Teeth become discolored for a number of reasons. A few normal reasons for teeth discoloration include staining, aging and chemical damage. Coffee, tea, soda and cigarettes are a few of the leading contributors to discolored teeth. Besides from staining, genetics and disease can also play a role in changing the color of one’s teeth. Everyone has different genes, and it is sometimes impossible to determine why someone’s teeth are discolored. We do however know that a teeth whitening procedure can always help restore one’s teeth back to their original, white color.

Many people want to know how white their teeth are going to get after undergoing a teeth whitening procedure. While this question has a very subjective answer, many procedures can whiten your teeth up to nine shades lighter. Two or three shades can usually make a very significant difference in just about anyone’s smile.

Bleaching of the teeth is a chemical process used to lighten the shade of one’s teeth. This procedure is usually performed at the dentist’s office and sometimes can be done in the comfort of one’s home, using the materials provided by their dentist. Before the procedure begins, a custom tray is sculpted to match the patient’s mouth. This ensures a correct amount of whitening solution is used and that it is spread evenly throughout all of the teeth. At home, this procedure can last for two to three hours in which you will have the tray and solution in your mouth. Depending on your desired results, sometimes the tray is required to sit overnight.

To learn more about Dr. Ashley Mann, North Carolina cosmetic dentistry, and teeth whitening, please visit our website. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks

The “Baby Boomers” are beginning to turn 60 in the year 2006. There are many people confronting the physical issues of aging. A listing of the most common “side-effects” that can increase with aging is useful but a list of these issues and what you consider doing to minimize them is better.

After we pass from our youth, young adult phase, and into mid-life, say 35-45 years of age, we can begin to notice that our bodies are changing. We are no long as flexible and resilient as we were as young adults. Maybe our waist lines are growing as our digestion and metabolism begin to change. (Perhaps we can not handle the caloric intake that we prided our selves on as young adults.) Many of begin to have changes in vision that may require glasses or contact lenses or eye surgery. We need to learn to play sports differently because our muscles and joints do not heal from the abuse as easily as when we were younger. For many men, their foreheads start getting bigger. Our skin tone may change. Even our libidos can start to change, sometimes up and sometimes down… It is not uncommon to find medical changes beginning such as: blood pressures get higher, blood cholesterol levels can raise, blood sugars may increase, increased insomnia, peripheral blood flow may be reduced, and even hormonal changes can begin to occur.

Medical intervention may be suggested for the chronic conditions that can lead to more severe health concerns. Treating blood pressure, higher cholesterol, and early stages of diabetes may be suggested because the long term effects may be life threatening. The secondary side-effects from these medications can also play a role in physical and mental health. We need to start living better and smarter. We need to exercise (3-5x per week for more than 30 minutes), eat better (less calories/junk food and more vegetables, fruits and whole grains), and we need to learn to control our habitual response to stress (which can start to catch up with us.)

Stress management and biofeedback can be helpful, non-medicinal, approaches to take control of certain symptoms. You can learn to reduce, perhaps control, your blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral blood flow. These tools may even assist you with digestive challenges like: ulcers, or pre-ulcerous conditions, gastritis, colitis, constipation or diarrhea. Managing stress can also lessen chronic pain and improve sleeping. I have even heard of stress management and biofeedback techniques that can help reduce anxiety and the issues that add to substance abuse such as alcoholism, smoking control, drug and medication addiction, and even, over eating.

As we get older it is important that we take the extra time required for self-care. Consider the long term negative results that may have an impact on our quality of life and health. Please, also consider that spending this extra time and energy can also provide us with some surprising benefits. The time for self-care may actually be balanced by the fact that the practice of stress management can actually save you time in the long run. You will require less sleep and be better able to concentrate, perhaps even making fewer avoidable mistakes. You can also do better in testing situations and may find greater creativity. You will be better able to communicate more effectively, and this will save you time and possible frustrations. You will also provide a role model for the next generation of co-workers, family, friends, even your children, who will all need to learn more about self-care in an increasingly stress filled world.

Living longer can be a great joy or possibly a curse. Living longer with chronic health challenges is not an ideal way to live. Taking steps to reduce, or possibly eliminate, the impacts of aging will definitely enhance your quality of life and offer the sense of control that many people require for greater happiness.

Please take good care of yourself.

I am writing this series of articles to keep my work in the front of the trend of the baby boomers aging. I have been working in my field since 1978 and realize that an emphasis on the health, well-being, quality of life, and even the prosperity of this generation has both a professional and personal interest for me. My second book, “Stress Passages: Surviving Life’s Transitions Gracefully,” had major influence in serving the population of people struggling with the transition of aging. Well, now it is no longer ahead of its time. The time is now!

L. John Mason, Ph.D. is the author of the best selling "Guide to Stress Reduction." Since 1977, he has offered Executive Coaching and Training.

Please visit the Stress Education Center’s website at http://www.dstress.com for articles, free ezine signup, and learn about the products that are available. If you would like information or a targeted proposal for training or coaching, please contact us at (707) 795-2228.

If you are looking to promote your training or coaching career, please investigate the Professional Stress Management Training and Certification Program for a secondary source of income or as career path.

Aaaahhhhh, fuller, younger looking, pouty lips. Full lips are definitely a sign of “youth” but what happens to our lips when we begin to mature? Lips become thinner, less attractive and pretty soon, one just might give up wearing lipstick because the top lip virtually disappears, especially when smiling. When this shrinking act is apparent in the mirror, usually vertical lines begin to invade the lips making a mature women look positively ancient.

Women aren’t the only ones who want softer, fuller lips. Men whose lips are thin and hard may portray a steely attitude in the boardroom; however, men with fuller lips look more attractive, boyish and younger.

Lips are soft tissue and as a man or woman begins to mature, volume dissipates which means tissue shrinks.

There are many modalities for revitalizing soft tissue in lips; the old standby – bovine collagen, Zyderm® and Zyplast® has competition. Restylane®, CosmoDerm® and ComoPlast® (human {cadaver} collagen), Radiance®, Artecoll® and others have entered the market of “fillers”. These new fillers do not require skin testing for allergic reactions and they are all injected. The procedure time varies from 3-10 minutes and some patients relate that these types of injections can be painful. These services can be relatively expensive because they’re not permanent fixes and these injections must be repeated every few months to maintain lip fullness. The most common side effect, as with any injection, is redness, bruising and swelling at the injection site that typically last less than three weeks.

A more permanent lip procedure that is widely used is Gortex. Strips of Gortex (threads of foam-like material) are inserted into the lips; the lips do become somewhat larger after the procedure is completed but some users complain that their lips feel hard, not soft and supple. Some of these implants cannot be removed if a problem arises because the lip tissue grows into and around the implant. Possible complications include infection, migration or extrusion of the implants and lip asymmetry is a concern.

Another somewhat permanent solution is fat injections; a patient’s own fat is removed from usually the tummy or buttocks, washed and then re-injected into the lips. While this is probably a fairly safe modality, the fat tends to reabsorb rather quickly, deflating the lips.

Recently over the counter glosses, lipsticks, and other types of topical preparations have been introduced promising fuller, poutier lips with more definition and volume. Many cosmetic companies have jumped on this bandwagon promising the users that their special ingredients will produce full, luscious lips after a few weeks of use. In fact, there have been over 200 new products introduced to the marketplace in the last two years ranging in price from $6.99 to almost $40. Instead of traffic stopping lips, some of these topical products have produced burns, mouth sores and empty pockets.

Some cosmetic companies do use natural components in their formulas but some of the formulas may be misleading. No product can deliver the look of a collagen injection in a topical. How these products work is through the use of an irritating ingredient such as niacin, cinnamon, caffeine or peppermint; these ingredients may cause some temporary swelling via dilation of the blood vessels along with mild inflammation, giving the illusion of fullness. Some preparations require the user to rub the lips briskly for several minutes and this friction results in some degree of temporary swelling.

Many women and men want fuller lips because poutier lips make them feel sexier and more alluring. Consumers are willing to spend a lot of money to have “the look”; but not everyone agrees that the topicals deliver what they have promised. Dr. Sam Most, Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Washington in Seattle asked seven women to use a certain topical whose website says their product increases actual lip volume and contour an average of 40.7 percent; Dr. Most said, “In subjects who used the product as directed over a long term there was no visible change in the lips.”

Is there an actual difference in using topical applications that promise full, pouty lips or is lipstick and a liner enough? Maybe Yoki Ono, a saleswoman at a Madison Avenue designer boutique, quoted in the NY Times, has the answer: “You might as well get some extra-spicy Buffalo wings and eat them.”

Or better yet, save yourself a bundle of cash and brush your lips with a baby’s toothbrush and petroleum jelly for about a minute, your lips will be fuller and soft – guaranteed!

Cynthia is widely recognized as an expert in all natural facial fitness with over thirty years experience in health & beauty related fields. She has appeared on The View, Fit TV, HGTV and other popular shows. This author, speaker and television personality is leading the crusade to keep men and women looking vibrantly younger through natural techniques without spending their children’s inheritance.

Cynthia Rowland, http://www.facialmagic.com

As we grow older and are constantly exposed to the UV rays of the sun our skin starts to appear dry and dull. This is the result of the outside layer of the skin getting excessive build up and is not exfoliated on a regular basis. Build-up is especially noticed after we have spent the summer in the sun. It’s more apparent to women since we realize that our make-up doesn’t look as fresh and our foundation begins to fade within a couple of hours. Our make-up and foundation is actually being absorbed into the accumulated dead skin cells, which gives a very tired and unhealthy look to the skin.

To keep your skin vibrant and healthy on a regular basis, you must have a regimen that incorporates exfoliation and nourishing the skin. Your regular skin care program does not have to be a department store or drug store solution. You can prepare an all nature skin care program right from your kitchen table and manage to get the same results if not better results that your store bought product promises.

Exfoliation:

You should exfoliate at least 2-3 times per week (daily is even better) to keep the skin’s healthy glow. One solution for exfoliating the skin in an in expensive way is to use sugar. Yes, Sugar! Glycolic acid which is found in most AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid) products is from sugar cane. You can benefit from glycolic acid by using sugar for exfoliation.

Simply mix ½ to 1 teaspoon of sugar in with a small amount of your favorite skin cleanser. Wet your face and massage the cleanser/sugar mixture over your face for 1-2 minutes. Rinse your face with lukewarm water to remove this mixture and you will instantly feel a difference in your skin.

Nourish:

Give your skin a refreshing drink with a simple nourishing facial mask. The ingredients are powerful and can be found in your kitchen. Combine one or more main ingredient with a liquid ingredient for to make a wonderful facial mask. Base your ingredient choices on the health properties of each item.

Base Ingredient:

• Honey – It is a humectant (which draws in moisture) and it has antibacterial qualities that also stimulates and smoothes the skin.
• Mango - Provides natural fruit enzymes which also exfoliates the skin and the oil in mangos help moisturize.
• Avocado - A naturally rich moisturizer has essential fats and oils.
• Oatmeal – Moisturizing and slightly exfoliating

Liquid Ingredient:

• Milk – Enzymes and Lactose acid to exfoliate and milk fat to condition the skin.
• Aloe Vera Gel – Healing and softening.
• Egg White – tightening and conditioning.

You will want to follow your treatments with your favorite hypoallergenic moisturizer. For best results, these treatments can be done 2-3 times a week to help keep your skin youthful and vibrant.

Danielle Sims explored her library of alternative health, herbal books, and aromatherapy books and created a blueprint for making her own body wrap formulas at home. Now she offers this information in an e-book entitled Wrap Yourself Slim: Body Wrap Exposed. Monthly newsletter is also available at her web site. For more information go to Body Wraps Exposed

This excess skin can occur above the eyes in the upper eyelids or below the eyes in the lower eyelids. Extra skin and puffy eyelids can be present simply from being born with a tendency to form baggy eyelids.

Saggy, stretched skin can also form as part of the aging process. Medical conditions like sinusitis or recurrent allergies can cause repeated swelling and contraction around the eyes as well. As skin stretches and descends, extra tissue accumulates around the eyes. Furthermore, the firm tissue that normally holds back the natural fat pads around the eyes can also stretch. The weakening of this tissue allows the fat pockets around the eyes to bulge forward, causing puffy bags to form around the eyes in conjunction with the hanging, loose skin.

The goal of Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, or Blepharoplasty is to revitalize droopy and puffy eyelids so that the appearance of the eyes communicates the energy and vitality that one feels inside. A good candidate for blepharoplasty wants to restore a more youthful and rested appearance to their eyes. Droopy or baggy eyes communicate to others a sense of fatigue, disinterest, and senescence. Many people simply don’t want their face to express to others these qualities when they feel quite the opposite about themselves. The best candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery wants their appearance to better communicate their feelings of youth, energy, and vitality.

Dr. Daniel Ebroon is an Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon which means he specializes in plastic surgery of the eyelids. Cosmetic eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) is cosmetic surgery that rejuvinates tired looking eyes. To Learn more about Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, please visit Dr. Ebroon’s websites at: http://www.ebroon.com and http://www.cosmetic-eyelid-surgery.com

HGH is the acronym for Human Growth Hormone. It was discovered about a half century ago, but it wasn’t until sometime in the 1970s that researchers and scientists actually figured out the role of HGH in the body. For those intervening years, HGH remained a mystery compound - though it had been isolated in the human body, it remained a mystery compound.

HGH is a protein compound, produced only in one part of the pituitary gland. Even after researchers knew the basics - that it’s a protein and where the body produced it - there was debate over the role it played in the body. When researchers figured out that HGH had an important part in normal growth, the race was on to figure out what the role is and how it could be used to help those who faced issues with growth.

It’s not a huge step between learning the role of HGH and using it as a therapy for children who weren’t growing at a normal rate. Increasing the amount of HGH for those children who otherwise might not have grown enough to do the things normal adults do - drive a car, for example - became a way to positively impact the lives of those youngsters. But the early days of those treatments were limited by researchers’ ability to successfully reproduce the HGH compound.

At first, HGH was first only available by collecting the HGH compound from the pituitary glands of cadavers. After extraction, the natural human growth hormone had to be processed and injection was the only way to introduce additional HGH into a person who needed it. This type of human growth hormone supplement therapy was expensive, time consuming and limited. Only medical professionals could decide who should undergo HGH therapy, and the known benefits were limited.

One of the first things learned about HGH is that it’s in the body of young children - in abundance. As people aged, the HGH in their body decreased. While that sounds like a natural step in the course of aging, someone soon thought to question whether increasing the amount of HGH in the body would be beneficial also to older people.

HGH isn’t the only compound in the body that decreases as we age. You’ve probably heard of some of the other proteins that are abundant in young people but less abundant as we age. Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are among those compounds that are sometimes supplemented to help older people feel younger and healthier. The HGH protein compound is similarly beneficial as a dietary supplement.

But why would HGH be beneficial to an adult? After all, most adults are trying to lose weight, not grow, right? Actually, HGH has been found to help other adult issues as well. Anti aging is one of the benefits of HGH in adults. It can also increase energy and improve stamina.

HGH supplements and HGH products are now available as HGH dietary supplements, so that you can take an HGH releaser as part of your daily supplement regimen. You can buy HGH at http://www.hgh-supplement.co.uk

James O’Nions discusses hgh or human growth hormone. Learn the facts before you decide which HGH product to buy. Read more no-hype HGH supplement articles and information at: HGH Supplements.

The holiday season are just around here, so now is the time to assess your beauty and skin-care need. To make sure that your looking and feeling are very best inspiring of your appearance for Christmas activities, events, family get togethers, and New Year’s Eve parties.

Make this holiday season for a personal checklist of things you can do, such as getting your hair restyled and makeup updated, so that you will not look like a creature from another era.

Here you will find the beauty, make up and cosmetics tips for your look and feel gorgeous during the holidays and throughout the winter season.

CLEANSING the skin properly, especially the face, is fundamental to good skin care. Oil-based makeup, which is preferred by those with drier complexions, should be removed with oil-based cleansing creams. Never go to bed without removing your makeup and thoroughly cleansing your face.

BEFORE makeup is applied, moisturizer should be applied to the face and neck after thorough cleansing. Moisturizers will keep you looking younger with smoother skin. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after you wash or shower, when the skin is damp and the moisturizer can seal in the moisture.

FOUNDATION is very important to one’s overall beauty. Foundation is used to enhance the color of the complexion. Choose a foundation to match your skin tone. Using the right foundation makes your skin look flawless and smooth. Choose the shade closest to your skin tone by testing it on your jaw line. When applying the foundation, be sure to blend it into the hairline and neckline to achieve a consistent tone. Set the foundation by brushing it with loose powder that matches the foundation and the color of your skin.

LIPS especially take a beating during bad weather. A good lipstick will moisturize the lips and shield them from the sun without interfering with the final sheen or finish of the lipstick. Keep your kissers moisturized with vitamin E oil, petroleum jelly or a lip balm or gloss.

NAILS that are beautiful certainly will enhance your overall festive appearance. Our nails are designed to protect the fleshy fingertip and help us manipulate small object. Remove dirt lodged underneath nails. Nails are polished with a buffer. This improves blood circulation and gives nails a shine. Two coats of nail polish and a topcoat later.

MEN should make sure that they always look well-groomed, especially during the holidays. A man should be stylish and elegant in his dressing. If you wear a beard, it should be neatly trimmed. Mustaches should also be trimmed. Trim nails and scrub hands if necessary. Good dental hygiene means a dazzling smile.

The above steps will certainly is one way you can make your holidays happy and bright.

Crista Rose
RESEARCHER AND WRITER ON BEAUTY, HEALTH, AND SEXUALTY
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Crista_Style/

There are several psychological and social factors that have been linked to increased individual life expectancy and quality of life in older adults. While the majority of attention in the life extension and successful aging field has focused on physical factors such as exercise, diet, sleep, genetics and so on, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that psychological and sociological factors also have a significant influence on how well individuals age (Warnick, 1995).

Warnick (1995) believes that adjusting to the changes that accompany late adulthood and old age requires that an individual is able to be flexible and develop new coping skills to adapt to the changes that are common to this time in their lives. Aging research has demonstrated a positive correlation between someone’s religious beliefs, social relationships, perceived health, self-efficacy, socioeconomic status, and coping skills among others to their ability to age more successfully. The term successful aging has been defined by three main components: “low probability of disease and disease related disability, high cognitive and physical functional capacity, and active engagement with life” (Rowe & Kahn, 1997).

Baltes and Baltes (1990) suggested that the term successful aging appears paradoxical, as aging traditionally brings to mind images of loss, decline, and ultimate death, whereas success is represented by achievement. However, the application of the term, successful aging, they argue forces a reexamination of the nature of old age as it presently exists. “An inclusive definition of successful aging requires a value based, systemic, and ecological perspective, considering both subjective and objective indicators within a cultural context” (Baltes & Baltes, 1990).

With medical advancements and improvements in living conditions people can now expect to live longer lives than ever before. But, the prospect of merely living longer presents many problems. This fact has led researchers to investigate the psychological aspects of aging, with a goal of making the additional years more worth living. There is a great deal of information that leads us to be hopeful about the prospective quality of life in late adulthood and old age.

Religious beliefs, spirituality, and church participation have been the focus of numerous studies involving older adults. Various studies have associated religiousness with well-being, life satisfaction or happiness (VanNess & Larson, 2002). Although it will be necessary for future research to more clearly specify which dimensions of religious participation are beneficial to which outcomes (Levin & Chatters, 1998), it appears that certain aspects of religious participation enables elderly people to cope with and overcome emotional and physical problems more effectively, leading to a heightened sense of well being in late adulthood.

It is commonly known that suicide rates are higher among elderly people, and there is evidence that persons who engage in religious activity are more than four times less likely to commit suicide (Nisbet, Duberstein, Conwell, et al: 2000). The inverse association between religiousness and suicide rate in elderly individuals may be due to the fact that religious beliefs help elderly people cope with or prevent depression and hopelessness, which are established risk factors for suicide (Abramson, Alloy, Hogan, et al: 2000). The relationship between religiousness and successful aging is an extremely complex one. This makes it difficult to pinpoint which factors of participation in a religious organization lead to the increased sense of well-being, satisfaction, and happiness. It is possible that religiousness exerts its beneficial effects by creating positive emotions that stimulate the immune system. Or, it may provide access to social and psychological resources that buffer the impact of stress and aid ones ability to effectively cope (Ellison, 1995).

Membership in religious organizations also provides older individuals with a social network from which to draw emotional support and encouragement, while enhancing one`s ability to adapt to change and buffer stress (Levin, Markides, Ray, 1996). Research has shown that social networks, such as those commonly found in religious organizations are associated with positive health outcomes in older adults, including lower risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and functional decline (Seeman, 1996). The relationships that are fostered within the church or religious group serve for many as a replacement for the social groups that they engaged in at work before retirement. In addition, the attitudes that are learned from religiously committed peers may benefit ones health through encouragement of healthy behaviors and lifestyle lowering the risk of disease (Levin & Chatters, 1998).

One of the common threads that has been found to correlate with successful aging is the individual’s socioeconomic status, particularly education and income levels (Meeks & Murrell, 2001). The relationship between education level and subjective well-being has been demonstrated consistently. Meeks and Murrell (2001) found that education did have direct effects on negative affect, trait health and life satisfaction. Their research concluded that higher educational attainment is associated with lower levels of negative affect, which is related to better health and increased life satisfaction (Meeks & Murrell, 2001). This may be due to the fact that “individuals with higher education levels benefit from the opportunities and resources related to educational attainment that produce accumulated success experiences and contribute to superior functioning in later life” (Meeks & Murrell, 2001). It is also possible that more educated people develop superior methods for problem solving and coping with change. Higher education levels have been shown to provide individuals with better occupational opportunities and social status through adulthood and greater financial stability during the transition to retirement. This establishes education level as ones foundation for successful aging (Meeks & Murrell, 2001).

Material wealth and income have been shown to have a direct relationship to subjective well-being (Andrews, 1986). For many, the sense of well-being is especially effected by their feelings of income adequacy as they move into retirement. Many individuals face retirement with great anxiety due to the lack of sufficient savings to replace their income. The reality of living on a small fixed income limits the lifestyle and ability to adapt to the changes of late adult medical needs for many elderly people. People with greater resources at retirement have access to greater variety of opportunities and activities (Jurgmeen, & Moen, 2002). In addition, the access to surplus income allows for more recreation and less stress from financial concerns. This notion that wealth and well-being are related is also supported by a microeconomics theory that states that an increase in the income level of a society would lead, other things being constant, to greater well being (Easterlin & Christine, 1999).

However, it is important to keep in mind that increases in individual income levels are relative to the changes in one’s reference group (Lian & Fairchild, 1979). Increases in income are considered to be relative. In other words, if an individual’s gains in economic status outpace the gains of the reference group then the individual will likely experience a greater sense of satisfaction. On the other hand, if their gains are equal to the average in their reference group, there will likely be no change. If the increases are less than the reference group than the result will be less satisfaction. Therefore, it may be important for many older adults transitioning to retirement to have adequate savings or other income in order to maintain or exceed their previous financial status.

The relationship between education and income to successful aging is a complex one that involves numerous external variables. But it seems that there is conclusive evidence that both education and income levels help to prepare an individual for the changes that they will face in old age and “influence on their ability to view aging as an opportunity for continued growth as opposed to an experience of social loss” (Steveink, Westerhof, Bode, et al, 2001).

One of the most important aspects of how well individuals age is related to their ability to develop and maintain strong relationships and social support systems (Rowe & Kahn, 1998). It is also important to mention that solitude, or a lack of social interaction, is considered a major health risk factor (Unger, McAvay, Bruce, et al, 1999). Recent studies suggest that the effects of social ties on the risk of physical decline in elderly are greater in men than women. These studies also report that there is a strong relationship between social support or social networks to the probability to cardiovascular and all cause mortality for men (Berkman, Seeman, Albert, et al,1993).

This gender difference could be explained by the fact that women devote a greater portion of their lives caretaking and developing friendships, so they are more accustomed to building and utilizing social networks. While men, in contrast, have devoted a greater portion of their lives to their careers, therefore, they have not developed the social networks or skills to utilize these networks that most women have (Unger, McAvay, Bruce, et al, 1999). In addition, social ties appear to be most important among elderly individuals with less physical ability (Unger, McAvay, Bruce, et al, 1999). It seems that people with physical disabilities have a greater need to develop friendships and support networks to assist them in coping with the limitations caused by their conditions. Friends and family provide them with a means to continue participating in social activities and complete the tasks of everyday living that they may be unable to accomplish on their own. This provides support for the belief that establishing strong social networks may increase not only quality of life, but quantity as well.

Social relationships and social support systems serve as protective factors in many ways (Bovbjerg & McCann, et al, 1995), (Krause & Borawski-Clarke, 1994). They benefit individuals by enhancing self esteem, providing encouragement, and promoting healthy behaviors. It is also possible that social networks may provide more tangible assistance such as food, clothing, and transportation. This type of assistance enables an elderly person to remain socially active even though they may not have the means to do so on their own. It is also important to distinguish the difference between receiving support and assistance from friends or relatives as opposed to agency assistance.

Possibly the most important source of social support comes from the family, which provides self-system mechanisms which increase an individual’s subjective impression of life satisfaction. In addition families provide a system of support and interaction that may not be available from outside sources for some elderly people. All of these types of networks may prevent the degree of social isolation in old age, that is associated with depression and other psychological problems (Krause, 1991).

With all of the physical and psychological changes that people face in late adulthood i.e., decreases in vision, hearing, memory, etc., the ability to adapt to life circumstances that force aging individuals to move from one living style to another is an integral part of successful aging (Warnick, 1995). Simply maintaining the ability to perform the everyday tasks of living is not necessarily considered successful aging. Successful aging requires the maintenance of competence involving cognitive, personality, material, and social resources (Baltes & Lang, 1993). Adapting to these changes requires the use of flexible strategies to optimize personal functioning (Baltes & Baltes, 1990).

The strategies that one may employ to cope with the changes that accompany the aging process may be limited not only by the individuals ability to utilize a new strategy, such as learning sign language or walking with a cane, but also by their perception of their ability to do so. Many elderly people will avoid using new tools to adapt to change if they believe that they are unprepared to make such an adjustment (Slagen-DeKort, 2001). Perceived self efficacy is defined as “peoples judgment of their capabilities to organize and execute the courses of action required to attain designated types of performance” ( Bandura, 1986). People who believe in their ability will set higher goals for themselves and expect that they will be able to achieve these goals. Self efficacy has been found to influence the adaptive strategies used by older adults (Slangen-DeKort, 1999).

There are two dispositions besides perception of self efficacy that influence individuals ability to cope, these are flexibility and tenacity (Slangen-DeKort, 1999). Tenacity is defined by an individuals persistence with which they are able to remain focused upon their goals in the face of obstacles. Flexibility refers to ones ability to readjust goals based on new information. The research of Slangen-DeKort et al (1999) concludes that self referent beliefs regarding personal competence influence adaptive behavior and the choice of adaptive strategies. “The direct effect, which is strongest, implies that even if a person appraises a certain adaptation as the most optimal one, this adaptation may not be adopted when this person perceives that the required efforts exceed his or her personal competence. In this case, a less optimal alternative strategy will be embraced.” (Maddox & Douglas, 1973).

Given the enormous number of variables that are involved in determining how well an individual will age, it is impossible to point to one factor as being the most important. But, it is safe to say that ones ability to successfully age is determined to a great extent by their attitudes toward aging and growing old. These positive and negative attitudes will be the result of how effectively an individual is able to adapt to the physical, psychological, and social changes that will take place throughout adulthood. If someone is able to accept the changes of life and look forward to the challenges that they present with hope and desire to change, then they will be better prepared to face old age. In addition, the relationships and beliefs that are developed across the life span will be relied upon in old age as a resource for support and assistance in coping. Upon examining research on successful aging, it seems that many of the concepts that are applied to earlier developmental stages are equally important in old age.

For example, change, adaptation, personal growth, and cognitive function are aspects of development that may be as important in old age as they are in childhood development. In conclusion, it seems that the present and future of aging research may be used to develop medical and psychological interventions that will provide a more positive aging experience and well-being in old age.

References and Resources:

Abramson, L.Y, Alloy, L.B., Hogan, M.E., et al: (2000). The Hopelessness Theory of suicidality, in Suicide Science: Expanding the Boundaries. Norwen, MA., Kluwer Academic Publishers

Baltes, P.R., Baltes, M.M., (1990). Successful Aging: Perspectives from the behavioral sciences. New York: Cambridge University Press

Binstoek, RH. & George, L.B. (Ed.) (1996) Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences. San Diego: Academic Press

Bovbierg, V.E., McCann, B.S., Brief, D.J., Follette, W.e., Retzlaff, B.M., Dowdy, A.A., Walden, C.E., Knopp, RH., (1995). Spouse support and long-term adherence to lipid-lowering diets. American Journal of Epidemiology, 141,451 - 460

Bosworth, H.B., Siegler, LC., Brummett, B.H., Barefoot, J.C., et al; (1999). The relationship between self-rated health and health status among coronary artery patients. Journal of Aging and Health, 11(4),565-584

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Doug Galligan is a Personal Trainer and Health Club Manager with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. You can visit his site at: http://www.Retroworkouts.com

E-Mail:Retroworkouts@Insightbb.com

Thousands of women crave larger, fuller lips. Everywhere you turn you see models on magazine covers with impossibly full, pouty lips. Were they all really born with naturally fabulous lips, or did they get a little help from a good "cosmeceutical" lip plumper?

What are Cosmeceuticals?

Cosmeceuticals are the marriage of cosmetics and pharmaceutical-type technology. They are the modern marvel of the cosmetics world that allow women to nonsurgically alter their appearance dramatically, and without trauma, needles or scalpels. Examples of cosmeceuticals are as follows:

1.) Advanced lip plumpers that deliver deep hyrdration and plumping agents as microparticles beneath the skin, or transdermally, which plump the lips dramatically and usually can last for hours.

2.) Wrinkle fillers such as the touted "botox alternatives" with the temporary wrinkle filling, or skin plumping ingredient hyaluronic acid.

3.) Acne refining products and antiaging in-home treatments that mimic the effects of in-office treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapy.

4.) Breast Enhancing and enlarging supplements, serums and creams which can enhance fullness and size of breasts.

5.) Cellulite or fat reduction creams, gels and serums which claim to help break down cellulite and reduce thigh circumference.

These are just some examples in the realm of natural cosmetic enhancement that fall in the same category as natural lip plumpers and lip enlargement products.

Signs of a Good Lip Plumper

Look for customer reviews on lip plumpers before you invest. Good lip enhancers will usually show some type of a review or maybe even a before and after picture of typical results from product use. If there are not pictures, then you should be able to see some sort of written testimonials. Also, reputation counts for a lot! Word of mouth, no pun intended, lends a lot of credibility to any cosmetic product.

Look for emollient ingredients (moisturizing) and stay away form too many "acids" or alcohols, as they only will result in dried out, parched lips that only stay plumped for about a half hour, and only work by irritating the outer layer of the lip which results in flushing and temporary plumping.

I can think of a few I’ve tried that fit into this category. I won’t mention names, but let’s just say you should stay away from any that are a "lip plumping gel". It’s important the the product uses a creamy base, not a gel base, which will only dry and crack your lips.

My favorite lip plumper is one that actually delivers moisture in a cream base along with microspheres of collagen that are supposed to transdermally absorb into the lips, noticeably plumping and moisturizing your lips for hours at a time. It also gives a slight sheen to your lips that doesn’t feel gooey or tacky.

Ask and You Shall Receive

Fuller, plumper lips can definitely be yours, without surgery or needles. You just have to know which ones work, and with use you will definitely see a noticeable difference in the fullness, moisture, and plumpness of your lips. I know I have my personal favorites, and the reason I like these particular lip enhancing products over others is that they do not dry my lips out at all, yet they plump them. As long as you can find one that does the job without parching your pout, you’ve got a winner!

Visit Natural Lip Enlargement for information on effective natural lip enlargement products. Danna Schneider is the founder of CosmeticsGalore : Lip Fusion Review.

When a person wishes to purchase an anti aging skin care product, they will most likely wind up choosing a cream because it is one of the most popular forms of anti aging skin care products on the market.

These anti aging creams are broken down into three different categories, including natural, herbal, and artificial cream products.

Herbal Creams

Herbal creams are the most popular choice because of marketing – advertised as not creating any side effects. But when using any new product, testing it for a short period of time is suggested to make sure there is no allergic reaction to any of the anti aging skin care products that you are considering.

Natural Products

Choosing a natural anti aging skin care product means that they will be encountering a cream consisting of collagen, as well as ingredients extracted from plants that are used to combat wrinkles in the skin.

Many people turn to the use of anti aging skin care products to achieve a more youthful appearance and feel better about themselves while battling the natural occurrence of aging.

The aim of some anti aging skin care products is to enhance the skin’s texture, as well as retain an extra amount of moisture within the body.

Many find anti aging skin care products beneficial for achieving a more contoured, toned body with a reduction in the appearance of fat throughout the body.

Excessive drying and wrinkles, which is the number one culprit regarding signs of aging, move many to try an anti aging skin care product. There are plenty of products on the market to fight against these natural signs.

When sporting a tired, dry face, an anti aging skin care product with soy extract should be considered.

For women, it is the loss of estrogen that creates this excessively dry skin.

Some face creams to consider include Murad Sheer Lustre Day Moisture ($60) and Kinerase Cream ($65), which not only offers soy, but also features an anti-withering agent found in some plants.

Wrinkles

As a natural effect of aging, wrinkles creep up on the face and body of everyone. The loss of collagen can sometimes create wrinkles. Retin-A is one of the best anti aging skin care products on the market for wrinkles.

If you are looking for an over-the-counter option, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15, available for $12.99.

So, what causes the most wrinkles on a face besides stress? Sun damage is to blame, which makes it important to use sunscreen throughout the entire year. Sun damage can occur even during the winter season, as well as on a day filled with clouds.

Moisturizers

To get the most out of your anti aging skin care products, two moisturizers should be purchased: one for night use and one for daytime use that contains sunscreen. Keep in mind that sunscreens should contain at least one of the following ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzene.

UV protection

If you are looking for a good anti aging skin care product with UV protection, consider purchasing Olay Total Effects 7X Visible Anti-Aging Vitamin Complex with UV Protection during your next grocery store trip. This product contains an avobenzone-based sunscreen and contains no fragrances or artificial colors. The anti aging properties of this product do not come from retinal, but is found within the sunscreen and it is filled with additional vitamins, including vitamin C, zinc, titanium, magnesium, as well as vitamin E.

More skin care products information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org