Beauty Trends 2009

For an asthmatic, the struggles of asthma includes the day to day management of the disease is vital if they are to stay healthy.

The struggles of asthma also mean that medicines must be taken regularly and the patient must do all they can to minimize contact with known triggers of an attack.

To make this self management possible the patient and doctor must work together to create an individual action plan.

Naturally, this involves taking the correct medicines and learning to use the inhalers properly as well as having regular check-ups.

A key part of the plan is that the asthmatic needs to identify and avoid the things that can worsen or trigger the asthma symptoms.

If you have a pet keep it out of your house. Their hair or skin may be a triggers for your asthma.

You shouldn't smoke and should stay away from smokers.

Stay indoors with the A/C on, where possible, when the air is dry or full of pollen.

Wash your bedding, sheets and blankets, weekly in hot water to clean the dust mites.

Prevent colds and the flu by washing your hands often, sneezing into your elbow, not you hands and think about getting a yearly flu shoot.

You should wear a scarf over your mouth and nose when it is cold outside, especially if the cold air triggers your asthma.

Physical activity is important to your general health and to your asthma. If exercise triggers asthma attacks, speak with your doctor(s) with the goal being to find you exercises that will not cause asthmatic problems.

If you are allergic to sulphites, avoid foods (some breads, canned fruits, cereals with dried fruit) or beverages (beer, wine, cocktail mixes and most drinks containing sugar) that contain them.

Humidity in the home can assist molds and fungi grow in the home and to produce and release millions of spores small enough to be airborne and that may trigger asthma attacks when much above 50%.

Open windows throughout the house, especially in the kitchen or bathroom areas allowing the hot humid air from the shower or dishwasher to escape and use a dehumidifier in your basement if you have the need.

Be careful with furnaces, stoves, space heaters and similar combustion units. They can produce gases and airborne particles that can be triggers for asthmatics.

Change filters in the furnace of your home monthly or at least as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Check them over on an annual basis, by yourself, or better yet by someone who is knowledgeable about these. Check with your local gas company, most perform this service for free.

Avoid airborne perfumes, deodorants, or air fresheners and when painting or doing crafts make sure you are in a well ventilated area.

Be aware of signs and symptoms of an asthma attack, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or any difficulty in breathing.

Take your medication as directed by your doctor and use your peak flow meter to monitor your asthma.

A healthy lifestyle is part of the management and treatment of your asthma.

A healthy lifestyle will not make you, me or anyone immune from colds or illnesses and may not get rid of all of problems with allergies and asthma, but it is likely to help.

Increase the fruits and vegetables you eat and decrease the fats and sugars you eat, exercise often, find ways to control the stress in your life, and, of course, don't smoke.

If your asthma gets worse then you should get help from your doctor to either bring it back under control or alter your medication.

Learn More About Symptoms and How You Can Treat and Live with Asthma at Treatment for Asthma

Laser eye surgery is still a relatively modern innovation and is constantly progressing with better and more efficient techniques being used. Some of the newest laser eye surgery trends are going to bring a marked improvement in the effectiveness of treatment for patients seeking vision improvement through laser eye surgery. New techniques are constantly being developed based on revolutionary new technologies and better and more effective knowledge and practices. Improved laser and computer targeting technology will make the new systems more efficient and reliable.

One of the latest innovations in laser eye surgery trends is a new 60 kHz laser that will enable the surgeon to create the flap in the eye quicker then what was previously thought possible. This will improve both ease-of-use for the surgeon and comfort for the patient. It is necessary to create the flap so that the laser that is used to alter the shape of the eye and correct the eyesight can be applied and the surgeon can use the targeted laser to reshape the eye and improve the vision. The flap that has been cut in the eye is simply lowered back into position and allowed to heal.

Patients with astigmatism may benefit greatly from one of the more recent innovations in laser eye surgery trends. Astigmatism can now be treated successfully using wavefront guided laser treatment. This technology can also be used to treat near and far sightedness with a great degree of accuracy. Wavefront technology can eliminate many of the problems that have occurred before when some patients had problems with night vision and starbursts. With research continuing this system looks as though it could bring great benefits in the future, both to the patients and also to the surgeons who use it.

Previously the eyes were reshaped to the surgeon's opinion of what would improve the eyesight of the patient, now however, it is a much more scientific process utilizing computerized measurement and analysis to ensure that the patient?s eyes are reshaped to a precise formula so that they get the best vision improvement possible from their treatment.

With the current boom in technology, and the increase in research and development expected to continue there is little doubt that laser eye surgery trends will keep pace and develop systems with greater accuracy and efficiency that will improve the treatment delivered. Hopefully in the future new research and developments will, as with other new technologies, bring prices down and make the treatment even more widely available for consumers wanting to improve their eyesight through LASIK.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Vision-Doctor.com He provides more eye surgery solutions, LASIK information and details on laser eye surgery trends that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

This year, the New York Medical Spa Expo confirmed the Medical Spa industry is continuing to grow. ?Not only did thousands of Spa and Medical Spa owners visit this year?s show, but we also saw the release of some new and noteworthy equipment perfect for the medical spa environment? says Jeff Russell, the CEO of MedSpa Financing.

New this Year ? Hair Rejuvenation

When you attend these shows you know you are going to see many devices for removing unwanted hair, but what about improving the appearance of thinning hair? Well this year, for the first time ever we saw the impressive CosmeticTrichoGenesis Mark 5 unit. Owners of Medical Spas are constantly looking for that piece of equipment that will differentiate them from their competitors, well this is it!

Robert Kramer, President of Current Technologies says Growth of the Medical Spa industry is being fueled by a demand for more and better services devoted to making men and women look and feel better. Current Technololgy's CosmeticTrichoGenesis Mark 5 offers a once a week, safe, painless and successful method for improving the appearance of thinning hair. The Mark 5 utilizes non-invasive pulsed electrostatic energy that can noticeably create the look of fuller, more luxurious hair. www.current-technology.com/CTG/

Microdermabrasion Equipment Moving to the Next Level

Another standard piece of equipment in a Medical Spa is the microdermabrasion machine. This year we saw one that not only targets the face, but actually treats the whole body while applying topical treatments. Medical Spa owners are going to like the extra revenue streams that will be found by adding topicals to their microdermabrasion procedures.

The Vibraderm skin station exfoliates the skin while creating new collagen. It employs a patented vibrating head with a stainless steel abrasive surface to evenly exfoliate the skin. New is the Vibrafusion? system, which results in a vibrant tone and texture to the skin. The Vibraderm?s full body treatment can be performed on all skin types including Fitzpatrick skin type V and VI. Medical spa owners will like the fact that the procedures are less technique dependent, since the size of the unique paddle prevents the potential of uneven treatments and happier clients. Unlike traditional microdermabrasion equipment, there are no crystals or suction, this gives you a clog-free treatment with a quick clean-up. www.vibraderm.com

Medical Spa Software

Harms Software demonstrated the medical spa friendly Millennium? advanced booking, point-of-sale, information and customer relations management system. Millennium?s advanced security allows you to maintain HIPPA compliancy while still allowing you and your staff to navigate seamlessly from screen to screen. You can handle real world situations quickly and help your clients easily. For example, while you are booking a client?s appointment, you can check their gift certificate balance or information on a product or service they purchased in the past. The software allows you to track skin/facial information, prescriptions/analysis, photos, documents and more. The advanced appointment booking is also a ?must have? when it comes to managing not only your staff and doctors, but your rooms and equipment. Harms Software has been built on 17 years of experience, bringing you software that works in a Medical Spa environment. www.harms-software.com

Advanced Muscular Therapy

Hard to miss was the impressive robotic massaging arm of the Meilus Muscular Therapy (MMT) machine. This unit is designed to effectively lengthen muscles, which will improve your client?s body tone, increase flexibility, and enable muscles to rid themselves of waste and toxins. The MMT can give your Medical Spa that extra edge in helping your client?s live better, more pain-free lives as their body naturally ages. www.meetmeilus.com

From this show, we can see the Medical Spa industry is evolving. ?Many doctors are tired of slow paying reimbursements, and want to move into a cash business where they are paid for the services they perform. Medical Spas are the answer for many doctors, it also gives doctors the opportunity to enter the growing anti-aging market. With the right Medical Spa equipment, you can make your transition to a Medical Spa owner a very profitable one!? says Jeff Russell.

For More Information:

CosmeticTrichoGenesis Mark 5 unit. Call 1-800-661-4247 or visit www.current-technology.com/CTG/

Vibraderm. Call (800) 494-7181 or visit www.vibraderm.com

Millennium? from Harms Software Inc. Call 1-888-813-2141 or visit www.harms-software.com

Meilus Muscular Therapy (MMT) machine. Call 1-800-237-8300 or visit www.meetmeilus.com

About MedSpa Financing (Oakridge Healthcare) - MedSpaFinancing.com is a division of Oakridge Healthcare, which provides turn-key healthcare financing solutions to medical practices and equipment vendors throughout North America (http://www.oakridgehealthcare.com).

MedSpa Financing is the only financing company that specializes in financing Medical Spas. We have financed Medical Spas from California to New York, and everywhere in between. Through our network of financial partners, we have the capacity to finance everything from a single treatment machine to an entire $20 million Medical Spa facility.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.medspafinancing.com. MedSpa Financing is a sustaining member of the International Medical Spa Association, and proud member of our local Chamber of Commerce.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Jeff Russell 1-800-485-5759 MedSpaFinancing.com http://www.medspafinancing.com

When Miuccia Prada abandoned her signature ladylike aesthetic in favor of dark chunky knits, animal prints, and sky-high platforms for her fall collection, she sent a strong message: The prim lady had officially been supplanted by the 21st-century uber-woman. (Presumably, the former muse is off fending for herself somewhere in the urban jungle?.) And Prada wasn?t alone: In New York, Milan, and Paris, the runway heroine du jour represented a dramatic departure from the fresh-faced girls and submissive sex kittens of seasons past. The sartorial shift was also accompanied by a new crop of beauty trends, with blood red lips eclipsing shimmer, smoldering eyes ousting beach-bunny bronzer, and pin-straight hair surpassing more romantic styles. Here, the top six beauty trends from the fall 2006 shows.

Hot Lips
Along with trousers, tulip skirts, and ankle boots, bold lipstick is part of the power woman?s fall uniform. (Think of it as war paint to ornament your new, no-nonsense attitude.) Tuleh?s ?40s-style collection inspired a high-sheen berry lip, while Valentino?s matte red added a shot of color to the designer?s largely colorless collection. Jill Stuart chose a glossy purple, while Behnaz Sarafpour, Miu Miu, and Diane von Furstenberg all opted for classic crimsons. At Alice Roy, nearly black lips were a perfect complement to the designer?s edgy, neo-punk vision.
Trend Tips: The key to wearing bold lip colors is keeping the rest of your makeup minimal (combining this trend with a smoky eye or heavy blush will lead to certain disaster). For more staying power, add a sheer coat of foundation to lips first, followed by a light dusting of powder and lipliner. Apply the color in several light coats, blotting with a tissue between each layer.
Best Bets: Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below, Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in Shanghai Red, Tarte Double Ended Lipgloss in Bonnie & Clyde, Clinique Quickliner for Lips in Deep Red, Sephora Jumbo Pencil in Raspberry, Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Always Asher.


The Eyes Have It
Eye makeup was unusually restrained for spring, but it made a serious comeback at the fall shows. At Allessandro Dell?Acqua, eyes were rimmed with sexy rock-goddess smudges; at Rochas, the lines were blurred with moody black shadows; and at Missoni and Narciso Rodriguez, the models wore thick ?80s-inspired liner on the bottom lids. Victor & Rolf and Armani both shifted the focus to the top lid with retro-style wings, while Zac Posen, J. Mendel, and Badgley Mischka opted for an eye that was both dramatic and wearable. You probably won?t see Christian Dior?s or Gucci?s theatrical looks at the office, but both will provide plenty of inspiration for more experimental beauty addicts.
Trend Tips: If you?re using a pencil that?s too hard, heat it under the hair dryer for a few seconds to soften the tip (just be careful not to melt the liner or burn yourself). If you have small eyes, keep the emphasis on top, rather than on the lower lid. And if you have bags or circles, use concealer?without it, dark liner will only emphasize undereye problems.
Best Bets: M.A.C. Eyeshadow in Black Tied, Urban Decay Glide-on Pencil in Zero, Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Pointe-Noire, Goldie Smudgable Liquid Line in Maha, Too Faced Lava Gloss Super Glossy Eyeliner in Chocolate, NYC Brow/Eye Liner Pencil in 921.


Devil May Care
The minimalist makeup that swept the spring runways also made an appearance for fall. But this time, barely there faces seem to make a more subversive statement (think unabashedly naked, as opposed to coquettishly nude). In the absence of color, the spotlight shifted to a strong brow at Yves Saint Laurent, Chlo?, and Fendi, while Jil Sander?s and Balenciaga?s underdone approach put the models? luminous skin and bone structure center stage. At Marc Jacobs, carefully chosen hints of neutral color complemented the designer?s heavily layered collection.
Trend Tips: For a face that looks uncontrived but not disheveled, invest in a good-quality concealer and brow gel. To camouflage flaws and even out your complexion, use a tinted moisturizer or primer. And to keep skin from looking flat, sweep an iridescent highlighter along the cheeks and browbones.
Best Bets: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion, Benefit Moon Beam, Lauren Hutton Tinted Moisturizer + Sheer Concealer, Biotherm Light Catch Moisturizing Illuminating Concealer, Sue Devitt Aromatic Camouflage Concealer.


Lighter Side
Although dark lips ruled several runways, other designers opted for pale pouts?the perfect foil to this season?s intense eye makeup. Chanel?s beige lip evoked the ?60s, Dolce & Gabbana?s golden take complemented the designer?s opulent couture, and Burberry?s pale pink transformed the models from fresh-faced girls into cool ice queens. Alberta Ferretti?s powdery version was paired with a shimmery golden eye, while Celine and Carolina Herrera each offered a sheerer take on the trend.
Trend Tips: Although it?s stunning on the runway, a pale lip that?s too beige or matte can look deadly in real life. To keep from looking like a corpse, choose lipsticks and glosses with a little peach (if your skin tone is warm) or pink (if you?re cool), and finish with a dab of clear gloss.
Best Bets: M.A.C. Lipglass in Uberpeach, Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss, Jaqua Carmel Cappuccino Lip Whip, Shu Uemura Lolishine Rouge in 968, Too Faced Diamond Gloss in Lilac, Clarins Color Quench Lip Balm No. 10.


The Tip-Off
Nails went to extremes this season, from polish-free and clear-coated to dark, goth-style tips (with almost nothing in between). Gone were the brights, the glitter, and the nail art?fall?s sophisticated lady wears somber nail colors or none at all. Most designers chose a colorless look, including J. Mendel and Derek Lam. At Marc Jacobs, the models didn?t wear polish but kept their nails looking neat with Essie?s Cuticle Pen. In contrast, Nanette Lepore?s wore Essie?s Wicked, a rich burgundy-brown, while Alice Roy?s were treated to an even darker shade in keeping with the show?s nearly black lips.
Trend Tips: Colorless nails and dark, vampy enamels can both draw attention to imperfections, so be sure cuticles are neat. In addition, keep tips no longer than one-half the length of your nail bed, and use a ridge-filler or ridge-filling base coat to create a smooth surface.
Best Bets: Essie Cuticle Pen and Wicked Nail Colour, Lippmann Collection Nail Polish in Sophisticated Lady, OPI Ridge Filler, La Cross Curved-Blade Nail Scissors, Avon Nailwear Nail Enamel in Femme, Elizabeth Arden Nail Polish in Christopher St. Cappuccino C, Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Voodoo.


Straight Edge
It seems like just last year?and it was?that women were finally ditching their flatirons, and granted, the shows did see several wavy styles and romantic updos. But the biggest news in hair was the return of long, pin-straight strands. Getting the look can be grueling for many women, but Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass, Luca Luca, Stella McCartney, and Versace all opted for sleek, center-parted locks. Pucci, Costume National, and Ralph Lauren chose similar styles with just a bit of bend on the bottom, while straight tresses were side-parted and left loose at Marni, casually secured at Moschino, and slickly swept at Giambattista Valli.
Trend Tips: For smoother results and to reduce the risk of damage, apply a dime-size amount of a heat-protecting and defrizzing product evenly throughout damp strands. When you blow-dry, work in small sections from the bottom to the top of your head, and if you?re using a flatiron, keep it moving to prevent singeing.
Best Bets: Farouk Chi Ceramic Flatiron, Sedu Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline Straightener, Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream, Ojon Hydrating Styling Cream, John Frieda Straight Answer Styling Spray, Philip B. Drop Dead Straightening Baume, ISO Tamer Smoothing Defrizzing Gel, Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.

Jennifer Riley is a senior of Beauty Addict Magazine http://beautyaddictmag.com For more articles on beauty trends, visit the Beauty Addict Magazine Blog at: http://beautyaddictmag.com/blog/

Current hair color trends are defined within the move towards relaxed glamour. Healthy, shiny hair, with lots of movement, yet still well groomed. Color is defined - it's either pastel blondes, in clean, icy tones. Or cool browns, or brilliant reds. The move has definitely been away from red browns, although if that's a personal choice, or suits your skin tone best, don't be a slave to fashion!

Here are some ideas to incorporate the latest hair color trends into your style:

Double sided coloring - underneath, choose a darker color like chocolate, and over the top, and for most of the hair, choose lighter shades like copper and bronze. The darker color will frame your face, and if you go for any flicks or curls when styling, you'll see it contrasted against the lighter colors. But the main colors when hair is straightened will be the lighter ones. It's great for variety.

Try color combinations like coffee, honeycomb and golden syrup for a more subtle, layered effect.

For brunettes who like their chocolate browns, try a few golden highlights to break up the block of chocolate, unless your face and skin color can handle the density of such a rich dark color. It really helps define your hair style, and is much easier to wear.

If you like very dark colors, try a brown black instead of a straight black. Or get your hairdresser to mix in some blue black into the brown black to give it more intensity, but without the harshness of a solid black that is not flattering to all skin tones. Also, try mixing in some caramel and pink-red foils with a violet brown black base. If they're used creatively, and with restraint, you can keep the overall look very dark and mysterious, with a few hints of color showing.

For blondes, try mixing golden blonde with a very light ash. Or for a more subtle but contrasting look, have the ends of a bob colored a pale pastel coral.

If you want to try platinum shades, instead of going for a harsher white white, try a softer platinum white tinted slightly with pink.

For a pretty natural blonde look, try splicing a few clove and light ash foils through a pale, golden base shade.

Redheads: Go for a rich, fiery copper with a darker brown underneath, like clove. This works well on long hair and mid length hair.

For another red combination, try cayenne, nutmeg and paprika.

For really vibrant colors mixed with a darker base, away from the coppers, try a pink red combination of cassis and raspberry coulis.

For something a little more outrageous and individual, go for a brightly colored fringe, say in pink, and a few purple ends.

If you want something quite striking, but not so colorful, just go for a lighter than usual highlight. As long as it's tastefully done, it'll look great. Don't try this at home!!!

When choosing colors, be aware of whether it's a warm shade or a cool shade. And keep in mind how much of each color is going to be on your hair. Which shade, or tone, do you want the dominant one to be? Do you want a subtle effect, or a more striking one? Unless the contrasting color is going to be in small amounts, keep warm tones together, and cool tones together, irrespective of whether they are blond, brown, black or red. For example, chocolate brown highlights look good with warm vanilla, even though the colors themselves are quite distinct.

You can use different tones together. But it depends on both your skin tone, the way the colors are applied, and how much of each are used. If you're going for this approach, think of the contrasting tone as a painter would, and be judicious about it's placing.

References:
1. Hair Now, N2/06

Find more hair articles here. Or if you're interested in cosmetics, more articles here. Authors, submit articles here, on healthy, beauty and fitness.

There's two words for makeup this spring. Think PINK! Not a traditional pink, though, but a more refined, dynamic pink!

Pinks in the past have been either bubble gum Betty or too pale and close to dead. The new makeup colors for spring 2006, however, have found their middle ground - more than visible on the lips but also refined and elegant, giving pink a new found respect.

Most progressive cosmetic lines are now on the pink bandwagon - coming out with luscious, pale, but dimensional pinks, taupey pinks or warm pinks, all which contain just a hint of yellow in the color mixture. This gives them their flesh tone and salmon warm richness. And these new expressive colors are now housed in sleek, slim compacts for busy women on the go.

Bobby Brown has the express face which contains three shadows, three lips stains, and a blush to help keep you perky throughout the day. The size of the color wells are perfect: not too tiny so that you run out before the next season, and not too giving so that you tire of the products. And don't be afraid of the new shimmery eye shadows that Bobby has available for women over 30! They're so refined, that if the skin is hydrated and the eye shadow is worn properly, crepeing will never be an issue.

Overall, the look for spring 2006 is fresh and colorful with an emphasis on lashes and gel liners, either worn thin and crisp or thicker at the end of the eye, smudging to a halt. The real skin look is still being respected too- that slightly over powdered look has been tossed in a shoe box and is now sitting on a shelf somewhere. And with the new breed of foundations and gel cream blushes available in multiple shades, achieving this fresh skin look has never been easier.

When I studied makeup in 81 the founders of Mac Cosmetics had not yet (through their frustration) revolutionized colors & formulations in North America. Foundations were overly watered down or heavily oil based - reminiscent of the salad dressing I used at home! Blushes were either loud or chalky, and some were so unrefined that they sat on the skin instead of looking like part of it. Silicone is now being called the new oil, and foundations glide on with superior coverage yet are extraordinarily light to the touch. This is something I have never seen before. Some silicone foundations set without powder, encouraging that natural flawless second skin look that women adore.

Blush for spring is still playfully visible, coordinating with your lipstick shade. The silicone cheek pots by STILA are from another world. Initially they behave like a cream, but before you can blink they've dried to a silky powder. Gone is the overly dewy wet cheek, now replaced with a satiny matt elegance.

On a final note, you should be able to find your signature shade of pink lipstick at the makeup counter very easily. Just remember two things: If you or the sales person must convince yourselves that the new shade you're wearing is kind of hot- it's not for you. You should love your lips pretty much after the first take. Secondly, make sure the depth of the lipstick is in harmony with the depth of your hair. Obviously blonds will have more fun wearing a lighter pink lipstick, whereas the dark haired diva may introduce some blue or smokey brown undertones in her version of pink. This is to accommodate the depth of her hair color which frames her face.

Welcome the new pink... it's hipper than you think!

Robert Closs is the founder and managing director of The School of Professional Makeup in Toronto, Canada. He has been a successful makeup artist for 25 years, and is currently appearing on Life Network?s popular makeover show So Chic with Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman. For more makeup tips and advice, or to post your own tips, please visit my Makeup Blog.

In United States of America and Canada, indoor tanning products are very usual. Moreover, the indoor tanning businesses have appreciably grown in the last 25 years and are still increasing, getting more and more sophisticated.

It's hard to compete with the global beauty industry. Surprisingly or not, the American population is spending more time and money on beauty than on their education. Thus, regardless of sex, nationality, age or occupation, Americans are extremely attached to indoor tanning salons. The usual surveys reveal the extent of the indoor tanning business in local communities.

Americans and Canadians are satisfied with the fact that indoor salons provide a rigurously controlled tanning process, gradual and under supervision. Thanks to these factors, sunburns and health problems are almost out of the question.

For instance, 85 percent of those surveyed admit that they really believe in indoor tanning safety. A lot of people also appreciate the privacy and the comfort they get in a tanning salon, which offers them a real break from all the daily tasks they have to attend.

The latest surveys reveal a more balanced male/female profile as compared to a few years ago. Unlike nowadays, in 1996, in most cases women were usual clients. But in the recent years men have become accustomed to indoor tanning facilities and tanning tips.

Many Americans have experienced at least one indoor tanning session in the last ten years. It is said that more than 10 percent of the American population will visit an indoor salon facility. On the other hand, women hold the supremacy of ownership.

Surveys point out that more than 50 percent of the indoor salons have female ownership. Neither the age of the tanners nor the nationality is an obstacle for Americans and Canadians. Now, 70 percent of all indoor tanners are over 25 years old. It is no longer a taboo. A lot of people want to cure themselves (from psoriasis, for instance) and to be fit.

Presently there are 25,000 Professional Indoor Tanning Facility Businesses and also 160,000 employees in this industry. The number of clients is encouraging, too: 28 millions. As a matter of fact, a professional indoor tanning salon is operating in almost every town of the USA. There have been reports saying that Hispanic and Afro-American groups share the trend and their number is rising.

About The Author

Dana Scripca writes for http://www.sunlesstanning.ws where you can find more information about Sunless Tanning.

Please feel free to use this article in your Newsletter or on your website. If you use this article, please include the resource box and send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: mailto:danascri@gmail.com

A brand new Obesity Study out shows that there is a trend of kids becoming more overweight. In fact the study shows that the percentage of obese kids will increase! Oh really and we need a study for this? Who is paying for this anyway? Obviously kids are getting fatter, dah? We already know that, but somehow this is big news?

Look here is the deal if you have fat kids, it is because they eat crap, do not exercise and they are modeling themselves off of you. You see you are a fat fart parent. It is your fault. And you are fat because you do not exercise and you eat too much fattening junk food and do not watch your weight, it is your fault.

But you probably want to see an Obesity Study to prove it is your fault? You dumb fatso, look in your mirror and see that unsightly belly buldge, Dah! And since when is diet failure not your fault fatty? You better lose some weight or it is going to start affecting your health and personally you fat so in so, I do not particularly want to have increased health care costs because you will not get off your fat rear end, find a diet which works, eat right and start exercising.

Why should I have to pay for you fat rear end, as I have my own to worry about. Of course I am not as fat as you, you fatso. Sure I could lose a few pounds just as much as the next guy, but you; well you are just fat and you have fat kids and well it is your own fault fatty. Consider this in 2006; you are fat, face it!

Lance Winslow

In 2005 the world populations were warned of the potential pandemic coming from Bird Flu. Indeed in many parts of the world people live in the same rooms with their animals and aid in the transfer of the H5N1 Bird Flu virus. This is the strand that people can contract from handling birds with the disease. Flu viruses are notorious for modifying themselves and developing new strands. Those who live with their animals such as chickens and hogs may not realize that if pigs get the disease and it effects their lungs it could easily modify itself and the human genetic code is very similar to pigs, which is obvious if you stand back and look at the human race as a whole.

Once such a virus affects pigs it will very easily transfer to humans and could move as fast or faster than influenza does each year. Meaning it could run thru entire continents and large cities in days or weeks, even spread to all continents within a month or less simply because of the jet aircraft travel of our present period. Should we be worried about this happening? Indeed on a scale of one to ten for 2006 about a four; in 2007 about a five; in 2007 about a six, that is if this does not happen sooner.

The World Bank and the World Health Organization has said a pandemic of this size could kill up to 150 million people. The CDC is closely watching every breakout of H5N1 and closely monitoring each strain to see if it is slightly different or changing. The watchful eyes of the medical industry will monitoring this situation closely throughout 2006, while progressive nations stockpile vaccines, just in case. Think on this.

Lance Winslow - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Diabetes is having a devastating effect on the African American community. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in African Americans and their death rates are twenty seven percent higher than whites.

Over 2.8 million African Americans have diabetes and one third of them don?t know they have the disease. In addition, twenty five percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 ? 74 have diabetes and one in four African American women, over the age of 55, have been diagnosed with the disease

The cause of diabetes is a mystery, but researchers believe that both genetics and environmental factors play roles in who will develop the disease.

Heredity

Researchers believe that African Americans and African Immigrants are predisposed to developing diabetes. Research suggests that African Americans and recent African immigrants have inherited a thrifty gene from their African ancestors.

This gene may have enabled Africans to use food energy more efficiently during cycles of feast and famine. Now, with fewer cycles of feast and famine, this gene may make weight control more difficult for African Americans and African Immigrants.

This genetic predisposition, coupled with impaired glucose tolerance, is often associated with the genetic tendency toward high blood pressure. People with impaired glucose tolerance have higher than normal blood glucose levels and are at a higher risk for developing diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes, commonly know as ?sugar diabetes?, is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly produce or use insulin. Insulin is needed by the body to process sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Diabetes is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure; diabetes is a serious disease and should not be ignored.

Diabetics often suffer from low glucose levels (sugar) in their blood. Low blood sugar levels can make you disorientated, dizzy, sweaty, hungry, have headaches, have sudden mood swings, have difficulty paying attention, or have tingling sensations around the mouth.

Types of Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type II diabetes. Pre-diabetes can cause damage to the heart and circulatory system, but pre-diabetes can often be controlled by controlling blood glucose levels. By controlling pre-diabetes you can often prevent or delay the onset of Type II diabetes.

Type I or juvenile-onset diabetes usually strikes people under the age of 20, but can strike at any age. Five to ten percent of African Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes are diagnosed with this type of the disease. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body produces little or no insulin and this type of diabetes must be treated with daily insulin injections.

Type II or adult onset diabetes is responsible for ninety to ninety-five percent of diagnosed diabetes cases in African Americans. Type II results from a condition where the body fails to properly use insulin. According to the American Diabetes Association, ?Type II is usually found in people over 45, who have diabetes in their family, who are overweight, who don't exercise and who have cholesterol problems.? In the early stages it can often be controlled with lifestyle changes, but in the later stages diabetic pills or insulin injections are often needed.

Pregnancy related diabetes or gestational diabetes can occur in pregnant women. Gestational diabetes is often associated with high glucose blood levels or hyperglycemia. Gestational diabetes affects about four percent of all pregnant women. The disease usually goes away after delivery, but women who suffer from gestational diabetes are at a higher risk for developing diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

excessive urination including frequent trips to the bathroom
increased thirst
increased appetite
blurred vision
unusual weight loss
increased fatigue
irritability

Complications from Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to many disabling and life threatening complications. Strokes, blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and amputations are common complications that effect African Americans who have diabetes

Kidney Disease

?Diabetes is the second leading cause of end stage kidney disease in African Americans, accounting for about thirty percent of the new cases each year,? says the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. Up to twenty-one percent of people who develop diabetes will develop kidney disease.

Amputations

Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the United States. More than sixty percent of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in America occur among people with diabetes and African Americans are almost three times more likely to have a lower limb amputated due to diabetes than whites. According to Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 82,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed among people with diabetes in 2001.

Blindness

African Americans are twice as likely to suffer from diabetes related blindness. Diabetics can develop a condition called ?Diabetic Retinopathy?, a disease affecting the blood vessels of the eye, which can lead to impaired vision and blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in people from 20 ? 74 years of age and up to 24,000 people loose their sight each year because of diabetes.

Heart Disease

People with diabetes are up to four times more likely to develop heart disease as people who don?t have diabetes. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is more common in diabetics and can lead to increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and poor circulation throughout the body.

Diabetes Risk Factors

You have a greater risk for developing diabetes if you have any of the following:

Obesity
Family history of diabetes
Pre-diabetes
Low physical activity
Age greater than 45 years
High blood pressure
High blood levels of triglycerides
HDL cholesterol of less than 35

Previous diabetes during pregnancy or baby weighing more than 9 pounds

Diabetes has had a devastating effect on the African American community; it is the fifth leading cause of death and second leading cause of end stage kidney disease in African Americans.

African Americans suffer from complications from diabetes at a much higher rate than the rest of the population. African Americans are three times more likely to have a lower limb amputated because of diabetes and twice as likely to suffer from diabetes related blindness.

If you have any of the diabetes risk factors you should contact your physician and have a blood glucose test. Also discuss with your physician lifestyle changes you can take to lower your chances of developing diabetes.

About The Author

Drahcir Semaj is a freelance writer who writes about issues affecting African Americans. He can be contacted at drachir@drachirsemaj.com

A state of emergency has been recently put on European Union agenda. In the next ten years, European countries will be on diet. The EU countries have to manage an alarming situation: high rate of obesity and overweight. It seems that all America's weight-loss problems along with diets and any kind of dieting pills crossed the Ocean.

European countries borrowed bad habits from Americans

Along with foods, Americans have brought the whole picture to the Old continent: fad diets and related-weigh loss problems, dieting pills and dietary supplements. According to International Obesity Task Force, the prevalence of obesity has grown by up by 10 to 40 percent in most European countries from 1993 to 2003. It is an alarming statement. 30% of people living in the European Union are overweight and more than one in ten is now obese, according to EASO.

Not surprisingly, a war against obesity has started recently. European officials are worried specifically about childhood obesity since children with weight problems are three to five times more likely to suffer a heart attack or even stroke before the age of 65. Although this problem is not as urgent as the American issue, the forecasts are ruthless.

The battle against obesity

When overweight and obesity are on the agenda,

• fast food and modern unhealthy eating habits (too many sweets and refined foods)

• a sedentary lifestyle

are often quoted. Officials of the European Union are worried because obesity brings along related problems such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Unfortunately,70.000 cases are added each year, while heart disorders are already the leading cause of death in the European Union: half of all deaths are caused by heart disease.

Since the issue became so urgent, the EU was prompted to apply a fight-plan against obesity for the next ten years. Experts have decided in the recent European Congress of Obesity that the new fight-front should proceed on four major ways:

Whether it be breakfast cereal or fast food chains or even alcoholic beverages, the food product and services industry must recognize brand in order to succeed in a rapidly migrant market space. As we already know, consumers are not looking for product benefits nearly as much as they are recognizing the person the product represents. This reflection and representation is what creates brand (regardless of what most average advertising agencies might tell you). With regard to the food industry, ?You are what you eat? has more meaning than it initially presents. Consumers want to know how what they eat reflects who they are. So how has the food industry changed with the fad dieting, new nutrition, weight-conscious times? It all comes down to a matter of taste.

Food trends have definitely not always been about brand. In Luke Sulllivan?s Hey Whipple, Squeeze This, he shows a series of pictures he created for the trend in breakfast cereals when he was growing up. The first box shows a simple designed box of ?Flax Flakes,? the next box shows ?Sweetened Flax Flakes,? and the presence of sugar in cereals increases with every box until the last box reads, ?SUGAR (no flax flakes inside).? Ironically, you would be hard pressed today to see a cereal box in the grocery store that did not scream Whole Grain or High Fiber. High-protein, low- sugar, organic, non-processed, and low salt have taken over.

Food propositions used to be entirely about taste regardless of the pounds of butter, amount of sugar and preservatives and milligrams of cholesterol. If it tasted good, people needed it. Eventually the effects were tangible, and the times have most definitely changed. Taste has taken a back seat to nutrition as our nation gets increasingly obese, and let?s face it, being unhealthy is a lot less important than not being fat (but that is a whole other issue in itself). Food trends can almost be defined by the decade. Not to say that now all people want to eat nutritious food, but most people want to appear healthy and as though they are in control of their bodies and eating habits.

What has been the solution for food brands? How have they adapted to this consumer mentality of control and self-consciousness? Why do we still buy Cheerios rather than Grocery Store X?s Toasty O?s that cost a dollar less? The ingredients are the same, and the box is the same size. We buy Cheerios because Cheerios care about us, or at least we believe they do, and that is what matters. Smirnoff cares about us because they tell us to ?Drink Responsibly.? McDonalds cares about us because they let us have salads and yogurt while our kids have McFlurries and cheeseburgers. It was not long ago when no one ever thought they would live to see the day when fast food chains actually offered low-fat options. Now, hardly any food establishment can survive without a wider spectrum of options for Bill on low-carb, Sue on low-fat, Jan on Weight Watchers, and Ted on Atkins.

The real value is not in the actual food offered, which represents ?product,? it is in the fact that the offer is available and encouraging, which represents ?brand.? Consumers want to be acknowledged and always want to feel as though they have made the right choice. The choice to take on an active, nutritious lifestyle is something every person needs to consider; that is basic biological knowledge. What is not basic knowledge is that people who do choose to take on this challenge need a lot more help than they admit. The food industry must be able to absorb this trend and must be able to provide a solution to the problem rather than fuel to the fire. As for the rest of the population who do not make this choice to live better, they still like to think that they could if they tried.

In order to differentiate in the food business, the brand must be able to directly show how it can potentially help the consumer achieve his/her goals. The brand must be able to show the consumer that his/her goals really matter to them. This connection and relationship is what initiates trial and then encourages continued use. This message of partnership for a healthier lifestyle does not fall on deaf ears. Regardless of how out of shape and overweight Americans prove to be, the desire to reach an ideal, better image is forever behind the purchase decision.

Molly Sunderdick
Brand Strategist

Globally, the trends of asthma is that it continues to escalate with more than 300 million people around the world suffering from asthma. In many countries the annual asthma death toll rises year in, year out.

Although asthma affects people of all ages, it often starts in childhood and is more common in children than adults. More boys have asthma than girls, but in adulthood more women have asthma than men.

Although asthma is a problem among all races, blacks have more asthma attacks and are more likely than whites to be hospitalised for asthma attacks or to die from asthma.

Trends of Asthma in the USA

There is an estimated 23.2 million people that suffer from asthma in the USA, and more than 30% of those are children 0 - 18 years of age.

Asthma is the biggest cause of school absensces in regards to chronic illnesses.

Asthma is the reason for nearly 500,000 hospitalisations and 5,000 deaths each year.

Health care costs related to asthma are more than $14 billion annually.

All statistic related to asthma, health care cost, newly diagnosed people and deaths because of asthma continues to increase yearly.

Trends of Asthma in Britian

Just over 5 million people have asthma. Meaning that 1 in 10 children and 1 in 12 adults. Each year 1,400 people die from asthma, and over a third of these deaths are in people under 65 years of age.

Each year there are 69,000 hospital admissions due to asthma, which includes about 28,500 children.

Approximately 1.2 million people with asthma experience significant restrictions on their daily lives, while 250,000 people have asthma which is so severe that it cannot be controlled by inhalers or stronger medicine.

Asthma treatment costs the NHS (National Health Service) an estimated ?889 million a year.

However, too few asthmatics get the right information from their doctor when their asthma is diagnosed - only 6% receive a written self-management plan that explains when to take their medication and only 3% are told what to do when their asthma gets worse.

In a survey of 13-14 year olds in 56 countries, the UK had the fifth highest prevalence rate for asthma.

Trends of Asthma in Australia

Over two million people in Australia have asthma.

While asthma is on the increase, asthma deaths have been steadily declining for the past decade.

It is widely accepted that Australia has some of the best, and most affordable, medications available and are recognised as world leaders when it comes to asthma management and education, largely due to the intensive work of the National Asthma Council.

Summary of the Trends and Statistics

Asthma is a highly ranked chronic health condition in adults in most western countries, and it is the leading chronic illness of children. Asthma rates are on the increase, especially in the western world.

More people in western countries suffer from allergies, compared to people in less affluent rural parts of the world, and allergy rates are also on the increase.

Learn More About How You Can Treat and Live with Asthma at Asthma-Explained.com

Like many abusive relationships, America?s love affair with the sun is littered with the wrecks of romantic images. From Coco Chanel?s Deauville glow to Farah Fawcett?s sun-kissed skin, bronzed beauty was de rigueur for generations?until scientists in the 1980s exposed it as a destructive trend with irreversible, DNA-altering effects.

?Photodamage and skin cancer can, in part, be attributed to the belief that tans are fashionable,? says Dr. Andrea Lynn Cambio, a New York?based dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Equally insidious is ?the notion that having a tan is being healthy,? notes Dr. Alison Ehrlich, director of clinical research and assistant dermatology professor at George Washington University. The fact is, a ?healthy? glow is anything but; it?s the visible manifestation of skin damage.

Light Trap
Today some Americans are still lost in a tan warp, but most are aware of the sun?s dangers, including burning, premature aging, and skin cancer. Sunscreen sales are at an all-time high, but so too are rates of UV-related illnesses. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. The depleting ozone layer, earlier detection, and the aging population have all been cited as factors, but many dermatologists believe the greatest culprit is human behavior?the fact that people aren?t adequately protecting themselves.

?Many people believe the myth that sunscreen allows them to stay outside all day without accumulating sun damage,? says Dr. Susan Sweeney, fellow of pediatric dermatology and dermatologic surgery at UMass Memorial Health Center. Although it?s important to wear sunscreen, she also stresses that these products offer just one layer of defense. Moreover?and contrary to what?s often printed on product labels?dermatologists emphasize that there?s no such thing as ?sunblock.? And similarly, no sunscreen is capable of guaranteeing all-day protection; even a sweat- or water-resistant formula must be applied repeatedly over the course of the day.

Equally unsettling is the fact that most people select a sunscreen based solely on its SPF (sun-protection factor)?a number that only tells part of the story. According to Sweeney, ?SPF refers only to protection from UVB light? (the wavelengths that are primarily responsible for sunburn). Although scientists once believed that UVB was the sole wavelength to blame for long-term skin damage, studies have now shown that UVA is also a dangerous carcinogen.

Saving Your Skin
There?s no safe haven from the sun (even daylight in indoor spaces can be harmful). But with a little diligence and a preventative plan, you can take significant steps toward safeguarding your skin.
Broaden your horizons: ?Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with both UVB and UVA protection, an SPF of 15 or higher, and ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which scatter and absorb UV light,? Cambio suggests. According to Sweeney, sunscreens that contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), such as Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30, may also be helpful in protecting against UVA rays.
An ounce of prevention: All too often, people don?t apply enough sunscreen for the product to be effective, or they opt to spot-protect just their faces or shoulders. Sweeney recommends using at least a full ounce of sunscreen to cover the entire body.
Make it a habit: ?Many people remember to wear sunscreen at the beach, but they should be wearing it every day,? says Sweeney. For best results, incorporate it into your morning routine.
Over and over: Because sunscreen loses its efficacy throughout the day, it must be smeared on again and again. ?Apply it 30 minutes prior to exposure, then reapply every two to four hours,? says Ehrlich.
Run for cover: Clothing, hats, and sunglasses are potential lifesavers outdoors, Ehrlich explains. If you?ll be outside for an extended period of time, Cambio suggests seeking out shady areas.
Watch the clock: The best way to screen out the sun is to circumvent it, especially during peak exposure times (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). When possible, Cambio recommends avoiding the midday sun.

Safer Screening
Today's sunscreens are giving women what they want?greaseless, broad-spectrum protection in clever, convenient packages. In some cases, they?re even doing double duty as moisturizer, foundation, or lip gloss.

For lightweight, full-body coverage, try Phytomer Og?nAge Protective Anti-Aging Cream Sunscreen SPF 30, Hampton Sun SPF 30 Lotion, or Clinique UV Response Cream SPF 50. For faces, look for vitamin-rich formulas that moisturize and protect, such as Cellex-C Sun Care SPF 30, MD Formulations Total Protector SPF 30, or Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40. To protect the delicate skin around the eyes, try a specially formulated sunscreen such as Carita Paris Eye Control Suncare SPF 15 or Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care; for lips, BeneFit and Kiehl?s each offer SPF moisturizing lip balms in sheer and tinted formulas. And for a safe sun-kissed look, self-tanners such as Biotherm Sunfitness Protective Self-Tanner Tinted Cream SPF 15 impart an instant-gratification glow, while DuWop Revolution Tinted Body Moisturizer with Shimmer SPF 15 offers both UV protection and a hint of sparkle.

Tara Mattarazzo is the editor-in-chief of Beauty Addict Magazine http://beautyaddictmag.com For more articles on beauty, hair care, skin care, makeup, fashion, shopping, fitness, women's health, and more, visit Beauty Addict Magazine at: http://beautyaddictmag.com/

Folks are so diverse in 2005, which means that there's never just one hair style trend that's hot at any given time. All of history is fair game for re-invention. Truly, there's not much that hasn't been done before. Yet somehow, each incarnation takes on a fresh spin, and emerges fabulous.

The latest hair style trends sweep the globe slowly, which means that the life cycle is actually a few years from the birth of a new trend to the eventual fizzle. And then there are those we can't ever seem to eradicate completely (terrible 80's bangs), but that's another article, another time.

Today's hair trends can be broken down into five general categories. Here's a rundown of each...

Old Hollywood Glamour - The vintage Hollywood glamour look is characterized by smooth, voluptuous waves, and deep side parts. The best techniques to get the look are pin curling and finger waving. Top it off with a beautiful vintage accessory on one side or at the back. Look for items with rhinestones or feathers, especially ostrich feathers...we'll be seeing alot of those.

80's Inspired - A return to the 80's means an influence from that time...texture and movement, shorter layers throughout the top, lots of waves and tousled curls. It does not mean that if you're still sporting a tired old eighties mullet, you're suddenly back en vogue.

The New Mod - Think super-fly Beatle. The re-born version of the classic 50's-60's mod style has shorter lengths and texture in the crown, which become heavy, almost blunt bangs that skim the eyelashes. Annoying, I know, but hey...what's a little discomfort in the name of fashion? The back and sides of the new mod style can range from short to medium with either lots of texture or distinct bluntness around the hairline.

Disconnected and Asymmetric Cuts - Extreme angles create a sculptural feel with this hair trend. Blunt edges cut in unexpected places. No blendy-blend here. This trend is very edgy, but can be tamed down by going with an asymmetric cut (one side longer than the other). The angle of the cut can range from a gentle slope to a plummet, with one side very short, graduating to chin-length as it comes around the head.

Very short haired folks can also take advantage of this trend. Carve fun patterns into the sides of the hair. Or go more extreme with a version like I recently saw Ed Robertson from the Barenaked Ladies sporting. Part shaved, part everyday guys short haircut. It looked to me like he had to bolt from the barber's chair halfway through his buzz, but it's all in the eye of the beholder, I suppose.

Mohawks and Faux-Hawks - A hot trend for both guys and gals, the mohawk will be settlin' in for a good spell. This look is immensely versatile, possible to mimic on any hair length. If your hair is short, use a wax or gel and simply direct it forward and up in the center. For a temporary mohawk on longer lengths, back comb a rectangular section from your front hairline to your crown. Slick the sides down close to your head, either behind the ears or secure these sections straight back and underneath the back sections. Instant faux-hawk...hair today...gone tomorrow!

A tad more commitment is required to achieve an authentic mohawk look. You'll need to have your stylist trim up the sides and back/sides, leaving a peak of length down the center of the head (obviously), otherwise, it'll be difficult to create the classic mohawk shape.

Make a trend your own by incorporating elements from one or two of the above influences. Keep your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle in mind when choosing a new hair style. Just because a mohawk is in style doesn't mean you're an automatic candidate to sport one. If you have a long or diamond shaped face, a full-on mohawk would be a disaster. (Unless you're going for the pointy head look, which is doubtful.)

If you like to experiment, stick with the trends that don't require alot of commitment with the haircut. The Hollywood Glamour look, the faux-hawk, and the new mod are good options for this because they can easily be changed the next day.

Hair style trends are forever shifting, morphing into new versions of themselves, then dying out entirely...well, at least for the next few decades, 'til they emerge once again and sweep the planet. Now that you're feeling inspired, let me leave you with this...Have fun with your hair! After all, you'll be dealing with it on a daily basis for the rest of your life...What better reason to spice it up a little?!

Michelle Schill is the founder and webmaster of Style Hair Magazine -- Professional hair styling and coloring techniques in simple terms. The must-know's for using hair products and tools and staying up to date on the latest trends in hair fashion.

Recent Trends

Four out of ten Americans were using alternative-medicine and not telling their doctors(1). Chinese herbal medicine helped people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome(2). A ketogenic diet decreased intractable seizures in children(3) But according to other researches, Echinacea extracts did not prevent upper respiratory infections(4) and chiropractic manipulations did not improve episodic-tension-type headaches.(5)

These researches may have had their own flaws. But according to another article published in British Journal of Medicine, double standards exist in judging traditional and alternative medicine.6 In a conference in integrated medicine in London, Dr. Iain Chalmers said, ?critics of complementary medicine seemed to operate a double standard?. It is thought that 60% of orthodox treatments have not been scientifically proved.(6)

In 1999, a series of articles was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) under the title-ABC of Complementary Medicine. Catherine Zollman and Andrew Vickers authored these articles. In an article in this series published in BMJ of 11 September 1999, the authors defined Complementary Medicine as ? ?a group of therapeutic diagnostic disciplines that exist largely outside the institutions where conventional health care is taught and provided. Complementary medicine is an increasing feature of healthcare practice, but considerable confusion remains about what exactly it is and what position the disciplines included under this term should hold in relation to conventional medicine?.(7)

According to another article published in BMJ of 25 September 1999, an UK survey of use of Complementary medicine estimated that in1993, 33% of the population had used some form of Complementary medicine. 55-65% of those who consulted complementary practitioners were female, a similar proportion to users of conventional healthcare. The other highlights of this survey were:

?The highest users were those aged 35-60 years.

?Children made up a relatively small proportion of users of complementary medicine.

?Users of complementary medicine tended to be in higher socio-economic groups and had higher levels of education than users of conventional care.

More people used complementary medicine in the south of England than in Wales, Scotland and the north of England.But evidence suggested that this reflected access to availability of complementary practitioners rather than any fundamental regional differences in public attitude or interest.(8) On acupuncture, the authors wrote: - ?There is good research evidence that acupuncture has effects greater than placebo. Randomised trials have found that true acupuncture is more effective in relieving pain than ?sham? technique such as inserting needles away from true points.? ?Studies showing that acupuncture can affect anaesthetised animals provides further evidence that its effects probably cannot be explained purely in psychological terms.?(9)

?The best known evidence about a herbal product concerns St. John?s wort (Hypericum perforatum) for treating mild to moderate depression. A systematic review of 23 randomised controlled trials found the herb to be significantly superior to placebo and therapeutically equivalent to, but with fewer side-effects than antidepressants such as amitryptyline.? ?Eighty seven adults and children refractory to conventional first and second line treatment were randomised to a crossover study that compared a preparation of about 10 Chinese herbs with a placebo consisting of herbs thought to be ineffective for eczema. Highly significant reductions in eczema scores were associated with active treatment but not with placebo. At long term follow-up, over half of the adults (12/21) and over 75% of children (18/23) who continued had a greater than 90% reduction in eczema scores?.(10)

Studies on Homeopathy

An evidence of the efficacy of homeopathic medications was published in BMJ.

The paper was authored by Morag A Taylor and associates. It concluded that homeopathic dilutions differ from placebo. This study was done on fifty patients suffering with perennial allergic rhinitis. The results showed significant nasal airflow improvement compared with the placebo group(11). An earlier paper authored by Andrew Vickers and Catherine Zollman in BMJ quoted an article in Lancet in favour of homoeopathy. The authors of this article in Lancet were quoted as: - ? the results of our meta-analysis are not compatible with the hypothesis that the clinical effects of homoeopathy are due to placebo.? ?Laboratory studies have reported biological effects of homeopathy medicines on animals, plants and cells, some at ultramolecular dilutions.?(12)

Mind-Body Connection in Modern Medicine

On another note, there are many researches published in journals of modern medicine that corroborate mind-body connection. Role of emotional distress and the origin of cardiac illnesses are an accepted fact in modern medicine. In a recent research conducted by Dr. Ketterer and colleagues from Henry Ford Health Sciences Center in Detroit, it was recommended that ?chest pain should be considered a marker of emotional distress.? ?Reducing emotional distress may benefit the (healthcare) system as well as the patient by spontaneously decreasing emergency room visits, diagnostic tests and hospital admissions.?(13)

A study done in the Cancer Institute of New Jersey by Dr. Pandya and associates concluded that conventional mind-body therapy has been poorer with valuable non-invasive way to manage coronary disease. Yoga practice is valuable in coronary disease by improving resistance to stress.(14)

People with diabetes are twice as likely as non-diabetics to suffer from depression, according to an analysis of 25 years of data authored by Dr. Patrick J. Lustman of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. ?Two of every three cases of depression in diabetes go untreated by primary care physicians?.(15) He recommends that both conditions need to be treated together.

In a study published in Digestive Diseases and Science authored by Dr. Svein Blomhoff of National Hospital, Oslo, it was demonstrated that there is a clear connection between mind and body. Emotional responses have an impact on intestinal reactivity in-patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and in normal controls.

?The close interaction among mind, brain and gut? indicates that ?gut motility may be a dynamic indication of level of stress or emotional state.?(16)

Non-Physical Treatments

Psychotherapy is helpful for patients with intractable dyspepsia. One study was done by Dr. Elspeth Gutherei of the Manchester Royal Infirmary and was published in Gastroenterology in the year 2000.(17) In the same issue, Dr. David H. Alpers of Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, advised gastroenterologists to pay attention to psychological diagnostic and therapeutic tools and to learn to apply them to patients in functional bowel disorders.

Results from some controlled trials of ?distant healing? show that such forms are positively effective. A study by Dr. John A Astin and associates at Kernon Hospital Mansion, in Baltimore Maryland, concluded this finding. 23 trials including five trials of prayer, 11 studies of non-contact therapeutic touch and seven trials of mental healing and spiritual healing were studied.(18)

Conclusion

There is ample evidence in modern medical literature that suggests that there are links between physical illnesses and emotional and mental distress. Research evidence shows that there is learning involved in ?observation.? Every ?scientific? discovery starts with ?observation.? The observation is then followed by ?scientific research.?

Complementary therapies are following the same pattern of knowledge as modern medicine has followed. Practitioners can make themselves more aware of the scientific basis of medicine by reading and researching on modern medicine. Complementary medicine will need to become more scientific sooner rather than later.

References:

1.Journal of the American Medical Association (1998) 280:1549-640
2.Journal of the American Medical Association (1998) 280:1585-90
3.Archives of Neurology (1998)55: 1433-8
4.Archives of Family Medicine (1998) 7: 541-5
5.Journal of the American Medical Association (1998) 280:1576-9
6.British Medical Journal (1998) 316:1694
7.British Medical Journal (1999) 319:693-696
8.British Medical Journal (1999) 319: 836-838
9.British Medical Journal (1999) 319:973-976
10 British Medical Journal (1999) 319: 1050-1053
11. British Medical Journal (2000) 321: 471-476
12. British Medical Journal (1999) 319: 1115-1118
13. Journal of Behavioural Medicine (2000) 23:437-44
14. Comparative Therapy (1999) 25(5): 283-93
15. Diabetes Care (2001) 24: 1069-1078
16. Digestive Diseases and Sciences (2000) 45: 1153-1165
17. Gastroenterology (2000) 119: 661-669, 869-871
18. Annals of Internal Medicine (2000) 132: 903-910

Pradeep K Chadha is a psychiatrist who specialises in helping patients with meditation and imagery using little or no medication. He is the author of The Stress Barrier-Nature's Way To Overcoming Stress published by Blackhall Publishing, Dublin. He is based in Dublin, Ireland.His website address is http://www.drpkchadha.com

Pilates is a wonderful system of exercise and strength training developed by Joseph Pilates. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular exercise systems in the world. Pilates studios have opened in cities all over America and beyond. Pilates training consists of over 500 individual exercises, all designed to help the individual develop core strength, flexibility, and balance.

There is also a system of philosophy that is integral to Pilates practice, known as mind/body fitness. It is very similar to Yoga or Tai Chi, in that it promotes a system of overall wellness based upon developing health from the inside-out. The purpose is to learn how to develop one?s mental ability in order to effectively control movement, and therefore achieve balance in body and mind.

The Pilates system teaches that effective exercise is based upon quality and not quantity. Each of the exercises is designed to focus on a core set of muscles. Most of the movements are performed slowly and with focused intent. Students are taught to view their bodies as integrated systems comprised of interrelated parts. In the practice of Pilates, focus is placed on coordinating muscles and improving joint flexibility. Pilates teaches the individual to work with their body, as opposed to against it.

Pilates exercise can benefit most anyone. Exercise can be adapted to accommodate people, regardless of their current physical state. Most students begin with an introductory mat work course. This course can be done in private, semi-private, or group classes. As the student progresses, exercises become more focused and advanced. There are also a number of equipment classes available for advanced students. These classes teach the proper use of equipment such as the Reformer or the Cadillac.

If you are looking for an exercise program that will help you build core strength, flexibility, and balance, then look no further than Pilates. People of all ages and physical conditions can benefit from these exercises. Pilates has helped countless people achieve balance in their lives. It comes highly recommended by physical therapists, athletic trainers, and fitness experts as a highly effective training and rehabilitation method. The future of your health is now.

Harriet Spinzer is a history student and Pilates enthusiast. When she is not consumed with her studies, she likes to stretch and stuff. When she is not tangled up in her Reformer she likes to write freelance articles for websites such as pilatesinsight.com - an independent Pilates resource with information about Pilates Certification, and Treadmills.

Natural, Radiant skin

That's right, summer is upon us already, which means less emphasis on covering up under layers of foundation, concealer and powder and focusing instead on the natural beauty of our skin. This is all very well for those blessed with perfect, clear skin, but for the rest of us mere mortals, help is at hand! With the proper use of foundation and blusher that peaches and cream/English rose radiance can be yours this summer.

Foundation should be kept as light and dewy as possible. Apply a fluid or cr?me foundation with the fingertips, and blend with a sponge for a flawless finish. Use foundation sparingly, and only where necessary. Certain areas of the face - the forehead, nose and chin - naturally will require more coverage than the cheeks.

Blusher should be applied first to the apples of the cheeks and then swept back and upwards, using light strokes. To keep skin radiant and lustrous, ensure you use a good exfoliator, to remove dull dead skin cells and reveal new skin for a brighter complexion. Follow this with an SPF moisturiser suited to your skin type, bearing in mind many people can use a slightly lighter cream or lotion in the summer months than is required in the winter.

What?s in: perfectly natural complexions. What?s out: heavy bronzer and fake tan. This summer it will be all about pale, milky skin with just a touch of blush across the cheeks and nose. Think pinks and peaches for fairer skin tones, and light golden bronze for darker skins.

Glossy nude lips

After the winter of covering up lips in bold shades, its time to ditch the lip liner and vampy red lipstick in favour of a lighter glossier look. Lips are more delicate and understated this season, think lip tints and sheer glosses, in pink and peachy tones for paler skins and golden bronze hues for darker skins. The whole look should be very fresh and unpretentious. Try Clinique?s Colour Surge Impossibly Glossy lip colours, or Est?e Lauder pure colour crystal gloss. For a little extra coverage and long lasting wet-look colour apply Lanc?me?s juicy rogue, with a dab of ?babydoll? the newest addition to their cult juicy tube collection. As with make-up look, preparation is key, so invest in a lip-exfoliator and start applying a good non-petroleum based lip balm frequently, for kissably soft lips!

Bright n? bold eyeliner

In keeping with previous make-up trends there is still very much a focus on eyes this spring. However the emphasis this season has shifted to eye-liner, and the bigger and brighter the better. Reinvent your night-time look by lining your eyes with kohl or liquid liner, in vivid turquoises, rich purples, azure or aubergine. These work particularly well with a hint of shimmer to open and draw attention to the eye. I recommend Bobbi Browns Long-Wear gel eyeliner, applied with an eyeliner brush, so you can intensify the look as much as you like. You could also try M.A.C pigments, which come in an exhaustive range of colours and textures. Loyal fans of the kohl pencil, try Lanc?me?s Crayon Kh?l in 019 le bleu de jules, a soft aqua-marine blue or Bourjois Khol & Contour Eye Liner in Violet Irise 18, a vibrant lilac-fuchsia.

Finally for all the eye-liner buffs out there, Make-Up Forever?s colour liquid liner, thanks to its ultra fine tip applicator, will give a highly pigmented pearly finish.

Nicola Hickey-Crowe, make-up artist.

Allergies are on the increase - a third of the population believe that they suffer from allergies, and even though some of these people may be mistaken, everyone agrees that eczema, asthma, hay fever, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. are now more and more common. So, what has happened?

It is often unclear why a person has a tendency to be allergic or intolerant to a range of substances. Medical practitioners talk about 'atopic individuals' - atopic means 'out of place'. To the unknowing this sounds like a medical diagnosis, but in fact all it means is: You have a tendency to have allergies; you may have several different symptoms caused by your allergic reactions; this often runs in families; we don't know why. Describing someone as an atopic individual is not saying anything the person does not already know about themself!

Genetic Predisposition

Allergy problems undoubtedly do run in families, so there may be a genetic component, although the exact mechanism is not clearly understood. Some small genetic mutation can cause the immune system to be triggered more easily, so that family members sharing this mutation will all have a tendency to allergic reactions, although not necessarily to the same substances, but this does not explain the rise in the incidence of allergies in recent years.

Severe Virus Infections

A severe virus infection can lead to damage to the immune system, so that the individual is more likely to develop allergies in the future. Again, although this may explain why someone has allergies, the incidence of virus infections is not on the increase.

So we have to look elsewhere to explain the rise, and there are several completely different possibilities.

Parasites

One allergy theory now being proposed is that the lack of the proper enemies (liver fluke, tapeworms, etc.) has led to an idle immune system finding inappropriate work in allergic reactions. There are many antibodies produced in the body to protect it against invasion by harmful organisms. IgE antibodies deal effectively and quickly with the extreme danger of infection by large parasites, such as tapeworms. Parasites' effect on health can be devastating, so over the years individuals with efficient IgE mechanisms have lived to reproduce and pass on their genes at a greater rate than people with a less efficient IgE mechanism. The IgE antibodies are also involved in allergic and hypersensitivity reactions, so people with these inherited efficient IgE mechanisms are more likely to suffer allergy problems than people who have inherited a less efficient system. This super-charged immune system was a plus for an asthma sufferer's distant ancestors inhabiting a world with many life-threatening parasites, but now leads to a 'trigger-happy' immune system firing off inappropriately.

Other practitioners (notably Hulda Clark in 'Cure For All Diseases') take the opposite view, and see many allergy symptoms as being a reaction to an infestation of parasites.

Excessive Cleanliness

The obsession with the danger of 'germs' is thought to have led to an increase in allergies. Much of this obsession with cleanliness seems to be driven by the media and advertising. Headlines about 'killer bugs', and advertisements that claim a product kills even more germs have led many people to buy more and more products to wipe out these dangerous enemies. A view now gaining ground among many researchers and some doctors is that a certain level of dirt is good for us, particularly during infancy and early childhood when the immune system is maturing.

T-helper cells in the immune system recognise foreign antigens and then secrete substances to activate other cells to fight the invader. In pregnancy the T-helper cells that attack invaders directly without producing antibodies (Th1 cells) are less active, as these could lead the mother's system to reject the foetus. This means that the T-helper cells that are responsible for antibody reactions (Th2 cells) are more prominent. These are the ones that are involved in allergic reactions. The new baby's immune system has the same emphasis as the mother's had during pregnancy. It is believed that the exposure of the very young to some level of 'dirt' is beneficial in that it helps to rebalance the immune system to emphasise the T-helper cells that are not involved in the allergy process.

In an excellent article ('New Scientist' July 18th 1998) Garry Hamilton talks about 'the gentler side of germs'. If the young are not exposed to 'dirt', the immune system does not go through this rebalancing process, and a tendency to allergy can result. Linda Gamblin in 'The Allergy Bible' cites several medical research projects, which support the idea of allowing children to be exposed to dirt and minor infections to help protect against allergies.

Vaccination

Our children are now being vaccinated against a bigger and bigger range of diseases. While some of these are serious, many are mild illnesses that were once considered part of a normal childhood. Many alternative practitioners consider that these childhood illnesses help to prime the immune system so that it is better able to cope with a whole range of illnesses later in life. This view is not accepted by most of the medical profession, and indeed it would be difficult to prove. However, there is some evidence that vaccination alters the ratio of T-helper cells and T-suppresser cells. This would be likely to have an effect on the vaccinated child's susceptibility to allergy reactions. It is also known that most vaccines stimulate the branch of the immune system that is concerned with the more extreme immune reactions to invaders such as parasites ('New Scientist' July 18th 1998).

Ubiquitous Presence Of Some Foods

Before the advent of freezers and airfreight most people ate local foods in season. Now most fruit and vegetables are available all year round, so that our systems are exposed to the same foods continually without respite.

There has been a dramatic increase in people experiencing soya allergy, since soya has become a common ingredient in many processed foods. In Europe and North America rice allergy is relatively uncommon, whereas in Asia where it is consumed more frequently it is much more common.

Technological Developments

Developments that make modern life more comfortable have also led to an increase in allergies. With the advent of air conditioning, central heating and wall-to-wall carpeting house dust mites and moulds such as alternaria have an ideal environment in which to thrive. Modern offices with sealed windows mean that everyone is exposed to the perfumes worn by other people. The increasing use of plastics, formaldehyde, benzene etc. have led to all of us being exposed to an amazing variety of chemicals.

Contamination By Environmental Pollutants

The chemicals in diesel fumes are known to damage the outer membranes of pollens. This means that when the pollen is breathed in, the pollen proteins are immediately in much closer contact with the delicate membranes in the mouth, nose and lungs than they would be if the pollen had not been damaged in this way.

It has now also been suggested that the immune system is reacting to some harmless substances because they have been contaminated by environmental pollution: the immune system does not recognise the food, for example, if it has molecules from tyre rubber attached to it. These molecules sometimes appear similar to enzymes produced by parasites and so the immune system attacks the 'parasite'.

Although more and more evidence is accumulating for a role for environmental pollutants, this does not explain why New Zealand, which is relatively unpolluted, has one of the highest incidences of asthma in the world.

Electro-Magnetic Pollution

An increase in electro-magnetic pollution has run parallel with the increase in allergies. The scientific jury is still out on the danger of mobile phones, power lines, etc., but many people are becoming more concerned about our constant exposure. People who are sensitive to computers, etc. often also show many symptoms typical of allergic individuals. In some cases correcting this sensitivity to electro-magnetic sources, results in all or most of the adverse reactions disappearing. (I recommend health kinesiology for this.)

Stress

The pace of life is quickening all the time: modern technology gives us more possibilities and many of us want to experience as many of these as we can. A survey found that half of the 950 young people in their 20's interviewed said that they would feel a failure if they did not own a home by 26, were not married by 27 and not both rich and parents by 29. Many of the interviewees said they were prepared to sacrifice a healthy diet and way of life to achieve this. These expectations and pressures are not conducive to long-term health and can also lead to stress and allergies. Pre-packaged, processed foods eaten in front of the television, too much alcohol, too little fresh air and exercise all take their toll.

Sometimes particular traumatic events can explain a particular allergy. One of my clients was allergic to wool and tea. She told me that when she was a small child she had pulled a cup of hot tea on to herself. At the time she was wearing a wool sweater, and the tea soaked into the sweater and burnt her very badly.

Diet

It is now well known that bottle-fed babies are more likely to be prone to allergy problems than breast-fed ones. Sudden or early weaning can contribute to the problem too.

Sadly the modern diet may be abundant in calories, but there is more and more evidence that it is low in some important nutrients. People are eating more pre-processed foods, which may be nutritionally compromised.

Soil is becoming depleted of some minerals, because they have long been taken up by plants grown in the soil. If the mineral is not in the soil, it cannot be in the plant, and so it is not available in the foods we eat either.

It is unlikely that there is one simple answer as to why people are allergic, intolerant or sensitive in general or to particular substances. Research is still being carried out in this fascinating area. Fortunately with the tools that are available it is not necessary to know why someone has allergy problems in order to be able to detect and correct them.

Jane Thurnell-Read is a writer and researcher on health, stress, alternative medicine, and happiness. Visit her web site http://www.healthandgoodness.com for tips and information on how to live a happier, healthier life no matter how busy you are.

Franchised Business Models and American Diets could be at odds. Yes there is significant issues with this in franchising. First before I get into my discussion for fear of someone, screaming foul. I would like to point to Krispy Kreme?s recent crash as an example of the changes in consumer buying behavior. We also noticed the IFA-International Franchise Association and the comments made by the Restaurant Association calling this Atkins, South Beach Low Carb Diet a mere fad. I can understand why the IFA wishes to help their members by quoting articles such as this one:

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-usda04.html

And the USDA is right to make a statement as the shift and focus on the Atkins Style and South Beach Diets are helping Americans lose weight and causing a severe shift in the eating habits. Last time the shift was the five food groups 30 years ago, which caused the obesity of today. Even today the GAO discusses the need for changes in school meals programs and nutritional reasoning and how this will effect pricing and competitiveness: ?School Meal Programs: Competitive Foods Are Available in Many Schools; Actions Taken to Restrict Them Differ by State and Locality.? Obesity slows the human spirit and energy levels and adversely effects productivity in our country, making us lazy, stupid and fat. You can tell by looking at your employees in your franchised business on the frontline.

The USDA is attempting to assist industry with this very fast shift which came out of the blue. After all a big and immediate switch in dietary consumption from consumers will affect farmers, wheat growers, etc. in a very big way. Too fast of a pendulum swing as we are seeing now could adversely effect the agricultural industry. Which today is highly government subsidized, but soon may be a huge target of the WTO as other countries complain. We see conservative think tanks, like the Heritage Group, CATO Institute, Ayn Rand Foundation, discussing the issues of Free Trade and Corporate Welfare. Most of the subsidies go to the Corporate Farmers not the little guy who is used as a reason to write the checks. If people eat less wheat then wheat farmers take a huge hit. Cattle ranchers may see lower prices for grain and they will be glad to see they are selling more beef too.

Remember the old Wendy?s Commercials made famous by Dave Thomas? Well instead of ?Where?s the Beef? it is going to be ?Where?s the Bun?? And we already see how much the diet issues effect fast food when Subway had blockbuster sales increases after their campaign where the fat guy lost weight by eating there everyday. Personally, I once went to that Subway store that he made famous and there were some cute girls working there behind the counter too, so some of his motivation to go there was probably due to the cuties or babes behind the counter? Never the less, what ever his reasoning was it worked, he lost weight and a smart marketing exec at Subway saw this and scored one of the greatest marketing campaigns ever, ranks right up their with; ?Two-All Beef Special patties, pickles, lettuce tomatoes?on a sesami seed bun? and the Taco Bell Dog and the ?Have it Your Way? and the Low Down Menu and the like. Every ten years or so there is a call to action for healthy Americans and that means watching what you eat.

Is this a short term trend? Well, not really it is a cycle set forth by Health Care Professional and a mandate for America. We have heard Presidential talks on this. We have heard recently that Diabetes has surpassed AIDS for death counts. Over weight causes heart disease etc. Moderation of things like ice cream and donuts is going to be a tough one. Nearly all the Fast Food Restaurants have had articles, PR and advertising telling of their low carb deals. Atkins lives on in spirit. Low Carb foods are flying off the shelves at Wal-Mart, Albertson?s, Safeway, Win Dixie, Piggy Wiggly, Hughes, HEB, etc. See for yourself, some of these shelves have only a few items left on them each time you shop. Well if anyone says that trend is going away, I would respectfully disagree but be willing to listen to well articulated ideas that maybe contrary to this observational comment. As a matter of fast as I sit at Starbucks and chat, I hear people say they are on a new diet. Literally 1 in 3 people I talk to? So it is not a 20% trend it is a 30% plus trend. And we know from watching modern day trends such as the Homosexual movement and Credit Card Consumption trend, wireless trend, Debit Card preferred payment choice trends that once you beat that 8% barrier it cannot be called a fad. No folks this is not a short term anything.

People I have talked to are happy to look better, feel better, etc. Soon they will be at a weight to start working out again too. It was not all that long ago that Body Builder Arnold the governator headed up Bush Seniors get in shape program, and we see a return of a cycle and the trend is to eat different than the 30 year old food pyramid we were teaching the boomers and Ex?ers.

If you are looking to buy a franchise, which involves food, check out the lines at the outlets folks, because we are seeing things not look so good. If you are wondering which business will perform better, watch the public as they vote with their dollars. This will help you visualize what is happening and the full extent of this newest trend.

We have seen Duncan Donuts switch to upscale coffee shops in the urban and suburbs to compete against Starbucks, and those are well received. And to their credit I say excellent work, they saw that one coming. In franchising nothing is guaranteed either you roll with the punches and you adapt to the market or you become an old Fad, one which is not necessarily going to deliver you your American Dream. Show me a food franchise without a sign in the window saying low carb and I will show you a fast food franchise, which has no lines and less same store sales in this quarter. Low carb a trend? No, it is just getting started. Companies are working extra hard to meet the rising demand of the consumer. Any franchise system denying this trend will have stores sales plummet and franchisees upset. Those brands which are known for high carb type foods, will have to spend big or be very innovative in their marketing to re-train customers, not as easy said than done. Any business including C-Stores, 7-11 and Truck Stops must also listen to the customers. As the attitude, consumer buying behavior and consumer sentiment is changing in America along with their belt size. Convenience Store News had a two page story on this very thing this months issue confirming our observations, that industry is changing and expect new low carb impulse food items to be emerging everywhere, this is a good thing.

People soon will be buying smaller clothes and fitting into their old favorites. You can already see this at the donation stations and thrift stores from my discussions from those wonderful American Volunteers giving their 2000 plus hours, thank you for this.

Some consumers say they tried the low carb diets but they made them constipated, even so anyone who would say low carb diets are a fab is really the one full of crap. We appreciate the USDA trying to uplift the industry spirits by telling the Food Associations that it is a fad, but to claim they know the future on this without looking at the trend is an incorrect view of observation. Even the GAO has studied these things: ?Nutrition Education: USDA Provides Services through Multiple Programs, but Stronger Linkages among Efforts Are Needed.?

My advice to the franchise buyer? Sure, if you are looking to get into business for yourself; stay away from franchise offerings, which have long branded histories of the types of food associated with high carbs of fattening products. Newer franchises with less brand recognition can shift faster and re-educate quicker. Do not invest in a franchise with food unless you see that the franchisor and marketing departments are focused on this low carb issue. And check out the stores themselves the outlets are people lining up? Sit near the register and listen to what people ask, order and say, you will immediately say, you?re right. If you run a small business of any type which sells food, buy those things that will be wanted by those who are on these new diets. That is what they want and it is good for America and our future health care costs, quality of life and life expectancies.

Lance Winslow

Early-morning workouts notwithstanding, faded makeup and unkempt hair are usually more closely associated with sluggishness than sex appeal. But at the spring 2006 shows in New York, Milan, and Paris, underdone beauty made a memorable appearance on virtually every runway. The effect: a confident, self-assured woman whose seeming spontaneity only adds to her allure. Fortunately, this season?s take on au natural isn?t for flawlessly skinned supermodels only; the following ten trends are sprinkled with enough flattering twists that any woman can pull them off with aplomb.

In the Nude

Underscoring fashion?s return to minimalism, spring makeup was decidedly more discreet than any we?d seen for seasons. ?The goal is to create an ?is she or isn?t she?? look,? says makeup artist Viviane Hidalgo of Miami?s Primal Studio. ?For most women, that means using a concealer, a primer, and a moisturizer mixed with foundation to achieve good coverage.? In real life, a look completely devoid of color can run the risk of looking deadly, so Hidalgo urges women to use a subtle shade to emphasize their best feature. ?If you?ve got great eyes, for example, add a little definition in the corner,? she suggests.

On the Runway: At Chlo?, models wore only a smidge of liner along the top lash line; at Balenciaga, freshly scrubbed faces were enhanced with hints of carefully chosen color; and at BCBG Max Azria and Christian Dior, makeup was barely there at all.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Revitalizing Concealer, Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation, Olay Complete Moisturizer, M.A.C. Prep + Prime Skin

Rope Trick

Each season seems to spawn a signature hairstyle, and for spring, braids were the models? crowning glory. If you haven?t worn them since the sixth grade, however, you may want to look before you leap. ?It?s a very young look,? says Kim L?pine of the L?pine New York salon. ?If you?re young and funky, you should do them everywhere, allover,? she recommends. For older or more sophisticated ladies, L?pine suggests ?a single braid toward the back of the head as an elegant detail for a bun or an updo.?

On the Runway: Funky cornrows ruled the L.A.M.B. runways; at Rochas, hair was plaited into skinny, princess-worthy halos; Viktor & Rolf?s stylists opted for ropey, oversize versions; and at Calvin Klein, strands were swept into a single loose, low-maintenance braid.

Best Bets: Goody Exquisite Rat Tail Comb, Mason-Pearson Brush, Biosilk Silk Therapy, Sebastian Shaper Hairspray

Hot Lips

In a season of understatement, some makeup artists relied on ruby lips to add a dose of drama?a classic, glamorous look that makeup artist Troy Surratt loves. ?A bold, sexy red lip is especially perfect for winter,? he maintains. What?s more, ?you don?t need to be scared of it. If you?re using a red lip, just remember to play down the rest of your face.?

On the Runway: Lips were a matte cherry at Alessandro Dell?Acqua, a glossy rich scarlet at Costume National, and a warmer tomato shade at Emanuel Ungaro.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Moisture Extreme in Royal Red, Chanel Le Crayon Gloss in Grenadine, Urban Decay Pleather Pencil in Kink, Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave

Heavy Metal

Sparkly shadows in shades of gold, silver, and bronze made a strong showing on virtually every runway. According to Surratt, ?shimmer can play up anyone?s eyes, and golden shades tend to be the most flattering.? The key, he emphasizes, is dolling out the dazzle in small doses: ?Be sure to keep the shadow on the lid, and use only a tiny bit to highlight your brow bone.?

On the Runway: At Alberta Ferretti, golden shadows highlighted the eyes? inner corners, darkening to bronze at the browbone; Anna Sui used just a hint of sheen on the lids and lower lash lines; Chanel opted for a futuristic silvery shade; and John Galliano?s metallics (in keeping with the couture) took a Felliniesque turn.

Best Bets: Maybelline New York Roller Color in In-Line Ice, Bare Escentuals Foiling Glimmers, Girlactik Beauty Sparkle Eye Liner Set, Benefit Show Offs

Brown-Eyed Girl

Spring?s mink, sienna, and sable eye shadows proved that browns are anything but boring. ?It?s a nice balance between nude and made-up, and there are a bazillion browns to choose from,? says Bobbe Joy of the Bobbe Joy Makeup Studio in Beverly Hills. ?To amp up a neutral shadow, add a line of gold or iridescent shadow from the lashes to the crease, right down the center of the lid,? she says. ?It?s still a natural look, but it really opens up the eye.?

On the Runway: At Andrew Gn, eyes were enhanced with a warm walnut; at Celine, makeup artists opted for an offbeat ochre shade; Moschino?s chocolate shadows were coated with glitter across the crease; and at Vera Wang, eyes were swept with a more unassuming ecru.

Best Bets: Cargo Eye Shadow in Cocoa Beach; Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Mink; Too Faced Eyeshadow Duo in Full Frontal; and Afterglow Multitasking Eye Shadows in Champagne Shimmer, Dune, and Coco

Pretty Slick

Despite its gangster associations, slicked-back strands looked surprisingly fresh and pretty on the runways. In real life?without a team of stylists at your disposal??the look is best suited to those with thin, fine, or straight hair,? says hairstylist Lindsay Rider of the Bang Salon in Washington, D.C. Assuming you have the appropriate hair type, start by coating freshly washed strands with a smoothing cream, then blow-dry and finish with a shine spray. To ensure an end result that?s sleek, not slimy, ?use less product in the beginning,? Rider suggests; ?you can always add more later on if you need to.?

On the Runway: Hair was swept into shiny ponys at Chloe and Prada; Narciso Rodriguez used glossy strands to create an ultramodern French twist; and Alexander McQueen split the difference, slicking back strands in front and leaving them loose in the back.

Best Bets: Tigi Bedhead After-Party Smoothing Cream, Fr?d?ric Fekkai Glossing Cream, Redken Vinyl Glam 02 Mega Shine Spray, Citre Shine Mist Anti-Frizz Spray Laminator

Doll Face

Continuing a trend that began last fall, makeup artists relied on rosy blushes to give the models a fresh, pretty glow. For a convincing flush, rather than?80s-style racing streaks, selecting the right product is key. ?You want to avoid pigments that are too heavy for your skin tone,? Hildago explains. ?Creams and stains tend to work better on skin without enlarged pores, while powders tend to complement less-perfect complexions.? In either case, ?you should use a round motion to get good blending, and remove any excess with a tissue,? she adds.

On the Runway: Carolina Herrera?s models got a healthy pale-pink flush, while Zac Posen?s and Anna Molinari?s were treated to a more intense rosy shade.

Best Bets: Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Bronze, Nars Orgasm Blush, Fresh Blush Powder in Charm School, Cargo Blush in Topeka

Smudge Report

Thin is eternally in on the catwalk, but at the spring shows, makeup artists eschewed skinny sweeps of liner in favor of thick, more imprecise spoltches. According to Hildago, blurring the lines beautifully is largely a matter of choosing the right the product. ?To achieve a diffused look, use a soft kohl pencil to rim the eye,? she says. ?Black can be very intense, so depending on your coloring, you may want to try a neutral brown or taupe instead.?

On the Runway: At Donna Karen, eyes were enhanced with a smudge of black liner on the inner corners and an abridged cat?s-eye on top; at Givenchy, the lines were thicker and more intense, continuing around the entire eye; and at Louis Vuitton, dark lines were seamlessly blended with progressively lighter shadows on the lids and brow bones.

Best Bets: Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Black, M.A.C. Eye Kohl Liner in Smolder, Benefit Bad Gal Liner, Estee Lauder Artist?s Eye Pencil in Softsmudge Black

Wet 'n' Mild

On many runways, makeup artists used lip glosses to give neutral palettes a dewy sheen. To give your gloss more staying power, ?first prep your lips with a bit of foundation,? Surratt says. ?Then line them with a shade very close to your natural lip color, and fill in with a light gloss.? The liner, Surratt explains, will ?prevent the gloss from bleeding on to the rest of your face.? And if you opt for a nude, lustrous lip, ?play up your eyes, and add a little highlighter to your cheeks,? he suggests.

On the Runway: Pouts got a pale-pink polish at Behnaz Sarafpour, a rosy sheen at J. Mendel, and a coral-colored glaze at MaxMara.

Best Bets: Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer Foundation, Clinique Sheer Shaper for Lips in Blushy, Stila Lip Polish in Glisten, Smashbox Lip Gloss in Shoot

Bronze Age

For years now, makeup artists have used self-tanners and bronzers to give porcelain-skinned models a faux glow. But for the past few seasons, we?ve seen the fad evolve into a subtler, more believable bake?a trend that continued on the spring runways. ?Self-tanners and bronzers can give nice color,? Joy says, ?but they tend to have a lot of orangey tones, so you need to choose the right one. One size definitely does not fit all, especially if you?re pale.? For a more realistic glow, ?use a blush on the apples of the cheeks, too,? she suggests. And remember, ?your head is sitting on your neck, so don?t forget to apply these products to your neck, shoulders, and d?colletage.?

On the Runway: Skin was tawny Michael Kors, a rosier glow at Oscar de la Renta, and glowing bronze at Versace.

Best Bets: Jergens Natural Glow, Clarins Liquid Bronze, Bobbi Brown Bronzer and Blush Duo, Stephane Marais Bronzing Powder

A Fine Mess

Deliberately disheveled manes provided a chic contrast to slick strands and cascading curls at the spring shows. According to L?pine, getting a sexy just-rolled-out-of-bed look requires a careful balance between chaos and control. ?Use soft-hold products, like light gels, waxes, and pomades, to give the mess some order,? she says. ?At that point, you can leave it loose or secure the hair discreetly with pins for a casual updo.?

On the Runway: Strands were messy and sexed-up at Libertine; pulled into haphazard updo?s at Luca Luca; and left loose and wavy at Roberto Cavalli and Missoni.

Best Bets: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, John Frieda Beach Blonde Ocean Sea Waves, Aveda Purefume Brillant Humectant Pomade, Matrix Biolage Shaping Cr?me Wax

Tara Mattarazzo is the editor-in-chief of Beauty Addict Magazine http://beautyaddictmag.com For more articles on beauty, hair care, skin care, makeup, fashion, shopping, fitness, women's health, and more, visit the Beauty Addict Magazine features page at: http://beautyaddictmag.com/thescoop/features/featureindex.html