CaffeineThere has been a huge global increase in the consumption of caffeine. It is found in coffee, tea, cola-based drinks and chocolate.
Caffeine is mildly addictive, making it one of the world's most widely used drugs. It can cause a number of health problems.
·    It can interfere with iron absorption. So it should be avoided around mealtimes for people at risk of iron deficiency.
·    Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
·    It can irritate your stomach, cause headaches and insomnia.
·    Excess caffeine in pregnancy has been linked with low birth weight babies. The current advice for expectant mothers is to drink or eat no more than 200mg a day.

Did you know?
Filter coffee has the highest caffeine content because the coffee grounds remain in contact with the water for a longer time.
A cup of espresso coffee has more caffeine per milliliter than a regular brew.

A source of antioxidants?
There has been much press about the health benefits of tea and coffee. Both drinks contain antioxidants called flavonoids.
It's thought flavonoids may protect against illnesses, such as heart disease and cancer, but not all studies have shown the same protective effect.
Fruit, vegetables and non-caffeinated teas, such as green tea, are also a source of these antioxidants.

Do I drink too much?
You should think about reducing your intake if you drink more than four caffeine-based drinks a day.
If you have difficulty sleeping at night, don't drink caffeine after 1pm (it takes about 10 hours for caffeine to leave your system).
Decaffeinated drinks are a good alternative, especially for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and people suffering from raised blood pressure and urinary problems, such as stress incontinence and anxiety.

How to cut out caffeine...
·    Try reducing your intake by half-a-cup a day over a seven-day period.
·    Make sure you have a substitute drink available – such as fruit tea and drink plenty of water. If you replace caffeine with herbal tea, you'll get the added benefit of extra antioxidants.
·    Keep going until you are at a level where you have less than five caffeine drinks a week.
·    Once you have reached this level of consumption it will be easier to take the decision to remove caffeine from your diet altogether.
·    If you cut out caffeine from your diet entirely, you may suffer from withdrawal headaches. They usually develop after 18 hours and may last for a couple of days. If you take this route, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated



Source: netdoctor. co. uk

Body odour is never pleasant, and we've all been crammed on a train or been in a busy shopping centre and noticed the distinctive smell of stale sweat.
Men sweat more than women, so it's no surprise they are the worst offenders.
But is it a case of poor hygiene, or do some people have a medical condition that makes them sweat more than average?

A blind spot for smells
Strange as it may seem, many people with bad body odour are unaware that they smell.
Scientific research has shown that some people cannot detect certain molecules. Their nostrils may be able to register the smell of garlic or curry, but not the smell emanating from their armpits.

What causes body odour?
Everybody sweats. We have to. Perspiration is the body's biological way of cooling down.
Sweat itself does not smell, but it's a wonderful culture for the bacteria that live on our skin.
The bacteria breaks down sweat into aromatic fatty acids, which produce the unpleasant odour.
This means body odour can be tackled by:
·    reducing the amount of sweat
·    treating the bacteria that produce the odour.
Medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and carcinoid syndrome, can cause excessive sweating, as can the side-effects of some medicines, eg antidepressants.

How can I reduce body odour?
Wash with soap daily, particularly your armpits, groin and feet where there are many sweat producing glands. Washing removes sweat and reduces the numbers of bacteria that act upon it.
Some people have more sweat and oil producing glands than others. If you sweat a lot, you may need to shower two or three times a day.
The use of antiperspirants and deodorants should be routine. It's worth trying a few because they have different active ingredients, and you'll find some work better than others.
Deodorants work by masking the smell of sweat with fragrance, while antiperspirants reduce the amount of sweat your body produces. Roll-ons tend to be more effective for heavy sweating.
Another useful trick is to shave your armpits. Armpit hair provides a greater surface area for sweat to adhere to and gives the bacteria a fertile breeding ground.
It is also essential to wash clothes thoroughly, particularly clothing that comes into contact with sweaty areas such as socks, underwear and shirts.
Never wear yesterday's clothes. However clean your body is, the clothes will retain the smell of yesterday's sweat.

Help from the chemist
You can get an antibacterial and antiseptic solution called chlorhexidine 0.05 per cent solution from pharmacies. Applied daily, it significantly reduces the number of bacteria, although it has no effect on sweating itself.
Another remedy you can get without a prescription is 20 per cent aluminium chloride solution, otherwise known as Anhydrol Forte and Driclor.
·    You apply to it your armpits, feet etc before you go to bed each night. This is because sweating stops when you sleep, so the solution will be more effective.
·    The liquid gets into the openings of the sweat glands causing them to swell up and block.
·    You wash it off in the morning, and don't reapply until the next bedtime.
·    Never apply the solution after shaving because it will irritate the skin.
·    You use the product every night to start with, and then reduce it as you stop sweating to every other night or once or twice a week.

Treatment of severe sweating
There are a couple of surgical options for severe sweating (hyperhidrosis) which can't be controlled by over-the-counter products.
One is to remove a triangular area of skin in the apex of the armpit under local anaesthetic. A small piece measuring 4cm by 1.5cm is cut out, destroying the most troublesome sweat glands.
A modern variation on this procedure is liposuction to suck out the sweat glands from the deeper layers of skin.
Keyhole surgery
Another type of surgery is called trans-thoracic sympathectomy. It's done under general anaesthetic and uses keyhole surgery to destroy the nerves that control sweating.
The surgeon makes an incision in your armpit and passes a fine needle under the second, third and fourth ribs on each side. An electrical current then kills off the nerves.
The success rate is about 40 per cent, but because the body still has to sweat, some people experience increased sweating from their chest, abdomen and back after the op.
It's important to understand this before undergoing surgery, because it cannot be reversed.
Botox
Botulinum toxin is an alternative to surgery. Known as Botox, it's more often used as a treatment for facial frown lines.
Botox is only licensed as a treatment for excessive sweating from the armpit (axillary hyperhidrosis), so it can't be used for sweaty hands and feet.
A small amount of the toxin is injected into multiple sites in the skin at the apex of the armpit.
Although the results only last between four and nine months, it's an effective and safe treatment.
If you're thinking about surgery, you could try Botox to see how effective an operation would be, and whether blocking sweat glands in your armpits causes excessive sweating elsewhere.

Source: netdoctor. co. uk

8 best kept hair secrets
We all want our hair to look its best. There are hundreds of products available, from straightening sprays to leave-in conditioners - but what really does make a difference to our hair?
We look at what you should do to maintain a healthy head of hair.

1-Boost hair with silicone
Thin, lifeless hair is a major complaint for many of us out there. If you want to give your hair a bit of body - look for products that contain silicone such as dimethicone or cyclomethicone. These coat the strands with a thin film, creating a fuller head of hair that doesn’t look greasy.

2-Eat fish and nuts
The protein and omega 3 found in fish and nuts ensures healthy hair. Fish also contains a good supply of iron and vitamin B12, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Iron is stored in your hair follicles and used by the body for other means. If the body is depleted in iron, these stores are used by other cells and the hair suffers.
Walnuts, cashews and pecans are a great source of zinc, an important mineral which can slow hairloss and thinning.

3-Split ends and breaking hair
No hair product is going to salvage split hair and breaking ends. Once the hairs have reached the stage where they split or break, the only thing to do is get a hairdresser to trim them. People who are prone to split ends should get their hair trimmed at least every six weeks.

4-Use cold water to give shine
Cold water helps to seal the cuticle layer of the hair strand (helping hair to maintain moisture) and helps conditioner work better, leaving the hair more lustrous. Plus, when the cuticle is smooth, light reflects easily off its surface, so your hair has a healthy sheen.
Hot water can strip the scalp of sebum, which is the protective oil that acts as a natural conditioner and gives hair its shine.

5-Hair dye and products
Colouring hair can damage it. There are three types of hair colour – permanent, semi-permanent and temporary – and most have chemicals at different concentrations. People who use too many chemical products on their hair tend to suffer more than others.
Replenishing moisture in your hair with a good quality conditioner will help prevent this problem. Buy ones for coloured or damaged hair.

6-Don't wash hair everyday
Washing it every day will strip it of all the nutrients and oils and can dry your scalp and hair. Washing your hair every two to three days will make your hair healthier.
If you have very oily hair, and don't want to consider washing every other day, try using a bit of dry shampoo at the roots and hairline.

7-Supplements
such as biotin, silica and iron can help grow healthy hair.
Biotin, an important B vitamin, can improve the hairs strength against breakages. It can be found naturally in beans – such as legumes, along with pulses.
Silica is often a component of many of the 'hair, skin and nails' vitamins available.
Iron is stored in your hair follicles and used by the body for other means. If the body is low in iron, these stores will be used by other cells and the hair suffers.
8-Don't brush hair while wet
When hair is wet, it's at its weakest – so don't brush it. Combing your hair with a wide-toothed comb, whilst it has conditioner on is a better idea. Wet hair is more easily damaged than dry hair.
The best thing to do is towel dry your hair and let it dry naturally, without brushing.

By Karen Gordon, health journalist

• Memory loss, including trouble with directions and familiar tasks.

• Language problems, such as trouble getting words out or understanding what is said.

• Accusation of others having stolen things when they have been misplaced

• Difficulty with planning, organizing, concentration, and judgment. This includes persons not being able to recognize their own symptoms.

• Changes in behavior and personality, including apathy, irritability or aggressive behaviors

What is Acne?
Acne is a disorder caused by clogged hair follicles and sebaceous glands, which can lead to pimples and cysts.
Acne is very common; nearly 80 percent of Americans between ages 11 and 30 years old will be affected by it at some point.

What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when the pores on your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. Each pore on your skin is the opening to a follicle. The follicle is made up of a hair and a sebaceous (oil) gland. The oil gland releases sebum (oil), which travels up the hair, out of the pore, and onto your skin. The sebum keeps your skin lubricated and soft. If you develop acne, this may be because of one or more problems in this lubrication process. These possible causes include:
1.    too much oil or sebum is being produced by the follicle
2.    dead skin cells are accumulating in the pore
3.    bacteria has built up in the pore
An overabundance of oil, a pore clogged by dead skin cells, and bacteria all contribute to the development of pimples. A zit appears when the bacteria grows in the clogged pore and the oil is unable to escape.

What Are the Symptoms of Acne?
Acne can be found anywhere on your body. It most commonly develops on the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders. If you have acne, you will typically notice pimples that are white or black in appearance. Both blackheads and whiteheads are known ascomedones. Blackheads open at the surface of the skin giving them a black appearance. Whiteheads are closed just under the surface of the skin, giving them a white appearance. While whiteheads and blackheads are the most common types of acne, other lesions can occur. Inflammatory lesions are more likely to cause scarring of the skin and include the following:
papules—small red, raised bumps caused by infected hair follicles
pustules—small red pimples that have pus at their tips
nodules—solid, painful lumps that are beneath the surface of the skin
cysts—infections found beneath the skin that contain pus and are often painful

How Is Acne Diagnosed and Treated?
If you have symptoms of acne, your doctor will be able to confirm a diagnosis by examining your skin.
At-Home Care
You can use a number of self-care activities at home to prevent pimples and to clear up your acne. Home remedies for acne may include:
1.    cleaning the skin daily with a mild soap to remove excess oil and dirt
2.    regularly shampooing your hair and keeping it out of your face
3.    not squeezing or picking pimples, as this spreads the bacteria and excess oil
4.    avoiding hats or tight headbands
5.    avoiding touching your face
6.    using makeup that is water-based or labeled as “noncomedogenic” (not pore-clogging)
Medication
If self-care activities do not help with your acne, there are a number of over-the- counter acne medications that may be helpful. Most of these medications contain ingredients that can help kill bacteria or dry the skin.
Sometimes, you may continue to experience symptoms. If this happens, you may want to seek medical advice.
Additional Treatments
1.    Your doctor may recommend additional procedures to treat severe acne and prevent scarring. Many of these work by removing damaged skin.
2.    photodynamic therapy: also known as laser treatment, uses light pulses to remove the top layer of skin
3.    dermabrasion: removes the top layer of skin with a rotating brush
4.    chemical peel: an aesthetician applies a chemical to your face which essentially burns the top layer of skin. That skin later peels off to reveal less damaged skin underneath
5.    Your doctor may suggest using cortisone injections if your acne consists of large cysts. Cortisone is a steroid naturally produced by the body. It can reduce inflammation and speed healing.

How Can Acne Be Prevented?
It’s difficult to prevent acne. However, you can take some steps at home to help prevent acne following treatment. These include:
1.    washing your face twice a day with an oil-free cleanser
2.    using an over-the-counter acne cream to remove excess oil
3.    avoiding makeup that contains oil
4.    cleaning the skin thoroughly before bed, including removing makeup
6.    showering after exercising
7.    avoiding tight-fitting clothing

What Is the Outlook for Someone With Acne?
Treatment for acne is often successful. Most people can expect their acne to clear up within six to eight weeks. However, flare-ups of the condition are common and may require additional treatment. Scarring that occurs as a result of acne can cause emotional distress. Prompt treatment can help prevent scarring.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Acne?
Myths about what contributes to acne are quite common. Many people believe that foods such as chocolate or French fries will contribute to the development of acne. While there is no scientific support for these claims, there are certain risk factors that may put you at risk for developing acne. These include:
hormonal changes caused by puberty or pregnancy
certain medications such as birth control pills or corticosteroids
a diet high in refined sugars or carbohydrates such as bread and chips
Young people are most at risk for developing acne during puberty. During this time, the body undergoes drastic hormonal changes. These hormones can trigger oil production, leading to an increased risk of acne. Hormonal acne related to puberty usually subsides when a teenager reaches adulthood.

Sleeping is more complicated than you know

We found out the truth behind these fictions.



#1. Catching Up

MYTH
It's good to "catch up" on sleep when you can—like sleeping in late on weekends.
TRUTH 
It's tempting to sleep late on weekends, but it's important to keep a regular sleep schedule seven days a week. A regular bedtime and waking time will help you fall asleep at night.


#2. Evening Workouts

MYTH
A good workout in the evening will make you tired so you'll fall asleep faster.
TRUTH
Exercising regularly does make it easier to fall asleep. But make sure you finish working out at least three hours before bedtime—preferably in the afternoon. A cooler body makes it easier to fall asleep. Exercise raises your body temperature and it takes about six hours to get back to normal temperature.


#3. Sex

MYTH
Sex at night will only arouse you and keep you up.
TRUTH
Actually, sex releases endorphins that make you feel good about yourself, so it relieves stress making it easier to fall asleep.


#4. Brain's Rest

MYTH
Sleep is needed for your brain to rest.
TRUTH
Sleep is definitely needed—but it's not your brain that needs to rest, it's your body. Your brain is still working when you're asleep, controlling bodily functions like breathing.


#5. Falling Back Asleep

MYTH
If you wake up in the middle of the night, it's best to lie still and try to fall back asleep. Getting up will only wake you up more.
TRUTH
If you can't fall back asleep within 15-20 minutes, get out of bed. Go to another room and do something relaxing, like listening to music or reading. If you lie there stressing out about falling back asleep, you'll only get more anxious—and never fall asleep.


#6. Your Bedroom

MYTH
It's good to hang out in your bedroom at night, before you go to sleep, because it will get you "ready" to fall asleep. 
TRUTH 
The more activities you associate with your bedroom—like watching TV, or working on your computer—the harder it may be to fall asleep there when you want to. It's best to use your bed only for sleep and sex, to strengthen the association between bed and sleep.


#7. Older People

MYTH 
Older people need less sleep. 
TRUTH
It may seem like older folks get by on less sleep. But the TRUTH is, they
need the same amount of sleep as younger people—seven to nine hours a day. It's their sleep patterns that change: They tend to sleep more during the day, with small naps.


#8. Temperature

MYTH
Cozying up under heavy blankets will make you go to sleep faster. 
TRUTH 
The body gets into sleep mode more easily when it is at a cooler temperature. So if you must use a squishy down comforter (or two), open the window a crack to let in some fresh air. You don't want to be cold, but you don't want to get too warm either.  


#9. Snoring 

MYTH 
Snoring is common and totally harmless. 
TRUTH 
Snoring is common—and harmless for most people. But it also may be a symptom of sleep disorder called sleep apnea — (which can be life threatening). If you snore loudly, and there are long pauses in your snoring, you should see your doctor. Sleep apnea can be treated. 


#10. Alcohol

MYTH
 A nice glass of wine will help calm you down and put you to sleep faster. 
TRUTH
While drinking alcohol may make you tired and put you to sleep faster (and of course drinking a lot will really knock you out), you'll end up having fragmented sleep and waking up during the night.

By Michelle Lee Ribeiro, Women's Health