BEAUTY KLINIC

INTRODUCTION: Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed cancer, occuring more often than lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. it generally develops in the epidermis (the outer layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible.

Left untreated, skin cancers can be very dangerous, but with early detection and intervention most are curable. There are three common types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises. More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008.

CAUSE: Skin cancer is an abnormal growth on the skin which can have many causes. It is often caused by exposing skin to UV rays excessively. Cancers caused by Ultraviolet exposure may be prevented by avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight or other UV sources, and wearing sun-protecting garments.

Many people go out of their way to get an artificial tan before they leave for a sunny vacation, because they want to get a “base coat″ to prevent sun damage. Sunburn, caused by a type of ultraviolet (UV) light known as UVB, has served as a surrogate for far more serious conditions like melanoma and basal and squamous cell carcinoma, three forms of skin cancer.

RISK: Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the chance of developing skin cancer, the risk of developing it can be reduced significantly using the following steps: reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in the childhood years, avoiding sunburns (NOTE: New studies have shown that sunscreen does not offer protection from melanoma). Although it is generally accepted that Ultraviolet exposure is the greatest risk factor in melanoma development, some skeptics say that there is no actual proven data that links moderate exposure to the sun with the appearance of melanoma.

The chances of acquiring skin cancer is also affected by where a person lives. People who live in areas that receive the highest levels of Ultraviolet radiation from the sun are more apt to develop skin cancer. In the US, for example, skin cancer is found more often in Texas than it is in Minnesota, where the sun is not as strong. Internationally, the highest rates of skin cancer are found in South Africa and Australia, which are areas that receive very high amounts of UV radiation.

TYPES: The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which may be locally disfiguring but rarely metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). The most dangerous kind of skin cancer is malignant melanoma.

TREATMENT: The majority of skin cancers can be treated by removal of the lesion, making sure that the edges (margins) are free of the malignant cells. However,it is important that the malignancies are found and treated early because they can invade and destroy neighboring tissue.

CONCLUSION: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer found in humans and is also known as skin neoplasia. The use of sunscreen is advised by medical organizations as a means to offer protection against skin cancer (NOTE: Recent studies however indicate that sunscreen does not give you protection from melanoma). Approximately 65% of melanomas and 90 percent of basal and squamous cell skin cancers are attributed to UV exposure. Even though it is rare, malignant melanoma is the cause for 75 percent of all skin cancer related death cases.

It has also been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once. The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun’s damaging effects begin at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood in order to prevent skin cancer later in life.

Acne is caused by a number of different stressors working on the body at the same time. To treat it effectively all these issues must be addressed. There are many natural ways to regain clear skin but to truly see the benefit from a holistic regime a two-sided approach needs to be taken: internal and external.

Diet

Doctors say that diet doesn’t cause acne and this may be true. However, for anyone who is already struggling with skin breakouts, what you eat can and will aggravate your problem. Our bodies are complex integrated organisms and everything we do has an impact on how we feel and how we look. The human body was not designed to process foods containing refined sugar, white flour and hydrogenated oils and so eating these places undue stress on your internal systems. For someone who is 100% healthy this added stress does not show externally, however, for anyone with a health issue, such as acne, it has an obvious impact.

With this in mind the first step to a good acne program is to look at the foods you are putting in your body and change any bad eating habits.

- Eliminate all sugar and refined flours from your diet: Sugar and refined flours trigger an overproduction of insulin in the body. Insulin controls hormone production and high levels of certain hormones will trigger acne.

- Eliminate hydrogenated oils and fatty fried foods: These cause the digestive system to grind to a halt. An overburdened digestive system means a build up of toxins in your body. These toxins then need to be excreted somehow. Bad fats also cause more oil to form in and on the skin.

- Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables that will help your digestive system and provide vital nutrients to your body.

- Eat oily fish, such as salmon, to ensure you have enough good fats in your system. A diet lacking in fat is just as detrimental as a diet rich in bad fats.

- Eat plenty of carrots. The Vitamin A in carrots will help prevent excess sebum production. Sebum is the fatty substance that causes acne.

- Drink plenty of water. This will help your body flush toxins from your system.

Supplements

- Green Tea Extract and drinking green tea has been shown to improve acne. High antioxidant levels help to reduce free radicals and improve the body’s immune system.

- Olive Leaf Extract and tea has anti-viral and infection fighting properties.

- Probiotics will help to keep good bacteria in your digestive system. A strong digestive system will help to stop your acne breakouts.

Skin Treatments

There are a number of different natural products that can help to clear your acne blemishes.

- Tea tree oil: This essential oil has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties due to the active constituent terpinen-4-ol. Use a 5% dilution solution (5ml tea tree oil in 95ml of water). There are many natural acne products on the market now with Tea Tree Oil as their active ingredient. (Never take Tea Tree Oil internally.)

- Aloe Vera Extract: Many people are aware of the soothing properties of Aloe Vera. It has anti-inflammatory effects when applied to the skin and will aid in the healing of acne scars.

- Witch Hazel is a great natural astringent for cleaning skin, however, it can interfere with certain medications so be sure to discuss this product with your doctor before using.

The best acne-clearing programs combine natural treatments and dietary changes. This full body approach will provide lasting results for your skin.

Someone sneezes in your direction while you are shopping in a busy store. You are starting to say, “Bless you,” but before you get the words out of your mouth, the story has ensued, and they are telling you about their latest allergy problems.

Everyone these days seems to have some type of allergy. Many are seeking relief from their ailments and end up facing a vast isle of remedies. There is hope for allergy relief through both natural and alternative means. Short-term relief may be found in medications and over the counter drugs as well.

Natural Approaches for Allergy Relief

An alternative to prescription allergy medications and over the counter drugs is the natural approach for relief. One of the first approaches has people looking into herbal remedies as a possibility for allergy relief.

These various herbs offer help for the allergy sufferer, one such herb is garlic. Garlic helps by drawing out the inflammation in the body in areas such as the sinuses and the lungs. It helps by expelling excess mucus as it also reduces the overall symptoms themselves.

Many herbs offer help from allergy relief. On such herb is garlic. Not only will garlic keep your friends at bay, it has also been used to draw inflammation out of the body in areas such as sinuses and the lungs.

Changes to one’s diet can also affect the sensitivity of allergic reactions. People, who are allergic to food that they are eating, oftentimes don’t realize this is actually what is causing their symptoms.

The most common sources of food allergies are: dairy, eggs, wheat, citrus, and peanuts. By adopting a healthier diet composed of whole foods, fruits, clean meats, and vegetables; allergy relief can be experienced.

Minerals, vitamins, and other supplements can be used to combat allergy and give some relief. Making sure calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids are maintained also help keep the body running smoothly and more allergy free. Taking a B-vitamin and multi-vitamin is also recommended. Other treatments that are common today are : acupuncture, iridology, and massage therapy. There is sure to be one that is right for you and for your particular allergy. They all are helping to bring healthy changes for allergy relief. Have no fear, help is on the way!

There are various liposuction procedures available out there. Liposuction is a type of surgery designed to remove pouches of fat that you cannot get rid of in any other way. The “problem areas” of the body, like the hips, rear end, and thighs, are some of the most common places people elect to have liposuction done.

In that respect, if you are significantly overweight or obese you are not a candidate for liposuction. It is intended for people who are of average weight, or a bit above the average for their. Think about it: if you are overweight, the skin on certain parts of your body have naturally lost its firmness. Having liposuction would thus leave you with sags and folds of skin. However, if you choose to implement a healthy diet and a good exercise regime before then, to lose weight on your own and get toned, then liposuction could work. You also have to be healthy in general.

There are two key types of liposuction procedures, beginning with tumescent liposuction. With this type, the surgeon injects a mixture of painkiller, saline, and epinephrine into the parts of your body from which fat will be taken away. This allows for pain management both during and following the procedure. It also makes the surgery itself either by keeping your blood vessels contracted. This lowers the risk of blood loss.

Ultrasounds are also used in liposuction - at least, their energy is used. That energy actually causes fat cells to liquefy. This makes it much easier to remove. Laser assisted liposuction works in a similar fashion.

The general points of the procedure vary from patient to patient. If you have only a little bit of excess fat to be removed, you may be an outpatient. Large quantities of liposuction may require a hospital stay. Likewise, anaesthesia may be local or general.

Some kind of pumping or extraction device is inserted, and proceeds to suck the fat cells out of your body. Sometimes syringes are used, sometimes actual pumps. Certain methods make for smoother contours. The actual tool inserted into the incisions is called a cannula. It is attached to the device being used.

Oregon is popular for many reasons such as coffee, beautiful scenery, fresh salmon and of course Tillamook cheese! However, lately Oregon has taken center stage for promoting healthy lifestyles. Portland was ranked #2 in 2006 by Self Magazine on their “Top 10 healthiest cities for women” article. In 2004 Portland was nick named “Bike Town U.S.A.” by Bike Town Magazine and it was also ranked #3 for healthiest city for pets by showcatsonline.com in 2003. Across the board, Oregon is setting a national standard for healthy living and exercise.

Passing the “bike bill″ in 1971 put Oregon as the first state which took the first step toward healthy living. By 2001 3.8% of people were biking to work at least three days per week to according to Oregon.gov. Other fitness activities have also increased over the years. The Nike Hood to Coast Relay Marathon is the largest relay race in North America. It began in 1982 with eight teams. By 1999 it reached capacity of 1,000 teams. If biking or running is not really your cup of tea, there are plenty of hiking trails, gyms and countless dog parks where all activity levels are welcome.

In Salem alone there are five Weight Watcher sites, a Jenny Craig and a LA Weight loss center all centrally located, not to mention all the other private organizations such as Salem Weight Management Center. If you do not want to count points, buy special food or be on a liquid diet there are plenty of healthy options at grocery stores and Salem’s exclusive health foods store, Life Source. As recently as ten years ago, many of Salem’s grocery stores did not carry foods such as soy milk, tofu or whole wheat products without a high price tag. Now, places like Fred Meyer often have sales on these products and offer a wide range of health foods and Trans fat free products.

National chains such as Applebee’s and Red Robin are offering alternatives for dieters and health nuts a like. Applebee’s was one of the firsts to offer Weight Watcher menu items and Red Robin offers meat substitutes for all their burgers. Often those who are trying to be healthier avoid eating out because typically there are few healthy choices besides a salad on menus. Let’s face it salad is boring when steak and potato are on the menu. But now with these new special menus, dieters can feel confident eating out instead of feeling committed to another boring salad.

If a healthy lifestyle is something you desire but don’t think you can do on your own, help is on every corner, literally. In Salem alone there are five Weight Watcher sites, a Jenny Craig and a LA Weight loss center all within a five mile radius. This is not including all the private organizations such as Salem Weight Management Center. All of these companies have one thing in common, they all want to build a better, healthier, and happier you.

Being outside and having healthy foods at the tips of your fingers is not something every state can brag about, the elite states such as Oregon can claim to be a “health nut” state. Oregon’s healthy lifestyle trend is not likely to change anytime soon. Get out and enjoy the bragging rights, every healthy Oregonian has earned them!