May 11, 2017

Making Travel More Enjoyable

Making Travel More Enjoyable

While most of us enjoy arriving at our holiday destination, the preparations and journey can be incredibly stressful. Before you even begin to plan your next holiday, take a deep breath and remember that holidays are meant to be fun and relaxing.


Being in control of any situation can help alleviate stress. Control is gained by having the knowledge and the tools to cope with any situation you may be confronted with. So from the moment you begin thinking about your next holiday, start a travel journal.


You can choose to start an electronic journal or hand written journal. Keep in mind that things can go wrong with electronics so keep a printed version of your travel plans.


Begin by listing three desirable travel destinations. Keeping your list short will help you filter it down to one destination easily. Find out everything you can about travelling to the destination and not just about the destination itself.


What modes of transport are available? How long will each different type of travel take to reach your destination? Will you be crossing borders and if so will you need visas and is your passport in order?


Once you have narrowed it down to one destination it is time to consider what you need to take along. Take into consideration the climate and weather conditions at the time you will be travelling. Will you be travelling from a cold to warm climate or vice versa?

Make a list of the clothing items that you will need to take along. Now make a list of cosmetics, toiletries, etc. that you feel you may need. Lastly make a third list of all the essentials that are not covered by your first to lists.


A week before you starting packing for your destination, take another look at your lists and eliminate any items that you feel may be extraneous. The less baggage you take along on your journey, the less stressed you will be.


Leave any expensive or irreplaceable articles at home. This will minimize the amount of time you spend worrying about losing the items or them being stolen.


Make your travel arrangements well in advance. It may be more cost effective to book your own transport and accommodation but consider how complicated your holiday will be. If you are travelling to one destination, staying in one place and then returning home, you should definitely be able to manage the arrangements with minimal stress.


Alternatively, find a reliable travel agent to assist. Make notes in your travel journal of all the reservations your travel agent makes on your behalf and when the stress and worry starts to set in, give them a call to get the reassurance that everything will run smoothly.


Using a travel agent gives you the added advantage of having recourse if anything does go wrong on your journey. You can simply blame them for the mess and sit back and relax while they fix the problems.


Get to your destination as relaxed as possible and ensure that you return home with good memories of a great holiday.

Is a Cruise Vacation For You?

Is a Cruise Vacation For You?

You work all year and when it comes time for vacation you really need to relax and get away. After all, you only get one or two weeks a year for vacation, so it's really important that you choose wisely how to use the time that you have earned.  That's one reason why we frequently choose to take a cruise.   Is a cruise vacation for you?

One of the great things about cruising is that you will travel to several different destinations instead of just one or two.  You will get to see exotic islands, beautiful harbors, outstanding scenery and major cities. We enjoy traveling in the Caribbean and generally choose the deepest part of winter to go. It's a real joy getting off the ship in St Thomas or Ocho Rios and having the warm sunshine greet us, along with some marimba music!

One of the advantages of cruising is the price. You can find cruises that last seven days that are extremely reasonable. Especially when you consider that the price of your cruise includes not only your lodging, but also all off your meals and on board entertainment!  In fact, there is food available to you 24 hours a day at no additional cost and fabulous nightclub shows in the ship's auditorium.

One of the things I enjoy most are the days at sea between ports. Some itineraries have you in a port almost every day --- 4 ports on a 7 day cruise is fairly common.  I actually enjoy the cruises with 3 ports. That way we have a day at sea between each port. When you are at sea you can be totally relaxed.  My favorite thing is to lay by the pool and read a book while sipping on one of those drinks with the little parasol. I love hearing the steel drums in the background and the sound of seagulls flying overhead.


When choosing a cruise you can select from a number of different regions of the world. While we love the Caribbean, we have friends that choose to take an Alaskan cruise every few years. They love the scenery. We want to take a cruise in the Mediterranean next year and see some of the major sites in Europe. The trip we are thinking about includes Rome, Barcelona, and Athens.

Of course you could also decide to cruise through Scandinavia and even visit Russia. There are also cruises in Australia and New Zealand, the islands of the Pacific including Hawaii, Tahiti and Fiji, and even the far east, including Japan and China! There are now cruise ships in every part of the world.

Cruising is a great way to spend a vacation and I highly recommend it. So far my wife and I have been on nine cruise vacations and each year as we get off the ship we can't wait until the next time we can get back on! Are you read to start planning your own cruise vacation?  You won't be disappointed.

May 6, 2017

Hair Loss In Women

Hair Loss In Women



Every one of us loses hair every day.   We lose it during our shower, we lose it while we blow dry our hair or when we brush our hair and this loss is all normal.  Typically we lose an average of 50 to 100 hundred hairs per day and normally for each hair we lose, we grow a new one to replace it.  However, at times hair loss may be a sign of a more serious medical condition that needs to be evaluated by a dermatologist for possible treatment.  Here are some possible causes of hair loss in women and how to deal with them.

Alopecia

This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the hair follicles.  This disease affects 4.7 million people in the U.S. and occurs equally between women and men.  The cause is not known for sure, but may be triggered by illness or stress.  The condition can occur in three in three different forms including alopecia areata, alopecia universalis and alopecia totalis.

Skin Conditions of the Scalp

Unhealthy scalp conditions that can lead to hair loss include psoriasis, fungal infections such as ringworm, and seborrheic dermatitis which is dandruff.   These conditions cause inflammation in the scalp which inhibits the growth of hair.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

This is a hormonal imbalance where the ovaries produce too many male hormones and if affects almost five million women in the U.S.  The condition can begin in girls as early as age 11 and can often cause infertility.

Anemia Caused by Iron Deficiency

This condition affects women who eat too few iron-rich foods or who have heavy periods.  Their blood produces too few red blood cells which are necessary to transport oxygen to the cells throughout the body and which provides the energy we need to survive.




Lupus

This condition is an autoimmune disease which is chronic appearing spontaneously as the body attacks its own healthy tissues with its own immune system.  The disease tends to first impact women in their twenties and thirties and affects approximately 1.5 million individuals.

Hypothyroidism

This is a type of thyroid disease which affects mostly women.  This disease is when there is too little thyroid hormone produced by the body.   The thyroid hormone is responsible for heart rate, mood and metabolism.  Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive or producing too little of the thyroid hormone.  When there is too much thyroid hormone produced, it is an overactive thyroid and is called hyperthyroidism.   The thyroid hormone is responsible for everything from the metabolic rate to the growth of your hair, nails and skin.

Hereditary Hair Loss

There is a genetic hair loss condition which is known are androgenetic alopecia and this is thought to be the most common cause of hair loss.  This gene is inherited from either the mother or the father although it is likely that you will have both if both parents have hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

This is a condition that happens after pregnancy, extreme stress, drastic weight loss or major surgery.  With condition large amounts of hair are lost every day, typically when brushing, styling or shampooing.  This condition can also be a side effect of certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, and antidepressants.

These conditions are more common than one might think, so if you’re noticing hair loss and it is more than normal, please see a doctor to see if there is something serious occurring.  Hair loss that is happening because of disease can often be treated, but it should be done under a doctor’s care.

I wonder ...

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Hair Loss 101: Treating Male Pattern Baldness

Hair Loss 101: Treating Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness affects millions of men all over the world. The process of thinning hair and baldness, can cause men to lose confidence in themselves and feel unattractive. The good news is that if you are losing your hair due to genetic male pattern baldness, there are treatment options available. With proper treatment it may be possible for you to prevent the progression of your hair loss and even grow back some of the hair that you have lost. Read on to learn how to effectively treat your male pattern baldness.



There are only two hair loss treatments that have been medically proven to effectively treat male pattern baldness. If you are experiencing genetic pattern hair loss, you must take advantage of these treatments. Lets examine these two treatments: finasteride and minoxidil.



Finasteride, which you may have heard of as the brand Propecia, is an oral medication that reduces scalp levels of DHT. Available by prescription only, finasteride is a pill that you must take every single day for as long as you wish to see results. Finasteride is much more effective at slowing down male patter baldness and maintaining hair count then it is at growing back already lost hair, so if you wish to see the full benefits of finasteride supplementation, you should start taking the medicine as soon as you begin to notice the early signs of hair loss. There are a few sexual side effects reported by men who use finasteride, so be sure to thoroughly discuss the possible risks with your doctor. Be very patient when taking finasteride, it may take 6 months to a full year before you see results. Hair growth does not occur overnight.



Along with finasteride, the other treatment proven to re-grow hair on men experiencing male pattern baldness is minoxidil. Sold under the brand name of Rogaine, minoxidil was once available only by prescription but it is now sold over the counter. Unlike finasteride, minoxidil is a topical liquid medication that you provide directly to your scalp. To see and maintain hair growth results you must apply minoxidil every single day. Apply it either once or twice per day, morning or not. Minoxidil is typically not as effective as finasteride at maintaining hair count, but as a scientifically proven treatment, you should definitely consider using it. If applying the liquid minoxidil solution is very messy and it drips all over, you may purchase a foam minoxidil solution, which some men find much easier to apply.



If minoxidil and finasteride are ineffective at treating your male pattern baldness, you only have two other options for treatment: wearing a hair piece of getting hair transplant surgery. Hair transplants involve removing hairs from non-balding areas and placing them on balding areas. The look of your hair transplant surgery depends almost entirely on the skill of the doctor performing the surgery.



By utilizing all available treatments it may be possible to win the fight against male pattern baldness and keep your hair. Remember to use only scientifically proven treatments and avoid wasting money on scam supplements.

Hair Loss: Cancer And Chemotherapy

Hair Loss: Cancer And Chemotherapy

Aside from the worry and fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis, one of the most troubling side effects for many patients, particularly female ones, is the hair loss that results from chemotherapy. A great way to cope with this frustrating fact of life is to understand the process and learn the best ways to manage the situation successfully. Keep reading to learn more.



Because women often view their hair as a true expression of themselves and their personal style, hair loss that comes with chemotherapy treatments can be especially devastating. A patient's sense of identity can be stripped away as the strands start to fall, making the entire cancer journey that much more difficult.



The point of chemotherapy is to kill off cells that grow in rapid fashion. Because follicular cells are of the sort that divide quickly, they are impacted by chemotherapy in much the same way that cancer cells are. This is what causes characteristic hair loss in many, but not all, cancer patients.



Roughly 10 days to two weeks after the commencement of chemotherapy treatments, hair loss will begin in many instances. A patient's hair may begin to gradually thin or drop off in clumps. Eyelashes, body hair and eyebrows may also be lost in this manner. It is important to keep in mind that this sort of hair loss is typically not of a permanent nature, and that regrowth is likely to begin somewhere between four and six weeks following the end of chemotherapy treatments.



If hair loss is causing a great deal of stress and sadness, there are things that can be done to ameliorate the impact. Proper care of hair during and following chemotherapy treatments can go a long way towards slowing the process of hair loss and making regrowth more certain. Having long hair cut into a shorter look can alleviate the weight on the roots of the hair, helping it stay in place longer. This can also make donning wigs a bit easier in the event that becomes necessary or desired.



Mild shampoos are also recommended during this time, as they are much gentler to the scalp and follicles. Hair should be brushed in a gentle fashion with a very soft brush or a wide comb. It is important not to wash hair on a daily basis, as that can foster additional loss. Ponytails and other accessories that pull at the hair should be avoided entirely.



If hair loss is simply an inevitable consequence of treatment, there are several techniques that really can make the process more bearable. Working to steer attention away from the hair toward something else of visual interest such as colorful clothing or jewelry is a terrific strategy. Furthermore, being straightforward and honest about the situation can make both the patient and those around them much more comfortable and accepting of the situation.



The truth is that chemotherapy is a powerful tool in the battle against cancer and the hair loss that can result should be viewed as a positive thing. The temporary damage done to follicular cells is a sign that more permanent harm is being done to the cancer, and should therefore be welcomed with open arms.

Green Tea And Its Benefits In Treating Hair Loss

Green Tea And Its Benefits In Treating Hair Loss

For thousands of years different cultures have been using teas for the treatment of different ailments. The Asian communities in particular have employed the beneficial qualities of white, jasmine and green tea to aid the progress of treatment and help relieve any stress which they may be experiencing. Nowadays, green tea specifically is used for weight loss, cardiac difficulties and hair loss.


Copious amounts of research have discovered that the anti-oxidants found in green tea can help combat the effects of hair loss in both males and females. It does this by warding off the harmful hormones within the body known as androgens. The function of androgens is to cause hair loss or hair thinning by reducing the appearance of one's hair follicles and preventing growth. Research indicates hair thinning is the most common form of hair loss among males affecting approximately 70% of the global population. Hair thinning among women calculates to be about 40% of the global population.



While the evidence of the hormone is a common cause of hair loss, the root of the matter is more complex. Many cases are due to genetic influences, meaning there is a familial pattern. However, the presence of stressful life circumstances and high levels of anxiety have become increasingly popular. Furthermore, medical complications can cause alopecia. This is due to side-effects of certain medications or medical treatments. It is only androgenic alopecia which involves the presence of the androgen hormone.


Regardless of the aetiology or cause, many treatments can assist all forms of hair loss. The most popular organic option is green tea. In addition to reducing or fighting the androgen hormone, it also stimulates hair regrowth with the presence of catechins in the tea.


Some individuals are not fond of drinking tea, particular green tea. If this is the case one has the choice of applying the beverage directly to your scalp. Firstly, you must brew a large pot of tea making it strong enough to soak into your remaining hair. Leave it to cool. Once it has cool you can soak your head in it or make a head mask from the liquid.







In order to create a head mask from the strong green tea, one would require some non-flavoured yogurt. By adding several teaspoons of yogurt to the cooled green tea, you will create a paste of sorts. Mix the paste so the yogurt is fully combined with the tea and finally apply to your head. Allow the paste to set for approximately 30 minutes before removing.


It has been found that this head mask not only assists with hair regrowth but also with redness, itchiness and agitation one may experience. Remember, it is important to create the mask from a concentrated green tea with no additives which means no sugar! The effects will be compromised with sugar.


In conclusion, hair loss is inevitable for most. However, there is a remedy which you needn't fear - and all it needs is a kettle of warm water.

Apr 9, 2017

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Love to travel?



Travel has many points of views. It is probably not as fascinating to those who travel on business for obvious reasons but to those of us who travel on pleasure, we definitely look forward to them. You may be on your way to a nice destination now!


   Where to go? What to take? Who to go with? Yes there are a lot of factors on planning a good trip unless you are really spontaneous and feel like "winging" it.


   Most people, if you are like me, like to plan things ahead of time. For instance: Where to go? Feel like browsing the states? The usual comes to mind: New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles. Whatever your style, go for it.



   However, three are many hidden treasures in our country. If you're a nature buff you might consider the Sequoia National Park in California. Perfect for hiking and just simply staring at these beautiful trees!


   How about camping? Oklahoma offers pretty nice camping sites near their lakes. Try Broken Bow or Beavers Ben sometime. Word to wise, avoid mosquito/tornado season. Eesh!


   If you are an adventurer that needs real challenges and surprises there is always the mid-west. The grand canyon can have the most intense rafting conditions on many rivers. Colorado might surprise you too with numerous activities such as rafting, horse back riding, skiing, snow boarding and for those shopping lovers they offer many shopping centers all over.


   Not an outdoorsy person but still like thrills? Plenty of amusement parks all over the states can accommodate to that. From Cedar point in Sandusky, Ohio down to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida these roller coasters will flip you in ways you did not know were possible.



   Last place you might think of for this type of entertainment is in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Stratosphere Hotel has few thrilling rides right on its rooftop. Just a little over a thousand feet high, no biggie.


   Also, if you are like me and would never think of skydiving, there is actually a simulated one you can try out in Las Vegas too. Indoor skydiving is a safer alternative if you will. You lay on the floor, turn on the high fan under you and hope the power doesn't go off mid-air: kidding!


   If you however are considering a real calm vacation and just want to kick back and relax you have plenty of options as well. If you like snow Colorado can help with that. Breckenridge is actually a hidden treasure not many know about and offers quiet cabins in the mountains with all the modern luxuries you can ask for.


   However, if you would favor warmer climates there is always the calming Florida Keys or the virgin islands. Many resorts and beach house rentals await. It does not have to weigh heavily on your wallet at all.



   Whatever your choice from thrilling to peaceful, be sure to take what you need, plan out the basics and just have fun.

Gratitude: The Personal Development Tool



If you are serious about improving yourself, what you need to know is that there are a few different ways you can accomplish that. Of course, what you need to know is that it is imperative that you start somewhere. A lot of the time, people get overwhelmed by all the personal development tools that are out there. That leads to no improvement whatsoever.


A great tool for you, if you're serious about improving your personal development, is to think of the concept of gratitude. Gratitude is something that can be exceedingly helpful to you in your quest to better yourself, and here are some ways you can put gratitude to work for you.


Think about what you are grateful for every morning. For most people, waking up is a chore. They wish they could sleep more often, and they don't cherish the idea of waking up and going to work. That's why you should make a real effort to get up in the morning giving thanks instead of complaining. Then, you start your day on a high note and you start helping good things to happen.


Now, it doesn't matter who you give thanks to. If you are religious, you may wish to thank God, but if you are not, it is as acceptable to just feel the gratitude in your heart.


Another way gratitude can help you is if you keep a journal about things you are thankful for. Keep the journal with you at all times so you can jot down notes if you need to. That way, whenever you are feeling down, or as if you don't have anything, you can open your gratitude journal and see all the things you like about your life. It doesn't have to be huge things you are thankful for, either. Even if you are thankful for jellybeans, that counts!


Express your gratitude for those around you who make your life a better place. We all spend a lot of time complaining about the people who make us miserable, why not take that time and talk about people who make us happy!


Look for ways to show your gratitude to people. You may not have much money, but you can write them a kind note. You can do them a favor, or babysit, or cook them a meal. Showing your gratefulness helps other people do to the same. Everyone has a tough time in life, so it is a good thing when you can alleviate someone else's suffering.


Finally, before you go to bed at night, think of times during the day where you were not grateful, but could have been. This teaches you how to act in the future.



As you can see now, gratitude can be a really important part of your life. Even if you start with just a little gratitude, it can grow into something that is beautiful in your life. If you want to see your life blossom, become someone who is more grateful.

From “I Can’t” To “I Have”



How often do you hear people say “I can’t do this”? All too often, isn’t it? Now, time to be honest with yourself, how often have you said it. “I can’t” can be two of the most dangerous words in the English language. Those two words are a big factor in people being unable to accomplish anything.


If you find yourself constantly saying, “I can’t” you need to change your thinking. In many cases, “I can’t” really means “I won’t”. Think about how often you say that you can’t do something. How many times is it just a minor obstacle standing in your way, something small that you will not try to overcome? Often, with just a little bit of effort, you can get around these small obstacles, and accomplish something. Take a look at what is standing in your way, think of ways around it, and “I can’t” can become “I can”.


Now that you are starting to think “I can”, you need to move on from there. Certainly, it is better to think that you can do something than thinking that you can’t. However, “I can” can also be dangerous. Now that you think you can do something, that’s a good thing. So, now you can, the question becomes, why aren’t you? I can is a good step, but at this point there is just the belief that you can accomplish something. But belief without action is nothing. At this point, you need to stop saying that you can do something, and do it.


The next step is to think “I will”. This is where you take a hard look at what you want to accomplish, and start thinking about how to do it. Write out your goals, and the steps needed to achieve the goals. Spend an adequate amount of time planning what you need to do to accomplish your goals. Do not spend too much time planning, though. It is easy to get caught up in the trap of over planning, and over thinking. At some point you need to simply start doing. You need to start taking action on your plans.


Now, you have reached the “I am” stage. You have overcome the fear and inaction of “I can’t”. You have moved beyond simply believing of “I can”. You have made your plans in the “I will” stage. Now you have to look at the list of steps to reach your goals, and start taking action. Just take it one step at a time and move closer and closer to your goals. Other obstacles may crop up on the way. If this happens, don’t let it stop you. Step back for a moment, and figure out a way around them. Keep moving forward and soon you’ll find yourself at “I have”.


“I have” is accomplishment. You’ve overcome your fear, believed that you can do it, planned it out, and taken action. Now you are seeing the results of your efforts. You’ve reached your goals. Think of some areas of your life where you can apply this. Apply these principles to your life, and keep moving from “I can’t” to “I have”.