Archive for June, 2008

Is Natural Progesterone the Best Choice for Me?

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Zeitlin] Natalie Zeitlin Is natural progesterone the best choice for my 40 something body? My gynecologist gives me that look whenever I mention using any natural substance, but what is truly best for me? My grandmother followed her gynecologists advice to the letter, developed breast cancer & died. So pardon me if I have a few questions. For those of us who are taking natural hormones, such as bioidentical progesterone, how much do we take? How long do we take it? Will our bodies adjust? Most of us start taking progesterone to balance it out with our high estrogen level., There are so many ingredients in our lotions, makeup, laundry detergent, shampoos & deodorants that cause xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens), not to mention the excess estrogens we are exposed to through pesticides, plastics and meats. These xenoestrogens are causing estrogen dominance in our bodies, which may cause pms, foggy brain, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, breast cysts, testicular cancer, mood swings, etc. According to Dr John Lee in his book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause One of progesterones most important and powerful roles in the body is to balance or oppose estrogen. When our progesterone levels are in balance, excess estrogen is better handled. The fall of progesterone levels at menopause is proportionately much greater than the fall of estrogen levels. Also from his book The uterus is one of the first organs to manifest symptoms when a womans hormones are out of balance. Two of the most common uterine symptoms of premenopause syndrome are an enlarged uterus and uterine fibroids. How many 40 something women do you know with a flat stomach? It might be a nationwide problem, but what is being done to clean up our environment & to help us get these xenoestrogens out of our bodies? Estrogen dominance affects everyone differently. For me it was breast cysts and uterine fibroids. My doctors, and I have seen many, would ask me if I wanted to keep my uterus. Like its disposable! OF COURSE I WANT TO KEEP IT! I may want more children, & dont give me that look again! So I began the research. Dr. Lees book suggests that, after taking an ultrasound of the fibroids, women with fibroids can take one oz of progesterone cream from days 10, 11 or 12 of the cycle, to days 26 to 30. After 3 months, have another ultrasound done to see the results. If the fibroid has gotten smaller, or at least not gotten any bigger, continue with the progesterone until menopause. I tried the progesterone, for years, along with reducing xenoestrogens from my environment. The migraines before my periods went away. The breast tenderness before my periods went away. Then THEY RETURNED. I thought I might have exposed myself to more xenoestrogens so I INCREASED MY PROGESTERONE! My symptoms got worse. I then had my hormones checked. My estradiol was low & my progesterone was high. These same symptoms were now caused by Progesterone Dominance! According to Dr. Mercola, progesterone is stored in fat cells for up to 2 years! Is this really the best solution for me to balance my hormones? In my research I have come across an herb/root grown organically high in the Andean Mountains in Peru that is worth looking into. Its called Maca. It is suppose to adapt to the bodys needs and support menopausal health. It works with the body, the pituitary & hypothalamus, to bring about healthy balanced hormones. Maca is not a hormone, but a food that helps the body balance itself. I would much rather take something natural that helps my body get itself back into balance, than try & guess how much of a particular hormone to take. Natalie Zeitlin has researched this topic & is webmaster of [http://www.no-more-toxins.com] http://www.no-more-toxins.com. Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Zeitlin ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Zeitlin [http://ezinearticles.com/?Is-Natural-Progesterone-the-Best-Choice-for-Me?&id=150979 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Natural-Progesterone-the-Best-Choice-for-Me?&id=150979 instructions for payday by parker brothers christmas cash advance no credit check bad credit real estate loan no credit check paper checks paydayloans

Dating And Sexual Confidence Series Pt 7 - Is Sexiness A Part Of Some People’s DNA?

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

By Christine Akiteng Is sexiness a part of some peoples DNA? No, seriously is it? Extensive evidence says that both men and women form a schema of sexy according to media and fashion stereotypes about sexiness. They first look for men/women who fit media and fashion model stereotypes, because thats what weve been told sexiness is; then start realizing that’s not where the sexiness is. So where is the sexiness? But before we get to that, where isn’t the sexiness? Not in good looks It’s true that some people are born better looking than others and that mere fact makes them more noticeable compared to those of us not born with great looks. But study after study shows that sexy people are not any more good looking or better dressed than the average looking person. Sexiness goes beyond conventional good looks and certainly beyond prada and amani. Some good looking, well dressed people can be lookers, but hardly “sexy”. Not in trying too hard - Sexiness is something that you either have or you dont. Any trying too hard to be sexy can be the unsexiest thing there is, especially if its uselessly and needlessly out-there. If it looks like you spent hours on it or if you are working it too hard, it can seem like a flat detail on a painting precisely done for no added value. It is the sheer effortless and easy nonchalance with which genuinely sexy people achieve their sexiness that makes them sexy. They never try to be sexy, they just are sexy. Not in second guessing - Regardless of whether you have good looks or not, if you do not believe deep down inside that youre sexy - you are not. You can pretend for the real or imagined cameras (hey, look at me, I’m trying to do sexy, but I feel like shit) but if you are posing just to appear sexy, its not sexy. Not in age - They say beauty wears thin but sexiness increases with age. As you will see below, a lot of what constitutes sexy is really how we communicate our inner confidence and inner youthfulness to others. You can fool some people some of the time but you cant fool all people all of the time. The attempt to fool people into believing youre younger than you are just makes you appear less confident about your inner beauty which is your inner youthfulness. If sexiness is not in any of the usual suspects, what is it about some people that we can’t help but be drawn to their magic, even if only in small doses? Lets look at just ten feral qualities that these people have in common, qualities that intrigue us, that seem to calls us by name, and taunt us with fantasies 1. The look of mischief a look that has laughter and delight in the eyes. They have a touch of untamed naughtiness under their omniscient gaze a window to the soul. 2. Sophisticated mysteriousness elegant yet edgy, rugged but still polished, friendly yet reserved. They posses a sort of captivating unknown or “dissonance” that keeps our “want to know” minds on edge. 3. Relaxed vulnerability a kind of carefree childlike fearlessness. They put themselves out there partly because they feel secure enough to just be themselves. 4. Self-assured confidence - fundamental ease in their own skin. They stride into a room with poised surety that their aura compels us to notice them. 5. Wit and Humour wise, funny and generous with their time and their presence. They can cheer up mundane situations and experiences. 6. Lavish sensuousness - a peculiar mingling of voluptuous pleasure and vibrant soulfulness. They are in every bit immersed in the depth and richness of their beingness. 7. Health and abundance physical fitness, resources, abilities. Whatever they have, they are content and that makes it look like they have it in plenty 8. Heartfelt sincerity genuineness, simplicity, openness. They show strong and authentic emotions and affection. 9. Exuberant vitality passion, intensity, drive, bounce - that reveals both the fire and desire within. They are positively overflowing with genuine appetite for life - and for living. 10. Human warmth - kindness, compassion, approachability. They are interested in others and are interesting themselves. The good news is that, these are all qualities that we all have within - some in smaller amounts than others. The REALLY good news is that its not that hard at all to develop these qualities to fully blossoming levels. All we have to do is remove the mental, emotional, social and spiritual blocks obscuring what is our innate radiance. Innate radiance? Hmm, in this sense we can say sexiness is in everybody’s DNA. Once you start embodying one quality, it will cause another one to follow suit, then another and another. Ive seen men and women literally transform into wholesomely sexy people (without any plastic surgery) that I am like You Sexy Thing! Where Did You Come From? About the Author: Christine Akiteng, Internationally renowned Sexual Confidence/Dating Coach and author of ebook: The Art Of Seducing Out Of Fullness is helps men and women cultivate that NATURAL EASE that draws the opposite sex in without you trying, without you putting effort into attracting them, and without the mental stress and emotional frustration of today’s dating dynamics. Christine’s websites: http://www.torontosnumber1datedoctor.com and http://www.theartofseducingoutoffullness.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Akiteng http://EzineArticles.com/?Dating-And-Sexual-Confidence-Series-Pt-7—Is-Sexiness-A-Part-Of-Some-Peoples-DNA?-&id=424336 no credit check motorcycle personal loans for 80000 payday jones auto title personal loans

Buying Crafting Supplies Online

Sunday, June 15th, 2008

By Lorna Findlay The Internet is a great resource for anyone with any kind of hobby, including crafters. Online, you can find a wealth of knowledge, from how to do a certain craft technique to ideas for using certain products. Sometimes, there are even pictures and videos posted online so you can follow along with the instructions, step by step. However, by far the greatest resource for crafters online is the many shopping websites. Beads, clay, glue, paint, and much, much more-you can find it all online. When you’re shopping for craft supplies online, keep a few things in mind to help your search and purchase transactions go smoothly. First and foremost, be sure you trust the company from which you are buying. Remember that you’re going to have to give them your credit card information, so if the company looks questionable, consider buying somewhere else. A good place to start is to search for companies you already know in real life to see if they have a website where you can buy online. That way, you can be sure to get what you want without any problems. Another thing to keep in mind is the shipping and handling prices you’ll have to pay. Of course, it is very convenient to be able to shop any time of day or night and in your bathrobe. However, some companies charge outrageous shipping prices to make up for the cost of having the website, packing the boxes, and so forth. Many people like to shop for bargains online. Remember, those prices may not be so low once you reach checkout and have to pay for shipping! Check on these charges before you begin selecting craft supplies to put into your virtual shopping cart. Also, always be sure to check out an online company’s return policy. If you order ten packages of glass Christmas ornaments and half of the balls are broken when they get to your home, you should be able to call the company for a refund or exchange. However, it doesn’t always work like that. Some companies have policies that damage due to shipping are not their responsibility. Others ask you to buy shipping insurance at checkout and if you don’t, damages aren’t covered. Be sure that you understand the company policies before you buy. Shopping online can be easy and fun. If you purchase a lot of craft supplies every year, you should consider trying to find better prices online. There are both advantages and disadvantages to working with online companies, so be sure to understand these before you place your order. Visit TheGreatBigCraftShop.com for all your craft supplies and accessories. Both US and UK stores are available. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lorna_Findlay http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Crafting-Supplies-Online&id=519028 business llc payday loan self employed no checking account payday loans paycheck tax calculator no doc cash loans

Preventing Setbacks: Compulsive Eating, Binge Eating, And Eating Addictions

Saturday, June 7th, 2008

By Annette Colby On your journey to moving past using food to cope with lifes difficulties, you will experience good days and bad days. It takes a lot of work to develop self-compassion and much practice utilizing new ways of thinking and acting. It is my belief that what is commonly referred to as relapses or set-backs are not a step back in time, but an important experience needed to gain new understandings and to strengthen new choices. When a relapse does occur it does not happen spontaneously, but occurs with a process of thoughts, ideas, attitudes, emotions and behaviors. Meaning that a series of circumstances occur which progressively lead to choosing food as a coping mechanism. A person doesnt suddenly find themselves overwhelmed by the need for food. There are warning signs along the way. These warning signs show up in mental thoughts and attitudes, physically felt emotions, and expressed behaviors and actions. Relapse warning signs often build up slowly until they become overpowering. Once they are overpowering, you may experience a loss of control of thinking, emotions, memory, judgement and behavior. Often, we have not taught ourselves to be aware of our warning signs. And if you are not aware that you are headed down a slippery slope, it may be too late when you find yourself at the bottom. Therefore, it is important to find a way to recognize and monitor your relapse warning signs. If you are prepared and recognize the pattern that is happening, you can be more empowered the next time. Relapse is usually caused by a combination of factors. Some possible factors and warning signs are included in the list below: APPETITE Increase in obsessive thinking about food and weight Sudden increase or decrease in appetite Weight gain or loss Skipping meals Eating only diet foods Food rules become more pronounced SOCIAL INTERACTION Isolating Withdrawn behavior Not relying on people for support Change in sleep patterns Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much Loss of daily structure MEDICATION Use of alcohol Use of mood altering chemicals Increase in smoking, cigarettes, caffeine Numbing out with excessive shopping, sex, busyness, internet, etc. Excessive exercise HOSTILITY Verbal or physical threats Desire to hurt self or others Angry outbursts Destruction of property APPEARANCE Decreased personal hygiene or self-care Increased use of make-up Bizarre dreams Daily weighing Excessive exercising THOUGHT PROCESS Perfectionistic attitudes Setting unrealistic goals Believing you will be happy and successful if thin Feeling of being “too fat”, even though people say otherwise Obsessive thinking Dwelling on past hurts, resentments, anger, or failures Being too hard on yourself Forgetting gratitude Feeling disgusted after eating Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly Difficulty remembering things Confused or distracted Wanting to escape from stressful situations instead of dealing with them MOOD Exhaustion Tearfulness Irritability Unusual or unprovoked anxiety Feeling hopeless about work, relationships or life Depression Feeling powerless or helpless Self-pity Complacency Conscious lying / dishonesty Loss of self-confidence Loneliness Frustration Anger Tension Disappointment, shame, guilt Constant boredom - irritability - lack of routine Feeling overwhelmed - confused - useless -stressed out SUICIDE Thoughts of suicide Preoccupation with death Devising a suicide or self-harm plan Self-destructive behavior Cutting Feeling that nothing can be solved Wishing something would magically happen to rescue you A relapse rarely happens suddenly. We can teach ourselves to notice the progressive warning signs that lead to a relapse in our behavior. Most people have never been taught to identify and manage the warning signs, so they dont notice them until the pain becomes to severe to ignore. If you can learn to identify your warning signs, you may be able to intervene early and keep symptoms from escalating. Use this form to circle your relapse signs, or write a list of personal warning signs that lead you back into your food patterns. By identifying things that put us at risk for relapse, developing a practical plan of action, and utilizing various new skills, tools and coping behaviors, we can empower ourselves and reduce the frequency of lapse back into our addictive behaviors. If and when a relapse does occur, do not judge or blame, you are not a bad person. Seek progress, understanding and compassion, not perfection. COMMON TOOLS TO HELP IN A TIME OF CRISIS: Regular journaling to monitor progress Regular journaling for gratitude Attending support meetings or OA Reaching out by telephone (print a list of people to call ahead of time) Prayer or meditation seeking guidance Reading inspiration books or poems A written plan of action A written list of things to do when symptoms increase or cravings begin Relaxation techniques Deep breathing exercise Helping others Talking to friends or counselors (For more ideas on tools to utilize during a crisis, see articles posted at www.LovingMiracles.com under the Healing Articles section of the website). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Helping people let go of self-destructive thoughts, emotions, and behaviors has been the life work of Dr. Annette Colby. Her fascination with the power of the mind, emotions, spirituality, and physicality has led her to become a leader in the field of personal growth and consciousness. She is a valued counselor, and an inspiring teacher, as well as an independent writer, mentor, and guide. She is a highly sought-after trainer with a unique ability to inform and inspire individuals to open their hearts, love more openly, and pursue their dreams. Dr. Annette Colby, RDNutrition Therapist & Master Energy Therapist Subscribe to our FREE content filled newsletterand see why its been called the best e-zine on the net! http://www.LovingMiracles.comMiracles@AnnetteColby.com972.985.8750″Opening Creative Portals to Success” Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annette_Colby http://EzineArticles.com/?Preventing-Setbacks:-Compulsive-Eating,-Binge-Eating,-And-Eating-Addictions&id=30446 bad credit auto loan bay area i want to broker personal loans money lenders in singapore no fax payday cash advance

Creative Coping: What is Depression?

Sunday, June 1st, 2008

By John Duggan Depression is a serious illness, not a harmless part of life. As a psychotherapist recovering from a past experience of major clinical depression, I bring unique experiences to this dis-ease. I explainto clients how my experience is informed by academic study (”head” knowledge) and personal experience (empathy and “heart” knowledge.) There are many metaphors, poetic descriptions and analogies seeking to express the emotional content of a depressive experience. Perhaps one of the most vivid: “it is similar to an emotional toothache, with no hope for solace.” Any form of depression is a complex disorder with a variety of causes, including genetic, chemical, physical, and sociological. It is also influenced by behavior patterns learned in the family and by cognitive distortions. Technically, the words “depression” is inaccurate — there are many forms of “depressions” (plural). Nonetheless, all types of depression are a “whole body” concern — mood disorders impact our physiology, biochemistry, thoughts, behaviors and capacity to make clear decisions. Here’s the key; there is no shame or weakness if one lives with a mental health concern. It is important (critical) to be certain that an appropriate assessment and treatment plan is established. Like any other disease, if left untreated … it often becomes worse. Depression affects thousands of people in the United States. It is always troubling, yet for some people it can be severely disabling. Depression is more than just sadness or the blues; it can impact nearly every aspect of a persons life. People who suffer from it may experience despair and worthlessness, feelings that can greatly influence both personal and professional relationships. In this handout, many of the factors which evoke depression are described, and strategies for preventing depression are explored. When a person suffers from depression, it can affect every part of his/her life, including ones physical body, behavior, thought processes, mood, ability to relate to others, and general lifestyle. Many folks report body aches, insomnia, lack of interest and difficulty with decision (including ordinary issues, such as “What do I want for dinner?”). WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? People diagnosed with clinical depression typically have a combination of symptoms, including: - Feelings of hopelessness, even when there is reason to be hopeful - Fatigue or low energy - Greatly reduced interest or pleasure in most regular activities - Low self-esteem - Feelings of worthlessness - Excessive or inappropriate guilt - Lessened ability to think or concentrate - Indecisiveness - Distorted thoughts and having an unrealistic view of life - Weight gain or loss - Appetite changes - Sleeping pattern changes - Recurrent thoughts of death - Suicidal thoughts - Specific plan for committing suicide - Suicide attempt - Feelings of restlessness or being slowed down When a person suffers from depression, his/her symptoms cause significant distress or impairment in family, social, and occupational relationships, as well as other important areas of life. Such symptoms are not the result of a chronic psychotic disorder, substance abuse, a general medical condition, or bereavement. Depression may include feelings of sadness but is not the same as sadness. Depression lasts much longer and involves a loss of self-esteem, which sadness does not. People who are depressed function less productivity; people who are sad or disappointed continue to function. CONCLUSION Any form of depression is a “full-body” issue. It impacts our mind, body, spirit and emotions. If you or someone you know experiences any of these feelings or behaviors, seek assistance of a qualified mental health professional. This is a medical condition which can be treated … and it’s not a sign of weakness, failure or a valid source for shame. “Creative Coping” is a series of mental wellness articles written and distributed by www.dcDiversity.com. This series is dedicated to our human capacity for resiliency, wellness and transformation. Learn about “Who Get’s Depression,” “Paths to Wellness,” and discover how to “Create a Recovery Program” in future articles! After a career in broadcast media, John Duggan, M.A., NCC, LCPC embraced a contemplative transformation and earned graduate degrees in Counseling Psychology and Theology. He taught at university, worked at mental health clinics and is now a full-time as a psychotherapist/mentor. John shares personal passion with folks seeking mind-body-spirit-emotional wellness, resiliency and integral psychology. Contact John (info_at_dcdiversity.com). Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Duggan http://EzineArticles.com/?Creative-Coping:-What-is-Depression?&id=228371 secured personal loan credit loan military payday problem free examples of agreements between two people for a money loan fast cash low fees