We all have them, people in our office, home, or circle of friends whose stress is so under managed that it has a tendency to spill over and begin affecting our lives or maybe you are that person. Secondhand Stress, as experts on the topic are now calling it, can have disastrous results on those who receive it and those that create it on a regular basis.

For those caught in the crossfire or aftermath of someone else's stress episode, trying to cope with a stress that is not their own can be frustrating and overwhelming simply because they are not directly linked to the cause of that stress. Being so far removed from the cause can create a feeling of being out of control or at the mercy of the person who is experiencing the stress directly. It's the feeling of having no power to improve the situation amplified by a strong desire to relieve your co-worker, loved one, or friend of their burden that makes Secondhand Stress so dangerous. It introduces new tension in the atmosphere surrounding that relationship and can create a high level of anxiety instead of creating a supportive healthy environment.

Some common situations can be a spouse struggling at work or with addiction, a co-worker going through some personal problems, or a child hurting from the pain of a learning disability or problems at school. It can be anyone we interact with daily, weekly, or even very rarely. All that it takes is an empathetic connection with that person like in the case of family members and friends. For most people, Secondhand Stress comes from those they love the most simply because they have a need to share the burden of those they care about. In a workplace situation, even if the need to shoulder the load of a co-worker isn't consciously felt there can be a more sub-conscious need for the department to function well or a sense of camaraderie. From that need comes a natural tendency for others to step up and take on the stress of the co-worker in trouble.

So, how do you combat Secondhand Stress and it's effects? There are several ways. All going back to the root of the issue – stress. The power of the stressful event experienced everyday by most people comes from their method of coping. If everyone knew effective ways to cope or channel their stress and emotions when certain situations came up throughout the day, not only would they feel better and be healthier, but as you've read above, the people closest to them would experience the same benefits. One way to manage stress is through a combination of several stress reduction therapies, but now there is one method that combines several therapy types into one powerful device.

This device is called the SCIO/EPFX. It is a highly technological tool used with a stress reduction therapy called Quantum Biofeedback. Based on traditional Biofeedback, this technology interfaces with the client on a subconscious level to understand what types of stresses the person is facing daily. This is all done in the office of a Certified Biofeedback Specialist who can analyze what is causing imbalances in the body by the use of energetic stress reduction. Because the SCIO/EPFX interfaces with the client on such a deep level it can read stresses that the person may not consciously be aware of. This is part of the therapy. Once someone is more aware of the stress that is causing such pressure on them and perhaps on the ones around them they can take proactive steps to alleviate it. And if you are the one feeling the secondhand effects of stress, this can help to relieve some of that tension and help to teach you and your body ways to cope on a daily basis.

While Secondhand Stress is a frustrating and unhealthy phenomenon in our society today, the fact that we want to reach out to those closest to us and relieve their burden is part of what makes humanity such a unique race. To suggest breaking this connection would be far more disastrous than the side effects we are experiencing now or could ever experience. Instead, the key to relieving Secondhand Stress will be in everyone learning how to properly manage and channel the stress that exists in their lives, secondhand or not. So start today with a yoga class, daily meditation, or with a Quantum Biofeedback session. Your friends and family with thank you!

Looking for Alternative therapy that doesn't involve pain or complicated drug theropy? Try Quantum Biofeedback and live a pain free life. Your health depends on it!

What is Psychic Surgery? A Psychic surgeon has the ability to enter a person's body, penetratiing through skin or bones, with his bare hands. He can then manually remove tumours, dead tissues, pus etc. without inflicting pain. When he is finished, no scar or mark is left on the person

Impossible ? Maybe, but only according to our very limited scientific standards. I have been involved with Psychic Surgery since 1998 and I have witnessed and filmed many major operations performed in minutes without anaesthesia or drugs of any kind.

Jun Labo was born on 23 December 1934 in Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Philippines. He is awesome in his mastery of Psychic Surgery (also known as Bare Hand Surgery).

Jun's background Jun's parents belonged to the "Union Espiritista Christiana de Filipinas" (a spiritualist church that has taught numerous healers in the Philippines). Jun's mother was a psychic dentist (she could pull teeth out without anaesthesia) and she forced Jun to go to church on Sundays. Jun was not keen on spending part of his Sunday in church and used to sneak out to play with his friends.

One weekend during a church ceremony he became paralysed. In a state of shock and with fear, he witnessed his first apparition of Jesus. This was Jun's first encounter with Jesus who was to become one of his spirit guides for all healing.

His first healing experience came when he was accompanying his mother on a religious walk. One woman collapsed and Jun instinctively began rubbing her chest. Blood spurted out and Jun ran away in fear. The crowd brought him back and asked him to finish the healing. Jun carried on rubbing the woman's chest and she fully recovered.

The personality Jun probably is the most flamboyant Filipino healer alive today. He is often referred to as the Muhammad Ali of Filipino healer because of his extrovert personality. Jun has been reported to perform the most amazing healing. In his book the "Magician of God", Jaime Licauco reports that: "I witnessed Jun lift the eyeball of a patient suffering from glaucoma. He then proceeded to extract some black tissues from behind the eyeball and then replaced in its socket. The patient never fetl any pain during this intervention. It was a rather bloody and eerie operation which apparently did not damage to the eye".

Jun has, so far, married three times. His last wife, Lisa, is a Russian lawyer. His previous wives were respectively Australian and Japanese.

He ran for election and became Mayor of Baguio City in 1988. His term only lasted 2 years as his citizenship was questioned (his second wife was Australian and he was supposed to have adopted and kept that nationality). He eventually had his Filipino citizenship reconfirmed and was elected again in 1992. Altogether, he served 5 years as Mayor.

Jun claims to channel Jesus and an Indian guide named Rama during his surgery. Jun practices in very comfortable surrounding in his own healing centre in the Philippines.

Jun's diagnosis techniques

In order to find out the condition of a patient, Jun holds a sheet in front of the patient and uses it as a form of psychic x-ray machine. Through it, he is able to see spots inside the patient's body. If the spots are dark, then the disease is serious (location and number of tumours are shown to him). If the spots are bright, it is not so serious.

Jun as a most gifted Psychic / Medium

Jun also offers a course every year in Psychic Development / Mediumship when he teaches students how to develop their Psychic abilities. Jun has direct communication with the Spirit world and is amazing in his visions. Through his communication with the Holy Spirit, Jun is able to allocate new powerful guides to students and open their Psychic and Healing abilities in a very powerful way.

A film - narrated in English by Burt Lancaster - was made on Jun by producer Alan Newman in the early 1980s. In this film, Jun was seen operating on a Filipino patient suffering from eye problems. To diagnose the patient, Jun used his sheet as an X-ray and doing so, spotted something in the throat of Alan Newman who was standing behind the patient. After a successful operation on the Filipino, he asked Alan to lie down and operated on his throat, removing a large quantity of pus from it. Newman later confirmed that he had had problem with his throat for the past 8 years but had not told anybody about it. After the surgery, Newman was able to breathe freely for the first time in 8 years. Dr Shealy later confirmed the blood taken out of the Filipino was genuine.

One of the most tested healer in the Philippines Jaime Licauco in "Magicians of God" states: "Many scientists including Dr Alfred Stelter, Dr Gerrit Bretzler both from Germany, Dr Hans Naegeli of Switzerland, Dr Nagato of Azuma of Japan and Dr Lee Pulos of Canad have declared Jun genuine. Dr C Norman Shealy, a Neuroscientist and head of the Pain Rehabilitation Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin and Dr Elmer Green, a director of the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, Kansas both testified that the blood taken out of Jun's patients was genuine human blood".

Stories Over the years, Jun and I have become friends and I was allowed to witness and take pictures of many of Jun's surgery. One day, famous psychic writer Jaime Licauco was present with Tania, a guest visitor from Russia. Jun operated on Tania and at the end of the surgery asked Jaime to come to the couch and give him his hand. Jaime obliged and Jun said a prayer, blew on Jaime's hand, positioned it above Tania's body and sliding Jaime's index finger down from the sternum to below the navel opened Tania's body up with Jaime's finger. The energy projected by Jun was so strong that Jaime staggered back and nearly collapsed after this experience. Jaime is himself a very psychic person and easily goes in a trance. Jun has also used me to demonstrate this to other students in my groups.

The magic of seeing through the body is extremely useful. I visited Jun in December last year having suffered from a left elbow complaint since August. Jun looked through his bed sheet (X-ray machine) and started working on my inner left shoulder where he claimed the circulatory blockage was. The next day my elbow pain was gone for the first time in 4 months... I know this is a small thing to mention as Jun routinely removes cancerous tumours from people's body but I wanted to mention it anyway. I know that I could have gone around all types of medical specialists in the UK or abroad, I would have been given all types of pills but nobody would have gone to my shoulder to remove some unnecessary tissues that were blocking my blood circulation. To me, this is the magic of Jun's Psychic Surgery. To know where to go and remove all types of physical problems.

Patrick Hamouy runs a school of Alternative Therapies with branches in West London and Brighton (UK). He teaches Reiki Healing, Indian Head Massage, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT), Anatomy & Physiology, Oriental Diagnosis & Psychic Development. He sees customers for consultations.in Macrobiotic, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT) and Removal of toxic products from the home environment Full information on his web site at:

"How to stop smoking? Hey, it's the easiest thing in the world, I have done it a hundred times"….. So goes the hoary old joke. It brings a smile from some, a frown from the others and hacking cough from the smokers.

It is no joke for the smokers, however they may smile at it. At heart every smoker wants to stop. Many of them are knowledgeable enough to know how, but can't quit the fags because the habit is too deeply ingrained.

A) What won't work?

Gradually decreasing it.

Buddy, the nicotine won't let you quit. It is too powerful an adversary and too cunning for you. You will find the gradual decrement plan going fine, until the day you have an excuse to forget it (tension, overwork, circumstances, party etc.).

Depending on medicines.

Medicines only help to reduce the craving. But seriously, do you smoke only when the urge hits you? Isn't it true that most of the time you smoke casually, whether there is a physical urge or not?

Talking continuously about it.

While you may think that it will help to keep the issue the uppermost in your mind, it will most probably lead to you being ridiculed in case you fail to quit. Also, words being cheap, it will begin to sound like empty boast.

Nicotine substitutes.

These are substitutes. They aren't really the solution. Sooner or later you will revert to the real nicotine.

B) So, What will work?

Well, that's what this article is about

1) Strengthen your resolve

First of all, I thank and congratulate you on having come so far with me. It shows that there is hope for you yet . You have already proved that you can take tough talk and are determined to go through with it. That's the first step.

Next, Analyze your smoking pattern, How many in a day? How often? When do you really have the urge (usually on waking up, after meals or generally after consuming anything orally)? When do you smoke maximum (with friends, alone, with drinks, under stress etc)

Number three, list down your reasons for a) smoking, and b) wanting to quit. I am a big advocate of putting things down on paper. It shows a commitment.

Number four, take someone into confidence. A friend, a family member, a medical worker or, best of all, a sympathetic ex-smoker.

These steps are keystones (preparations) for the big event. The only thing is that the "big event" is not a one off. It is a continuous obsession.

2) Back to basics

Now let's revert to the point A) above. I was less than generous when I said definitely that these things won't work. These things do help, specially reducing consumption. Every cigarette less means approximately 5 minutes more to live. Also, it helps to strengthen your resolve, which is the first step.

You see, archaic though it sounds, Will is a sure shot solution. So, unless you strengthen it, you will most likely fail. Why? - Remember that I said 'Will' and NOT 'Will Power' – They are different, 'Will Power' implies a struggle, where as using your 'Will', implies that it's going to be easy.

Let me explain:

Do you need will power to smoke? NO

Do you need will power to eat your favorite Ice-cream? NO

Now to do one of the two above activities, is easy because it is your 'Will' and NOT 'Will Power'.

The steps in the "won't work" topic are generally the excuses that frequent relapsers offer. But they are helpful in their own way.

What is important is not only the steps leading up to it, but maintaining the tempo once you have reached the crucial stage of ZERO cigarettes a day.

3) Penultimate stage – Quitting it

By the time you have worked on stages 1 and 2 above, you would be feeling strong enough to risk quitting it. As the experts suggest, you should decide on a date. NOT like a 'new year's resolution' - More like a new Quit Smoking Revolution! You're the leader of the campaign and then just go for it!

Are you ready to quit smoking? We can take this quit smoking journey together and make real progress to a healthier life.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with some form of cancer each year. For many patients and their loved ones, battling cancer is a long and hard-fought endeavor. But apart from the disease itself, patients must also contend with a potential danger associated with cancer and certain treatments, such as chemotherapy and surgery-an increased risk for blood clots known as venous thromboembolism, commonly called VTE.

VTE involves a blood clot that can travel from a leg vein to the lung, with potentially fatal results. Studies have shown patients with cancer have a greater risk of developing VTE than non-cancer patients.

Fortunately, the anticoagulant, or blood thinner, called FRAGMIN® (dalteparin sodium injection) was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the extended treatment of blood clots in the veins to reduce the recurrence of VTE in patients with cancer. It is the first low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to be approved for this use.

"This is an important development in supportive care for patients with cancer," said Frederick Rickles, MD, FACP, clinical professor of medicine at George Washington University Medical Center. "Physicians now have an FDA-approved low molecular weight heparin specifically for the extended treatment to reduce the recurrence of blood clots in patients with cancer."

Important Safety Information

SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMAS

When neuraxial anesthesia (epidural/spinal anesthesia) or spinal puncture is employed, patients anticoagulated or scheduled to be anticoagulated with low molecular weight heparins or heparinoids for prevention of thromboembolic complications are at risk of developing an epidural or spinal hematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis.

The risk of these events is increased by the use of indwelling epidural catheters for administration of analgesia or by the concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, or other anticoagulants. The risk also appears to be increased by traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture.

Patients should be frequently monitored for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.

The physician should consider the potential benefit versus risk before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated for thromboprophylaxis (also see WARNINGS, Hemorrhage and PRECAUTIONS, Drug Interactions).

FRAGMIN is contraindicated in patients with active major bleeding or with known hypersensitivity to the drug, heparin, or pork products, or with thrombocytopenia associated with a positive antiplatelet antibody test. It should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Patients undergoing regional anesthesia should not receive FRAGMIN for unstable angina or non−Q-wave myocardial infarction, and patients with cancer undergoing regional anesthesia should not receive FRAGMIN for extended treatment of symptomatic VTE, due to an increased risk of bleeding associated with the dosage of FRAGMIN recommended for these indications.

FRAGMIN cannot be used interchangeably (unit for unit) with unfractionated heparin or other low−molecular-weight heparins.

FRAGMIN, like other anticoagulants, should be used with extreme caution in patients who have an increased risk of hemorrhage; bleeding can occur at any site during therapy. An unexpected drop in hematocrit or blood pressure should lead to a search for a bleeding site.

In FRAGMIN clinical trials supporting non-cancer indications, platelet counts of

Please see www.FRAGMIN.com or full prescribing information.

FRAGMIN is a registered trademark of Pfizer Health AB and is licensed to Eisai Inc.

In Vedic astrology, the three most outer planets of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn each cast a special aspect. The word aspect is actually not very accurate. Like many Western words that try to convey Eastern concepts, the actual word is "drishti" which means "look" or "glance". For you see, in Vedic thinking, culture and cosmology -- the planets are beings of intelligence that have been around since time immemorial. Their movements and energies are not just relevant as "archetypes" - they represent real forces, eternal forces of the universe that transcend our 80 to 100 year lifespan. They connect us to that eternal, cosmic nature that we forget here on the flat Earth in which we live in our day to day lives. Each of these planets are bodies of light that can "see" in different directions. Saturn sees 3 signs in front and 10 signs in front. That is his special look. This look conveys the essence of his nature.

With Saturn occupying Leo he will be "watching" the sign of Libra and the Sun of Taurus for the next two years, both ruled by Venus. If anyone has planets in Sidereal Libra or Taurus, Saturn will also be watching them. Regardless, wherever those houses fall in your Sidereal / Vedic chart will be under his watchful eye. Saturn aspects create trouble by shattering our illusions around the things he sees. Sometimes this results in losing the thing entirely, other times we may just worry about it or have to put forth immense effort in order to maintain it. This process of worry/effort/potential loss forces us to either deepen our commitment to it, or let it go. This is why we tend to lose things when Saturn starts moving. He tends to push things to a point of seriousness where they either break or we have to work to improve them.

There's a great story about Saturn aspects, Saturn's "looks". Once, Lord Shiva and Parvati after having their first child Lord Ganesh, held a party and invited all of the gods, Demi Gods and Planets to participate. It was a beautiful celebration except one of the planets, Lord Saturn, seem to be kind of depressed and moping in the corner (go figure!) - in fact he would not even look at the beautiful Ganesh. Now, the planets are powerful -- but they are not as powerful as the gods, especially the mighty Lord Shiva and Mother Shakti, Parvati.

So the great goddess upon seeing Lord Saturn unmoved by the festivities asked him why he was not participating. Saturn replied "Great Goddess, your child is beautiful and I do not want my looks to ruin that beauty - a glance from me is not always welcome". "Nonsense!", declared Parvati, "I insist you look at my child immediately!". At which time Lord Saturn gaze gently at the beautiful Ganesh. No sooner did Saturn look at Ganesh, then did the beautiful boys head falloff!! One look from Saturn decapitated Ganesh. Lord Shiva went to find a suitable replacement head and was said to have found the head of one of Lord Indra's elephants - and so Ganesh was given this elephant head.

And so it is said that the Saturn aspects can be more difficult than the Saturn conjunction.

So this means, for the last couple of years Saturn has been looking at the signs of Sidereal Virgo and Aries. Does that speak to anyone?

Sam Geppi has over 20 years of Vedic Study and experience. He is a Hatha Yoga instructor and certified Vedic Astrologer and Teacher through the ACVA (level 2) as well as author of "The Ascendant".

We are all used to seeing the many advertisements on our televisions about protecting ourselves and our children from the summer sun, but do we ever think about protecting our pets? Probably not. However cats and dogs can get sun burnt too and with the same terrible consequences that causes, including the possibility of skin cancer.

Cats who are outside a lot during the summer, especially those with light coloured fur are particularly at risk from the effects of the sun and the heat. So before we let our pets outside on a summer’s day we must make sure we provide adequate care for them, just as we would for our children and ourselves.

Areas particularly at risk on your pets are their ears. They often have a much lighter covering of fur and this makes them much more likely to burn in the sun. Add this to the fact that cats will often spend hours laying in the sun and the risks of skin cancer rise dramatically. Often in Mediterranean countries you will often see a lot of cats with both their ears missing. This is because that the region receives a lot of hot sunny weather and skin cancer on cats has become so common that owners will often ask the vet to remove the cats ears to reduce the risk of them catching skin cancer. Another method used is to have the ears tattooed all over in black; this helps to reflect the sun and provides protection.

Of course there are other simpler methods to protect your pet from the effects of the sun. Simply remember when you let your pet out on a hot summers day, make sure you rub a high factor sun cream onto the ears and areas which are not as covered with a thick layer of fur. Some breeds have a very thin covering of fur all over, and it might be safer to keep these breeds inside on very hot sunny days.

Also make sure that you provide plenty of fresh water for your pet which is readily available all through the day. Perhaps have several bowls of water dotted about the garden in a cool spot. Of course making sure that there are plenty of shady places that your pet can keep cool is essential. The affects of heat stroke can come on very fast and if not treated promptly can be fatal. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke i.e. is panty very heavily and seems to be wobbly on their legs and disorientated. Cool them down immediately in a bath of cool water and then take them immediately to a vet.

All of the above are quite simple and affective steps, which will protect your pet during the summer months. A little time and thought could save both you and your pet any suffering and will ensure that summertime is enjoyed by every member of your family.

Kate and her partner co-write a site full of further cat care and cat health topics. As well as being a feline friendly community site for happy cat and a happy owner.

UV sun protection products have been hot discussion item over the past few years as consumer protection bodies have introduced measures to ensure that information regarding sun screens and sun blocks are clarified.

The difference is in the way they work and the type of UV protection they provide.

* Sunblocks - stop UV rays penetrating the skin by adding a layer on the skin surface.

*Sunscreens - penetrate to deep layers of the skin and reflect harmful rays.

The key to selecting an effective sun protection product is to understand the ingredients in the products, and how they work based on the activities you engage in.

There are two types of UV that harm your skin:

1. UVA - damages the inner layers of the skin and causes wrinkles and lines, and skin cancer.

2. UVB - the most damaging radiation, burns the skin and damages the skin cell DNA, resulting in long term skin disease .

Most sunscreens protect from UVA damage, but only broad spectrum sunscreens protect both from UVA and UVB. These are the ones to look for.

Previously, those products that protected from both UVA and UVB were referred to as 'Sunblocks'; and those that protected the skin from UVA, referred to as 'Sunscreens'.

Many consumer bodies around the world are now banning manufacturers from referring to their broad spectrum sun protection products as sun blocks, unless they work in the manner as outlined above.

This has just added confusion to the market for consumers - hence the need to fully understand the ingredients in the products.

UV Sunscreen Ingredients

Overall you are aiming to use a sun protection product that:

* Blocks both UVA and UVB for at least 2 hours

* Is waterproof - if required

* Does not irritate the skin - especially if you have sensitive skin

* Maintains its effectiveness for the duration

* Is easy to apply and does not stain clothing.

Key ingredients to look for in full spectrum sun protection are:

* Anthelios - SX

* Avobenzone

* Helioplex

So next time you slip, slop, slap, take a minute to read the label and ensure you are getting all the sun protection you thought you were.

Nicola is publishing editor of Antiaging-Wellness website. For more tips on fighting back aging disease and appearance go to

Like it or not anyone wearing a hat today is making a fashion statement, simply because not many people wear them these days on a daily basis, apart from the ubiquitous baseball cap.

Many women feel uncomfortable wearing a hat, with the most common reason seemingly that hats "just don't suit them and they don't look right in them".

Perhaps it is just because we don't wear them very often and we just don't know what suits us. So how do women get to a point where they feel comfortable in hats, let alone confident enough to create their own distinctive hat wearing style? And what happens if wearing a hat suddenly becomes a central issue in your life?

For women experiencing hair loss either because of chemotherapy side effects, Alopecia areata or hair thinning, this is exactly what happens and it becomes an additional challenge they face. To cope with this impact of a prolonged period of hair loss, it becomes essential that they feel able to 'manage' their new image and wearing hats or other types of headwear is part of this strategy.

Understanding your face shape is the first step. The shape of your face is a key factor in selecting the best headwear for you. A hat creates a sense of presence and is a way to reflect your personal style. And the way it works with hairstyles is the way it works with hats. Not all hat styles will flatter you, but rest assured there is a style out there that will suit you. The tricky bit is finding it!

FACE SHAPES

Square Face

Whatever style you choose, wear your hat at a slight slant or tilt; this will give a more flattering, asymmetrical look to your face.

Round Face

Do not select hat styles that are narrower than the width of your face i.e. Fez or flower pot shapes. Wider shapes with brims will suit you better. With a round face your hats should only be worn at a slight angle.

Narrow/Long Face

Avoid tall hats, instead try hats with brims (they don't have to be big) just enough to add width around the head. Trims should also add width around the crown section of the hat.

Heart-shaped Face

If you have wide cheekbones or a heart shaped face, you'll look in good in any style, even those head-hugging styles that can be so hard to wear. Wear them straight across the forehead or hairline.

Wide Face

Hats worn off the face work well, tilted towards the back of the head, (think Jackie Onassis and you've captured the style). Hat styles that are naturally worn high on the forehead will always suit you.

Larger Nose

If your nose isn't your favourite feature, wear your hats so that they sit forward on the head (buy styles that give deeper coverage at the nape of the neck), preferably with a brim or peak to draw attention away from it.

N.B Remember these are only guidelines, not hard and fast rules. There are always ways of altering a hat to suit. Trims in particular can change the shape/width of a hat drastically. Colour and fabric texture (print or stripe) also play an important role in 'disguising' the overall shape of the hat.

Trailing round department stores trying on shapes is one option, although if you really don't know what suits you, this can be exhaustive and more than a little disheartening. Another alternative is to ask your friends and family to root out every hat they've ever bought. Then in front of a full-length mirror try them all on, taking a little time to assess each one properly.

The reason for the full-length mirror is that it gives a sense of proportion from hem to waistline and from waistline to neckline. It also allows you to see the hat width or lack of width on your upper body. If you can't find a full-length mirror, find the biggest mirror you can and preferably a hand held mirror as well, so that you can see the back of your head comfortably. (Look into the hand held mirror with your back to the larger mirror and turn your head and the mirror until you can see the back of your head.)

Now you've got the best chance of assessing how you look from all sides, so alter how you're wearing the hats whilst they are on your head. Try them from side to side, on a slant or with a front to back tilt. If a friend is on hand, ask them to look in the mirror with you, rather than at you, before they comment. Because the mirror flattens 'the picture' and you see yourself in two dimensions, it is easier for us to take in the 'full effect', rather than looking directly at the person. If you do that you will end up looking where you always do, at the person's face and not studying the upper body.

Don't give up...

If you are unsuccessful in finding the perfect style from your hoard, take a different view. Try not to view the hat as a single component, but think about it in two parts - the crown and the brim. Compile a picture of all the 'best bits' of the hat, for example, taking the crown from one with the brim of another may 'make' your perfect hat. Or perhaps a side trim that works better than a material drape all the way round the hat.

Once you have a firm idea of what works, start your search in retail outlets and on the web. Don't get waylaid or distracted; you now know what suits you, because you have done your groundwork. It may take a little longer but once you've found 'your style', you can duplicate it, triplicate it and buy it in as many colours to suit your wardrobe. Now you're buying with confidence. Does it look more stylish and fashionable than a simple head-scarf? Without a shadow of a doubt - it will!

Hats that flatter

The key message from the table above is that brims and peaks are easier to wear, and more flattering to more face shapes. When brims are mentioned most women think Ascot 'super saucers', but this needn't be the case. There are styles out there that incorporate small soft brims that mean you don't have to worry about knocking them when you're out in the supermarket or walking around.

If you look better in hats that have detail on one side because it balances your face shape, then don't be afraid to experiment. Look at what accessories you could comfortably wear up there. You may be reading this and thinking "I could never do that".

Well maybe not in the past, but as a woman experiencing significant hair loss you now find yourself with a whole new image to 'manage' and this requires a new approach. Not a theatrical 'make-over', or even close to it, but simply an open-minded approach to review your style potential and experiment with jewellery, accessories and make-up. It may take a little time and a little practise but the benefits to your self-esteem and self-assurance will be immeasurable.

Nicky Zip is the founder and managing director of Suburban Turban: fashionable and stylish headwear for women suffering from hair loss.

With over 20 years experience in creative design and millinery, Nicky has spent the last 10 years designing and making hats for the English season, including Ascot races, Henley-on-Thames Royal Regatta and racing at Goodwood. Nicky's hats have also been seen at Buckingham Palace, the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations and Sandhurst.

Nicky trained in millinery in Kensington and Chelsea and at the London College of Fashion and in 2005 Nicky Zip won 'Best Hat' at Lingfield Ladies' Day, made even more prestigious by Ascot being closed that year, and her hats have also appeared in 'Hello!' magazine.

The idea for Suburban Turban was formed at a charity fashion show for GRACE, (Gynae-oncology Research and Clinical Excellence), last year, where several ladies were discussing the real need for fashionable product for women experiencing hair loss.

After this event, Nicky went on to do significant research into hair loss and has spent six months sourcing the right products from Europe and the UK. She is an expert in her field of traditional millinery and is rapidly becoming one in her adopted field of headwear for hair loss.

For more information or more articles by Nicky Zip please visit or email Nicky on nicky@suburbanturban.co.uk or call 0845 003 2 800.

Ninety percent of all mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. This cancer affects the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs known as the mesothelium. The areas of the lining most often affected are the lungs and abdomen.

Asbestos is a natural fiber that is strong, flexible, and highly durable. It was used in insulation and household appliances for years because of it's ability to resist heat and chemical damage. The fact that asbestos causes mesothelioma and other chronic lung conditions was unknown until the 1960s.

Asbestos fibers are tiny, and when asbestos is mined or disturbed in any way, these fibers are released into the air. They then make their way into the lungs of anyone who is exposed, where they cause inflammation and the formation of scar tissue. This damage can then lead to mesothelioma, and it is this damage that is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The fibers imbed themselves into the lungs, working their way through to the membrane that surrounds the lungs and causing this specific type of cancer.

Mesothelioma in the abdomen is often caused when the fibers make their way into the mouth, are swallowed, and move through the digestive system. Asbestos can also cause other forms of chronic lung disease and respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing.

Construction workers, those who work in or live near asbestos factories, miners of asbestos, and anyone working in industries where asbestos is used are the most likely to develop mesothelioma. While asbestos is no longer widely used, mesothelioma may not show up for as long as 60 years after exposure, so anyone who thinks they may have come into contact with asbestos should regularly be checked for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma does develop without asbestos exposure in rare cases, although the exact cause of these cases is not known. Since it was discovered that asbestos causes mesothelioma, most asbestos insulation and building materials have been removed from the market, and many buildings have been purged of their asbestos. Because asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma, exposure to the fiber should be avoided, and anyone who has reason to come into contact with asbestos should take extra precautions to avoid inhalation or other direct exposure.

AsbestosN is an online resource for information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Asbestos News has been providing the public with information online since 2001. If you would like to find out more about mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health conditions, visit

I need my dose of sunshine every year as it is a good supply of vitamin D necessary for the absorption of calcium in the body. The sun is a natural element that is very much part of our life.

I cringe at the sight of people who apply masses of sun cream to their skin frequently. Sun cream (apart from making pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers wealthy) is a strong chemicals that prevent your skin from absorbing beneficial sun rays. Some of the ingredients in these sun creams have been demonstrated to be carcinogenic (encourages the development of cancer cells).

The sun is natural. The cream is not.

We have been told that our planet is being depleted from Ozone (O3). Scientists have told us that our Ozone layer currently is 5% depleted and when it is 17% depleted then it's goodbye from me and goodbye from .. all of us.

The hole in the Ozone layer is getting worse in the North and South poles we are told. This has been partly triggered by Chlorofluorocarbons gas (CFC) release in the air from our aerosols, fridges etc..

We must understand that Ozone is a gas that forms when the sunlight meets earth's atmosphere. There is very little direct sunlight in the North and South poles as the sun strikes at an angle without producing Ozone. This is why there has always been less Ozone in the 2 poles. Not because you spray some deodorant (hopefully without aluminium in it) or anti-perspirant (deadly by the way) under your arms.

Rule by fear!

Listen to this one: The American government has spent $19,000,000 to find out if the farting and belching of cows was damaging the Ozone layer!!!

Having said all this, let me answer the question: Is sunlight good for you?

Sunlight can Actually Prevent Cancer. Insufficient exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet radiation can according to a new study published in a prominent cancer journal be an important risk factor for some cancers in Western Europe and United States. This directly contradicts official advice about sunlight.

The research examined cancer mortality in the United States. Deaths from a range of cancers of the reproductive and digestive systems were approximately twice as high in New England as in the southwest, despite a diet that varies little between regions. An examination of 506 regions found a close inverse correlation between cancer mortality and levels of ultraviolet B light.

The likeliest mechanism for a protective effect of sunlight is vitamin D, which is synthesized by the body in the presence of ultraviolet B. The study's author, Dr William Grant, says northern parts of the United States may be dark enough in winter that vitamin D synthesis shuts down completely. While the study focused on white Americans, the same geographical trend affects black Americans, whose overall cancer rates are significantly higher. Darker skinned people require more sunlight to synthesize vitamin D.

There are 13 malignancies that show this inverse correlation, mostly reproductive and digestive cancers. The strongest inverse correlation is with breast, colon, and ovarian cancer.

Other cancers apparently affected by sunlight include tumours of the bladder, uterus, esophagus, rectum, and stomach. Cancer March 2002; 94:1867-75

As Dr Mercola points out on his web site: Many people believe that sunshine is one of the main cause of cancer. Nothing could be further from the truth. As this study published in the prestigious Cancer journal indicates, exposure to sun actually decreases cancer rates.

Does this mean that one's sun exposure does not contribute to skin cancer? Absolutely not. However, skin cancers are more likely related to the large distortion most people have in their omega-6 to omega-3 fat ratio. The high excess of omega-6 fats (from meat and cheese) in most people's diet puts them at a much higher risk of developing skin cancer when exposed to excess sun.

So the solution is not to slather sun block on. Sun block can be quite toxic and should be avoided by most people. The sensible approach would be to limit sun exposure so you never get sun burned. It is sunburn in conjunction with excess omega-6 fats that increases your risk of skin cancer. But even with the potential increase in skin cancer, most skin cancers are relatively benign when compared with breast, colon, and prostate cancers that lack of sun exposure is associated with.

So you can't have it both ways. Avoid the sun and don't change your diet and you will lower your risk of skin cancer, but increase your risk of far more common and deadlier cancers. So why not change the fat content of your diet and use sensible sun exposure guidelines and reap the benefits of sunlight?

It is also important to note that many researchers are currently evaluating vitamin D and its analogs in the treatment of cancer (van den Bemd GJ, Chang GT. Vitamin D and vitamin D analogs in cancer treatment. Curr Drug Targets. 2002 Feb;3(1):85-94.) Vitamin D can no longer properly be considered a vitamin. Nevertheless, vitamin D resembles true vitamins inasmuch as humans -- who are cut off from the critical solar ultraviolet wavelengths by reason of latitude, clothing, or shelter -- depend on an external source of the substance, just as they do for the true essential nutrients.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It promotes bone mineralization in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals, and hormones. However, it is quite clear that vitamin D does far more than promote optimized bone health.

In addition to the strong evidence provided in this article about prevention of cancer vitamin D has also been associated with improvement in the following conditions:

• Diabetes

• Heart Disease

• Arthritis

• Infertility and PMS

• Fatigue, Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Autoimmune Disorders

• Obesity

• Syndrome X

Some key points to remember.

The vitamin D in milk, and that put in most vitamins is vitamin D2 and is synthetic. Vitamin D2 is also called ergocalciferol. It is not the vitamin D that you want to supplement with. It is not nearly as good as the vitamin D obtained from sunlight or natural food sources like cod liver oil which is called vitamin D3 or calciferol. The best place to get vitamin D is from UV-B from sunlight.

However, darker skinned people require 10 to 20 times the sun exposure length than lighter skinned people do to build up the same amount of vitamin D.

That is one of the major reasons why African Americans have a much higher rate of cancer in North America than other ethnic groups. Most people, who have skin that is deeply pigmented, should take extra precautions when living in North America for health reasons. The only work around for them to maintain their health would be to optimize their vitamin D levels.

It is also very important to realize that the RDA of vitamin D of 400 units is absolutely inadequate for most people who do not have exposure to regular sunshine. Most people may need up to 10,000 units per day for a short time to build their vitamin D levels up to healthy ranges. One must be very clear however that this should only be done under supervision with a health care professional who can monitor vitamin D levels. Vitamin D in excessive doses can be quite dangerous as it can cause calcium to deposit in your soft tissues and kidney and this is not easy to turn around.

So, to resume:

* Sun creams contain strong chemicals that may be carcinogenic

* The sun is natural and needed as an essential source of Vitamin D * Sunshine can actually lower your risk of cancer

Do not expose yourself for long period of time to the sun. Never allow yourself to burn. Expose yourself gradually.

Patrick Hamouy teaches Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT), Indian Head Massage, Reiki Healing, Oriental Diagnosis, Anatomy & Physiology & Psychic Development at his school in Brighton and West London (UK). He offers consultations.in Macrobiotic way of life, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT) and advises on the removal of toxic products from the home. Full information at:

Men will not get it will they? For some reason they shun the very foods that can help them live longer. More so than women and despite the fact many studies show eating a diet loaded with fruits and vegetables can protect you from all sorts of cancers. Not to mention they are good overall preservers of your health.

So the most easy of mens health tips to apply is to simply eat more fruits. Eat more vegetables. How hard can that be?

Especially since they're all beneficial. Whether you eat frozen, canned, dried or fresh. It's all good and all good for you.

To help you here are some proven mens health tips that can help you eat healthier.

For starters, these colorful foods are loaded with disease fighters. Each fruit or veggie is packed with it's own special blend of minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.

Could you stand to lose a few? As they're high in fiber while low in calories and fat, fruits and vegetables help you control your weight. Besides being mostly water they give you a feeling of fullness to help you eat less.

While there is no specific fruits or veggies to eat that reduces your cancer risk completely, studies have proven that eating a variety of them daily limits the overall risk.

Another easy way to get more fruit into your diet is to kick start the day with a fruit smoothie. Tropical fruits like pineapple or kiwi add vitamins, blend easily, and give you an easy way to work in a couple more varieties into your diet. Plus they can jumpstart your morning in a flavorful way.

Least I forget in this list of mens health tips, we're talking just nine servings a day. Sadly is only 4% of men manage to do that. 4%! Which is pitiful.

But here's how you can easily do it!

For one drink a V8.

What about apple sauce?

Snack on raisins or celery sticks with a dab of peanut butter.

Vegetable soup.

Stick extra leaf lettuce on your sandwich.

While watching TV eat a grapefruit, apple or munch on a handful of baby carrots.

Frozen grapes are great too. Whole or cut in half. Those or frozen berries you can pop in your mouth instead of potato chips. But like chips you can't eat just one.

If cost is a worry buy what's in season. Or buy locally grown at a farmer's market. Or buy frozen on sale.

Anything frozen is just as loaded with nutrition. You lose nothing by freezing.

So see? It's easy to give your body what it needs to lower your disease risk.

Bottom line almost half of what you eat should be something picked from a plant. Yes, half! If you pick up nothing else from this list of mens health tips and eating - pick up that. You must eat more fruits and vegetables starting today.

Did you know lycopene is thought to help with prostate health? Or that you get plenty by eating ripe tomatoes? Pick up similar tips for keeping your prostate healthy as well as tips on prostate cancer treatment.

Who is Baba Yaga? She is the Goddess, she is the Witch, she is the Wise Woman, she is the Crone, she is aged Artemis.

Baba is Grandmother. In Tibet, fierce demons are Yagas. So she is the Grandmother Demon, Grandmother Dragon, the fearsome, the fierce.

Baba Yaga is the subject of many Russian folk tales or fairy tales. She is very very old.

How do we know? We are told her nose curves down and her chin curves up and they nearly meet. Since the cartilage in our noses, chins and ears continues to grow throughout our lives, only someone a hundred or more would have such a remarkable face. Her fingernails, it is said, are as thick and ridged as roof tiles. My, what a mineral-rich diet she must have! And they are stained brown. Any herbalists here who have noticed such a staining on their hands after a summer of harvesting? I have. In one of the first profiles of me ever published, the interviewer remarks on my brown-stained fingernails.

Baba Yaga lives in a house that nearly defies description, yet any herbalist would feel right at home there, overlooking perhaps that the latches on the cupboards, windows, and doors are human fingers, and that the door knocker is a toothed snout, and that the fence is made of bones and skulls. But that all pales when we step back and see that the whole house stands atop scaly yellow chicken legs. It moves about at its own whim, whirling like an ecstatic dancer around and around in a trance. Baba Yaga is Whirlwind Woman, Woman with Drum of the deep north, Shaman Woman, Deep-Dreaming Woman.

Baba Yaga is the keeper of the eternal fire, the spark of divine consciousness that informs the best of every profession, that lives in the best healers and the most intuitive herbalists. Baba Yaga, like all muses, like all guardians, like treasure-bestriding dragons everywhere, is not averse to sharing but she is demanding.

You must give to her, must do her bidding, before she will do yours and give to you.

With wrinkles enough to hide the world's secrets and a store of tales enough to fast talk my way out of any situation, I am surely the most fearsome thing ever seen, ever imagined: A powerful old woman at home with herself. I am Baba Yaga, and this is one of the stories in my basket.

BABA YAGA'S STORY OF SASSAFRAS

by way, I believe, of Doug Eliott

Old woman and old man lived together and each did their chores and they were happy. One cold winter evening, coming in from tending the animals, old man ventured: "Old woman, when I'm out on such a cold night my feet stay warm because you knit me such fine warm socks. I wouldn't want you to think I was complaining, but my hands are cold. Do you think you could knit me some socks for my hands?

Old woman thought for a while, a short while, then she smiled and said: "Old man, I would love to knit some socks for your hands. And she took out her yarn, and she took out her needles, and click clack click clack, she knit socks for old man's hands.

Old man was very happy and his hands were warm. Still, one evening, coming in from tending the animals, old man ventured: "Old woman. I sure am happy. My hands are warm now, as warm as my feet in those fine socks you knit me. But I have to take those hand socks off to do some of the chores, times when I need to use my thumbs, and then my hands are cold. Do you think you could knit me some socks for my hands that had thumbs?

Old woman thought for a while; she thought for a good long while; she thought all that night and all the next day and well into the next night and all through the whole next day too. Late that evening, before the warming fire, after all the chores were done, she smiled and said: "Old man, I would love to knit some socks with thumbs and trigger fingers for your hands."

And she took out her yarn, and she took out her needles, and click clack click clack, she knit new socks - with thumbs - and trigger fingers - for old man. Then she took the old hand socks, the one with a thumb on the left and the one with the thumb on the right, and she tossed them out back, by the edge of the woods.

Neither old woman nor old man was happy with the new hand socks. The trigger fingers weren't next to the thumb, but across from it. They looked at each other and smiled.

Old man went out to do the chores with strange socks on his hands and old woman, she hardly had to think at all, this time. She took out her yarn, and she took out her needles, and click clack click clack, she knit socks with five thumbs for old man's hands.

It took some time, but when she was done with the last one, she gave them to old man with a grin. Then she took the hand socks with a thumb on each side and she tossed them out back, by the edge of the woods. And old man was very, very happy.

In the spring, out back, by the edge of the woods, a tree grew, with hand socks for leaves and the sweet smell of love lived long by two old folks. We call it sassafras.

Susun Weed

PO Box 64

Woodstock, NY 12498

Fax: 1-845-246-8081

Visit Susun Weed at: and

For permission to reprint this article, contact us at: susunweed@

Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world.

I have seen the movie The Secret at least 100 times I am sure –probably closer to 150 had I kept track! Never did I put together Dr. Ben Johnson's personal acquaintance with healing the body of illness/injury and disease until I began researching his story. As it turns out –he healed himself of Lou Gehrig's disease.

For those of you not familiar with this illness let me first explain its complexities and inform you that there is said to be no cure! The real name for the disease is sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or (sALS) but it also known as ALS. It is a progressive neuromuscular disease that attacks the motor nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord –thus leading to muscular atrophy –causing the muscles to waste away. The reference to Lou Gehrig is that he was a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame who played for the New York Yankees from 1923-1939 who contracted the illness and died from the disease on June 2nd 1941 in Riverdale New York. Because of his celebrity and his reported good nature it has come to be known as the disease that took his life –hence the attachment to his name.

Dr. Ben Johnson was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease and it is safe to say that had he not been lead to a series of techniques that have come to be known as the Healing Codes discovered by a gentleman by the name of Dr. Alex Lloyd –Ben Johnson would probably have died from his disorder. He used this process to not only rid himself of his affliction –but because of his own personal and miraculous recovery he began to train his entire staff at his Cancer Clinic in Atlanta, the very same principles behind this method of healing energy that he used to rid his body of ALS –so as to further assist his patients in their own contributions to meet their ailment with a sense of empowerment vs. a sense of fear and dread!

A few years ago the woman whom I referred to as "Mother" was stricken with a devastating form of cancer that is so rare the doctors didn't know what else to do except to give their all with Chemo and Radiation –in the end my hearts mothers was taken from us and I will never get to hear her voice, hold her close or see her again but the courage she showed throughout that battle was invaluable to me in my own life. I was not her biological offspring –yet she treated me as though I were and to hear that there are alternative resources out there that can be used in union with medicine as it is practiced in this country does my heart good. The body is designed to ward off illness –however, stress and negative thoughts and emotion can really breakdown the efficiency of the body's natural ability to repair and rejuvenate itself as well. That science is now investigating the power of the healing energy found within the human mind and producing various alternative options is a sign of the open-minded approach that focusing ones thoughts on recovery has to offer both doctor and patient alliance-based relationships!

There must be something to all this because the 3 stories in The Secret that tell of healing and recovery simply cannot be dismissed as luck or mere coincidence i.e. Healing: (Cancer –Cathy Goodman's Illness.) –Recovery: (Morris E. Goodman's mending after his horrendous plane crash.) and now as we have discovered in this article –Dr. Ben's Cure of ALS! I appreciate that in Dr. DeMartini's commentary in The Secret he explains how Doctors and Medicine are not to be dismissed –but instead encouraged with the use of mental fortitude and sound medical practice – I hope people are catching that little piece because if we are wise these resources are all a great shield to deflect and even defeat disease and illness. The Healing Codes are being used to give people insight to healing and if you Google info on it you can further explore it' philosophies as well. Or you can pave your own way to other solutions and means of recovery if you or someone you love is dealing with disease.

Karen Giardunio is an Internet Expert Author in the area of Internet/Network Marketing & Personal Development. She's mastered Free Forms of Traffic Generating online. She also earns Multiple Streams of Income with a FREE to join

Marketing System that can be used alone or to promote any business opportunity you may already be a part of! To learn more go to

Cathy's story is one that could be considered beyond uplifting or inspirational –it is an out-right miracle! If you log on to her spouses website (Morris E. Goodman) at you will see that before she received the blessing of Healing in her own life –she herself was the spectacular miracle in Morris' life after he recovered from a plane crash that left no hope for restoring his beaten and broken body from the paralysis and internal injuries that accident left him with. She and Morris were married on November 10th 1990 and little did they know at that time that Morris' story of positive and forward thinking would some day be re-awakened and prove invaluable in Cathy's life as well.

As told by Cathy she was diagnosed with breast cancer and her response was to go home and NOT think about the illness at all. She states in the movie The Secret that instead of concentrating on the cancer she put her attention elsewhere and that she truly believed in her heart with her strong faith that we had already been healed and that in her mind she saw herself as if cancer had never been in her body to begin with. She tells how she would walk around the house saying out loud "Thank you for my healing" over and over again. As she continues her story she explains to viewers that she and her husband would only watch funny movies because they believed that laughter would be an important part of her recovery and if she was laughing she wasn't thinking about anything to do with the diagnosis.

In just 3 short months Cathy got the word that the cancer was gone. The miracle here is that Cathy had decided early on not to take the conventional route and so this healing took place without any radiation or chemotherapy whatsoever! By sheer mind power and force of will Cathy was able to put the cancer behind her. Because her husband was able to heal himself from the massive injuries that the doctors believed would take his life Cathy knew first hand the valuable instrument the mind itself can play on the body and its own ability to heal itself. Because she accepted it for truth -her thoughts were able to work in harmony with her immune system and rid the cancer from her body entirely.

Cathy and her husband Morris are great examples of the old adage "mind over matter!" After all what else sustains our current sense of reality if it is not our mindset? Isn't it in the mind that we control the power over our own circumstances? Can we be hurt by someone's unkind words without first accepting in our mind to perceive the insult as "personal" if it isn't taken as a personal blow to our character how can we accept it as an insult? Until we welcome something can it really be real? These are the kind of insightful ideas a movie like The Secret is meant to provoke. It gives value and merit to opening ones mind and looking outside the confines of our ordinary day to day approach as well as our normal take on the world.

All in all, if nothing else, we can begin to at least consider what an invaluable asset the mind can be. More importantly still, we can evaluate the benefits of learning how to live in harmony with our thoughts in order to live a happier, healthier existence. What (or who) would that hurt…I'd wager on it hurting no one –and if that alone resulted in a peaceful resolve –maybe eventually somewhere down the line we could look at getting along with everyone around us as an option to entertain in our minds as well! Now what could (or would) that thought mean to the entire planet in the end? Cathy herself probably has a lot to say on these issues –I'd be willing to bet on it!

Karen Giardunio is an Internet Expert Author in the area of Internet/Network Marketing & Personal Development. She's mastered Free Forms of Traffic Generating online. She also earns Multiple Streams of Income with a FREE to join

Marketing System that can be used alone or to promote any business opportunity you may already be a part of! To learn more go to

Every woman around the world needs our help. Breast Cancer is now one of the highest killers of women globally, alarmingly affecting women as early as 20 years of age.

Join me in trying to make a difference to the lives of future generations, by creating awareness and donating to research. We cannot afford to be complacent as one never knows when the day will come that someone we love may need some help.

Below is my story. A story about a complete stranger, who passed away from breast cancer late last year, and the life changing impact she had on my life. I hope after you've read my story, you will understand how truly amazing these women are and like me want to help raise the much needed awareness and donations to create a better future for our mothers, sisters, wives, children and loved ones.

10 mths ago a complete stranger passed away from breast cancer….little did I know how she would change the direction of my life forever.

When Belinda Emmett passed away in November 2006, the loss was felt by many. For the last eight years she had become, to many women around the world, the face of courage, strength and shear determination in her battle with breast cancer. Though I did not know Belinda I had followed her story over the years always inspired by her strength and elated every time she went into remission which is why I was so saddened when I heard that she had finally lost her battle. It was that day that I decided I wanted to help, in whatever way I could, to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for this devastating disease.

My naiveté to breast cancer, having fortunately not been affected personally, lead me to seek out those who understood physically, mentally and emotionally the journey women diagnosed with breast cancer were facing. I joined breast cancer forums, spoke to women I new who had been touched by breast cancer personally and did as much research as I could to find out what I could do to help.

One morning after writing in my own diary I came upon the idea of a journal. After speaking with women currently going through treatment, I noticed a common thread from their feedback. Most had commented on how emotionally draining the whole breast cancer treatment was and how lonely they felt even when supported by loved ones. That made me think how helpful it would be to create a place where women diagnosed with breast cancer, could write their own thoughts and feelings as they travelled their own personal journey. After relaying my idea to some of the women I had met currently in remission from their breast cancer, their feedback lead me to believe I was onto a good idea. 8 mths months later and the beautiful 'Your Journey' breast cancer journal was born. A journal ready to not only help women through their journey with breast cancer, but to also raise much needed funds for two very important breast cancer foundations. The McGrath Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

A lot of time, thought and support has gone into the creation of this journal of which I am very proud and which has suitably been dedicated to the memory of Belinda Emmett.

It was important to me, that the cover of the journal not only depicted a woman's journey, but that it also be calming and inspirational, which is why I chose my dear friend Meredith to paint the cover. Meredith was able to capture beautifully in her painting, the emotions women face when travelling there own personal journey. Meredith has lost 3 members of her family to cancer, and most recently her best friend of over 20 years and was very proud to be a part of this journal.

The most rewarding experience I have had in the creation of this breast cancer awareness journal is the amazing women I have met along the way, 4 of which volunteered to contribute their own personal breast cancer survival stories. Each story is so very different, yet each one so incredibly inspiring. The one common theme between all of these women, was their new appreciation for what is really important in life, that being family, friends, happiness and health. These women have truly put life in perspective for me.

I have cried many tears of pure emotion from some of the amazing breast cancer support video clips, music and stories I have watched, heard and read over the many months creating this journal. I was in awe of the true bond that these women share with complete strangers from all over the world, giving each other hope, strength and support purely because they understand, care and genuinely want to help each other. There is so much the world could learn from these incredibly amazing women.

I know that my journal is only a very small contribution to the bigger picture, but it is a start.

Imagine if we all made a small contribution to finding a cure for breast cancer how much quicker that cure could be found.

If you would like to know more about the Your Journey journal please visit my website at :http:

Together we can make a difference.

What a paradox! Mesothelioma cannot be fully cured. This is one real fact. And the other is Mesothelioma can be cent percent prevented only if asbestos dust fibers are not allowed to mix in the atmosphere and pollute the air in which we respire. Isn't the saying that prevention is better than cure exclusively appropriate in this context?

To completely wipe out the presence of asbestos dust in the air the use of asbestos has to be totally put off. The law and order has to be made every strict to put a ban on the use of asbestos. Again an alternative for asbestos has to be figured out to serve such similar purposes where asbestos was used.

Let's hope that the day is near when no sign of Mesothelioma will be present in the human civilization. But now when the disease is taking a dangerous shape, all of us must become aware of it. How many types of Mesothelioma can attack your body and what type of treatments can be availed? This is something quite preliminary and each one of us must have knowledge about it.

Three types of Mesothelioma

 Pleural Mesothelioma

 Peritoneal Mesothelioma

 Pericardial Mesothelioma

These are the three types of Mesothelioma cancer known till date and among them the Pleural Mesothelioma is the most widespread whereas the Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rare type. A mere group of 5 percent becomes the victim of this rare type of cancer.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most known form of Mesothelioma affecting the workers of the asbestos industries. The Mesothelium covering around the lungs beneath your chest is badly affected by the asbestos dust. Slowly water starts accumulating in those cavities and take the shape of tumors. Initial symptoms pop up as pain across the chest, running out of breath and suffering from cough and cold. The initial diagnosis is often mistaken for influenza. But with time some other symptoms become prominent like weight loss, frequent fever and the coughing blood. Further medical tests confirm that you are actually suffering from Pleural Mesothelioma.

The treatment

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most appropriate means of treating the Pleural Mesothelioma patients. Better ways of treatment are under research and may be they can help the patient to get fully cured.

Surgical method is only used when the condition of the patient is really adverse and immediately the tumors have to be removed from the body. Surgery causes an immense pain to the body and it becomes tough to get back to the normal life, hence avoided in the first step.

Find more Mesothelioma and asbestos info online.

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Today, an estimated 5 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C - and most of them don't know it. That is 1 out of every 50 people.....and some will be people you know. One out of every 10 Veterans is infected, 62% of Vietnam Vets have it. Three people with Hep C die every day, two of them are Veterans.

Hepatitis C is considered an epidemic and is now killing more people than Aids/HIV...30,000 a year and it's going to get much worse. The number of adults seeking liver transplants for hepatitis C infection will skyrocket in the next 20 years. An estimated 10,000 to 30,000 Americans die from this disease each year. Deaths are estimated to increase because of the increasing risk of infection, and the resulting cirrhosis, portal hypertension, thrombocytopenia, bleeding from varices, and liver cancer. Five years ago, 20% of hepatitis C patients were candidates for liver transplantation and today the number has increased to about 50%.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), by the year 2008, the cases of decompensation will increase 279%, liver-related deaths 223% and the need for liver transplantation 528%. Considering that we don't have enough organs now and people die on transplant lists, far too many of those precious lives will be lost. For those fortunate enough to find a donor, the process costs roughly $300,000 during the first 3 months, and can be painful and incapacitating. Add to this the thousands of dollars for anti-rejection drugs and the costs of aftercare more frequent visits to health care facilities. The other option, debilitating and woefully ineffective chemo, runs into the tens of thousands of dollars and more and has success rates in the mere single digits

Hepatitis C is called the dragon, because it sleeps for many years and one day, suddenly, it wakes up and ends your life (people who got infected 20-30 years ago may just now find out). The Hepatitis C virus is very old and very smart.....it doesn't kill quickly like the old HIV virus or like the Ebola virus. Hepatitis C has chosen to infect the liver. The ONLY organ capable of regeneration. It simmers for many years, keeping its host alive. It is so smart it uses our own immune system against us.

Nobody knows exactly where it came from. During World War II, an unlicensed yellow fever vaccine was released to immunize our troops who were going to the South Pacific. To stabilize the vaccine, scientists used serum from Australian Aboregenese, hoping they were immune to endemic illnesses and that immunity would then be passed to our troops. Years later, it was discovered that 50% of the Aboregenese had Hepatitis B and C. A study done by the Veteran's Administration later PROVED that over 320,000 of our troops were infected. Thousands of them fell ill with hepatitis and hospitalized or quarantined in their barracks. When they came back home, they were encouraged to donate blood. A monster, with the power to mutate, had just been unleashed.

Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood only. That means blood transfusions with contaminated blood before 1992 (because blood was not screened), tatoos, body piercing, needle sticks, IV drugs with contaminated needles, manicures that made you bleed (instruments are not sterilized), sharing razors, toothbrushes, anything that could pass infected blood to your blood. Even doing IV drugs once could have given you the virus or sharing straws with someone that had nasal sores or bleeding.

A mutating virus for which there is no vaccine. It has many strains and substrains. By the time they figure something about it, it's already mutated into something stronger. 70-75% of people have genotype 1, the strain most difficult to treat. 95% of Veterans who have Hep C have genotype 1. The success rate with traditional modern medicine treatment is only about 50% and treatment is a whole year and side effects from the medications are cruel. For Veterans, success rate is only 19%....and sadly, even that treatment is approved for only 11.8% of them.

The Hepatitis C virus causes diabetes (40% of genotype 1 have diabetes), it affects the brain causing depression, it causes lung problems, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, Sjogren's, cardiac problems, skin problems, arthritis, stomach problems, anemia, fatigue, and of course, cirrhosis. After cirrhosis comes DECOMPENSATION. The liver stops working, the skin and sclera become yellow, your belly looks like you're pregnant, you're unable to process protein, you get anemic, confused, the kidneys stop working and many bleed to death.

Many of the people that are infected already have severe liver damage and don't know it....and they are going to be looking at herbal products to treat the symptoms they are having. What many people do not know is that there are at least three excellent inexpensive supplements that can be used for hepatitis. First of all, an aqueous extract of the oleander plant made according to the directions in the book "Cancer's Natural Enemy" (written by the author of this article) has had excellent results in treating hepatitis-C (the extract, commonly called "Oleander Soup", is best known as a remedy for treating cancer).

Secondly, the product Colloidal Silver has been used by a great many people who testify that it is second to none in treating hepatitis.

There is also an excellent herbal supplement treatment regimen for hepatitis that is all natural, inexpensive and extraordinarily effective. Most people in the United States are not familiar with the Berkson Clinical Study on Hepatitis-C, a study that was never published in the United States, despite Dr. Berkson's impressive credentials that include Rutgers, the Max Planck Institute and the Center for Disease Control (CDS) in Atlanta.

It has been suggested that the real reason the study has never been published in the states is due to the fact that liver transplants are highly profitable for mainstreams medicine, costing over $300,000 in the first three months alone, plus many thousands of dollars afterwards for anti-rejection drugs and aftercare.

In Doctor Berksons study, which was 100% effective in a limited study on advanced hepatitis-C patients who were facing either transplants or chemo, he used a combination of three commonly available and inexpensive natural supplements, along with healthy modificatioins in diet, exercise and lifestyle.

And what are the supplements? Milk thistle (silymarin), alpha-lipoic acid and selenium - all commonly available and inexpensive. I have used milk thistle for years, after reading long ago that it was deemed effective at not only protecting the liver but also in regenerating damaged livers by the German E Commission (their equivalent of the FDA). Now I take all three supplements to help offset a fondness for another natural substance - blue agave (smile).

In treating any disease or illness, it is usually an excellent idea to cleanse the body of toxins (toxins help promote disease and retard healing). A liver cleanse is a very good procedure to use to help treat hepatitis as well as a good one for anyone to use as part of a healthy anti-disease lifestyle. And, since good health begins in the gut, the same holds true for cleansing the colon. Liver and colon cleanses are widely available online and at retail natural health product outlets.

Live long, live healthy, live happy!

(With thanks to Sylvia from the Herbal Musings Forum for the Hepatitis-C background information)

More information about the Berkson Clinical Study can be found at Tony Isaacs is a natural health researcher and author of Cancer's Natural Enemy. He manages The Best Years in Life website and is a featured author for Utopia Silver.

There are several options available for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. The following are the normal procedures employed to determine whether a patient has skin cancer:

· Skin examination by a qualified individual to check for bumps or spots that may look unusual in terms of color, size, shape, or texture.

· A pathological examination (biopsy) procedure on a portion of the abnormal-looking growth to determine the presence of cancer cells. This can be accomplished in any of 3 methods: shave biopsy wherein a surgical razor is used to shave-off parts of the suspected growth; punch biopsy wherein an instrument called a trephine is used to remove a circle of tissue from the growth and excisional biopsy wherein the entire growth is removed surgically with the use of a scalpel.

Treatment and recovery of skin cancer depends significantly on the conditions or stage of the cancer, there is no sure fire method of treating and managing skin cancer as each case is unique to the individual and is also influenced by factors such as the type of the cancer, location and size of the tumor (whether it has metastasized or not) and the patient's overall health and physical condition.

In the traditional method of treatment, there are four options available.

Surgery: There are various surgical procedures employed for the treatment of the non-melanoma type of skin cancer.

· For superficial skin cancer Mohs micrographic surgery is the most common procedure wherein the tumor is gradually incised from the affected area of the skin in very thin layers and examined microscopically to verify the presence or absence of cancer cells. The procedure continues until the presence of cancer cells is negative.

· Simple excision is the surgical removal of a tumor including some of the surrounding skin tissues.

· Shaving the surface of the affected skin area with a surgical blade.

· Cutting the tumor from the skin with a sharp tool resembling a small spoon and then treating the edges of the immediate area of the cut with electrical current to stop and control bleeding and destroy remaining cancer cells.

· Another option is cryosurgery whereby the abnormal tissues are destroyed through freezing.

· Using laser to cut affected skin tissue or remove malignant tumor.

· Removal of the top layer of skin using a sander-type tool or skin defoliants to remove affected skin cells.

Radiation: Radiation cancer treatment therapy is the use of x-rays or radiation to destroy cancer cells. These can either be external by using a machine outside of the body or internal by introducing radioactive elements into or near the affected area.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to control the spread of cancer cells in the body. It can either be applied topically as a cream or lotion, orally or by intravenous and/or intramuscular injection into the patient's vein or muscle.

Photodynamic Therapy: The use of drugs in combination with laser to destroy cancer cells. The drug is injected into the patient's vein and remains inactive until it is subjected to laser via fiber optic tubes at which time it becomes active and kills the cancer cells.

There is one thing in common with all of the above mentioned traditional treatment options for skin cancer – they are generally invasive.

Although there is nothing wrong with the methodology, alternative methods of skin cancer treatment, which are now gaining acceptance in the West, espouse a holistic approach in the treatment of skin cancer or an illness. A holistic approach is geared towards the mental, physical and emotion aspects of the patient and not just the physical symptoms of the illness.

They proceed from the premise that an individual gets sick simply because his immune system is weak and can not fight the virus that attacks the system. For treatment to be successful, it is therefore necessary to strengthen a person's immune system including emotional and physical resources in order to combat threats to the body.

In the traditional model of Western medicine, once skin cancer is diagnosed and determined the only acceptable form of treatment is the clinical model. However, a study of the alternative approaches to prevention and treatment reveal that in consonance with the traditional method both can be very effective in treating advanced skin cancer.

Medical experts are aware that certain minerals and antioxidant vitamins that can be derived from fruits and vegetables help repair damaged body tissues and promote the regeneration of healthy skin.

Now, medical practitioners are advocating the use of alternative methods of skin cancer prevention and treatment through a healthy diet and active lifestyle in order to protect individuals from the harmful effects of sunlight – the number one factor directly related to skin cancer development.

An active and healthy lifestyle and regular exercise is necessary in order to combat skin cancer since even stress cause the weakening of the immune system which then makes individuals more prone to sickness.

With proper exercise such as yoga, tai chi, running and even acupuncture, the body's immune system can be made stronger even if skin cancer is already at an advanced stage.

Coupled with a healthy and nutritious diet, individuals stand a better chance to fight skin cancer and strengthen the immune system to fight off the malignant cancer cells.

One of the more promising discoveries is the effect of green tea towards skin cancer. Taken orally or applied topically, green tea shows a striking effect on the skin in relation to cancer and carcinogens because it is a natural antioxidant. Green tea antioxidants (medical term green tea polyphenols) show a remarkable ability to prevent and inhibit the growth of various types of skin cancers from basal cell carcinoma to melanoma in tests carried out on animals and human patients.

However, those already suffering from skin cancer should never self medicate. It is good practice to consult with your doctor regarding the use of traditional and alternative form of treatments since there may be an interference effect between the two when taken together. Discussing any alternative treatment options with your cancer doctor ensures faster recovery and future prevention.

If you have skin cancer and you would like to learn more about your skin cancer treatment options please visit the CancerB website for more detailed information and advice.

With all the hype and talk about this plant the past few months I thought I would address some of the myths and facts about this plant. Regardless if you believe this is a cure all fruit or a hoax, the plant and fruit itself is amazing.

Some of the basic common names for this fruit are: noni fruit, Indian mulberry, Morinda, hog apple, meng koedoe, mora de la India, ruibarbo caribe, wild pine

The Scientific or Medical name is: Morinda citrifolia

First, let preface this entry with the following statement. There is no scientific evidence that noni juice is effective in preventing or treating cancer or any other disease in humans. Although animal and laboratory studies have shown some positive effects, human studies are just getting started. Research is also going on to isolate various compounds found in the noni plant so that further testing can be done to find out if they may be useful in humans. Proponents claim that the noni fruit and its juice can be used to treat cancer, diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol, high blood pressure, HIV, rheumatism, psoriasis, allergies, infection, and inflammation. Some believe that the fruit can relieve sinus infections, menstrual cramps, arthritis, ulcers, sprains, injuries, depression, senility, poor digestion, atherosclerosis, addiction, colds, flu, and headaches. It is further claimed that the juice can heal scratches on the cornea of the eye. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

In saying this, many countries have been using this plant for centuries for holistic treatments and cures. In India, proponents use noni as a remedy for asthma and dysentery, and folk healers in the Pacific islands use it for many types of illness. In the United States, some noni juice distributors promote it as a general tonic, stress reliever, facial and body cleanser, and a dietary and nutritional supplement.

The Noni plant is a tropical evergreen tree that grows to about 10 feet tall in Tahiti, Pacific Islands, Asia, Australia, South America, Philippines, Caribbean and Southern States of the United States of America.

The history of the Noni plant is also unique. It is assumed to have originated in Asia and was distributed throughout the Pacific Islands by natural and man-made means. About 2000 years ago, ancient people of French Polynesia brought the Noni plant with them as a source of food and medicine, so it is assumed, when the colonized the islands around them. Even Captain James Cook in the 1700's wrote and observed the fruit was consumed in Tahiti and other small islands. It seems other publications in Fiji, Roratango, Australia, India, Roratango and the Philippines were eaten and used for medical purposes. The roots and bark of the Noni plant were scraped and pounded to form a yellow and red dye used to color clothes and clothing, and the leaves, bark and fruit were used for many different ailments.

No part of this plant seemed to go wasted, and is used as some form of medicine or food. Witch doctors and healers use the Noni leaves as bandages for wounds helping the healing to take place faster. Green fruits are crushed and the juice extracted as a remedy for lesions or sores. Root and bark is used to treat inflammation and infections. Each country had their own unique way of using this amazing plant for the people's needs and wants. Stories of fevers, skin disease, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, menstrual and urinary problems, diabetes and venereal diseases are just a few of the ailments that this fruit is said to cure.

Here is a small list of traditional uses that these countries use and claim.

Plant Part Used Traditional Medical Use

Stem: Jaundice, hypertension

Leaves, flowers, fruit, bark: Eye conditions, skin wounds, abscesses, gum and throat disease, respiratory ailments, constipation, fever, laxative

Fruit: Lumbago, asthma, dysentery (Indochina), head lice (Hawaii), wound poultice, broken bones, sores or scabs, sore throat, peeling and cracking of toes and feet, cuts, wounds, abscesses, mouth and gum infections, toothaches, appetite and brain stimulant food, boils, carbuncles, tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruises, rheumatism, stomach ulcers, hypertension, Philippines this is used for acne and skin problems.

Leaves: Relieves cough, nausea, colic (Malaysia), tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruising, rheumatism, bone fractures, dislocations, hypertension, stomach ache, diabetes, loss of appetite, urinary tract ailments, abdominal swelling, hernias, vitamin A deficiency

Stem: Jaundice, hypertension

Seed: Scalp insecticide, insect repellant

Fruit juice: Regulate menstrual flow, urinary tract problems, arthritis

Flowers: Sties

Modern Uses of Noni: ADD/ADHD, addictions, allergies, arthritis, asthma, brain problems, burns, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue, diabetes, digestive problems, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, gout, hypertension, immune deficiency, infection, inflammation, jet lag, multiple sclerosis, muscle and joint pain, polio, rheumatism, severed fingers, sinus, veterinary medicine.

The smell and taste of this plant is sometimes overwhelming, however the uses and medicinal value surely overcomes this distaste. The juice can be mixed with other juices to hide the taste and smell.

The plant itself grows well in almost any soil condition including sandy or rocky soil. The areas though, it seems to grow the best are on the volcanic mountain areas of the Pacific Islands. The flowers are small and white, and grow from the structure of the plant. It would seem the nectar is preferred by other honey eating insects. It will bloom year around when conditions are right. The fruit are 3-8 inches in length. The fruit starts our green then turns light yellow or even white when it ripens. The fruit is edible but again have a horrific smell and taste. Grows well in a container, seems to tolerate shade and will bear large amounts of fruit in a pot. If kept indoors the flowers must be hand pollinated for fruit. This plant can NOT take cold temps below 55F, so you must protect it during the winter. If it goes below 55 but stays about 32 the leaves fall of but the roots stay alive and the plant will grow once the weather turns warm and will still fruit the same year. We water ours once a day, but this is not necessary. We have an automatic water system for our plants to help the growing process.

Peter Dixon Owner of Nipa Hut Gardens and Gifts offers a wide array of Free Gardend Ebooks and Garden Articles as well asproducts for the whole family, which are usually not found in the large retail stores and include, rare fruit trees, plants, vines, flowers, Free Garden Ebooks, Free Business Ebooks, Digital books, Digital programs and more. Visit his website at

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble nutrient that is found not only in natural foods, but is also manufactured by the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. And, it may come as a surprise to many to know that this single Vitamin has the potential to not only strengthen our bones and teeth, but is also known to protect against cancer, TB, diabetes, arthritis, the flu and even the common cold.

It's ironic however, that despite accessibility to the outdoors, most people aren't getting sufficient quantities. Variations in blood concentrations can result through seasonal conditions, where cold weather protective clothing and the sun's angle in the winter sky limit the amount ultraviolet light that actually reaches the skin. Additionally, skin color and dietary intake, through balanced nutrition or vitamin supplements all affect vitamin D levels in the body.

Amazingly, when the sun's rays hit the skin, the body converts a cholesterol-type compound into vitamin D. And, it only takes 10 to 15 minutes of exposure on the arms or legs to synthesize an adequate daily dose of the nutrient. However, the place where a person resides will have a significant effect on the skin's exposure to the more direct UV rays.

Inhabitants of the more tropical regions will typically have sufficient levels of vitamin D. However, studies reveal that people throughout the industrial world aren't so fortunate. Individuals in more temperate and colder climates aren't reaching the levels currently recommended to protect the health of bones and teeth, much less the even higher concentrations that research has indicated can provide the additional health and cancer prevention benefits.

It's not too difficult to get the required levels if you happen to be white skinned with your body exposed to the sun wearing nothing more than a bathing suit at mid-day in mid-summer, no matter where you happen to be located. Truth is, the human body can generate 10,000 to 12,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D from a half-hour of summer-sun exposure.

Unfortunately, when heeding dermatologists' warnings about preventing skin cancer, by limiting sun exposure and using a sunscreen, not to mention wearing a hat, long sleeve and long pant clothing, most individuals aren't able to take advantage of this least expensive and most efficient source of this important vitamin.

Recommended food and other nutritional sources of vitamin D include dairy products, predominantly fortified milk, the meat of oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel, dark green leafy vegetables, including spinach and broccoli, dry cereal or cereal grain bars as well as, a variety of nutritional supplements.

When vitamin D deficiencies do occur they are usually the result of inadequate dietary availability or intake, increased bodily requirement, increased losses through bodily excretion, impaired absorption and/or utilization by the body where the kidneys cannot convert vitamin D into its active hormonal form. Or, in cases where someone is unable to adequately absorb vitamin D from within the digestive tract, and of course, in situations where there is limited exposure to sunlight.

Daily diets that are deficient in Vitamin D are generally associated with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, and strict vegetarianism. Even infants who are fed only breast milk will also receive insufficient amounts of vitamin D, unless they otherwise receive appropriate levels of vitamin D supplementation.

In children, vitamin D deficiency causes the condition known as rickets, which is a bone disease characterized by a failure to properly mineralize bone tissue. Rickets results in soft bones and skeletal deformities. Surprisingly, prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D supplementation is one of the most significant causes of the reemergence of rickets. Additional causes can include extensive use of sunscreen products or even increased utilization of day-care facilities, which can result in decreased outdoor activity and lack of sun exposure among younger children.

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to a weakened skeletal structure. Low levels of vitamin D may also increase the risk of developing all forms of cancer.

Unfortunately, obtaining sufficient levels of vitamin D from natural food sources is no easy chore. The established RDA is 200 IU, but many researchers agree the number should fall somewhere between 1,000 IU and 2,000 IU, to lower the risk of cancer and strengthen the immune system. So, for most people, maintaining healthy blood concentrations of this important vitamin will require consuming a balance of vitamin D fortified foods, as well as, ensuring adequate exposure to sunlight.

Choosing headwear can be challenging at the best of times. Whether it is that spectacular hat for a special occasion, or just keeping your head and ears warm on a winter's day, you have to get it just right. Get it wrong and you get it REALLY wrong!

One-offs, fashion statement or simple practicalities, however you decide to use headwear, it's a very personal choice. But because of its inherent prominence, being on the 'top' of on our heads, it needs to suit us, make us look, and feel great, and above all we should feel completely comfortable when wearing it.

So how do you make sure you get it right?

Understanding your face shape is the first step. The shape of your face is a key factor in selecting the best headwear for you.

However, colour is also a huge influence on what works and what doesn't for each individual. When you wear colours near your face, light reflects off it and this can cast either flattering tones or dark shadows over your face, depending on your skin tone – this is why it is helpful to work out the best colours for you.

There is a psychological aspect to colour too. Soft and light tones, for example, make us seem approachable and may help us feel calmer, whereas brighter, more vibrant colours may come across as "go getting" and make us feel cheerful.

Historically, colour analysis provides a framework to help us understand what colours suit each person, and how individuals can look their best, by combining their 'personal best' colours together.

The process of determining your best colours is done by analysing hair and eye colour along with skin tone, producing instantly visible results in your style choices. If you are experiencing hair loss, through chemo treatment, alopecia, lupus, trichotillomania (hair pulling) or the female equivalent of male baldness – androgenetic alopecia, this could be seen as a challenge.

Not so. Although it doesn't necessarily make it an easier process, it certainly removes one of the factors you need to consider right now. Without our hair to dominate our features there is a clear choice, the next most prominent aspect of our faces is our eyes.

Many people believe that our eyes are the windows to our souls. In terms of colour analysis, they are also the windows to our personalities and therefore our inner (and resulting outer) style. Our personalities are fundamental in the way we communicate with people and so choosing the right colours to match our personalities is important to getting it right.

For the 1.6 million women in the UK who are now coping with significant hair loss*, a good way to improve self image and confidence is to gain a better understanding of their personal colouring and to experiment with colours they like.

What colours would suit me?

• If you have light coloured eyes, pale blue, grey or light green eyes, you will look better in light coloured headwear. Black would simply be too harsh and severe and cast dark shadows over your face. Choosing a stone or pewter-coloured piece of headwear will result in a more flattering look.

• If you have dark coloured eyes you will look better in rich coloured and darker headwear.

• If you have green, brown or blue eyes with freckles on your skin or a golden glow, you will look great in warm colours such a chocolate brown or coral pink.

• Women with grey, blue, green or clear brown eyes with pink undertones to your skin then you look best in "cool" colours such as grey or sky blue.

• Are your eyes bright and shiny, often remarked upon by others or called jewel-like? Whether they are blue, green or topaz, they are usually the first thing people notice about you. You look best in brighter colours such as emerald, turquoise or blush pink to bring out the sparkle in your eyes and more muted colours such as taupe and pewter should be livened up with brighter shades from your pallet.

• Do you have eyes that are a soft and muted colour - blue, brown, hazel or green or that often change in colour? You need soft muted colours such as natural beige or cocoa to enhance yourself and avoid being overpowered by colours that are too strong for you.

Colour Matching

Eye Colour Subtle Headwear Colours Vibrant Headwear Colours

Light Stone or Pewter Light Apricot or Geranium Red

Dark Black or Burgundy Purple or Scarlet Red

Warm Chocolate Brown or Moss Green Aqua or Terracotta

Cool Grey or Dark Navy Sky Blue or Hot Pink

Bright Taupe or Pewter Emerald Turquoise or Blush Pink

Soft Natural Beige or Cocoa Jade or Soft Violet

When you master your own personal colouring you will find people will start talking to your eyes and this inevitably draws attention away from any hair loss.

Try standing in front of a mirror and see the effect that different colours have on your own individual look. Remember too, co-ordinate your make-up in a way you are comfortable with – more hints and tips about this coming soon.

What do I do next?

1. Analyse your personal colouring

2. Work out which colours suit you best

3. Understand what colours you feel great in

4. Understand your face shape - more information on the Suburban Turban website

5. Then start FEELING GREAT!!

*Statistical information quoted from 'The hope and hair restorer...' Norman Miller, The Times Saturday, November 11 2006.

| Contact: nicky@suburbanturban.co.uk |

Tel: 0845 003 2 800

Nicky Zip is the founder and managing director of Suburban Turban: fashionable and stylish headwear for women suffering from hair loss.

With over 20 years experience in creative design and millinery, Nicky has spent the last 10 years designing and making hats for the English season, including Ascot races, Henley-on-Thames Royal Regatta and racing at Goodwood. Nicky's hats have also been seen at Buckingham P