Define Depression

What is a depression?

Depression is a mental or a psychological disorder that can occur in person in all gender, ages, and backgrounds. Depression can interfere with normal functioning like, the loss of interest, feelings of guilt, it can cause sleepless night, loss of appetite and it reflects sad or irritable mood beyond normal sadness or grief, and frequently can cause problem within the family, friends as well as in work (it will produce low productivity and absenteeism). Serious depression can affect the life of his family as well as the life of the depressed person or to anyone.

Causes of Depression

They say depression is caused by chemical imbalance of the brain, and it’s called neurotransmitter (it caries signals in your brain and nerves). Fortunately, these chemical imbalances will disappear when you will undergo proper treatment or medication.

Here are some common factors that involve depression:

1. History of the Family

Depression can be inherited from the family or it runs in the family. Genetics plays an important part in depression this seems to be the case with bipolar depression or severe major depression.

2. Pessimistic Personality

This kind of personality is common to this day. A personality or trait is present to some people, this trait that the negative outlook of life and has a low self-esteem. This kind of trait is caused by low level depression. And it has a higher risk to be depressed.

3. Trauma and stress.

Trauma and stress can cause depression because of problems they encountered such us; financial, family (when someone close to you dies or an incidence that you bump into like, you have a broken family, or you experience abuse by your father), breaking up, become stress because of life’s changes and others.

If not handled well or treated depression can lead to suicide. So, if you feel depressed hang out with your friends, watch movies, go on shopping or just talk to someone close to you.

Spa Gift Vouchers for Aromatherapy Spa Parties

Some spa resorts offer affordable spa gift vouchers for aromatherapy spa parties. As we all know, scents that waft into our nostrils have profound effect on our mood and wellness. The smell of chocolate chip cookies being baked and the smell of freshly cut grass on warm summer mornings, for example, can possibly alter our moods and attitude. These scents and many others affect and promote health and harmony of the mind, body and spirit. In a way or another, such fact is among the many reasons why aromatherapy is used as a health and wellness procedure and is common on spa parties.

A spa party is generally held to promote health and wellness via a selection of spa services provided by health professionals such as massage health therapists. Spa services include health massage therapy, facials and skin treatment and aromatherapy among others. Aromatherapy is usually incorporated with other spa services.

Massage therapists, for instance, may weave a bit of aromatherapy by using a diffuser which allows a chosen scent or aromatherapy blend to permeate the air in a light, lingering and constant manner throughout the spa session. Aromatherapy may also be integrated in spa parties and spa services by placing a drop or two of a chosen scent on the palm of the hands and holding these above the client’s face. The massage therapist may then ask client to breathe in deeply for a few times. This way, the aroma is inhaled by the client.

Another way to integrate aromatherapy in spa parties is by adding a few drops of essential oils to carrier oil and using these blends as a bodywork lubricant. This method will allow you and your guests to inhale the scents throughout the session. Such bodywork lubes will also be absorbed by the skin.

One reminder though. Essential oils have their own specific attributes, so you need to carefully choose which essential oils to use in aromatherapy. Ylang ylang essential oils, for example, is proven effective relieving muscle tension and in improving poor mood state. Roman chamomile, on the other hand, is considered the best choice for individuals with high levels of stress and anxiety. Carefully select an essential oil and follow instructions carefully. This way, you will be able to maximize the benefits of a health spa center and the goodness of aromatherapy.

Homemade Vaginal Douche Instructions

A lot of women who suffer from repeated yeast infections have had their symptoms diagnosed by a physician and know all too well the signs and symptoms of a yeast flare-up. If you are sure your vaginitis is caused by a yeast infection try this homemade douche like using a vinegar douche. Try douching with a mild vinegar or yogurt douche at the first sign of infection. For a vinegar douche, use 1 to 3 tablespoons of white vinegar to one quart of warm water; for a yogurt douche, make a dilute mixture of plain yogurt and warm water.

Routine douching is not a good idea if you don’t have vaginal symptoms. However, for women yeast infection symptoms, a mild vinegar douche can help restore the vagina’s normal pH (which is about 4.5). Douching with yogurt that contains live microorganisms lost during infection or because of antibiotic use. For the best douche results, follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the douche solution as outlined in the first remedy.
2. Check the container, tube, and irrigation nozzle are very clean. If not, sanitized them with a good antiseptic solution.
3. Lie in the bathtub with a folded towel under your buttocks and with your legs parted.
4. Suspend the container 12 to 18 inches above the hips.
5. Insert the nozzle into the vagina with a gentle rotating motion until it encounters resistance (2 to 4 inches).
6. Allow the solution to slow slowly. Use your fingers to close the vaginal lips until a small pressure builds up inside. This allows the solution to get through to the entire internal surface. An effective douche should take 10 minutes or so.
   

It is important to have your vaginal symptoms evaluated by a physician to ensure proper treatment.

Stop Oily Skin

One of the biggest myths about oily skin is that it causes acne. Acne caused when oil becomes trapped below the skin’s pores and becomes contaminated with bacteria. When you have oily skin, the oil isn’t blocked because it’s coming to the skin’s surface. The good news about oily skin is that it keeps younger-looking. Individuals with oily skin tend to wrinkle less than people with dry or normal skin.

While you can’t alter your genetics or completely control your hormones, there are plenty of things you can do to cope with your oily skin.

• Maintain your face dirt-free. As any person with oily skin knows, the oilier the skin, the dirtier the skin looks and feels. To help prevent this feeling, it’s important to keep the skin clean. Wash your face at least twice a day with skin care products like facial cleansers.
• Try aloe vera. It helps absorb oil and cleanse the pores. Let it dry on your face two or three times a day with cool aloe vera gel (keep it in the refrigerator).
• Wipe with astringents. Wiping the oily parts of the face with rubbing alcohol or a combination of alcohol and acetone (such as liquid cleasers) can help dry oiliness. The alcohol acts as a degreaser.
• Carry tissues. Paper facial tissues can help wipe away excess oils. You can also purchase special oil-absorbing tissues from health and beauty companies that are very effective in removing excess oil between cleansings.
• Make a scrub. Facial scrubs are excellent for removing excess surface oil.
• Masque it. It can reduce oiliness. Apply it to the face and leave on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off.
• Use water-based cosmetics. Be careful in choosing the right cosmetics and beauty tools. Oily-skinned people should stay away from cosmetics as much as possible. When you do use makeup, you should apply water-based rather than oil-based types. Before going to bed, wash your face with makeup removers.

Causes of Acne

If you are a teenager, you can’t wait to get rid of it. If you are an adult, you can’t believe it’s back. Fortunately, improvements in acne treatments over the last decade mean you don’t have to put up with it anymore.

The major determining factor in who gets acne is genes, in other words, you may have inherited a skin characteristic that makes you more likely to develop acne. You have thousands of oil glands in the skin on your face, chest and back that lubricate the skin by producing sebum or oil. The oil from the glands flows through tiny ducts to the skin surface. Sometimes, these oil ducts become plugged with sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells that are shed from the lining of the duct. That’s acne. The condition often appears during adolescence because of changing hormone levels, which enlarge the oil glands and encourage them to produce more oil. Although the process is not well understood, the increase in oil appears to fuel acne, perhaps by stimulating the production of “sticky” skin cells that, when shed, tend to plug the duct. The situation usually settles down by the end of the teen years or during the early 20s.

So why do adults develop acne? There are variety reasons, among them:

• Hormones. If you have acne along with menstrual irregularities, you may want to see a physician to see if abnormal hormone levels are to blame.
• Stress. Dermatologists agree that high levels of stress can affect hormone levels.
• Cosmetics. Wearing heavy, oil makeup may clog pores and cause acne.
• Occupational exposure. Numerous chemicals in the workplace can also cause acne especially if you’re a mechanic or standing over the deep-fat fryer at the local fast-food joint. Your face may be getting assaulted by oils, some of which may case acne.
• Certain medications. Some drugs, such as Dilantin (which is used in the treatment of epilepsy), can cause acne.
  

No matter what’s causing your acne, there are acne treatment simple steps you can take to help clear up your skin.

Keys to Successful Alcohol Drug Treatment

Individuals with drug alcohol addiction need no other than drug alcohol treatment in order to get back into shape and lead happy and normal lives. This is a fact that every body else is most likely to agree. Good thing numerous organizations offer drug alcohol treatment to millions of people who are into drug addiction and have lost control of their lives over alcohol. These drug alcohol treatment centers are strategically in most countries and across the whole world.

But is it enough that there is countless drug alcohol treatment centers? Will drug alcohol addiction be abated with the number of health agencies and health professionals? To say the least, health agencies and health professionals play important roles in curbing out addiction. These professionals who work in most addiction rehabilitation centers encourage addicted individuals to seek professional help and be free from their addiction. Health professionals provide addiction treatment services that every drug alcohol addict requires.

Health agencies and health professionals are not the only ones who help solve problems on alcoholism and substance abuse. Another potential stakeholder in the fight against addiction is the government that promotes drug and alcohol-free environment. The government provides subsidies and assistance to individuals in need of addiction treatment but do not have access to addiction treatment services due to financial constraints.

Interventions from concerned individuals such as the family and friends also play great roles in saving loved ones from addiction and its ill effects. Drug alcohol addicts require love and support more than anybody else.

Harmful Effects of Smoking to Women’s Health

Smoking is not good for women’s health. It’s because there are approximately a thousand different types of chemicals found in a single stick of cigarette. And we are talking about harmful chemicals here, which is why women are advised not to even try smoking.

Cigarette smoking among women can cause many risk factors to their health. The reproductive system of the women can be jeopardized due to the harmful substances coming from cigarettes. Production of estrogen is lessened, which results to various gynecological disorders such as pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and vaginitis. Also, scientific studies show that menopause starts at an early age because of smoking. The risk of getting osteoporosis is increased as well. This causes women at the age of 50, to experience early problems in their bones.

Smoking only contributes problems to weight. Women tend to loose weight rapidly because of this. Now, they must understand the consequences involved when their bodies are put to a risk. However, physical activities are needed in order to compensate the lost weight. They should get involved in sports, or even simple exercises such as walking and jogging are effective in balancing their weight.

The negative effects of smoking also show connections to pregnancy problems. The fertility of women is decreased due to the thinning of the uterine wall. Smoking would also produce less milk for women. And the worse case scenario which could happen when women are into smoking is the increasing risk of miscarriage, premature births, and development of abnormalities in the fetus.

What women must realize is that smoking would produce more harm than good. They are more prone to getting diseases which are in association with menstrual disorders, reproductive system problems, circulatory system disorders, and respiratory system disorders.

Fitness Tips for Men and Women

We all want a good health to keep our body strong. Being healthy is important to every person. It’s one of the most important things to consider in our daily life especially in our generation today. Experts say that we need to complete all the three aspects which are physical, mental and social well being. It’s not merely the absence of disease that makes you feel good and live longer.

Tips on how to become healthy:

• It is very important to drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday because it’s one of the smartest ways to become fit. People who are drinking huge amounts of water everyday are usually having much clearer complexion.
• Eating nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables is a way on how to become healthy. The right foods give you proteins and vitamins that the system needs. It also provides metabolism and boosts the energy of the body all the time.
• It is best to encourage yourself to have regular exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes everyday. Exercises such as walking, riding a bike, swimming or any outdoor activities would help in staying fit and strong.
• Quitting on smoking is also the best way to becoming healthy and staying fit. Smoking is definitely bad for the body. Hard smokers suffer from different types of diseases including which includes health problems like lung cancer that causes death.
• Take the right medicine if you are sick.
• Always think positive about yourself.
• Avoid too much sugar, fatty foods and junk foods.

Exercise is Good for Our Health

Exercise is good for our health. Exercise is any movement that works your body at a greater intensity, than your usual level of daily activity. Through exercise, we can relax our body and mind. We'll be in good spirits afterwards and then can work better. At the same time, we can strengthen our muscles and trim our figures. If we don't exercise for long, we may easily fall ill or get fat. We take good care of our health with the help of exercise. Also, our mind relaxes and becomes clear.

Improvements in balance and coordination can help us to live independently in our homes. It also lengthens and improves our reaction time. With this in mind, we would be able to do our chores properly. We can also participate in sports. One example of this is swimming. Swimming is not only a survival skill but a good way to put all the muscles into play. Swimming in the sea is much more enjoyable to do than compared to the pool. Overall, swimming helps a lot in strengthening our body and improving our health.

We know that exercise has positive effects on the brain. And according to a Duke University professor who demonstrated a lecture about exercise several years ago. He said that “exercise can be an effective antidepressant”. Indeed, it is true that exercise can help alleviate depression. Other research shows that exercise can improve the functioning of the brain of an elderly. We know for a fact that active people live more and have a healthier life than the sedentary ones.

Exercising is also a source of pleasure. It increases the level of certain hormones like endorphins which acts like natural analgesics. Exercise decreases anxiety, increases self-esteem and the capacity of facing stress. Exercise makes you heart healthier, works your muscles, and improves overall health.

Physical Changes of Adolescents

The changes from late childhood to early adolescence can be detected during the physical and emotional growth of a person. The transition from childhood to adolescence is evidenced by several changes in the body. Changes in weight and height are the two observable developments at this stage of life. Genetic factor as well as nutrition significantly influences in variation, and by the time he approaches his adult height, the physical changes decelerates. Physical and motor developments are conditioned by some factors such as nutrition, family influences, sex, socio-economic status, ethnicity, intelligence, environmental stimulation, encouragement and opportunities. Well-nourished children are taller and reach puberty sooner than those who are poor. Proper nutrition also speeds up motor development unless there are environmental obstacles.

Family influences are both hereditary and environmental. Genetic factors make some children and adolescent stout and heavier than others. Environment helps to determine whether potentials will be reached. Differences in weight after puberty are due to the heavier bones and muscles of the boys who tend to have speed up motor development. Children and adolescent belonging to certain nationalities and ethnic groups are taller and bigger than others are. Children and adolescents of high intelligence tend to be taller and heavier than those with low IQ. Those with high academic achievements also tend to be taller and heavier. Their motor development is faster. Stimulation and encouragement provide opportunities for children to walk and play games as well as exposing them to physical activities, will have positive effect on physical development of motor skills.

Health and Fitness

Health and fitness are both important. Health makes us achieve the highest part of our lives. Fitness also enables us to live life to the fullest, making us energetic as well. With these things in mind, we would be able to do our daily activities in the most effortless manner possible. We can also achieve a good life that is full of enjoyment.

Health and fitness is also defined as the body regulators which maintain the shape of our body. Especially for women who are always occupied in getting exercises in order to maintain their figure and health. While for the men, they go to the fitness centers in order to do some exercises and to maintain their body shape as well. Furthermore, diet is an important thing when it comes to being healthy and fit. Eat nutritious food which our body needs so that it would result to being healthy.

Here are some tips which can help men and women achieve that total wellness. It also gives ideas on weight loss, boost immune system, and guidance on general health.

Don’t Smoke - One of the main reasons why people have decided not to give up smoking is because they believe that it helps in reducing weight. But sadly, they don’t fully know the consequences they would get on smoking.

Drink More Water - You can live three weeks without food, However you can only live for three days without water. The body is made up of 60 to 70 percent water.

Eat A Variety Of Foods - For protection from majority of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, fever, colds, and many more. You need a variety of foods that deliver that mixes of nutrients and minerals.

Relax For 20 Minutes a Day - Relaxing for at least 20 minutes a day will go a long way to reduce blood pressure and your reactions to stress.

Floss Every Day - Flossing your teeth every day is the best way to prevent gum disease and protect your heart from possible problems.

Get More Sleep - Lack of sleep changes your hormone levels and capacity to metabolize carbohydrates so less sleep would result to poor health.

Eat More Protein - Protein stimulates the major brain chemical dopamine which keeps us alert. Try chicken or tuna salads for your meals.

The Best Acne Treatment Today

Nearly every teenage boy and around 80 percent of teenage girls will suffer from acne. Boys are also more likely than girls to have severe acne during adolescent stage. In contrast, women at the age of 20s, 30s and 40s are much likely to have acne than men because of cosmetic use and birth control pills. Women may also be more likely to visit a dermatologist for acne treatment consultation.

If you are suffering acne or acne vulagaris, you really can not wait to get rid of it. It feels like that you have been cursed and you want this be gone overnight. You may even attempt to pop up those zits of irritating little bumps which may end up your beautiful face being damaged by acne scars. It is so disappointing to say that there is no cure for acne. Not all acne treatment that absolutely works for one person will also work for another person. But technologies are now developed and the most effective acne treatment nowadays is laser acne treatment. According to surveys, laser acne treatment has the highest success rate. Although it is a hi-tech medical tool to remove acne, the patient should seek out a dermatology clinic with professional and well-trained medical staffs.

Even though your acne had disappeared by laser skin care equipment, you should still continue to maintain that clear, smooth and glowing skin. Wash your face regularly using facial cleansers or mild soap prescribed by your dermatologist. Furthermore, you should eat fresh fruits and vegetables for this will provide appropriate nutrients to prevent acne.

Tips on Bodybuilding to Avoid Steroids

You are probably thinking of ways to enhance your muscles in the most natural method possible, like what Arnold Schwarzenegger did. Go to the gym and acquire the services of a professional bodybuilder trainer. Also, it would be best to use the facilities of the gym to your disadvantage in order gain the muscles, which can help you win future competitions. Only lifting weights, dieting, and working hard can give you muscles safely, not steroids.

Here are some ideas on how to gain muscles in a safe way:

First you need to make a diet plan, in which your focus would be to add a considerable amount of protein during workout. Protein is one of the building blocks of the body, and it is an essential part of acquiring muscles. Unhealthy foods are not advisable to eat because of the different problems it causes, which compromises your health.

The largest muscles in your body which can be found at the chest, back, and legs should be worked out first. After focusing your attention on the large muscles, then the small ones would follow. Don’t forget to work out your whole body to ensure complete balance.

During bodybuilding workouts, start from the highest repetitions up to the lowest because it helps you grow muscle mass. And always keep in mind that the proper form during lifting weights and workout would avoid muscle injury.

By following a good routine on bodybuilding, you would never have to think about using steroids in gaining muscles. Remember that steroids are not the fastest way to build muscle. Instead, focus, dedication, hard work, and patience are the factors that contribute to putting on some muscles.

Simple Ways on How to Get Rid of Pimples

Pimples are the most common problem among teenagers during the puberty stage. The face becomes less attractive if it’s populated with pimples that leave blemishes. As a result, this will affect the self confidence very badly especially, when a teen guy courts a girl with a pimple in his face.

The pimples appear because our face has lots of small pores. Once these oil glands are being blocked which is cause by dirt or other factors such as dust, unclean water or even stress at school. Pimples usually build up after blackheads or whiteheads have become infected.

Pimples can be minimized or prevented if taken with proper skin care; however, it requires a lot of patience. There are many simple ways on how to take care or maintain a beautiful and smooth face:

• Make it a habit to drink eight glasses of water or more everyday. It helps purifying your body and it will protect you from pimples. It also reduces other illnesses and increase physical and mental performance.
• Wash your face after school or every night before you go to sleep with a mild soap or facial cleansers that contains no any harsh ingredients or other essentials that may irritate the skin.
• If you wear a heavy make up, make sure that it does not block the skin pores and wash your face with makeup removers before going to bed.
  
• Try to control your fingers to not to touch or squeeze the pimples. It might be infected because our hands contain dirt or germs. It will leave scars or dark spots after it heals.
• Try to search for health and beauty guide through the internet, you will learn more on how to handle these annoying pimples.
  
• If your pimples had gotten worst, you better visit your dermatologist to seek some advice and treatment.

Keys to a Healthy Lifestyle

The world has really evolved into a very stressful state. Everything moves a lot faster and you need to do the same so you can meet every demand in due time. These high pace situations is one of the factor that makes us stressed and weary. Other factors include horrible lifestyle and no adequate exercise.

Physical well being is being promoted at school and work using billboards, television, radio, flyers and health centers. The need to maintain a healthy body is rising and many people have embraced the fact that they need to take care of themselves more seriously.

Enrolling yourself in a gym can be very beneficial. Making time to spend two hours or so working out can make a difference in your physical abilities. Cardio workout, weightlifting and any types of fitness trainings are just some of the many offered programs. There are also available facilities where you can relax and unwind like pools and spas. Some have recreational facilities like badminton and basketball courts. There are gyms which are open 24/7, this way people can workout any time of day even in the wee hours.

It is necessary to keep our healthiness intact. So we could continue working under pressure. The benefits are not for other people but for us because we will suffer the consequences if we don’t. Aside from workout, we should also maintain a clean lifestyle. Less party and staying up all night, less drinking and avoid smoking. We should eat nutritious foods also. All of these are important keys to achieve a good health.

Featuring Cheap Spa Days

Are you feeling tired and stressed? Take some time off from work and head to any of the hotel spa and resorts in your area. Don’t fret about the possibility of spending large sums of money for accommodation in these hotels and resorts; you can take advantage of the various cheap spa days these businesses have to offer.

Cheap spa days are so popular these days not only among those who work in the local industry. The thing is, even highly compensated individuals who work in multinational companies take advantage of these. Why not, every one is practically affected by the economic crunch.

Cheap spa days are available in most destination health and wellness spa and provide working individuals with great opportunities to relax and rejuvenate via a wide array of spa and pampering services. These spa and pampering services include several types of health massage therapy and a collection of body treatments to choose from.

Have some time off from work and family because you also you deserve it. Visit any of the destination health and wellness spas in your area and choose a spa and pampering service to experience. These spa and pampering services are provided by individuals with intensive training and background on the different spa services and are most likely to help you feel rejuvenated and reinvigorated after the process.

Do not put yourself at risk of the various after-effects of too much stress from work and family. Allow yourself to take things easy and relax once in a while. Reap the fruit of your labor by having cheap spa days with your family or friends.

Pap Smear Results

Going to the gynecologist in order to have a pap smear check up, is one of the few things that a woman should do after becoming sexually active. This procedure is important because it can help to determine problems in the cervix ahead of time.

The procedure of doing a pap smear involves the doctor by using a soft brush to get a sample from inside the cervix. The sample would then be sent to a laboratory for further examination. The results of the examination would be known in less than a month and it will show proof of a disease or not.

While other patients are able to get a normal result, others are informed that they have gynecological problems which could include an abnormal pap smear, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), yeast infections, and genital warts.

Detecting early problems in the cervix area can also help to avoid cancer causing cells thus, it can save many lives. A repeat pap smear is only needed in order to determine if the abnormalities in the cells would return or persist. Normally, a period of six months up to a year is the recommended time for a return visit to the gynecologist.

It is very important to know these things because of the immense assistance that the pap smear procedure can do to a women’s health and wellness. It helps determine cervical cancer, abnormal heavy menstrual bleeding, STD, and many more. The test can also provide awareness to women that signs of abnormal pap smear should be taken seriously. Immediate medical help is needed in order to get the right treatment for the condition.