Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer June 19, 2009
Posted by sfaf in Senior Health.add a comment
Skin cancer is a dangerous disease It is important to get it checked as soon as you discover some of the symptoms that indicate skin cancer
Skin cancer is a dangerous disease. It is important to get it checked as soon as you discover some of the symptoms that indicate skin cancer. However, as the experts have always said, ?prevention is better than cure.? You should focus on prevention skin cancer from attacking your skin.
Skin plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. It is the largest organ in your body, and it protects you from potential problems caused by such factors as dehydration, the sun, bacterial infections, and pollution. However, there are limits to the skin’s ability to provide protection. Various factors can cause damage that cannot be repaired. This is how skin cancer may develop.
Most people are unable to treat skin cancer on time because they do not come to know that they have skin cancer. Certain outgrowths, moles and discoloration on the skin are taken as normal skin problems.
Anyone can develop skin cancer. It does not attack any particular age, race or skin type. Certain skin types are more vulnerable to skin cancer as compared to others. People with fair skin, light hair and light eye color or a large number of moles or freckles are more vulnerable
One of the main causes of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays. UV rays are invisible, and are produced by the sun and tanning lamps. Most often, skin cancer is the result of overexposure to the sun.
Here are the main actions to prevent from cancer:
- Tip 1
Make sure that you protect yourself from the harmful ultra-violet rays of sun. Apply a good sunscreen with high SPF or sun protection factor generously before going out in the sun. Re-apply 15 to 30 minutes after sun exposure begins. You should also re-apply sunscreen after vigorous activity that could remove the product, such as swimming, toweling or excessive sweating and rubbing.
- Tip 2
Do not spend a lot of time outdoors. Arrange your time in the sun for morning or afternoon, and avoid high noon. Dress in dark colors and protective clothing. Also wear good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes and surrounding tissues. Select shaded areas for outdoor activities. Always use sunscreen and lip balm.
Limit exposure to reflective surfaces such as snow, water, concrete and sand. Remember that water activities can increases exposure to reflective UV rays.
- Tip 3
Most people are under a notion that a tanning bed can be safe option. A tanning-bed can be more dangerous than exposing your skin to sun’s rays. Better is to use a sunless tanning lotion. It is available in different varieties for different skin types. Remember that a sunless tan lotion will not provide you SPF protection.
The rule is that the best color for you is the one you were born with. Keep checking your body regularly for any moles lesions or skin irregularities. See your doctor right away if you notice an abnormally dark or discolored patches or spots, or bleeding, crusting or change in the color, size, or shape of a mole.
For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about SKIN CANCER please visit SKIN CANCER REPORT
How to Avoid Contractor Scams June 19, 2009
Posted by sfaf in General.add a comment
A contractor calls and says he is working in the neighborhood, or he knocks on your door and may offer to repave your driveway or remodel your bathroom at a price that sounds quite reasonable. You tell him you are rather interested, but you can not afford it right now. He tells you there is no problem at all, he works with a bank or lender and will arrange easy financing through them. You agree to have him do the project, and he contractor begins the work. At some point just after he begins, you’ll be asked to sign a batch of papers. Some of the papers may be blank or the lender ’s representative will ask you to sign before you read what you you are signing. But the contractor is doing the job so you sign the papers. Later on you realize that the papers you signed are truly a home equity loan. The interest rate, points and fees are higher than they should be. In addition the work on your home isn’t done right or has not been completed. The contractor, having been paid by the lender, has little or no interest in completing the work or satisfying you.
You must protect yourself from these unscrupulous lending practices.
Do Not:
-
Agree to a home equity loan if you can’t make the monthly payments.
-
Sign documents you haven’t read or any document with a blank space to be filled in afterwards.
-
Let anyone pressure you into signing any document.
-
Deed your property to anyone. Consult an attorney, or a knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust.
-
Agree to financing through your contractor without shopping around and comparing terms.
Always Get a Written Contract
Contract requirements vary by state and locality. If your state does not require a written agreement, ask for one. A contract spells out who, what, where, when, and the costs of your project. It should be clear, concise and complete. Before you sign a contract, make sure it contains:
-
The contractor’s name, address, phone, and license number, if required. If a corporation the owners and principals name as well.
-
The payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers.
-
The estimated start and completion date.
-
The contractor’s obligation to obtain all permits, including a list of those needed.
-
A clear definition of how changes to the order will be handled. A change order, common on remodeling jobs, is a written authorization for the contractor to make a change or addition to the work information described in the original contract. It may affect the project cost and schedule and should clearly spell this out. Re-modelers may require payment for change orders before work begins.
-
A detailed bill of materials listing everything needed including color, model, size, brand name, and product.
-
Warranties covering both materials and workmanship. The names and addresses of the parties honoring the warranties, whether it is the contractor, distributor or manufacturer, must be clearly identified. The length of the warranty period and any warranty limitations should be spelled out.
-
A list of what the contractor will and will not do. For example, site clean up and trash hauling. Request a “broom clean clause.” It makes the contractor responsible for all clean-up work, including spills and stains.
-
Any oral promises should be included in the written contract.
-
The contract should include a written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days if you signed it in your home or at a location other than the seller’s permanent place of business.
-
During the sale, the salesperson (or contractor) must give you two copies of a cancellation form (one to keep and one to return to the company) and a full copy of your contract or receipt. The contract or receipt must be dated, show the name and address of the seller, and explain your right to cancel.
Timely Information – Swine Flu: May 8, 2009
Posted by sfaf in General.add a comment
Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis.
Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public. Although the current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain, vaccines against the new strain are being developed and could be ready as early as June 2009.
Experts agree that hand-washing can help prevent viral infections, including ordinary influenza and the swine flu virus. Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes, but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can linger on tabletops, telephones and other surfaces and be transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor to be tested.
Social distancing is another tactic. It means staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home and lying low if an infection is spreading in a community. Public health and other responsible authorities have action plans which may request or require social distancing actions depending on the severity of the outbreak.
Make sure you are in good health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. The healthier you are, the better your immune system will be at defending your body against a virus.
Practice good hygiene. If you sneeze, keep a disposable tissue in front of your mouth, after sneezing or blowing your nose throw the tissue away. Wash your hands often, especially if after blowing your nose/sneezing and before you eat. Use a disinfectant when possible or just use soap and water.
Items in demand lately are: and .
- Facemasks
- Hand Wipes
Save Money Smarter by James May 8, 2009
Posted by sfaf in Uncategorized.add a comment
It’s so much easier said than done to save money. Well, somebody has given lists such as cutting your coffee, less entertainment, less shopping (no, you are killing me)… That works for your money but not for your life, because you save for a better one.
To better manage your money, here comes some tips:
First, set your goal in short-term and long-term. There must be something you want in desperation, like a car, a macbook. You will figure out what to cut to have your dream come true. Yes, you are not really saving money here, but you find the ways.
Second, make a budget and prioritize your spending. Track your monthly expenses and calculate the average for your regular payments (Rent, Phone Bills, utilities, gas etc.). Shopping and entertainment may change from month to month, set a minimum. When you have a total spending plan for the next month, save all the surplus for investment or open a savings account.
Third and the smarter way, when you have to buy something, find a cheap one. Actually this is easy because you are online. DO NOT save your cable expense.
The Internet has changed our way of life: Users get greater access to information than ever before. It also offers many opportunities for saving money. As online shopping has become more and more popular, businesses have been pressured into not only maintaining an online presence, but also competing for a thriving global consumer base. Online deals and specials are powerful persuasion for potential customers, and are therefore used by many retailers. If you know where to look, you can find many ways to save money online, such as traditional coupons that you can print out and carry with you, and online coupons that use links or coupon codes to save you money.
There are two ways applying the discount for online stores: linked coupons and coupon codes . With a linked coupon, you simply click on the link, and it takes you to the online store via a special URL; then when you finish the shopping, your savings will be applied to your shopping cart automatically. A coupon code is a special code you will need to enter when you check out. Because online stores depend on online coupons and promotions to boost sales, these codes are very easy to find. There are many websites dedicated to listing current online coupons and coupon codes such as couponcabin.com , couponsmarter.com etc. Most of these sites offer a search feature to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
About the Author
Find more at www.couponsmarter.com
10 Tips For Choosing Healthy Cosmetics January 14, 2009
Posted by sfaf in Senior Health.add a comment
by Christine H. Farlow, D.C.
The cosmetic and personal care product industry is a multi-billion dollar a year industry … and growing. New products are coming onto the market every day.
Manufacturers play to your emotions in their advertising and packaging. They tell you their products will make you look more beautiful, younger, sexier and help you attract your perfect mate. They promise to erase blemishes, wrinkles, make your skin smoother and softer. In fact, any flaws that you see in yourself, real or imagined, there is most likely a product on the market that promises to fix it.
Can you believe all the claims you read or hear about these products? Is there really truth in advertising? Where do you find the answers to these questions? How can you really be sure that a product will do what the manufacturer says it will? And most importantly, how do you know that the products are healthy and safe to use?
Here are some things for you to look out for when choosing products you’re going to use on your skin:
- Magazine and other print ads They’re designed to make you want to buy. They promise you radiant skin, a healthy glow, age-defying skin care, purity, safe and effective products made with natural ingredients. They make the product sound so good and good for you that you just want to go out and buy it. But don’t buy yet. You need more information.
- Radio and TV ads In 30 seconds or less, you’ll hear all the wonderful benefits you’ll receive from choosing their products – softer, silkier, healthier hair; smoother, younger-looking skin and more. Manufacturers spend a lot of money trying to convince you to buy their products. Don’t jump up and rush to the store after seeing or hearing one of their compelling ads. They’re not telling you everything you need to know.
- Celebrity endorsements Companies pay celebrities a lot of money to endorse their products. They hope you’ll think that because the celebs say wonderful things about their products, you’ll want to use them too. Don’t fall for this.
- Samples in the mail What better way to get you to try their product than to give you a little bit to test on yourself? You get to experience first hand how the product smells, feels, lathers, absorbs, etc. Now while you may like how it smells, performs and the result you get, you still don’t have enough information to assess the health and safety of the product.
- “Natural” on the label This suggests that the product is made of ingredients from natural sources. However, there are no industry standards for what “natural” means. The product may contain all natural ingredients, just a few natural ingredients added to a synthetic product or no natural ingredients at all.
- “Organic” on the label Beware of products that claim to be 95%, 90% or some other high percentage organic on the label. According to cosmetic chemist Paul Lieber, it’s physically impossible for more than 30-40% of the ingredients to be organic, unless it’s organic oil. Why? Because typically 60-70% of a product is water and water cannot be certified organically grown, even if it’s distilled or processed with organic herbs or essential oils.
- Hypoallergenic This doesn’t mean the product won’t cause allergic reactions. There are no standards defining hypoallergenic. It just means the manufacturer believes it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions. In many cases, it’s not even tested; only fragrances are removed.
- Pretty labels Manufacturers spend a lot of money designing labels to make you think their product is natural, herbal, healthy and will do amazing things if you use it. The truth is … the information on the front of the label doesn’t tell you anything about the health and safety of the ingredients inside the package. Don’t base your decision on what’s on the front of the label.
- The ingredients list This is the most important piece of information that you absolutely must read before you buy any product. The ingredient list is where you find out if the product really contains safe and healthy ingredients or not. This is not what the manufacturers wants you to read on their labels. That’s why they make it so tiny you need a magnifying glass to read it. Buy one and carry it with you in your pocket or purse. Take it out when you’re trying to read that microscopic print.
- Incomplete ingredient lists Many companies, because of increased consumer awareness of the ingredients in skin care products, will list only the known herbal and healthy ingredients on their website or in their advertisements. If you don’t read carefully, you may think that what they list is the complete list of ingredients in the product … that is until you buy the product and read the full list of ingredients on the label. Beware of this deceptive practice.
Now, you may be wondering how you’re supposed to know if the ingredients on the label are safe or not. Most of the ingredients are not listed in plain, understandable, everyday language.
Well, you don’t need to hire your own personal cosmetic chemist. There is a simple solution. Dying To Look Good is an easy-to-use book, written in plain, understandable language, that classifies ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products according to safety and lists products that are safe and healthy to use.
If you check the ingredients on all product labels before you buy with the list of ingredients in Dying To Look Good, you will be able to confidently choose products that are safe and healthy.
© 2006 Christine H. Farlow, D.C., “The Ingredients Investigator” and author of DYING TO LOOK GOOD. Learn more about ingredient safety in skin care products and find healthy products at DyingToLookGood.com.
Sharing Memories, Literally! October 14, 2008
Posted by sfaf in Uncategorized.add a comment
In this un-stoppable forward leaping to an absolute digital era, where downloads, email attachments, URL’s are as part of our daily lives as picking up a phone or just a trip to the corner store.My computer for the most part is filled with a big folder jammed with pictures of friends, family, vacation trips or just candid and many silly moments captured by a digital camera. This became a problem once when my computer crashed and almost, really lost all my pictures.
Sharing pictures has become very popular and an easier task than it used to be before digital cameras or even cell phones with built in cameras. Now pictures travel almost at light-speed thanks to telecommunication and the Internet. Avoiding a picture clutter is not an easy task when it comes to saving those pictures to your computer, but as mass storage devices become smaller and smaller in size, yet larger and larger in memory it facilitates transferring those pictures to things such as “memory sticks”, “SD cards” or USB Drives.
There is a double benefit to transferring your pictures to “memory sticks” or external memory
cards. First is that they get backed up outside your computer (in case of a hard disk failure), and the benefit to literally Share “memories” with family members. Memory Sticks support high transfer speeds and copying those files to another Memory Stick will take just a few moments…. Now, that is what I call Sharing Memories!
Displaying those photos now can be a part of your home décor or office desk, a Digital Frame will do a great job, and adding more pictures can be a breeze.
Don’t let those moments sit on your hard drive, keep those memories alive… every day, a Digital Picture Frame can create a slide-show of all your favorite pictures over and over again.
How Seniors Can Stay Fit at Home ? October 14, 2008
Posted by sfaf in Senior Health.Tags: senior fitness, Senior Recreation
add a comment
There’s something new on DVD that may-or “should” -be of interest to those searching for a safe, fun, and well-rounded exercise program. Even though older adults (and younger!) know they “should” exercise, many are too intimidated by, or not able to get to a gym, or find it difficult to take their exercise walks outside in inclement weather. Others simply find it more comfortable to exercise at home.
The “Older& Wiser Workout” includes all the fitness components essential for successful active aging: Low impact aerobics, gentle strength training, and a relaxing stretch.
After extensive training in and experience with older adult fitness,
Sue Grant produced the DVD to provide an easy way to enjoy a gentle
workout. “After years as a personal trainer and teaching exercise
classes, I’ve created something that I hope will encourage both the first-timer and the more experienced adult exerciser to look forward to daily exercise.”
Dr. Debra Rose, founder of the Fall-Proof Balance and Mobility Program, had this to say about the DVD: “This
beautifully instructed DVD provides a much needed exercise resource for the healthy older adult who is looking for a carefully developed and well-rounded home exercise program taught by an instructor who really
understands the older adult population.”
Peggy Buchanan, the IDEA spokesperson for Older Adult Fitness was also impressed with the DVD: “The “Older &
Wiser workout” is a fresh, safe, and effective approach to exercise for older adults. Sue and her associates are fun to watch, and easy to follow and listen to. A must for those home exercisers!”
Sue’s own positive (and wise) approach to aging comes sets the tone for the workout: “Being active is the key to health and happiness. Enjoy!”
Anti-Aging Skincare Products by Roberto Sedycias July 29, 2008
Posted by sfaf in Senior Health.Tags: Add new tag
1 comment so far
The basic ideas that have propelled the fact that one can actually stop aging has been carved from the following legends or half-truths.
Antediluvian Legends – People believe that if they continued with the diet of the ancient ages, they would probably live as long as the people in the fables did. The fact that the earlier food products were devoid of pollution and high in proteins, carbohydrates and other minerals had a strong assistance in propping this up for good. The `diets` proposed as anti aging themes are propelled from these legends.
Hyperborean Legends – Places where nature is at its best is where you can live long, is anther popular fad about anti aging. This has helped push forward the travel and tourism packages to places such as Kashmir and Georgia to promote anti aging.
Fountain Legends – These legends revolved around the idea that there were hidden magic pills and waters and fountains of youth that led to anti aging. This legend again has helped promote anti aging products such as pills and capsules and botox treatments and anti-aging liquids.
Nowadays, many of the anti aging products has caught o with the people because of aggressive marketing. The main product is the stimulant for `hormones`, especially the human growth hormones (HGH) that are supposedly responsible for reversing the aging process. Skin elasticity, increase in mental acumen and the rise in libido are the main factors that govern whether a person is aging or not. The prominence of these represents a youthful body, and hence may provide a good substitute for the anti aging fountain that you had been looking for. Also various kinds of waters are sold off as anti aging liquids, as well as anti-oxidants that supposedly make up for deficiencies in an old man`s diet, which is not entirely true though.
Other anti aging procedures that have been tested and set up are going under the knife to stop the continuous process and also the usage of various youth-aggravating creams and lotions. Even though they are not usually of any good, the psychological advantage for the aging guys is a big boost in handling the pressures of the bowing spine.
If there is any sure shot anti aging drug, it is exercise. While it has no side effects, exercise, whose forms may range from gardening, cleaning the car to sex, can psychologically and physically keep a senior citizen from falling into the clutches of old age early in life. Though it will not stop the aging process, (nothing can actually), it will make aging a process sans any pain or discomfort, which is so necessary for happiness in these last stages of life of a human being!
About the Author
This article can be accessed in portuguese from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/beleza-saude.php
Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br
Red Clover And Menopause by Randy Hough May 13, 2008
Posted by sfaf in Uncategorized.add a comment
Is there scientific evidence to support it? Red clover is the subject of current study in scientific circles and the preliminary results look very promising. Of course, this comes as no surprise to natural healers and herbalists. Nevertheless, it is always encouraging when science and traditional healing agree.
Red clover is rich in bio-active compounds, which are considered to help in menopause. Some of the chemicals in the plant bind with estrogen in the tissues and produce a subtle physiological action. Soy and kudzu, which are cousins to red clover, work in a similar manner by regulating responses in the bodies cells to help balance hormones. This explains why red clover is effective: it helps balance hormones, and menopause symptoms are caused by an imbalance.
Does it have side effects? The good news is that no scientific study has demonstrated any negative side effects from using red clover. Of course, common sense always is in order, and you should talk with a herbalist or naturopath if you have any uncertainties or questions.
How much should you take? Should you decide to use red clover as a stand alone supplement, you should look for capsules containing extracts of organically grown clover, and it should include at least 40 mg isoflavones or 8% isoflavonoids per capsule. Usually the leaves are mixed with the flowers to maintain a balanced formula that is most effective in treating menopause symptoms.
How long have women used red clover? There is evidence of women using red clover in teas, tinctures, infusions, and extracts from ancient times, but nobody really knows just how far back it’s use goes. Certainly, any plant that gives {a href= http://safemenopauserelief.com}safe menopause relief and endures for thousands of years should be investigated.
Red clover is also commonly used to treat sore throats, ulcers, bronchitis,sores and eczema for centuries.
About the Author
Randy Hough and Laura Simon, MSW,MEd,have worked together to create a {a href= http://stress-familyhealth.net/blog/}family stress blog and a safe menopause relief web site. They live and work in the beautiful Upper Valley of Vermont.
Finding Great Cell Phones for Senior Citizens by Joem Hughes May 13, 2008
Posted by sfaf in Daily Living Aids.add a comment
There is no doubt that mobile phones are a significant part of modern living. These devices have taken over landlines and have changed the way we communicate. A billion dollar industry has also grown with the popularity of cell phones and the services that power them. Carriers and manufacturers have created devices and programs that are fitted for all ages including senior citizens.
When the Jitterbug cell phone was released as a simple device designed for the elderly, the potential of senior citizens as a niche for mobile phone services became evident. In an effort to take control of the senior citizen market, mobile phone carriers launched programs and cell phones for seniors.
It turned out that programs and mobile phones for senior citizens are also beneficial to disabled persons. After all, both groups often suffer from similar ailments such as frail limbs and diminished senses. Let me offer some information on devices for seniors and disabled persons.
Let us begin with ideal mobile phones for seniors. The elderly usually require simple mobile phones because of their condition. They would normally prefer basic phones because these devices have no frills and are easy to use. A complicated handset will only cause problems for seniors and disabled persons because they require more instructions.
Handsets that have large keys are also ideal cellphones for seniors. Senior citizens usually have frail fingers or weak eyesight so a device that allows them, to dial by feel will be suitable for their condition. The keys must also be easy to press so that weak fingers do not have to exert a lot of force. The keys should be also spaced wide apart so that the elderly will be able to choose the correct key more easily.
A large screen is also an ideal feature of a cell phone for seniors. The elderly and disabled will be able to see any information on the device more easily if it has a large screen. Most fashionable or stylish phones have small keys so they may not be the best types of mobile phones for seniors. It would also help if the handset has large fonts that would help seniors see the numbers or letters in the screen.
The size is also a good factor in judging if a handset is suitable for your grandparents. A very small phone would not be ideal; because seniors will have difficulty holding them and they might be dropped too easily. A very large phone would not also be good because it would be too heavy for the weak hands of seniors and disabled persons. The device should have the right size and weight that would be suitable for persons who are 65 years old and older.
Durability is also a trait or attribute that a cellphone for seniors should possess. It should be able to withstand the shock of being dropped several times. Seniors and si9sabled persons are prone to dropping objects so a device that can still function after being dropped would be a good candidate for a senior phone.
Mobile phone service providers also offer services for senior citizens. For instance they offer plans that are designed explicitly for the needs of senior citizens. These mobile phone plans for seniors offer a special cheap price and enough monthly minutes to cover the needs of a senior. Long distance calls are free in these plans to allow seniors to contact friends and family all over the county.
Those are the some of the basic information on mobile devices for the elderly. I’m sure more devices and services will be launched to cater to seniors in the future. If you are looking for a device for a senior member of your family, then you may use these tips to help you find the right handset.
About the Author
Joem Hughes writes articles about cell phones for seniors, wireless plans, wireless phone networks, and wireless contracts. He hopes that he can contribute useful information on various wireless phone topics through his articles. He also makes sports articles at Pinoy boxing.
