Tips For Understanding Hair Loss Remedies And Treatments

The average human head has about 100,000 hair follicles; each follicle can grow about 20 individual hairs during a person's lifetime. Statistics show that most men have a 50% chance of experiencing hereditary hair loss by their 50th birthday. The normal cycle of hair growth lasts from two to six years.

Some mycotic infections can cause massive hair loss. One type of baldness is called traction alopecia, which is most commonly found in people with ponytails or cornrows who pull on their hair with excessive force. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children which is easily treated with antifungal medicines.

Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance; correcting the hormone imbalance may stop the hair loss. Some drugs or medications can cause hair loss, which improves when you stop taking the medicine; medications that can cause hair loss include blood thinners, medicines used for gout, and chemotherapy drugs used for cancer, too much vitamin A supplementation, birth control pills and antidepressants. Wearing a hat generally shouldn't cause baldness, though it's a good idea to give your scalp a rest and let it breathe for several hours a day.

Correcting a hormone imbalance may prevent further hair loss. Hypothyroidism can cause it, especially thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows. Tumors and skin growths can also induce localized baldness.

Go a more natural way with treatment if possible; taking hair loss drugs require many months of exposure to chemicals. Propecia is available with a prescription; comes in pill form, is only for men and may take up to six months before you can tell if it is working. Minoxidil is a very expensive drug, costing about one hundred dollars per month for daily treatment.

Hair loss treatments and remedies range in price from free to expensive. Stress reduction can be helpful in slowing loss. Please be aware there are side effects and serious side effects sometimes with the drugs that are commonly used for hair loss.

Immunosuppressants applied to the scalp have been shown to temporarily reverse alopecia areata, though the side effects of some of these drugs make this therapy questionable. Studies done on subjects of various ages suggests that weight training alone may increase testosterone in studies where aerobic exercise only was compared to either weight training or a moderately sedentary life. There are prescription drugs, herbal remedies and topical applications.

Russian cure with honey and vodka remedy for hair loss - combine one tablespoon honey with one jigger of vodka and the juice of a medium-size onion; rub mixture into the scalp every night, cover with a cap and shampoo in the morning. Apple cider vinegar used as a hair rinse may stimulate hair growth. Rub vitamin E oil into the scalp nightly.

Make sure to test remedies on a small area first and check with your hair loss doctor or skin doctor before trying any natural home remedy if it includes any irritating ingredients. Vodka and cayenne remedy for loss - mix one jigger of vodka with a 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (test on skin first for sensitivity) and rub it on the scalp; blood rushes to the hair follicles stimulated by the vodka and cayenne pepper - be careful if you try it. Try scalp massage every day.

Saw Palmetto is an herbal DHT inhibitor often claimed to be cheaper and have fewer side effects than finasteride and dutasteride; unlike other 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, saw palmetto induces its effects without interfering with the cellular capacity to secrete PSA (protein specific antigen). Olive oil and rosemary remedy - use equal amounts of olive oil and oil of rosemary; combine them in a bottle, shake vigorously, massage into the scalp, put on a cap and shampoo in the morning. Massage the scalp nightly with oil made of one part rosemary oil and two parts almond oil.

Raw onion remedy - take half a raw onion and massage the scalp with it; cover the head overnight, shampoo and rinse in the morning. Beta Sitosterol, which is a constituent in many seed oils, can help to treat BHP (benign prostatic hypertrophy) by lowering cholesterol; but consuming large amounts to get at small quantities of beta sitosterol is likely to exacerbate male pattern baldness. Asian remedy for hair loss - rub sesame oil on your scalp every night, cover with a cap or old towel; in the morning wash with an herbal shampoo, rinse with a solution of one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one quart of water.

Concentrate on boosting your immune system to give your hair the best chance to regrow. Remember that any drugs you take for hair loss will be a long term commitment; consider the risks to your health before doing this. Remember that regrowing hair is a slow process so don't look for results overnight for any remedy or treatment you try.

Can An Apple Hold the Secret to Luxurious Hair?

You’ve probably heard of the expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Now, scientists in Japan have uncovered that apples provide much more than just good health. Scientific studies conducted in Japan in 2000 found medical evidence that apple polyphenols- specifically procyanidin B-2 – increase hair growth. In fact, studies conducted showed that procyanidin B-2 increased hair growth by 300% over the control samples.

This is exciting news. Anyone who has taken medication or pharmaceutical “treatments” for hair loss knows how potentially harmful and how expensive traditional medications can be. Most man-made hair loss solutions have to be prescribed by a doctor, and getting diagnosed can take some time. Not every patient feels comfortable discussing hair loss with their health care worker, and some physicians are downright dismissive of the problems associated with hair loss.

If you do manage to get a prescription for a hair loss medication, you will have to pay hundreds of dollars – or even thousands – for treatment. Be sure to read the warning label on your medication – most pharmaceutical potions have long lists of side effects and potential hazards. Once you do start using your medication, you may notice skin irritation, pain, and even unsightly rashes. Many products have an embarrassing odour, as well.

Once you have survived all of this, you may assume that you will be able to enjoy a full head of hair, but this is not always the case. There are no guarantees and if you look for reviews of major hair growth formulas, you will quickly find that many patients are less than thrilled by the results. Now, the studies from Japan show why these patients are unhappy. Quite simply, the secret to hair loss is not harsh chemicals or strong drugs. The solution is as simple as the polyphenols in an apple.

So how do apples help your hair grow? One secret is their ultra-high antioxidant activity. In concentrated form, polyphenols from apples are far more potent antioxidants than ordinary vitamins. In medical studies, apple chemicals have been shown to improve protein synthesis, and to counteract hormones that cause follicles to shrink and wither. They also "call" resting hair follicles into active growth, and limit cellular processes that cause hairs to shed. Together, this powerful combination increases the productivity of your follicles. The result is longer, thicker, healthier hair- and more of it.

Thankfully, you don’t have to be a scientist yourself, distilling polyphenols in your own lab. An exciting new product brings you all the benefits that Japanese scientists have found in polyphenols – but in an easy-to-use, safe, and affordable form.

Can a Product Like Provillus Really Stop Hair Loss?

Hair loss is one of the worst things that can happen to a man, especially if he is of a relatively young age. Thinning and receding hair can be a big knock to the self esteem of any man, as hair loss can often be seen as a loss of manliness. Of course this is not the case in reality, but to the man with the hair loss problem, it is the focus of his thoughts at the time.

Fortunately there are some products on the market that can help to slow the hair loss process, and in many cases can actually regrow hair that has already been lost. Such products are Rogaine which is also known as Regaine, Advanced Hair, Provillus, and Procerin. There are countless others out there, but these are just a couple that may spring to mind.

One of the best on the market for the last few years has been Provillus. This is a natural remedy that has actually been proven to increase the hair count per square centimetre on a balding mans head. This is an amazing advancement in technology and can put a smile on any man’s face who may suffer from hereditary hair loss.

When using a product like Provillus it is important to start use as soon as hair loss is noticed, because this is when it’s easiest to stop more hair loss and regrow the hair that is becoming thinner.

Continued use of any hair loss product is strongly suggested, because as soon as the treatment has stopped, the hair loss patterns will gradually go back to how they would naturally be. This is because the ingredients in a product like Provillus are simply an aid in regulating the body’s hormone levels and once the levels are stabilised, hair growth will continue. Then when they are put out of balance again, hair loss will naturally occur. There is not permanent cure.

Provillus comes in the form of a tablet so it is very easy to take the correct dosage and can be done easily with a glass of water. The tablets don’t taste like poison like many other treatments and there is no harsh side effects like some other products which can cause headaches and nausea. It is reasons like this that have made Provillus such a popular treatment in the hair loss industry today, of course this goes hand in hand with good diet, exercise and a healthy lifestyle, which are always needed for any type of successful treatment.

If you want to learn more about Provillus please visit our site which is free to the public.

Reversing Hair Loss

If you have ever experienced hair loss, you know it can be a frustrating problem that seems to have no end in sight until the process takes its toll. No matter your age, it is likely you will want to keep your hair for as long as possible. This is now possible.

There are several products on the market that have been developed to help stop and prevent hair loss, all working to eliminate the DHT hormone that actually causes it.

When this hormone is present, the blood supply to the hair follicles is cut off, thus shrinking the hair, and eventually causing it to fall out. This may happy rather quickly, or can occur over time. Using a product designed to stop the formation of this hormone will not only stop further hair loss from occurring, but will also help promote the growth of new hair. This will allows you to get back what you have lost, and feel good about knowing it is your own hair. While these products may not work on everyone, they have been proven to be very successful on many men who are seeking to eliminate this bothersome problem.

Before you can decide to use such a product, it will be helpful to understand the actual process that will take place over time. The overall process of reversing hair shrinkage and later promoting the growth of new and healthy hair can take up to a year. There are many factors on which this can depend, but this is a general time frame.

When you begin using such a product, it will take several days to see results. After using one of these products for seven days, you will probably not experience any further heavy hair loss. This means you will not be losing as much hair as before, but some loss will probably still occur. At around day 14, you will begin to see the reversal of hair shrinkage. This is when you know the product is really doing the job.

By the 30th day, you may see some promotion of hair growth. This means that the hair you have lost till begin to grow back. Though you probably won’t notice it at this point, the process will begin. By day 90, you will probably begin the see it.

Over the next several months, you will gradually notice the hair loss process turning itself around so that by the end of the first year, a normal hair growth cycle will begin and the hair loss process will be completely reversed.

As stated above, there are several products on the market that will help you accomplish this. Profinast is one of those products. It is safe to use, and accomplishes everything mentioned above. It has been proven to work effectively, and is widely used.

Natural Hair Loss Treatment Options

Understanding the importance of hair loss is the underlying factor is understanding why people like you look towards innovation and treatments to get your hair back. Natural treatments for hair loss vary and some of them will be explored in this article. I will touch on the importance of hair, as well as a general cycle of hair growth and to identify the origin of hair loss. I will identify the FDA approved treatments for hair loss and some herbal remedies that might interest you for further investigation. Hopefully this article will further your knowledge into what avenues of action you can take to experience hair growth.

The importance of hair.

Without hair most of us feel unsuited. That is we don't feel complete as a human being. What once we had, now we don't and we want it back is a common theme amongst people that are experiencing hair loss. Men can get away with just shaving their heads and say they want to save on hair cut expenses but what about women? What options do they have? Natural hair loss treatments are available and surgery hair loss treatments are there to use as well. Both type of treatments have a wide array of options to choose from. But let’s get back to the basics on hair loss.

What is a hair growth cycle consist of?

Hair needs a protein supplement to make it healthy and to grow. This protein is called keratin and the lack of that protein will start to cause hair loss if it is not reversed. A hair growth cycle consists of 3 cycles. I will dispense with the technical terms of the cycles and just suggest different phases.

Phase 1 is where the major of growth hairs are at any given time. For people trying to grow scalp hair, this phase usually lasts between 2 to 6 years in which hairs grows at about 10cm per year.

Phase 2 lasts a short period of time. This is a temporary phase in which the hair follicle diminishes and breaks away from the scalp.

Phase 3 is a resting phase for hair. This phase typically lasts about 2 months in which hair stays attached to the follicle but does not grow. This is the last phase which reflects a dormant stage and normally new hairs are regrown starting back to phase 1.

It is at this junction that if new hairs are not regrown back to phase 1 is when hair thinning starts to happen because new hairs are not regrown to replace the lost hairs thru the normal hair cycle.

Currently there are only a minimal amount of FDA approved treatments to combat hair loss.

These two treatment plans are Finasteride and Minoxidil. However there are no absolutes in the area of hair growth. That's why there are a lot of experimenting still going on to this day to find out how to combat hair loss. With so many issues concerning the human body head of hair, there are as many variations of treatments to use.

Herbal treatments are another way for hair growth.

What type of herbal treatments are available?

Well considering that one thought process that your scalp needs blood circulation in order for hair growth to be established there are several herbs that you can try. Over the counter remedies are ginkgo bilboa and cayenne pepper. Both of these herbs stimulate blood circulation and that is the premise of the use of these herbs.

Another innovative technique is during your daily shower. This is about the most natural way you can use to stimulate blood circulation on your scalp. Run hot water over your head for 10 seconds and then alternate with cold water for 10 seconds. Do this as a set for 4 times during your shower time. Coupled with herbs that you take blood circulation will be gravitated to your scalp and hopefully hair growth will appear.

Understanding the importance of hair and the cycle that hair growth takes, pinpoints the need for research and more available treatments afflicted with this disease. You are not alone in trying to find a cure for hair loss and as long as researchers are spending their time and money coming up with a solution you will be well rewarded with a treatment plan that may well fit your need.

Natural Hair Loss Treatment Options

Understanding the importance of hair loss is the underlying factor is understanding why people like you look towards innovation and treatments to get your hair back. Natural treatments for hair loss vary and some of them will be explored in this article. I will touch on the importance of hair, as well as a general cycle of hair growth and to identify the origin of hair loss. I will identify the FDA approved treatments for hair loss and some herbal remedies that might interest you for further investigation. Hopefully this article will further your knowledge into what avenues of action you can take to experience hair growth.

The importance of hair.

Without hair most of us feel unsuited. That is we don't feel complete as a human being. What once we had, now we don't and we want it back is a common theme amongst people that are experiencing hair loss. Men can get away with just shaving their heads and say they want to save on hair cut expenses but what about women? What options do they have? Natural hair loss treatments are available and surgery hair loss treatments are there to use as well. Both type of treatments have a wide array of options to choose from. But let’s get back to the basics on hair loss.

What is a hair growth cycle consist of?

Hair needs a protein supplement to make it healthy and to grow. This protein is called keratin and the lack of that protein will start to cause hair loss if it is not reversed. A hair growth cycle consists of 3 cycles. I will dispense with the technical terms of the cycles and just suggest different phases.

Phase 1 is where the major of growth hairs are at any given time. For people trying to grow scalp hair, this phase usually lasts between 2 to 6 years in which hairs grows at about 10cm per year.

Phase 2 lasts a short period of time. This is a temporary phase in which the hair follicle diminishes and breaks away from the scalp.

Phase 3 is a resting phase for hair. This phase typically lasts about 2 months in which hair stays attached to the follicle but does not grow. This is the last phase which reflects a dormant stage and normally new hairs are regrown starting back to phase 1.

It is at this junction that if new hairs are not regrown back to phase 1 is when hair thinning starts to happen because new hairs are not regrown to replace the lost hairs thru the normal hair cycle.

Currently there are only a minimal amount of FDA approved treatments to combat hair loss.

These two treatment plans are Finasteride and Minoxidil. However there are no absolutes in the area of hair growth. That's why there are a lot of experimenting still going on to this day to find out how to combat hair loss. With so many issues concerning the human body head of hair, there are as many variations of treatments to use.

Herbal treatments are another way for hair growth.

What type of herbal treatments are available?

Well considering that one thought process that your scalp needs blood circulation in order for hair growth to be established there are several herbs that you can try. Over the counter remedies are ginkgo bilboa and cayenne pepper. Both of these herbs stimulate blood circulation and that is the premise of the use of these herbs.

Another innovative technique is during your daily shower. This is about the most natural way you can use to stimulate blood circulation on your scalp. Run hot water over your head for 10 seconds and then alternate with cold water for 10 seconds. Do this as a set for 4 times during your shower time. Coupled with herbs that you take blood circulation will be gravitated to your scalp and hopefully hair growth will appear.

Understanding the importance of hair and the cycle that hair growth takes, pinpoints the need for research and more available treatments afflicted with this disease. You are not alone in trying to find a cure for hair loss and as long as researchers are spending their time and money coming up with a solution you will be well rewarded with a treatment plan that may well fit your need.

How To Stop Hair Loss with Natural Remedies

Hair loss has been a problem for many people for many years and as an effect of that, there is a huge industry of medical companies that are targeting that market with all kinds of products. As it has always been with medicine it is commonly produced in laboratories and often it is therefore a recipe put together by a variety of chemicals. To avoid all those chemicals that our world is full of people are turning to natural hair loss remedies.

Believe it or not but one of the natural remedies that is said to have an effect on the loss of hair is to rub onion juice into the head. This procedure should stimulate the growth of the hair and might have some positive affects on the loss of hair as well. Rubbing onion juice is not a solution for everyone as onion juice will make your eyes water and has a terrible smell – so don’t leave your house with onion juice in your hair. Secondly it doesn’t work for everyone and there has currently not been any real proof to show that this kind of treatment will actually produce any significant results. On the other hand it is a safer and much cheaper solution than the products already on the market, but to compare the two are maybe not fair to neither of the hair loss treatments.

Using onion juice is not the only natural treatment to be used against hair loss as many other herbs are believe to have a positive affect on hair loss and retention of hair, but as with the onion juice the scientific proofs are still missing. One of the reasons for the lack of proof is that these scientific tests are extremely expensive and there are currently no major companies in the market with a sufficient economical strength to carry through these tests and until that happens the only proofs of bettering hair loss comes from the products offered my the companies behind Rogaine and Propecia.

The key ingredient in brand names such as Rogaine is Minoxidil. Rogaine is one of the only over-the-counter products approved by the Food and Drug Administration for men and women and because of that it has gained extreme popularity. You can find lots of other hair loss products on the market making claims similar to those of Rogaine, but other than Finasterade which is marketed under the brand name Propecia, no other product has been approved as a treatment for hair loss by the FDA.

Using a formula with 5 milligrams of Finasterade it has been marketed with the name Proscar and has also been used to treat prostate problems in men. It works by inhibiting the development of Dihydrotestosterone in the body and the drug does show results when using it as one of the hair loss remedies made available. While the product Rogaine is used as a scalp lotion the Propecia product is only available in the form of pills. As a final remark the use of Finasterade is not recommended for women as it is known to cause birth defects, so if your are a woman and are pregnant – stay off the Propecia product.

Red Wine and The Aging Process

Recent research suggests that aging as we know it may not be inevitable. We know that some animals do not seem to age such as many cold-water ocean fish, some amphibians and the American lobster continue to grow bigger, are able to reproduce and to live until something kills them. Some people believe that because of the animals that do not seem to age that it could be something in their genes, and possibly in our genes, that controls the pace of aging, and that aging is not the fate of every living thing.

Scientists have discovered that when animals are forced to live on 30 to 40 percent fewer calories than they would normally eat, they become resistant to most age-related diseases that include:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Alzheimers

And they also live 30 to 50 percent longer. Judging from the animal studies, calorie restriction slows aging.

How this is, noone knows for sure, nor why aging occurs and what are the underlying genes that preserve vitality and stave off disease.

Few of us humans are capable of restricting our diets by 30 to 40 percent without being constantly hungry. So some scientists began to look for ways to trigger the sirtuin system in action without restricting calories. In 2003, a handful of sirtuin-activating compounds were discovered. Resveratrol – a molecule produced in plants such as red-wine grapes was the most potent.

Resveratrol and other STACs have enhanced the vitality and extended the life span of every species they have been fed to such as:

• Yeast
• Fruit flies
• Worms
• Fish

The maximum life span of the fish increased 59 percent, which is equivalent to a human living to 194 years. These results are remarkable; however, it is unclear if resveratrol works in the same manner in warm-blooded furry animals.

In studies with mice it was found that resveratrol:

• Reduced the risk of death by 30 percent
• The mice treated with resveratrol were leaner and developed a greatly enhanced aerobic capacity
• Their muscles were consuming oxygen more efficiently
• Had greater capacity to generate energy
• The mice could run twice as far without getting tired
• At least for mice, resveratrol was found to be an outstanding performance-enhancing drug

Evidence also indicates that resveratrol may protect against aging-related diseases. In studies around the world, resveratrol protected mice against:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease

These are the very diseases that reduce most people’s life span. The question of what this all means for humans is still unanswered, yet, could be just as beneficial. Things that are true in mice are often, but not always, true in humans.

Researchers plan many more studies in both animals and in humans in 2007. Some of the first human studies of resveratrol will tell us whether it can help people with either type 2 diabetes or a rare condition called MELAS syndrome that causes brain and muscle destruction in children.

Other good news is that research has started now to find sirtuin activators that have the same effects as resveratrol, but are more potent.

Resveratrol is found in red wine and because of this some people are asking whether they should drink more red wine, or drink red wine to the exclusion of other alcoholic beverages. I personally tried drinking a 6 ounce glass of red wine each night before I went to bed, and felt quite horrible the next day. I do not drink alcohol at all, but was trying this for myself because of all the news I read about the heart health benefits in red wine. I have abandoned the red wine for 10 fluid ounces of 100% grape juice. Most scientific researchers tell us there is not enough resveratrol in red wine to make it a good idea to start drinking it for our health.

Resveratrol tablets and capsules are also available over the counter, but they are of no “proven” value in humans, and they are not manufactured and controlled by the Food and Drug Administration.

Animals that have been given resveratrol treatment are remarkably vital until the end. The studies in animals seem promising. In the future we may be taking resveratrol supplements right along with our daily multivitamins. As of today, however, according to scientific proof, it is still better not to start drinking red wine if you are a non-alcoholic drinker to begin with in the hopes of prolonging your life or having better health. We are probably still safer drinking our 100% grape juice until further studies prove resveratrol in red wine is worth drinking an alcoholic beverage.

Source: Newsweek

Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.

Surgical And Non Surgical Facelift

The mentality has changed and people now think that a facelift is not just for the rich and famous. Today facelifts are one of the most well-accepted and most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the world and with this surgical operation one lifts up the facial tissues and skin and/or the underlying muscle, in order to have a tighter and smoother face. A facelift can really reduce saggy skin and wrinkles and produce a more alert and youthful appearance. Several factors contribute to the final result of the facelift and they are the reason every facelift is different.

If your skin is still elastic and tight, but you are concerned with sagging or excess fat in you face or under the chin, facial liposuction can be very good option. The skin is then lifted outward and the underlying tissues and muscles are tightened and fixed. Sagging skin is simply the effect of gravity over time and seems to affect the face more noticeably as it cannot be concealed by makeup. With an incision behind the hairline running over the top of the head, the skin is gently pulled upwards, the eyebrows along with it, and set into a new position. And at the same time, excess fat and skin can be removed.

When it comes to cosmetic surgery we realize that it is a big decision and it can have a big impact on a person’s life. There are a number of preparations to be made and don’t forget to have a picture taken before the operation so that the results of surgery can be compared with your new appearance. The facial rejuvenation surgery has a goal and that is to restore both men and women with a more youthful contour to your face and neck.

A facelift operation starts with a local anesthesia, or a general anesthesia. Incision often starts from the ear to behind the ear and ends near the hairline behind the ear. After the incision, undermining is done and that is separating the facial skin from the underlying tissue below the neck, chin and cheeks using scalpel and scissors. Then the facial suspension system are tightened with stitches and the skin is pulled backwards and upwards to the required extent. The skin is then tightened with stitches and the underlying excess tissue may or may not be removed. Excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed with sutures.

As opposed to conventional facelifts, which can result into undesirable scars and a plastic look, the weekend facelift leads to a natural, rejuvenated appearance without any visible scars or the look of major surgery. This means the procedure can be kept totally private if desired and the weekend facelift is usually performed on an outpatient basis, with the surgery lasting one hour or less.

Also, one of the best features of this procedure is that it will allow you to return to work the same day you receive treatment. The main goal of a facelift procedure is to give you a fresher and younger look, preserving her/his natural characteristics, unless the patient has some reasons to change the natural look too.

One More Step? Adding a Toner to Your Daily Skin Care Routine

Brush.
Floss.
Pluck.
Wash.
Exfoliate.
Moisturize.
Paint.

Do you really need to add another step to your morning beauty regimen by adding a skin toner?

Skin toners (also referred to as skin tonics, fresheners and astringents) really are an essential step in your daily routine and can make the difference in just having clean skin to having radiant skin.

Many skin toners have a cooling agent which helps skin muscle to contract and pores become temporarily smaller. An additional benefit of a toner is its ability to improve blood circulation in your skin which in turn causes a healthy glow. Skin fresheners are very mild and may contain a citric like lemon juice to restore the skin’s acid balance while astringents are usually more abrasive and are used to address acne or blackheads on the skin.

The main difference in these products is the amount of alcohol used in the formulations. Any toner you choose for your face should be carefully aligned with the type of skin you have to achieve the maximum benefit without over drying or abrading your skin. A skin toner will act as a “clean-up after your cleansing” as it will remove any leftover grease, make-up or cleansing lotion left on your face. It then prepares your skin for your moisturizer to fully penetrate your skin. In addition, a toner will help balance the acid/alkali level in your skin, also known as the pH balance. Toners can be applied using a cotton ball or may be applied using a spraying application.

Storing your toner in your refrigerator in the summer months and using a quick spritz is a wonderful way to refresh your skin in the middle of the day. Many toners use rose water, mint or cucumber extract as an additional ingredient and these serve as indulgent aromatherapy as well as nature’s skin refreshers.

So while it seems like just another step in your already busy morning routine, your skin toner is the polishing touch to a beautiful and glowing face!

The Antiaging & Wrinkle War - Start With The Foundation

The antiaging and anti wrinkle movement has began, fueled by a growing population of baby boomers try to enlist mercenaries against the sneaky enemy, the war of antiaging treatments for the fading and removal of fine lines and crows feet is growing at a near unstoppable pace.

As the body ages, fine lines and wrinkles begin to develop as collagen levels deplete and natural skin properties of elasticity and hydration fade. Sped up by lifestyle shifts in the 21st century and new environmental factors, we are starting to see a full fledge army of anti wrinkle and antiaging products come to the market and publicized in the mass media more and more with the passing days.

If you are in the huge percent of the population currently developing wrinkles and skin care dilemmas without much desire for keeping them, you will be happy to hear, more then ever we now have proper and cost effective skin care treatments and products enrolling on our side of the fight, to help us alleviate and vanquish the enemy, forming trenches in the form of wrinkles and battalions of skin irritations.

Be warned however though, not all antiaging wrinkle creams and products are created equal, and some are downright existent solely as a way to rid you with your money and make some big company more profit. Identifying commonalities of effective products, as well as understanding the science behind wrinkle reduction and lifestyle cause will go a long way in helping you to pick and stick to an effective and result giving anti-wrinkle regime. Saving you time and money, as well as providing motivating and exciting skin and aging improvements we oh so desire in this day and age.

It's silly and quite ineffective to just jump on the bandwagon and reach for the most expensive solution, and as you can imagine many people are quickly going bankrupt in the explosive and persuasive beauty and health markets. To efficiently come to our goals while reaching sustainable and desires results, we must focus on the foundation and principles of skin care. Before we jump right into product selection, we must realize and put into practice the basics, and then move onto more educated and researched product selection, more fine tuned for our particular needs and desires.

Phew, we're aging as we read this, so lets get down to it shall we!

1. Lifestyle:

Stress, diet, and fitness levels all impact skin care quality in dramatic ways. Unfortunately as a bi product of our new society, we tend to lead lives with more stresses, less nutritional diets, more lazy fitness levels and poor sleep, hydration, and environmental factors are seriously detrimental to our skin in this day and age as well… An effective antiaging treatment will only go so far in the relief of your fine lines and skin care troubles if you're living an unhealthy, unstable, and generally unhealthy lifestyle. Identify the unhealthy influences in your life, and work to elleviate them and watch the antiaging results flow in for free, among actually true 'miraculous results guaranteed' in other areas as well!

2. Nutrition:

An expensive or effective antiaging product isn't going to be the end all solution to your woes, the skins health starts at a cellular and most notably, nutrient level, so do you research on proper nutrient and supplement intake to maximize and stabilize your anti aging effectiveness. Particularly pay attention to antioxidants and proper hydration, as these are two commonly look aspects of good nutrition that seriously affect our anti-aging results for many reasons.

3. Product selection:

When we are ready and doing what we can in the lifestyle and nutrition areas, we can start into picking an appropriate treatment specific to what we want to achieve. Proper product research goes along way here for both results and cost. Look for emphasis on certain ingredients, namely; Retinol, hydroxyl acids, coenzyme Q10, copper peptides, and Vitamin-c rich compounds on the ingredient list of well regarded and reviewed anti-aging solutions. All of these are tried, tested and well proven ingredients of effective wrinkle reducers.

Also available like never before with the computer and internet age, is customer feedback and recommendation information on almost anything. If you find a product that seems tailor made to what you need or want, research some previous customer feedback, they may help you make a more educated purchase, caution you to things, or recommend an ever better product in the same genre!

4. In conclusion

In interest of keeping this article short and concise, let us conclude with some popular yet powerful everyday advice, which we seem to brush off or forget about from time to time.

We tend as humans to have a short attention and focus span… making commitments with good intentions but falling short in due time. If we are serious enough about maintaining our youthful vitality, it is important we have the mindset and approach to meet, maintain and fulfill our desires.

A healthy diet, fitness or product regime isn't going to be truly effective if we fall out of the habit in a week's time. We must decide on the course of action, and follow through on it to get to final destination. This isn't necessarily just anti aging advice, but life advice, we all already know this, but sometimes it takes a little reminder or kick in the butt to help us continue on the long winding road to results!

Get to it folks, do your research and PRACTICE the fundamentals of proper skin care and antiaging principles, set your goals, but most importantly… follow through, and refuse to give up until you have achieved that which you desire!

Five Criteria For A Good Plastic Surgery Candidate

Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular and accessible in the world today. Still, it's important that you ask yourself if you're really a good candidate for cosmetic procedures. A little self-reflection - along with the following criteria - will go a long way when considering plastic surgery.

No. 1: Your Physical Health

There are a number of factors that determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for plastic surgery. The first consideration is whether or not the patient is healthy enough to undergo the surgery. If you have a shaky medical history, do not respond well to certain types of medication or anesthesia, or have a weak or compromised immune system, plastic surgery might be risky for you. Make sure to discuss your plans for plastic surgery with your primary care physician before proceeding with the surgery. Also, be sure that your plastic surgeon is fully briefed on your medical history before you have your procedure.

No. 2: Being Emotionally Prepared for Plastic Surgery

Being a good candidate for plastic surgery is more complicated that simply being in good physical health. It is important to be emotionally healthy and prepared for the mental effects of the surgery.

Depending on your reasons for undergoing plastic surgery, the procedure and time period afterwards can be an incredibly emotional time. It is important to know that many patients go through a few days of mild depression after plastic surgery. It is also important to be prepared for this and know what to do if the depression does not subside. (If your depression does not subside after three days, contact your physician and plastic surgeon immediately.) Being emotionally prepared for plastic surgery also means being in an emotionally stable place in your life. Sometimes people turn to surgery thinking it will help them through a difficult period in their lives. Getting plastic surgery directly after a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one or a divorce is often a bad decision.

No. 3 and 4: Being Realistic About Your Goals and Understanding the Risks of Surgery

It is very important that plastic surgery patients to have realistic goals for their bodies. A patient who is 200 pounds overweight will not look like a supermodel the week after bariatric surgery. It can take many years of surgery, physical therapy and proper diet and exercise to completely transform one’s body in such a dramatic way. Furthermore, a complete transformation can require numerous surgeries.

In addition to being realistic about your goals, be sure you understand the risks of your surgery. No matter what kind of surgery you are having, cosmetic or otherwise, there is always risk involved. Be sure to speak frankly with your plastic surgeon about all of the possible outcomes of the surgery, even the negative ones. Being completely informed is the best and healthiest way to enter into this decision.

No. 5: Being Prepared to Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

After plastic surgery, you may be in a very delicate physical state. People who choose to have breast augmentation surgery, for example, must refrain from any rigorous physical activity during their recuperation period. During this period, even light exercise could cause one of the implants to shift or one of the sutures to open. Be sure that you are completely prepared to follow all of your surgeon’s orders during your recuperation period. Be sure that you know how to take care of your body in an ongoing way.

What if I am Not a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

If you are in poor health or, for some reason, your doctor does not feel that you are a good candidate for cosmetic plastic surgery plastic surgery, he or she should tell you so. A doctor who practices with solid medical ethics, and who has your best interests at heart, will not authorize a procedure if it is too risky for you. For example, if you want to have facial plastic surgery such as rhinoplasty but are in the middle of dealing with a serious upper respiratory infection, your doctor might not clear you for the surgery. However, you may become healthy enough to undergo cosmetic plastic surgery in the near future. Discuss mitigating factors and all of your options with your doctor.

Five Criteria For A Good Rhinoplasty Candidate

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job," is one of the most common procedures performed in the American plastic surgery community. Even though rhinoplasty is very common, it is not appropriate for everyone. If you are interested in undergoing rhinoplasty, the guide below, including five important criteria for a rhinoplasty candidate, will help you to determine if the procedure is right for you.

No. 1: Your General Health

Before undergoing any surgery, you should consult with your physician about your general health and ability to undergo surgery. Even if you are relatively healthy, some medications may cause complications during surgery. If you are on any type of medication at all, speak with your doctor to see if your prescription might create such problems. If, however, your health has been poor, you may not be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. Even a minor infection can cause problems during your surgery or recovery phase.

So be sure to make sure you are in good health before going through with a rhinoplasty procedure. Candid discussions with both your physician and your surgeon will allow you to deduce whether or not you are in good enough health to undergo the surgery. Furthermore, if your health is quite poor, your surgeon should refuse to perform rhinoplasty.

No. 2 and 3: Your Emotional Wellness and Reasons for Getting Rhinoplasty

In dire emotional and psychological times, some people believe changing themselves on the outside will help them to cope with the problems on the inside. This is rarely, if ever, true. Rhinoplasty, and any other type of cosmetic surgery for that matter, will not help to heal a broken heart, cure depression or fill an emotional void. Be sure to check in with yourself about why you want to undergo rhinoplasty. If you find that you simply want to improve your looks, your comfort level or your health, then you are probably a good candidate for rhinoplasty.

No. 4: Your Age

It is important that adolescents and teenagers interested in rhinoplasty understand that it is best to wait until their face is finished developing before going through with the procedure. Whether youngsters want to undergo rhinoplasty for cosmetic or medical purposes, it is important for them to wait until their faces have matured. Most plastic surgeons recommend that girls wait until they have reached 14 or 15 to have rhinoplasty. The age is slightly later for boys. If a rhinoplasty is performed before an adolescent face has completely matured, a follow-up procedure may be required to correct any shifting that take place during the maturation process.

Not only can this create physical problems, but it can also double your rhinoplasty cost.

No.5: Your Expectations

Although rhinoplasty can significantly change your physical appearance, it is important to be realistic about what you can achieve through the surgery. Speak very frankly with your doctor about how you hope to look after your rhinoplasty procedure has been completed and the swelling has subsided. It is best to go into any plastic surgery expecting improvement, not perfection.

Five Reasons Why LASIK Surgery Is Now Such A Popular Alternative

Millions of people wake up every morning and have to reach for their glasses to see what kind of day it is. But each year over a million of these people decide to do something about it, and start looking into vision correction procedures. LASIK surgery has become a very popular alternative among the variety of choices available.

It is not only Interest in LASIK surgery that has increased dramatically over the past few years. So has the technology, the body of evidence and the quality of life for huge numbers of people. There are many ways that things become "popular" in our media-rich culture, but there are very good, very logical reasons that LASIK has become the vision correction method of choice. Certainly there are more than five reasons why LASIK surgery is now such a popular alternative, but to start you out in this particular area of study, we will start with these. Additional information at DocShop.com, and from other resources as well as the doctors you approach about the procedure, will eventually supply you with everything you need to make your own best decision in this important matter.

1. Famous athletes, politicians and entertainers—in addition to people from all walks of life—are attesting to the joy they feel now that they are able to see their world clearly and in focus. These testimonials have fueled increasing interest and excitement about this revolutionary procedure.

2. The evidence of many years now shows conclusively that LASIK patients recover more quickly than with other methods of vision correction. Considering the busy lifestyles in this day and age, the swift and simple LASIK procedure is favored also because it does not sideline the patient for any length of time. A day or two of rest is sufficient for most patients, who appreciate the fact that they can get back to work and to their family in short order—and see better, of course.

3. Another reason that LASIK surgery has become the preferred procedure for the majority of vision correction patients is because they notice significant vision improvements very soon after surgery. Although in some cases it make take several months for everything to "settle down" and get back to normal, in the vast majority of cases the improvement comes quickly and stabilizes quickly, too.

4. The number of adverse side effects is lower with the LASIK procedure than with other approaches, and the amount of post-operative pain is also less. This means that recovery is smoother and the patient does not need to be taking pain killers than will inhibit their ability to work and live normally. This is a very important consideration for many people.

5. A comparison of the LASIK cost with its proven outcome shows that the procedure is an incredible bargain. For several thousand dollars, a life of blurriness and eye fatigue can be replaced by one of clarity, focus and good old normal eyesight. Considering the importance of the sense of sight, LASIK surgery is an incredible bargain, and that is one of the reasons it has truly become the procedure of choice for correcting certain vision problems.

It is essential that, in your search for a LASIK surgeon, you do not merely rely on articles such as this, but dig deeper. Articles that give you "five reasons for" or "the top 10 tips about" LASIK surgery are starting points—and good ones, too—but are intended to get you looking deeper and more fully into the matter. There is no substitute for study and preparation in any endeavor.

How To Choose The Top Face Lift Surgeon In Your Area

In business, social settings, and even in our personal lives, we are often advised to “put our best face forward.” This saying means, of course, to present the world with the most winning version of ourselves. But there is more to it than that. Every day, people make snap judgments about each other based on appearance alone. It is completely natural to jump to conclusions based on someone’s personal appearance because, at first, that is all the information with which we are supplied.

Because of the importance of one’s appearance in daily life, many people choose to undergo cosmetic surgery to alter, enhance or improve their appearance. Some people do this for personal satisfaction, while others do it so they look fresher and more confident in the workplace. No matter what your reason for being interested in a face lift, it is important to find a great surgeon who will understand your goals and help you put your best face forward.

Make a List of the Plastic Surgeons in Your Area

You can begin by using the Internet, the yellow pages and professional networks to find surgeons in your region who specialize in this procedure. Alternately, you can ask for recommendations from your physician. If you know anyone who has undergone a face lift surgery, or other cosmetic procedure with favorable results, ask them about their experience. Would they recommend their doctor to you?

Narrow Your List

Once you have compiled this list, narrow it down based on your particular requirements. You want a doctor who has many years of experience performing face lifts, but is it important to you to find a face lift surgeon who sits on specialized medical boards or has won awards? By taking such questions into consideration and doing a bit of research about the doctors on your list, you will be able to narrow it down.

From there, you can research the specific work of each face lift surgeon left on your list. Many surgeons have websites with information about their career and education as well as before and after photos of their patients. You can also review the doctor’s portfolio when you go in for your initial consultation. Do not be afraid of consulting with a few different surgeons to find the best fit for you. After all, you will be putting the fate of your face in his or her hands.

Make Sure That Your Doctor Can Perform Many Types of Face Lift Procedures

Because every face is unique, every face lift surgery is a bit different. In addition to a general face lift, some patients require additional procedures such as brow lifts, neck lifts, eyelid surgery and even implants to improve the contour of their face. The surgeon that you choose should be well-versed in all of these types of procedures.

Face Lift Alternatives

When you do find a face lift surgeon you like, be sure to ask him or her if you might be a good candidate for face lift alternatives. Inquire about non-surgical face lifts and mini face lifts. For more information on how to find face lift surgeons in your area, as well as types of face lifts and face lift alternatives

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Still Ideal for Anti-Aging Skin Care?

Would you like to see a cat fight? Just ask two cancer researchers whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT) causes cancer. This question certainly provoked several arguments in the medical community this week.

The first feud started once a report in the New England Journal of Medicine linked the decline in breast cancer rates in 2003 to reduced usage of hormone replacement therapy.

After that announcement, the International Menopause Society (IMS) attacked the report’s credibility by pointing out shortcomings like “a transient decrease in breast cancer incidence was observed also around 1987–9.” And so for the IMS, the ultimate cause of cancer remains questionable-not a definite HRT side effect.

The next tiff to take place over HRT happened once The Lancet unveiled findings from the One Million Women Study. The United Kingdom-based study followed almost 950,000 postmenopausal women for five years to investigate the link between ovarian cancer incidence and HRT usage.

According to the researchers, women who use HRT are at an increased risk of both incident and fatal ovarian cancer. Then in true fighter spirit, the International Menopause Society discredited this HRT study as well. This time the IMS argued that the Lancet study skewed its numbers and that such ill-derived results, “will inevitably cause further unnecessary distress to the many women who are benefiting from HRT.”

It appears the struggles over the safeness of hormone replacement therapy will endure ad infinitum. Meanwhile, should adults continue to use hormone replacement therapy in the mist of possible cancer risks?

If eradicating wrinkles and maintaining your skin’s elasticity as long as possible are important to you, then hormone replacement therapy will help you to meet this goal.

For example, postmenopausal women who use hormone therapy for five years or less typically had fewer wrinkles and firmer skin than women who opted not to use the treatment.

Similarly, a study in the journal Dermatology recommended using hormone replacement therapy to counteract the natural loss of facial tissue, or plumpness, which occurs with aging.

Moreover, results from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey discovered the after examining nearly 3,800 postmenopausal women, those using hormone replacement therapy had significantly less wrinkling and skin dryness.

While hormone replacement therapy may sound like a cosmetic redeemer, the battle over the safeness of this controversial therapy continues on a number of fronts. You have your choice of natural, synthetic and bioidentical hormones. Likewise, you have passionate professionals evangelizing the virtues and evils of every variation of estrogen.

Ultimately, the choice to use hormone replacement therapy resides with you the consumer, your health history and your budget. Because, while you are busy browsing over hormones, researchers will still debate whether you are taking cancerous risks or slowing the aging process.

Sources:
Beral, Valerie; Million Women Study Collaborators. Ovarian cancer and hormone replacement therapy in the Million Women Study. The Lancet Early Online Publication; April 19, 2007.

Dunn, LB; M Damesyn, AA Moore, DB Reuben & GA Greendale. Does estrogen prevent skin aging? Results from the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I). Archives of Dermatology; March 1997, vol 133, no 3, pp 339 - 342.

International Menopause Society. IMS Reaction to Report on Breast Cancer Incidence in 2003 in US. April 17, 2007.

International Menopause Society. Response to Lancet Paper on Ovarian Cancer in the Million Women Study. April 18, 2007.

Ravdin, Peter M et al. The Decrease in Breast-Cancer Incidence in 2003 in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine; April 19, 2007 vol 356, no 16, pp 1670-1674.

Sator, Paul-G; Jolanta B Schmidt, Thomas Rabe & Christos C Zouboulis. Skin aging and sex hormones in women – clinical perspectives for intervention by hormone replacement therapy. Experimental Dermatology; December 2004, vol 13, no 4, pg 36-40.

Wolff, Erin F; Deepak Narayan & Hugh S Taylor. Long-term effects of hormone therapy on skin rigidity and wrinkles. Fertility and Sterility; August 2005, vol 84, no 2, pp 285-288.

What Should An Anti Aging Skin Care Treatment Consist Of

When you start to age, the signs will begin to appear on your face. These signs usually show up when you are in the late 20s. The visible signs may include loose skins, fine line, spots wrinkles, and larger pores on your skin. In addition, sun, wind, and pollutants can further degrade the condition of your skin. The aging process also changes the physical outlook of your skin such as accumulation of dead skin cells, dryness, and hyperpigmentation.

As your skin ages, it produces less moisture and oil. It loses its elasticity and becomes dry. Wrinkles will start to develop. That is why you need to moisturize it. Use moisturizer that comes with vitamins A, C, and E. It can diminish the depth and number of wrinkles.

At this stage, your skin takes a longer time to renew because the regeneration of new skin cells cannot happen soon enough. Moreover, the removal of dead cells further slow downs. Therefore, your complexion looks dull due to the buildup of dead cells.

To remove the dead cells, scrub your skin with exfoliating scrubs. They help to increase its natural exfoliation by shedding off dead cells on its top layer. So, your skin will look more lively and vibrant. You should not exfoliate too often. Excessive scrubbing can make your skin dry and itchy. Sometimes, it cannot tolerate other beauty products. You can scrub the most twice a week but not on the same days.

Skin pigmentation usually develops with aging. This causes your skin color to be uneven. You can use a skin lightener to overcome the pigmentation. It can make the tone of your complexion even and radiant. For hyperpigmentation, apply vitamin C based skin cream. Vitamin C reduces the productions of melanin by the melanocytes, which are responsible for your pigmentation.

If you expose your skin to the sun frequently, use a sunscreen. A study reveals that when you apply topical Vitamin C, 15 to 30 minutes after exposing to the sun, your skin will start to repair the damage. Therefore, sunscreen should be part of your skin rejuvenation regime. You should use it at least once a day.

As the market is flooded with so many skin care products for anti aging, you need the right information about the product. This is the ideal way to address your skin problem before you buy any of them. So, perform research on the proven treatments in the market. Most of them contain a combination of herbs and essential vitamins to slow down the aging process of your skin and restore its youthfulness.

An ideal anti aging skin care treatment should consist of an exfoliating scrub, a skin lightener, a vitamin enhanced moisturizer, and a sunscreen. They can prevent your skin from aging too fast and protect your skin against harsh environment every day.

Eight Ways to Help Your Mom (and You) Stay Younger Longer

If you are at midlife or younger, you need to start thinking about your aging mom, and how you can help her (and you) stay younger and healthier longer.

This is important. The quality of your own "golden years" will depend on the quality of your mom's life. Whatever you can do to help her stay mentally and physically strong and flexible will pay huge dividends for her, for you, and your family. (Preserving the quality of life of your dad is equally important, and much of what applies to mom applies to dad.)

If your mom is now in good health, and is open to change there is a lot you can do go help her stay independent and out of a nursing home down the road. Even if you think she's doing great right now, and doesn't need help from you, remember that aging successfully is all about preparation. Her condition today is no assurance of what she will be like in five years unless both of you prepare.

The keys to successfully helping your mom are twofold: her willingness and ability to accept change, and your understanding of what it will take to help her.

As years go by, we get comfortable with our lifestyle and change becomes increasingly difficult, so it's important to start early while she is still aware that she needs to take an active role in controlling her aging process. If you can do that, your job will be easier, and your rewards (and hers) will be greater.

There are several important things you can do:

1. If she is not in an exercise program, buy her a membership at a gym. Buy one for yourself if needed, and go together. Maintaining strength is crucial for staying independent. It also helps avoid osteoporosis.

2. As an alternative to a gym, get her a treadmill and motivate her to use it. If you are not using a treadmill, this is a good time to invest in one and perhaps share the cost.

3. Buy her a subscription to a good newsletter that will teach her about nutrition and supplements, and encourage her to stay on the right track. If you do not subscribe to one for yourself, perhaps you could split the cost.

4. Don't be overly solicitous for her welfare. Let her do for herself what she can and wants to do. For example, if mom wants to wash windows, telling her "You don't have to do that anymore; I can do it for you" is not helpful. Encourage her independence. It will benefit everyone long term.

5. Help her keep her mind active. Crossword puzzles are great – for you, too. If she doesn't know how to use a computer, encourage her to sign up for a class. If she doesn't work but would like to, knowing how to use a computer will help her get a worthwhile job that will keep her mentally sharp and physically active. It will also help her financially, and probably your family, in the long run.

6. If she is in good shape financially, encourage her to spend money on herself. Help her update her appearance and wardrobe. The better she knows she looks, the happier she will be. If she wants to get a facelift, more power to her. (Just make sure the two of you do your homework before you decide on a surgeon.) Encourage her to keep her teeth in good repair. It's more than a matter of cosmetics; it's a health issue if she has bleeding or infected gums or missing teeth. If she would like braces on her teeth, go for it. I had braces on my teeth when I was 69. It was a great decision. Does she want new veneers or crowns? A nice white smile will take years off her appearance.

7. Encourage her independence, even if your father is still in the picture. If she is overly dependent on him and he departs this earth unexpectedly, it will be an unnecessary burden for you and for her if she isn't prepared to stand on her own two feet. Make certain she knows the passwords to all financial accounts, and where everything is located. It is essential she knows what he knows. If your father does most of the driving, she should be just as comfortable behind the wheel as he is, assuming both are equally capable. If she is not used to driving, and suddenly has to drive, it takes time to regain confidence.

8. If she is alone and finds a significant other, be happy for her and try not to meddle. However, if it is clear the guy is a potential threat to her health, happiness or pocketbook, then meddle. You have my permission. It's unfortunate that many older women are willing to settle for anything just to have someone (who may not be suitable for any number of reasons) in their life. Over the prescription counter, I have heard many sad tales about loneliness, frustration, and competition for barely breathing males in the senior community.

To be fair, I've heard some great stories about love found late in life. But even some of the heartwarming stories have a sad ending. I recall a woman in her late seventies who became engaged. As she showed me her ring, glowing with happiness, she gushed, "I can't believe it is possible to feel this way at my age." Not too long after, the engagement was off because she discovered "he wasn't the man I thought he was." Better to find out sooner than later!

Depending on your own personal situation, you can think of other things to help your mom live happily in her golden years. Think about it now, and do what you have to do for the both of you.