Carefull of skin care medicines: Think before u buy

When it comes to cosmetic products for taking the best care of your skin, the whole business of taking care of your skin’s conditioning can turn into an incredibly expensive endeavor. With cleansers that can cost $40 or more, and high end moisturizers that can cost hundreds of dollars, it is important to know what’s worth spending large amounts of money on, and what items you can really save money on.

Dedicated Exfoliants

There’s nothing magical about exfoliation. Like scraping the frost off of your car windshield on a chilly morning before work, all exfoliation does is scrape away the dead skin cells on your face and stimulate circulation to rejuvenate tone and jump start the production of new cells. There’s no reason to spend $10 on a special exfoliate when a rough washcloth can work just as well.

In many cases homemade remedies work better than store bought exfoliants. Some exfoliants have “beads” that are nothing more than small, jagged pieces of plastic— which can be way too harsh for your skin. If you want an exfoliating scrub, mix together some brown sugar with enough water to make a slush— add lemon or lime juice if you want scent and astringency. You can create an expensive scrub by pouring a little salt in your hand and a dab of olive oil. Rub the olive oil mixture into your hands for 30 seconds, and then rince. This is a gentle, natural, and way to soften your hands.

Skin Masks

Fancy skin masks can cost in the triple digit price range, and as of this article there is nothing in this world that has been discovered which is magical and able to immediately give you the flawless skin of a twenty year old girl. So while many skin masks are full of natural ingredients that are wonderful for your skin, they just aren’t worth the price when it comes to the actual benefits that you get.

If your skin is dry, you can make your own mask cheaply: an avocado is only $1.50. Look at the named ingredients on your favorite masks and mix the ingredients together yourself!

If you want firmer, tighter skin, whip some egg whites and spread them on your face, then let them dry. The egg whites should peel off almost as perfectly as a store-bought mask. If you’re looking for special scents and the spa treatment, add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the masks. Mint is rejuvenating, lavender, chamomile and rosemary are soothing, and lemon and orange cut through oil.

Ways of Saving Bux to buy Medicines

Buy generics. Many brand name drugs like Lipitor, Zithromax, and Sustiva have a generic counter part. Generic drugs have the same ingredients as the brand name drug. In some cases, the generic drugs are made by the same brand name company. They are just packaged differently.
Ask for samples Ask your doctor or dentist to give you a free sample or a starter kit. Free samples and starter kits are often available for new drugs. This is also helpful because you can make sure the medicine works well for you before you pay for a prescription.
Shop around for the lowest prescription drug prices. Call different pharmacies and ask for prescription drug prices. If you find a lower price than your pharmacy offers, ask if they'll match it.
If you qualify, enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.
Consider using mail-order pharmacy services. You can usually order up to a 3-month supply of your prescription medicine for less than what individual prescription refills would cost at a local retail pharmacy. If you use an Internet pharmacy service, be sure it carries the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program (VIPPS) seal.
 Learn what help your state and local governments may offer. Many states have programs that will help pay for medical prescriptions. Search your state's Web site, or call your state senator or your representative at the state capital.
 Look into drug-company prescription savings programs. Most pharmaceutical companies have drug savings programs for people with low to modest incomes and no insurance coverage. These programs offer savings on medicines either purchased at the pharmacy or mailed directly to you.
 Visit the Web site for The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). The Partnership for Prescription Assistance provides a single point of information on the more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, which include more than 150 programs offered by the pharmaceutical industry. They can help you find information to save on more than 2,500 medicines. The PPA educational effort is supported by America's pharmaceutical research companies working with doctors, pharmacists, healthcare providers, patient advocacy organizations, and community groups across the US. The toll-free number to Partner for Prescription Assistance is 1-888-4PPANOW, or visit their website at www.pparx.org.
 Transfer your prescriptions. Many stores like Target, Rite Aide, CVS, and Kroger will give you a giftcard (usually $10 to $25) if you transfer your prescription to their pharmacy.
 Research your health benefits. Ask your employer to set up a health savings account or another form of flexible spending that can be used to purchase medicine. Some companies will also contribute to your health savings account.
 Review with your doctor all of the prescription drugs that you take. You might not need some of them anymore.

What causes dipression | how to recover it ?

What causes dipression | how to recover it ? Everyone feels "blue" or "down" some of the time. Major depressive disorder (depression) is more than just feeling down. It is when a person is in a continued state of sadness, melancholy or despair to such a point that it is disruptive to how they function. It can severely disrupt your life. It can affect your appetite, sleep, work, and relationships.

What does depression feel like?

Depression has many different symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following:
woman looking sad and depressed

    * Constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
    * Less interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies
    * Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
    * Trouble concentrating or making decisions
    * Low energy or feeling tired, even when you are not active
    * Feeling restless or slowed down
    * Sleeping too much or too little
    * Changes in appetite (with weight gain or loss)
    * Thoughts of suicide or death



What causes depression?

Depression may result from many things. Whatever the cause, depression is not just a state of mind. It may be due to changes in the way brain chemicals* work together.

Normally brain chemicals carry messages from one brain cell to the next. An imbalance of brain chemicals can change the way brain cells communicate. This can change a person's mood.

Other Types of Depression

Besides major depression, some other types are:

    * Dysthymia means you have many depression symptoms, but they are less severe, although they have been present on most days for at least two years.
    * Seasonal affective disorder has the same symptoms as major depression. But the symptoms return during certain seasons. Fall and winter are the most common times.
    * Postpartum depression has the same symptoms as major depression. But the symptoms occur after giving birth. It is most common in the first months after having a baby.

*These brain chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Weight Gain Creates problems to have ejacuation or have sex !!

Weight gain problems to have ejacuation or have sex !!

Sexual intimacy between two individuals involves a mutual physical attraction. Depending on what your partner finds attractive, gaining a few or more unwanted pounds may cause you to lose your desirability factor. However, before you mull over about what he thinks of your body, consider what you think of yourself. Remember that gaining those extra pounds does not make you any less sensual. Your measure of self-esteem and how you view yourself as a sexual human being shapes your sense of sexuality.

If you and your partner are experiencing difficulties because of weight issues, do not try to solve the problem by ignoring it. Try to shed a few pounds. Also, look for new ways to increase intimacy level. Experiment and find out what turns them on. Buy yourself some new clothes that highlights your assets.

Do not let this be a road block in your relationship. Instead, work on what turns your partner off. To lose those unwanted pounds, you have to exert control over what you eat. Avoid eating foods that are high in sugar and calories. Limit your intake of cakes and ice cream, and stock up on healthy fruits and vegetables. Reduce fatty foods in your diet such as red meats and foods cooked in fatty oils. Opt for fish or for white meats such as chicken or turkey. (Be careful about eating too much fish. Fish contains mercury that is harmful if eaten too much). An effective weight loss plan could be attained by joining support groups either online or in your community that cater to people who are struggling with their weight.

It is also important that you engage yourself in physical activities. Spice up your time together by picking up a sport like tennis and swimming. Swimming is one of the fastest ways to get in shape. Swimming is also more friendly to your joints than running. Check out your local gym or aquatic center to see the pool schedules. This is also a good time for you and your partner to strengthen your relationship and experience new things. If you have a dog, walk your pooch together and enjoy those nice and peaceful bonding moments. You will soon realize that your quest for weight loss and fitness will not only result to you losing those pounds, it will strengthen your relationship with your partner especially if you involve him in your journey!

All your hard work will pay off one day when you see those great results. You will be healthier than ever and you will have your body back. Not to mention, your partner will surely not be able to resist you and you will have your sex life back- and it will be better than ever!

Speak about Sex within urself to ease ur life

Speak about Sex within urself to ease ur life

Whether we are in a new relationship or have been married for forty years, when it comes to talking with our partners about sex, it is never easy. However, in reality the response is almost never as bad as you think it will be. Also, talking openly about your sexual feelings, desires, likes and dislikes, can improve your sex life with your partner and improve other aspects of the relationship.

Tips on how to talk to your partner about sexual issues

Clarify the issue for yourself. Sex is very complicated. Before you talk to your partner about your feelings about sex, sit down and think about it for a while. This will help you clarify your thoughts and feelings. Be honest with yourself. Try not to place all of your blame or frustrations on your partner.

Try about your feelings and concerns. Writing about what you want to talk about is a great step to clarify your issues for yourself. It is also a good way to practice the way you might communicate it to your partner. If you enjoy writing, try writing a letter and give the letter to your partner. Letter writing can be a powerful way to communicate your thoughts and feelings.

Practice talking. If you’re nervous about talking, practicing will help. You can practice with a good friend or alone in front of a mirror.

Talking about premature ejaculation (for men) and (for women).

Consider when to talk. Choosing when to talk will depend a lot on what you are talking about. If you want to raise the idea of trying something new in bed, then raising it just before you’re about to be intimate with your partner is probably not a good time. It is also not a good idea to talk about your concerns with sex when your partner is stressed out or has just come home from a long day at work.

Give your partner time. Give your partner time to proecss and think about what you have said. Time will allow both of you to respond honestly without having to feel rushed or pressured. Sexual communication is an ongoing process.

Check In at a later time. Give yourself an option to bring the topic up again. Be careful not to nag your partner. Let your partner know that you care about how they feel and you want to check in with them about how the conversation went.

Weight gain discourages Attraction, what to do !

Weight gain discourages Attraction, what to do about having Sex !

Riki says: My Partner has Gained Weight and Now I'm Not Physically Attracted to Them

You notice that your partner recently has packed on a few unwanted pounds. Discussing your partner’s weight issues is never easy and will always be a touchy subject. However, you shouldn’t also ignore the fact that you are beginning to find them physically unattractive. Others find it hard to believe, but it is true that weight gain can be a deal breaker in some relationships. If your partner is letting their body go, here are a few things that you could do to help them get back in shape.

First of all, you have to be honest. Express your true feelings to your partner. Avoid giving negative statements or criticizing your partner’s weight. Instead, ask your partner to look at the situation in a healthy perspective. Offer your partner the support and positive encouragement he needs. Be involved by getting active and staying fit together. Join your partner as they pursue a healthier lifestyle. Adopting a healthier lifestyle together will not only help bring you and your partner closer to each other, it will be beneficial to your own body as well.

Create an atmosphere around you and your partner that is most favorable for weight loss. If you are going out on a dinner date, suggest that you go somewhere that offers a healthier menu. Bake or cook healthy foods and desserts for your partner. This will definitely make your partner feel loved and important. You can also go grocery shopping together. This will give you an opportunity to stock the fridge with fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks.

Sweat it out together! Make it fun and easy for your partner by exercising with them. Offer to go to the gym with him. Take romantic walks, go swimming, hiking, playing tennis, and jogging. Or have sex (yes, it is a good form of exercise)! There are a lot of activities out there that you and your partner can engage in you are guaranteed to have fun and lose weight altogether.

Work your imagination and find creative ways to motivate your partner. Think of great rewards after achieving short term goals like losing a pound a week or after a few hours at the gym. Include romance in your weight loss plans to motivate your partner. Encourage your partner with rewards such as a sensual massage, gifts, or a lap dance. You have a lot of options so let your imagination run wild!

Lastly, if you think that you need to seek professional help from a dietician or a professional trainer, do so if your finances allow it.

Better kissing = better sex.

Sexless Marriage what about it ?

Sexless Marriage what about it ?

A sexless marriage may be defined as the lack of sex in marriage or not having sex at all. This implies that one or both of you experience a certain degree of dissatisfaction in your sex life. Sexless marriage is not uncommon. It is estimated that 1 out of 5 couples has a sexless marriage.

Being trapped in a sexless marriage often makes you feel unwanted or undesirable. When a married person feels unwanted or undesirable, more problems will occur. Sometimes these feelings lead to infidelity or divorce. To fix a sexless marriage, identify the reasons why there is no sex and try to work on those problems together.

    * There’s no time for sex – The need to sustain financial stability and security, parenting responsibilities and household chores are some of the reasons why couples tend to spend less time for physical intimacy. If both of you are too tired to have sex after a long day of work, why not have a good night sleep and wake up earlier than usual and get it on before doing your morning rituals? Finding time for sex.
    * Open up – Talk about sex with your partner. Before you talk with your partner about how you feel, take some time and really think about how you feel. Communication is very important. It’s healthy to let your partner know how you feel about the lack of sex. If you feel rejected, find a way to let them know without accusing them. If you feel neglected, let them know. It’s okay to ask the reason behind the lack of sexual desire or low sex drive. Your partner might not realize that you are unhappy. In some cases, your partner may have a problem that keeps them from having sex that needs medical attention.
    * Depression – Lack of sex or lost sex drive is often caused by depression. There are many reasons why your partner may feel depressed. Depression can be caused by workplace stress or financial anxiety. Let your partner feel that you are there to support them no matter what and assure them that you can go through the problem together.
    * The spark isn’t just there anymore – Your partner may have the courage to tell you that there is a problem with physical attraction. Don’t take it negatively. Instead, do something to rekindle the spark.

By identifying the cause, you may be able to find ways on how to fix and recover from your sexless marriage.

Buying medicine with Prescription

The Internet has changed the way we live, work and shop. The growth of the Internet has made it possible to compare prices and buy products without ever leaving home. But when it comes to buying medicine online, it is important to be very careful. Some websites sell medicine that may not be safe to use and could put your health at risk.
Some websites that sell medicine:

    * aren’t U.S. state-licensed pharmacies or aren’t pharmacies at all
    * may give a diagnosis that is not correct and sell medicine that is not right for you or your condition
    * won’t protect your personal information

Some medicines sold online:

    * are fake (counterfeit or “copycat” medicines)
    * are too strong or too weak
    * have dangerous ingredients
    * have expired
    * aren’t FDA-approved (haven't been checked for safety and effectiveness)
    * aren’t made using safe standards
    * aren’t safe to use with other medicine or products you use
    * aren’t labeled, stored, or shipped correctly

Talk to your doctor about buying medicine online

    * Talk with your doctor and have a physical exam before you get any new medicine for the first time.
    * Use ONLY medicine that has been prescribed by your doctor or another trusted professional who is licensed in the U.S. to write prescriptions for medicine.
    * Ask your doctor if there are any special steps you need to take to fill your prescription.

These tips will help protect you if you buy medicines online:

Make sure a website is a U.S. state-licensed pharmacy. Pharmacies and pharmacists in the United States are licensed by a state’s board of pharmacy. Your state board of pharmacy can tell you if a website is a state-licensed pharmacy and is in good standing.

The NABP is a professional association of the state boards of pharmacy. It has a program to help you find some of the pharmacies that are licensed to sell medicine online. Internet websites that display the seal of this program have been checked to make sure they meet state and federal rules.
Look for websites with practices that protect you
A safe website should:

   1. Be licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the website is operating
   2. Have a licensed pharmacist to answer your questions
   3. Require a prescription from your doctor or other health care professional who is licensed in the United States to write prescriptions for medicine
   4. Have a way for you to talk to a person if you have problems

Be sure your privacy is protected

    * Look for privacy and security policies that are easy-to-find and easy-to-understand.
    * Don’t give any personal information (such as social security number, credit card, or medical or health history), unless you are sure the website will keep your information safe and private.
    * Make sure that the site will not sell your information, unless you agree.

Protect yourself and others

    * Report websites you are not sure of, or if you have complaints about a site.

Go to http://www.fda.gov/buyonline and click on “Notify FDA about problem websites.”
Buying your medicine online can be easy. Just make sure you do it safely.

Take the right medicine.

(ARA) - Navigating through your health plan benefits can be confusing. Adding to the confusion is that you may be noticing benefit differences from the year before. Increasingly, one of those differences is the prescription medicines to which you have access.

For years, insurance plans have attempted to reduce their expenses by limiting access to certain prescription drugs for their members. But new research shows that steering patients to particular medicines to save on costs may be bad news for consumers, especially minority patients.

“America has enjoyed tremendous innovations in pharmaceuticals over the course of the past century. These innovations are well recognized for their contributions to the quality and duration of life among our citizens. Unfortunately, all of our communities have not benefited to the same degree,” said L. Natalie Carroll, M.D., president of the National Medical Association (NMA), an organization representing African-American physicians.

The study, jointly sponsored by NMA and the National Pharmaceutical Council, was published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the National Medical Association. It shows that genetic differences among minorities may explain why some medicines are more effective in some patients than others. Genetic variations can affect how fast a drug is metabolized and what kind of dosage is appropriate.

For example, black patients and Caucasian patients often experience different types of high blood pressure. Because black patients tend to retain more salt and have a higher incidence of salt-sensitive high blood pressure, diuretics used in combination with other blood pressure medications may be necessary to maintain healthy blood pressure levels among black patients.

What this means to health plan members is that the drug your insurance plan prefers may not be your best bet.

Here are some tips to help you ensure that the medicines you take are the best ones for you:

    * Talk to your doctor -- Work with your doctor to find the best treatment option for you. Discuss the pros and cons of different therapies. If your insurance plan is steering you to switch medicines, discuss the possible effects on your current condition and create a plan of action.
    * Know your options -- Research what your plan covers. Don’t be afraid to contact your plan administrator if a drug you need isn’t covered or has an expensive co-pay. Many plans allow patients to apply for medical exceptions to their coverage policies based on the advice of a doctor. Know your plan’s rules and be persistent.
    * Be mindful of chronic conditions -- Be careful of switching medications especially for conditions that require careful ongoing maintenance, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental illness. Even if they are used to treat the same condition, no two drugs will work identically. If you do need to change the drug you use, it may take some time for your doctor to determine the correct dose.
    * Be alert for unanticipated responses -- Because each patient is different, every drug will have its own unique impact on a patient’s health. If you experience an increase in side effects, or a change in your condition, alert your physician immediately.

As health plans increasingly limit access to certain medicines, it is important for patients to work hand in hand with their physicians and their health plan to make certain that they are treated for their individual condition. The ultimate goal must be to get the right drug, to the right person, for the right condition at the right time.

For more information on the study please visit http://www.npcnow.org/issues_productlist/IndRxCareintro.asp.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Founded in l895, the National Medical Association (NMA) is the nation’s oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 25,000 African-American physicians and their patients. The NMA is a strong advocate for policies that would assure equitable health care for all people.

Since 1953, the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) has sponsored and conducted scientific, evidence-based analyses of the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals and the clinical and economic value of pharmaceutical innovations. NPC provides educational resources to a variety of health care stakeholders, including patients, clinicians, payers and policy makers. More than 20 research-based pharmaceutical companies are members of the NPC.