Yogurt's Top Ten - Wholesome Food for Every Body

Yogurt is one of my regular healthy snack.

What does it do? From AboutYogurt.Com (http://www.aboutyogurt.com/healthUpdate/topTen.asp) here are the Top Ten Benefits:

1. May Help Reduce Osteoporosis Risk
   As an excellent source of calcium, yogurt, eaten regularly, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, the thinning and loss of bone mass that affects 25 million Americans as they age. Yogurt is an excellent dairy food choice for women who limit their intake of milk and cheese, and has many advantages over supplements.
2. Lactose Intolerant? Yogurt May Help
   Studies have shown that the live and active cultures present in yogurt permit yogurt to be eaten by many of the more than one quarter of American adults who ordinarily experience lactose intolerance with other dairy products. Some of the symptoms of lactose intolerance include abdominal cramping, bloating and diarrhea.
3. Immune Boon
   Ongoing studies have shown live and active culture yogurt may enhance the immune systems of certain individuals.¹
4. Versatile and Convenient
   Keep yogurt stocked in your refrigerator to use as a substitute for mayonnaise and sour cream in tuna and other salads; top waffles or pancakes with fruit yogurt; make desserts more healthful by choosing frozen yogurt. Perfect for today's busy schedules, nothing is as convenient to carry with you on a hike or put in a lunch bag as yogurt. For the commuter, it's the perfect portable protein boost.²
5. Combats Yeast Infections
   Vaginal yeast infections affect nearly 12 million women each year. Research suggests that regularly eating yogurt containing L. acidophilus may decrease yeast growth and infection in certain individuals.³
6. Colon Protection
   Preliminary studies show increasing one's dietary intake of lowfat, calcium-rich dairy products such as yogurt may reduce the risk of colon cancer.⁴
7. Calcium-Rich
   It's a fact: calcium is an essential nutrient, and yogurt is an excellent source of calcium. An average eight-ounce serving of live and active culture yogurt contains approximately 30 % of the Daily Recommended Value for calcium.⁵
8. Protein-Dense
   An average eight-ounce serving of live and active culture yogurt contains approximately 20 % of the Daily Value for protein. So protein-dense, yogurt is now considered a meat alternate by the United States Department of Agriculture in its school meals programs.⁶
9. Taste Kids & Parents Love
   Yogurt is one food that gets the "thumbs up" from both parents and kids. It's a calcium-rich food that will help kids grow and start them on the road to good bone health in later life.
10. Variety
    With nearly 50 different flavors and a wide variety of textures or "styles," there's a yogurt for everyone. Choose from fruit-blended or fruit on the bottom yogurts, yogurts with toppings and add-ins, or light versions of yogurt sweetened with aspartame. Try frozen yogurt or yogurts with cereal and novelty toppings for kids.

¹ C.M. Kotz et. al., J. Dairy Sci. 1994 Dec: 77 [12]; 3538-44
² Simin Nikbin Meydani, Ph.D., Am. Jour. of Nutrition 2000; 71:861-72
³ E. Hilton et. al., Ann. Intern. Med. 1992 March 1: 116 [5] 353-7
⁴ R.K Peters; Cancer Causes Control 1992 Sept.; 3[5] 457-73
⁵ Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
⁶ Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Hair Care: Eat Fish For Shiny Hair!

by Jeremy Dranx

Get Enough Protein In Your Diet
Some vegetarians, people who go on crash diets that exclude protein, and those with severely abnormal eating habits, may develop protein malnutrition. When this happens, a person's body will help to save protein by shifting growing hairs into the resting phase. Massive hair shedding can occur two to three months later. Hair can then be pulled out by the roots. This condition can be reversed by eating the proper amount of protein. However, not all protein are made the same, for the best source of protein, do eat more fish!

Monthly Oily-Hair Treatment
Massage ground cucumber or watermelon (use a food processor for best results) into freshly shampooed hair and leave on your scalp for 15 minutes before rinsing. Do rinse with cold water as using hot water will just strip your hair of its moisture!

Home Remedy Hair Treatments
Rosemary Hot Oil Treatment (For Dry Hair)
1/2 cup of dried rosemary leaves
1/2 cup olive oil

Combine ingredients then heat up until warm. Strain. Coat the entire scalp and ends of hair with the oil mixture. Wrap hair in saran wrap and a towel over that, leave on for 15 minutes. Wash hair twice to remove the oil. Use this treament twice a month or when your needs a deep conditioning. Leaves your hair shiny and rehydrated for a week!

Most hair coloring products contain chemicals that can do serious harm to the hair itself if not properly used, but it wont instigate hair loss. Do remember to do an allergy test before you indulge in any new hair chemicals.

Distilled Water For Hair Wash
As tap water leaves mineral deposits on hair, it is better to use distilled water as the final rinse while washing hair. Avoid shampooing daily if you have dull hair. Alternatively, install a high power water filter at your incoming water supply. Volumizing and thickening shampoos are harmful for fine, thin hair. It is safer not to use hair accessories with metal contents. Using wooden or cellulose acetate combs instead of plastic combs is good for hair. Boar bristles hairbrush is also good for hair. Using satin pillowcase can help you prevent damage to your hair from tossing and turning. Use protein treatment once a week if your hair has damage. Most hair salons has excellent range of hair treatments which you can use to your benefits.

Maintaining Clean Scalp
The scalp and hair should be cleansed between shampoos. For this purpose the "dry shampoo" is necessary. It is actually a form of scalp massage. Preparations of orris, corn meal and other dry shampoo powders are not recommended. They stick, and it is hard to get them out of the hair. A vigorous rubbing of the scalp after the hair has been parted, using a small piece of muslin over the tip of the finger, is best. Hot and cold applications are good, with or without shampoo, especially if the hair is falling. Remember that the hair should not be "hot-air" dried, always set your hair blower to cool as hot air will just dry up your hair and make it more brittle than ever!

Get Your Vitamin Bs for Great Hair
Vitamin B is vital to healthy hair growth while Vitamin A gives the hair its shine. Vitamin E helps to make the hair thick and glossy while the mineral Zinc helps the hair grow and strengthens the hair shaft. Silicon is another mineral that forms cross-links with the keratin in the hair and copper helps decide color pigment. Lack of copper leads to gray hair. Unlike skin, hair cannot repair itself, but damaged hair is replaced with new hair. So, remember to get your daily dose of vitamin Bs, your hair will thank you for it. Take care of your body and you will have beatiful hair! Your Body is like an automation machine which runs without stop, so, take great care of your body and your hair will thank you for it!

We urge you to find out more about Proper Hair Care in order to achieve beautiful locks today. Do visit us at http://HairCare.hairlossfact.info for More Hair Care Tips today

Beware of these BAD & UGLY stuffs in your personal care products

Source: The Green Guide

Here are the ingredients to be most wary of on labels, and why.

Coal-tar colors

So-called coal-tar chemicals are found in many "FD&C" or "D&C" colors used in makeup and hair dye.

Health Problem: Allergens and irritants, possible carcinogens

Safer Alternatives: Annatto, beta carotene, carmine, hematite, henna, iron oxides, titanium dioxide (nontoxic, but can cause lung irritation if inhaled as powder)

Lead

A brain- and nervous-system toxin as well as a known carcinogen and hormone disruptor, lead accumulates in the bones. It is found in lead acetate in hair dyes and makeup.

Phthalates

Used widely in fragrances, deodorants, nail polishes, hair products and lotions, the oily texture of phthalates acts like a moisturizer and helps lotions penetrate skin.

Health Problems: Various members of this family of chemical plasticizers have been found to produce cancer of the liver and birth defects in lab animals.

Dibutylphthalate (DBP) is of particular concern because documented exposures are high and its health effects are potentially very serious. In nail polish and mascara, DBP helps thin films stay flexible, reducing brittleness and cracking. Animal studies show that DBP causes birth defects and harm to male reproductive organs. Timing of exposure was critical: Harm was done to animals exposed in the womb or shortly after birth.

A 2002 Environmental Working Group (EWG) report found DBP in 37 nail products from 22 different companies. Their 2002 report, "Not Too Pretty" (produced with Health Care Without Harm and Coming Clean), found phthalates in 52 of 72 different personal-care products.

Other commonly used phthalates include dimethylphthalate (DMP) and diethylphthalate (DEP).

Alternatives: Phthalates often "hide" behind the term "fragrance;" choose products labeled "fragrance-free" or that are scented exclusively with pure botanical or essential oils. Phthalates are also present in, and can evaporate from, soft vinyl (PVC) toys, flooring and other products, which should be avoided. For more information, search for "phthalates" at www.thegreenguide.com.

Preservatives

Bronopol, often listed as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, can contribute to the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, according to the FDA. It can also break down to produce formaldehyde (see below).

Formaldehyde, found in eye shadows, mascaras and other cosmetics, is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," according to the National Toxicology Program's "Ninth Report on Carcinogens" (January 2001)**. The EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen.

In its liquid state, formaldehyde, present in the ingredients DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium-15, can be absorbed through the skin and nails. As a volatile organic compound, or VOC, formaldehyde evaporates when the product is wet; levels drop sharply once it's dry. Consumer concern has led many manufacturers to remove it from their nail polishes.

Health Problems: Breathing formaldehyde fumes has been associated with many types of cancers, including those of the nose and throat. Levels of formaldehyde in air as low as 0.1 ppm (parts per million) can cause burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat; nausea, coughing and wheezing.

Imidazolidinyl urea can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Mercury: a tiny amount of this potent nervous-system toxin, which accumulates in the body, is allowed as a preservative in eye-area cosmetics.

The parabens: Methyl-, propyl-, ethyl- and butylparaben are the most common preservatives used in cosmetics.

Health Problems: Common allergens. Some recent research shows that parabens can mimic estrogen in rodents, making them potential hormone disruptors.

Quaternary ammonium compounds can irritate the skin and eyes. Quaternium-15 causes more dermatitis complaints than any other preservative, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Healthier Preservatives: Vitamins A (retinoic acid), C (ascorbic acid), E (tocopherol), citric acid, pycnogenol.

Surfactants -- Sudsing/Foaming Agents

Suds-making detergents, known as surfactants, in shampoos also promote absorption of the product by the skin.

Diethanolamine (DEA), widely used in shampoos, is a suspected carcinogen, and its compounds and derivatives include triethanolamine (TEA), which can be contaminated with nitrosamines -- compounds shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Contamination is more likely if the product also contains Bronopol (see above).

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are both irritants, says the Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR), a panel of cosmetics-industry experts established to safety-test ingredients (cir-safety.org). But the CIR reported that SLS also causes "severe epidermal changes" to mouse skin, a finding that "indicates a need for tumor-enhancing activity assays." This year, after review of over 250 existing SLS studies, the CIR concluded that SLS is not cancer-causing. However, Samuel Epstein, M.D., says he is not convinced and recommends avoiding SLS.

Other Ingredients to Avoid

Aluminum chlorohydrate, a wetness retardant used in antiperspirants, can cause allergic reactions.

Ammonia, used in hair dyes and bleaches, can irritate the eyes and skin and can be toxic when inhaled.

Mineral oil, found in many moisturizers, comes from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource.

Peroxide, used in hair-coloring products, can irritate the skin of hands and scalp and damage hair and eyes.

Phenylenediamine (PPD), found in many hair dyes, is linked with skin irritations, respiratory disorders and cancers, and is banned in Europe.

Polyethylene and polyethylene glycol (PEG ingredients), found in hair straighteners, antiperspirants and baby-care products, are safe in themselves but can be contaminated with 1,4- dioxane, which produced liver cancer in rodents in National Cancer Institute (NCI) studies.

Polysorbate compounds 60 and 80 are emulsifiers, used in lotions and creams, that can also become contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), widely used in hair-care products, especially sprays, has been found to stay in the body for months. In rats it contributed to tumor development.

Propylene glycol, a humectant, or moisture-attracting ingredient, found in mascara, lotions, creams and other cosmetics, can irritate skin in sensitive individuals.

Talc, a mineral found in many face and body powders, has a structure similar to that of asbestos, which has been linked to lung and ovarian cancers. Healthier alternative: cornstarch (but, like any powder, can cause breathing problems)

Toluene, a solvent, is found in some nail polishes. It is a nervous-system toxin.

Triclosan, an antibacterial agent found in deodorants and other products, is overused and is linked to antibiotic-resistant disease, says the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (www.apua.org).

Cancer and your hair products

Source: The Green Guide

For those recovering from and at risk for cancer, recognizing the links between your personal care products and personal health can be vital to preventing continued exposure to possible carcinogens like diethanolamine, contained in many shampoos and other products (see below). According to a 2004 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 93 percent of shampoos possibly contain harmful impurities linked to cancer or other health problems. Additionally, EWG found that 69 percent of hair-dye products may pose cancer risks.

Regardless of your current health, it’s important to know the ingredients in your personal care items.

Hair Relaxers

Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide as an active ingredient. Sodium hydroxide can cause skin irritation, burns and necrosis as well as breathing difficulty when inhaled. Although “no lye” relaxers don’t contain sodium hydroxide and result in less skin irritation than lye products, they too can burn the scalp if used incorrectly.

Additionally, many relaxers contain paraben preservatives. Parabens are allergens and, according to research published in a 2004 issue of the Journal of Applied Toxicology, have been found in breast tumors. An accompanying article suggested that adolescents and close relatives of breast-cancer patients may be at an increased risk due to continued exposure.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warns consumers to use caution when using relaxers, as chemicals may accidentally enter the eyes.

Straighteners

Ceramic and metal straighteners are a non-chemical option for temporarily straightening hair. Although ceramic straighteners cost more than metal ones, many salons use ceramic straighteners as they have a reputation for working more effectively. As with any heated surface, straighteners can cause contact burns and should be kept out of reach of small children. Remain on the lookout for straighteners claiming to have a “non-stick” coating. According to research by the EWG, some companies have used a Teflon coating on their straighteners. An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) panel recently identified perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA), a chemical used in making Teflon, as a “likely human carcinogen.”

Shampoos and Conditioners

The National Toxicology Program has found that diethanolamine (DEA), widely used in shampoos, can cause cancer in mice, and there is some evidence the related compound triethanolamine (TEA), may do the same. Contamination by nitrites can turn DEA into the compound N-nitrosodiethanolamine, considered possibly carcinogenic in humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Contamination is more likely if the shampoo also contains Bronopol (also known as 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol).

Found in many shampoos, sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can cause contact dermatitis. Fragrance, another common shampoo and conditioner ingredient, can include possible skin irritants and allergens. The FDA does not require companies to disclose the ingredients listed as “fragrance” and many include phthalates, chemicals that have been found to produce cancer of the liver and birth defects in lab animals.

Hair Dyes

There are two kinds of permanent dyes: oxidation and progressive. Oxidation dyes contain a combination of hydrogen peroxide, which can be an irritant, dye and ammonia, while progressive dyes contain lead acetate as the active ingredient, with up to ten times the lead level allowed in house paint. Watch out for coal tar colors: FD&C Blue 1 and FD&C Green 3 are carcinogenic, and impurities in other colors—D&C Red 33, FD&C Yellow 5 and FD&C Yellow 6—have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.

Henna is a gentle alternative to the harsh chemical dyes commonly used in beauty salons. And while it will not penetrate the hair shaft to truly color it, the pigment will tint your hair.

Styling Products

Unfortunately, styling products contain various combinations of parabens, phthalates, fragrance and coal tar colors, so read ingredient labels carefully.

Better Choices

Luckily, there are a number of eco-friendly and health sensitive hair care products for African Americans. Although they may not be as widely advertised as those for Caucasians, they do exist. And often, some products can work for both ethnic groups.

A little about Yoga

Can yoga change your body?

A couple of years ago you may have associated yoga with peace-loving hippies hugging trees and chanting. Gets most of Hollywood swearing by it, though, and suddenly it’s cool. But is it really all that, and does it make a difference.

Depending on the class type, yoga can be intensely active, and moving from one pose into the next can really get your heart racing. A lot of people avoid yoga because they think it’s not a good work-out and they won’t sweat, but Ashtanga will definitely do both. It gets your heart rate up, and metabolism higher, so you’re working in a fat burning zone

Yoga works your internal system too

Because yoga incorporates a deep breathing style, you’re filling your system with oxygen, helping to rejuvenate body cells. By changing poses and generating body heat, you’re sending a fresh, continuous blood supply (oxygen) to every organ, tissue, muscle and joint in your body. “The combination of strength and breathing lengthens the muscle fibre and tissue. So, rather than having the compact muscles of a body builder, your body takes on a more streamlined appearance.

When can we see the results??

Yoga is commitment, but all it takes to make a difference is 30 minute, three or four times a week. Ki and Iyenger yoga are slower styles – you’ll notice your body becoming learner, but it can take three to six months. Ashtanga or bikram yoga is faster classes with lots of challenging poses, and if you do two or three classes a week, you’ll see results within six to eight weeks.

Yoga VS cardio work-out

Yoga works deeper into the muscle, stretching and strengthening as opposed to building them up on a surface level, therefore the body becomes toned rather than bulky. Through yoga, your body becomes more flexible, plus you have greater strength and noticeable definition. You’re not going to get bulky from yoga, because you’re only supporting your own body weight. Look at people like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow – they’re all Ashtanga fans and have lean, defined physiques. Compare that to cardio celebs like Mel-C, and you can easily see the difference.

(Bronwyn McCahon - cosmo)

Go here for Yoga stuffs

7 Tips for Better Sleep

By eDiets Staff

Wednesday, May, 14, 2008

Poor sleep hampers your overall health, including how well you fare in your weight-loss endeavors. From premature aging to a compromised immune system, the side-effects of sleepless nights can add up, says Barbara Harris, author of Shape Your Life: 4 Weeks to a Better Body -- and a Better Life!.

Getting a good night's sleep is high on the list of things you can do to boost your health and fitness levels. Sleep is crucial for optimum immunity, Harris says. When you don't get enough shuteye, your workouts may be less effective and you're more likely to store fat.

But that's not all. Your ability to manage stress throughout the day is also compromised. Studies reveal women frequently turn to food to soothe themselves in times of stress. It's also a fact that many women also eat more to raise their energy level.

In this eDiets exclusive, we offer Harris' seven tips for a good night's snooze.

1. Get regular exposure to daylight, especially in the afternoon. Research shows that night-shift workers can improve daytime sleep by working under bright lights.

2. Prior to bedtime, use dimmer switches or turn off a few lamps to lower the lighting in your home or apartment.

3. Don't allow yourself to nod off on the sofa. When you start feeling drowsy, get up and go to bed.

4. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. Don't make it a satellite office, study hall or entertainment center.

5. When you can't sleep, try using imagery and thoughts to relax. Deep-breathing techniques also work.

6. If you haven't dropped off within about 20 minutes, get out of bed and read or engage in some other quiet activity. Go back to bed when you get sleepy.

7. Put the alarm clock out of sight. Clock watching doesn't help you sleep -- it may even keep you awake!

Best Gym Machines

By Raphael Calzadilla, BA, CPT, ACE, RTS1
eDiets Chief Fitness Pro

Friday, May, 09, 2008


Q: What are the best machines to use at the gym for strengthening and toning the body? I've changed my routine to decrease the amount of exercises that I perform due to time constraints so I need to make the most efficient use of my time.

A:

In your case, if you're decreasing exercises, then I recommend mostly compound movements. Compound exercises work multiple muscle groups while isolation exercises focus on one muscle group. The compound exercises burn more calories and provide more overload on the muscles. For example, walking lunges are more effective for the butt than the Butt Blaster machine because the lunges burn more calories and also work the hips, quadriceps and hamstrings.

Here are the exercises I recommend:

Chest:
Dumbbell incline press
Dumbbell chest press
Machine chest press

Back:
Dumbbell rows
Barbell rows
Lat pull-down machine
Seated cable or machine row (use various grip handles)

Shoulders:
Seated or standing overhead dumbbell press
Standing dumbbell lateral raises
Bent over dumbbell rear raises

Biceps:
Dumbbell curls (with variation in seat setting)
Barbell curls
Machine curls

Triceps:
Lying EZ curl bar extensions
Decline dumbbell extensions (palms face the body)
Machine press down
Standing one arm dumbbell extensions (dumbbell lowered behind the head to upper back with elbow stationary and pointed toward ceiling)

Legs and Butt:
Barbell squats
Dumbbell squats
Plie squats with dumbbell or barbell (much better than the adductor machine)
Leg press with feet high (gets the glutes)
Stationary lunges
Walking lunges
Extension step ups on 12" step, lifting leg high
Semi stiff-legged dumbbell dead lift

Calves:
Seated calf raise
Standing calf raise

Abs:
Fitball crunch
Roman chair leg lifts
Bicycle maneuver

Beauty Reminder

Basic Skin Care Tips

* Don't wash your skin too often... Washing strips oil and moisture. Besides, tap water contains chlorine which causes oxidative damage. Washing your face twice a day is sufficient.
* Do not smoke... Smoking can cause the skin to age prematurely, as well as take on an unflattering sallow tone. Nicotine will reverse your anti aging routine quicker than anything else.
* Warm water over hot... When bathing choose warm water over hot. It is not as drying and is more natural.
* Get ample sleep... Most of the body's repair and rejuvenation occurs while you sleep.
* Follow a nightly regimen... Apply products 1 hour before bedtime to allow ample time to penetrate the skin.
* Exercise regularly... It increases the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin, which will give skin a natural, healthy glow.
* Choose products carefully... Everyone's skin is different, so try several to see which products work best for you and which produce an anti effect.
* Never sleep with makeup... Sleeping with makeup is not natural for your skin. It may also have an adverse effect with your anti aging routine.

Cosmetics Shelf Life

Are you cosmetics freak? Now, this is very important for you.
Check your cosmetics collection and throw away those which are beyond their shelf life.

Makeup shelf life guidelines to follow: (Source: Suite101.com)

First off, if it smells, stinks, has a distinct odor that should not be, throw it away! I am amazed at how long women will keep cosmetics that have a bad odor. Do yourself a favor and trash it.

Another good rule of thumb, if you can't remember when you purchased it, trash it. Makeup should not stir up memories from ten years ago. If you makeup bag does, throw it out!

Thank you to iVillage for the article, Are your cosmetics past their use-by date? by Eva Gizowska. The following is a simple guideline to follow when you are cleaning out your makeup bag.

• Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
• Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
• Concealer: 12-18 months
• Powder: 2 years
• Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
• Cream Blush: 12-18 months
• Powder Eye shadow: 2 years
Cream Eye shadow: 12-18 months
• Eyeliner: 2 years
• Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
• Mascara: 3 months
• Lipstick: 2 years
• Lip liner: 2 years
• Lip gloss: 18-24 months
• Nail Color: 1 year

If you are using natural cosmetics, these should be thrown out sooner. Regular cosmetics contain ingredients that do help prolong shelf life. But of course natural cosmetics do not. Please check with your favorite natural store for the information on the cosmetics you love.

Buy yourself a Sharpie to keep with your makeup bag. Write your own expiration date on the cosmetics that way you will always know when it is time to replace.

How I look like: over weight vs slim

I created a photo album at multiply.com, how I looked when I was slim, overweight, and now slim again.

http://mspras0604.multiply.com/photos/album/7/Ndut_versus_Kurus#

You can leave your comment here or at Multiply :)

Updated July 21, 2014.

Since Multiply.com is not active. I created Facebook photo album for this purpose
This is the link https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.47807552851.61267.553727851&type=1&l=3f3b53130c

What is Spa?

The term spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy, spa towns or spa resorts offering such treatment, or the medication or equipment for such treatment.

Spa is a way to beauty and health via professional body care. This culture appeared not long time ago and has been gaining more and more popularity in the world. Spa is the future of the beauty industry in the 21st century; this is the new salon business and is considered to be the best thing that has been invented in the field of body and skin care.

According to the spa definition, it includes the procedures that are performed on the basis of up-to-date technologies, sophisticated equipment, and new effective products including only natural ingredients. And of course, the most important thing is participation of the experienced and qualified cosmetologists and professionals that are involved in this industry.

What You Need To Know About Spas

* Day spas range from homespun spas in converted houses to lavish multi-million dollar facilities.

* At a minimum a spa should offer a relaxing environment, robe and slippers, soothing music, and high quality spa treatments.

* No one regulates the use of the word "spa." Some hair salons call themselves a spa when all they have is one massage table.

* You can drop in and ask for a quick tour before you book an appointment at day spas.

* There are many different types of spas.



Types of Spas

* Day Spa. It offers spa treatments on a day-use basis. Many also offer salon services.

* Destination Spa. Its sole purpose is to help you lead a healthier lifestyle through spa treatments, exercise, and educational programming. You stay at least two nights. Some have minimum stays of three or seven nights. Spa cuisine is served exclusively.

* Resort/Hotel Spa. It is located within a resort or hotel. It offers spa services, fitness classes and spa cuisine alongside less health choices like steaks and burgers. It's a good choice when one person wants spa and the other golf. It also works for business travelers and families.

* Medical Spa. It offers treatments that require a doctor's supervision, such as laser resurfacing and Botox injections. It also offers spa treatments.

* Mineral Springs Spa. It has natural mineral, thermal or seawater that is used in hydrotherapy treatments.

* Club Spa. A day spa located in a fitness facility or health club.

* Cruise Ship Spa Aboard a cruise ship that provides spa treatments, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.

* Airport Spa It is located in an airport and specializes in short treatments aimed at the traveler, like 15-minute chair massage and oxygen therapy. Some also offer longer treatments.

Source: Wikipedia, About.Com, SYL.Com

Stone Massage

This is my experience while I was in Bali.

Since I was going to get a cash voucher for dining and spa, so why not try something different?

I scheduled my Stone Massage at my last night. Why night? because they give 50% discount for service during 8PM-11PM, hehehe................
And also, after went here and there, it was always nice to get pampered on the last day, so your body would recharge.
Too bad, I had dinner late and I ate too much, Italian buffet. You know I won't miss a thing when I'm eating buffet.

Thirty minutes before my schedule I went to the spa and got prepared.

First, the masseur give me massage on the back. After that, she was ready with her stones. She massage me again with the warm stone. The stone was quite hot, I wonder how she can manage to hold it for a long time. After massaging me, she put the warm stone on the points on my back. I think there were acupuncture points. How did I know? Of course I knew, my mom was an acupuncturist and she used to put the needles on those points on my back.

Ohhhhh................it was so nice! After she's done with my back, she started on my front, but since I was still full, I asked her to skip my belly. Really, it was another interesting massage experience for me. Wished I stayed longer and tried other massage services.


I found out more about Stone Massage:

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.

It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

*Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water.

* The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.

* The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

* If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.

What You Need To Know About Hot Stone Massage:

* The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes.

* The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.

* You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense.

* Technique is very important. Less experienced practitioners sometimes use too much pressure.

* Small local day spas might have less experienced therapists. If you have any doubts, ask where the therapist learned hot stone massage, and how long she has done it.

*Hot stone massage was invented in 1993 by Mary Hannigan, a native of Tucson, Arizona. She has trademarked her particular style and calls it LaStone Therapy, but most spas offer their own versions.

My June check up

My check up schedule was on June 27, 2008.
As usual, a day before I'd go to the lab and get my blood taken.

I was worried if the result wasn't good because I was having flu, coughing, and lack of rest. But to my surprised, the result was fantastic!

I wish I have scanned all my lab results so I can show them here.

Dr. Imam was amazed to see my result. He still prescribed me diabetic medicine, but let me tell you a secret: I haven't taken medicine since three weeks before the examine!
I only consumed my Tahitian Noni Juice.

I only had low blood pressure when Dr. Imam checked me.

I hope this good condition will last. What I need now is a good sleep, because I've been staying up till dawn doing my internet project, and I didn't work out during work days because I stayed late in the office.

Skin Food, the skin care from South Korea

I wrote this post in Indonesian language in my Multiply Blog.

It was two weeks ago, after office hour I wanted to go to my mobile phone operator but when I got there it was already closed. So to kill time, I went to Anggrek Mall. Looked around for a wi-fi location to hang out. Didn't find it, then went to the movie theatre, bought ticket of Kungfu Panda.
While waiting for the movie, I went window shopping. Hey, I found this store, SKIN FOOD, on the ground floor, next to a book store. It's made in South Korea. The products are unique and the price is affordable, compare to other skin care product from South Korea too (The Face Shop).

SKIN FOOD has the concept of using vegetables and fruits for ingredients of their products.
There's chocolate body wash, aromatherapy diet lip balm, skin care contains tomato, lemon, potato, and many more. Sooooo interesting...............

Since I ran out of eye cream, I purchased honey eye cream and one frosty pink lipstick (I ran out of this color too). The lipstick has nice color and nice texture on the lips.

I tried to look for its website, found this: www.skincare.sg.
I don't know if this product is available in your country, just check out the website.

Sweet Sunnah, herbal medicine

I like Sweet Sunnah products. It's natural.
I've been wanting to sign up as their affiliate, and tonight It's just happened! Somehow, there was an error in the sign up page.

Now, I want to talk about Black Seed. What is it really?

BLACK SEED is phytotherapuetic (Herbal medicine ) and has been known to reduce your risk to illness and disease by strengthening your immune system and protecting your body’s most important organs. It is a wondrous herb that has been used for centuries throughout the world for its many therapeutic properties.

Black Seed! and its curative virtues from the ancient knowledge base of Prophetic medicine to new scientific research. This intersection between the Prophetic knowledge base matched with the learning from scientific research surely contributes to make the Sweet Sunnah Black Seed products totally effective and unique. Black Seed (Nigella sativa) appropriately known as the "seed of blessing” is considered to be one of the greatest healing herbs of all times.

This small but incredibly healing herb is known throughout the world by many names such as black cumin, kalonji, blackseed, swartzcummel, Nigella sativa, fennel flower, habbat al barakah, sinouj, black caraway and habba sawdah.

It is an excellent phytotherapuetic medicine used for millenniums to treat a variety of conditions related to respiratory health, skin, stomach and intestinal disorders, kidney & liver function, circulatory and immune system support, and to maintain and improve overall health. Phytotherapeutic- simply put, consists of the treatment or prevention of ailments and diseases through the usage of plants.

Finally, Sweet Sunnah Black Seed Herbals has developed an expertise in two domains, Black Seed therapeutic and herbal medicine products and, in a lesser proportion, Black Seed natural herbal cosmetics. The development of these lines of products is simply the consequence of answering to the demand from many of our satisfied customers.

I'm gonna put the banner in this blog so you can browse through SweetSunnah website and choose the product that you like............