Every woman wants to look beautiful, healthy and youthful. A daily and consistent skin care and hair care regimen will help every woman do just that. A woman’s self-esteem is often wrapped up in how young or healthy she perceives her skin and hair to look every day. Here are a few simple things you can do to ensure you’ll look your very best now and for years down the road.
1. Cleansing your skin is really the foundation of a healthy skin care routine. Surprisingly, most people go overboard in this area. Whether you have oily, normal or combination skin, it is important to clean your facial skin without stripping it of naturally occurring oils that are important for younger looking skin.
2. Wash at night to remove makeup and debris with a cleanser for your skin type. Cleanse by using a dime-size amount of cleanser and rinsing your skin with lukewarm water. Pat dry. In the morning, simply splash a bit of lukewarm water on your face to remove any excess oils from the night’s moisturizer. Remember: never use hot or cold water to wash your face, as either one can cause broken capillaries and make your skin appear blotchy.
3. Exfoliation is often overlooked when it comes to skin care, but it is an essential step to keep you looking young. Microdermabrasion, retinoids, and chemical peels are all great methods by which to exfoliate your skin by removing the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Each is also available for in-home use if you are unable to afford treatments at a spa, so try one of these at home and you’ll notice that your skin is not only clean, but also glowing. Beauty experts do not recommend toners, but others say they are the key to their facial skin routine. Stick with what makes your skin look the best for you.
4.
Moisturizing your skin is a wonderful way to remain looking young and have soft skin as well. Even if you have oily facial skin, be sure to use a moisturizer, even if it’s only a little each time. Make sure to apply a moisturizer all over after you’re out of the bath or shower.
5. Apply your makeup with clean sponges each time.
6. Give yourself a facial at home once a week or so. There are several facial "recipes" out there.
7. Puffy eyes in the morning can be tamed by placing slices of potatoes or cucumbers over them for a few minutes. For some reason, the puffiness is eased.
8. Bathe only once a day to minimize the possibility of depleting your skin’s moisture. Use lukewarm water (instead of extremely hot or cold water), a soap less cleanser, and limit your bathing or showering times to under 15 minutes to keep your skin from drying out.
9. Sunscreen is a must and probably the most important step when it comes to protecting our skin from harmful environmental factors. Make certain to use a sunscreen or moisturizer containing at least 15 SPF and apply it daily to every area that is exposed to the sun.10. Hair care is essential for good health as well. If your hair appears healthy, you look younger. Shampoo your scalp at least two or three times a day in order to avoid developing dandruff.
11. When you shampoo your scalp and hair, use your fingertips to scrub your scalp thoroughly to loosen up dirt, oils, and debris. Rinse your hair with cool water and you’ll notice it has more body as opposed to rinsing with hot water.
12. Before going to bed each night, be sure to brush your hair to remove tangles and redistribute natural oils in the hair.
13. If possible, allow your hair to air dry rather than subjecting it to blow-drying which can rob your locks of essential moisture.
14. Use a wide-toothed comb to comb out hair when it is wet to avoid breakage.
15. Regular trims will prevent split ends and give you a new, polished look.
16. Believe it or not, proper nutrition and ample amounts of rest contribute to healthy skin and hair, so make sure to get the proper amounts of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in your food or via supplements.
17. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up the same time each morning.
Ulcerative Colitis
What is it?Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is a general name for diseases that cause the intestine to become inflamed. Ulcerative colitis is a form of IBD in which the inner lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed, swollen, and ulcerated. The inflammation usually begins in the lower end of the large intestine, called the sigmoid colon, which empties into the rectum. (Inflammation of the rectum only is called proctitis.) When the rectum and large intestine become inflamed, water can’t be absorbed into the blood stream, which causes diarrhea. Eventually, the inflammation spreads throughout the large intestine, with the exception of the last section called the ileum. The small intestine is not affected.
Who gets it?
Ulcerative colitis can affect all age groups, but occurs most commonly in people between the ages of 15 and 40. It has been found that people of the Jewish faith are three to six times likelier to have a form of IBD. It is also more common in whites than other racial groups. If someone in your family suffers from an IBD, you have a 20% chance of also having the disease.
What causes it?
The cause of ulcerative colitis isn’t known. While stress can increase symptoms, stress is not a direct cause. Evidence supports the belief that heredity and overactive immune responses could be causes. Some researchers believe some type of viral, bacterial, or fungal organism sets off the cycle of the disease.
What are the symptoms?
Often the symptoms of ulcerative colitis attack suddenly. The most common symptoms are severe abdominal pain, intense diarrhea, and high fever. There may be blood and pus in the bowel movements. Continued diarrhea can cause dehydration, increased heart rate, dizziness, and weight loss. If the inflammation is limited the sigmoid colon and rectum, the stools may be normal or hard and dry. However, there is a discharge of mucus containing red and white blood cells either during or between bowel movements. People with ulcerative colitis may also experience arthritis, liver and gallbladder disorders, eye inflammation, mouth and skin ulcers, and inflammation of the vertebrae (spondylitis). Symptoms of ulcerative colitis may flare up and then go away for a period of time (remission). Patients with ulcerative colitis mostly on the left side of the large intestine are most likely to have longer periods of remission. Some people never have anything more than mild symptoms. In severe cases, however, there is a risk of a number of complications. These include anemia from frequent bleeding, an increased risk of colon cancer, and holes (perforations) in the wall of the intestine. These are extremely dangerous because the contents of the intestine can spill into the abdomen and cause serious infection. Another complication is toxic colitis, in which the colon becomes extremely swollen. When the colon swells to extreme proportions and infection sets in, it is called toxic megacolon.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will question you about your symptoms and examine a stool sample for blood and pus. Because the inflammation of the large intestine can be caused by disorders other than ulcerative colitis, stool and blood samples are important methods to determine whether the symptoms are caused by a bacterial or parasitic infection. Blood tests may also reveal anemia in cases of severe blood loss. The best way to confirm a diagnosis and locate the area of infection is through a procedure called endoscopy. A tiny, flexible viewing tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon lets the doctor examine the lining of the intestine. He or she can also take a small sample (biopsy) of the intestine to examine under a microscope for inflammation. If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, your doctor will recommend regular endoscopic exams and biopsies because of the increased risk of colon cancer. X-rays of the abdomen are also helpful to diagnose the severity and amount of intestine affected by the disease. Once treatment has begun, your doctor may order a barium x-ray, in which you drink a chalky solution that reveals more detail in an x-ray. He may also order a colonoscopy, in which the entire large intestine is examined with a flexible viewing tube. Because these procedures add stress to the intestinal wall, your doctor will not perform these tests if there is any risk of intestinal perforation from ulcerative colitis.
What is the treatment?
The goal of treatment for ulcerative colitis is to control the inflammation, reduce symptoms, and replace lost fluids and nutrients caused by diarrhea and blood loss. Doctors only recommend medications that can slow diarrhea, such as loperamide or diphenoxylate, in cases of mild diarrhea. Antidiarrheal drugs can actually cause toxic megacolon if not monitored carefully. Inflammation is treated with drugs such as sulfasalazine or mesalamine, which reduce inflammation and help stop flare-ups. Patients who don’t respond to these drugs may be given steroid medications, such as prednisone. If prednisone is used, the goal is to slowly reduce and then stop the steroid and continue the sulfasalazine or mesalamine. When symptoms of ulcerative colitis are severe, the patient is hospitalized. Treatment may include antibiotics, blood transfusions, intravenous fluid replacement, intravenous steroid medications, and nasogastric suction to remove stomach juices through a tube passed through
the nose. If there is a risk of perforation with toxic megacolon, surgery to remove the colon is recommended. This is called a colectomy. Patients who show signs of colon cancer may also need to have a colectomy. In this procedure, a small opening is made in the front of the abdominal wall, and the tip of the ileum is brought to the skin's surface. The opening is called a stoma. A pouch is worn over the opening to collect waste, and the patient empties the pouch as needed. An alternative treatment is called the ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). With this procedure, the colon and rectum are removed, but the anal sphincters are preserved. A small pouch-like reservoir is created from the small intestine and connected to the remaining rectum, just above the anus. The patient has a stoma with a bag for a short period of time while the intestine heals. The pouch can store waste materials, which are expelled through the anus after the temporary stoma is closed. Surgery to remove the large intestine and colon provides a complete cure for severe ulcerative colitis. About 20 to 25% of all ulcerative colitis patients will require some type of surgery. Your doctor will also make dietary recommendations to help reduce and control symptoms.
Self-care tips
If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, follow the treatment plan your doctor has recommended. Avoid any foods or beverages that cause indigestion. If you have diarrhea, drink only clear liquids. Get plenty of rest and continue to have regular checkups.
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)See also: Bladder Infection
What is it?
The term urinary tract infection (UTI) is used to describe an infection that begins in the urinary system. UTIs can be painful and annoying. They can also become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to the kidneys.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to a group of inflammations of the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys filter waste materials from the blood, and these waste materials become urine. The ureters carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is held until you go to the bathroom. The tube that carries the urine from the bladder and outside of your body is called the urethra. Urine is usually sterile, which means it doesn’t contain any bacteria or infectious organisms. However, these types of organisms sometimes get into the urinary tract and cause an infection.
Who gets it?
Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. In fact, 1 in 5 women will develop one during her lifetime, and many will have more than one. The male urethra is long, so it is harder for bacteria to get to the bladder. Men are more likely to get a UTI once past the age of 50. People with kidney stones, urinary tract abnormalities, weakened immune systems, spinal cord injuries, and diabetes are more likely to get UTIs, as are patients who have been catheterized to drain urine directly from the bladder.
What causes it?
Urinary tract infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or some types of parasites. The most common types of urinary tract infections are bladder infections, called cystitis; kidney infections, called pyelonephritis; and infections of the urethra, called urethritis. They are caused by bacteria that are normally present in your digestive system and on the skin around the rectum and vagina. This bacteria can pass through the urethra and up into the bladder. Urinary tract infections are not contagious. However, bacteria in the area of the vagina can get pushed into the urethra during sexual intercourse. Infections can also be caused by irritation to your genital area, such as using a diaphragm or spermicides as contraception, wearing tight pants, and using perfumed soaps. Children, especially girls, are more likely to get UTIs from bubble baths and other irritants. Men are more likely to get UTIs when an enlarged prostate gland presses on the bladder and prevents it from emptying completely, or because of kidney stones.
Cystitis commonly occurs in women as a result of sexual intercourse. But even sexually inactive girls and women are susceptible to lower urinary tract infections because the anus, a constant source of bacteria, is so close to the female urethra. More than 90 percent of cystitis cases are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) , a species of bacteria commonly found in the rectal area.
Risk Factors
Some people appear to be more likely than others to develop UTIs. Women are one such group. Up to 20 percent will develop a bladder infection over a lifetime. A key reason is their anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men have, which cuts down on the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.
Women who are sexually active tend to have more UTIs because sexual intercourse can result in bacteria being pushed into the urethra. Studies have also shown that women who use diaphragms for birth control may be at higher risk. After menopause UTIs may become more common because tissues of the vagina, urethra and the base of the bladder become thinner and more fragile due to loss of estrogen.
Other risk factors include anything that impedes the flow of urine, such as an enlarged prostate or a kidney stone . Changes in the immune system, which can occur with conditions like diabetes , also can increase the risk of UTIs. So can the prolonged use of bladder catheters, which may be needed by the chronically ill or older adults.
New research funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests that a woman's blood type may play a role in her risk of recurrent UTIs. Bacteria may be able to attach to cells in the urinary tract more easily in those with certain blood factors. But more research is needed to determine whether an association exists and whether it could be useful in identifying people at risk of recurrent UTIs.
What are the symptoms?
Not everyone with a UTI will develop symptoms, but most people have some. They can include:
A strong persistent urge to urinate
A burning sensation when urinating
Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
Pain in the lower part of your abdomen or lower back
Blood in the urine (hematuria) or cloudy, strong-smelling urine
A man with a urinary tract infection may have a discharge from his penis. A kidney infection is more serious. Its symptoms include a burning sensation when you urinate, abdominal and lower back pain, fever, chills, nausea, the frequent need to urinate, and cloudy or bloody urine. Some sexually transmitted diseases can cause symptoms that look like a UTI. For example, the chlamydia organism can cause urethritis. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis if you have any symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Symptoms will also get worse if not treated. Untreated UTIs can spread to the blood and cause a serious infection that can be fatal.
There are more specific signs and symptoms for each type of UTI. In addition to the symptoms listed above you may experience the following:
Acute pyelonephritis may cause flank pain, high fever, shaking chills and nausea or vomiting.
Cystitis may result in pressure in the lower abdomen and strong-smelling urine.
Urethritis may lead to pus in the urine. In men, urethritis may cause penile discharge.
How is it diagnosed?
If you have any symptoms of a urinary infection, contact your physician as soon as possible. To diagnose a UTI, your doctor will look at your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and perform a physical exam that includes pressing on your abdomen to check for tenderness. If a UTI is suspected, your physician will most likely ask for a urine sample to determine if bacteria are present in your urine. You will wash your genital area with a disposable wipe, then urinate into a sterile cup. Your doctor will ask you to begin urinating in the toilet, then stop and continue urinating into the cup. This is so any bacteria outside the vagina or on the end of the penis is washed away and not included in the sample. This sample will be tested for bacteria and other causes of UTIs. Although no simple test can differentiate between an upper and lower urinary tract infection, the presence of fever and flank pain may indicate that the infection involves the kidneys. If you have repeated infections, your doctor may order additional tests such as an ultrasound study of your abdomen; intravenous pyelography (IVP), which is an x-ray of the urinary tract; or a cystoscopy, which involves inserting a tube into the urethra for a close view of the urethra and bladder. If you are a man, your doctor will also perform a prostate exam to check for any tenderness or enlargement. He or she will also check for and take a sample of any discharge from the penis.
When treated promptly and properly, UTIs rarely lead to complications. But if they are left untreated, a lower urinary tract infection can become something more serious than a set of uncomfortable symptoms.
Untreated UTIs can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as acute or chronic pyelonephritis, which could permanently damage your kidneys. Young children and older adults are at the greatest risk of kidney damage due to UTIs because their symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for other conditions. Women who have UTIs while pregnant may also have an increased risk of delivering low birth weight or premature infants.
What is the treatment?
Urinary tract infections are usually easy to treat, but it’s important to begin treatment right away. If you have a mild bladder infection, drinking plenty of fluids may be enough to wash away the bacteria and let your body do the rest. In most cases, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection. If you have a lot of pain in the abdominal area, your doctor may give you a different medication for that. Medications for UTIs usually make your urine bright orange. Follow your doctor’s instructions and take all medications until they are gone. If you do not, all the bacteria may not be killed and you may get the infection again. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids everyday. Research has shown that cranberry juice is also effective in treating urinary tract infections and even in preventing them. If you are sexually active, you should avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms have been gone for at least two weeks.
Usually, UTI symptoms clear up within a few days of treatment. But you'll likely need to stay on antibiotics for a week or more. Indeed, it's important to take the entire course of antibiotics recommended by your doctor to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated. For an uncomplicated UTI that occurs when you're otherwise healthy, your doctor may recommend a shorter treatment with a double-strength version of a prescription drug. But this will depend on your particular symptoms and history.
If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may recommend longer antibiotic treatment or refer you to a urologist or nephrologist for an evaluation to see if urologic abnormalities may be causing the infections. If abnormalities of the urinary tract are not to blame, taking a single dose of antibiotic each time after sexual intercourse may be helpful.
For severe UTIs hospitalization and treatment with intravenous antibiotics may be required. When recurrences are frequent or a kidney infection becomes chronic, it's important to have a urologic evaluation because an underlying physical problem may require treatment.
Self-care tips
You can prevent urinary tract infections by making sure you always empty your bladder completely when you go to the bathroom. Women, in particular, may benefit from the following:
Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties.
Urinate frequently, and avoid retaining your urine for a long time after you feel the urge to void.
Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
Take showers rather than bubble baths.
Wash the skin around the vagina and anus daily.
Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse, and drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
Avoid using deodorant sprays or feminine products such as douches in the genital area that could irritate the urethra.
Wear cotton underwear
If you are sexually active, make sure you wash your genital area and urinate after intercourse. This will help to remove any bacteria that could travel up the urethra.
Men can prevent UTIs by wearing condoms during intercourse. If you are uncircumcised, make sure you wash carefully under your foreskin each time you bathe.
UTIs can be painful, but you can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics clear the infection. Sometimes a heating pad placed over the abdomen can help minimize feelings of stomach pressure or pain. It's also a good idea to avoid coffee, alcohol, soft drinks with caffeine, citrus juices and spicy foods until you have finished a course of antibiotics. These items can irritate the bladder and aggravate the frequent or urgent need to urinate.
If recurrent bladder infections are a problem, make sure your physician is aware of this. Together, you can develop a strategy to reduce recurrences and the discomfort they can bring into your life. Call your doctor if symptoms return after treatment, or do not get better after a few days of treatment.
References from Medline Plus
