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	<title>Natural Health Solutions &#187; alternative health products</title>
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		<title>Alternative Acne Treatments</title>
		<link>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/alternative-acne-treatments</link>
		<comments>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/alternative-acne-treatments#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 23:44:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[alternative health products]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Looking for that miracle acne treatment? I am sad to say there is no one acne treatment that cures all types of acne. What should you do? The remedy may reside in alternative acne treatments.
Many people with this chronic skin condition have no other alternative but to apply a mix of different forms of acne [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Looking for that miracle acne treatment? I am sad to say there is no one acne treatment that cures all types of acne. What should you do? The remedy may reside in alternative acne treatments.</p>
<p>Many people with this chronic skin condition have no other alternative but to apply a mix of different forms of acne treatments. This is true due to the fact that acne is often the result of a series of factors, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.</p>
<p>There are several alternative acne treatments available to help you relieve your acne condition, but you must be aware that there is no miracle treatment. These are generally effective, but take time.</p>
<p>You may eventually get that healthy skin so much desired, but how long it takes depends on the type of treatment applied. The alternative acne treatments most commonly used are:</p>
<p>1) Herbal remedies</p>
<p>2) Home remedies</p>
<p>3) Natural treatments</p>
<p>Herbal remedies are a good alternative if you desire a less aggressive treatment, compared to some acne prescription drugs that may cause some side effects. However, herbal remedies are not the perfect solution. One important drawback is the time it takes to obtain results.</p>
<p>With some of these alternative acne treatments, you may not see any significant changes to your skin before one month of daily treatment. Also, not many scientific studies exist to support herbal remedies as an effective treatment.</p>
<p>Home remedies are pretty much like the herbal remedies. Also presented as a good alternative to the expensive medicated treatments, being cheaper and having practically no side effects.</p>
<p>But just like herbal remedies, not many scientific studies exist to support home remedies. But most important, these treatments are not known to give you quick results, compared to the results obtained by the use of medicated treatments.</p>
<p>Natural treatments are very similar to the other alternative acne treatments already mentioned. These treatments normally do not cause any side effects, and may take several weeks before noting any significant improvements.</p>
<p>Also, not many scientific studies exist to support <a href="http://www.bilpharm.com" target=_self>natural remedies</a>. The main difference lies in the price. This form of alternative acne treatment may cost more that the herbal remedies and the home remedies.</p>
<p>Natural treatments are often treatments using processed <a href="http://www.bilpharm.com" target=_self>natural products</a> you buy from the health store, rather than using affordable natural ingredients with which you can prepare the treatment yourself. Natural treatments are also known as synthetic treatments.</p>
<p>All things compared, there is no particular alternative acne treatment that offers a notable advantage over another. What you should retain is that if you are in a hurry and can take the side effects, you should opt for the prescription acne drugs.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you are not in a big hurry you can experiment with a combination of alternative acne treatments until you find the right formula for you.</p>
<p>Yuki Shoji<br />
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/alternative-acne-treatments-101476.html</p>
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		<title>Health and Wealth, Understanding the Nature of the Beast</title>
		<link>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/health-and-wealth-understanding-the-nature-of-the-beast</link>
		<comments>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/health-and-wealth-understanding-the-nature-of-the-beast#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:25:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[alternative health products]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/health-and-wealth-understanding-the-nature-of-the-beast</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Now thats a delicious Combo!
So, how do you get healthy and become wealthy at the same time? Here is a bit of history for you;
During the 90&#8217;s there was a crazy and unpredictable surge of both good as well as bad home or networking businesses if you will.
Some did extremely well, others crashed in burning [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><p>Now thats a delicious Combo!</p>
<p>So, how do you get healthy and become wealthy at the same time? Here is a bit of history for you;</p>
<p>During the 90&#8217;s there was a crazy and unpredictable surge of both good as well as bad home or networking businesses if you will.</p>
<p>Some did extremely well, others crashed in burning flames along with those involved in them and others simply continue to struggle.</p>
<p>As a result of those that crashed because they were based on bad ideas, dishonesty or a crazy pyramid scheme&#8230;etc. people started to develop some sort of monster ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION anytime the word &#8220;home business&#8221; was mentioned. Mind you, a lot of those that did survive and did super well were health and wellness oriented.</p>
<p>Unfortunately those who have scammed millions and got away with it have ruined the opportunity for those who have a passion for an ethical business that is designed for the sole purpose of individual growth and success. </p>
<p>There are MANY safe and reputable home businesses out there for those of you who see them selves as entrepreneurs. You do however need to know how to pick the good ones from the rotten ones.</p>
<p>In home businesses you need to look for the following:</p>
<p>1) A long viable and successful company history.</p>
<p>2) Those that do not offer easy cash or fast</p>
<p>cash.</p>
<p>3) Companies that offer &#8220;healthy&#8221; products</p>
<p>4) Companies that give and allow you a chance</p>
<p>to grow with your business.</p>
<p>5) Look for a company that has had a steep</p>
<p>incline curve over the past 10-15 years and</p>
<p>that has yet to peek!</p>
<p>6) Dont believe those who tell you to check </p>
<p>if a company is registered with better </p>
<p>business Bureaue. The BBB is just a track</p>
<p>record of companies, it DOES NOT tell you</p>
<p>anything about their reliabilty!</p>
<p>Understanding the fact that the health and wellness industry is a billion dollar one is great for those who chose to become part of it</p>
<p>as there is and will continue to be a shift in people as they move from the days where cigarette smoking was the next best thing after sliced bread to the health aware ones who go to the gym 3+ times a week and watch their nutrition and diet.</p>
<p>Now before you run off on a rampage searching for a business in this field you need to examine yourself and find out if you are a person who has a lifestyle compatible enough to represent and ethically indorse health and wellness. So, if you are a heavy smoker who hates working out and eats junk food all the time chances are you are not and perhaps you should look for an alternative field.</p>
<p>Here is a scenario; I am in an excellent health and wellness home business and as a result I find myself slowly and happily turning my home over to their healthier, environmentally safer products and nutritional supplements, which is only normal when you think of it. I no longer suffer extreme allergies and I have been able to get off a couple of prescription medications and generally feel healthier. So, now I can ethically indorse and refer people to these products as I can speak from personal experience and to the examining eye I am a representative of health and wellness.</p>
<p>The aim here is to somewhat repair the damage that has resulted in people turning away from the personal/ home business scenario. Most of us believe that a home based business is not a real job. It actually is, and in many cases its enough of a job to result in amazing profit and supplement more than one household income. </p>
<p>The real issue is that people are falsely under the impression that in a home based business you dont actually work and that you make money by some sort of magical way and as much as I wish that were true it isnt! So, if you decide to start a home business, health and wellness focused or not, please dont up and quit your job. Resist the temptation and false belief that you are instant millionaire.</p>
<p>A home based business is a true business where you have the luxury of being your own boss and working for your own profit and development. You can drive it to success or failure depending on your work ethic and understanding the nature of the beast.</p>
<p>In the end it is never a bad decision to start your own business.</p>
<p>Iman Ashour<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/business-opportunities-articles/health-and-wealth-understanding-the-nature-of-the-beast-131557.html<span></span></p>
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		<title>Understanding Holistic Health</title>
		<link>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/understanding-holistic-health</link>
		<comments>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/understanding-holistic-health#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:44:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[alternative health products]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Many people are looking for a more holistic health approach to meet their health care needs these days, but don&#8217;t quite understand what it means or how it will benefit them. More and more consumers are becoming aware that our current health care system is failing us in more ways than one and some kind [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><p>Many people are looking for a more holistic health approach to meet their health care needs these days, but don&#8217;t quite understand what it means or how it will benefit them. More and more consumers are becoming aware that our current health care system is failing us in more ways than one and some kind of action is required, but get frightened or diverted by other&#8217;s negative perceptions and skepticism of natural health which is really based on misinformation and lack of understanding.</p>
<p>Most skepticism of alternative health modalities is fueled by the unfortunate fact that modern medicine tries to discredit alternative means of healing because it is much more profitable for them to use surgery and pharmaceuticals, not on any real grounds for concern. The topic of alternative health always brings out the doubting Thomas&#8217;s who scream quackery and voodoo. You may hear that they tried a holistic method without any success or that they had some weird side effect or even felt worse.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s a couple important points to keep in mind. Their experience may be true but that does not mean it is true for everyone and there could be other reasons that contributed to their experience. We can very easily find another group of people who had great success and no side effects with the exact same treatment method they used.</p>
<p>This is because not everyone&#8217;s body responds to a particular treatment or healing approach in the exact same way. Even though you may share the same health condition with someone else, each of you has a unique body chemistry and genetics and the same disease can have a different process or impact from person to person. Each of these factors influences the results that will be achieved. In addition to that, someone with a liver, lymph system, endocrine system or other organ or system that doesn&#8217;t function optimally may have a very different response than someone who has healthier organs and systems.</p>
<p>Just because one treatment approach is ineffective for one person, does not meant it will be ineffective for you or others and that doesn&#8217;t mean that &#8220;all&#8221; holistic health care is ineffective. Results can be completely different from individual to individual. A lot of times it requires some trial and error to find what works best with your biochemistry and specific circumstances.</p>
<p>Additionally, this is true whether we are talking about a holistic health method or traditional pharmaceuticals. Regardless of whether we&#8217;re talking about <a href="http://www.bilpharm.com" target=_self>natural remedies</a> or prescription drugs, what is effective for one may not work at all for another, but overall holistic health is much more effective and a lot safer. We can find hundreds of thousands of people who have severe side effects, get worse, develop more serious health conditions or even die from prescription drugs. On the other hand, these events are rare within the field of natural health.</p>
<p>Holistic health or alternative health has actually been around longer than prescription medication or so called &#8220;modern&#8221; medicine. Plants and herbs have been used successfully to heal by many civilizations for centuries and most pharmaceutical drugs have their roots in herbal medicine. For example, the common and popular aspirin originated from an herb called white willow bark.</p>
<p>However, a crucial fact that many are not aware of is that just because something is natural does not mean it will automatically be free of side effects, complications or risks. Many people doctor themselves before first doing their homework and having a thorough understanding of the method they are using.</p>
<p>Herbs, plants, vitamins, minerals, or any alternative treatment method can be just as potent as a prescription and requires a great deal of education and research to be sure you achieve the desired results. They should be taken or performed as prescribed by a knowledgeable health care provider. For example: some holistic remedies that are effective for depression can have a negative effect on someone with Parkinson&#8217;s.</p>
<p>Too much or too little of a particular herb can be ineffective, while too much of a vitamin or mineral can be just as bad as not enough. There can be complications or interactions even within natural substances, as one herb or even treatment modality such as massage or acupuncture may counteract or rev up another treatment approach and vitamins and minerals work in conjunction with one another</p>
<p>Additionally, herbs and other natural substances can interact with prescription medication and reduce it&#8217;s effectiveness and vice versa. Its extremely important that you consult with a holistic health care provider and disclose all medications and conditions prior to medicating yourself.</p>
<p>Another important issue that may impact results of a holistic health remedy is the quality of the product or service you use. It&#8217;s vital to do your homework in this area as well and only use products and services from reputable companies. The <a href="http://www.bilpharm.com" target=_self>natural health</a> field is not immune to sales hype and scamming. You must be a diligent and informed consumer regardless of what path you follow.</p>
<p>Breaking free from the old way of thinking that conditions us to believe that drugs and surgery are the superior method of treatment can be frightening and difficult. It may seem foreign, threatening or strange at first, but when you get the facts about holistic health, you realize that it makes a lot of sense.</p>
<p>Holistic health offers us an abundance of wholesome, non-toxic, affordable approaches from herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to massage, acupuncture, yoga, detoxification, changes in lifestyle, environment and diet or colon cleaning, chiropractic manipulations, meditation and many more that attempt to not only restore balance and harmony in the body, but to society and the planet as well.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s an empowering approach where the patient works with the health care provider as a team and is encouraged to be an active participant in the health care plan, educate themselves about their condition and engage in a variety of self-care techniques and practices.</p>
<p>Unlike modern medicine, which only attempts to suppress symptoms, holistic medicine attempts to correct the health condition by finding the underlying cause. Instead of stuffing everyone in a cookie cutter treatment plan, holistic health care is a whole body/mind approach that is individualized according to each person&#8217;s specific needs.</p>
<p>The ultimate goal is to enable each person to reach their highest sense of well-being, function as optimally as possible and live life as fully as possible regardless of the presence or absence of disease.</p>
<p>Cynthia Perkins<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/understanding-holistic-health-725933.html</p>
<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-</p>
<p><span></p>
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		<title>Are Everyday Products Affecting Your Fertility?</title>
		<link>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/are-everyday-products-affecting-your-fertility</link>
		<comments>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/are-everyday-products-affecting-your-fertility#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[alternative health products]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[
Are everyday products affecting your fertility?
by Midi Fairgrieve, D.Th.D, D.N. Med.
&#160;
&#160;
Before heading off to work each day many of us have exposed ourselves to an array of different lotions and potions containing a cocktail of synthetic chemicals. Yet how many of us are aware that these chemicals could be adversely affecting our fertility. The truth [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
<p><strong>Are everyday products affecting your fertility?</strong></p>
<p><strong>by Midi Fairgrieve, D.Th.D, D.N. Med.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Before heading off to work each day many of us have exposed ourselves to an array of different lotions and potions containing a cocktail of synthetic chemicals. Yet how many of us are aware that these chemicals could be adversely affecting our fertility. The truth is that most of the toiletries we use on our body are made from the same harsh chemicals used in industry! and many of these are hormone disrupting, for both men and women For example, propylene glycol is a solvent used in hair care products, make up and deodorants. It is also the main ingredient in antifreeze and brake fluid (6). </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>At present, only new chemicals by law have to be assessed for their effect on our health, which amounts to no more than 3% of those in everyday use. Although there is pressure to change the law in both Europe and the US, it may take some time before all the chemicals in our bathroom are properly evaluated for safety.&nbsp; When this happens, several commonly used ingredients will be banned due to their toxicity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Studies show that many of the chemicals found in everyday beauty products may be linked to a variety of health problems including, allergies, skin reactions, endocrine/hormone disruption, and possibly even birth defects.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Exposure to harmful chemicals can mount up unnoticed in terms of the quantity of different ingredients that we are using every day. And this is the important fact. It is what we expose ourselves to on a daily basis that if used only occasionally may not harm us, but when used frequently can accumulate in the body and ultimately cause health problems. &nbsp;For the first time in history we are exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals from the moment of conception.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For this reason alone, when preparing for pregnancy, it is worth seriously considering a well structured detox programme first, to give your whole system a chance to eliminate accumulated toxins. Detox not only helps the body to mobilize stored toxins, but revitalizes the whole body at cell level. Organs and systems are rejuvenated and become more efficient in their function. Hormone balance can be restored and sperm health is greatly enhanced. The value of this level of preparation cannot be underestimated in today&rsquo;s toxic world. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Have a think about which products you normally use on any given day. Which brand of toothpaste do you use? Do you also use a mouth wash? Which shampoo or conditioner do you use, and how often? What about hair gel, hair spray, hair thickener! How about your underarm antiperspirant deodorant, have you any idea what it contains? Have you ever checked the ingredients of your body lotion, shaving foam, moisturiser, or make up?</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As we know from the successful use of HRT and nicotine patches the skin is an efficient and absorbent medium for the transfer of chemicals into the blood stream. It&rsquo;s the largest organ in the body and acts as a two way membrane, allowing toxins both out and in. The skin can absorb up to 60% of what we put on it, so we should never put anything on our skin that we wouldn&rsquo;t put in our mouth! </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>So what kind of chemicals are we exposing ourselves to and what effects can they have, especially on fertility and reproduction? </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In 1989 the Australian Occupational Safety and Health Administration analysed nearly 3,000 chemicals used in personal care products. 884 of the ingredients were found to be toxic, and of these:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>218 can cause reproductive problems. </p>
<p>314 can cause biological mutation</p>
<p>778 can cause acute toxicity</p>
<p>146 can cause tumours</p>
<p>376 can cause skin and eye irritation</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>With 218 chemicals that can cause reproductive complications there are major concerns regarding fertility and pregnancy. Yet few people are aware of the facts.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Have a look right now at some of the products in your bathroom. You&rsquo;ll find a long list of chemical ingredients in minute writing on the label. Even with perfect eyesight you may need a magnifying glass to read the small print. Have you ever considered exactly what these ingredients are for and what effect they may be having on your health and fertility? &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Given that reproductive health in both men and woman can be so negatively affected by synthetic chemicals in everyday use it is vital to switch to using chemical free alternatives if you are planning to have a baby or currently have fertility problems. These are just a few of the most commonly found chemicals to look out for and avoid. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Parabens </strong>are used by the cosmetic industry as preservatives and are found in most body care products. They have been detected in human breast tissue and evidence suggests they can act as oestrogen making them a hormone disrupting chemical in both men and woman. Propyl paraben has been shown to adversely affect male reproductive functions. At the daily intake level currently acceptable by EC law, it was found to decrease sperm production (8).&nbsp; </p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Phthalates </strong>are insidious hormone disruptors<strong> </strong>and worse still they are<strong> </strong>exempt from any labelling requirements. They are often used as one of many ingredients in fragrance which makes them hard to spot since the complete list of ingredients which make the fragrance don&rsquo;t have to be labelled individually. If your products contain &lsquo;fragrance&rsquo; or &lsquo;musk&rsquo; or &lsquo;parfum&rsquo; then it will most likely contain phthalates. Phthalates are implicated with low sperm counts and also causing sexual abnormalities and deformities. A survey by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention of 300 women found high levels of phthalates in them all, with the highest levels found in the women of reproductive age. Phthalates are common plasticizing ingredients found in products from hair spray, perfume, make up, nail polish, shampoos and soap. In tests they have been found to lower sperm motility in men (3) and are linked to reproductive and fertility problems in women at high levels of exposure (4). They have been linked to birth defects in the reproductive system of boys at exposure levels typical for about &frac14; of woman using common body care products (2). Studies have also shown Phthalates to damage adult reproductive organs, and also the liver, adrenals, and kidneys (5).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Triclosan</strong> is another endocrine disruptor. &nbsp;It is found in toothpaste, soaps, body washes and antibacterial handwash.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Talc</strong> is<strong> </strong>found in baby powders, face powders and body powders as well as on some contraceptives such as condoms. It is a known carcinogen and a major cause of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area.&nbsp; It can also lodge in the lungs, causing respiratory disorders.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Anionic Surfactants</strong><em>. </em>Anionic refers to the negative charge these surfactants have. They may be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Surfactants can pose serious health threats including adversely affecting reproductive hormone health. They are used in car washes as garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers &#8211; and in 90% of personal-care products that foam. They can be found under the following names. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS), Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES), Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate, TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate, Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate and Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate.</p>
<p>Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a known oestrogen mimic linked to breast and endometrial cancer and low sperm counts (7). </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Over the past 20-30 years, in the developed world, infertility has been on the increase, bringing with it much sadness to those who deeply desire a child. Although infertility and miscarriage can be caused by many factors including a poor diet, environmental toxins, deficiency of specific vitamins and minerals, accumulation of toxic metals, emotional blocks, and general ill health, everyday body care products play a vital role in the overall toxicity picture. What you chose to put on your skin can also play an important role in decreasing your toxic load. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As important as eating an organic whole food diet when preparing for a pregnancy is reducing the amount of toxins that you&rsquo;re exposed to. When it comes to body care products and make up this is something you can have control over and there are many chemical free alternatives on the market. The growth of natural body care products is testimony to the fact that people are looking for safer and healthier alternatives, making it easier to switch to health friendly products. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Apart from affecting fertility adversely, we know that chemical toxins are also passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. Babies are therefore directly affected by the toxins present in their mother&rsquo;s choice of personal care products.&nbsp; The problem with chemical toxins is that they persist in the body and are difficulty to eliminate without extra help. &nbsp;To illustrate the point, studies have found more than 350 synthetic contaminants in human breast milk. Not all of these are from personal care products; however we take in toxins from a variety of sources, and body care products are a significant source. Under normal circumstances the body cannot eliminate all of the chemicals it takes it, which is why a committed detox programme is an important step towards achieving optimum health and fertility prior to conception. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The good news is that one thing all prospective parents can do right now is to replace the worst chemicals with safer alternatives.&nbsp; Just taking this one step towards a less toxic lifestyle will reduce the overall toxic overload on the body. The world health organization has warned of the dangers of exposure (particularly pre-natal exposure) to certain hormone disrupting chemicals (1) and reducing your overall body toxicity can make the difference for some people between fertility and infertility.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>What can I do? &nbsp;&ndash; &nbsp;Quick guide</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul></p>
<li>Carry out an audit on you and your partner&rsquo;s body care products. Look through all the products in your bathroom and check the labels. If it isn&rsquo;t a genuinely natural product then it will definitely contain several synthetic chemical ingredients.
    </li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul></p>
<li>Check the websites listed below for information on specific ingredients. Find out what the ingredients do and what their effects might be on your health.&nbsp; 
    </li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul></p>
<li>Examine your daily routine and make a list of all the products you use and when.&nbsp; See how much you can either reduce or eliminate the use of a product or change it to a healthy alternative. 
    </li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul></p>
<li>Have a look through your other household products, such as air fresheners, bathroom cleaners, bleach etc. Question how toxic they are. Look for natural alternatives which are sold in health food shops and supermarkets; for example, brands like Ecover and Green Care. 
    </li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul></p>
<li>Do some research into alternative natural based products. The internet is a good source of information. Investigate what&rsquo;s on sale in health food shops and supermarkets.
    </li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul></p>
<li>&nbsp;Consider a detox programme to rid yourself / partner of any accumulated toxic load. This is especially important when planning for pregnancy. 
    </li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>References</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(1) World health Organization IPCS Report (2002)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(2) Environ Health Perspect, 2006. 114(6): p.805-9</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(3) Duty, S.M., et al., the Relationship between environment exposure to phthalates and computer-aided sperm analysis motion parameters. J Androl, 2004. 25(2): p 293-302.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(4) Eisenhardt, S., et al., Nitromusk compounds in women with gynaecological and endocrine dysfunction. Environ Res, 2001. 87(3): p. 123-30.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(5) CERHR, NTP-CERHR expert panal report on di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). 2000, Centre for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(6) What Doctors Don&rsquo;t Tell You. Vol 10 no. 7. 10/99</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(7) Day, P. The ABC&rsquo;s of Disease, Credence Publications, 2003.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>(8) Oishi, S., Effects of propyl paraben on the mal reproductive system; Food and Chemical Toxicology, 40:1807-1813 (2002).</p>
<p> Midi Fairgrieve<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/are-everyday-products-affecting-your-fertility-446844.html</p>
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		<title>Women&#8217;s Health Care</title>
		<link>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/womens-health-care</link>
		<comments>http://www.bilpharm.com/alternative-health-products/womens-health-care#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[alternative health products]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[When the topic of women&#8217;s health care is raised, the first disease that comes to mind is probably breast cancer. But surprisingly, that&#8217;s not the number one health care issue confronting women today. In fact, heart disease kills more women each year than all forms of cancer combined. By knowing the most significant risks in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><p>When the topic of women&#8217;s health care is raised, the first disease that comes to mind is probably breast cancer. But surprisingly, that&#8217;s not the number one health care issue confronting women today. In fact, heart disease kills more women each year than all forms of cancer combined. By knowing the most significant risks in women&#8217;s health care and what you can do to combat these health care issues, women of all ages can take a proactive approach to leading healthier lives. </p>
<p>The #1 Women&#8217;s Health Care Issue: Heart Disease More than 489,000 American women lose their lives each year as a result of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. In fact, more women than men die from heart disease each year. Until recently, little research focused on women and heart disease, but the good news is that&#8217;s no longer the case. From research into the effects of hormone replacement therapy on heart health to studies of how cholesterol-lowering medications work in women, there&#8217;s an unprecedented increase in the amount of information available to women working to live with and ward off heart disease. </p>
<p>Experts at the Mayo Clinic offer simple common sense advice to women (and men) in the fight against heart disease: don&#8217;t smoke, eat a diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes a week, and maintain a healthy weight. </p>
<p>In addition, they encourage women to see their family doctor each year for a physical which includes blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Studies indicate that there is a 46% increase in stroke risk for women for each 7.5 mm HG increase in their diastolic blood pressure, so monitoring blood pressure and controlling hypertension are vital. </p>
<p>Women who suffer migraines, are pregnant, have atrial fibrillation and those with the auto-immune disease Lupus also appear to run a greater stroke risk. Diabetes is another women&#8217;s health care issue with a direct impact on heart health. The American Heart Association notes women with diabetes have a two to six times greater risk of heart disease and heart attack and are at a significantly greater risk of suffering a stroke. All of these risk factors make an annual visit with your doctor one of the best ways women can manage and improve the health of their hearts. </p>
<p>Cancer Concerns: The Second Deadliest Health Care Issue Women Face While breast cancer is often at the top of the list of health care issues for women, several other types of cancers also pose a significant threat to women&#8217;s health. In this country, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime according to current data which means that a little more than 2 million women are currently living with breast cancer in the U.S. But melanoma, a form of skin cancer, actually kills more young women than any other cancer according to statistics provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation. In fact, melanoma is the most common form of cancer in women between the ages of 25 and 29 and its incidence has tripled in women under 40 in the last thirty years. </p>
<p>Ovarian cancer is another women&#8217;s health care concern. Usually symptomless until it is widespread, this disease is the fourth most frequent cause of death for American women. The American Cancer Society estimates 26,000 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, there are few definitive screening tests that detect this disease, but experts advise a thorough annual gynecological exam and for women to be alert to pelvic pain and pressure, low back discomfort, mild nausea, and an increase in constipation or gas. A serum CA-125 blood test can detect certain forms of ovarian cancer, but the test is not accurate enough to be used as a routine screening tool. </p>
<p>The rate of women suffering from cervical cancer has dropped a great deal over the years, thanks in part to the increase in the number of women who get an annual Pap smear which can indicate the presence of abnormal cells on the cervix. It&#8217;s a strong argument for making sure you never skip your Pap smear. Women who have had Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs), herpes simplex virus, those with suppressed immune systems, and those who have had multiple sexual partners run a greater risk of cervical cancer. On the prevention front, a recent trial of a vaccine against cervical cancer was 100% effective in the short term at blocking the disease. </p>
<p>Psychological Well-being: A Growing Health Care Issue for Women In the field of women&#8217;s health care, psychological problems, which include eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders, affect millions of American women. From coping skills to medications to alternative and complementary medical approaches, there is a growing body of knowledge being brought to bear on this important health care issue. </p>
<p>More than 19 million people in the United States, the greatest percentage being women, live with anxiety disorders that disrupt their lives. The different types of disorders within this group include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias. Treatment options include talk therapy and a wide range of medications that can quell the symptoms of the condition. Many women also combine alternative approaches to treatment such as acupuncture, meditation, and diet modification with traditional forms of treatment. </p>
<p>According to the American Psychological Association, women are almost twice as likely to suffer from major depression as men. In fact, some experts in the field have called depression the most significant mental health risk for women, especially those in their childbearing and rearing years. Studies have found that married women and mothers are especially vulnerable to depression. It&#8217;s important for a woman who feels she may be suffering from depression to be carefully evaluated by a physician because the source of the depressive symptoms could be birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or thyroid disease. Treatment for depression, like most other psychological conditions, includes talk therapy and medications. Some women also find relief in alternative medicine with herbal supplements, meditation, and other complementary techniques. </p>
<p>Though many of the women who struggle with eating disorders are in their teens and twenties, these conditions also affect women at other stages in their lives. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are the most well-known forms of eating disorders. Statistics show that one out of every one hundred girls between the ages of 10 and 20 is anorexic, 4% of college-aged women are bulimic, and 1% of women are binge eaters. The root causes of these diseases include stress at home and at school or work, depression and anxiety, major life changes like a divorce or death, and physical and sexual abuse. Breaking out of the cycle of eating disorders requires a combined approach to this health care issue including psychological treatment, nutrition counseling, and in some cases, hospitalization. </p>
<p>A Holistic Approach to Women&#8217;s Health Care As women become more proactive about their health, many seek a holistic approach to improving their well-being and fighting disease. But coordinating information among several health care providers, keeping on top of the latest breakthroughs in health, and finding the United States&#8217; best doctors is a daunting task for any women. </p>
<p>Some are turning to private professional health care advocates, like those available at PinnacleCare, to help them achieve their goal of a whole-woman centered approach to health care issues. From compiling and electronically storing comprehensive medical records to researching treatment options and providing accelerated access to the United States&#8217; top doctors, PinnacleCare&#8217;s health advocates make a holistic approach to health care possible. </p>
<p>&#8220;I passionately believe that what our PinnacleCare Members experience is the way healthcare ought to be delivered,&#8221; explains John Hutchins, PinnacleCare&#8217;s Managing Director. &#8220;The healthcare system has gotten so complex that most people are at a loss to find their way through it without professional guidance and objective counsel.&#8221;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;<br />R.Gitcher<br />http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/womens-health-care-742933.html</p></p>
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