Is There Dangerous Tap Water in Your Shower? Surprising Answer.

Just how dangerous is tap water for showering? The answer may surprise you. Slipping in the shower is a danger but a bigger one could be in the water itself. Why?Shower filters are becoming increasingly popular. They were originally released as a beauty aid, to improve the appearance of the skin and hair, by protecting them from the damaging effects of chlorine.If you have dry, itchy skin and you remove the chlorine with a water filter, you will notice an improvement, sometimes immediately. If you have broken or damaged hair that often requires the use of conditioners, you will notice an improvement in a week or less. Of course, there are many water filtration systems on the market. Some, if not most, are a waste of money. Others are just plain ineffective.Why is Tap Water Potentially Dangerous?How dangerous is tap water for showering? The health concerns caused by showering in chlorinated water have mostly to do with an increased cancer risk. But, other health problems must also be considered. So, we’ll look at a few other questions, first.How dangerous is Tap Water for Showering if You Have Asthma?Chlorine vapors are known to trigger asthma attacks and worsen their severity. Chlorine crystals become vaporized during a hot shower. So, the danger to asthmatics is great. If you can’t afford a filter, be sure to use the ceiling fan and, if possible, leave the door open to avoid concentration of the fumes.If you have other respiratory ailments, allergies or sinus problems, chlorine complicates your problems. Chronic headaches and other complaints can be resolved quickly by investing in a showerhead filter.How dangerous is Tap Water for Showering, in Terms of Increased Cancer Risk?Estimates vary researchers disagree. Some say the risk is greater than through consumption, alone. You see, the compounds in tap-water that increase your risk of cancer are called trihalomethanes or THMs. There are literally thousands of other carcinogens in tap-water, making a kitchen filter an absolute necessity. But, in the shower, THM poses the greatest risk.You inhale it and it is absorbed through your skin. Overall, it is estimated that exposure through this and by drinking increases your risk to greater than 40%. In people who regularly swim in chlorinated pools, researchers consider the cancer danger “unacceptable”.Water Filters Compared In order to choose an effective product that is also affordable, you need to look at performance data. You should choose a product that reduces chlorine and THMs by at least 90%. Shower-wise and Paragon products do not include the necessary steps to protect your health.Wellness, on the other hand, includes unnecessary steps and makes unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits offered by their products. For the inclusion of Japanese stones, they charge over $200 for their filters. That’s an excessive amount to pay for protection. There are effective products on the market costing as little as $67.99. See resource box for the one I found that does everything you need.Hopefully, that answers you questions concerning how dangerous is tap water for showering. Now, you know that you need a water filter that removes at least chlorine. But chlorine is not the only dangerous you face. Parasites (cysts), lead, drugs, chemicals and more have been found in tap water. Get a water filter like the one I recommend. Consider it “cancer prevention”. Consider it life-saving.

If you suffer from dry skin like me, you probably keep your eyes open for any new skin care cream that come onto the market that might help soothe your skin and solve the problem. Well, you may be in luck, because there have recently been some new natural topical creams for dry skin released with new ingredients blended from natural botanical plants and oils. Before we look at a possible solution we need to understand what causes dry skin. Exposure to the sun and wind is one of the biggest factors causing dry skin problems. Soap is another big contributor, if your using one that leaves your skin feeling dry after use, it is removing too much of you skins natural moisturizing oil capability. You should consider using a more natural less harsh body wash instead. Other variables like how you are feeling emotionally and how hectic a lifestyle you are leading can have an affect. We all want nice skins but most of us don’t want to change or greatly interrupt our daily routines with any radical life changing natural healing remedies that can take a lot of time and dedication. Therefore, one of the easiest ways to improve your dry skin is to use one of the new natural topical creams for dry skin. People with dry and particularly dry itchy skin will welcome these new formula creams that include the following ingredients to better moisturize and give a more youthful looking skin. Phytessence Wakeme a powerful antioxidant derived from Japanese sea algae, rich in sodium, iron, potassium and calcium, these minerals are excellent for maintaining the skins moisture balance. Wakame is also rich in B-group vitamins, proven to increase skin elasticity and help heal irritated dry skin. In Japan it is cultivated and eaten both dried and fresh. Cynergy TK contains functional keratin, which is similar to the basic protein found in human skin; it is almost like applying a liquid skin to your face and body. Applications of it to the skin in some studies have shown a 14% improvement in skin moisture retention over 18 days. Scientific studies show the functional keratin in Cynergy TK stimulates the growth of new skin cells. As well as vitamins and minerals creams for getting rid of dry skin need essential oils like Jajoba a deeply moisturizing oil that makes the skin soft and velvet like. Olivem 800 a unique emulsifier developed from natural olive oil formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin to hydrate and rejuvenate it. Active manuka honey a special honey from New Zealand containing unique enzymes with scientifically proven healing properties for the skin. Grapeseed oil a powerful antioxidant, which creates an invisible film on your skin to keep in moisture. D-Panthenol (vitamin B5) helps repair skin tissue and acts as a natural moisturizer, protects skin naturally against sunburn and provides relief from existing sunburn. If your not getting the results you want with your existing skin care maintenance program, think about trying a new skin care regime using natural topical creams for dry skin, which include the above ingredients. Mike Iredale is an advocate of living a long natural and healthy lifestyle, and researches natural skin care and health products to help young and old alike. To learn more visit his site now at http://www.best-health-skin-site.com to find out which company he recommends to give you the best results.

Diabetes Basics

Diabetes is a major cause of mortality in America.

What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood. Types of Diabetes, Risk Factors, PercentageThere are two major types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes (formerly known as “childhood”, “juvenile” or “insulin-dependent” diabetes) usually occurs during childhood or adolescence when the pancreas cannot produce insulin. Risk factors for Type 1 diabetes include autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of diagnosed diabetes in the United States. A person who has Type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to live. Type 2 diabetes (formerly known as “non­insulin-dependent” or “adult-onset” diabetes) usually occurs in people older than 40, who are overweight and do not exercise. Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include increasing age (40+), obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of gestational diabetes and physical inactivity. About 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of DiabetesSymptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue and nausea, unusual weight loss, dry itchy skin, sores or bruises that heal slowly, blurry vision that changes from day to day and tingling or numbness in hands or feet. If you are regularly experiencing 1 or more of these symptoms, call your family doctor right away.

Shea butter products are one of the most popular and effective skin care cream on the market today. This truly wonderful product is from the African continent. It is derived from the Karite tree, it is also known as the Shea-Karite tree. The butter is made from the nut that grows on the tree. The nuts are picked, cracked, pounded and boiled for several hours.

Once it has boiled for several hours, the butter rises to the surface. The butter is scooped out and left to cool and harden at room temperature. This is how your Shea butter products are made. This product will keep its consistency at room temperature; however, it will turn to a liquid at body temperature, which is why it is to apply to your skin.

Shea butter products have a nutty smell since they are derived from a nut. As far as the color is concerned, it can range from a creamy color to a grayish yellow color. This particular natural product has quite a number of benefits. Here is a list of some of the benefits you will notice if you use this cream:

Relieves dry itchy skin

Moisturizes the skin

Can be used as a sun screen

Relieves a dry scalp

Helps treat eczema

Helps reduce acne

Helps reduce wrinkles and blemishes

Good for a sunburn

On the market today, you can find quite a few different Shea butter products. Among the products available are shea butter soap, lotion, body wash, moisturizer, massage creams and massage oils.

If you notice your Shea butter products becoming rancid then throw them away. Store the products in a cool place, they should last about two years. If it does happen to melt, then just give it a stir and put it in a cooler location to harden.

In conclusion, if you are serious about following a natural skin care regimen then Shea butter products are excellent choices to make. In order to get the full benefit of this product, make sure you are purchasing a pure product. It will cost more for the pure stuff but it will be worth it.

Diabetes Risk for Men

Men with diabetes face several health concerns, including increased risk of heart attacks and strokes and impotence (not being able to have or keep an erection).

Above the age of 50, the likelihood of having difficulties with an erection occurs in approximately 50-60% of men with diabetes. In men over 70, 90% have erectile dysfunction problems (link to diabetes and ED page)

Diagnosed and controlled, diabetes can be successfully managed to minimise its impact on health and well being. You can prevent or delay diabetes complications like damage to eye sight and nerve damage to fingers and toes. However many men do not realise they suffer from the disease. Around one third of the men with diabetes are not aware of their illness.

Diabetes Signs and Symptoms

If you find yourself with any of the following symptoms, it is important you visit your doctor or health practitioner and get tested for diabetes: • feeling tired • frequent urination (especially at night) • being very thirsty • weight loss • blurry eyesight • recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections • sores that heal slowly • dry, itchy skin • loss of feeling or tingling in your feet

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

There are different kinds of diabetes: • Type 1 diabetes is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. • Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. People can develop it at any age, but it is often diagnosed in later life and is commonly found in men who are over weight and do little exercise.

What is Diabetes?

Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose (sugar) for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas makes insulin, which helps sugar get into the cells. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it does make. This causes sugar to build up in your blood. Over the years, high blood sugar leads to problems like heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputations.

Diabetes-Related Problems in Men

Men with diabetes suffer more from some diabetes-related health problems than women. The American Diabetes Association reports that: • In people who develop diabetes before the age of 30, men develop retinopathy (a vision disorder that can lead to blindness) more quickly than women. • Having the main symptoms of peripheral vascular disease (pain in the thigh, calf, or buttocks during exercise) is linked to a two- to three-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiac failure in men with diabetes. • Amputation rates from diabetes-related problems are 1.4 to 2.7 times higher in men than women with diabetes.

“Beer Pot” Belly Equals High Diabetes Risk

Overall obesity, measured by high body mass index (BMI) and a “beer pot” belly, measured by a large waist circumference, both accurately predict the risk of type 2 diabetes in men, but abdominal obesity appears to be the better predictor, new research shows.* Both BMI and waist circumference are useful for assessing health but waist circumference can indicate a strong risk for diabetes whether or not a man is considered overweight or obese according to his BMI, researchers said. As waist circumference increased, so did the risk of developing diabetes, with the risk in men with the highest waist circumference (up to 158 centimeters) increasing by 12 times. The study findings also suggest that the currently recommended cutoff for high waist circumference of 102 cm (40 inches) for men may need to be lowered to 95 cm. Many of the men who developed type 2 diabetes had measurements lower than the cutoff and the risk associated with the waist circumference increased at a much lower level than previously thought.

Sleeping Too Much Or Too Little Increases Diabetes Risk

Men who sleep too much or too little are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a study by the New England Research Institutes in collaboration with Yale School of Medicine researchers. Six to eight hours of sleep was found to be most healthy. In contrast, men who reported they slept between five and six hours per night were twice as likely to develop diabetes and men who slept more than eight hours per night were three times as likely to develop diabetes. Previous data have shown similar results in women. The elevated risks remained after adjustment for age, hypertension, smoking status, self-rated health status and education. Too little sleep appears to produce metabolic disturbances like decreased carbohydrate tolerance, insulin resistance, and lower levels of the hormone leptin leading to obesity. The mechanisms by which long sleep duration increase diabetes risk requires further investigation.

You Can Delay or Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

When you take steps to prevent diabetes, you also lower your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. Small changes in your lifestyle can make a difference. They include: • Getting 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week and losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight. • To help you lose weight, choose low-fat foods and foods high in fiber. • Cut down on fat and cholesterol by having low-fat dairy products, lean cuts of meat, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. • Limit foods high in salt and sugar.

Know Your Risks That Can Lead to Type 2 Diabetes

It’s important to find out early if you have type 2 diabetes or if you are at risk of developing it. To find out if you’re at risk, check off each item that applies to you. • I am overweight or obese. (Obesity is measured with a body mass index (BMI), which shows the relationship of weight to height.) • I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes. • My family background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Latino, Maori or Pacific Islander. • I have high blood pressure. • My cholesterol is not normal. My HDL or “good” cholesterol is less than 50 or my triglycerides are 250 or higher. • I am not very active. I exercise less than three times each week. Talk to your doctor or health care practitioner about the risks that you checked off. If you are age 45 or older, also talk about getting tested for Type 2 diabetes. If your test result is normal, you should then be tested every three years. People younger than age 45 who are overweight or obese and checked off any of the items above should also talk about getting tested for diabetes * SOURCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2005.

Is there a natural Answer for Diabetes-Related Erectile Dysfunction?

Many researchers and satisfied customers of potent herbal formulations like Herbal Ignite give an enthusiastic yes to this question. Products like Herbal Ignite boost natural testosterone levels without the negative feedback associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy. Herbal Ignite capsules help your body produce more testosterone, instead of adding outside testosterone from an outside source.

Herbal Ignite to enhance virility and reduce male menopause symptoms has been researched and refined by modern science so today’s men can enjoy quality controlled extracts of concentrated active ingredients.

Herbal Ignite’s special formula has helped thousands of men enjoy a better sex life and an improved sense of well being with minimal unwanted side effects

To find out more about Herbal Ignite just Google the term “Herbal Ignite”.