Crowns or Veneers: What is the Difference?

Before After 1

You finally decided you need to visit someone who does Boston cosmetic dentistryand now you are going in for a new smile design. You may have heard your dentist using the terms veneers and crowns, but you probably don't know what they mean. This is a handy guide to the difference between the two. So you can understand what your dentist is talking about.
Crowns:
How they work

A crown is a cap usually made of porcelain or ceramic that is placed over the entire visible portion of the tooth. In order for this to work the dentist trims off a large amount of the enamel. The crown is then cemented directly to the dentin. The process is very involved and can require a number of visits. Typically the first visit consists of tooth reduction and preparation for bonding. On the second visit a crown, that has been manufactured specifically for you, is attached.
When they are used

Crowns are used when the patient has had a great deal of tooth damage, when restructuring is necessary, or if a root canal has occurred. Crowns are a good option because they are very strong and can take a lot of wear. They also can be used to make drastic changes in the shape of the tooth which is advantageous if the teeth are impeding the proper function of the mouth. Cosmetically, crowns make the teeth even and change their color, making them look much better.
Veneers:
How they work

Veneers are thin coverings for the front of the tooth. They are usually made of the same substance as crowns. To attach them, your dentist only needs to remove a small amount of enamel. This is generally better for the tooth, since more of the healthy structure is preserved, and for the patient, because there is less discomfort as well as less time and cost involved in the procedure.
When they are used

Unlike a crown, a veneer only covers the front of the tooth so any structural changes will be minimal. Changes to tooth coloration are also less drastic because most of the tooth is still intact behind the veneer. Although they are made of the same substance as crowns, veneers are slightly less durable because they are thinner. But when used correctly they produce the same even white teeth as crowns.

Now you know some of the basics of cosmetic dentistry. For more specific information you should consult your Boston dentists and get an expert opinion.

Image Credit: Dr. Alper, DMD, Cosmetic Dentist, on Flickr

Using a Senior Medical Alert System As Reinforcement in Post Hospitalization Care

Many times after a fall, a senior may be in the hospital for days, weeks, or even months while they work on recovering. Having round-the-clock care and medical attention is wonderful and vital to their recovery, but what happens when they are released from the hospital and it is time to go home? This can be just as much of a daunting time as it is a happy one, especially if there is very little or no money for home health care and most family members work full-time, so they are unable to stay with their loved one 24/7. In these situations, coming home can become a more frightening experience than a jubilant one. A medical alert system can be of great help in the post hospitalization efforts for a senior patient.
More than likely, it will be difficult to afford home health care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a medical professional. It is also quite likely that family members and loved ones will be unable to be with the patient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if someone is still there part of the time, what can help make the patient feel safe and give their loved ones peace of mind when the patient is all alone? A medical alert system can easily take on this task. With a medical alert system at home, the patient can press the medical alert button located right on their medical alert bracelet, necklace or pendant that will be on their body at all times. Immediately, the operators at the medical alert service will be on the speakerphone, ready to assess the situation and send the proper help. The service is also a lot more affordable than round-the-clock health care.
Home health care that is provided 7 days a week, 24 hours a day can cost several hundred thousand dollars a month depending on the required care. If the patient doesn't have health insurance, this means that it all comes out of pocket. There are not many people who have several hundred thousand dollars just lying around at the end of every month, so they have to look for alternatives for post hospitalization care. A medical alert system has become one of the most affordable and proven services used in addition to or in lieu of round-the-clock home health care.
All Around Peace of Mind
Even if there is someone in the house with the patient all of the time, a fall can occur in just a quick second. Imagine a situation where a senior is at home with a family member and they need a prescription from the pharmacy. Since the patient is homebound, they are unable to go to the pharmacy with their family member so they need to stay home. Even if the family member is gone for only 20 minutes, the patient could easily fall or encounter some other type of emergency. Does this mean that they should never be left alone again? That seems awfully unfair to the patient, and not allowing them to maintain some autonomy can greatly affect their state of mind and quality of life. With a medical alert system at home, family members do not have to worry about leaving the home. If something does occur in the short period of time they are gone, the patient can push the button on their medical alert bracelet, pendant or necklace and help will soon be on the way.
Affordability Factor
When a senior has a fall and ends up in the hospital, the bills associated with however long they need to stay there can be incredibly steep. After they leave the hospital, if they need more home care, it can easily bankrupt their family. No one wants this. While home health care can cost several hundred thousand dollars a month, a medical alert system only costs between $17.95-$24.95 a month. Now, it is important to note that a medical alert system cannot fully replace home health personnel or a family member taking regular care of the patient. It is, however, a great addition to any homebound situation for a senior recently out of the hospital. The cost is minimal and it can help the patient to be on their own more often then they need a medical professional or other person looking over them. This can help with all of the post hospitalization fees that they may now have.
Higher Probability of Accidents After Hospitalization
When a patient returns home from the hospital, they are typically not 100% well. They are simply well enough to go home. With a decreased level of health, accidents are more likely to happen. Even getting light-headed while coming down the stairs could lead to a disastrous fall. Knowing that after a hospital visit it may take a little while to feel back to normal, it is good practice to take all the necessary precautions to make sure the patient is taken care of at all times. Since it is near impossible for most people to afford round-the-clock care, a medical alert system can provide help in their absence. With a medical alert system to aide a patient following a lengthy hospital visit, there is a lesser probability that any accidents that may occur will result in a really scary situation with no one to help.
A medical alert system is never a replacement for a home health professional or other caretaker at home. However, it is a great way to provide post hospitalization care at a more affordable price and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Having a medical alert system after a hospital visit is an incredibly smart decision for anyone.

The First 3 Months After Your Knee Replacement Surgery

During your knee replacement surgery, you will be under general anaesthesia and there will be an incision made on your knee to allow surgical tools to move in and out of the knee. Once the damaged portions of the knee are removed and the artificial joints placed into the knee and attached using adhesive materials, the knee will be sutured together and you will be pushed to the recovery room.
The recovery period starts immediately after the surgery and even though you are still feeling the effects of the anaesthesia, you will be encouraged to start moving your knee. High chance are that you have not used the knee for physical activities for quite some time due to the pain which led to you undergoing the knee replacement surgery. As a result, the muscles are weak and you need to start building up and strengthen the muscles to allow better control of your new joint. A physical therapist will prescribe some physical therapy exercises for you to do yourself at home. You will be able to get discharged around 3 days after surgery and during this period, you will start to learn how to move around with the help of crutches until your knee is able to take your body weight. Once the knee is strengthened and is able to bear weight, you can slowly reduce your dependency on your crutches.
The first 3 months post surgery is a risky period as the replacement joint is still not fully attached to the surrounding muscles and tissues firmly. You knee can often give way so make sure you keep doing strengthening exercises to strengthen the region. You will also feel pain in the knees rather often during this period and this is perfectly normal. You will be prescribed painkillers but do not rely totally on the painkillers. If you notice any abnormal swelling or abnormal pain in the knee, make sure you go back to your surgeon for a check. Although the operating theatre is sterile, infection can still happen but this is rare. If you see any infection in the site of the incision, you need to go back to your surgeon as well. You should aim to regain your knee's full range of motion within this 3 months and this will help to prevent any scar tissues from building up or arthrofibrosis.
The first 3 months post surgery is totally about recovery and regaining back the functions of your knees. It is probably the toughest part of the whole surgery process and you will feel extremely useless. However it is the most important part and a bad recovery can lead to even more problems in future.

Guide To Recovery After A Breast Augmentation

Recovering from any type of surgical procedure is no fun. When you signed up for your breast augmentation, you may have spent your time daydreaming about how you will look and flaunt your new chest. Even though you were warned that it would be a little time before you would be able to see the final results, you still couldn't help but to run and buy some new lingerie and outfits to accommodate your new figure. Before you rush and start trying things on, you need to be aware that after a breast augmentation, your body needs sufficient time to heal. The best way for your body to heal is to rest. Surgery is a form of trauma to the human body. It doesn't matter that that the surgery was done to improve your health or appearance, you need to get a good amount of rest to help your body recover properly. In addition to following your doctor's orders, you need to listen to your body as well.
Many people have a hard time sitting still and doing nothing when they are required to do so. One would think that since you need to get a large amount of rest during your recovery, that it would be easy for you to comply. Unfortunately, this is the time when most people tend to test their limits. This is one time in your life where disobeying your surgeon's orders during your recovery can come back and haunt you. Not only could you end up with some serious health complications from your breast augmentation, but you could also ruin your final results as well.
When you doctor warned you about discomfort, they really meant pain. There is a reason why they prescribed you pain medication. If you don't want to feel the pain or any discomfort that occurs as your body heals itself after your operation, you need to follow the directions for that prescription. Don't abuse or take the painkillers improperly or you could wind up in the hospital fighting for your life.
Get help. This is one of those times in life where you should not be afraid to ask for some help and assistance around the house. Much of your daily movements involve you using and moving muscles that are in your chest. Since you just had a breast augmentation, the muscles and tissues in your chest area are going to be very sore. Your breasts are going to be wrapped in bandages for a few weeks to help prevent them from moving unnecessarily, keep them properly supported and to reduce the amount of swelling you will have. Your doctor will restrict you from doing too much as far as exercise, strenuous activities, heavy lifting and certain household chores such as vacuuming. This is to give your body time to heal with the implants properly in place and to keep them from slipping out of position. Have some friends and family help out so you don't do anything to affect your recovery and healing.

What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment for Annual Physical Exam

Did you know that many serious health issues might not show any symptoms until it's too late? A person with high blood pressure, for example, might feel completely normal, but is running a very high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and having a heart attack. A person could be on the brink of developing or already have a potentially deadly illness like heart attack, stroke, or even certain types of cancers or sexually transmitted infections but still feel totally fine. That's why health specialists recommend an annual physical examination whether you feel sick or not.
Annual physicals may vary from doctor to doctor, but most physicians try to check all the body's systems during an exam. This means examining the skin, listening to the heart and lungs, feeling for abnormalities in abdominal organs and lymph nodes, and testing vision, reflexes and neurological response time. Often times the examination of these systems by a doctor is supplemented with laboratory work in the form of blood and urine tests. Common blood work can measure blood count, electrolyte, blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and thyroid function. Routine sexually transmitted disease tests, check for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and hepatitis B and C. A urine test might also be used to measure kidney function. The doctor will also go over your immunization record and may update you on any necessary vaccines. Results of blood work and urine tests may take 3-5 business days, and a doctor or nurse will call you with those results once they are processed. Depending on the office, blood work and immunizations may cost additional fees, so talk to your receptionist or doctor beforehand if you have concerns.
One of the most important things to remember before going to your physical exam is that an accurate medical history is a critical component of an effective physical. Before your appointment, be sure you know the facts about your own and your family's medical history, as certain illnesses like high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart attack and breast cancer can be genetically predisposed. Your personal surgical history, as well as knowledge of any medications, supplements, or herbs you are taking, is important as well, so write them down and bring the list with you if you're afraid you'll forget. If you're going to a new doctor, try to get a copy of your old medical and immunization records to make the process easier. Most importantly, remember to be honest with your physician. Questions about mental health, sexual activity, smoking and drinking habits, and use of illicit substances all provide important information to your health care provider about how to best take care of you, so tell the truth, even if you feel embarrassed.
Most insurance companies cover annual exams, as preventative medicine is easier and less expensive for them, too! But even if you don't have health insurance, you should still try and get a physical annually, as it can save you a lot of medical bills in the long run! Many walk in clinics around the country have affordable preventative healthcare even for people without insurance, so check out clinics in your area for possible options.

Home Yoga DVDs - The Advantages

The benefits of practising yoga are remarkable. Toned muscles, improved circulation, a less stressed life and increased flexibility can all be yours in exchange for a few stretches and poses. Attending classes can be fun, but those that opt to follow along to the professional guidance of that can be found on a home yoga DVD enjoy added advantages.
So what other advantages are there if you do decide to use DVDs to guide your yoga exercise sessions?
Firstly, you can set your own schedule. You won't have to rush to the local gym so that you can secure a space for your mat in a primary position so that you have a good view of the instructor. With a home DVD, you can practice at a time that suits you, whether this is first thing in the morning, last thing at night or before the children get home from school. You can fix your own schedule and make it fit with your day. You can always see the instructor as you have a front row view.
Secondly, you can use the DVD player to your advantage. If you are learning a new pose and you're really not sure whether you have done it right - you can rewind the scene. You'll be able to watch the instructor take you through the move again. If you were in a class, the other participants might not appreciate you stopping the class to ask the instructor to show you the move again. There's nobody to complain if you do this with a home yoga DVD.
Thirdly, you won't have to spend out on a fancy wardrobe of trendy yoga attire. You'll be able to wear whatever you find most comfortable to do your yoga in. Nobody is going to be judging what you look like as you stretch out at home working on your flexibility and poses. Welcome to the wonderful world of home exercise!
Fourthly, you'll be able to set your yoga exercise routine so that it suits what you want to achieve. If you have recently undergone surgery or you are recovering from illness or an injury, you'll be able to select the exercises that best suit your recovery. This just isn't possible in classes that cater to large groups of people.
Finally, beginners tend to have a much easier introduction to yoga when they start off with home yoga DVDs. They learn the proper techniques at a pace that suits them. This is not always possible in classes where everybody is at a different level of experience. The instruction has to cater to the group as a whole, not to the person who hasn't done it before and is feeling a bit lost.
In addition to the benefits that yoga offers, a home yoga DVD delivers many advantages to the beginner.

Top Tips for Practising Yoga At Home

Doing yoga at home is all the rage these days and it's never been easier. With the availability of well put together DVDs that will support you through every pose, it's the ideal exercise for keeping bones strong and muscles supple. It's become an essential for many athletes due to its low impact toning and strength building advantages.

Here are some top tips for practicing yoga at home so that you can get the best from it:

Make some space

First off, give yourself enough room to be able to stretch out. You may need to move some furniture to the side so that you have enough space. Ideally your surroundings should be clean and peaceful. Some yoga at home practitioners enjoy decorating their yoga space with items that give them that peaceful feel good factor.

Invest in your equipment

A yoga mat is essential for comfortable exercising. With yoga mats on the market for everybody, you'll find a variety of styles, colours and prices. You may also want to invest in a yoga blanket that can be used to keep warm during relaxations. This can double up as a support for some of the poses.

Purchase your instruction

You don't need to spend out on a private tutor these days. There is a variety of yoga instruction DVDs on the market. A qualified teacher will take you through the moves and the benefit of using a DVD is that you can stop it playing whenever you like to readjust your position.

Read up

In addition to your DVD you may like to learn more about your new exercise technique. A wide range of yoga books and flash cards provide handy reference material and magazines can provide inspiration. The yoga community can be found online too, on blog sites, online magazines and in discussion forums. Another source of education are podcasts that are downloadable. Covering many different levels and interests, it's possible to learn more about what's new in the yoga world.

You can go mobile with your yoga

If you have to travel for work or leisure, you can easily take your yoga with you. The DVD will play on your laptop and it's not a lot of effort to pack your yoga mat into your travel bag.

Start off gently

When you start out with yoga at home, you should start slowly. Even 15 minutes can be plenty to get going with. Your body may not be used to stretching and your muscles will need a chance to adjust. Yoga was not created as a fitness method, but more as a way to stay supple and be in touch with the divine. Take it easy at first and you'll soon adjust to the moves and enjoy the benefits.

Set the scene

Many people enjoy listening to good music during their practice. You may want to set up speakers so that you can play something soothing in the background as you stretch out and go through your moves. After you've gone through your stretches, then it's time to mediate and relax. Meditation provides many benefits including stress relief, lower blood pressure and you can become more in touch with your intuition.

How to Take Up Practising Pilates At Home

Practising Pilates at home is now one of the most popular ways to stay fit. You won't need to pay out hefty gym membership subscriptions or try to synchronise awkwardly timed classes to an already tight schedule. You also won't need to worry whether you have got the latest fashion when it comes to your work out clothing.
Pilates has become very popular as it offers a low impact way to stay fit, tone the body and protection against conditions such as osteoporosis. It's also something that many athletes do for its protection against injury. It's a favourite of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, rowers and track athletes.
If you're considering taking up this benefit laden exercise technique at home, then follow along with these top tips to get you started.
You might want to start off by taking one or two classes just to give you a clear idea of what Pilates is all about. Once you've invested in these, then you can continue doing your exercises at home.
Before you get started you'll need to invest in some basic equipment. You'll need an exercise mat, instructional DVDs and suitable clothing. Many people opt for a fitness ball too. You can find all of these at your local sports shop or online.
There are many instructional DVDs on the market. Be sure to select one that is presented by a qualified instructor. They are available in different levels to suit beginners, intermediates and advanced Pilates at home practitioners.
As you become a more seasoned Pilates practitioner, you may want to invest in equipment for the more advanced. This may include getting a reformer, which can help with toning more muscles in your body.
You'll need to create some space that is comfortable and free from hazards such as furniture. Ideally it may be a spare room where you can store your equipment when it's not in use. The space should be peaceful. If you need to watch your instructional Pilates DVD on the television, then you'll need to make room for yourself close to that. If you own a laptop, then it's possible to use this anywhere.
Making time to consistently practice your Pilates is very important. You may not always find the motivation to do your exercises. One way to approach that many fitness experts follow. Lay your clothes out the night before and then when you rise in the morning start to exercise before your brain has had a chance to catch up.
Warming up is important before any form of exercise. It's a way to avoid unnecessary injuries and is easy to do. Try a gentle walk, followed by jogging on the spot. You should also warm up the body and arms before starting your exercise routine.
Hopefully these tips will help you get the show on the road when it comes to practising Pilates at home.

Living With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Definition of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can be a debilitating disease. It is caused by fatty deposits that accumulate on the inner walls of arteries. These deposits in the arteries of the lower extremity will result in poor blood flow to the legs and feet. If arteries are clogged and narrowed, blood will not be able reach its destination to supply muscles and organs with oxygen and nutrients. Decreased oxygen and nutrients to muscles can result in severe cramping in the legs, especially with increased workload such as walking. Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smokers can be at increased risk of developing PAD. It is also important to note that persons, who have PAD, are also at increase risk of having fatty deposits in the arteries of the heart, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of PAD
Most people with PAD are non-symptomatic. However, if symptomatic, the most common complaint from patients with PAD is they get severe cramping or burning in the calf muscles when walking. Typically the cramping begins after one or two blocks of walking and will subside after a few minutes of rest. The cramping results from a build up of a waste product produced by exerting muscles called "lactate". This is produced when there is not enough oxygen getting to the muscles. The cramping can significantly alter a patient's lifestyle and prevent the patient from enjoying normal daily activities. Aside from physical limitations, severe PAD can lead to non-healing wounds on the leg and foot and black/gangrene in the toes. Some of these patients with PAD may require an amputation of the foot or leg.
Physical Examination for PAD
When a podiatrist evaluates a patient for PAD, there are key signs that are presented on the feet. Patients with PAD tend to have diminished or absent digital hair growth and nails that are brittle and thickened as well as decreased temperature in the feet. The podiatrist may ask the patient to hang their legs over the side of the exam chair, in patients with PAD the legs begin to display a deep purplish color. Patients with PAD will have a white, pale discoloration to the feet if the legs are elevated above the heart for one minute. The podiatrist will also feel the pulses in the feet. If the pulses are weak, it may indicate that there is poor blood flow to the feet. These are important signs that lead to a high suspicion of PAD.
Testing for PAD
The most common and least expensive office test for PAD is called an ankle-brachial index. This is done by taking the blood pressure of the arm (brachial) and comparing that number to the blood pressure in the ankle. This test requires a blood pressure cuff and Doppler ultrasound to hear the pulse. The blood pressure cuff is inflated on both the arm and the leg. Next, the cuff is slowly deflated; the first sound heard in sync with the blood pressure number is recorded and compared by ratio. The normal ankle-brachial index is 1, in other words the arm and the ankle should ideally have the same pressure. Patients with an ankle-brachial index of 0.4-0.9 are considered to have PAD. There are also additional tests that can determine poor blood flow. PAD can also be visualized with an MRI/MRA or angiogram, which requires injecting a dye through the blood vessels and using an imaging system to follow the dye through the arteries in order to visualize artery narrowing.
Conservative Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease
The most important goal in treating PAD in the lower extremity is to reduce the risk of amputation. Treatment is usually administered by the primary care or vascular physician. Drugs that thin the blood, such as aspirin, are often prescribed to patients with PAD to prevent the risk of clotting. Smoking cessation programs and good control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels are also strongly advocated. Foot care is also important in managing peripheral arterial disease to prevent ulceration to the feet. In treating cramping sensations from PAD, exercise therapy has been scientifically shown to increase maximal walking distance because it promotes small vessel formation around the area of the clot.
Surgical Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease
If the symptoms of PAD are severe, inhibiting lifestyle or resulting in non-healing wound or gangrene on the feet, surgical treatment may be required by the vascular physician. The goal of surgery is to increase blood flow to the legs and feet. Surgical treatment may include bypassing the area of clot with a vessel graft or vein or opening the artery with a balloon and placing a stent to increase the diameter the artery and attempt to keep it open.

Laser Hair Removal Means No More Shaving

With laser hair removal, you may no longer need to pick up that razor and go through the torture of shaving. Even if you don't think it is that big of a deal, for many women, this process is anything but fun. It means spending more time in the shower every morning. It means dealing with nicks that seem to happen no matter how sharp the razor or steady your hand. It means having to deal with painful waxing when you don't feel like shaving every day. It may be time to look for another solution with more permanent results.
It's Long Lasting
One of the key reasons to get laser hair removal is that you can finally give all of that shaving up for good. When applied properly, this procedure creates permanent results. Because it works to damage the follicle just enough to stop it from producing hairs, that means that there's nothing to shave off later. This process does take time because every individual follicle needs treatment. However, once you finish this process, you can count on looking great all of the time.
It's Not Hard to Do
Contrary to what many people think about it, this procedure is very safe and easy to do. The fast treatment is effective as soon as complete. There is very minimal discomfort during or after the procedure. This method allows you to get rid of a small area or even a large area (even that back full of hair you wish you didn't have!) It can take between five and six treatments to completely remove all hairs from your target area. This is due to the cycle of growth present, not the technician's skills.
Why Should You Do It?
This process is one of the most sought after by those who want clear, hairless skin for good. The process is safe and effective. This is not a gimmick. Additionally, you can even justify the cost. If you pay for waxing, shaving or other products to minimize the presence of hair on your body, this method may save you money over the long term. You no longer need to buy any of these products or go through any of these procedures.
If you are thinking about having laser hair removal, now is the time to do it. Various treatment options are available that can speed up the process while reducing the costs. No matter if you have just a small area of your body you want treated or if you have the desire to remove it all for good, there are plenty of options available to you. Why waste your time with the razor when you could get permanent results you can really be excited about?

Save Money at Spas Using a Few Unique Methods

Not everyone has the money to visit spas at any time. The good news is that there are some ways to either save cash on every visit or even get services for free. You should find out some ways to get discounted or free treatments at spa locations near you.
Many spas regularly run contests in which they give out free or cheap services if you win. In many cases, all you have to do is enter a raffle, which means your name could be drawn at random. You should find out if your local spa offers this kind of contest. There may also be contests in which you have to do something special to enter, such as send in a picture of yourself getting pampered at the location you usually go to. Your name might then be drawn at random, or the contest might be judged by employees or other clients. Just find out the details of any contests you enter, and then find out what the prizes are if you win.
Most spas also offer gift certificates for services, so if you have a birthday coming up, you can ask for this as a present from loved ones. You can usually combine a few certificates to pay for the services you want, so even if you get several small denominations, you may be able to get an entire day of pampering without spending anything outside of a tip. Of course, your friends and family members may opt to go with you to the spa, and simply pay for the service you want. This can provide both a fun experience and free treatments of your choice. Just be sure your loved ones know this is what you want.
You can always choose the traditional route of using coupons or taking advantage of new customer discounts at local spas. Check your mail, newspaper, or the website of the spa you like, since coupons and special deals will usually be posted there. Even getting a small percentage or a few bucks off a treatment can make your day, since every dollar counts when you are trying to save money. This is especially helpful if you go often, since the money you save will add up fast.
Even if you are on a budget, you may still be able to get the services you have always enjoyed. Just consider these and similar ways to reduce the amount you spend getting pampered. It might require some hinting to loved ones, or some hunting for contests and coupons, but the result should be worth the work.

Things to Do After Your Tummy Tuck

Once you have completely healed from your tummy tuck, there are some things you can do to make sure your results are not temporary. The way you treat your body after your operation will do a lot to determine what shape and condition your stomach and abdomen are going to be in. In addition to eating properly, you also need to establish a good exercise routine.
Remember the trouble you had getting rid of that stubborn belly fat and love handles? Just because you had trouble before your tummy tuck, doesn't mean that you will have trouble keeping the fat off. Now is the perfect time for you to find a personal trainer or join a gym. A trainer will come up with a personal fitness plan that will help keep you in shape. They can also provide you with motivation to keep you focused on keeping your new figure toned up. If you don't want to hire a trainer or commit to a gym, you can also do some activities that will help you stay fit. Take early morning or lunch break walks. If you find walking too slow, try jogging with some music instead. Even if you don't have much time to commit to exercising, investing as little as fifteen minutes per day can do wonders for your body.
Become more social. Many studies show that people who tend to be more outgoing and social have less trouble when it comes to battling the battle of the bulge. The more involved you are in social groups and activities, the more likely you are to be physically active and stay in shape. Look online or in your local newspaper for events that interest you. This is a great way for you to meet new people, make new friends and become more socially involved and active.
Participate in sports. You don't have to be a professional player in order to reap the benefits of playing sports. By participating in sports, you are increasing your body's metabolism, which in turn increases the amount of fat your body will burn. Once you jump-start your fat burning system, you won't have to work so hard to keep the pounds and extra weight off. If you weren't too active before your tummy tuck, start off with low impact sports. You don't want to end up with any sports related injuries. Don't forget to stretch properly before you start any activities.
Invest in clothes that will make you feel good about yourself. The better you feel about your appearance the more likely you are going to work hard to maintain it. Don't take for granted the fact that you had a tummy tuck in the past. That doesn't always mean that you would be a good candidate for one in the future. Remember, the tummy tuck procedure is not to be used in place of losing weight by more conventional methods.

Getting Gout on the Run

Amongst other diseases which have been exponentially on the rise in the past few years, gout has bloomed in the past twenty years and continues to afflict people of all ages and both sexes. So, it's not a surprise if you're suffering from this disease-but it's definitely painful and very difficult to live with, not to mention that if left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, diabetes and even death. It is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, particularly those of the feet, which leads to acute pain and swelling. Although it may start from the big toe, it can progress to the rest of the foot and even the knee.
Home remedies for gout, at least in the early stages, can not only provide symptomatic relief, but also cure for gout. It's important to remember that when this form of arthritis affects multiple joints, one shouldn't rely on home remedies alone and, in consultation with your doctor, use them in conjunction with allopathic treatments. Nonetheless, there are a lot of people who put these home remedies to use and testify to their usefulness, and it's possible that they work in the same manner for you.
A very popular and effective home remedy, which has been endorsed by health professionals as well, is that of fresh cherries. Both sour and sweet cherries are beneficial in curing gout as they contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidants and relieve the inflammation in the joints. You should go for fresh cherries, because canned or stored cherries are likely to negate the positive effects of their natural anthocyanins. Apples are also great for gout as they contain malic acid which combats with the build-up of uric acid in the joints. A less enjoyable remedy, which you'd probably not want to go for, is to consume juice of raw vegetables. Vegetables like beetroot, carrots and cucumbers are a great way to 'detox' the uric acid, and if you're up for it the juice should be consumed once a day. Other than fruits and vegetables, vitamin C should also be consumed as research shows that it is very important for lowering blood uric acid levels.
Of course, where medication and home remedies might successfully get rid of your gout, they're no substitute for a healthy, safe lifestyle. There are many trigger foods and behaviors which should be avoided if you want to stay away from it, because it's no laughing matter. Generally, for gout it's important to maintain an ideal weight. Overweight people are a much higher risk for gout. However, one should not attempt to lose weight through very low-calorie diets or fasting, because both of those are equally contributive in uric acid levels. It's also important to consume a low-fat diet, with minimal meat and seafood as they contain high levels of purines which contribute to gout. Alcohol should also be avoided and consumed in moderation as it triggers high levels of uric acid which can then get deposited in the joints. With these little changes, you'll see a big difference in your health.

The Role of the Small Intestine in Digestion

The small intestine is the grand central of the digestive system. Most of the real digestive process happens here.
Most of the protein, fat and carbohydrate breakdown happens within the small intestine. Most of the nutrient absorption also happens here. It is roughly 22 feet long, muscular tube that sits between the stomach and the large intestine.
The small intestine connects to stomach through a muscle called the pylorus. This connection is the pyloric valve. Whenever small intestine is not busy with digestion, stomach releases chyme through the pyloric valve.
Small intestine works with liver, pancreas and gallbladder for digestion. There are digestive enzymes that secrete within its wall. But the digestive enzymes from liver, gallbladder and pancreas are also delivered here to help with digestion.
The liver sends bile to the gallbladder through the hepatic ducts for storage and concentration. Pancreas delivers pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct. The gallbladder is connected to the pancreatic duct through the cystic duct and delivers concentrated bile.
The small intestine has three major parts, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Duodenum is a Latin word and it means 12 fingers. It is about 10 inches long. Jejunum is also a Latin word and it mean empty at death. It is about 6 to 8 feet long. And the ileum is the last part, which could be up to 11 and a half feet long.
Chyme is partially digested stomach content. Stomach squirts chyme into the duodenum - the first part of the small intestine. The liver and gallbladder deliver bile through ducts to the duodenum. Pancreas delivers a very complex mix of enzymes through the pancreatic duct into the duodenum.
Pancreatic enzymes include alkalis such as bicarbonates, which neutralize the stomach acid. Besides alkalis, pancreas secretes 15 different enzymes that work on three major food components carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
The enzymes in the small intestine carry out two stage enzymatic breakdown of the nutrients. Complex nutrient molecules are first decomposed into less complex molecules and later less complex molecules are broken into most basic forms.
Bile salts emulsify large fat droplets and create an emulsion of tiny fat droplets. Thus increasing the surface area for enzyme action.
Pancreatic amylase converts long chain carbohydrates like starch into disaccharides (two molecule sugars) - mainly maltose sugar. Pancreatic lipase works on small fat droplets and converts triglycerides into monoglycerides and fatty acids. The pancreatic protease enzyme breaks down protein into short chain peptide and amino acids.
Remaining of the small intestine - jejunum and ileum - is the site for the last breakdown of the food and its absorption into the blood and lymphatic fluids. The bile and the pancreatic juices continue to work within jejunum and ileum, although intestinal wall also releases few enzymes.
The enzymes work within the lining cells and on their surface. These enzymes include lactase and maltase, which work on disaccharide carbohydrates and convert them into simple sugars like glucose and galactose. Intestinal peptidases convert short peptide chains into their sub-units amino acids.
This way, finally carbohydrates turn into simple sugars, the proteins turn into amino acids and fats turn to monoglycerides and fatty acids. These are the simplest form of molecules, easily absorbed into the blood stream.
Finger-like villi of the small intestine lining give a large area for absorption of nutrients resulting from digestion. Through the surface of the villi, nutrients enter into the blood stream.

Basics of Human Digestion

We all have a very good idea about digestion. Let's revisit the basics. Digestion is the process of separating out the nutrients from the food and absorbing them into our body.
The human body is designed to keep up its normal functioning. In other words, the body tries to fight off sickness. Lots of under the hood activities happen inside the body to fight off sickness. Nutrients are needed for such maintenance. The body gets nutrition through the process of digestion.
Digestion happens along the digestive tract. The human digestive tract is very much a long passageway. Digestion is a two-step process.
First step is to crush the food into smallest possible particles. The aim is to expose the largest possible surface area of the food. This way the most amount of nutrition is available.
Second step is to mix crushed food with digestive enzymes. These enzymes break down the complex nutrient molecules into simpler molecules. That way nutrient molecules are easily absorbed within the digestive tract wall. Later on, nutrients are transported into the bloodstream.
The digestive tract has four main components. Mouth and throat are the first part of the digestive system. Esophagus joins the throat with the stomach. Esophagus along with stomach is the next part of the digestive tract. Small intestine, liver, pancreas and gall bladder form the hub of the digestive system.
Main digestive activities take place in the small intestine with the help of enzymes from liver, pancreas and gall bladder. Last part of the digestive tract is the large intestine. Bacteria ferment the remaining food in the large intestine.
Food is crushed and ground in the mouth with the help of teeth. Teeth are the hardest substance in the body. Strong jaw bones help crushing and grinding the food. The stomach has strong muscles, which vigorously churn and mix the food. Rhythmic muscular action - referred to as peristalsis - ensures that food keeps traveling along the digestive passageway.
As you can imagine, it is easy to crush soft and moist food compared to hard and dry food. There is either saliva or mucus present all along the digestive tract. This keeps food soft and moist.
There are different types of glands secreting different types of enzymes all along the digestive tract. Enzymes help the breakdown of protein, carbohydrates and fats in the food.
One unique feature of digestive tract is that within the stomach and small intestine the internal lining has a fold like structure which provides for extra surface for nutrient absorption.
On top of this fold like internal linings, there is hair like structure called villi. They give an extra absorption area in addition to the folds. This way digestive tract ensures that there is plenty of surface area and opportunities for nutrient absorption along the passageway.
Muscular action keeps the food moving along the tract at the proper rate. Food should not get stuck along the path. As blockage would prevent nutrient absorption. Similarly if food passes too fast, the body would miss the chance at separating most amount of nutrition.
There are control mechanisms for regulating the food flow. For example stomach can stop the pyloric valve (a valve between the stomach and small intestine) and act as a storage unit if it finds out that the small intestine is very busy with the digestive process.
You might wonder what controls various processes, such as muscle movement and enzyme release. Autonomic nervous system controls most of the muscular movements and some of the enzyme release mechanisms. This means they are pretty much involuntary. One can not wish and stop the food moving through esophagus or intestine!
The nervous system will decide what is the correct action for muscular movement. Presence or appearance of undigested food at various points along the digestive tract controls much of the enzymatic release. For example, the undigested protein in the stomach would trigger release of protein digesting enzymes in the stomach and small intestine.
Enzymes also play a key role in conveying messages to the nervous system about when stomach is full and one should stop eating more. We should eat slowly and give enough time for this messaging to take place. That way we could receive natural stomach 'full' signals and voluntarily stop eating!
As food passes along the digestive tract, it has different names. Chewed food in the mouth is called bolus. Bolus also travels through esophagus and reaches stomach. It is called chyme as it leaves the stomach. At this stage it is thoroughly mixed, partially digested and mixed with stomach acids and enzymes. By the time it reaches the end of the large intestine, it becomes feces.
Our digestive tract is a very busy system. It is essential for our survival.

7 Ways to Stay Healthy This Fall

I'm overjoyed that fall is here. It's my favorite time of year.

Fall means pumpkins, mushrooms, apple cider, and soup. Some of my favorite foods.

Fall can also mean colds, flu, and low energy.

Is there a way to ward off such inconveniences? Well nothing is foolproof, but here are 7 suggestions to stay healthy this fall so you can enjoy all the festivities of corn mazes, apple picking, leaf peeping, pumpkin carving and football.

Eat those apples (and other seasonal fruit). Apples have been shown to strengthen your immune system. Other seasonal fruits such as pomegranates and citrus also help you ward off fall illness by giving you a big boost of vitamin C and phytonutrients. Aim for 2-3 servings of these nutrient dense foods a day.

Slow down. It seems like I've been going full-throttle lately. I know that for those with kids, the start of school is partial relief, partial stress creator. So as the air is turning colder, take some time out to relax and let your body renew. Even if it's just 10 minutes a day, sit in your favorite spot and watch the world go by. Maybe have a cup of herbal tea. Slow down and take in the crispness of autumn air.

Part of slowing down is also getting your 8 hours of sleep a night. I know it's hard to get 8 hours during the long days of summer. The shorter days make fall the perfect time to start a habit of getting to bed earlier and recommitting to 8 hours of sleep a night.

Get those fall greens. We often think of green for spring, but greens are also a perfect fall food. Greens grow better in the cooler weather, and are actually sweeter than when grown in the summer. So now is a perfect time to try kale or mustard greens, arugula or bok choi. Of course don't forget the broccoli and cauliflower.

Wash up. One of the easiest ways for germs to spread is through hand-to-hand contact. You don't have to get excessive about it, but be sure to wash your hands, especially after you sneeze or if you are traveling with lots of people. Plain old soap and warm water do the trick; so don't waste your money on expensive hand sanitizers or antibacterial soaps or sprays.

Spice it up. Spices have been used for centuries to boost your immune system. Try any of these spices to boost the flavor of your dishes, as well as strengthen your immune system. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, black pepper and more. For a wonderful relaxing drink that will help you slow down and boost your immune system at the same time, try some homemade chai - not the processed stuff with loads of sugar, but homemade goodness.

Check out my recipe:

In 10 ounces of water, boil the following: 4 whole black peppercorns, 4 whole green cardamom pods, 3 whole cloves, ½ stick cinnamon, ½ inch fresh ginger root. Let boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Then add ½ cup almond milk. Heat again, strain and enjoy.

Try some herbs. Many tout the benefits of Echinacea, but I have a big fan of Astragulus. It can even be taken by those with auto-immune conditions because it is an adaptogen. That means it is thought to help protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. Like many herbs, you don't want to take it forever. Instead, take it for week when you start feeling run down. Or if you're traveling, take it a few days before, during, and then a few days after your trip.

Hang out with the Fun-Gi. Mushrooms are great for increasing your white blood cells - the cells responsible for fighting off illness. Whether sautéed, marinated or raw, mushrooms are amazing foods. While maitake and shitake are the most coveted for the immune boosting powers, according to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, your standard white button mushrooms have recently been shown to be pretty powerful immune boosters.

Not sure how to add mushrooms to your diet? Try this easy and delicious recipe.

A Fall Celebration Salad

2-3 shitake mushrooms, cleaned, de-stemmed and sliced
juice of ½ lemon
1 tbl Bragg's amino acids
½ Asian pear, sliced thin
hand full of walnuts
hand full of dried cranberries (without sugar if you can find them)
2 cups mixed greens

Dressing

Juice of 1 lemon
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tsp sea salt

Place sliced mushrooms in a glass bowl. Pour lemon juice and Bragg's over the mushrooms. Stir. Let sit for 20 minutes or longer

Whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over greens. Place greens on a plate. Evenly distribute marinated mushrooms, pear, walnuts and cranberries on each plate.

Longing for Longevity

If you had to rank the following activities in order of preference, what would your choices be?

___Floss your teeth every night.

___Diet.

___Get a colonoscopy.

___Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.

___Go on vacation.

Now, if you had to guess what all of the above have in common, what would you say?

Give up? Believe it or not, the answer is that each of them can prolong your life.

You probably already know about the standard lifespan enhancers: Watch what you eat. Workout. Schedule regular checkups, routine tests, and immunizations. And if you smoke, quit. Sure, these sorts of efforts are 100% fundamental... but they're 0% fun. They're not the kind of things anyone would long for. That's what I wanted to explore. Was there any way we could put the "long" in longevity? I was happy to find that scientific studies tell us of at least three ways.

An article on the Psychology Today website by Dr. Wednesday Martin summarized research on vacationing and concluded, "skipping vacation can actually put your physical, mental, and fiscal health at risk." (Woo Hoo!! Caribbean here I come!) The article cited numerous studies, including the Framingham Heart Study and quoted University of Pittsburgh researcher Karen Matthews on the clear link between vacation and longevity: "The more frequent the vacations, the longer the men lived." The article also referenced a follow up study done by the State University of New York at Oswego that produced specific numbers: Men who go on vacations annually lessen their overall risk of death by an astonishing 20% and their risk of dying from heart from heart disease by 30%!

The next life-prolonger I discovered really shocked me. Did you know that flossing your teeth can put an extra 6.4 years on your lifespan? That's what Dr. Michael Roizen says in his book, The RealAge Makeover. Look at what a deal that is: Floss one minute a night and get maybe six more years of life. That's an incredible return on investment and the kind of bargain I'd take any day. I love a good bargain. A good bargain excites me. So I guess you could say I long for good bargains and when I find one, it can really motivate me. For years my dentist had been telling me to floss my teeth but frankly, I couldn't be bothered. That was until I came across studies that showed what an impact good oral care can have on longevity. I've been flossing religiously every night ever since. I no longer look at dental floss as a pesky little string. I now behold it as "The Fountain of Tooth." Isn't it interesting how a single bit of information... how viewing something in a new light can change your behavior overnight?

Last in the line of my favorite life-prolongers is a trifecta of treats: Eat. Play. Laugh. I was delighted to discover that dark chocolate and red wine are associated with longevity. And that a Swedish study found people who play golf live longer because they spend more time outdoors. And that research from Norway shows laughter can extend the lifespan. Who wouldn't long for all that? So here's my prescription for adding years: Book plenty of vacations with loved ones who make you laugh. Or if funny bones don't run in your family, catch a couple of comedies at the movie theater while you're away. Play golf during your trip or simply spend some time outdoors while you're savoring a daily dark chocolate bon-bon and sipping some red wine. And of course, don't forget to pack plenty of dental floss so you can add even more years to your life while you're adding years to your life.

Senior Fitness: Identifying Physical Activity Barriers

I haven't been physically active lately and look it. My weight zoomed up and I don't have the stamina I had previously. Though I'm still within the normal weight range, I have small bones, and the extra weight doesn't look good on me.

This fact hit home when my husband and I attended a weekend conference. Our picture was taken before dinner, developed during dinner, and given to us as we left. When I looked at the photo I couldn't believe my eyes? Who was that chubby woman? Who was the large man next to her?

"We've got to lose weight!" I exclaimed to my husband. This spiked my curiosity about the physical activity barriers many older adults face, and I searched the Internet for information. A Mayo Clinic website article, "Barriers to Fitness: Overcoming Common Challenges," lists five barriers: lack of time, attitude, self-consciousness about appearance, fatigue, and lack of motivation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cites other barriers on its website. Fear of being injured is one barrier and I suspect it is a common one. Lack of safe parks and safe walking areas are other barriers. "Look upon your retirement as an opportunity to become more active instead of less," the CDC advises. Good advice, but how could I follow it?

I read a dozen articles or so and none of them -- not one -- addressed health barriers. What are some of them? These are my health barriers and you may face them as well.

1. Arthritis. During my last physical exam I told my physician about my painful right hip. She ordered x-rays and the results showed I had two arthritic hips, not one. When my hip is throbbing I'm not inclined to go for a walk.

2. Medications. I have high blood pressure and take several prescribed medications to control it. These medications slow my heart and my walking speed when climbing stairs.

3. Injury. Several months ago I fractured a bone in my foot. My foot was so painful I went to the hospital emergency department. I was given a prescription for pain killers, told to stay off my feet, and use crutches. Though my foot is healing nicely, every once in a while I get a stabbing pain in my foot.

4. Occupation. I am a nonfiction writer -- a sedentary occupation. In addition to writing books and articles, I write for two websites. As you might imagine, I spend hours at the computer.

5. Weather. Outside physical activity is difficult in Minnesota when the temperature is below zero and the wind chill freezes flesh. I know how to dress for the weather and enjoy walking in the snow, but have to be on constant alert for icy patches. The last thing I want to do is fall and break a hip.

Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and asthma,also make physical activity difficult for older adults. Have you identified your physical activity barriers? If not, you may wish to take the "Barriers to Being Active Quiz," posted by the CDC.

Twenty-one barriers are listed on the left and rating possibilities on the right. The ratings: very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, and very unlikely. At the end of the quiz you tally your score. It will reveal your barriers, which include lack of time, social influence, lack of willpower, fear of injury, lack of skill, and lack of resources. Once you have identified your barriers, you can work on overcoming them.

A Treatise on Strength: Part 4

The purpose of this series was to give you a practical definition of strength, and I will give you what it is shortly. First, let's look at a few things.

"He who overcomes others is strong. He who overcomes himself is mighty" - Chinese Proverb

The De-strengthening of society:

The history of humanity is a history of the strong. Our ancestors have had to survive every possible terrain and climate you can think of. Look at where people live now. I come from Minnesota where the winter weather will sit 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero for weeks at a time. Living in a home with central heating and double-paned windows makes this easy, but the pioneers who settled the land did not have these luxuries.

The settlers made houses out of the earth, and before them, the Native Americans had animal hide shelters. In prehistoric times, Man had to fight for every scrap of food, for the right to mate, and to protect his home. During the Industrial Revolution children, would work up to 14 hours a day 6 days a week in coal mines and cotton mills. We have survived every natural disaster that has ever happened, and continue to live in places plagued by earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. These feats require strength. Not only has humanity survived these grueling situations; humanity has thrived!

At one point in time, it was survive or die. As stated in the previous instalments, this is no longer the case. The current generation is the unhealthiest group of humans to have ever existed! We no longer have to kill or grow our own food. Now, we don't even have to walk in the grocery store. We can take a scooter. There is no more need to challenge the mind and no struggle to enliven the body. Life is about convenience. We are becoming weak. That is, unless we decide to change it.

"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." -The Buddha

Need vs. Want:

"Strong people are hard to kill" - John Wellbourne

Do we need to be strong? No. As seen in my previous examples, strength in the modern world is not a necessity for survival. If you live in a first world country, you will probably live to a ripe old age no-matter your physical or mental capabilities. So is there any point to being strong?

Yes. Why would we want to be strong? To thrive. To surpass.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Geniuses will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

- John Calvin Coolidge Jr., 30th President of the United States of America

All of your natural talents will go to waste if you do not have the fortitude to take the first step towards what you want. Once you start on the path of achievement you will need every ounce of resilience and strength to keep moving and surpass all that stands in your way. This is what gets you into the history books.

Do you want to know the definition of strength?

"Strength is the mental and physical fortitude to endure, resilience to bounce back, and force to create change to thrive in any circumstance and during any adversity. " - Me

So what do I do with this knowledge? I build upon it. Every day is a starting point, which I use to improve myself. It doesn't take much. Every day I learn something new, and I am always building up my body. I use my time to progress towards my goals. Each day I am stronger than the last.

It won't take much for you to become stronger. Read through the previous installments and add in something new each day, eat healthier, lift something heavy, remain calm, and breathe. Become stronger and reach your goals.

Take this knowledge and run with it. Life will knock you down, but now you can get up swinging. Take your new-found strength and get stronger. Don't merely drift through life and survive; thrive!

Facial Skin Care - Amazing Tips And Secrets To Amazing Skin!

Getting amazing, supple, radiant skin can be much easier than you ever thought possible. The truth is that there are many tips and tricks to getting great skin and you don't need to go get Botox to get the amazing skin that you've always wanted. Today, our skin care experts are offering some amazing tips to getting incredible skin!
Vitamins And Vitamin Creams
One of the best kept secrets in skin care is that vitamins as well as vitamin creams can make a huge difference. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin A (also called retinol) all have massive benefits for the skin. While taking these vitamins as supplements can make a big difference, applying them directly to your skin is even more effective.
By applying a vitamin cream or a combination of vitamin creams directly to your skin, you can really maximize the benefits and get incredible, radiant skin much faster.
The best approach and usually the most effective is to apply vitamin creams to your skin and take vitamins as supplements, as this will literally help you to get incredible skin inside and out. However, if you had to choose between one or the other, for great skin care putting them directly on your skin is the best bet because they will seep into your skin and offer maximum benefit.
Amino Acids
One of the best kept secrets in skin care is amino acids. The major protein that makes up skin and keeps it thick, supple and radiant is called collagen. Collagen is mostly made up of two major amino acids, Glycine and Proline. While other amino acids do play a part, Glycine and Proline play the major roles in collagen, and supplementing with these two amino acids can really help your skin produce more collagen a maximize the effectiveness of your skin care regimen!
Lysine, another amino acid also plays a major role because it prevents the breakdown of collagen. By helping to prevent the breakdown in collagen, Lysine keeps the skin supple, radiant and thick, making for a huge benefit in your skin care regimen!
Vitamins, vitamin creams and amino acids all play major roles together to help you get great skin. When utilizing vitamins and amino acids, it's important to remember that while you will likely see immediate results in the short term, the best and longest lasting results come with utilizing these great tools in the long term!