Dermatologists Offer Advice to Parents on How to Talk to Teens About Acne

by: ARA Content (ARA) - Acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, involving 85 percent of the population at some point in their lives. Approximately 20 million teenagers have acne. "Acne can be especially emotionally devastating for teens because they are extremely conscious of their appearance and their image," says Hilary Baldwin, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the State University of New York at Brooklyn. "Several studies have shown that acne sufferers can experience everything from decreased self-esteem and problems with body image to depression and anger." Dermatologists encourage parents to seek medical treatment for teenagers with acne and warn against taking a "wait and see" approach. "Many parents are often stuck in the mindset of past generations that nothing can really be done about acne," says Sandra Swanson, a Charlotte, N.C. dermatologist. "They still believe in those old wives' tales that chocolate, pizza, french fries, and their child's hygiene habits are to blame, and that pimples can be healed or prevented by simple lifestyle changes." Avoiding treatment, however, can make acne worse and may increase the chance for permanent scars. "The ultimate goal of acne therapy is to help clear up the pimples you have and to prevent the occurrence of future breakouts," says Larry Green, assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine. "In general, if your child is not responding to home remedies and over-the-counter treatments after one month, it's a good idea to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists have a greater chance for long-term success if treatment is started sooner rather than later." On www.caringforyourskin.com, dermatologists from around the country offer advice to parents on how and when to talk to teens about acne and acne treatment, and share some of the common mistakes they see parents make during their child's treatment. Perhaps the most common mistake parents make occurs during the first visit to the dermatologist's office. Too often, parents monopolize the conversation with the doctor and do not give their child a chance to verbalize his/her feelings. "For those parents, I let them know in no uncertain terms that this is not their condition, but rather the child's condition and I need to hear from him/her," says Omaha, Neb. dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, M.D. "I think it is imperative that parents be there at the first visit and always be available to discuss issues such as medication, but direct communication between doctor and patient is critical to successful treatment." "As far as supporting their child's acne treatment is concerned, most parents do really well," says Katie Rodan, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, Calif. "I like to have parents in the room because I want their input regarding oral vs. topical medications and other issues that arise where I may need their consent. I also like parents to know the treatment regimen because they can help their kids find a workable routine and can give 'soft' reminders to use the medications." "Parents play an integral role during treatment," says Montclair, N.J. dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D. "They need to be supportive and encouraging, but must resist the impulse to nag or criticize, as it could have a counter-effect (i.e., the child may elect to rebel by not complying with the doctor's instructions)." Dr. Downie generally provides her teen patients with written instructions they can put in visible places (such as a bathroom mirror) to serve as gentle reminders. "This gives them a sense of ownership to the treatment plan." For more advice on "Talking to Your Teen About Acne," and other skincare topics, visit www.caringforyourskin.com. Tips for teens are available on www.pimpleportal.com. The site offers information about the causes of acne, how it can be controlled, dispels common myths about the condition, and offers information about a variety of over-the-counter and prescription treatments. Visitors can also ask a panel of dermatologists questions about acne, makeup, and subjects ranging from skin to nails to hair.

How To Get A Good Night's Sleep!

by: Michele Carelse Do you remember when you were little and it seemed as though sleep overcame you as soon as your head hit your pillow? And you slumbered through the night until morning time? They call it the sleep of the innocent, but don't you wish you could sleep like that again? Adult responsibilities, stress, lifestyle and other worries often result in poor sleep habits and once the cycle of tossing and turning begins, it is difficult to return to a decent night's sleep. Many adults rely on prescription drugs to fall asleep and quite a few are addicted to them! Others 'self medicate' and use alcohol and other recreational drugs to try and fall asleep. If you are regularly struggling to sleep well, then you probably need to learn to fall asleep again! So let’s go back to basics! And who better to consult than babies! After all babies are the experts at sleeping so why not learn a little from them! Apart from their age and body clock, there are specific reasons that babies fall asleep so well. Let’s have a look at a few of them and see if we can’t borrow some of the tricks! ROUTINE: Most parents try very hard to get their children into a routine. Regular bedtimes, bath times and mealtimes are something to strive towards. Of course, one cannot be too rigid, but a child on a regular routine will feel secure and will be able to ‘predict’ his environment more easily. It also helps his body clock to start the process of winding down before he actually gets to bed. He knows that after supper comes his bath, a story, a prayer and a good night kiss. When his head hits the pillow, he is ready to meet the sandman! So try and follow this example. Start a night time routine. Make your evenings more or less predictable along the lines of supper, bath and bed. For at least three weeks try and follow this simple routine and go to bed at the same time each night – about 8 hours before it is time to get up. Wear soft comfortable and cozy nightwear, specifically for sleeping (remember flannel pyjamas?) EXERCISE: This is something kids do lots of! They don’t stop running around for a minute! Now I am not suggesting that you start running around wherever you go, but regular exercise is one of the best sleep aids around! It’s also free and healthy and has lots of good side effects. Take up a sport, go to the gym or start regular walks. You won’t regret it! HAVE PEACEFUL EVENINGS: How many times don’t you hear parents saying to their kids “Calm down now, it’s nearly bed time”. Or “You’d better stop running around – you won’t be able to fall asleep!” Perhaps you say this to your own children – with good reason! Do you follow your own advice? Or do you sit up watching thrillers (or even worse the news!) or finishing off the day’s work that you brought home from the office? Sound familiar? Try a different approach. Never watch TV while trying to fall asleep. Rather dim the lights while you get into a hot bath and put on some soothing music. Use aromatherapy in your home – in particular lavender for it’s soporific properties. Be quiet and peaceful for the hour before you go to bed and your body will start to get the message! OTHER HINTS: Avoid all products with caffeine or sugar after 6pm. That means coffee, cola chocolate and all 'soda pops' (fizzy drinks). Also stay away from heavy meals at night. Your tummy will be too busy digesting to allow you to sleep well! Don't eat red meat, refined products or lots of cheese. Go for pastas, grains, pulses, potatoes and rice. Good evening or bedtime drinks are warm milk, lettuce extract and chamomile tea (sleepy tea) - all safe and proven sleep aids. If you are really struggling, some herbal remedies to aid sleep are Valerian, Passiflora and Kava Kava. Try to put these simple hints to the test for three weeks only. You will be surprised at the difference they make! Should you do this faithfully and still struggle to sleep, consult your doctor or request an online consultation at www.feelgoodcounseling.com/onlinecounsel.htm Good night!

.::: Faizal Tahir :::. Gemuruh - dedicated to Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mHcEXYzlh4] Gemuruh Bila bertalu rentak dikalbu Hasrat yang tersirat semakin ku buru Bila bergema laungan gempita Harapan bernyala nadiku berganda Gemuruh jiwa semangat membara Dari puncak ingin ke angkasa Berkalungkan bintang berkelipan Menyerlah jauh dari yang biasa Bila bertalu rentak dikalbu Hasrat yang tersirat semakin ku buru Bila bergema laungan gempita Harapan bernyala nadiku berganda Gemuruh jiwa semangat membara Dari puncak ingin ke angkasa Berkalungkan bintang berkelipan Menyerlah jauh dari yang biasa Ungkapan ini bukan sekadar bermimpi Segalanya pasti kan terbukti nanti Gemuruh jiwa semangat membara Dari puncak ingin ke angkasa Berkalungkan bintang berkelipan Menyerlah jauh dari yang biasa

Elliott Yamin - Wait For You

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEskpfHOTAk&rel=1] I never felt nothing in the world like this before Now I'm missing you and I'm wishing you would come back through my door. Oooooo Why did you have to go? You could of let me know So now I'm all alone Girl you could of stayed but you wouldn't give me a chance With you not around it’s a little bit more than I can stand. Oooooo And all my tears they keep runnin’ down my face Why did you turn away? So why does your pride make you run and hide Are you that afraid of me? But I know it’s a lie what you keep inside This is not how you want it to be So baby I will wait for you Cause I don’t know what else I can do Don’t tell me I ran out of time If it takes the rest of my life Baby I will wait for you If you think I'm fine it just ain’t true I really need you in my life No matter what I have to do I’ll wait for you Been a long time since you called me (How could you forget about me) You gotta be feeling crazy(crazy) Ooooo How can you walk away (Way) Everything stays the same I just can’t do it baby What will it take to make you come back Girl I told you what it is and it just ain’t like that Noooooo Why can’t you look at me? You’re still in love with me Don’t leave me crying Baby why can’t we just just start all over again Get it back to the way it was If you give me a chance I can love you right But you’re telling me it won’t be enough So baby I will wait for you Cause I don’t know what else I can do Don’t tell me I ran out of time If it takes the rest of my life Baby I will wait for you If you think I'm fine it just ain’t true I really need you in my life No matter what I have to do I’ll wait for you So why does your pride make you run and hide Are you that afraid of me? But I know it’s a lie what you’re keeping inside That is not how you want it to be Baby I will wait for you (for you) Ooooooo Baby I will wait for you If it’s the last thing I do Baby I will wait for you If you think I'm fine it just ain’t true I really need you in my life No matter what I have to do I’ll wait for you I’ll be waiting … :::ChEpOi Izzy::: http://doctorgeliga.blogspot.com

Cancer death rates dropping fast

Media_httpbp3bloggerc_yscki
HOLD FOR RELEASE OCT. 15, 12:01 A.M. EDT; graphic shows cancer rate by race for 2000-04; 2c x 2 1/2 inches; 96.3 mm x 63.5 mm By LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer Good news on the cancer front: Death rates are dropping faster than ever, thanks to new progress against colorectal cancer. A turning point came in 2002, scientists conclude Monday in the annual "Report to the Nation" on cancer. Between 2002 and 2004, death rates dropped by an average of 2.1 percent a year. That may not sound like much, but between 1993 and 2001, deaths rates dropped on average 1.1 percent a year. The big change was a two-pronged gain against colorectal cancer. While it remains the nation's No. 2 cancer killer, deaths are dropping faster for colorectal cancer than for any other malignancy — by almost 5 percent a year among men and 4.5 percent among women. One reason is that colorectal cancer is striking fewer people, the report found. New diagnoses are down roughly 2.5 percent a year for both men and women, thanks to screening tests that can spot precancerous polyps in time to remove them and thus prevent cancer from forming. Still, only about half the people who need screening — everyone over age 50 — gets checked. "If we're seeing such great impact even at 50 percent screening rates, we think it could be much greater if we could get more of the population tested," said Dr. Elizabeth Ward of the American Cancer Society, who co-wrote the report with government scientists. The other gain is the result of new treatments, which are credited with doubling survival times for the most advanced patients. In 1996, there was just one truly effective drug for colon cancer. Today, there are six more, giving patients a variety of chemotherapy cocktails to try to hold their tumors in check, said Dr. Louis Weiner, medical oncology chief at Philadelphia's Fox Chase Cancer Center and a colorectal cancer specialist. "I can tell you the offices of gastrointestinal oncologists around the country, and indeed around the world, are busier than ever because our patients are doing better," he said. Among the report's other findings: _Cancer mortality is improving faster among men, with drops in death rates of 2.6 percent a year compared with 1.8 percent a year for women. _Lung cancer explains much of the gender difference. Male death rates are dropping about 2 percent a year while female death rates finally are holding steady after years of increases. Smoking rates fell for men before they did for women, so men reaped the benefits sooner. _Overall, the rate of new cancer diagnoses is inching down about one-half a percent a year. _New breast cancer diagnoses are dropping about 3.5 percent a year, a previously reported decline due either to women shunning postmenopausal hormone therapy or to fewer getting mammograms. The report includes a special focus on cancer among American Indians and Alaskan natives. Overall, cancer incidence is lower among those populations than among white Americans, except for cancers of the stomach, liver, kidney, gallbladder and cervix. The annual report is a collaboration of the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. ___ On the Net: National Cancer Institute: http://www.cancer.gov

Pic of the day

Media_httpbp0bloggerc_acgap
An 844-pound mako shark hangs from the scales at the Destin Fishing Rodeo in Destin, Fla.,Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007. The11-foot shark was hauled in by angler Adlee Bruner of Bruce, Fla and once gutted, it tipped the scales at 638 pounds, breaking the tournament's previous shark division record by 338 pounds. (AP Photo/Northwest Florida Daily, William Hatfield)     :::ChEpOi Izzy::: http://doctorgeliga.blogspot.com

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri & Maaf Zahir Batin

Media_httpbp2bloggerc_xhbfm
Hari Raya Aidilfitri disambut pada 1 Syawal tahun Hijrah. Perayaan tersebut juga dikenali sebagai Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Fitrah, dan Hari Lebaran. Hari Raya Aidilfitri merupakan perayaan yang dirayakan oleh umat Islam di seluruh dunia bagi menandakan berakhirnya bulan Ramadhan yang mana umat Islam telah menjalani ibadat puasa dengan tekun. Ia merupakan antara dua perayaan terbesar bagi umat Islam, selain Hari Raya Korban. Zakat Fitrah & Takbir Perayaan Hari Raya Puasa merupakan berakhirnya tempoh untuk membayar zakat fitrah iaitu zakat yang dikenakan kepada mereka yang masih hidup sehingga masa itu. Zakat fitrah tidak perlu dibayar bagi mereka yang telah meninggal dunia. Kebiasaannya orang Islam juga akan mula membayar zakat fitrah semenjak bulan puasa bermula dan zakat fitrah ini akan berhenti dikutip apabila solat sunat Aidilfitri dimulakan. Apabila tarikh Hari Raya telah ditentukan, umat Islam akan bertakbir dan bertahmid sambil memuji kebesaran Allah. Tempoh takbir pada Hari Raya antara terbenam matahari(hari terakhir bulan Ramadan) sehingga solat sunat Hari Raya bermula pada pagi 1 Syawal. Simbol Simbol terkenal bagi perayaan Hari Raya di Malaysia ialah ketupat. Ketupat adalah juadah istimewa yang masih dihidangkan pada hari ini. Ketupat adalah nasi yang dikukus di dalam anyaman daun kelapa atau daun palas dan selalunya dihidangkan bersama dengan rendang. Juadah-juadah yang lain termasuklah lemang, lontong, dodol, dan kuih raya. Persiapan Di Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri disambut dengan meriah. Berminggu-minggu sebelum perayaan tersebut menjelma, suasana persiapan menjelang Aidilfitri telah dirasai. Pusat-pusat membeli-belah akan mengadakan jualan murah dan dihiasi dengan perhiasan secara besar-besaran. Lagu-lagu raya juga akan diputarkan di radio dan di televisyen. Rancangan-rancangan yang berkisarkan Aidilfitri akan ditayangkan. Bank, sekolah, dan premis-premis perniagaan akan ditutup selama beberapa hari sehingga seminggu sempena Aidilfitri. Di jalan raya utama dan lebuh raya di seluruh negara, kesesakan akan berlaku akibat kebanjiran warga bandar yang pulang ke kampung halaman untuk menyambut Aidilfitri bersama-sama sanak saudara dan kaum keluarga. Fenomena ini juga dikenali sebagai Balik Kampung. Amalan Amalan ini adalah bertepatan dengan suruhan agama Islam itu sendiri. Pada pagi Hari Raya, umat Islam yang telah kehilangan saudara-mara akan mengunjungi pusara mereka dan menghadiahkan Surah Al-Fatihah atau bacaan surah Yaasin. Kemudian mereka akan berkunjung ke rumah sanak saudara dan rakan taulan. Mereka akan bermaaf-maafan dan melupakan kesilapan yang lampau. Pada asasnya, Hari Raya adalah hari untuk bergembira, bermaaf-maafan, dan hari untuk mengeratkan tali persaudaraan di kalangan umat Islam di samping meraikan kejayaan beribadah kepada Allah. Amalan memberi wang kepada kanak-kanak juga amat popular pada Hari Raya. Duit raya selalunya diberikan oleh orang dewasa kepada kanak-kanak melalui sampul duit yang selalunya berwarna hijau dan kuning. Sampul duit raya diadaptasi daripada amalan orang Cina yang memberi sampul merah berisi wang ataupun "Ang Pau". Pada Hari Raya, sampul selalunya berwarna selain daripada warna merah, iaitu hijau atau kuning. Terdapat pelbagai saiz sampul yang dikeluarkan oleh bank-bank dan syarikat-syarikat perniagaan, antaranya saiz yang bersesuaian dengan saiz wang kertas polimer RM 5. Pada malam Tujuh Likur, pelita atau lampu minyak tanah akan dinyalakan terutamanya di kampung-kampung. Kadangkala pelita akan digantikan dengan penggunaan lampu elektrik kerana ia lebih bersih dan praktikal, namun keaslian sambutan Hari Raya selalunya akan berkurang dengan penggunaan ini. Rumah-rumah terbuka akan diadakan pada Hari Raya itu sendiri ataupun sepanjang bulan Syawal. Kemeriahan Hari Raya Aidilfitri selalunya akan berpanjangan sehingga sebulan, dan kemeriahan itu akan hilang dengan sendirinya apabila semua orang pulang ke bandar setelah cuti tamat.