancer treatment, however, it would take 8 to 10 years and $800,000,000.  Because it is a natural substance on the FDA’s list of GRAS (generally regarded as safe) it was brought to market as a powerful and unique detoxifier.

Natural Cellular Defense is based on extensive research being conducted by reputable and innovative scientists generally associated with pharmaceutical medicine and is backed by U.S. Patent.  Waiora acquired the exclusive worldwide distribution rights in August of 2005.

Results of the research with zeolite are quite impressive.  The following are a few of the function claims made as a result of this research:

1.         One of the most important function claims is NCD’s ability to induce tumor suppressor cells in the body sending mutant or diseased cells into a state of programmed cell death therefore eradicating disease. 

2.         Natural Cellular Defense removes heavy metals, particularly lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, all of which are associated with neurological disorders such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

3.         Research concludes that NCD blocks the mechanism of viral replication and therefore promises to work well as a general non-toxic anti-viral remedy.  Research is also suggesting NCD helps with the common cold and flu, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and hepatitis C. 

4.         NCD has been shown to act as an effective detoxification food for women wishing to become pregnant so as to avoid passing on toxins and heavy metals through the placenta.

5.         NCD creates a natural buffer in the system maintaining a blood pH level between 7.35 and 7.45 which is the optimal blood pH and therefore activates brain function and the immune system.

6.         Without making any additional dietary changes, NCD improves nutrient absorption and therefore reduces the risk of malnutrition.  This becomes particularly important as we age and the body becomes less adept at properly absorbing nutrients from food.

7.         NCD decreases free radical activity by absorbing the free radical directly into the zeolite’s pore thereby acting as an antioxidant.  Because it functions differently than an antioxidant, NCD works in a complimentary fashion to any antioxidant drink you may already be taking such as green tea.

8.         Zeolites capture triggering antigens which cause allergies, migraines and asthma.

9.         NCD has the ability to trap and destroy nitrosamines in the digestive tract.  Nitrosamines can be found in meat and are powerful cancer causing agents considered responsible for various forms of cancer such as pancreatic, leukemia and brain cancers.

Harvey Kaufman, PhD, the cancer researcher, scientist and creator of the product, has just completed a study on End IV cancer patients.  These are basically patients who are beyond further treatment.  He is in the process of writing up the results and is hoping to have them published in The American Medical Journal.  Although Waiora cannot make any claims, it can provide coincidental anomolies.  All 65 patients started NCD 15 months ago, their cancers varied, they were given less than 6 weeks to live.  As of today 51 are alive and cancer free.  

If you still feel your cabinet full of over the counter medications and prescription drugs is preferable to a natural detoxifier, consider this.  Treatment using NCD is as simple as the consumption of 10 drops of a tasteless liquid in water 3 times each day for one month.  The maintenance dose is substantially less, costing just a few dollars each week.

If all the preliminary research and consumer product testimonials of NCD hold true, this product promises to be one of the most important discoveries in nutritional therapies and perhaps the biggest break-through in cancer prevention and treatment, replacing or at the very least complimenting current methods of treating cancer as well as a variety of other chronic diseases prevalent in today’s society. 

Natural Cellular Defense is a simple answer to complex health issues currently being addressed to a very large degree by pharmaceutical drugs.  No matter what supplement you may currently be taking, this is an unique element capable of detoxifying your body in a way never before possible.  In just one month you could relieve a great deal of your body burden and have done much to regain your optimal health. 

These days, computers have become so inevitable part of our lives thatwe need to use it for various purposes.  Be it a free time orworking hours, except a very few people, all depend on this machine toget their jobs done. There are certain things you need to know aboutthe computer work hazards and the preventive techniques you need tofollow to make your stay in front of the computer, trouble free.  

I have come across some common worries shared by people who have to sit for long hours in front of the computer.  

Is there a term called overuse of computers?  If so, where do I draw the line?

If I have to use it on a daily basis, how many hours of my presence in front of this machine is recommended?

Will I be able to finish my work if I am to follow my recommended time schedule?

Here is a checklist that will help you create a safe, sound, andrelaxed workstation.  You can try using it in combination with thepurchasing guide checklist.  There are two options - Yes andNo.  The questions relate to different topics like workingpostures, seating, keyboard, monitors, accessories, work area and somegeneral questions.  If the response is no, it means that aproblem exists.
Working Postures:

1. Do your head and neck need to be upright, or in-line with the your torso (not bent down/back)?

2. Do the head, neck, and trunk need to be facing forward without twisting?  

3. Does your trunk have to be perpendicular to the floor (you may lean back into backrest but not forward)?

4. Do your shoulders and upper arms need to be relaxed and in-line withthe torso, normally about perpendicular to the floor (but not elevatedor stretched forward)?

5. Do the upper arms and elbows need to be close to the body and not extended outward?

6. Do your forearms, wrists, and hands need to be straight and in -line (forearm at about 90 degrees to the upper arm)?

7. Do the wrists and hands need to be straight (not bent up/down or sideways toward the little finger)?

8. Do both the thighs need to be parallel to the floor and the lowerlegs to be perpendicular to floor (thighs may be slightly elevatedabove knees)?  

9. Can your feet rest flat on the floor or should they be supported by a stable footrest?

Seating (Chair):

10. Does the backrest of the chair support your lower back?

11. Does the seat width and depth have the capacity for the specific user (seat pan not too big/small)?

12. Is the seat pan of your chair too long to press against the back of your knees and lower legs?

13. Is your seat cushioned properly, rounded, and blunt with a waterfall front?

14. Do the armrests of your chair support both forearms while working on the computer without meddling with your movement?

Keyboard:

15. Are the platforms for the keyboard/input device stable and large enough to hold a keyboard and an input device?

16. Are the input devices (mouse or trackball) located right next toyour keyboard so that they can be accessed and used without having toreach them?

17. Can the input devices be easily activated with their size and shape fitting your hand (not too big/small)?

18. Does your workstation ensure that your wrists and hands do not rest on sharp or hard edges?

Monitor:

19. Is the top of the monitor screen at or below your eye level so thatyou can read it without bending your head or neck down/back?

20. Can the user with bifocals/trifocals read the screen without bending the head or neck backward?

21. Does the distance of the monitor allow you to read the screen without leaning your head, neck, or trunk forward/backward?

22. Is the monitor positioned directly in front of you so that you dont have to twist your head or neck?

23. Do you ensure that glare (for example, from windows, lights) is notreflected on your screen that makes you sit in awkward postures so asto view the screen better?
                                                                                                                                  

Work Area (Desk and Workstation):
 
24. Between the top of the thighs and your computer table, do you have enough room or your thighs (thighs are not trapped)?

25. Do you ensure that your legs and feet have sufficient clearancespace under the work surface so that you can get close enough to thekeyboard/input device?

Accessories:

26. Is your document holder stable and large enough to hold documents?

27. Is your document holder placed at about the same height anddistance as the monitor screen so that there is little head movement,or need to re-focus, when you look from the document to the screen?

28. Is your wrist/palm rest padded and free of sharp or square edges that push on your wrists?

29. Does your wrist/palm rest allow you to keep your forearms, wrists,and hands straight and in-line when using the keyboard/input device?

30. While doing telephone and computer tasks simultaneously, do youkeep your head upright (not bent) and your shoulders relaxed (notelevated)?

General:

31. Do your workstation and equipment have sufficient adjustabilitythat ensures your safe working posture while allowing you to makeoccasional changes in posture when you work on your computer?

32. Are your computer workstation, components, and accessoriesmaintained in serviceable condition and do they function properly?

33. Are your computer tasks planned in a way that allows you to varytasks with other work activities, or to take micro-breaks, or recoverypauses while at the computer workstation?

So that is all about it. Living carelessly is the easiest thing to do,but could be the most dangerous thing too. On the other hand if youtake some precaution, it can be the foundation for a healthy living,later in your life.

Remember that all the computer related hazards are not going to hamperyour life in a very short span of time. But it may take years to showthe symptoms. As I said earlier, prevention is better than cure.