Women Health - Part 4

Women and Testosterone Hormone

Testosterone is usually considered a male hormone, but it is also needed (in a much smaller amount) by a woman’s body. In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands.

Estrogen replacement therapy without balancing testosterone at the same time can lead to even greater testosterone deficiency in postmenopausal women.

Testosterone is a hormone that influences our personality. It gives us a sense of wellbeing and empowers us to take actions in life. Testosterone increases feelings of emotional comfort, self confidence and assertiveness. When testosterone levels are in balance we are able to live our lives with passion.

Testosterone has both a physiological and a psychological impact on women's sexuality. Testosterone enhances libido in women. Testosterone increases muscle mass and strength. Testosterone decreases body fat. Testosterone helps you feel more energetic.

Women Health - Part 3

What is pk24?
pk24 is the first and only clinically tested, anti-aging vaginal rejuvenation cream formulated to hydrate internal vaginal walls and create a "youthful" tightening effect. In Clinical Trials Conducted to establish the safety and effectiveness of pk24, 78% of women tested also reported an increase in satisfaction with their ability to reach orgasm (climax) during sexual activity or intercourse.
The really exciting statistic is that 45% of the women participating in the clinical trial also reported an increase in frequency of orgasm using PK24. Many women never or rarely achieve vaginal orgasm and according to the study, pk24 enhances the ability to climax and increases frequency of orgasm for some women.

Why use pk24?

Vaginal relaxation, an increased interior diameter in the vagina, can cause a lack of friction that diminishes sensation and gratification. An estimated 30 million American women suffer from the symptoms of vaginal relaxation as a result of childbirth, aging or poor muscle tone. This often means that women no longer experience the same pleasure from intercourse they once did, and it often takes longer to achieve orgasm. By reducing the interior dimensions of the vagina and temporarily returning it to a more “youthful” state, sexual gratification for a woman and her partner can be greatly enhanced.

How does pk24 work?

The proprietary blend of ingredients is formulated to hydrate the interior walls of the vagina which creates a tightening effect that can enhance sensation and sexual pleasure.
what are the ingredients in pk24?
Aloe barbadensis leaf, a soothing plant extract; glycerin, a natural moisturizing ingredient; and alum potassium, a naturally occurring mineral;
sodium citrate, an anti-antioxidant and natural preservative; peg-75 for fragrance; sucralose for flavor; and methylparaben and proplyparaben, common preservatives which are water soluble. All ingredients meet GRAS standards.

How safe is pk24?

The product has completed clinical trials in the U.S. to evaluate its safety for women. When used as directed, pk24 produces no known adverse side effects.
However, pk24 is not recommended for use if you are experiencing any vaginal disorders and is not intended to treat or cure any disease or ailment.
how do you use pk24?

• pk24 is applied by putting a small amount on the index finger and gently massaging it on the interior vaginal walls.
• The ingredients in pk24 are designed to hydrate the interior walls of the vagina for a tightening effect that enhances sensation and sexual pleasure.
• The tightening effect can start in as little as 10 minutes after application and can last 24 hours.
• Bathing, exercise and other routine activity will not affect results.
• The feeling is completely natural.

What are the results?

Women who desire the optimum in sensual and sexual gratification are reporting great benefits. pk24 brings desired youthfulness to an important personal part of the body, renewing a sense of sexual confidence and empowerment. During clinical trials, 89% of subjects report increased level of sexual arousal during sexual activity or intercourse. Beyond the increase in sensation, many say that pk24 has improved intimacy with their partner.

What are the emotional benefits?

• Women using pk24 have shown a renewed sense of sexual vitality and empowerment, what we call – “Feminine Sexual Esteem”
• Increased intimacy level, enhanced arousal
• Rejuvenated sense of youthful self and heightened sexual confidence

What are the functional benefits?

• Lightweight and non-irritating
• Convenient and easy to use
• Fast-working and long-lasting
• Affordable

What is “feminine sexual esteem®”

An estimated 30 million American women suffer from the effects of vaginal relaxation resulting from childbirth, aging or muscular de-conditioning. Vaginal relaxation, an increased interior diameter in the vagina, can cause diminished sensation and gratification due to a lack of friction. This often means that women no longer experience the same pleasure from intercourse they once did, and it often takes longer to achieve orgasm.
The term, "Feminine Sexual Esteem," refers to women taking action to dramatically improve and enhance their own sexual experience. They are looking for answers and demanding new options and ideas. Having a high level of Feminine Sexual Esteem means women are confident in their sexual selves, exploring the overall sexual experience, and embracing their sexual appetites.
Feminine Sexual Esteem—a woman’s belief in her own desirability and sexuality—adds a wonderful dimension to any intimate relationship.

Women Health - Part 2

The Pelvexiser — What is it? A device to strengthen the female pelvic floor muscle to cure incontinence The Pelvexiser is protected by a patent The only device on the market, that isolates the relevant muscles which control continence (patent!) and delivers immediate biofeedback to the female patient to control her muscle exercises Progressive build-up of muscles through customizable resistance

The pelvic floor muscle — What for? The female pelvic floor supports Bladder Uterus Gut Urethra, Vagina (birth-channel) and anus pass the pelvic floor muscle The pelvic floor muscle plays a vital role for Bladder- and gut control Sexual Perception Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) - Problems Weakening of PFM especially through: Pregnancy and child birth Constant heavy lifting Excess weight Hormonal changes during menopause Chronical cough (e.g. when smoking or asthma) Insufficient fitness Female problems: The solution The Pelvexiser attacks exactly these problems Results: Fortification of pelvic floor muscle Prevention of Incontinence Better sexual arousal

Women Health - Part 1

Kegel exercises: A how-to guide for women

Kegel exercises can help you prevent or control urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing Kegel exercises correctly.

By Mayo Clinic staff
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder and bowel. You can do Kegel exercises discreetly just about anytime, whether you're driving in your car, sitting at your desk or relaxing on the couch. You can even do Kegel exercises when you're pregnant. Start by understanding what Kegel exercises can do for you — then follow step-by-step instructions for contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles.

Why Kegel exercises matter

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Female pelvic floor muscles

Many factors can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, from pregnancy and childbirth to aging and being overweight. This may allow your pelvic organs to descend and bulge into your vagina — a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse. The effects of pelvic organ prolapse range from uncomfortable pelvic pressure to leakage of urine. Pelvic organ prolapse isn't inevitable, however. Kegel exercises can help delay or even prevent pelvic organ prolapse and the related symptoms.
Kegel exercises — along with counseling and sex therapy — may also be helpful for women who have persistent problems reaching orgasm.

How to do Kegel exercises

It takes diligence to identify your pelvic floor muscles and learn how to contract and relax them. Here are some pointers:

• Find the right muscles. Insert a finger inside your vagina and try to squeeze the surrounding muscles. You should feel your vagina tighten and your pelvic floor move upward. Then relax your muscles and feel your pelvic floor return to the starting position. You can also try to stop the flow of urine when you urinate. If you succeed, you've got the basic move. Don't make a habit of starting and stopping your urine stream, though. Doing Kegel exercises with a full bladder or while emptying your bladder can actually weaken the muscles, as well as lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder — which increases the risk of a urinary tract infection.
• Perfect your technique. Once you've identified your pelvic floor muscles, empty your bladder and sit or lie down. Contract your pelvic floor muscles, hold the contraction for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Try it four or five times in a row. Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions.
• Maintain your focus. For best results, focus on tightening only your pelvic floor muscles. Be careful not to flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs or buttocks. Avoid holding your breath. Instead, breathe freely during the exercises.
• Repeat three times a day. Aim for at least three sets of 10 repetitions a day. You might make a practice of fitting in a set every time you do a routine task, such as checking email, commuting to work, preparing meals or watching TV.

When you're having trouble

If you're having trouble doing Kegel exercises, don't be embarrassed to ask for help. Your doctor or other health care provider can give you important feedback so that you learn to isolate and exercise the correct muscles.
In some cases, biofeedback training may help. During a biofeedback session, your doctor or other health care provider inserts a small monitoring probe into your vagina or places adhesive electrodes on the skin outside your vagina or anus. When you contract your pelvic floor muscles, you'll see a measurement on a monitor that lets you know whether you've successfully contracted the right muscles. You'll also be able to see how long you hold the contraction.
If necessary, electrical stimulation is sometimes an option. During this procedure, your doctor or other health care provider applies a small electrical current to your pelvic floor muscles. The current makes the muscles contract, which produces a buzzing feeling. Once you get used to the sensation, you'll probably be able to duplicate the exercise on your own.

When to expect results

If you do your Kegel exercises faithfully, you can expect to see results — such as less frequent urine leakage — within about eight to 12 weeks. For some women, the improvement is dramatic. For others, Kegel exercises simply keep problems from getting any worse. For continued benefits, make Kegel exercises a permanent part of your daily routine.

COMPUTERISED FACIAL ANALYSIS

The Janus Facial Imaging system is revolutionizing skin analysis. The Janus Facial Imaging system uses 3 different types of light exposure: Normal, Polarized, and Ultraviolet to take an in depth look at your skin on and beneath the surface.

Using the Janus System we are able to analyze your skin and how it has aged. The system uses 5 categories pores, wrinkles, spots, sebum, and phorphyrins (The body’s natural oils) and skin tone. The system compares your skin to results typically found by others in your age group. It then rates your skin condition based on people in your age group or previous pictures that have been taken in the imaging system.

The system also keeps track of your previous pictures and monitors your progress. Your photos are analyzed and stored in the system history and can be retrieved at anytime. The system is an amazing tool for looking at your skin and actually seeing it-not only on the surface but what is underneath.

Psyllium

Overview:

Psyllium is a soluble fiber used primarily as a gentle bulk forming laxative in products such as Metamucil. It comes from a shrub like herb called Plantago ovata that grows worldwide but is most common in India. Each plant can produce up to 15,000 tiny, gel coated seeds, from which psyllium husk is derived.

The soluble fiber found in psyllium husks can help lower cholesterol. Psyllium can help relieve both constipation and diarrhea, and is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other intestinal problems. Psyllium has also been used to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. When psyllium husk comes in contact with water, it swells and forms a gelatin like mass that helps transport waste through the intestinal tract. Several large population based studies also suggest that increased fiber intake may reduce risk of colon cancer, but other studies have been conflicting.

Colon Cancer

After some promising early studies, newer results examining whether a high fiber diet protects against colon cancer have been mixed. Most large, better designed studies have found only a slight association between fiber intake and colorectal cancer risk. In addition, fiber does not appear to protect against the recurrence of colorectal cancer.

Constipation

Many well designed studies have shown that psyllium relieves constipation. When combined with water, it swells and produces more bulk, which stimulates the intestines to contract and helps speed the passage of stool through the digestive tract. Psyllium is widely used as a laxative in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Diabetes

Studies suggest that a high fiber diet may help lower insulin and blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. It may also reduce the chance of developing diabetes in those who are at risk.

Diarrhea

Psyllium can also be used to help relieve mild-to-moderate diarrhea. It soaks up a significant amount of water in the digestive tract, making stool firmer and slower to pass.

Heart Disease

Adding high fiber foods (such as psyllium enriched cereals) to your diet may help lower heart disease risk. In fact, studies show that a diet high in water soluble fiber is associated with lower triglyceride levels, and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Hemorrhoids

Your doctor may recommend psyllium to help soften stool and reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids.

High Blood Pressure

Although studies are not entirely conclusive, adding fiber (12 g of soluble fiber per day) to your diet, particularly psyllium, may help lower blood pressure. In one study, 6 months of supplementation with psyllium fiber significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in overweight people with hypertension.

High Cholesterol

Soluble fibers -- such as those in psyllium husk, guar gum, flax seed, and oat bran -- can help lower cholesterol when added to a low fat, low cholesterol diet. Studies have shown psyllium can lower total as well as LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. In combination with cholesterol lowering drugs, such as statins, psyllium provides an added benefit to reducing cholesterol levels.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Although studies have found conflicting results, some physicians recommend psyllium for mild-to-moderate cases of diarrhea from either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (another type of inflammatory bowel disorder). In one study of people with ulcerative colitis, psyllium was as effective as the prescription drug mesalamine (Pentasa, Rowasa, Asacol) in maintaining remission. However, for some people with IBD, too much psyllium can make symptoms worse. Work closely with your doctor to decide how much fiber is right for you.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Several studies have found that soluble fiber (including psyllium) helps relieve some symptoms of IBS, such as diarrhea and constipation. Other studies, however, have found mixed results.

Obesity

Studies and clinical reports suggest that psyllium may make you feel fuller and reduce hunger cravings.

Dietary Sources:

This substance comes from psyllium seed and psyllium husk. Psyllium is also added to some cereals to increase fiber content.

Available Forms:

Standard preparations of psyllium are available in dry seed or husk form, to be mixed with water as needed. Psyllium is an ingredient in some commercially prepared laxatives. It also comes in capsules, tablets, and wafers.

How to Take It:

Pediatric

Children should get fiber from their diet. Give a child psyllium supplements only under a doctor' s supervision.

Adult

Add 1/2 - 2 tsp of psyllium seed to 1 cup (8 oz.) of warm water. Mix well, then drink immediately before it becomes too thick to swallow comfortably. (Psyllium thickens rapidly when added to water.) If you use a commercial product that contains psyllium, follow the package directions.

If you are not used to taking psyllium, it is best to begin with a low dose (such as 1/2 tsp. in an 8 oz. glass of water once a day), then increase to 2 tsp. in 2, 8 oz. glasses of water per day, as needed.

Your health care provider may recommend higher doses of psyllium to treat certain conditions. You can take psyllium first thing in the morning or before bedtime. As a weight loss aid, take it at least 30 minutes before meals.

Precautions:

Because supplements may have side effects or interact with medications, you should take them only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Psyllium supplements may reduce or delay the absorption of certain medications (See Possible Interactions). As a rule, you should not take psyllium supplements at the same time as other medications. Take psyllium at least 1 hour before or 2 - 4 hours after taking other medications.

You should always take psyllium with a full 8 oz. glass of water, and you should drink at least 6 - 8 full glasses of water throughout the day to avoid constipation. Taking psyllium supplements without adequate liquids may cause it to swell, and, in extreme cases, cause choking.

Do not take this product if you have bowel obstructions or spasms, or if you have difficulty swallowing. People with esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or any other narrowing or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract should not take psyllium.

A potential side effect from any fiber product is gas and bloating.

People with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before taking psyllium.

HELIOCARE SUNBLOCK GEL SPF90

INTRODUCTORY OFFER!! BUY 1 AND GET 2 TRAVEL SIZE SUNBLOCK FREE

Heliocare Gel is a great product to use to after clinical treatments such as Laser Hair Reduction and Microdermabrasion to prevent skin damage.

Heliocare Fluid Gel is an exclusive formulation that is free of all comedogenic lipids and is therefore perfect for greasy and mixed skin types. The gel is transparent, does not colour the skin, and does not have a whitening effect when applied. Heliocare Gel is water resistant.

Heliocare Gel is oil-free, easy to apply, has a light to the touch formulation, with an elegance that encourages daily use. Heliocare Gel is ideal for all skin types and particularly suitable for oily and spot-prone skin.

Heliocare Gel is perfect for the daily prevention of photo-aging and sun damage. It is suitable for lessening the effects of medication-induced photosensitivity, preventing melasma in greasy skins and photodermatosis

Heliocare gel is also suitable for the photoprotection of skin treated with topical and/or oral retinoids (Vitamin A).

Suitable for normal/oily skins - SPF 90

Directions for Use:
Apply in the morning to complete your anti-ageing skincare regime or as directed by your aesthetic professional. Gently massage until absorbed ensuring complete coverage of the face and décolleté. Non-comedogenic and water resistant reapply every 2-3 hours during periods of high sun exposure.

Reverse Aging with Phiderma Retinol

Retinol is a purified form of Vitamin A, which stimulates collagen production when applied directly to the skin. It functions by inhibiting the enzymes that break down the skin's collagen support structure and by stimulating skin fibroblasts.

Many topical anti-aging products that claim to promote collagen growth are unable to penetrate the skin to reach the deep dermis where fibroblasts are located and, because of this, are ineffective. This problem has now been solved with the development of Retinol Capsules. Using the patented Microsponge® Delivery System, Retinol Capsules have the ability to penetrate the outer layer of the skin and reach the deep dermis where it stimulates fibroblasts into producing collagen.

This ability to penetrate into the deep dermis and stimulate collagen production allows Retinol Capsules to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as reverse skin damage due to sun exposure. Additionally, Retinol Capsules increase the thickness of the epidermis, which results in smoother, healthier, and younger looking skin.

Benefits of Retinol Capsules:

• Collagen Synthesis
• Reverse Skin Damage
• Antioxidant Nourishment
• Reduce Appearance of Wrinkles

Phiderma Linurase Serum : Botox Alternative

Linurase® Serum stands alone with its unique formulation that naturally combines the most effective Anti-Aging Skin Care ingredients to combat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This combination of the most innovative active ingredients, guarantees excellent results for all skin types and ages.
Linurase® Serum was developed as a gentle alternative to injections and other drastic procedures, to target expression lines and wrinkles.
Linurase® Serum actually goes further than the other "Botox® alternatives", as its efficacy against muscle contractions is complemented by ingredients that moisturize the skin, offering dramatic results without surgery or painful needles. Linurase® Serum relaxes facial muscles, while nourishing skin cells, making the skin look younger and healthier.
Linurase® Serum deters the degeneration of collagen and elastin, it smoothes the skin, and reduces the depth of lines and wrinkles. It is remarkably effective on the forehead, around the eyes, between the brows and around the mouth.

Prevent & Correct with:

• Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
• Refined Hyaluronic Acid
• Seaweed Bio-Peptide Extracts
• Antioxidants
• Oil Free & Fragrance Free Complex

Zerona Laser Gets FDA Clearance

FDA Clears Erchonia's Zerona Laser for the Non-Invasive Reduction of the Arms

MCKINNEY, Texas, Jun 04, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Erchonia today announces the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510 (k) clearance to market Erchonia's Zerona body-contouring laser treatment for the non-invasive reduction of arm circumference based on a level 1 blinded and controlled clinical trial.

"The arms have always been a difficult area to treat through diet, exercise or even surgery," says Steven Shanks, president of Erchonia. "But in just 2 weeks of treatments with the Zerona laser, Erchonia's study proved patients could lose approximately 4 cm off of their arms without diet, exercise or nutritional supplementation. Patients treated with a placebo laser did not show any significant changes in arm reduction."

The upper arms are unique in that no other confounding factors such as diet that can affect the circumference, especially over a relatively short period of time. The results of the study showed a highly statistically significant difference in circumference reduction, which was still present at least 7.6 months after treatment, between the Zerona treated vs the sham treated patients. It also revealed a very high degree of patient satisfaction in the Zerona treatment group.

Dr. Mark Nestor, the lead investigator for the study, adds, "After seeing firsthand the results of the Zerona noninvasive body sculpting device on patients' waists, hips and thighs, I wanted to assess the efficacy of the low-level laser on the upper arms in a rigorous level 1, double blind, multicenter, sham-controlled study. The study shows Zerona's low-level laser therapy is effective in reducing upper arm circumference without any pain or side effects."

This is the second FDA 510k market clearance Erchonia has secured for its Zerona technology. In August 2010, after submitting its level 1 clinical data, Erchonia became the first and only device with 510k market clearance from the FDA for the circumference reduction of the waist, hips and thighs not to mention the first non-invasive device of any kind given a 510k market clearance from the FDA for fat reduction. Erchonia is also the first and only laser company given a 510k market clearance for liposuction which was based on its level 1 clinical trial in 2004. Erchonia has been researching the effect of its low level lasers on fat cells since 1998, and peer reviewed journals have been publishing its research since 2001.

For more information, please visit www.erchonia.com and www.myzerona.com .

About Erchonia

Erchonia is the global leader in low level laser healthcare applications. Over the last 15 years Erchonia has been conducting research and development with the world's leading physicians to advance the science of low level lasers. Prior to market introduction, all Erchonia lasers are proven safe and effective through independent clinical trials. Currently thousands of Erchonia's lasers are used daily to reduce body fat, eliminate pain, accelerate healing, and treat acne. For additional information, visit www.erchonia.com .

SOURCE: Erchonia