Medigap Plan Will Ensure Your Total Coverage Of Medicare 2010

Applying to Medicare original policy is a common decision of most of the people. It is always good and wise decision to make for securing your future with a health insurance plan. It will help you after the age of 65 when you will retire from your work and might face some difficult physical problems due to old age. Almost all types of health crisis are included in this health insurance policy. It will make you relaxed and tension free. But like many other insurance Medicare original insurance plan also laps some expenses that you have to pay during your treatment. It is not covered in your insurance and always an amount of money is barred from giving the claimer. Not all types of treatment are included in the policy index. It is one of the common problems that a policy holder of Medicare original plan faces after doing a Medicare or at the time of claiming the expenditure. But now there is a solution from this crises and this is booking for a Medicare supplemental insurance plan which secure your health purposes totally and most efficiently.

You can trust on this plan 100% and will get the full coverage of the original one only after booking this. This special policy or plan is also known as medigap insurance plan simply because it bridges the laps or better to call the gaps between the actual and desired. Actually it is also seen that after a treatment gets finished the plan does not cover all the expenses as it is sated and the policy holder does not get the whole some of money that is spent by him. And he has to pay some money from his own pocket always in spite of having medical insurance. But it is not unnatural and unexpected as there are some boundaries for these types of insurance policies.

You can solve this problem with the help of an extraordinary and splendid plan you can supplement your original Medicare insurance plan. And this plan is called medigap health insurance plan. It is very useful to have all the benefits of your Medicare plan. It will help you to get all the benefits of the previous plan. But you have to do the original first to claim all expenditures. It is called Medigap plan only because these plans cover up the gap between the Original Medicare policy coverage and the total bill payable therefore the name is like this. Now it should be told that all these types of medigap plans are administered by several private companies and sold by them only. No governmental body can handle this plan.

There are total 12 plans which are available in market to cover your needs. You may consult with a medigap plan advisor and then request for a medigap plan. There is one option on which you can relay 100% and that is medigap California. This is such a medigap plan which is secured and worth of your money.

Substitute Yogurt in Your Recipes for Healthier Meals

Yogurt can improve baked goods' texture, not to mention make them lower in fat and calories.

(NewsUSA) - Eating healthier isn't about deprivation, but replacing low-nutrient foods with healthy substitutes. Incorporating yogurt into basic recipes is the pefect way to start.

By using yogurt instead of sour cream, cream cheese, whipped cream or mayonnaise, meals become not only lower in calories and fat, but also higher in calcium and protein. In baked goods, yogurt can improve texture and keep foods moist. When it's not heated, yogurt provides live active cultures, which can aid digestion and provide immune system support.

Greek yogurt -- a thick strained yogurt -- is especially versatile in cooking. It can be used in dips, spreads and low-fat desserts, or in any recipe that calls for cream, cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream or other fats. You can even use Greek yogurt as an egg extender by replacing one egg with one-fourth cup yogurt.

For a decadent, reduced-fat dessert, try this recipe for Vanilla Cheesecake Made with Vanilla Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt:

Vanilla Cheesecake

Made with Vanilla Oikos

Organic Greek Yogurt

Makes 10 Servings

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups shortbread cookies, finely ground

1/2 stick unsalted butter melted

1 1/2 cups vanilla Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt

4 large eggs

2 8-ounce packages low-fat cream cheese

1 cup super-fine sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

In a medium-sized bowl, mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press into a 9-inch spring form pan and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Add all ingredients for filling in bowl, and combine using food processor or hand mixer. Pour into cooled crust. Bake for 2 hours. Let cool overnight in refrigerator.

To find other recipes, or to use an online ingredient-substitution calculator that will compute how much yogurt to use in place of your original ingredients, visitwww.stonyfield.com/recipes/substitutioncalc.cfm.

Raising Awareness About Blood Disorders in Women

Women are at a higher risk for certain blood disorders, including anemia and blood clots.

(NewsUSA) - Blood disorders can be dangerous and are of special concern to women because of the unique risks posed by pregnancy, oral contraceptives, menstrual bleeding and hormone-replacement therapy for menopause.

"The hormones estrogen and progesterone can put women at greater risk for blood clots," says Dr. Nancy Berliner, president of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). "These hormones are used in birth control formulations and menopause therapies and are also at higher levels during pregnancy. Women are also at higher risk for anemia than men because of blood loss due to menstrual periods and pregnancy."

ASH therefore urges women to be aware of the following blood disorders, in particular:

- Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to organs and tissue. Pregnant women are especially at risk as they need more red blood cells to support their own bodies and their babies. Red blood cell production requires iron, and pregnant women often don't have enough iron to be able to make the required increased numbers of red blood cells. Heavy menstruation can also result in iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath.

- Thrombophilia is a dangerous condition in which blood clots form in veins and arteries, blocking the flow of blood. This may cause swelling, pain or redness. Since pregnancy and hormonal medications increase the chance of clotting, women are especially at risk for the disorder.

- Von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder in women. It is an inherited condition in which blood cannot clot properly. Symptoms include bleeding gums, bruising easily or heavy and long menstrual periods (the most common symptom).

An awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of these disorders is critical, so treatment can be sought before any problems worsen. If you suspect that you have a blood condition, talk to your doctor immediately.

It is especially important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to talk with their obstetricians about these conditions. "Two of the most common blood disorders during pregnancy are blood clots and anemia," said Berliner. "Both blood conditions are treatable, and there are easy ways to help prevent them."

For more information, visit www.bloodthevitalconnection.org.

Restaurant Chains Responding to Healthier Lifestyles

Restaurant chains are catering to public demand by creating delicious, healthy meals, like the roasted eggplant, spinach & flatbread pizza.

(NewsUSA) - Recent studies indicate that as many as one-third of all American adults are obese. And while healthier diets provide an obvious antidote to their fattier counterparts, there is an obvious reason Americans tend to choose foods in the latter category -- they taste awesome.

So, if the challenge is to marry great taste with healthier intake, and the nation's well-being hinges on the result, health mavens couldn't do much better than to look toward today's more innovative restaurant chains.

For example, recently chosen for the top spot on "Health" magazine's America's Healthiest Chain Restaurants list, UNO has found a way to offer a menu filled with healthy choices, and to have its customers embrace these choices enthusiastically.

"We start by rejecting the notion that healthy food must sacrifice taste," said Frank Guidara, CEO of UNO Chicago Grill. "That simply isn't true. Granted, to achieve both, you will require the highest level of culinary talent. But we have plenty of that at UNO, and that's why we knew we could create menu offerings that would be both healthy and delicious."

A chef of great talent knows that for every unhealthy item added to enhance taste, a healthy alternative can be found or concocted. At UNO, that means diners can enjoy a roasted eggplant, spinach & feta flatbread pizza on multigrain crust without guilt or worry, since it has only 280 calories and six grams of fiber per serving. Diners can choose the multigrain crust option for any flatbread pizza. Another great option for a delicious entree is the lemon basil salmon, which has just 240 calories per serving.

And when it comes to carbohydrates, UNO teamed with Barilla to offer whole grain penne as an option to any pasta -- helping to add more fiber and whole grains to your diet without sacrificing taste.

Just as important as healthy choices is good, easy-to-access information. That's why UNO offers nutrition information through its Web site and on display in restaurant lobby kiosks, with categories that show diners which items are under 500 calories, which are vegetarian and which are created to serve those with food allergies. What's more, UNO's site offers tips for eating healthy in restaurants, including ways to lessen fat content and caloric intake without sacrificing flavor.

Healthy eating will become mainstream when everyone figures out how to combine good health with great taste, and in that pursuit, UNO is leading the way.

Stay in Step with your Diabetes

More than 60 percent of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations occur among people with diabetes. Don't become one of them.

(NewsUSA) - Nearly 21 million people in the United States are afflicted with diabetes, which accounts for 7 percent of the population. The prevalence of the disease is even higher among African Americans. In fact, approximately 13 percent of African Americans aged 20 years or older have the disease. And while diabetes is a chronic disease that can be managed, people need to be more aware of the complications associated with it.

Diabetic complications can cause nerve and vascular damage, which can eventually lead to foot ulcers. If not treated in time, these ulcers can result in amputation. In fact, more than 60 percent of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations in the United States occur among people with diabetes.

What can you do? The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends regular visits to an APMA podiatric physician as part of a comprehensive foot care plan to help reduce your risk of amputation. Additionally, the APMA suggests following these simple tips at home.

* Check your feet every day

Especially if you have a loss of sensation, visually inspecting your feet daily will help you notice any cuts, sores, blisters or changes in the skin or toenails. You can use a hand mirror to help you check the bottoms of your feet. If you notice a change in your feet, see your podiatrist immediately.

* Clean your feet daily

Washing your feet will help avoid the build-up of bacteria. Be sure to wash in warm water, rather than hot. Completely dry your feet after washing, and pay special attention to drying between the toes.

* Keep skin healthy

By lightly applying lotion or moisturizer to your feet, you can help prevent dry, flaky or cracked skin. Use lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet but never between the toes because excess moisture between the toes creates conditions favorable to forming an infection.

* Always wear shoes and socks

Soft, lightly padded socks will help you avoid blisters and sores. Socks with no seams are best. Also, examine the insides of your shoes to be sure there is nothing harmful that will injure your feet.

* Choose shoes that fit well and protect your feet

One of the best ways to avoid injuries to your feet is to wear sturdy and supportive shoes at all times.

For more information on diabetes and
your feet or to find an APMA podiatrist in your area, visit www.apma.org.

Survey Shows Unique Needs of HIV-Positive Women Often Not Addressed

Dawn Averitt Bridge, founder and chair of the Board of The Well Project.
(NewsUSA) - There are now an estimated 300,000 women in the United States living with HIV/AIDS. New findings from the "Women Living Positive" survey show that a communication gap exists between women living with HIV and their health care providers when it comes to having important discussions about HIV and its treatment that meet their individual needs.

More than half of women surveyed (55 percent) say they have never discussed with their health care provider how HIV medications might affect women differently than men.

"With the rise of HIV infections in women, it is important that women living with HIV and their health care providers maintain open lines of communication and discuss important topics including their emotional well-being, family planning considerations and care that best meets their health and lifestyle," said Kathleen Squires, M.D., director of Infectious Diseases and Environmental Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and professor of medicine at Jefferson Medical College.

In addition, each year more than 6,000 HIV-positive women in the United States give birth. The survey shows that many HIV-positive women and their health care providers aren't discussing how HIV treatment options might affect a pregnancy until after they conceive.

More than half of respondents (52 percent) identify themselves as caregivers. Forty-three percent of women feel that living with HIV has made taking care of their families "much more," or "somewhat more," difficult.

"We hope the "Women Living Positive" survey findings will encourage more discussion between women and their health care providers about HIV medications that best meet their individual needs," said Dawn Averitt Bridge, founder and chair of the Board of The Well Project, a non-profit organization for women affected by HIV, and an HIV-positive mother.

The survey was supported by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in collaboration with The Well Project.

GfK Roper Public Affairs conducted the survey with 700 U.S. women, aged 21 and over, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and on HIV treatment for three or more years. The women interviewed were part of three different ethnic or racial groups -; African-American, Caucasian and Hispanic.

For more information about the "Women Living Positive" survey, visit www.thewellproject.org

Lasers Redefine Medicine At the Speed of Light

Lasers are making common medicine safer and faster.
(NewsUSA) - In the past, lasers were fictional weapons created in comics to combat evil-doers. Today, fiction has become reality as medical specialists rely on advances in laser medicine to help provide patients of all ages with better and earlier detection of disease and improved treatments for common medical problems -- combatting "evil" disease and medical problems worldwide.

"Chances are, you or someone you know has benefited from laser medicine or surgery," said R. Rox Anderson, MD, president of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). "Lasers have had a tremendous impact on how we detect and treat diseases, improve aging skin, and manage conditions that in the past were difficult to treat with traditional therapies or systemic medications. There are no signs that this technology has reached its peak; on the contrary, we expect new laser devices and applications will continue to be discovered in the years to come."

When used in medicine, lasers work by delivering tiny pulses of light or energy in various wavelengths to target particular areas or particles in the body. Lasers and other energy sources offer patients tremendous benefits, including less-invasive procedures, reduced recovery times, elegant results, less bleeding and speedy healing. In fact, many laser procedures are now performed in a physician's office using only topical or local anesthetic -- eliminating the need for general anesthesia.

From corrective eye surgery, skin rejuvenation and dental disorders to throat surgery, treatment of acne and birthmarks, and early detection of numerous types of cancer, lasers and related technologies are improving the quality of medical and surgical care. Even persons of color, who previously were not good candidates for laser skin treatments, are now able to enjoy the advantages of most laser therapies and related technologies.

To help ensure a positive laser experience, the ASLMS suggests you consider the following tips:


1. Ask questions.

2. Find out who will be administering the treatment.

3. Discuss your medical history with your physician.

4. Ask whether this laser or other light source is right for your skin type.

5. Be realistic about expectations and results.


For more information and to find a laser doctor near you, please visit www.aslms.org

Walk Your Way to Better Health

Walking is a great way to burn calories and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

(NewsUSA) - Want to get outdoors, improve your health and socialize with friends? It might be time to put on your walking shoes.

Regular physical activity may help control weight and lower the risk for certain diseases.

Some exercise is always better than none. If you're not used to exercise, walking is a great way to become more active. Walking requires a pair of sturdy walking shoes to get started, and proves a viable way to burn calories, build bone density, reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and socialize with friends.

Not sure how to get started? Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better, a national initiative of the Weight-control Information Network (WIN) designed to encourage Black women to exercise and eat healthier foods, offers the following tips to get moving:

* Make it fun. Find a partner. Your walking partner should be able to match your speed.

* Find proper footgear. Wear shoes with proper arch support, a firm heel and thick, flexible soles.

* Wear clothes that will keep you dry and comfortable. Look for synthetic fabrics that absorb sweat and remove it from your skin.

* Divide your walk into sections. Warm up by walking slowly for five minutes. Then, increase your speed and do a fast walk. Finally, cool down by walking slowly again for five minutes. Do light stretching after your warm-up and cool-down.

* Try to walk as often as possible. To avoid stiff or sore muscles and joints, start gradually. Over several weeks, begin walking faster, going farther, and walking for longer periods of time. Aim for 30 minutes of walking a day on most, if not all, days of the week.

* Set goals and rewards. A goal might be participating in a fun walk or walking continuously for 30 minutes. Reward yourself when you meet a goal, but not with high-calorie foods.

For more information and tips, visit the WIN site at www.win.niddk.nih.gov.

Kids Take Gum Disease to Heart

Proper oral health early in life will pay off later.

(NewsUSA) - Teaching your kids to care for their teeth will do more than ensure a healthy smile -- it may also help them avoid health problems later in life.

Many parents consider cavities a normal part of childhood -- after all, children eat more sweet foods than adults and often neglect brushing and flossing. But research links cavities and gum disease with serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease.

Research suggests that there is a relationship between gum disease and heart health. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease. Likewise, in a study of 657 heart-disease patients published in "Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association," lead researcher Moise Desvarieux, M.D., Ph.D. of Columbia University discovered that patients with harmful bacteria in their mouths were more likely to have a clogged artery in their neck, a precursor to stroke.

Researchers believe that, when the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease invade the gum line, they also access the bloodstream. Once they enter the circulatory system, these harmful bacteria can cause disease in other parts of the body.

But kids will be kids, and some may stop brushing their teeth before they finish singing "The Star Spangled Banner" or forget to floss after eating that ice cream cone. Even if kids are excellent brushers and flossers, they can't get rid of the harmful bacteria living in every part of their mouths.

Parents can skip the risk by giving their kids probiotics for oral care, like EvoraKids (www.myevorakids.com), a chewable that contains beneficial bacteria that are normally found in healthy mouths. When these good bacteria adhere to the teeth, they leave less room for harmful bacteria to grow, helping to support tooth health.

"Daily use of a product such as EvoraKids is an easy way to naturally maintain oral health," says Dr. Jeffrey Hillman, D.M.D., Ph.D. and chief medical officer for Oragenics. "The good bacteria inhibit the growth of the damaging bad bacteria, leading to better health and breath."

For more information, visit www.myevorakids.com.

Preparation is Key to Cold and Flu Prevention Year Round

Don't think that warm weather means that you don't have to worry about cold and flu.

(NewsUSA) - While most people associate cold and flu with winter, warmer weather does nothing to cut your risk -; you can catch a cold at any time, year round. Despite the extensive warnings about the H1N1 virus in the fall, the majority of Americans saw this past cold and flu season as about the same or only slightly worse than the previous year, according to an online survey conducted by Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., makers of Zicam Cold Remedy.

The survey also revealed that many Americans heeded the warnings about H1N1 -; in fact, 95 percent of respondents said they took proactive steps to avoid cold and flu this winter. And those who took proactive steps to defend themselves against the flu shouldn't stop now.

"It's important to remember that preparation and early treatment are the best defenses against the common cold, which can strike year round," noted Dr. Tim Tucker, Pharm.D., FAPhA, and immediate past president of the American Pharmacists Association.

Dr. Tucker recommends acting as soon as cold and flu symptoms become apparent. "Zinc products, such as Zicam Cold Remedy, can reduce the duration of your cold if taken within the first 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms," said Dr. Tucker.

In addition to basic precautions, like getting enough rest, taking a daily multivitamin, drinking fluids and washing hands, Zicam Cold Remedy offers additional tips to help you stay healthy all year:

1. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and clean frequently touched surfaces, such as keyboards and door knobs.

2. Eat a balanced diet, and avoid sugar. Do treat yourself to dark chocolate, as it contains antioxidants and mood-boosters.

3. Exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. Regular exercise strengthens the immune system.

4. Avoid stress. Setting a hectic schedule can cause immune-weakening stress and fatigue and interfere with your ability to get enough rest.

5. Relax. Recharge your batteries at least once a day, even if only for 10 or 15 minutes.

For more information, visit www.zicam.com.

Salt and Your Health

Lowering your family's salt consumption will decrease the risk of developing high blood pressure.
(NewsUSA) - Salt is essential to keeping your body's fluids in balance. But too much salt can lead to a host of health problems.

The chemical name for dietary salt, or table salt, is sodium chloride. Most doctors focus on the sodium part.

"The best-known effect of sodium on health is the relationship between sodium and blood pressure," explains Dr. Catherine Loria of the National Institutes of Health.

Dozens of studies, in both animals and people, have shown that increasing salt intake can raise blood pressure. And high blood pressure has been linked to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems.

About one in three adults nationwide has high blood pressure. Another third have blood pressure numbers high enough to risk developing high blood pressure. That's why, Loria says, "it's really important for the majority of the population to reduce their blood pressure."

Experts recommend that people take in less than 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day. People with high blood pressure should shoot for 1,500 mg or less. But right now, the average man in the United States takes in over 4,000 mg of salt per day, and the average woman over 2,800 mg.

Would you miss the taste? "Several studies have shown that as you gradually reduce sodium intake, you lessen your desire for salty food," Loria says. In the U.K., where salt consumption has dropped by 10 percent over the past five years, surveys found that most people didn't notice any difference in the taste of their food.

Most of the salt in the average American's diet comes in prepared and processed foods, including restaurant food, cold cuts and canned foods. Surprisingly, over 20 percent comes from grain products, such as breads, cereals, crackers and chips.

"I think the best guidance we have is for people to pay attention to nutrition facts on the labels," Loria says. Try to choose foods that list less than 5 percent of the daily value of sodium per serving on the nutrition facts label.

Even small reductions in salt can help your blood pressure. If you can't find a low-salt alternative to a particular food, try something that's lower than what you usually buy.

Why not start now? Make small changes at first, and then keep working to gradually lower your family's salt intake.

10 Tips for Better Sleep Hygiene

Sufficient sleep isn't a luxury, but a necessity.

(NewsUSA) - Between office meeting and errands, sports practice and studies, many people sacrifice sleep for a few more hours of productivity. According to the National Sleep Foundation, fewer than half of Americans report getting adequate sleep every night.

But sleep deprivation results in more than just yawns. Inadequate sleep has been linked to depression, weight gain, hypertension, poor concentration and memory retention, and accidents.

Take driving, an activity that most Americans perform daily. In a recent National Sleep Foundation poll, 54 percent of respondents said that they have driven while drowsy. Twenty-eight percent confessed to falling asleep at the wheel. People know that alcohol impairs driving, but too few consider sleep deprivation's effect on their motor skills. Drowsy driving causes thousands of accidents each year.

Setting aside seven to eight hours for sleeping isn't a luxury -; it's a necessity. The American Sleep Apnea Association offers 10 tips for better sleep hygiene:

1. Set a sleep schedule, and stick to it.

2. Don't nap for more than 45 minutes a day.

3. Avoid excessive alcohol intake within four hours of bedtime. Do not smoke.

4. Avoid caffeine six hours before bedtime.

5. Avoid spicy food six hours before bedtime.

6. Exercise regularly, but not right before bed.

7. Use comfortable bedding.

8. Keep your room at a comfortable temperature.

9. Block out noise, and eliminate as much light as possible.

10. Do not use the bed as an office, workroom or recreation room.

If you feel tired even after sleeping eight hours, an undiagnosed sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea, may be to blame. In sleep apnea, the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep, blocking the airway. Sufferers wake up for a few seconds every time they stop breathing, sometimes hundreds of times a night. Visit www.sleepapnea.org to find out your "Snore Score," or the likelihood that you have sleep apnea. The disorder can be treated, so it's important to speak to a doctor if you experience excessive daytime fatigue.

Cutting Health Care Spending Without Cutting Health Coverage

Regular checkups can save you money on health insurance.

(NewsUSA) - During these tough economic times, as America continues to look at cost cutting options, many people will be shopping for a health insurance plan. It's important to know that there are health plans that are affordable and are a fit for you and your family while still offering the coverage you need to protect your family.

Know your needs. What types of coverage are most important to you? Do you or a family member take a prescription regularly? Knowing how much coverage you need is important when deciding which health care plan is best.

Learn the lingo. Some insurers are working to use more consumer-friendly language. Learning how a high-deductible plan tied to a health savings account (HSA) that offers choice among physicians and hospitals and how it works best with your needs, is important.

Availability when you need it most. Many insurers are working hard to ensure customers have health-related information when they need it, such as:

* Use of understandable consumer-friendly language

* Access to customer call centers and nurse hotlines 24/7, 365 days a year, giving constant access to a nurse or person to help solve a claims issue

* Online tools to search for claims information and check for benefit qualifications, co-pays, and deductibles

* Tools to compare prices on the drugs you need, helping find the best prices available

Schedule that yearly appointment. Regular checkups can help prevent potential problems or catch conditions early, saving money.

Note to editors: The following states may find this story useful: CA, CO, AZ, TX, TN, FL, GA, NC, CT, SC

Look for "extras." Many insurers offer discounts for programs such as smoking cessation, weight loss, fitness club memberships and other services already being used by an individual.

Quality matters. Feel confident about choosing the right individual plan for you. Check out report cards for different plans on the National Committee for Quality Assurance's Web site, available at http://reportcard.ncqa.org/plan/external/plansearch.aspx.

For information about individual health products from CIGNA, visit www.cignaforyou.com/hctips.

Sleeping Beauty -- Skin Tips for Youthful Skin at Night

Your skin repairs and restores itself overnight.
(NewsUSA) - In the morning, you might cleanse, tone and moisturize. But your nighttime skin care routine requires more than just a quick swipe with a washcloth. In fact, your skin needs additional TLC before bedtime.

During the day, environmental factors are battling against our skin and breaking down the structural components which keep our skin tight and firm. Elastin, which is one of these components, is primarily composed of cross-linked fibers to form a durable, resilient web. In facial skin, this elastin web helps to keep skin flexible but tight, providing a bounce-back reaction to its normal shape as it stretches to accommodate normal activities like talking.

As skin ages, the natural cross-linking of elastin fibers is reduced. At night, while you sleep, the skin works to repair and restore its structural components, and actually "opens up" to allow creams and serums to absorb more readily. You can get the most bang for your buck, then, by applying products with powerful anti-aging ingredients before bed.

"It's important to establish a nighttime skincare regimen to restore skin's defenses and replenish essential moisture," explains nutritionist Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD. She adds that the skin can lose moisture during sleep, making hydrating ingredients especially important.

To help skin restore itself at night, women should adopt a nighttime skin care routine that includes an exfoliating cleanser, a serum and a moisturizing cream created for evening use. Sass

recommends applying a nighttime serum containing beneficial and robust ingredients such as DDF Restoring Night Serum (www.ddfskincare.com). This nighttime serum contains an exclusive turmeric complex that strengthens the moisture barrier and drenches the skin with essential hydration to allow the natural cross linking of elastin, helping to repair the look of deep wrinkles for visible results in just two weeks. Women who used DDF Restoring Night Serum saw noticeable improvements. After four weeks of use, the skin's surface structure doubled in strength, significantly minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

"The secret to radiant, firm and more youthful-looking skin is a skincare diet rich in robust ingredients," says Sass.

For more information, visit www.ddfskincare.com.

Four Ingredients to Maximize Weight-Loss Success

Exercise, along with key ingredients, can maximize weight-loss success.

(NewsUSA) - There is no single factor that causes weight gain, and there is no single secret to weight loss. Instead, the most successful weight-loss plans target multiple factors that may contribute to weight gain.

A weight-loss plan should include eating healthy, balanced meals and getting regular exercise, as well as regular supplements. The makers of Diet 360 tablets provide a multidimensional approach to weight loss through four key ingredients:

- Ashwagandha extract. An herb used in Ayurvedic medicine that can help regulate cortisol levels in the body. High levels of cortisol contribute to stress, which can contribute to weight gain.

- Fucoxanthin. An antioxidant derived from brown seaweed that may help to improve metabolism, which can help the body burn more calories.

- Blueberry leaf/bayberry bark extract. The combination of these two plant extracts has been associated with maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and promoting glucose metabolism.

- Slimpure. A trademarked green coffee extract that is designed to help increase lean muscle mass.

In addition, these ingredients can help promote weight loss by targeting many of the factors that contribute to weight gain. Some common factors that can contribute to weight gain include:

- Stress. Stress has been associated with binge eating, carbohydrate cravings and poor sleep, all of which can play a role in weight gain.

- Low energy. If your metabolism is slow, you may burn fewer calories, and you may be more susceptible to weight gain.

- Lack of lean muscle mass. A lower percentage of lean muscle mass can foster weight gain; increasing lean muscle mass can help with weight loss.

- Unhealthy blood sugar. Unhealthy blood sugar may be associated with weight gain by promoting the creation of new fat cells.

For more information about how to simplify your weight-loss plan, visit the Diet 360 Web site:www.thebetterhealthstore.com/diet360. To order Diet 360 quickly and easily, visit the Better Health Store: www.thebetterhealthstore.com.

How to Be a Prepared Patient

Be prepared to ask your doctor for written explanations and instructions.

(NewsUSA) - Aches and pains aren't always readily attributable to a particular disease, and receiving a medical diagnosis often takes more than one doctor's visit. Doctor-patient teamwork can help facilitate an efficient and proper diagnosis. Becoming an advocate for your own health and knowing the right questions to ask your doctor can help.

How can you take a more active role in helping your doctor understand your health condition? One simple solution provided by the Arthritis Foundation is to "Take P.A.R.T."

P - Prepare a list of questions, concerns and symptoms to discuss. Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, including the times they occurred and associated environmental factors. For example, was a particular pain triggered by a certain food or activity?

A - Ask questions during your appointment. It's a good idea to bring a list of questions with you, as well as a friend or family member to ask questions you may not have identified.

R - Repeat what your doctor recommends so you can be sure you understand. Ask for written instructions.

T - Take action. Inform your doctor of your lifestyle and habits, as well as any concerns and preferences, so a treatment plan can be customized to your specific needs.

"Patients who track their symptoms are better prepared to communicate effectively with their doctors," said Dr. John Klippel, CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "Accurate information helps both parties work together to determine the best possible treatment options."

Fostering open communication with one's doctor is particularly important for patients with hard-to-diagnose diseases like the autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as symptoms can be attributed to other medical conditions. Furthermore, there is no single diagnostic test for RA.

There are programs that help patients and doctors work together to manage health conditions by communicating openly. The Arthritis Foundation's Let's Talk RA program, sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb, offers national meetings, educational podcasts and a communication kit that includes step-by-step discussion tips, as well as a symptom tracker that RA patients can use with their rheumatologists -; all at no cost.

The Let's Talk RA communication kit can be ordered at no charge through the Arthritis Foundation's Web site, www.arthritis.org/letstalkra

Women: Don't Let Migraines Take Over Your Life

(NewsUSA) - According to the National Headache Foundation, many women report that migraines make them feel like they're losing control of their own lives. But women can take steps to keep migraines from interfering with day-to-day activities.

Migraine is the most common form of disabling headache, affecting about 50 million Americans. About 75 percent of the Americans suffering migraines are women. Doctors believe that fluctuations in hormone levels, which women undergo until menopause, may be responsible.

Migraines cause such severe pain that most sufferers find themselves debilitated, and women juggling professional and domestic responsibilities can ill afford to put their lives on hold. Luckily, faster and more effective treatments are becoming available. The makers of LipiGesic-M (www.lipigesic.com), a non-prescription migraine medication, offer the following tips:

* Start a migraine journal. Most migraines are caused by specific triggers. Learn what triggers cause your migraines, and you learn how to prevent them. Start a journal in which you record waking time, bedtime, temperature, meals eaten and whether or not you are having a period. When you do have migraines, you can look into your journal for trends. Common triggers include lack of or too much sleep, skipped meals, loud noises, wine, caffeine, stress, weather changes and foods containing aspartame, MSG or nitrates.

* Try all-natural solutions. Certain herbs, such as peppermint and ginger, may help ease headaches. Feverfew, a plant related to daisies, may be especially effective in treating migraines. LipiGesic-M uses a revolutionary sublingual delivery method to speed its migraine-fighting ingredients into the bloodstream, resulting in quick pain relief. You can get on with your life within minutes.

* Reduce stress. Everyday stresses, such as an upcoming deadline or worries about a child's grades, cause most headaches. Help eliminate stress by exercising, eating healthily, getting enough rest and practicing relaxation techniques, like meditation.

For more information, visit www.lipigesic.com.

Fight Against Childhood Obesity Begins at Home

(NewsUSA) - Schools nationwide are revamping their lunch menus, celebrity chefs are going on reality TV and First Lady Michelle Obama has started a health initiative, all to combat the same thing -- childhood obesity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25 million American children are obese or overweight, setting them up for a lifetime of health problems, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Many school systems have made attempts to provide healthier school lunches, such as offering salad bars or fresh fruit.

Food and drink makers are also making efforts to solve the problem. Companies like Coca-Cola have removed regular soft drinks from schools, and recently, major beverage companies, together with the William J. Clinton Foundation and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, announced that they have successfully cut total calories from drinks delivered to schools by 88 percent over the last three years.

"From my experience, schools alone cannot stop children from becoming overweight or obese," says registered dietitian Sylvia Klinger. "It is very important for parents to make an effort to encourage healthy eating habits at home and outside of the classroom."

Klinger suggests these tips for parents who want their children to live healthy, active lives:

* Make healthy foods easy. We're all familiar with the phrase "eat the rainbow." To make it easy to get your family to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, chop bite-sized portions in advance, so you can take them out of the fridge and run. Sneak fruits into smoothies, and veggies into sauces, salsas or soups. Also, look for individually packaged whole-grain products, like 100 percent whole wheat bread, oatmeal and brown rice.

* Create healthy eating habits. Always eat breakfast -- children who eat breakfast not only weigh less, but also perform better in school. It is also important to schedule regular meal times. Try involving your children in the preparation of each meal. Avoid the clean plate system, which only promotes overeating. Also, don't ban treats, which can encourage sneaking food or overeating when sweets are present.

* Get active. Exercise is important regardless of your child's weight or age. If your child is overweight, focus on maintaining that weight while the child grows in height, which can be accomplished through exercise. No matter your child's size, activities like team sports, swimming, hiking, cycling or just taking a family walk can help manage weight, increase energy and improve self-esteem.