It’s a Resolution to Anti-aging

Five, four, three, two, one. Happy New Year! Whether you were dancing in the streets at midnight or sleeping beneath the sheets long before the ball dropped, the world rang in 2007, which means you will celebrate another birthday before 2008's big bash. However, while "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" countdown and the counting of candles on your birthday cake may be unavoidable year after year, the way you age is certainly in your control.

Aging gracefully and comfortably (without the aches and pains of arthritis and osteoporosis) can be as simple as choosing the right foods in your diet, as well as exercising regularly. Because even more than preventing wrinkles, anti-aging also means preventing memory loss, heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. For this reason, the anti-aging diet is receiving much attention and can certainly complement your everyday life.

The anti-aging diet is a combination of both nutrition and lifestyle factors. Not only is it important to pile your plate with healthy choices from the food pyramid, it is doubly important to keep your body fine-tuned by exercising, avoiding UV light and cigarettes, and even doing crossword puzzles. Yes, researchers have proven that mental activity forms a strong connection between your brain cells and the way your transmit thoughts, so as you age, you are less likely to develop Alzheimer's. Even more, according to the American Dietetic Association, not only can mental activity reverse damage to your cells, but also with adequate amounts of vegetables and fruits, including blueberries and spinach, age-related losses in motor function and cognition can be reduced.

If you want to see your age grow to high numbers, then you need to make sure the scale shows you the lower ones. From weight training to cardio to yoga, a fusion of activity will keep you feeling young at heart and looking ageless in your jeans. Weight training will help you build muscle, maintain strong bone density, and burn fat. That's right. The more muscle you have, the more fat you will burn. And while pumping weights will keep your muscles strong, cardio will help keep your heart pumping while yoga will keep your body stress-free.

Stress is one of many free radicals, which can cause damage to healthy cells, leading to internal aging as well as visible signs of external aging. Now, just as science has proven how dangerous free radicals are for our cells, antioxidants have proven to defend our cells by fighting against oxidation. Therefore, on the nutrition side of things, choosing antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, may be one tasty way to living a longer, healthier life. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, cranberries, blackberries and blueberries rank highest in antioxidant levels. In addition to berries, other anti-aging foods include garlic, fish, whole grains, cruciferous vegetables, nuts, soy, water and red wine.

Don't let time pass you by. To stay looking and feeling younger than ever, make sure to exercise regularly, challenge your mind, avoid harmful UV light, and enjoy a low-calorie diet full of anti-aging foods. Start today and by 2008, you'll be ringing in the New Year without having aged a day. Eat your heart out Dick Clark!

---

Shop.liveleantoday.com is a leader in effective nutritional solutions for weight loss, bodybuilding, sports performance, and health.

CLINICAL TRIALS COMPANY—NEW ACADEMIC AFFILIIATION WITH ASU

ASU listed Precision Trials as a Circle Center Board Member for Healthcare Innovation program

For_Immediate_Release:

United States of America (Press Release) May 21, 2009 --
Arizona State University
has sought out and affiliated with Precision Trials, a local clinical research company to help balance the advisory board of the new College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation program. This new program provides students with knowledge and information on biotechnical organizations, healthcare institutions and clinical research. Its purpose is to attract scientists and healthcare practitioners (e.g., physicians, nurses) who have innovative ideas for products to improve healthcare, but who need assistance in actualizing their ideas (i.e., idea design of the product testing the product through a clinical trial market).

The ASU College
is dedicated to be “an inclusive world-class enterprise of discovery that
prepares innovative, evidence-based healthcare providers, educators, leaders and researchers.”

The Dean of the College at ASU welcomed Precision Trials to this new Board to help achieve
the unique mission of the Center: “to serve as a recognized, national focal point among
clinicians, biotechnical organizations, scientists, collaborating healthcare institutions, and community partners to advance healthcare through the creation of evidence-based innovative products and educational programs.”

source: FPR

“Precision Trials is honored to serve on the Advisory Board for ASU’s College of Nursing &
Healthcare Innovation”, stated Ken Levin, CEO of Precision, “as the community continues to
build its foundation as an international center for clinical research.” “It is vital for medical providers who are supporting the healthcare needs of Arizonans to become involved in the clinical research requirements of the medical industry to improve the health of our local community,” said Levin.

With three valley locations Precision Trials primarily focuses on Clinical Trials within the Women’s Health space.

Precision Trials, LLC, was incorporated in Arizona in 2006. Prior to its incorporation, the
company operated as an ancillary department of the OB-GYN practice of the Arizona Wellness
Center for Women which has been serving the community in north Phoenix since 1998.

For more information:
Phoenix, AZ

Visit our website: http://www.precisiontrials.com

What causes yeast infections?

Yeast infection is the commonest in women and mostly affects the vagina. Normally, some amount of yeast and beneficial bacteria are always present in the vaginal area. In yeast infection, the proportion of yeast overtakes that of bacteria through multiplication or via some external source. The increased quantity of yeast (known as, Candida albicans) attacks the lining of the organ, causing swelling, irritation, and a thick discharge from vagina.

What causes yeast infections?

A host of combined or single factors account for yeast infections. Lets look:

Immunity

Like in other conditions, a weakened immune system enhances the possibility of developing yeast infection. Reduced immunity could be due to improper diet, excess physical strain, or external factors, such as the influence of certain medicines, e.g., prednisone.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Either adopted to reduce menopausal symptoms or as contraceptives, hormones taken as supplements can promote yeast infection.

Medication

Certain strong medicines, particularly the antibiotics, taken to fight lung & throat infections, urinary tract infection (UTI), some skin disorders, either wipe out, or greatly reduce the amount of useful bacteria from the vagina also. These bacteria regulate the pH balance by keeping the vaginal area mildly acidic, which is not conducive for the growth of yeast, Candida. As the antibiotics act towards reducing the bacteria, the safe pH balance of the vagina is disturbed too in the process. The yeast gets the opportunity to thrive and starts affecting the surrounding tissues. Although, antibiotics rank among the lead causes of yeast infection, their prolonged usage aggravates the infectious situation.

Diabetes

Diabetes considerably raises the blood sugar level, providing sustenance to Candida, which feeds on various forms of sugar.

Pregnancy

And associated hormonal changes are responsible for the yeast infection.

Hot and humid weather

Such conditions are ideal for the growth of yeast, especially when coupled with tight and closely woven fabric.

Injury

If the internal vaginal tissues are injured, for instance, in the case of chemotherapy, the possibility of developing yeast infection rises. If any other, external or internal, injury confines you to bed or wheelchair, be extra cautious, as yeast thrives in moist and warm atmosphere.

Toiletries and other products

Products such as certain perfumes, anti-bacterial soaps, bath salts, scented sanitary napkins, certain detergent bases, etc. may also prove instrumental in disturbing the vaginal yeast-bacteria balance. Certain spermicidal, such as, nonoxynol-9, can also create bacterial imbalance.

Personal hygiene

Carelessness in the terms of cleanliness and the upkeep of inner wear can cost dearly, as improperly washed fabric may retain the yeast.

---

Precision Trials offers the premier Phoenix Clinical Trials and women's health research.

Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

“Birth control pills are pills containing hormones that prevent ovulation and thus pregnancy”.

It is a pill to be taken daily, preferably at the same time to prevent pregnancy. It prevents ovulation and a woman cannot become pregnant if she doesn’t ovulate.

There are three types of birth control pills. They are (1) Mini pill or Progestin- only pill (POP) (2) Combination pill- a combination of estrogen and progestin (3) Emergency pill.

Birth control pills are very effective in preventing pregnancy but they are also reversible because fertility returns if you stop using the pill. It also reduces menstrual cramps and pain and is safe. These pills also prevent heavy menstrual bleeding and thus prevent anemia.

Although there are many advantages of taking birth control pills, most pills also have possible side effects.

Side effects of taking mini pills:

Mini pills or progesterone- only pills are low dose oral contraceptives which come in a pack of 28 pills. These pills do not contain estrogen. Possible side effects are;

• Irregular bleeding or sometimes no bleeding at all
• Headaches
• Change of moods
• Lowered sex drive
• Abdominal pain
• Tender breasts
• Feeling hungry often
  

Side effects of taking combination pills:

Combination pills are a combination of estrogen and progestin. They can be taken by breast feeding women and are very safe and effective in preventing pregnancy. They come in a pack of 21 pills and 28 pills. Possible side effects are;

• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Nausea, vomiting and dizziness
• Headaches
• Gain in weight or loss of weight
• Changes in mood
• Breast tenderness or increase in size of breast
• Sometimes blood clot
• Decreased sex drive
• Depression
  

Side effects of emergency contraceptive pills:

Emergency contraceptive pills are not to be taken regularly, but only in the case of an emergency, to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. These pills contain more hormones than other birth control pills. Possible side effects are:

• Bleeding between periods
• Irregular periods with either heavy or light menstrual bleeding
• Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Tenderness of the breasts
  

There are a variety of birth control pills available in the market today and you have to choose the right pill which can help you prevent pregnancy. Consult a gynecologist, who will be able to advice the right pill for you.

Can You Be Pregnant While On Birth Control Patch

There are so many methods for birth control. You can decide on which method to choose after consulting with your gynecologist.

Some of the birth control methods are; birth control pills, birth control patch (which is changed weekly) and the vaginal rings (which are changed once a month). Cervical barrier methods are also some birth control devices that are affordable and simple to use. The methods involved are latex diaphragm, cervical cap, contraceptive sponge, female condom and Lea’s shield.

Women prefer different types of birth control methods. The birth control patch or the Ortho Evra is a thin plastic patch which is 4 1/2 centimeters square patch which sticks to your skin to prevent you from getting pregnant. This patch releases hormones to your bloodstream through your skin to prevent pregnancy. It is changed once a week for three weeks in a row and then you have a patch free week.

Possibility of pregnancy while on birth control patch:

No birth control product is 100% effective. It depends on your luck and mainly on how you use it. Whichever type of birth control method you are adopting, the most important factor is that you should follow the instructions correctly, because if you make a mistake, it can result in pregnancy. The birth control patch is a popular method of birth control, preferred by many women today. It is 99% effective, but remember, there is still 1% chance for pregnancy if improperly used.

Factors leading to pregnancy while using the patch:

The chance of getting pregnant while using the birth control patch depends on how correctly you use it. 5-8 out of every 100 women have a chance of getting pregnant in a year of using birth control patch. There are many factors which can lead to improper use of this patch and can increase the risk of pregnancy.

(1) You have to change the patch every week. If there is any delay in this weekly change, the patch can lose its effects and cause pregnancy.
(2) Similarly if you miss the weekly change or remove the patch too early, the patch loses its effectiveness.
(3) The contraceptive patch will be less effective to prevent pregnancy for girls or women who weigh more than 198 pounds.
(4) Smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of the patch
(5) Taking certain medications also prevents the patch from working effectively.

The birth control patch has a reversible effect. If you stop using the patch, you will become pregnant.

Types of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills prevent pregnancy. Today there are so many types of such pills available in the market and you have to select the right pill to suit you. Some pills might have side effects, so it is always better to consult a gynecologist before you start using birth control pills.

Types of birth control pills are mini pills, combination pills and emergency pills.

Mini pills:

This pill contains no estrogen and is also called progestin-only pill or POP and is the most effective birth control pill. It comes in a packet of 28 pills. You should take one pill everyday, preferably at the same time, and forgetting to take your pill increases the chance of pregnancy. These pills prevent fertilization.

Advantages:

• Does not affect production of milk, so can be used by breast feeding women.
• Has no estrogen and it is ideal for women who cannot take estrogen.
• It does not have the typical side effects of other birth control pills.
• Reduces menstrual cramps.
• It is easy to use and reversible (fertility returns if it is stopped).
• Less acne.
• Prevents anemia.
• Protection against certain types of cancer.

Combination pills:

Combination pill is made up of estrogen and progesterone. It is a tiny pill that had to be taken everyday and these pills suppresses ovulation or release of egg from the ovaries. It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to enter the ovary. There are two packs – 28 pills pack and 21 pills pack.

Advantages:

• Lighter periods
• Easy to use and it is reversible as it does not affect future fertility
• Protects ovarian cancer
• It is best for emergency contraception
• Prevents acne
• Decreases breast disease
• Very easy to use
• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis
• Reduces menstrual bleeding and anemia

Emergency contraceptive pills:

Emergency pills are to be taken only in case of emergency to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. The plan-B pill is the most popular. It contains two doses. One dose is to be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex, and the second dose 12 hours later.

Advantages:

• Prevents unintended pregnancy
• It is safe
• Easily available

Birth control pills are the best and most effective remedy if you don’t want to become pregnant. They work inside the women, prevent ovulation, and decrease the fertility of the women, thus preventing pregnancy.