What Is The Role Of Minoxidil (Rogaine) In The Treatment Of Hair Loss?

Minoxidil is one of only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss and is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Originally introduced as a medicine to treat high blood pressure, it was noticed that users began to grow extra hair. It is now available without prescription as a topically applied liquid in solutions like Rogaine, but cheaper generic versions are also available. A 2% solution is marketed as a treatment for both men and women, but a 5% version is approved only for men.
The main benefit of minoxidil is its ability to stimulate hair growth - it does not tackle the causes of hair loss, but simply overrides the symptoms. Some uncertainty surrounds the reasons why it works, but it has proven to be a very effective hair loss treatment with minimal risk of side effects.
It is particularly useful when used to reverse the effects of male pattern baldness but it has also shown positive results in the treatment of less severe forms of alopecia areata. Its usefulness in helping other forms of hair loss appears limited.
Minoxidil is better known as Rogaine but other generic products deliver the same results for much less cost. It can be safely used with other hair loss treatments and is especially effective when used in conjunction with Propecia to tackle male pattern baldness.

Ayurveda Can Help Stop Hair Loss

Most hair loss sufferers seek solutions from Western medicine or turn to remedies derived from local traditions. Some experts however argue that the ayurvedic system of medicine has much to offer in dealing with hair loss conditions.
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine practiced in India and Sri Lanka. It is a complete approach to health care designed to promote a way of life rather than an occasional treatment. As a holistic system of medicine ayurveda focuses on our uniqueness and takes into account our mental attitude, lifestyle and spirit which should not be treated in isolation from each other.
According to ayurveda, the following principles are beneficial to healthy and plentiful hair: The scalp must be kept cool, so protection from sun and washing in cold or lukewarm water are paramount. Sound nutrition is key, so a hair-friendly diet should emphasize proteins, iron, zinc, sulfur, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-Complex and essential fatty acids. Use should be made of hair analysis to ascertain toxicity levels and nutritional deficiencies. Oils, for example sesame and coconut, should be applied to the scalp to nourish, lubricate and strengthen the roots. This will also improve circulation to the head.

Latest Techniques Deliver Painless Hair Transplants

The recent development of improved hair transplant techniques ensures that patients can now benefit from pain-free surgery.
Unlike the older techniques that could be painful and cause unsightly scarring, the Woods Technique of Follicular Relocation is minimally invasive, painless and leads to hair restoration that looks and feels completely natural.
Under this technique physicians transplant only the hair follicle and not the excess tissue that is common with other transplant techniques. This means that the transplant site only has to nourish the essential follicles resulting in a higher take rate and a lower risk of fallout caused by localized shock.
The creators of the technique have been perfecting it in Australia since 1989 during which time more than 2000 procedures have been performed with a high success rate. Interestingly, Drs Woods and Woods-Campbell have made the discovery that transplanted body hair can grow up to three times its length and assume the characteristics and qualities of scalp hair. This means that patients who have damaged or depleted donor areas can now benefit from the technique.
The good news for American patients is that the technique is now being introduced to the US with a training facility for doctors established at UCLA.

Don't Lose Hair Because Of Poor Grooming

One of the most common reasons why men and women lose their hair is due to poor cosmetic grooming. The unfortunate thing about this is the fact it is so preventable. Fortunately there are some steps you can take to put right some of the damage caused.
Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's 2004 summer conference, Dr Zoe Draelos offered a number of recommendations to improve the hair care regime:
1. Itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis can weaken and damage hair over a period of time so seek medical help if your scalp skin is itchy, red or scaly.
2. Long hair is more easily damaged. People with extensive hair damage should therefore consider a shorter style.
3. Hair growth slows with age and hair becomes thinner in texture. Older people should therefore ensure that only weaker chemicals are applied.
4. Take care when choosing grooming tools. Use a comb made from flexible plastic with smooth, rounded and coarse teeth. Use a brush with bristles that are smooth, ball-tipped, coarse and bendable. In addition brush as little as possible and avoid brushing wet hair.
5. Don't use tight rubber bands for ponytails as these cause excessive trauma and breaking of hairs. Likewise use hair clips loosely.
6. Understand the nature of your hair and adjust the intensity of your grooming to match. For example, curly hair tends to crack more easily than straight hair so be careful.
7. Make sure the hair is always cut with sharp scissors as crushing the end of the hair will encourage split ends.
8. The less that is done to hair in terms of styling, the healthier it will be. It follows then that care should be taken not to over-style with cosmetic products.
9. Hair coloring and bleaching are damaging to hair. If you must change hair color, try to stay within three shades of the natural color to minimize damage.
10. Hair relaxing and permanent waving are both damaging to hair and should only be used on a very limited basis.

The Main Causes Of Hair Loss In Women

When you think of hair loss it's natural to assume that it's a condition that predominantly affects men. Some experts however suggest that as many as one in four women will experience hair loss at some time in their lives. So why don't we see and hear more about it? Perhaps the answer has something to do with one or more of the following:
Women are better at disguising hair loss.
Women's hair loss is generally less extensive in terms of severity.
Women's hair loss tends to be spread evenly over the head rather than concentrated in one or two spots.
So why do women lose hair - are the causes very different to those that result in male baldness? There are probably three common reasons for hair loss in women:
Female pattern baldness - believe it or not, most women affected by hair loss lose it for the same reasons as men. They suffer from androgenetic alopecia which is a reaction to male hormones in the body, specifically the conversion of testosterone into the hair-unfriendly DHT. In the case of women, pattern baldness may start later and the effects may be less extreme due to the influence of female hormones, but the condition is nonetheless the same as that found in male pattern baldness.
Telogen effluvium - this is regarded as the second most common cause of women's hair loss and this is unsurprising given the nature of the condition. Telogen effluvium is characterized by a general thinning of the hair and is usually brought about as a result of some traumatic event causing sufficient stress to interfere with the normal hair growth cycle. Given that pregnancy is a prime example of the type of event that can shock the hair growth cycle then perhaps the high incidence of telogen effluvium amongst women is only to be expected.
Alopecia areata - this is the third most common hair loss condition to affect women. It is characterized by patchy areas of hair loss on the head or it can be more widespread over the body. It is thought to be caused by deficiencies in the immune system but much is still not known about the condition. In many cases the hair regrows spontaneously after a variable period of time, but in a minority of cases the problem may be more severe and longstanding.
If you experience any form of hair loss arrange to visit your physician to discuss the treatments that may be suitable for your particular condition.

Common Treatments For Hair Loss In Women

Much has been said and written about modern day hair loss treatments but this tends to relate almost exclusively to men. Do these same treatments offer solutions to women suffering from hair loss or is there a completely different category of remedies available? It really depends on what is causing hair loss in the first place and as the most common causes of hair loss are the same as those that affect men, the treatments available are pretty similar.
In an earlier article we concluded that the three most common causes of hair loss in women are female pattern baldness, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. We'll now look at each of these in turn and examine the best treatments available, bearing in mind the specific needs of women:
1. Treatments for female pattern baldness.
In most instances minoxidil (Rogaine) is the first treatment used. This is one of only two FDA approved hair loss treatments and it remains the only one approved for use by women. Minoxidil comes in the form of a topical solution that works by tackling the symptoms of hair loss and helping to generate new hair growth. It does not target the causes of hair loss and will not work for everyone. The women's version of minoxidil is a 2% solution but the 5% version marketed for men can be used if necessary.
The most popular drug for treating male pattern baldness is of course finasteride (Propecia). Women of child bearing age should not use this drug due to the severely damaging effects it can have on unborn male fetuses. Any women considering using Propecia should discuss it first with their physician. In some cases your doctor may prescribe a different androgen blocker called spironolactone as a means of stopping the hormone activity that is causing hair loss. Spironolactone is normally used as a diuretic and results may be variable.
There is a bewildering range of commercial products available, most of which are aimed squarely at men but many are also suitable for women to use. Whether they work or not is another question but some products containing ingredients like saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum and green tea have shown their value. You can find out more about these and other poential hair loss solutions by visiting the site listed at the end of this article.
2. Treatments for telogen effluvium
This is a hair loss condition that generally does not require any specific treatment. Once the effects of the trauma that caused hair loss in the first place have subsided, the hair will regrow of its own accord. Some patients like to encourage the regrowth process by using minoxidil but this isn't necessary. Implementing a good nutritional regime and supplementing with B-vitamins may help to create a hair friendly environment.
3. Treatments for alopecia areata.
This is another hair loss condition that may resolve itself spontaneously. In some cases one of the following treatments may prove useful:
Daily application of minoxidil (Rogaine).
Injection of cortisone into patchy areas of the scalp (this must be administered by a physician). Creams and lotions containing cortisone can also be used but results are variable.
Dithranol can be applied to the scalp in mild or early cases.
Application of 100% aloe vera gel.
Massage the scalp with rosemary and lavender essential oils in a jojoba base.
Use of a hair loss product containing the Chinese herb He Shou Wu.
A product called Calosol has recently generated positive feedback.
Please note, however, that none of these is guaranteed to work due to the unpredictable nature of alopecia areata. It is this uncertainty that offers opportunities for scamsters to make outlandish claims. The fact remains, there are no miracle cures for advanced forms of alopecia areata so sufferers may wish to consider other options such as head coverings and wigs.
This does not mean that patients are without hope because, even in severe cases, hair can spontaneously start to grow again even after years of loss.

Non-Approved Drugs That Can Help In The Treatment Of Hair Loss

At present only two medications have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss, namely finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine). While both of these continue to prove their worth to many patients, some individuals are disappointed with their results and seek other forms of treatment. Often they turn to drugs that have not been approved for the treatment of hair loss, but which have shown themselves over time to have a positive effect in dealing with this condition.
1. Avodart (dutasteride) - this is a new medication that is not yet approved for hair loss but which offers exciting possibilities for treating male patten baldness. It works in a similar way to Propecia which prevents one of two enzymes from converting testosterone into DHT thus blocking two thirds of DHT production. Avodart takes this process a stage further by blocking both enzymes thus reducing overall DHT production by 93%. It is currently approved for the treatment of enlarged prostates and should not under any circumstances be taken by women of child bearing age.
2. Proscar (finasteride) - Propecia has become a valued weapon in the fight against male pattern baldness but it began life in the form of Proscar. In fact, the active ingredient is identical with Proscar containing a higher dose of 5 mg compared with Propecia's 1 mg. Many men therefore assume that the higher dose is more effective in preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. The extent to which this is true is debatable although the basic facts do tell us Proscar blocks slightly more DHT formation. Some physicians feel its use is warranted in a small proportion of older men and women who previously have not responded to treatment with Propecia.
3. Tretinoin (Retin-A) - this is well known for the treatment of acne but medical studies have shown it also helps stimulate hair regrowth. Some experts argue that tretinoin enhances the absorption and penetration of minoxidil into the hair follicles. As a result, several formulas of tretinoin and minoxidil are available, generally only by prescription.

Cosmetic Hair Loss Solutions

Many people suffering from hair loss prefer not to use the strong drugs and medications that currently form the best available treatment options. They may have tried a range of treatments but found they did not work or perhaps suffered unpleasant side effects. What options are left for such people, especially if they do not wish to consider surgery?
There are a number of solutions available but the final decision will be strongly influenced by the amount of thinning that needs to be covered.
1. Creative styling - this is perhaps the easiest option but its success depends on how far your hair loss has progressed. Slight balding can easily be camouflaged by careful grooming but attempts at covering large bald patches can end up looking ridiculous. One option for men with extensive thinning is to shave the head completely but this is not for everyone.
2. Hair cosmetics - this can include anything from hair thickening / volumizing products to dyes and fibers that blend with existing hair. Once again, these solutions really only work if the area of scalp to be covered is minimal.
3. Head coverings - seen by many as a last resort, wigs and hairpieces offer a further option. Once an object of derision, hairpieces have improved beyond recognition in recent years, although the price you are prepared to pay will determine the realism of the final result. Wigs come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from real or synthetic hair, but be warned the best ones are very expensive.

Is There a Role For Nutrition In Treating Hair Loss?

Could something as basic as inadequate nutrition really contribute to excessive shedding of hair?
Does sensible nutrition have a role to play in helping hair to regrow?
The answer to both questions is yes! There is no doubt that poor nutrition and hectic lifestyles can contribute to hair loss. Modern diets can be associated with a number of nutritional deficiencies that are thought to contribute to hair loss:
The refining of whole grains reduces the B vitamin content.
Over cooking of vegetables destroys B vitamins.
Raw leafy greens are absent in most diets.
The vitamins that have been ingested are often re-directed to facilitate the digestion of nutritionally sterile carbohydrates like sugar and white flour.
Stimulants like caffeine, nicotene and alcohol rob the body of vital nutrients.
Excessive salt intake can encourage hair loss because of its tendency to accumulate in tissue.
Low fiber intake inhibits digestion thus reducing the body's ability to deliver nutrients to the blood stream.
Clearly poor nutrition can cause hair loss because the body will ration nutrients in a hierarchy of vital organs first and hair last. It is unlikely that improved nutrition alone will result in new hair growth but it will minimize shedding and support other treatments that encourage regrowth.

Top Nutritional Tips To Support Healthy Hair Growth

1. Eat adequate amounts of protein.
Protein is composed of the amino acids essential for the building of new cells, including hair. Five amino acids are of particular relevance to hair growth - cystine, cysteine, methionine, arginine and lysine.
Inadequate protein intake over a lengthy period can force hair into the resting phase with shedding a few months later. It is obvious then that sufficient portions of protein rich foods should form part of your daily diet. The best sources of dietary protein are lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, soy, nuts, grains and seeds. At least 15% of your daily calories should come from protein-rich foods.
2. Eat adequate amounts of useful carbohydrates.
Carbs are an essential source of energy and help in the growth of body tissues, including hair. They are an important source of the B vitamins that are vital to healthy hair.
It is important that you concentrate on consuming non-refined carbs rather than the sugars and white flour that are so prevalent in many over-refined carb products. You should place an emphasis on consuming vegetables, fruits, whole grains, brown rice and potatoes. It is recommended that you obtain 55-60% of your daily calories from the carbohydrates found in these foods.
3. Achieve a healthy balance of dietary fats.
Fat is used in energy production and can be found in both animal and plant foods. Your body needs sufficient levels of fat to maintain good health. That fat should be obtained from a mixture of lean animal and plant sources. Roughly 25-30% of your daily calories should come from these sources.
4. The right nutritional balance is one that suits your personal circumstances.
How much of each food group you eat depends on a host of factors including age, sex, health and level of physical activity. When choosing meals and snacks, take account of the following key principles of sound nutrition: Eat a variety of foods. Apply moderation to your consumption of junk foods. Choose natural and lightly processed foods as often as possible. Do not over cook.
5. Support a nutritious diet with a few carefully chosen supplements.
Following a nutritious diet is essential for good hair health, but on its own this may not be sufficient for a number of reasons: Modern farming methods may deplete the nutrient quality of food. High stress levels may diminish nutrients in your body. Dieting may affect nutrient levels. Aging reduces the ability of our bodies to utilize certain nutrients. Exercise can deplete some nutrients.
It may be sufficient to supplement with a well-balanced multi-vitamin / mineral product but a number of products are available that specifically cater for the requirements of healthy hair.

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies That Offer Hope

Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they support the body's natural healing mechanisms to target the cause of the problem, as opposed to merely tackling the symptoms. It would be wrong to present herbal hair loss remedies as a miracle solution for all sufferers - there is however growing evidence to support the view that some herbal remedies offer real hope to many people.
Let's examine the case for some of the more popular remedies to determine if they're worth trying.
Ginkyo biloba - this popular herb is thought to improve blood circulation to the brain and skin. Herbalists believe that the increased flow of blood to the brain area delivers more nutrients to the hair follicle thus promoting hair regrowth. The recommended dose is 120-160mg of dry extract each day spread over three doses.
Green tea (Camellia sinesis) - it is thought that catechins found in green tea may inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into hair-unfriendly DHT. It is therefore believed to be effective in preventing and treating male pattern type baldness. You should drink several cups of green tea each day or take it in capsule form as instructed by the manufacturer.
He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) - also known as Fo-Ti, this Chinese herb has traditionally been used to reduce hair loss. It is found in many commercial preparations, or in tea and capsule form.
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) - derived from the bark of an evergreen, it works in a similar way to green tea. It is widely used to treat prostate problems and male pattern baldness. Users should take 60-500mg per day in pill or capsule form.
Saw palmetto (Seranoa repens) - this is the current treatment of choice for many men due to its ability to protect the prostate, slow hair loss and encourage hair regrowth. It forms the core element of many commercially prepared hair loss treatments but can easily be obtained in its pure form. The recommended dose is a 160mg capsule twice each day, but make sure the ingredients are made from the berry extract not the dried berries themselves.
Stinging nettle (Urtica diocia) - this has long been favored as a means of preventing hair loss due to its ability to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. It can be taken in pill or capsule form with an optimum dose of 50-100mg per day. It is particularly effective when combined with pygeum and saw palmetto.

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies For External Use

In a separate article in this series we looked at some of the most popular herbal hair loss remedies for ingestion. Here we'll expand that theme to include some potentially useful herbal remedies for external use.
Aloe vera - some Indian tribes of Mexico attribute their thick, healthy hair to regular use of aloe vera gel which they rub into the scalp and hair each night. Herbalists believe that the herb activates the production of nitric oxide and contains an enzyme known as superoxide dismutane. Some experts feel that these two substances combine to stimulate hair regrowth in those suffering from male pattern type baldness.
Onion (Allium cepa) - this has a high sulfur content that is believed to have hair-healing properties. Some herbalists believe that rubbing the scalp with half an onion before washing hair encourages hair growth.
Red pepper (Capiscum) - a popular folk remedy that involves the application of a red pepper poultice to the scalp to act as a skin irritant. This draws blood and nutrients to the scalp and encourages the release of histimines to stimulate cell division and hair regrowth.
Safflower oil (Carthamus tinctorious) - Eastern health practitioners believe that safflower oil applied to the scalp acts as a vasolidator that dilates blood vessels. This allows more blood to deliver nutrients to the hair follicle thus creating an environment conducive to hair regrowth.

Do Traditional Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Relevance Today?

Could it be possible that our ancestors got it right with some of their traditional hair loss remedies? Folklore tells us they certainly went to great lengths to find solutions to thinning hair.
Although each culture had its own approach influenced by local conditions, there seem to have been many examples of common practices. Nettles, for example, formed an important element of traditional hair loss remedies throughout the world.
The samples outlined here have been sourced from the very informative work "Hair Loss Prevention Through Natural Remedies" by Peters et al. This book provides a wealth of information on this topic and can be easily purchased through Amazon or other good booksellers.
Rosemary Solution - this herb crops up frequently in herbal texts for its ability to cleanse the scalp and stimulate the hair root. Here is one recipe that features rosemary as its core ingredient.
Recipe: boil rosemary, sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock in water. Strain and use to wash hair daily.
Apple Cider Vinegar - this is mentioned often in folk remedies for hair loss. It is believed to exert a normalizing effect on the scalp's oil glands and has a strong cleansing effect.
Method: Part hair into sections. Apply two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar directly to the scalp with a moistened cotton ball. Allow between fifteen minutes and three hours before shampooing.
Essential Oils - essential oils distilled from plants have long been recognized for their ability to improve scalp circulation and encourage cell generation. Amongst the most useful are cedarwood, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary.
Method: mix ten drops of essential oil with one ounce of carrier oil (jojoba or olive oil). Massage it into the scalp for a minimum of fifteen minutes before shampooing.
Cayenne Pepper Hair Tonic - the ability of this herb to irritate the skin, increase blood flow and stimulate cell division is well known.
Recipe: mix four ounces of cayenne pepper with one pint of one hundred proof vodka or pure alcohol diluted with 20 percent distilled water. Let it stand for two weeks, shaking the mixture once each day. Strain through several layers of fine cloth until the mixture is free of pepper. Once or twice a day, rub a small amount onto the thinning areas of the scalp.

Coping With Male Pattern Baldness

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is by far the most common cause of hair loss amongst men and a serious problem for many women. For it to develop, three important components must come into play:
A genetic predisposition for balding to occur.
The presence of male hormones.
Aging - enough time for the first two factors to occur.
Despite the common perception, familial baldness patterns are not completely reliable as predictors of future hair loss. The fact that your parent or grandparent exhibited a given pattern does not guarantee your hair loss development will be the same. However, if your father was completely bald and you begin to lose hair excessively at an early age, it's safe to assume you will develop extensive balding.
All normal men and women produce male hormones such as testosterone and DHT. These hormones have a useful role to play in both sexes but it is the fact that androgens occur in much higher concentrations in men that explains why this type of hair loss is more common in males.
The effect of these hormones on hair follicles is as follows:
High levels of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase occur in cells of the hair follicle.
This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT.
DHT causes the robust terminal hairs to miniaturize.
This leaves soft, fine hairs that provide poor scalp coverage.
The growth phase becomes shorter until these soft hairs are lost for good.
Excessive hair loss can occur at any age and may even stop only to start again. As time progresses the process of hair loss accelerates leading to its logical conclusion.
Understanding this process helps to explain how the currently available treatments for male pattern baldness work. Propecia is one of only two FDA-approved hair loss treatments and it works by interfering with the process outlined above. In brief, Propecia inhibits the formation of DHT in the system thus slowing down and eventually stopping the adverse effects of DHT on the hair follicle.
Most of the non-drug, commercially prepared products operate on a similar basis by utilizing natural ingredients that attempt to interfere with the production of DHT. Presently the most popular natural ingredient is saw palmetto although some products combine this with other herbs such as pygeum, stinging nettle and green tea.

Coping With Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a condition that is typified by patchy hair loss over the scalp or body. It comes in several forms ranging from a single patch to total body hair loss (alopecia universalis). Its cause may be difficult to diagnose but many cases appear to link directly to imbalances in the immune system that can be treated effectively. In most cases hair will reappear on its own but some patients develop more extreme variations that are more difficult to treat.
It is important that sufferers diagnose their condition correctly by visiting their doctor and undergoing a series of blood tests to check factors such as hormone levels. This will allow your physician or dermatologist to accurately diagnose your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment regime.
The treatment chosen will depend on the causes identified by the blood tests as any underlying problems must be addressed first. In severe forms of alopecia areata successful treatment may prove problematic. In other cases the problem may rectify itself without external treatment. At present successful treatment regimes are somewhat limited but the following may prove useful in stimulating hair growth:
Daily application of minoxidil (Rogaine).
Injection of cortisone into patchy areas of the scalp (this must be administered by a physician). Creams and lotions containing cortisone can also be used but results are variable.
Dithranol can be applied to the scalp in mild or early cases.
Application of 100% aloe vera gel.
Massage the scalp with rosemary and lavender essential oils in a jojoba base.
Use of a hair loss product containing the Chinese herb He Shou Wu.
A product called Calosol has recently generated positive feedback.
Please note, however, that none of these is guaranteed to work due to the unpredictable nature of alopecia areata. It is this uncertainty that offers opportunities for scamsters to make outlandish claims. The fact remains, there are no miracle cures for advanced forms of alopecia areata so sufferers may wish to consider other options such as head coverings and wigs.
This does not mean that patients are without hope because, even in severe cases, hair can spontaneously start to grow again even after years of loss.

Self Acceptance . Lessons From My Hair Affair

For our diet and, indeed, in every aspect of our lives, we must remember to relax from the demands of the unrealistic ideal. For those trying to lose weight, you cannot be the Barbie. For those lifting weights, you cannot be the Governor of California. Accepting this principle first, can give you the peace of mind to love what you do have, lower frustration, and actually make weight loss easier in the long run!
A few years ago while driving to the drugstore I watched a family walk across the street. There was a woman who appeared to be in her 70's with a thick mass of black hair flowing down her back. Next to her was another woman 40ish with a thick mass of black hair flowing down her back. And walking with them, a teen with a thick mass of black hair flowing down her back, and alongside her was a girl about six years old with a thick mass of black hair flowing down her back.
The teen was pushing a pram. I craned my neck and observed a tiny baby tucked inside – no there was no flowing mass of black hair. But I could see little black tufts starting up and I was willing to bet what that would look like in the future.
I drove on to the drugstore feeling a bit gloomy. When I got to the store, I saw rows of hair beautification products. Products to pump up the volume, smooth, curl, add bounce. I had tried many of them in the past with maybe some improvement but not much. What I really needed was more hair. If any of those ladies walking would give me just a little bit of their hair I would really benefit and I doubt if they would miss it. I have baby fine blond hair. The kind that wilts in the heat, hangs limply in the rain and loses its style quickly.
Later that week, I happened to catch the talk show Maury. Women were on the show complaining about their hair. One young African American lady caught my attention. About 14 years old, she had wiry black hair. It sprouted out from her head and went all over the place. She cried as she told Maury that she had not had a comb in her hair in years because it got all tangled. I was shocked as she told Maury that insects landed in her hair and stayed there. And I thought I had problem hair.
After watching the show, I started thinking about my hair and instead of viewing it as a problem I decided to focus on the assets. Ok my hair was very fine ... but that meant a couple minutes with the blow dryer was all it took to dry it. My hair grew very slowly ... but that meant I saved money when I got highlights because it took them forever to grow out. Also I would never have to pay for an "UPDO" because there was not enough hair to do up!
I thought about my struggle to have long hair. My dream hair was a long, shiny mane. I had given that idea up long ago and decided to settle for a chin length bob. But that wasn't working out either. My hair looked flat and drab.
It was the same with my fingernails. I wanted medium length nails but nail products and calcium weren't producing results. Right then and there I decided to ACCEPT what I had and work with it to make life SIMPLE and ENJOYABLE. Instead of fighting my genetic code I would work with it.
Next stop the hairdresser. I had my hair cut off to a very simple bob that hit just below the ear. On "good hair days" I could wear it over the ear. And on bad ones or when I got caught in the rain, I could slick it back behind the ear. Highlights to give it body and more shine were added and I purchased products that while they don't work miracles they were suitable for my hair.
Next I threw out all my nail hardeners. They might work for other people but they weren't working for me. I filed my nails down to a simple, blunt length. I purchased a very good file and a chamois buffer. If I paint them I will use clear or a pale pink. But usually they are just buffed to a healthy glow. No more struggle with the nails. Wow!
It's amazing how good it feels and how much simpler our lives become when we accept what we have and work it to our advantage. Think about what you have, that you struggle to change. Is it something you can change or is it something that you can't. Life is so much easier when you work with what you have.
Indeed, no one is going to mistake me for the Breck Girl or the lady in the Herbal Essence Shampoo commercial. But that's ok because I enjoy my hair and nails now and that's what matters!

Complementary Therapy The Route To Better Back Health

Find Out How to Reduce and Eliminate Chronic Back Pain Using Non-Traditional Therapy
Complementary therapy is concerned with health and wellness from a mind, body and spirit approach. As a past sufferer of back pain resulting from injury and a congenital disorder, I understand how challenging it can be to live with back pain.
The GOOD news is you don*t have to. Studies actually suggest that most chronic back pain can be relieved in just six short weeks.
Among the essential strategies for eliminating back pain include exercise and movement. A progressive exercise program that incorporates stretching and balance can help reduce and even eliminate back pain.
When an exercise program is followed in conjunction with routine complementary therapy, the prognosis for back pain sufferers is exceptional.
Complementary Therapy
So what exactly is complementary therapy and how do you use it to resolve back pain?
Complementary therapy is any type of treatment that does not involve medication and surgery, which aims to reduce or eliminate imbalances in the body through a mind, body and spirit approach. There are many effective complementary therapies available for chronic back pain sufferers.
Three of the most common are discussed below.
Chiropractic
This is usually the most popular complementary therapy sought out by back pain sufferers. Chiropractic treatment involves the use of spinal manipulation to relieve acute and chronic back pain. There is a large body of research that supports the efficacy of chiropractic therapy in conjunction with a strengthening program. In fact, many doctors actually recommend Chiropractic care over traditional care for back pain.
Massage
Massage therapy is a relaxing and invigorating complementary therapy that does wonders for the entire mind, body and spirit of back pain sufferers. Massage therapy can help improve a person*s flexibility and ability to carry out daily functions by improving blood flow to the limbs. Massage also provides an added mental benefit of being calming and relaxing.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is less commonly used to treat lower back pain, but fans of acupuncture therapies will tell you that it is an effective treatment for eliminating pain. Acupuncture treatment relies on the insertion of thin needles into certain energy points on the body. Many people report relief from lower back pain after a series of acupuncture treatments. There are many proven benefits of acupuncture treatment that have been cited, and most recent studies suggest that it is a good complementary therapy for low back pain.
There are several other complementary therapies that are beneficial for back pain sufferers including magnetic therapy. Regardless of which you choose, you are bound to realize positive results if you combine complementary therapy with a regular strength and conditioning program. No one should suffer chronic back pain. There are healing options available if you know where to turn.

Medical Alert Jewelry: A Life Saving Fashion Statement

No one really wants to be labeled as "different." And certainly, no one wants to create that label and apply it to him or herself. But many medical conditions require some form of identification indicating that such a condition exists and must be considered in the case of an emergency. Thus, millions of people with hundreds of medical conditions must advertise that fact simply to protect themselves. For many, jewelry is the chosen medium.
Fact: Up to 15% of the population of the United States could experience a life-threatening reaction to foods, drugs, insect bites or latex.
Fact: Many diabetics suffering from hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) have been mistakenly identified as being drunk.
Fact: Over 400 Americans die annually from an allergic reaction to penicillin.
Given these and many more related statistics, the need for proper medical identification is critical. But in an image conscious society, clunky bracelets or dog tags may offend the fashion sensibilities of some while the overt labeling of medical conditions may be threatening to others. That is why manufacturers of medical jewelry are looking for a balance between the necessity of clear communications and a desire for attractive accessorizing.
It would be easy to hide identification for a medical condition in a wallet or handbag but in an emergency a visible and obvious message will assist medical personnel to make fast and accurate assessments. Jewelry, by its nature, is an adornment designed to flatter and draw attention to its wearer. A 10KT or 14KT gold or sterling silver charm, pendant or locket that also spotlights medical data can be quite attractive while helping to avert a tragedy.
Teens can be especially sensitive to their appearance and to the opinions of other teens. They can also be more apt to take risks because of these concerns. A young diabetic or epileptic may be willing to compromise their safety by avoiding the use of identification, even in the form of attractive jewelry, if they feel it makes them look "un-cool." There are some jewelry pieces however that can gain the proper attention, if necessary, without appearing "dorky."
Delicate ankle bracelets with a dangling charm or a small engraved plate are very acceptable jewelry accessories for teen girls. Lovely beaded bracelets are also fun, decorative and fashionable and will complement any style rather than compete. Boys can also accessorize discretely with a sports wristband band or handsome watchband. These pieces can be as simple or elegant as the wearer wants and many manufacturers produce medical jewelry with a keen eye on fashion and style trends.
No one should be embarrassed or ashamed because they have a particular condition. That doesn't mean that they should be forced to broadcast that condition to the world by wearing identification that is unattractive and obvious. Medical personnel are trained to look for medical I.D. and jewelry, no matter how discreet, and these pieces will be one of the first places they will look for medical info. Anyone with medical issues has a responsibility to themselves and to their family to provide the information that will protect them if they are unable to properly communicate. But they can still look sharp at the same time!

Dietary Weapons of Mass Distraction (WMD)

As hoards of low-carb proponents invade the nutritional landscape, the increasingly tired low-fat guard seems to be giving way before their steady march and drumbeat.
This invasion is a preemptive strike to find and remove the stockpiled food molecules that could be used to attack your health and explode your weight. Low-carb campaign hawks insist they really are out there, ready to be launched against us at any moment. We know where they are – stockpiled in bread, rice, and potatoes.
International food observers are investigating the suspicious links between the axis-of-evil molecules and the thin, healthy people of the world. The French, for example, have flagrantly thumbed their noses at U.S. efforts once again by eating white bread baguettes twice per day, every day. Even worse, they steadfastly deny any relationship between daily carbs and weight or health problems. The Communist Chinese, ever a nettle for Western efforts, eat their high-carb rice every day, in blatant disregard of U.S. dietary resolutions.
Opinion at home is far from unanimous, as shown by scientists in a recent Tufts University study directly comparing the effectiveness of low-carb, low-fat, Weight Watchers, and Zone approaches. The question was simple. If done correctly, which theory actually works the best to lower weight?
The result? Micromanaging carbs was no more effective than counting up points or fats or anything else. Thus, the investigators came up empty handed – the carb content of the food was irrelevant to weight loss.
Without definitive proof that carbs pose a threat, and with recent evidence showing their irrelevance to weight loss itself, carbs have become the dietary "weapons of mass distraction". The resulting campaign to win the hearts and minds of the people, by stoking fears of these molecules, distracts us from the more immediate menace -- domestic Biggie Sized habits of personal overconsumption.
Dietary WMD not only divert us from more pressing problems at home, but many fear that pre-emptive invasions of this region of the nutritional world could lead to a quagmire of weight and health problems. Already the neo-Atkins' intelligencia have rolled back fruit and vegetable consumption because of carb levels that – we now find out –were never a problem to begin with.
It becomes clearer by the day that this nutritional war was founded upon dubious premises with no plan to win the long-term weight management peace. Will we have the courage to admit our past misunderestimates? Or will we "stay the course"? Only time, and our waistlines, will tell.