Health Tips

Makeup and clothing is an issue for many teenage girls. If you are stressing about what you should look like as a newcomer in middle school, or a freshie in high school, here's a quick guide to help your fashion mature with you throughout middle and high school.

In Sixth grade, wear lip gloss, some mascara, and maybe a little bit of pale eyeshadow; don't go too heavy or it may look bad. If you want to try out more types of makeup, keep that for home experiments.
As for clothes, keep it in your comfort level. Bear this in mind: if you are wearing a bra or undershirt, don't let the straps hang out. It doesn't look cool; it just looks sloppy. If you are wearing a short shirt, check in the mirror to see if your stomach hangs out of the bottom. Otherwise, wear something a little bit longer. Also, if your pants are likely to slip, wear a belt. Belts are totally hip now!
* The main point is to keep the makeup light, and the clothes clean cut.

In Seventh grade you are beginning to care a little more what you look like; you might want to try curling your hair a few days a week, and using different hairstyles besides your typical ponytail.
If you are acne prone, try foundation. Remember thet even oily skin can get flaky and that looks horrible with foundation. So try it on weekends first and ask your mother (or someone that uses foundation well) if it looks okay.
In Seventh grade you might want to try eyeliner. But not too much because you don't want to look like a racoon!
Start trying to tie outfits together with accessories. It's good to try new things with your makeup and clothes. But when you try the new things, make sure it looks good on you, not just in the picture or at the store. Check out different stores, and find out if there is a style that suits you.

In eighth grade you are probably getting good at makeup and you know what you like. Try establishing your own hairstyle without looking like everyone else. For example, if everyone has long, layered hair with no bangs, try light wispy bangs and a shorter, layered look.
You might be wearing tighter jeans now and probably starting to get concerned with impressing the guys, so it's safe to try out more mature styles such as a sleek leather blazer, or lower cut necklines. If you are happy with your sports bra, that is totally OK. But it's safe now to check out the actual bra department and wear something that makes you feel pretty - like lace.

Ninth grade: high school! This is a big transition. Now in the same world as seniors, you are going to want to look like the rest of your peers. You should by now have your makeup and hair styles already. Try to update this look a bit, because no one wants to carry the same look they had in middle school. Dramatize a detail in your hair. If its known for it's left side part, part it even deeper. Make a straight style even sleeker and hip. Learn to make youre curls tighter, or looser.
In high school you might want to wear your usual make up during the day, and as you start to go out with friends and boys at night, add a darker shade of eyeliner, or jazz up your lips with something more festive. It's also good to try new shoes, try wearing spikier ankle boots with a pair of hot jeans and a blouse. Chunkier heels aren't as hip as spikes as you get older. Incorporate accessories into your outfit. Buy yourself a bag that's in suede or leather to keep your schoolbooks in, instead of a backpack. You will want to buy yourself a new jacket, and make it your own.
You know what you like, so go and find clothes that fit your style, but crank it up a notch for a more mature feel.

You want the best weight loss tips ever? You came to the right place. Losing weight is never easy, but if you’re ready to commit to it, if you’re ready to make your move into a thinner, more energetic future there is no better time than right now. And that’s weight loss tip number one?

5 best weight loss tips:

1: Begin right where you are, wherever you are. Too many people spend so much time searching for weight loss answers, that by the time they find them, they’re too tired to implement them. Weight loss strategy number one: Begin

2: Don’t do too much to start. You know why most people fail? They begin fast and furious and burn out quicker than the 4th of July. Weight loss strategy number two: Pace yourself.

3: Keep record of your progress. Its tough sometimes, to get a person to write down their goals. Write down your starting points. Write down your progress: exercise times, dieting habits, etc. Write down where you want to finish. Doing this makes everything more real. You do want ‘real’ results right? Weight loss strategy number three: Keep a journal.

4: Pick a diet and stick with it. The next best weight loss diet just hit the bookstores and everybody is talking about it. Yippee. Not! These kinds of distractions are exactly the thing that derails most would-be success stories. We get bored too easy. Here’s a secret: bored gets the job done, fast. Weight loss strategy number four: Decide on a diet you like and ride that baby to the finish line.

5: Keep fuel in the engine. Fuel is motivation. The engine is you. It is your brain. It is your focus. It is your determination. The engine is all these things and more. To keep it running smooth and efficiently, add motivational materials in the form of inspirational books, music and CDs. Weight loss strategy number five: Stay inspired.

There are your 5 best weight loss tips. Use them, and watch your reflection grow smaller and smaller, until you reach the body weight you desire. Then do them over and over again. Life is a cycle. To be successful, you must move with it. Good luck!

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*********************************** Be Fit in Your 40s and Beyond! Learn the steps for perfect health after 40. Sign up for a FREE membership! You will have access to information such as nutritional tips, fat burning recipes, nutritional tools, articles, weight loss tips and so much more. Visit us at http://www.Over40DietTips.com to learn the steps for perfect health after 40.

Birth control options are growing for women 40 and older - a group that once viewed its choices as pretty much limited to tube-tying surgery and condoms.

For them, the pill is back. So is the IUD. The reason is that both are safer. There's even a nonsurgical method of tube-tying.

Such options have long been needed, experts say, because 40- and 50-somethings are a complex group. Some have had several children and are willing to have sterilization surgery. Others may want children, but not right now.

Traditionally, women 40 and older are the least likely to use birth control. Along with adolescents, they have the highest rates of abortion. At the same time, these women are more experienced at using contraception and follow instructions better.

When it comes to contraceptives for women 40 and older, "one size definitely does not fit all," said Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for medical affairs of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

A review of the current science of contraception and women 40 and older was published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine. The author, University of Florida gynecologist Dr. Andrew Kaunitz, noted that the risk of dangerous blood clots rises sharply at age 40 for women who take birth control pills containing estrogen.

The risk is even greater for overweight women, who also are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes.

But the dosage of estrogen in current birth control pills has been dramatically reduced. The pill is now considered a safe alternative for lean, healthy, older women Kaunitz and other experts said.

"It may not be well known that the current low-dose formulations are a reasonable option for healthy women in their 40s," said Dr. JoAnn Manson, a Harvard endocrinologist who wrote a book on menopausal hormone therapy.

The pill may be preferable for some women, because it can help control irregular menstrual bleeding and hot flashes and has been shown to reduce hip fractures and ovarian cancer, wrote Kaunitz. He has received fees or grants from several companies that make oral contraceptives.

But middle-aged women who are obese, smoke, have migraines, high blood pressure or certain other risk factors should be steered toward IUDs or progestin-only treatments like "mini-pills," experts said.

Higher breast cancer rates have been reported in older women who took estrogen-progestin pills for menopause. However, studies did not find an increased breast cancer risk in women 35 and older who took oral contraceptives.

The most common form of contraception for women 40 and older continues to be sterilization - a category that counts tubal ligations (tube-tying) in women as well as vasectomies in their male partners.

Increasingly, gynecologists are offering a newer type of tubal ligation that is nonsurgical. The procedure, called Essure, was approved by the government in 2002. Instead of cutting through the abdomen to cut and tie the fallopian tubes, a doctor works through the cervix, using a thin tube to thread small devices into each fallopian tube. These cause scarring, which in about three months plugs the tubes, stopping eggs from the ovaries from reaching the uterus.

Also relatively new is a product called Implanon, approved by the government in 2006. It's a matchstick-sized plastic rod, placed under the skin of the upper arm, that is a more modern cousin of Norplant and can last about three years.

"Things have definitely changed. There are a lot more options for older women than there used to be," said Dr. Erika Banks, director of gynecology at New York City's Montefiore Medical Center.

Choosing the right contraception can be a bit of an odyssey, said Lisa Riley, a 44-year-old who works in Banks' medical practice. Last week, Riley got a new IUD.

When she was younger, she took the pill. It worked, but she stopped it to have kids - twins - in 1993. She was nervous about returning to the pill because of worries about a possible cancer risk. For about a year, she and her husband used condoms, but he got tired of that, Riley said.

She had friends on IUDs so she chose that option. It worked well for several years until it began to cause heavy menstrual bleeding. After Banks advised her to get a new one, she chose Mirena, a version that releases hormones and should last for five years.

For now, Riley doesn't plan any more children. But she wasn't ready for sterilization. "It's too permanent for me," she said.

Many of today’s women are delaying childbearing until later in life for a variety of reasons, including career choices, financial status, late marriage and remarriage. In addition, successful treatment of previously infertile women over 40 is on the rise. In fact, reports indicate successful pregnancies in women over 60!

While such cases raise complex social and ethical issues (not to mention medical issues), the fact of the matter is that more women over 40 are choosing to start a new family or add to their present one.

Of course, for some women, it’s not a matter of choice. Unplanned pregnancies account for a large proportion of babies born to women over 40. What risks do these women incur? Let’s examine the facts regarding pregnancy in this age group and strategies to reduce the risks.

The facts

Standard medical teaching indicates a higher risk for pregnancy complications in women over 35. These complications can be categorized as follows:

• Medical illnesses affecting the mother and fetus
• Genetic abnormalities and birth defects
• Pregnancy loss
• Complications of labor and delivery

As age increases beyond 35, so does each of these risks. Nevertheless, proper preparation before pregnancy and early prenatal care can help assure the best outcome.

Maternal and child illnesses

Certain medical conditions occur more frequently in pregnant women over 40, including diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid disorders. Fortunately, these conditions can be diagnosed and controlled prior to pregnancy, and many of the medications used to treat these disorders can be safely used during pregnancy. If you currently take medication and you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your doctor. A change in medication or an adjustment of dosage may be necessary.

If not properly treated, maternal illnesses can adversely affect the fetus. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can restrict fetal growth and in severe cases, can result in stillbirth. Undiagnosed diabetes can carry with it a higher risk of birth defects, and poor blood-sugar control during pregnancy can result in abnormal fetal growth. Early prenatal care and judicious use of medication can lower these risks significantly.

Genetic defects

It is an unfortunate but incontrovertible fact that as a woman ages, a higher proportion of her eggs contain chromosomal abnormalities. At the present time, some infertility centers have the technology to weed out these abnormal eggs, but for the majority of women who become pregnant after 40, the risk of a genetic defect increases based on age.

While the general population of childbearing women has a 3 percent chance of delivering a child with a birth defect, after 40 this risk rises to between 6 percent and 8 percent. The likelihood of having a baby with Down’s syndrome is approximately 1 in 365 at the age of 35. This number increases to 1 in 100 by 40 and up to 1 in 40 at the age of 45.

Pregnancy loss

Pregnancy loss also increases with advancing age. Approximately 50 percemt of early (first trimester) miscarriages are due to genetic abnormalities of the fetus. Overall, pregnant women experience miscarriage 15 percent of the time. After 40, this incidence nearly doubles. There is also a moderate increase in stillbirths after 40 due to a combination of medical complications affecting pregnancy and lethal birth defects.

Complications of labor and delivery

Complications of labor and delivery that are seen more frequently in women over 40:

• Premature labor
• Premature separation of the placenta resulting in hemorrhage
• Placenta previa (abnormal placement of the placenta over the opening of the cervix)
• Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (fetal waste in the amniotic fluid which can be harmful if breathed in at birth)
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Malpresentations (breech or other positions other than head down)

As a result, the rate of Cesarean section is considerably higher in this age group.

Lowering the risks

Although the risks associated with pregnancy after 40 are numerous and sometimes unavoidable, there are several strategies that women over 40 can use to reduce these risks.

See your doctor

First and foremost, make an appointment to see your doctor BEFORE you get pregnant. This “pre-conception” visit will give your doctor the opportunity to diagnose and treat any disorders that might otherwise go undetected prior to the initial prenatal visit.

A thorough evaluation prior to pregnancy will allow your doctor to give you an idea of your individual risk. There may be cases in which pregnancy will be ill-advised. However, for the majority of women over 40, early prenatal care and good health habits will result in a healthy baby and a happy mother.

Get healthy

The idea is to be as healthy as you can BEFORE you get pregnant. Here are some tips:

• If you smoke, quit.
• Avoid alcohol – alcohol can increase the risk of certain birth defects and interfere with proper fetal growth.
• Avoid caffeine – even moderate caffeine intake might increase your risk of miscarriage (although this remains controversial).
• Eat a well-balanced diet – this means one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and other protein sources. If you need help, ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian.
• Start a prenatal vitamin prior to pregnancy and stick with it. The folic in prenatal vitamins is known to reduce certain birth defects and the iron supplement will combat anemia.
• Exercise regularly, but moderately. Exercise is good for toning muscles and limbering joints, thereby decreasing the normal aches and pains associated with pregnancy. If you don’t exercise already, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Get tested

If you are concerned about the risk of genetic defects, ask your doctor about tests that can help identify these types of problems. Blood tests are available to screen for some genetic disorders; a “triple screen” blood test may be obtained to evaluate the risk of neural tube defects and Down’s syndrome.

Genetic amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling is routinely offered to women after 35. Amniocentesis is usually done in the third or fourth month of pregnancy and involves removal of amniotic fluid from the womb for genetic testing. There is a minimal (0.5 percent) risk of miscarriage associated with this test. This risk is outweighed however by the slightly larger risk of having an undetected abnormality.

Chorionic villus sampling can be done earlier in pregnancy and involves the removal of a minute amount of placental tissue, which can then be tested for genetic abnormalities. Discuss the risks and benefits of these tests with your doctor early on so you will have ample time to make an informed decision.

1.Women if they have had an early menopause or hysterectomy (before the age of 45)
2. Men if they have low levels of testosterone (known as hypogonadism).
3. People who have broken a bone after only a minor trauma (called a fragility fracture).
4. People who take corticosteroid tablets (for conditions such as asthma or arthritis).
5. People with a family history of osteoporosis, particularly if your mother has broken her hip.
6. People with medical conditions which affect the absorption of foods, such as Crohns disease, coeliac disease or ulcerative colitis.
7. People with medical conditions which leave them immobile for a long time.
8. People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
9. People who smoke.
10. Women who are underweight or have developed an eating disorder.
11. Osteoporosis can also affect children and young people and pregnant women. However, these conditions are extremely rare.

"The silent crippler", as osteoporosis is often called, sneaks up on its victims and, without any pain, gradually causes bones to become more porous and fragile. One day you grab your coat and your wrist snaps; or a friend hugs you and cracks your rib; or you step off a curb and break your hip...

Please note that it is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms: if you treat yourself for the wrong illness or a specific symptom of a complex disease, you may delay legitimate treatment of a serious underlying problem. In other words, the greatest danger in self-treatment may be self-diagnosis. If you do not know what you really have, you can not treat it!

Knowing how difficult it is to weed out misinformation and piece together countless facts in order to see the "big picture", we now provide simple, inexpensive online access to The Analyst. Used by doctors and patients alike, The Analyst is a computerized diagnostic tool that sits on a vast accumulation of knowledge and research. By combining thousands of connections between signs, symptoms, risk factors, conditions and treatments, The Analyst will help to build an accurate picture of your current health status, the risks you are running and courses of action (including appropriate lab testing) that should be considered. Full information is available here.


Osteoporosis is the chronic loss of bone mass and strength which afflicts over 8 million Americans - one and a half million are subjected to life threatening fractures every year. Of those who endure hip fractures, some 20% die from complications within a year; 60% become dependant on constant help in their daily lives.

It is not strictly a women's disease, though 85% of victims are women. As you age, the need for absorbable calcium, in conjunction with other essential minerals and vitamins, can be increased.

A 2000 statement by an expert panel of National Institutes of Health asserted "Osteoporosis, once thought to be a natural part of aging among women, is no longer considered... gender-dependent." Men start with higher bone density and lose calcium at a slower rate than women, which is why their risk is far lower. Nevertheless, after age 50, bone loss increases, and, according to one 2000 study, more rapidly than previously thought. Men have a 6% risk for hip fracture and between 16% and 25% risk for any fractures related to osteoporosis. And the actual numbers of osteoporosis and fractures in men is bound to grow as baby boomers age. Some risk factors include the following:

Surprisingly, a survey found that even among women with early symptoms of bone loss, including back pain, loss of height, and stooped posture, 82% thought they were not likely to ever suffer the consequences of progressive bone loss. Contradicting these assumptions, most statistics show that nearly 50% of women will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture sometime during their lives.

Bone mass does not increase beyond a "peak density" after age 35. The loss of bone mass can be slowed and lost bone mass regained somewhat with the right treatments. Dairy product consumption is not an appropriate treatment to accomplish this, as it will ultimately accelerate bone loss. However, this fact is ignored by marketing experts in the milk industry who make certain that women this age and older are targeted consumers for milk and dairy products. Within 5 years of the initial onset of menopause, there is an accelerated rate of loss of bone, particularly from the spine. During this period of time, estrogen replacement is somewhat effective in preventing bone breakdown, but progesterone is needed for creating new bone.

Things to avoid for better bone health

Avoiding factors that encourage bone loss can be as just as important as calcium intake. Diets high in protein, salt, etc.

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Fertility After Forty

copyright 2000 by Susun S. Weed

The most fertile years of a woman's life are those between 18 and 28. Even into the mid-thirties, it is usually fairly easy to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. During these years the hormones that control ovulation, enhance conception, and ensure a healthy pregnancy are usually made easily and in generous quantities. And detrimental life-style choices have not had decades of repetition to create chronic problems. The previous section deals with disturbances to that pattern; and the section following deals with herbal ways to decrease or control the teeming fertility of the twenties and early thirties.

But more and more women are waiting until their late thirties, early forties, even late forties, to have children. Is this too late? Are these destined to have high-risk pregnancies? Will these children have more birth defects?

The answer to these questions -- and others like them -- is "no!" for wise women who enlist the help of green allies to increase fertility, insure conception, prevent birth defects, and promote a healthy pregnancy and an easy delivery.

Increasing Fertility; Insuring Conception

Increase your chances of conception by meditating. Cultivating a calm attitude, not surprisingly, enhances fertility. Even taking a quiet five minutes alone just for you, free of all responsibilities, can bring big results if done frequently enough.

Use lunaception to time your ovulation so you have the best odds of conceiving. It's fine to have sex in the weeks before ovulation, especially if the sex is focused on the woman and her orgasm, but do save your best efforts for those three nights when your "moon" is full and bright and ready to frolic.

Orgasm on the part of the male is necessary for fertilization. The woman's orgasm does increase the possibility of conception. Women who experience orgasm after their partner (up to 40 minutes after his ejaculation) have the very best chance of becoming pregnant.

Red clover is the single best remedy for women over forty who want to conceive but can't -- even if there are medical reasons for not conceiving such blocked tubes, diabetes, ovarian cysts, internal scaring, endometriosis. There are many heart-warming success stories I could share about red clover! But suffice to say, drinking 2-4 cups of the infusion of the dried blossoms (neither tincture nor tea nor pills will work for this application) seems to do wonders for fertility, no matter what your age.

Preventing Birth Defects

Boosting your nutritional status makes birth defects less of a worry. Women who drink 2-4 cups of stinging nettle infusion daily and eat cooked leafy greens as well as lettuce salads are getting the abundant folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals needed to create a healthy baby. (Tinctures, pills, and teas contain little or none of these important nutrients.)

Vitamin E is an especially critical nutrient for fertility after forty and freedom from birth defects. Freshly-ground wheat flour, cold-pressed oils, and nut butters are all good sources of vitamin E, as are stinging nettle infusion and most cooked seaweed, such as kelp. The man's vitamin E level has as much, if not more, bearing on freedom from birth defects as does the woman's vitamin E level.

Avoid heat, both of you. Hot tubs, even prolonged soaking in a hot bath, can cause temporary (up to several months) sterility in some men. In women, it can endanger the early embryo and trigger a miscarriage or birth defects.

Avoid drugs, both of you, including alcohol, tobacco, coffee, as well as over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs (except those you absolutely need). Your liver needs to be strong and so do your kidneys, so you can conceive and gestate a child. Instead of alcohol, which damages the liver, drink herbal infusions or alcohol-free wine or beer. Instead of tobacco, which may contribute to birth defects and low birth weight, try smoking a little dried peppermint, or, better yet, go for a walk. Instead of coffee, which challenges the kidneys, you may wish to drink green tea or black tea, or try coffee substitutes, especially the one made with dandelion roots. Instead of drugs to ease everyday aches and pains, use the gentle herbal remedies in this book instead.

Emotional Issues

Ambivalence about pregnancy and parenthood is normal and natural. But the older a woman gets, the more complicated her emotions about it may be. Add to her emotional soup pot strong opinions from family and friends, confusing information spread by the popular media, and fear-inducing pronouncements from "helpful" medical professionals, and that pot will be in danger of boiling over. Herewith then, some wise woman hints for keeping your cool in the midst of overt and covert confusion.

Contrary to current opinion, having children in your forties is ordinary and common worldwide. The Bible mentions several women having children in their fifties. What is unusual and unique to our time is having a first child in one's forties. Our mothers, mothers, mothers were having their fifth or eighth or tenth child when they were in their forties, not their first. If people tell you it just isn't done, close your eyes and call upon the spirit of your great, great, great, great grandmother, then smile and tell them it seems utterly ordinary to you.

Feeling tense and distressed about choosing or refusing motherhood? Motherwort tincture is my favorite calmative. A dose of 10-20 drops helps clear your mind, eases your tension, and assists you in discerning the best path to follow.

Bach flower remedies excel as helpers when you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Try:
Aspen when you feel anxious, apprehensive, or afraid of the unknown.
Mimulus when you are dwelling on a specific fear.
Elm when you feel overwhelmed or inadequate.
Red Chestnut when you are afraid for or worried about your baby to be.
Rock Rose when you are trembling, shaking, or weeping from anxiety or fear.

Regular gentle massage or Reiki treatments not only help you calm your distress, they also guide you in creating a strong center that's resistant to being pushed around by other people's opinions. Massage and/or Reiki also help prepare your mind/body for a healthy pregnancy and a safe birth.

Special Allies for Pregnant Women over Forty

The single most important herb for pregnant women over forty is comfrey (Symphytum uplandica hybrids). The leaves of the mature plant contain an abundance of constituents beneficial to mother and babe, including generous amounts of minerals, alantoin, proteins, and many vitamins. The minerals in comfrey help insure healthy nervous system growth; the fetus's developing brain uses the proteins. And the alantoin helps the mother's tissues become stretchy and elastic.

Aging can lead to increases stiffness and brittleness in bones and muscles, making pregnancy more arduous and painful, labor slower and more difficult, and injury more likely during birth. The hormones of pregnancy, which help soften and relax the pelvic tissues, may not be produced in adequate amounts. Comfrey comes to the rescue! Comfrey creates flexible and strong tissues throughout the body especially mucus surfaces (including intestines, uterus, bladder and vagina) the bones, the ligaments and tendons, and the skin.

Regular use of the leaf infusion, at least a quart a week, promotes a safe delivery by:
~ strengthening uterine muscles and preparing them to work easily and well.
~ strengthening perineal tissues so they become resistant to tearing.
~ strengthening uterine ligaments so the uterus does not prolapse
~ strengthening the bladder and increasing resistance to bacterial infection.
~ strengthening the vagina and helping to promote an environment hostile to infection.
~ providing easily assimilated minerals to prevent eclampsia and other complications.
~ helping the bones of the pelvis flex and open during birth.
~ increasing iron in the blood and thus forestalling post-partum hemorrhage.

I harvest the flowering stalks when they are fully formed; and I am careful to use the cultivated garden comfrey, which grows very tall and has purplish, pinkish, bluish flowers. I avoid wild comfrey which stays rather small, even when flowering, and has cream-colored, white, or yellowish flowers.

Some people feel that comfrey is not safe to use during pregnancy. Some people feel comfrey is not safe to use internally at all. I disagree. The roots of comfrey do contain compounds that are best avoided during pregnancy. (As do all parts of the wild plant.) In fact, I rarely use comfrey root because of the possibility of liver congestion, and I strongly caution those who have had hepatitis, chemotherapy, or alcohol problems to strictly avoid comfrey root. Yet even these people can benefit from use of comfrey leaf infusions.

Another important herbal ally for women over forty who desire a child is chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castii). It has been used in Africa and parts of Europe for several thousand years to discourage the male libido. In women, the effects seem to be the opposite! It may also be a fertility enhancer. Most importantly, chaste tree is a strengthening tonic for the pituitary gland, the master control gland for the endocrine system. Daily use of the tincture of the berries (1 dropperful/1 ml 2-3 times daily) had been shown to increase progesterone--the hormone of pregnancy--and luteinizing hormone--which promotes conception. Because it can lower prolactin levels, chaste tree is best discontinues during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is not recommended for women over forty. In general, this herb promotes blood flow to the uterus and surrounding tissues. This can promote the growth of fibroids and increase the risk of post-partum hemorrhage. Ginger is a better warming tonic; motherwort is better at relieving pain; and raspberry is better at preparing the uterus for birth.

For permission to reprint this article, contact us at: susunweed@herbshealing.com

Susun Weed - PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498 (fax) 1-845-246-8081

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Maintaining skeletal health after 40

Bone density naturally decreases with age, so the older you are, the more risk increases for diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sedentary women are also more at risk. Besides, there are certain lifestyle factors that boost the chances of weakened bone, including smoking, drinking excessive alcohol or caffeine and eating a mineral-poor diet.

If you're older than 40 and your once-lively libido has taken a turn for the lazy, don't blame it on getting older.

Age can have an influence on your lack of sex drive, but a myriad of other factors -- both physical and psychological -- also play a role in whether you're in the mood for a romp or you prefer to pull a sack over your head and sleep for days.
Illness and conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease can affect your sex drive. Prescription medications can also extinguish the fires of passion. Alcohol may put you in the mood, While some things may be out of your control, the secret to a healthy libido lies in what you do about those you can control.

If You Think You're Old, You Are

For starters, if you think you're old, you're going to feel old. And if your idea of old is being feeble and wrinkly, you're not going to want to have sex. Chances are no one is going to want to have sex with you, either. "A good diet and exercise program will help increase self-image, make people feel sexier and increase their libido," says Dr. Eric Honing, a Glendale, Ariz.-based physician specializing in anti-aging medicine. One particular area of interest that has been getting the attention of physicians who specialize in age-related conditions is the relationship between hormones and libido -- specifically bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, also known as BHRT.

Hormones: They're Not Just For Teenagers

Bioidentical hormone therapy consists of custom-mixed formulas containing various hormones that are said to be identical to those your body produces naturally. As people age, the hormones that regulate the sex drive decrease. Proponents of BHRT say that the therapy helps to restore a person's libido by replacing hormones that have diminished with age. "In men, testosterone levels begin to decline after age 28," Honing says. "These levels decline quicker with poor lifestyle decisions -- bad diet, lack of exercise, alcohol and too much stress. By increasing and restoring testosterone to youthful levels, a man's libido will improve." "As anti-aging physicians, our goal is to replace hormones to the levels they were at when patients were around 25 years old. When you replace and balance hormones to these levels, the libido improves," says Dr. Jennifer Landa, an AMA board certified doctor of obstetrics and gynecology and member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging. "Testosterone increases libido in women as well," Honing says. "We use a lot of testosterone cream vaginally because of the abundant testosterone receptors found in that area of the body. Not only does this help elevate testosterone levels, it also helps build and maintain muscles that will help strengthen the whole orgasmic experience." Linda Davis, 53, says that before therapy she was anxious, irritable and had "a very short fuse. My concentration decreased and I was very stressed at work. I was having difficulty achieving orgasm as well," she says. "In women, you have to balance and restore more hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Along with cortisol, once these hormones are restored, a woman's libido will return," Honing says. "I found that when I balanced a patient's ovarian hormones and treated their adrenal problems, many of their libido problems resolved and with fewer side effects than with any other therapy I tried," Landa says. "Women and men who were afraid and upset that they had lost all sex drive have been thrilled that their libido has been restored and their relationships rescued," says Honing.

Benefits Beyond Sex

Doctors say that restoring testosterone levels will also increase energy levels. "I was suffering from increased mental fog and lethargy. I no longer had the energy to exercise. I was tired with a capital T," says 52-year-old Ron Sinclair. "After therapy with Dr. Honing, my energy has greatly improved and the mental fog has cleared. I now have the energy to exercise for an hour at a time most days," he says. Laurie Jordan also went to see Dr. Landa while seeking relief from the symptoms of perimenopause -- low libido, tiredness, irritability and mild hot flashes. After just a few months of BHRT treatment, she noticed considerable changes, including increased libido. "Even my hot flashes disappeared," she says. "I just turned 50 and I feel better now than I did in my 40s. This has been life-altering for me." "Libido problems can be caused by adrenal hormone problems, thyroid problems and problems with levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. The hormones all work together and the level of one hormone can affect any and all of the others. It is a very complicated balance that we are working to achieve," Landa says.

Know The Risks

BHRT therapy does carry some risk, however. Critics say some products are well-tested brands, but that is not the case for recipes made by a compounding pharmacist. Dr. Alicia Stanton, the chief medical officer for BodyLogicMD, a network of physicians specializing in natural bioidentical hormone therapy, offers some words of caution as well. "Bioidentical hormones are not a miracle cure. They simply help replace the hormones the body is not making in adequate amounts at any given time. The combination of balanced hormones, balanced nutrition, exercise and stress management are critical in maintaining optimal health," she says. Advocates, however, insist that if properly balanced and given under the care of a trained doctor, the therapy can be an ally in the war against aging and the problems now considered the inevitable results of getting older, including low libido. The say the regime is better than traditional methods. "Women and men who were afraid and upset that they had lost their sex drive, are thrilled that their libido has been restored and their relationship has been rescued," says Honing.

Recently, a friend of mine at work dropped by my desk and said,

“hey…did you hear about Ron? He started having chest pains the other night, his family rushed him to the hospital and it turns out he had a heart attack! Some arteries were almost completely blocked and others were 60% blocked!”

Needless to say, I was shocked! This guy works out and is in pretty good shape. And…he’s about the same age I am. Turns out he had a family history of heart disease which probably had a big impact on his own health. Fortunately, he made it to the hospital in time and doctors were able to put in stints and perform their magic on the less blocked arteries. Ron is back at work doing “half-days” for a while.

I’m not the type of person that believes you fall apart after 40. I don’t think that has to be the case at all, even though we’re conditioned to think that. But I do believe that in order to stay healthy we have to do a little more than we once did. When we’re younger, we’re typically more active…playing sports, working out and eating right so we can try and be more attractive to our prospective mates. As we get married and grow older, many of us tend to slack off on all the activity. Life turns into a quest for material goods instead of health. Thats not “always” the case, but frequently it is.

At some point, (hopefully before it’s too late), we start realizing that there is more to living than having the fastest car and the biggest house. Being healthy and feeling good about yourself will give you great piece of mind. You know, you’re not going to live forever…thats an inescapable fact. Take care of your body and it will make your life and living, so much more enjoyable…even if you don’t have all the money in the world.

Try doing something good for your heart and the rest of your body this week. Visit a local walking track and spend 15 to 30 minutes walking. If you go by yourself, you’ll be surprised how “peaceful and relaxing” those few minutes can be! I love to go do this, just so I can get away from work and “de-stress” for awhile!

Drop and Give Me 20

Push-ups, sit-ups, lunges -- your choice. The biggest factor for succeeding with your weight-loss plan once you've reached age 40 is strength training. If you've tried my easy workout, you know that strength training builds lean muscle, which, in turn, can burn 50 calories per pound every day. So push yourself a little: Each morning, between the time you roll out of bed and the moment you hit the shower, string together 20 sit-ups, 20 squats, 20 leg lifts, and as many push-ups as you can manage. It won't take more than five minutes, but over the next year, it can trim five pounds from your frame.

Befriend Your Scale

Funny how as your waistline expands, your interest in tracking the numbers wanes. Don't let it. It's no longer advisable to guesstimate your weight by the way your favorite jeans fit (or don't fit). Headlines that scream, "Stop Being a Slave to Your Scale!" are missing the point: Post-40 weight gain sneaks up on you. If the plane symbolizes your body, then its instrument panel is your scale -- it provides you with important data. Once a week, same time, same scale, weigh yourself and see with your own eyes what's happening with your body.

Make Weight Loss a Priority

Let's face it: Finding time to exercise only gets harder as you age. It helps to remember that working out gives you the sanity, strength, and good health to keep the rest of your world running smoothly. Can an overweight woman really preach to her children about the merits of eating right? Can an out-of-shape mom hope to get through an afternoon of soccer with her son without gasping for breath? Committing to a fitness routine is the first step in becoming a positive force to those around you. The time crunch isn't going to go away, so maybe you'll need to wake up earlier, or use your lunch break to hit the gym or walk home from work instead of driving. The better shape you're in, the better you'll feel inside and out. And the better you feel, the easier it will be to deal with life's headaches -- like demanding bosses, moody teenagers, and your husband's addiction to Monday Night Footbal. Some things you can't change. Thank goodness your weight isn't one of them.

Get a Regular Tune-up

Until this point, you've treated annual physicals as optional, but now you need to get serious. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels all need routine checks, especially if you know there is a family history of troubles. The ache you feel today could be nothing -- then again, it may have been caused by too much or too little exercise, a diet deficiency, or something more serious. The sooner you catch it, the less damage done. If your knees ache, your back hurts, or you suffer from persistent headaches, see your doctor. Wouldn't you be hesitant to pilot a plane that didn't receive regular maintenance and service?

Beware Post-40 Stress Attacks

Some days, just making it to midnight without a major catastrophe is an accomplishment in itself. Stress is one of the biggest reasons women overeat, so taking a few minutes each day to unwind is key to your weight-loss success. Soak in a hot bath, light some candles or get out and enjoy the summer sunshine. You started life as a sleek new jet, one that was built to last. Feed your body high-quality fuel, monitor its intake and routinely push your engine's limits to keep it running smoothly. Remember, you are the captain of your plane. Just reach out and take the controls.

look at life as a plane flight. Several decades ago, your parents started the engine. They revved the motor and headed down the runway until -- liftoff! -- you were born. Your plane continued to climb through childhood and adolescence, until you reached adulthood: full cruising altitude. Throughout your 20s and 30s, flying felt effortless. No matter what you ate, how little you slept, or how infrequently you exercised, your body kept its sleek, strong lines. No engine troubles for you!

Then, out of the blue, you hit the Big Four-O. Suddenly, you're not cruising along so easily anymore. Hormonal and metabolic changes are creating turbulence. Your plane is losing altitude. Time to turn off the autopilot and seize the controls. As you guide your plane through post-40 skies, here are some tips for a smoother ride.

Don't Clean Your Plate

As your body nears menopause, it burns calories less efficiently. The end result is that although you may be following the same diet that kept you slim at 30, it no longer works when you're 40 or 50. Cutting a mere 100 calories from your daily consumption can put you back on track. What's 100 calories? It's equal to a small snack. Another way to look at it: At the end of the day, it's the same as leaving two bites of every meal untouched on your plate.

Steer Clear of Starbucks

If you're anything like most post-40 women I know, you're in the business of coordinating life amidst everyday chaos -- work, husband, dirty laundry, hyper kids. And that's exactly what those frozen-cappuccino peddlers are counting on. You drive up, run in, pop a straw through the top, and peel off to pick up Junior at swim camp. Big mistake. Studies show that your body doesn't register a feeling of fullness from the calories you drink. Whether it's juice, soda, or alcohol, your body won't say to itself, "Wow, that eight-ounce glass really filled me up." If you ate an orange instead of drinking the juice, you would feel satisfied. But instead, liquid calories help you gain weight by causing you to overeat later. Do me a favor: Keep a piece of fruit in your bag at all times. Whenever you want a snack, drink a 12-ounce glass of water, then eat the fruit. Not only will you feel full, but most importantly you'll stay that way until dinner. And your hips will thank you.

Eat Like a Grown-Up, Part I

Do you remember when the only person you had to feed was yourself? Those days are gone. For many women over 40, the main concern is getting enough food on the table to satisfy one husband and two or three children -- fast. And more often than not, those meals are composed of what you know the kids will eat. The trouble is, many of these are unhappy meals for an adult on a diet. Cheeseburgers? Pizza? Macaroni and cheese? Don't get me started. Rather than tailoring your dinners to your children's whims, maybe it's time they started eating more like adults. Pasta primavera. Broiled scallops. Grilled salmon. Or just add a big bowl of steamed vegetables as the first course. If these menu changes feel drastic, try alternating kid days with grown-up days. It'll be healthier for all of you.

Eat Like a Grown-Up, Part II

Okay, now that you're cooking lighter fare, don't blow it by adding unnecessary calories. The recipe may call for a generous brushing, pouring or slathering of oil or butter, but you know better. Butter has a whopping 90 calories per tablespoon; every type of oil has 120. The over-40 edit of all your recipes should read: "drizzle," "lightly spray," or "dab" the butter. Think of it this way: Kids' dinners are high in fat because oil is used to add flavor to an otherwise bland meal. But if you start with a quality cut of steak or fillet of fresh fish, why destroy the flavor by suffocating it in grease? Instead, season generously with the recipe's spices and invest in an oil sprayer so you can make a little bit of fat go an extra-long way.

NEW YORK - U.S. regulators have told Merck & Co they cannot yet approve Merck's application to expand marketing of its cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil to an older group of women, the drugmaker said on Wednesday.

Merck had applied for the use of Gardasil in women ages 27 through 45. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a letter regarding the application that it has completed its review and there are "issues" that preclude approval within the expected review time frame, Merck said.

"It's hard to get a feel for if this is a dead issue or if this is delayed," said Linda Bannister, an analyst for Edward Jones. "At the minimum, it's going to be delayed."

Merck said it also failed to win FDA approval to expand Gardasil to protect against more strains of the Human Papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer. The company for now is dropping plans to pursue that expansion, a spokeswoman said.

Gardasil, approved in June 2006 for preventing cervical cancer and genital warts in females ages 9-26, has been one of Merck's most successful newer products and has helped the company recover after the 2004 withdrawal of its Vioxx arthritis treatment.

The Gardasil setbacks could raise concerns about the degree of growth that Merck can hope to achieve with the product, which is the world's first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.

A Merck spokeswoman said the agency has specific questions regarding Gardasil's effectiveness in this older age group.

The company said it had already discussed the questions with the FDA and expects to respond to the agency in July.

"Once we go back to the FDA, we'll have a better sense of what the review timing looks like," spokeswoman Amy Rose said.

The agency's response on the application for the older group does not affect Gardasil's current approval for females ages 9 to 26, Merck said.

Plans to seek approval for use in men
Ryan said the most important new opportunity for the vaccine will be for its use in males. The vaccine could help prevent males from contracting Human Papillomavirus and spreading it to females through sexual contact. Merck is on track to seek approval for use in males by the end of the year, Rose said.

Beauty , health , and nutrition are all integrated. If you eat a balanced diet you will be able to maintain your physique and glowing beauty externally and good health internally. A balanced diet is one that provides all the nutrients you need, the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.
To achieve goals you need to ensure a good balance in your diet, introduce variety into your meals, and practice moderation. The basis of nutrition lies in your height, weight, dimensions, and your daily energy needs. Once you know this, you can compute what your daily calorific needs are and set goals for weight maintenance, gain, or loss. By regulating your diet you can be active as well as happy.
You must:

1. Eat sensibly. Include a variety of foods in your diet such that all nutrients that are required by your body are present. Make use of a food pyramid and calorie chart to prepare tasty and nutritious meals.

2. Eat plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. They will supply you with essential vitamins, minerals, and protection from several diseases.

3. Maintain your weight at a healthy level. Successful weight management is one of the golden keys to good health. By doing this you will considerably reduce the risk of many diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis.

4. Learn self control, eat moderate portions. The secret lies in eating everything but in small portions.

5. Make a time-table for your meals and how many calories you will be taking in each meal. Never fast, starve yourself, or skip a meal. Eat when your body demands sustenance but not huge quantities.

6. Practice moderation. Good health does not lie in eliminating carbohydrates or fats. Include all your favorite foods but balance them with the rest of your diet.

7. Be sure your meals each day include all the food groups.

8. Plan to exercise every day. Either walk or take up aerobics, dance, or join a gym. Exercise will not just burn calories but put a glow into your skin, tone your muscles, and strengthen your bones. Exercise also removes accumulated toxins from your body.

9. Maintain a dairy in which you record your goals, and what you eat each day. Review your week objectively and create a table that shows at a glance what you did right and what you did wrong. This will help keep you on the right track.

10. Celebrate each victory. Give yourself a present or take yourself out every time you achieve a goal.

By eating healthy, one can live a complete and rounded life without diseases, reduce stress greatly, look and feel great, be happy from within , age well, produce healthy progeny, and live life to the fullest.

Just like brushing your teeth, healthy habits should be cultivated on a daily basis. The following is a guide to daily tasks:

1. Activity should be a daily occurrence. Walk, run or jump for a minimum total of 20 minutes a day.

2. Protect your skin. Sun block should be applied on face, neck, arms and hands even in the dead of winter. It protects against climatic toxins too. Moisturize skin daily.

3. Eat fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products and small amounts of protein. Avoid sweets and other processed foods.

4. Meditate or spend a minimum of five minutes daily in quiet time.

5. Find your spiritual self. Discover what inspires you, raises your level of consciousness, motivates you, and satisfies your soul.

6. Exercise your brain. Read, study, solve problems, and learn new skills. As does the body, the brain atrophies with lack of use.

7. Hug somebody.

1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!

3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.

4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.

5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.

6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.

7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.

8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.

9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.

10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny

Quality of life is what we all want. Good health helps us achieve a high quality of life. Fitness makes us want to live it every day. If you agree with these three premises, keep reading.

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Diet and Exercise are Keys to Healthy Living
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