Do we need a forum on losing weight?
Continue Reading January 18th, 2007
Are You Wearing The Right Sized Bra?
How many times is it written in the press, and mentioned on the news that more than 80% of women are wearing the wrong sized bra? Frequently? Well, are you? Do you know whether your bra fits correctly?
Is it important? Do we really need to be that bothered? Well, the answer really has to be yes. Younger women can get away without wearing a bra, or wearing one that doesnt support them properly, as their young muscles and tendons keep things in place. But this doesnt go on forever, and as we age, we are all too keenly aware of the dreaded droop! And anyway, an ill fitting bra under a T-shirt or close fitting top is just so ugly.
There are other, potentially more serious problems though, especially if you have a curvy figure. Breasts that arent properly supported can lead to all sorts of problems with your back, shoulders, skin irritations and self-esteem. If you have never been properly fitted, why not try it? You may well find the bras you buy in the future will completely change how you carry yourself, bringing your shoulders back and boosting your self-esteem considerably.
Although too many women are wearing bras that do not fit them correctly, there really is an over reliance on consistently buying the same size. We go into a store, are measured and told we are a 38G and off we go and buy only 38G bras.
It can often be just as well to throw away the tape measure and keep trying on bras until you get one that fits properly. If you rely too heavily on the tape measure, you stick in the comfort zone and continue to buy the same size. But there are far too many variables now in bra manufacture to be able to rely on that size as a constant. Here are just a few:
1. The type of materials used
2. How the fabric is cut
3. The level of support/elasticity offered by the fabric
4. The design of the bra
5. The style of the bra (full cup, balconette, demi-bra, strapless, bustier etc )
6. Variations in sizing between brands
7. Variations in sizing conventions in different countries
8. Variables in the production process
9. Fashion sizing (i.e.: putting smaller sizes on the label than the garment actually is )
and all this before you even start to consider how your own body alters over the course of the day, the month, the year, or events such as pregnancy, measurable weight loss or gain, or surgery.
Therefore, the best way of ensuring you get a correct fitting bra is to try it on yourself. There are many guides to buying the correct size some rely entirely on the tape measure, but many more are now moving towards the advice of trying on until the fit is right.
If the bra is right for you, it will:
1. Feel comfortable there will be no red marks or wheals
2. The back band will be parallel with the front band
3. If it is underwired, the underwires will sit comfortably at the back of the breast without digging in. The front of the underwires will sit comfortably between your breasts and rest against your breast bone.
4. The cups will be full not overflowing, and not sagging
5. The straps will not cut in, and they wont slip down.
When you do find a bra that fits properly, why not buy another one! Theres nothing wrong with having a range of different sizes. Bras from the same brands tend to be the same size, there will be different cup sizes in European and American makes and you may need different cup and back sizes to cope with changes in your body shape each month.
So, when you have bought the right bra for you, follow the care instructions to keep it doing its job as long as possible. Bras usually only have an effective life of around 5/6 months and will lose some elasticity each time they are washed. You will probably need to alter the straps and the hook position over that time to compensate for this.
Yes, there are too many women wearing the wrong sized bra.
Yes, it matters.
Yes, it is important to ensure the right fit.
No, you dont have to rely on the tape measure.
No, you dont have to buy the same size every time because you have been told to.
There is so much to choose from, enjoy trying on! Good luck in your search.
Vicki Louise, founder of VickiLouise.com, offers a stunning range of luxurious, designer lingerie and nightwear especially for ladies with a fuller bust. Gift vouchers and a luxury gift wrapping service are also available.
By
Vicki LouiseVickiLouise.com
Continue Reading December 26th, 2006
The Top Six Massage Techniques
Massage is probably the oldest and simplest existing form of medical care that it has been applied for relaxation, fitness, and other health purposes. Basically, massage therapy is a therapeutic technique that involves manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. It is the calming, therapeutic process of kneading, stroking, and pressing the different areas of the body to alleviate pain, relieve stress and tensions, or relax, stimulate and tone the body. Well, as what most experts have said, massage, no matter how simple or complex the techniques involved, can really be a great healing system.
A number of massage techniques are available nowadays. The massage is commonly applied in different techniques and in different strokes. The techniques and strokes vary widely from the most delicate touch with the fingertips to the more focused deep tissue work. These techniques may even vary in speed as well as in pressure.
Below is a list of the top rated massage techniques. Read on for one of them might be the right option for you.
Deep Tissue Massage
The deep tissue massage, on the most basic, is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It involves a number of slow movements, but generally the pressure is more intense as it aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body. The most common target of these movements and deep finger pressure are the contracted areas, either following or going across the muscles of the fiber, fascia and tendons. Usually, in this kind of massage, the therapists use their thumb, fingers and even elbows to apply the needed pressure.
Swedish Massage
Also included in the line of the top rated massage techniques is the so-called Swedish massage. Basically, this technique involves the use of kneading, tapping or calming strokes applied to the entire body to loosen sore joints and relieve muscle tension and pain. Well, what sets Swedish massage unique from the other massage techniques is that it involved five major beneficial strokes: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Although each of these strokes differ according to their movements and target points, all of them are developed to promote an ultimate feeling of being pampered.
There is one particular purpose that the Swedish massage is strongly holding – to increase the flow of oxygen in the blood and release toxins that were trapped in the muscles. With this purpose alone, the Swedish massage highly works to shorten the recovery time from muscular strain.
Sports Massage
Sports massage, as you may know, is a form of massage that is applied for sports purposes, hence the name. It is the technique of kneading and manipulating the soft tissues in the body to help athletes improve their performance, prevent and treat sports injuries. It is highly considered in the field of sports knowing that as the participation in sports becoming more popular at all genders and ages and as performances continue to improve annually, more is expected and demanded from the athletes. It is with this situation that athletes start looking for some effective ways to boost their performances, and sports massage is one of the best solutions they’ve ever discovered.
Heated Stone Massage
Heated stone massage, also known as la stone massage, is widely appreciated and accepted in the healthcare and bodywork industry today. Several clinics, spas, fitness centers, and other healthcare establishments have in fact considered it a very effective alternative to the regular massage therapy.
During the heated stone massage procedure, the therapists and the clients themselves will notice certain changes on the body temperature, including the heart and breathing rates. Heated stone massage is used to indicate such changes to determine the flow of the blood and the exchange of blood and oxygen in the body, allowing a sense of well-being in the end. That’s basically how the heated stone massage works.
Neuromuscular Massage
This is actually a form of deep tissue massage that is applied to the individual muscles. However, the main purpose of the massage techniques involved here is to increase the blood and lymphatic flow, while reducing the pain and release pressure trapped on the nerves. The neuromuscular massage techniques are also considered to release the trigger points which could help relieve headaches and the pain in your shoulder.
Rolfing
Rolfing also hit the line of the most well-known and widely performed massage techniques available. This technique, on the most basic, involves reeducating the body about proper posture. Yes, posture is given much attention here for the belief that posture highly determines health problems like headaches, backaches and joint pain. With that focus, the rolfing massage techniques no doubt seek to straighten and realign your body by working the myofascia, which is actually the connective tissue that assists to hold your body together. This tissue surrounds your muscles.
About the author : Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. For more information on different massage techniques, massage centers, massage oils and massage equipment, visit his website: Your Guide to Massage Therapy
By Nishanth Reddy
massage-therapy-guide.com
Continue Reading December 24th, 2006
Don’t & Get Burned By a Used Tanning Bed
The convenience of tanning at home is just one reason consumers might shop for a used tanning bed. Whatever the reason, if you’re in the market for one, there are a few things you should consider as you begin your search. If you know what to watch out for, you’ll get a quality bed at a reasonable price. Here’s how: Do Your Homework Shopping for a tanning bed is similar to shopping for a car. Just like a car, the seller may or may not reveal all that he or she knows about the bed. Be sure to do some research on the make, model and year of the bed you are thinking about purchasing.
Be sure there are no major defects or problems with that type of bed also. Why is This Tanning Bed for Sale? Be sure to ask the seller a few questions. Why is the sunbed for sale? If it is because it’s difficult to get parts for, then you might want to keep looking because the bed is probably older and considered unsafe. Older models might require bulbs that emit dangerous UV-A rays that are known to cause skin cancer. Newer beds use bulbs that emit safer UV-B rays. Another question to ask the seller is about any remaining warranties. Many tanning beds come with a one year full warranty or a lifetime limited warranty.
Buying a used model may render it defective and not repairable under warranty. Also, be sure to inquire whether all the parts function properly. If a timer doesn’t work or a bulb sometimes doesn’t come on, it is probably best to move on with your search. There are a lot of quality used tanning beds around but, just like used cars, you may have to look at several before you find the one that works best for you. New vs. Used You might consider the benefits of buying a new tanning bed. Unlike with many cars, models are often not much more expensive than their used counterparts.
You can be more assured that a new bed will meet or exceed the most recent safety standards and that you will have, at the minimum, a one year full warranty. That is not guaranteed with a used model. New or used, a tanning bed can bring years of enjoyment to you and your family. Just be sure to be a smart consumer so that you don’t get burned on your purchase…and in a literal sense as well. Want more information on used tanning beds?
At http://www.getabettertan.com, we’ll show you the ins and outs along with what to watch out for when shopping for ahome tanning bed.
By getabettertan.com
Continue Reading December 24th, 2006
FUNGUS NAILS
INTRODUCTION TO FUNGUS NAILS
Fungus nails is a unsightly condition which can be difficult to treat. Many patients become very conscious about a fungus nail condition and refuse to wear sandals and have their feet seen in public. It is caused by microscopic organisms called Dermatophytes. Dermatophytes grow in the nail bed, beneath the nail and live off keratin, the protein in the nail. The condition usually begins towards the far end of the nail and may start with patches of white or yellow discoloration. If the condition is left untreated, it will proceed to the base of the nail. It will attack the nail root (matrix) and cause the nail to grow very thick and deformed. The big toe is usually the first nail to be affected with the condition spreading to adjacent nails. In rare cases this condition can also affect the skin surrounding the nails.
APPEARANCE OF FUNGUS NAILS
- At an early stage, the nail may have white or yellow patches of discoloration. There may also be yellow horizontal streaks in the nail.
- At a later stage, the nail will grow thick, deformed, discoloured and have a foul odour (musty smell). It may also split and start to crumble.
Above is a picture of a fungal nail infection in its later stage.
SYMPTOMS OF FUNGUS NAILS
- The nail may become brittle and split in to several pieces.
- The actual condition is not painful. However, if the nail becomes thick and deformed it may grow into the skin at an angle and become an ingrowing toe nail.
- In severe cases, inflammation may arise from an ingrowing toe nail which may result in a secondary infection.
- It will affect a patients day to day activities as the pressure from the nails against the shoes causes discomfort.
- If the condition is left untreated for along period of time, the nail will become very brittle and the patient may experience episodes of total removal of the nail followed by re-growth.
CAUSES OF FUNGUS NAILS
- There are many types of fungus present in our environment. Most are harmless, however, a group of fungi called dermatophytes can affect the feet. Dermatophytes thrive on warm, moist conditions.
- Sweaty shoes and moist socks can be a contributing factor.
- Most people may have the fungus present on their feet. However, a nail fungus infection may be caused due to the fungus invading the skin. This can be due to injury to the nail, inflammation from a ingrowing toe nail or inappropriate nail cutting.
- Individuals with a lower immunity due to Diabetes, H.I.V and patients with poor circulation.
By drfoot.co.uk
Continue Reading August 18th, 2006