I Was A Cardiac Cripple - Life In the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy

Foreword

Dear reader. This is a recounting of my battle with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral artery disease. I am not a Medical Doctor, I am just someone that was sick, and found a way back from the abyss.

From childhood, I have been a voracious reader, and the internet information highway, thanks to Al Gore, has allowed me to research my disease, and develop a lifestyle that lets me to live with my illness in ways I never thought possible.

It is a lifestyle free of Zocor, Plavix, Lopressor and all the other "medicines" associated with vascular disease, and the side effects that go with their use.

I present this information to you in the name of knowledge, good health and peace.

And to future generations of humans: "I hope they have a better understanding."

Disclaimer

The information contained herein is merely for informational and entertainment purposes. No cure or professed cure of any disease should be inferred from the reading of this material, or any portion of it. The writer is not a Medial Doctor, nor does the writer profess to offer any cures. In fact, much of what is written are the ravings of a lunatic fringe nutter, so enjoy, and take everything said with a grain of salt.

The following is simply a recounting of a portion of time in my life. A time when sickness ruled, and the days were long and bleak.

Chapter One


San Francisco

Everyone knows that I never mumbled prayers.


Everyone also knows I never tried to hide my faults.


I don't know whether a higher Judge and a higher Kindness exist - but still,


I am full of confidence as I have always been true to myself.

Omar Khayyam

It was 1993, and San Francisco State University was abuzz with students returning for the new semester. The smell of fall was in the air, a reminder that the monsoon rains would soon return, once again turning the hills a beautiful, emerald green colour. As I walked across the campus, my leg muscles suddenly tightened, making it extremely difficult to maintain my pace. It felt as if my legs were set in concrete. Unable to figure out what was happening, I didn't say anything to my companion. Thankfully we only had a short distance to go to complete our journey, whereupon I was able to sit. The cramps eased away shortly thereafter.

I was forty years old, and had just experienced what was to later become a life and death struggle with coronary and peripheral artery disease. I was six feet tall and weighed 165 pounds. I had always been athletic, and sailed a small sailboat 4-5 hours most Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. I was active. I snow skied, played singles tennis and water skied, however I was aware I was slowing down some. I was also a heavy, 2 pack+ a day smoker. And my eating habits were not the best. My life was changing and I wasn't aware of how serious the changes were. After the leg cramping incident, I did realize that I needed to stop smoking. So after 25 years of nasty cigarettes, I did just that. I stopped cold turkey. And enrolled in a health club, where I worked out 4-5 times a week.

This routine carried on for two years, until my girlfriend up and moved to Dubai. In a funk, I quit going to the gym, reverted to smoking, and cast my fate. There was no logic to my actions. The stresses of a drawn out divorce and work pressures would have been better handled by going to the gym. I chose cigarettes instead. It would be many years before I would be able to figure out a way to quit smoking for good. And in the process of quitting, I learned why it is so hard for smokers to quit. Armed with this information, it fortified my resolve to quit. Later on, I will tell you what makes the nicotine so bloody addictive, as well as how to wean yourself from it; for once and for all time.

Life progressed, and in 1999 I found myself in a position to pursue a business venture I had in mind. Carpe diem, eh! I did just that.

Chapter Two


Borneo

The island of Borneo conjures images of headhunters, isolation, mighty rivers, and wild jungle scenery. Situated in south-east Asia, it is the third largest island in the world, and is shared by Malaysia, Brunei (where I was headed), and Indonesia.

Brunei, or more formally, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Abode of Peace) sits a few degrees north of the equator, and roughly 700 miles east of Singapore. It is a small country, with a total population of 300,000 people. Out of that 300,000, probably 100,000 are guest workers, brought in to perform the jobs that Bruneians do not want. Most shop keepers and business owners are of Chinese ethnicity and a multi-tiered citizenship (caste) system exist, with different levels of citizenship and rights for non-Muslims born in Brunei, primarily Chinese. In the main, guest workers are from the Philippines, Indonesia (Kalimantan) and Thailand. It is similar, though on a much smaller scale, to what is happening in the USA today with the Hispanic migration, with the major difference being that all the guest workers in Brunei are there legally. In Brunei, guest workers do not have the rights illegal workers enjoy in the USA. In fact, in Brunei and most Middle Eastern countries, a guest worker may switch jobs, that is become employed by another employer, only by leaving the country for six months prior to beginning the new position. Needless to say, employment is full and stable.

Bandar Seri Begawan, or BSB, is the capitol and largest city of Brunei. Bandar was dubbed "The Venice of the East" in 1521, when Magellan's fleet visited, due to the large number of houses built in the river. The word for village in Malay is kampong, and for water it is ayer, hence kampong ayer, or water village. The homes are elevated on stilts, with interconnecting boardwalks. Accessibility is primarily by water taxi or private water craft. The kampong has its own schools, fire department, mosque, restaurants, shops and hospital. Roughly 30,000 Bruneians live in the kampong ayer. They have been doing so for over 1300 years. A ride out to the kampong is less than two minutes. Once there, you are free to walk around. You will notice the friendly nature of the residents. Do not be surprised if you are asked inside a home to visit, have some tea, and perhaps even stay for dinner. Bruneians are well known for their hospitality and friendliness. When the men shake your hand, they will do so with a light grasp and then take that hand and touch their heart. The Brunei women are some of the most fashionably dressed women in the Islamic world, and are not required to wear the tudong, or head scarf, though many do. When they do, you can bet it will be any colour but black!

Brunei is a cradle to grave society, or Shellfare state, as it is Shell Oil that removes the oil and gas deposits, giving Brunei one of the highest per capita incomes of any Asian nation. Predominately Muslim, it sends its young people off to uni for an education, generally to UK or Australia. When they return, university degree in hand, they find there are no jobs for them. It is a perplexing problem that Brunei has yet to fully address.

A monarchy, Brunei is ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who, until the ascent of Bill Gates and later, Slim Helu, was known as the richest man in the world. The Bolkiah family has been on the throne for over 600 years, making them the oldest seated, surviving, royal family in the world. A former British protectorate, Brunei loves things British .The Istana Nurul Iman, the Sultan's palace, contains 1788 rooms, plus 250 bathrooms. I have had the treat of seeing a portion of the Sultan's personal fourth floor residence, and it is opulent with a capital O.

A joke around Brunei among the ex-pats is that the Sultan will defend Brunei down to the last Ghurka, a reference to the 5,000 man contingent the Sultan employs as a personal mike force. The British also maintain a small garrison of troops in Seria, near the oil fields, conveniently conducting a jungle warfare training and tracker school. I remember that the only time in recent history that a guerrilla insurgency was successfully defeated occurred on the island of Borneo. The ChiComs or Chinese Communists were soundly defeated by British commandos, in the jungles of Malaya, with the conflict culminating in the political capitulation of Sukarno of Indonesia in1965.

Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bali and Bangkok are all between 700 and 1000 air miles from Brunei, making it a great jump off point for traveling in the region. Brunei's flag carrier is Royal Brunei Airlines or RBA as the locals call it. If you have the opportunity to fly RBA, take it. I found the service to be as good as that of Singapore, whom many consider to have the best cabin service amongst the major global carriers. As with most air carriers of Islamic nations, RBA has video monitors throughout the cabins depicting the geographic location of Mecca and the real time position of your aircraft relative to Mecca, thus allowing the faithful to always know the direction in which their most holiest of cities lies. When inbound, the in cabin service announcements prior to arrival also includes one which states that the penalty for drug possession/use in Brunei is death, so if you are thinking of visiting, leave the spliffs at home. In reality, Brunei does not use the death penalty, as the last execution in Brunei was 1957, and was associated with the uprisings in the region.

So there I was. I had successfully negotiated a joint venture with a European company doing business in Brunei. I had a widening circle of friends and I had traveled to Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines on business calls, with some side trips for sightseeing. I had also, with some luck, side-stepped a potentially sticky situation in Manila. The Philippine President at the time was Joseph "ERAP" Estrada, a former movie actor and film producer, known as the Ronald Reagan of the Philippines. In my experience, it is the rare Filipino that does not have a nick name. Erap is pare backwards, which means dude or buddy in Englog, which is English upon which Tagalog, a Filipino dialect, is infused. Anyways, I had presented a business proposal to President Estrada through his nephew, who ran a Philippines remittance bank. Before my deal could be consummated, ERAP found himself impeached and behind bars on corruption charges. He recently received a sentence of life imprisonment for plunder. No more Malaca�ang Palace or Forbes Park for him. Such is life in the Philippines, and such is karma.

It was, in some ways, reminiscent of a brief venture a business partner and I had in Russia shortly after the planned fall of Gorbachev and Communism. It was a 10 year multi-million dollar deal. Payment initially was made with Irrevocable Letters of Credit, but switched quickly to wire transfers in U.S. Dollars to an off-shore "sweep account" and. from there on to another corporate bank account.

Our initial contact was a New York based "Russian diplomat," read KGB, who parlayed the deal for a consulting fee of $5,000 US per month. Well, within the first year the whole thing went south on us. The company we were dealing with was taken over, literally, by Chechen mafia types that sped around Moscow in a convoy of black Mercedes 600's.

Most were fond of carrying big iron, and one would occasionally catch a glimpse of a pistol butt under a $2,000 Armani sports coat. It was the Wild West in the East, Russian style. All that was missing were Crockett and Tubbs. I had set up the contract agreement in anticipation of problems, but being in a business dispute with gun toting Black Russians wasn't part of the deal. Our agreement stipulated that any contract dispute be adjudicated in Sweden, under Swedish law. It had become necessary to try and enforce our position, as the Chechens had abrogated our contract. Well, by the time we were about 50 lawyer hours deep into this, the Russian legislative body, the Duma, or House, passed a law allowing complete reorganization of all businesses of the Rodina. There was absolutely no redress for us once this happened. Das vidanya, tovarish

Not too much later, some eighty odd top Mafioso types were killed on the very same day across the 12 time zones of former Mother Russia; presumably compliments of the new and improved "wet affairs department" of the "former" KGB. Since that time there has been a melding of ex-KGB operatives and gangsters. It makes for a particularly violent criminal type, with criminal activities now largely controlled behind the scenes by the state as a result of the contrived "birth of capitalism" there.

Back in Borneo, I am still smoking cigarettes and not doing any exercise. I feel okay, but not great.

One day a friend called and invited me to a Hash. For the uninitiated, a Hash is a staged athletic event in which middle aged men with too much Testosterone crash through the jungle, hell bent for leather and crying "On," On" as they follow a trail of cloth strips laid out the preceding day. At the end of the run, all gather round and drink copious amounts of beer, accompanied by ceremony and ritual that seem bizarre to the first time initiate.

Hash House Harriers, aka H3, came about when A.S. Gispert, a British accountant of Catalonian descent, more informally known as "G", along with other British ex-pats in Malaya conceived the idea in a Kuala Lumpur (KL) hash house; harriers are a British dog used to run game; think of a beagle on steroids and you have a good idea of the size and look of the breed..

Billed as a drinking club with a running problem, the Goals of the Hash from the 1938 charter are:

-To promote physical fitness among our members.


-To get rid of weekend hangovers.


-To acquire a good thirst and satisfy it in beer.


-To persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel.

Well, that all sounded fine to me, so at the appointed time, my friend rang round, and off we went to run in the jungles of Borneo. After a short ride, we arrived at the edge of a jungle clearing in Kota Batu district. Cars were parked on both shoulders of the road, and a gang of roughly 100 men milled about, exchanging jokes and small talk. This was to be a male only run, as the kennel I was with, BH3 (Brunei Hash House Harriers), is male only. There are mixed and female only kennels in Brunei as well. BH3 is the 4th oldest hash around, and was formed in 1963, following Singapore as number two and a one-off kennel in Italy as third.

As the group started walking out across the clearing, the cry On, On rang out, and the chase began, as the trail was struck. I managed to go 100 meters before my legs began to cramp in a most severe fashion. I recognized the d�j� vuness of the moment instantly.

Well, needless to say, I was not able to do the Hash. I did start a walking regimen the next day with my friend, who kindly offered to buddy up to make the walking a little less boring. We started walking in a park called Tasek Lama, (old lake) sited below the BSB water reservoir. It was a good place to begin, as there was a flat portion leading to a water fall. We did this for several days, and then began the climb up to the reservoir.

Chapter Three


June 2003


Blue Ridge Mountains

It's been some time now since we spoke. When last I left you, I was in Borneo, and things were going okay for me. Time and circumstance are of a new day, and my health and economic situation have, hand in hand, steadily deteriorated. To say I am depressed would be a huge understatement. I live a sedentary lifestyle, brought on by my worsening health. I know that I am on the edge, and chew aspirins whenever I have chest pains or faintness. And I am still addicted to those nasty cigarettes. God how I hate them and my addiction. I managed to roto-till a 20x20 foot patch of dirt this spring, and though it was physically very demanding, today I am blessed with a bumper crop of vegetables. I have just returned from the garden with some of them when I get that familiar sensation in my chest, so I make a beeline for my bed. Five minutes and two aspirin later I am feeling no better. In fact I am feeling like I am going to slip away very quietly. I am at peace with myself. I fully understand what is happening and a call to 911 is made

Like Eric Burden says, "There I was." The time had finally come to pay the piper his dues. And pay I would. I remember very little of the next four or five hours. I awake in a hospital bed, where I am told I have suffered a massive heart attack, and am alive because of two 325mg aspirin I chewed at the onset, and a $10,000 miracle drug that I was given-a super clot buster. I also learn that my heart suffered very little damage thanks to the aspirin I chewed. Stabilized, the following day I am transported to a regional medical center, where I meet with a cardiologist. Actually, he is now MY cardiologist-a sobering thought. There seems to be an endless stream of people into and out of my room for the first few hours, and then everything settles down. This is my first experience with hospitals since I had my tonsils out at age 8. So far it hasn't been too much fun. I'm hooked up to a heart monitor, IV lines, oxygen tube and monitor etc. I am slated for a trip to the cardiac catheterization lab the following morning, where my cardiologist will make a small incision in my groin, and insert a sheath into the artery. He will then carefully thread the catheter through the sheath to the blockage, where he will inflate a small balloon at the tip of the catheter, thus mashing or pressing the buildup of plaque flat into the vessel wall. Often a mesh metal stent is then inserted to ensure the vessel remains open. It all sounds good to me and I sleep as well as one can when a guest in a sick factory. As I slip off to sleep, I reflect on my situation, and recall a line from Persian poet Omar Khayyam; "If you truly want to live in peace, smile at your Fate." I fall asleep with a smile on my face. I am ready for whatever tomorrow will bring. Kismet is my bedfellow.

The catheterization lab is a busy place. Your last food and drink is the night before the procedure, and you are prepped around 5:00 that morning and told you could be called any time. I finally made it to the cath lab at 2:30 p.m. Like I said, it is a busy place. By then, I am starving for something to eat. The cath lab is a cold place and air conditioning reigns supreme as it cools all the high-tech gadgets and toys used to re-plumb you. I am wrapped in several very warm blankets and given Benadryl. It burns briefly as it enters my bloodstream. I watch with interest on the monitor above me, as the catheter is inserted; I see the dye marker and the blockage. I find it all fascinating and I try and hang on, but wind up closing my eyes and resting, until an incredible tightness grips my chest. I am certain I am having a heart attack, and tell the cardiologist of my discomfort. The procedure is halted and I do not remember too much else of what transpired, other than awaking in my hospital bed. After a stent implant procedure, you must lie flat on the bed for 5-6 hours. You may not lift your head for the first 2-3 hours, and then a pillow may be used. A plastic suction device is strapped over the incision and remains on until the incision has healed, usually around 6 hours. If you are not good at going inside your head, this might be a difficult time for you. A friend or relative is always a welcome sight.

I am able to find out that I did have a heart attack, or infarction, in the cath lab. The discomfort I felt was from the brief closure of one of my vessels during the procedure.

My cardiologist had already successfully implanted two stents, and was attempting a third when I experienced the pain in my chest. I now have one Johnson & Johnson Cordis Stent Implant Cards, and one from Boston Scientific. Stent cards should be carried with you at all times my nurse seriously intones. The manufacturers' card provides the basic information, such as the name of the implant physician, date of procedure, location of implant, etc. You get the idea.

Well, I was laying there in my hospital bed thinking that I had come through okay, and that maybe now I could get my life back in order, when the cardiologist came in. He explained that I had heavy plaque buildup in my arteries, and that cardiovascular bypass surgery would be required if I wanted to continue to live. What was that about smiling at your fate?

Next I meet with the guy that is going to crack my chest. He seems competent, and I certainly don't have any options at this late date. The rest of the afternoon is spent subjected to blood samples, x-rays and other diagnostic tests. Everything is a go for surgery tomorrow morning. I am fifty years old.

Namaste

J. Miri

2007

Hairy Problems

"Dearest granddaughter, come close and look into my eyes." Grandmother Growth beckons and her voice grows deeper and more resonant. "Look deep into my eyes and acknowledge the beauty there.

"Yes, my skin is wrinkled. My face is the face of age, and to many, that is fearful. But my beauty, like my wise blood, now resides inside of me. Can you see it? Can you feel it? Can you look beyond the hair on my chin?" she says grinning, flicking her fingers under her chin in a most unladylike manner.

"Can you forgive the places where my scalp shines through? Can you find the truth of my beauty, the beauty of age, which is so different from the beauty of youth?" Her eyes grow fierce, but sparkle with amusement. "I know you can, for I know how beautiful I am."

Grandmother Growth takes your chin in her strong hand and looks at you with eyes so intense you fear you may catch on fire. She commands: "When you look into your mirror, I ask you to look deep into your own eyes and to acknowledge your own inner beauty.

"I know, I know, metamorphosis is changing you and you don't like it. Like a teenager, you peer and peer into the looking glass, noting every new wrinkle, every hair on your face (and other new places). Counting each grey hair as it grows. Worrying that your hair seems to fall out by the handful.

"Dear one, my most precious child, take care, but do not fret. And do not tell yourself that you are becoming ugly. I know it is difficult, in fact it may be one of the most difficult tasks of your menopause, but you must recast your own opinion of beauty so that it includes old women who have hairy problems and live well with them - like you!"

Too much hair (on the chin), too little hair (on the scalp), falling hair, thinning hair, greying hair - no matter what the complaint, many women notice something happening to their hair during menopause. As hormone levels shift during the menopausal years, hair responds to the changing hormones by changing texture, falling out, or by growing in "odd" places. Here are remedies for those who want more hair, and for those who want less.

HAIR LOSS (ALOPECIA) & GREY HAIR

STEP 1. COLLECT INFORMATION

Menopause does not cause grey hair; taking hormones doesn't stop it. Greying, thinning hair is a normal part of aging. Women whose menopause is induced in their 20s and 30s do not suddenly go grey.

Hair loss at mid-life (androgenic alopecia) is more strongly linked to genes than diet or lifestyle. Those of European origins are far more likely to experience it than Asians, Native Americans, Africans, or African-Americans. Hair loss starts earlier and becomes more extreme on men's heads, but just as many women deal with receding hairlines and balding patches. Roughly half of all women experience some hair loss during their menopausal years. Two-thirds of post-menopausal women deal with thinning hair or bald spots. And no one likes it. Americans spend a billion dollars a year trying to regrow their hair!

Normal hair loss (50-100 hairs a day) is gradual. Sudden unexplained loss is not normal. Events which can trigger hair loss include pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, severe emotional stress, rapid or profound weight loss, thyroid disorders, pituitary problems, malnutrition, iron deficiency, lack of protein, large doses of vitamin A, chemotherapy, radiation, general anesthesia, chronic illness, scarlet fever, syphilis, certain medications (see Step 5), and hair abuse including bleaching, permanents, tight braids, tight pony tails, tight wigs, and tight hats.

(The National Alopecia Areata Foundation, 710 C St, Ste 11, San Rafael, CA 94901 (415-456-4644) can help you contact a local hair loss support group, and gather more information.)

STEP 2. ENGAGE THE ENERGY

Homeopathic remedies for women with hair loss include:

• Lycopodium: loss precipitated by hormonal fluctuations.
  
  
  
• Sepia especially for menopausal women who have sweaty flushes and heavy bleeding
  
  
  
• Phosphoric acid: loss after grief or extreme emotion, accompanied by exhaustion.

STEP 3. NOURISH AND TONIFY

• Infusion of stinging nettle, 2-4 cups a day, strengthens hair and checks falling hair with its superb supplies of protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, and other minerals. Regular use restores thickness, body, shine and sheen to hair. If you have any infusion left over, pour it on your head and rub it into your scalp for faster results.

• "Every grey hair represents a day with too few minerals," a wise woman said to me. Actually, the color of hair is produced by special cells which gradually die as we age. But it is true that hair is loaded with minerals, and getting extra minerals may keep those color cells alive longer. To increase my mineral intake, and keep my hair healthy, I eat more yogurt, drink more nourishing herbal infusions, prepare more mineral-rich soups, use more herbal vinegars, and increase the amount of seaweed in my diet.

• Lack of minerals, especially iron, can cause hair loss. Yellow dock is one of my favorite iron-tonics.

• Natural hair dyes can cure the grey blahs. Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a plant that is easily purchased ready-to-use to change the color of your hair, and you are not limited to carrot-top red. So long as it is not overused (less than four times a year) henna is strengthening to the scalp and hair.

  Other natural hair dyes include coffee, black walnut hulls, or infusions of sage or rosemary herb.

• Herbalist Amanda McQuade Crawford suggests using lemon balm or lemon grass infusion as a hair rinse to prevent hair loss.

• Burdock seed oil, one of the best selling hair tonics in Russia, is especially recommended for those with thinning hair or hair loss. Apply to your hair and scalp, leave on overnight and shampoo it out the following day. Repeat as needed.

• Just plain olive oil is also a tremendous hair tonic. So is jojoba oil. Apply a handful of either to hair and scalp, wrap well and leave on overnight, washing it out the next morning.

• I know you know, but let me say it again, exercise! Yes, it can make your hair healthier too.

STEP 4. SEDATE/STIMULATE

• While some temporary loss of hair at menopause is considered normal, something worse may be brewing. Thin, dry hair is one of the first signs of an underactive thyroid. Hair loss is also an early sign of lupus, an autoimmune disease.

  Chugging down a gulp of cod liver oil or wheat germ oil every day for six weeks could help your hair.

• Menopause sends lots of energy to the crown of your head. That can overstimulate the scalp and cause hair loss (and/or headaches). Get your energy moving with a scalp massage. Let your head calm down and your hair cool off.

• Blow dryers, dyes, perms, and other harsh treatments damage hair and scalp. Rosemary essential oil, a few drops rubbed into the scalp several times a week, repairs the damage, increases hair growth, and improves hair texture.

  Other essential oils which improve hair growth and reduce hair loss include lavender oil, lemon oil, thyme oil, sage oil, and carrot seed oil. You can mix 10-20 drops of any of these into 4 ounces of plain olive oil, infused burdock seed oil, or jojoba oil. Other essential oils said to reduce hair loss include birch, calendula, chamomile, cypress, rose, and yarrow.

• Avoid chlorinated water on your hair. A shower filter is more important than a drinking water filter. And cut down on the number of times you wash your hair. Once every 5-10 days is ideal for healthy hair.

• Avoid cayenne. Heroic herbalists say it increases hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp. But when there is hair loss, says Janet Roberts MD, speCialist in women's hair loss and member of the Oregon Menopause Network, there are inflamed follicles. Cayenne increases inflammation, ultimately increasing hair loss.

STEP 5A. USE SUPPLEMENTS

• Dry, brittle, thin hair is often due to a deficiency in one or more of these nutrients: protein, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, zinc, essential fatty acids. Food and herbal sources of these nutrients are preferable to pills.

• Avoid hair weaving, a cosmetic treatment that weaves replacement hair in with the still existing hair; it actually causes more loss (by creating traction alopecia).

STEP 5B. USE DRUGS

• Hair loss can be caused by drugs, including: birth control pills, anticoagulants, diet pills, thyroid medications; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin, ibuprofen, and Aleve; cholesterol-lowering drugs such as clofibrate and gemfibrozil; arthritis medications such as gold salts (auranofin), indomethacin, naproxen, sulindac, and methotrexate; beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), and timolol (Blocadren); and ulcer drugs such as Cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famoridine (Pepcid). And, of course, chemotherapy.

• Minoxidil (Rograine) dilates blood vessels, encouraging baby-fine hair. Only the 2% solution is approved for women. Of those who use it only 19% achieve even moderate regrowth; 40% have minimal regrowth. Meanwhile, 40% of the women using the placebo had regrowth! CAUTION: Side effects in women include unwanted hair growth on the face, heart disturbances, and dizziness.

• Fertile women are not allowed to use (or even touch) finasteride (Propecia) for fear of the severe birth defects it causes. This is probably a blessing in disguise, as the side-effects (loss of libido, lip swelling, breast engorgement, birth defects) are not pleasant. Finasteride is completely ineffective in reversing hair loss for postmenopausal women. Tell your men friends a dose of 0.2 mg (one-fifth the normal dose) works just as well, costs less ($10 a month instead of $50), and is gentler on the liver.

• Hormones, including ERT, HRT, birth control pills, and anti-androgens (cypoterone acetate, spironolactone, and fluramide) are used singly or in combination to treat women with androgenic alopecia.

STEP 6. BREAK AND ENTER

• Hair transplants can cover a bald spot but are far less successful on women than on men. Micrografts do a better job of dealing with women's diffuse pattern of hair loss.

• "Scalp lifts" tighten the scalp, making hair appear thicker and fuller.

HIRSUTISM/TOO MUCH HAIR

STEP 0. DO NOTHING

A few brazen souls just grin and bear it. Seriously, does anyone else notice that extra hair? Ask a few people who will tell you the truth. Perhaps you are making a mountain (beard/moustache) out of a molehill (a couple of extra hairs)?

STEP 1. COLLECT INFORMATION

It is not at all unusual to find extra hairs growing on the chin, upper lip, breasts, and legs during or after menopause. It is thought that menopause makes some hair follicles more sensitive to Testosterone's hair-promoting effects. However, sudden hair growth can be caused by a tumor on the ovaries, thyroid, adrenals, or pituitary.

STEP 2. ENGAGE THE ENERGY

Visualize a large mirror. Look at yourself in this mirror. When you see something you don't like, ask the mirror how you can change. Finish by telling your image how much you love her. Repeat frequently.

STEP 3. NOURISH AND TONIFY

Oatstraw infusion tends to increase the activity of Testosterone; increased levels of Testosterone contribute to excess hair growth during menopause. It's a long shot, but avoiding oats, oatmeal, and oatstraw infusion may help eliminate or reduce those extra hairs.

STEP 4. SEDATE/STIMULATE

• Natural bleaches, like lemon juice or sunlight (or both together), are generally safe even for use on the sensitive skin of the face.

• Shaving, plucking, and waxing are minimally invasive means of removing excess hair. Such means may increase the rate of hair growth, however, or make the texture of the hair coarser, or cause hair follicle inflammation and ingrown hairs.

STEP 5B. USE DRUGS

• Hirsutism may be caused by corticosteroids and medications for high blood pressure. (Rograine was originally a blood pressure drug.)

• Drug treatments - which are 80% successful according to one MD - include the corticosteroids Prednisone and dexamethasone. Hormones, including birth-control pills and anti-androgens such as spironolactone, are occasionally used.

STEP 6. BREAK AND ENTER

Electrolysis is expensive, painful, tedious, must be done several times over, and can cause scarring. Most sources advise against home electrolysis.

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Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun WeedPO Box 64Woodstock, NY 12498Fax: 1-845-246-8081

Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative.

Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at http://www.susunweed.com

Headache Types and Treatment Options

What is headache?

Headache is a term used to describe aching or pain that occurs in one or more areas of the head, face, mouth, or neck. Headache involves the network of nerve fibers in the tissues, muscles, and blood vessels located in the head and at the base of the skull.

Almost everyone has occasional headaches, especially when they are sick, tired or otherwise under stress. Headache is the result of pain signals caused by interactions between the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding nerves. During a headache, the pain comes not from the brain. It comes from specific nerves surrounding the skull, head muscles, and blood vessels that are activated and send pain signals, interpreted by the brain as a headache. The reasons why these nerves are activated are not clearly understood. Most headaches go away on their own or are easily treated with over the counter (OTC) drugs.

Headache types

There are two main categories of headache: primary and secondary.

The major types of primary headaches include:

• Tension headache



• Cluster headache



• Migraine

Primary headaches are not caused by other underlying medical conditions. More than 90% of headaches are primary.

Secondary

Secondary headaches result from other medical conditions, such as cerebrovascular disease, head trauma, infection, tumor, and metabolic disorder. These account for fewer than 10% of all headaches. Head pain also can result from syndromes involving the eyes, ears, neck, teeth, or sinuses. In these cases, the underlying condition must be diagnosed and treated. Also, certain types of medication produce headache as a side effect.

Many people have occasional headaches that get better on their own or go away with OTC drug treatment. Most of these people never see a healthcare provider for their headaches, however, there are several circumstances in which an evaluation by a physician may be useful or important:

• Headaches that are getting worse over time



• Severe headaches that start suddenly



• Headaches that start after a head injury



• Headaches that always occur on the same side of the head



• Headaches that are not responding to treatment



• Severe headaches that interrupt work or the enjoyment of daily activities



• Daily headaches



• Aggravated by exertion, coughing, bending, or sexual activity

Tension Headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches. They affect up to 75% of all headache sufferers. Tension headache is usually episodic but may be chronic, occurring daily or almost daily for more than 15 days a month. This type of headache is linked with tension in neck and scalp muscles, affecting blood flow within the skull.

Tension headaches often start in the afternoon or early evening. The pain is typically on both sides of the head, pressing or tightening. Some people get tension headaches in response to stressful events. Tension headaches usually do not get worse with physical activity (such as walking or climbing stairs).

Treatment

The occasional tension headache can be alleviated by a hot shower, massage, sleep, and through patient recognition and avoidance of stress factors.

For episodic tension headaches that occur less than three times per week, OTC pain relievers such as aspirin, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are convenient and effective. Combination products of pain medication with caffeine may help some people, but also may be habit forming. Use of any OTC pain reliever should be limited to no more than two or three days per week. If pain medications are overused, rebound headaches may occur on the days that medications are not taken.

Chronic tension headaches are more difficult to treat, because rebound headaches are common when pain relievers are stopped. The most effective medications for treatment of chronic tension headaches are tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline HCl, doxepin HCl, nortriptyline HCl). However, it is often more effective to prevent these headaches than to treat them.

Some people are able to treat their tension headaches without medications. An ice compress, a heating pad or a massage to any tight areas in the neck and shoulders can be extremely helpful. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or acupuncture, may help to decrease the frequency of headaches.

Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are relatively rare, affecting about 1% of the population. They are distinct from migraine and tension headaches. Cluster headaches primarily affect men between the ages of 20 and 40. Attacks usually occur in a series, or "clusters" of 1 - 8 headaches per day over a period of several weeks to months. The pain is extremely severe but the attack is brief, lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours. The pain of cluster headache almost always occurs on one side of the head. During cluster headaches, the eye on the same side as the pain may become teary or droopy or develop a small pupil. There may also be nasal congestion on the affected side of the face.

About 80% of cluster headaches occur at night, and in about 70% of patients, drinking alcohol can trigger a cluster headache. Unlike migraine sufferers, those with cluster headache often feel better if they keep moving during the headache.

Treatment

It is difficult to stop the pain of a cluster headache that is in progress, because the headache usually disappears by the time the patient reaches the emergency room or doctor's office. Because the onset of cluster headache attacks is rapid and may occur several times a day, the best approach to treatment is with daily preventive drugs to decrease the severity and frequency of headaches. Lithium (Carbolith, Duralith, Lithane, Lithobid, Lithonate and others) and Verapamil (Isoptin, Calan, Chronovera, Verelan, Novo-Veramil) are the two drugs that are most effective at accomplishing this. Other drugs used for this purpose include Prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone 1, Winpred and others), cyproheptadine (Periactin) and methysergide (Sansert). Prophylactic medications usually are begun early during a cycle of cluster headaches and continued for two weeks longer than the usual cycle.

Abortive treatments include inhalation of 100% oxygen. Inhaling 100% oxygen for about 15 minutes through a facemask has proven to be helpful when it is done at the first signs of an attack. This oxygen must be prescribed by a doctor and obtained through a medical supplier. Other types of drugs that may be effective when used at the outset of cluster pain include the triptans (Imitrex, Maxalt, Zomig, Axert, Amerge), ergotamine (Cafergot) and indomethacin (Indocin).

Migraine Headache

Migraine headaches are less common than tension headaches. About 6% of all men and 18% of all women experience a migraine headache at some time. Migraine headache occurs on one or both sides of the head. The pain is typically pulsating or throbbing in nature. Nausea, with or without vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light and sound often accompany migraines. Migraines are made worse by activity, bright lights and bright noises. In most cases, migraine attacks are occasional, or sometimes as often as once or twice a week, but not daily. Women who have migraines often find that their headaches occur or worsen around the time of their menstrual periods.

One unique feature of migraines is an unusual sensation that a migraine is about to occur. This sensation is called a prodrome. Prodrome symptoms can include fatigue, hunger and nervousness. Not all people who get migraines have prodromes.

An aura is a complex of neurological symptoms that occur just before or at the onset of migraine headache. An aura involves a disturbance in vision that may consist of brightly colored or blinking lights in a pattern that moves across the field of vision. Most patients with migraine have attacks without aura. About one in five migraine sufferers experiences an aura.

Treatment

How your migraines are treated will depend on the frequency and severity of attacks. People who have a headache several times per year often respond well to nonprescription pain relievers.

There are two types of medications to treat migraines:

• abortive medications - drugs that are taken when a headache starts



• preventive medications - drugs that are taken every day to prevent migraines

Abortive Medications

Migraine-specific abortive medications usually are necessary for moderate to severe migraine headaches. When possible, an abortive medication should be taken immediately after an aura or migraine headache starts. However overusing abortive medications can lead to chronic headaches, that occur day after day without a specific cause or diagnosis. Several prescription and nonprescription drugs are used as abortive medications: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Apsifen, Motrin, Nuprin and other brand names) or naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn)

Effective agents available by prescription include:

• Triptans - sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig) and rizatriptan (Maxalt). Triptan drugs are effective in 60% to 65% of patients, completely or significantly relieving migraine pain and associated symptoms within 2 hours of administration. Triptans reduce inflammation and constrict the blood vessels. The triptan with the longest history of use is sumatriptan (Imitrex).



• Ergots - sublingual ergotamine (Ergomar) and dihydroergotamine (Migranal). Ergots cause constriction of blood vessels, but ergots tend to cause more constriction of vessels in the heart and other parts of the body than the triptans, and their effects on the heart are more prolonged than the triptans. Ergots are not as safe as the triptans.



• Midrin. It is a combination of isometheptene (a blood vessel constrictor), Acetaminophen (a pain reliever), and dichloralphenazone (a mild sedative)

Preventive Medications

Preventive medication are prescribed when migraine attacks that don't respond well to abortive medications or adverse reactions to abortive medications occur, migraine attacks occur too often, complicated migraines. Many drugs are listed as potentially useful to prevent recurrent migraine attacks. The drugs in the following classes are useful to prevent recurrent migraine attacks:

• Beta-blockers. Propranolol (Inderal) and nadolol (Corgard) have a good track record of being safe and effective. Metoprolol (Lopressor) and atenolol (Tenormin) are reasonable alternatives. Beta-blockers have been used for many years to prevent migraine headaches. It is not known how beta-blockers prevent migraine headaches.



• Tricyclic antidepressants. These medications are very effective, but often have troublesome side effects such as sedation, blurred vision, dry mouth and constipation. The first choice is often amitriptyline (Elavil). Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil) also can be tried.



• Anticonvulsants. Of the drugs in this class, valproate (Depakote, Epival) has the best evidence to support using it for prevention. Gabapentin (Neurontin) and topiramate (Topamax) also are effective. It is not known how anticonvulsants work to prevent migraine headaches.



• Serotonin antagonists. Methysergide (Sansert) has been available for many years and is very effective. Methysergide prevents migraine headaches by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation of the blood vessels. However, this medication has side effects that are potentially very serious and therefore is not widely used.

Rebound Headache

Increasing headache over time with repeated use of pain medicines can lead to a rebound headache. The headache is typically located on both sides of the head and is described as a pressing or tightening type of pain. When headache sufferers use too much pain medicine, their headaches often recur. This leads to a repeated cycle of taking more medicines and still having headaches. Rebound headache may appear if:

• taking analgesics on 15 or more days per month for more than 3 months



• taking opioid or combination medication 10 or more days per month for more than 3 months

When analgesics are discontinued, the headache may get worse for several days and it may take up to 30 days to recover from the rebound process. Non-drug approaches, such as biofeedback, relaxation therapy, and exercise, can be helpful in reducing both headache frequency and need for medication.

Headache Triggers

Triggers are not direct causes of the headache, but they facilitate or provoke the beginning of an attack. Anything that stimulates the pain receptors in the head and neck can cause a headache. Some of the more common triggers for headache:

• Emotional triggers: problems at work, success at work or school, anticipation, anxiety, an emotional crisis, a new job. Emotions can bring on headaches, keep them going, and make them worse. Emotions don't cause your headaches, they just make you more vulnerable to them.



• Environmental triggers: bright light, different kinds of aromas like perfume, tobacco, odors (such as gasoline), loud noises, altitude, barometric pressure changes.



• Stress triggers: strenuous exercise, excessive physical work at the work place or at school, physical sickness, not enough sleep or too much sleep



• Chemical triggers: changes in hormone levels (that occur during the premenstrual period, during the post-menstrual period), low blood sugar.



• Food and beverage triggers: caffeine, alcohol (especially red wine), hard cheese, vinegar, hot dogs, chocolate, nuts, MSG (monosodium glutamate), pizza, pork. Foods containing nitrites as preservatives can also trigger headaches. Fasting or missing meals is a major headache trigger.



• Changes in the weather can change body chemistry, and have been known to trigger headaches.



• Heavy cigarette smoking.

Yury Bayarski is the author of Price-RX.com - a prescription drug price comparison website. Please follow this link if you would like to read more about headache relief prescription drugs.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment Options

Hyperthyroidism (also known an overactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones. This causes many of the body's functions to speed up. About 2 in 100 women, and 2 in 1000 men, develop hyperthyroidism at some stage of their life.

Treatment of Overactive Thyroid

Three forms of treatment are available for hyperthyroidism. Each of them have their own advantages and limitations and physicians prefer one over the other due to reasons of simplicity, cost and availability and also on the severity of hyperthyroidism, existing illnesses and the age of patient. Each of the possible treatments for an overactive thyroid have some advantages and some disadvantages. In general, all three treatments are highly effective and associated with a low risk of side effects.

Drug Therapy

Drug therapy includes the use of beta-blocking agents and antithyroid drugs.

Antithyroid Drugs (ATD)

Most patients with hyperthyroidism are given antithyroid drugs as initial therapy. There are two main antithyroid drugs available for use in the United States: methimazole (Tapazole) and propylthiouracil (PTU). They interfere with the ability of the thyroid gland to synthesize its hormones and are usually given in high doses until the thyroid gland functions normally (becomes euthyroid). This can take one to two months. PTU is preferred in pregnant hyperthyroid patients.

Indications and Benefits:

• availability and simplicity
• ATD drugs work well to control the overactive thyroid, bring prompt control of hyperthyroidism, and do not cause permanent damage to the thyroid gland
• may be used for long-term treatment of Graves' disease.
• PTU is preferred choice in pregnant women with overactive thyroid
• preferred treatment by many endocrinologists for children and for adults who refuse radioactive iodine
• pretreatment of older and cardiac patients before radioactive iodine or surgery
• both medications (methimazole and PTU) considered safe for use while breastfeeding

Disadvantages, Risks and Possible Side Effects:

• High relapse rate (relapse is more likely in smokers, patients with large goiters, and patients with positive thyroid-stimulating antibody levels at the end of therapy). Hyperthyroid condition returns in about half of all patients.
• PTU can cause elevated liver enzymes, and immunoallergic hepatitis
• Methimazole can cause rare cholestasis and rare congenital abnormalities
• Minor side effects include rash, fever, gastrointestinal effects, and arthralgia
• Rare side effect is called "agranulocytosis". This is a condition in which the white blood cells, which fight infection, disappear from the body. This could be a serious problem if an infection developed while those white blood cells were low. Fortunately, there is usually a warning when you get agranulocytosis - a fever and a sore throat. Patients on antithyroid drugs who develop a fever and a sore throat should stop the pills and call right away to get a blood test. If the blood test shows agranulocytosis, patients must remain off the antithyroid drugs. The white blood cells usually return to normal within one to two weeks.

Beta-blocker Medicines

There are medications available to immediately treat the symptoms caused by excessive thyroid hormones, such as a rapid heart rate. One of the main classes of drugs used to treat these symptoms is the beta-blockers (e.g., Inderal, Tenormin, Lopressor). Some people take a beta-blocker medicine for a few weeks whilst the level of thyroxine is reduced gradually by one of the available treatments.

Indications and Benefits:

• Prompt relief of the adrenergic symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as tremor, palpitations, heat intolerance, and nervousness.
• Treatment of choice for thyroiditis
• First line therapy before surgery, radioactive iodine, and antithyroid drugs
• Short term therapy in pregnancy

Disadvantages, Risks and Possible Side Effects:

• Must be used with caution in older patients and in patients with pre-existing heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or asthma.

Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine)

The thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that are able to absorb iodine. By giving radioactive iodine, cells in the thyroid are damaged or destroyed and are unable to produce further thyroid hormone. Radioiodine therapy involves taking a drink, or swallowing a capsule, which contains radioactive iodine. The dose of radioactivity to the rest of the body is very low and is not dangerous.

Indications and Benefits:

• Inexpensive, highly effective, easy to administer, and safe
• High cure rates with single-dose treatment (80%)
• Treatment of choice for Graves' disease, multinodular goiter, toxic nodules in patients older than 40 years, and relapses from antithyroid drugs

Disadvantages, Risks and Possible Side Effects:

• Delayed control of symptoms
• Posttreatment hypothyroidism in majority of patients with Graves' disease regardless of dosage
• Contraindicated in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Can cause transient neck soreness, flushing, and decreased taste
• Radiation thyroiditis in 1% of patients
• May exacerbate Graves' ophthalmopathy
• May require pretreatment with antithyroid drugs in older or cardiac patients
• Treatment of hyperthyroidism in children remains controversial
• Reluctance to use in women of childbearing years

Surgery

In a situation where radioiodine is not available and the patient is not responding to ATD patients are subjected to a surgery. Surgery (thyroidectomy) involves removing part of the thyroid gland. It may be a good option if you have a large goitre (thyroid swelling) which is causing problems in the neck. If too much of the thyroid is removed it is not usually a problem as you can take thyroxine tablets to keep the thyroxine level normal. It is usually a safe operation, although as with all operations there is a small risk. This mode of treatment requires 5-10 days of hospitalization.

Indications and Benefits:

• Treatment of choice for people:
  • with very large goiters
  • who cannot tolerate antithyroid medicine or fail antithyroid drugs
  • who refuse radioactive iodine treatment
  • who have opthalmopathy (staring/bulging eyes)
  • young women and contemplating pregnancy
  • with severe disease who could not tolerate recurrence

• May be done for cosmetic reasons

Disadvantages, Risks and Possible Side Effects:

• Higher morbidity and cost than radioactive iodine
• Risk of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroid relapse
• Temporary or permanent hypoparathyroidism or laryngeal paralysis
• Requires patient to be euthyroid preoperatively with antithyroid drugs or iodides to avoid thyrotoxic crisis

Yury Bayarski is the author of OriginalDrugs.com - website which offers health patches and natural health products.Please follow this link if you would like to read about herbal remedy for overactive thyroid.

Ultimate Guide To Avoiding Hair Loss

Hair loss (Androgenetic alopecia) refers to the reason of hair loss that is influenced by the androgen hormone, the genetic tendency for balding and aging. Because hair loss is caused by these hormones, treatment is available to immediately and dramatically prevent the loss of hair.

Androgenic Hormones

In general, normal men including women make male hormones. Testosterone, underestimation, and dihydroTestosterone (DHT), are the most common that they produce. Androgens are manufactured by the men's adrenals and testicles, and in women, by their adrenal glands and ovaries. In both sexes, these hormones are important but take place in different concentrations and amounts.

When hair follicles are exposed to DHT, a genetically prone individual, over time, leads to androgenetic alopecia, or female and male pattern baldness.

In particular cells of the hair follicle, as with in the sebaceous glands, there are enzymes called 5-alpha-reductase that are in high levels, converting Testosterone which is then carried to these areas by the blood, and into DHT.

Hair loss myths:

Myth #1: Hair loss of an individual is inherited from the mother side.

Not true. Genetics is one factor of hair loss, it can be inherited from either the father's or the mother's side.

Myth #2. Frequent cutting of hair will make it grow thicker.

Not true. Although when the hair is cut, it would appear thicker at first, after three days or so, your hair would drop off and new hair would grow, having the same diameter as the pre cut hair.

Myth #3. Wearing a Hat Can Cause Hair Loss.

Not true. The hat can help by blocking off the sun's harmful rays. Although wearing a hat for a very long period of time may cause sebum accumulation due to temperature changes and can react with cholesterol creating a hardened sebum plug that will cut off oxygen circulation causing the hair to fall out.

Myth #4. DHT is the reason for hair loss.

Not true. Although an over production of DHT is a significant reason for hair loss, it is not the only cause.

Myth #5. Frequent shampooing and blow drying lead to hair loss.

Not true. Heat can damage the hair, reason for brittle hair; it does not harm the roots of the hair.

Even worse, some perscription drugs are known to cause hair loss. Avoid if at all possible the following drugs:

- Cholesterol-lowering drugs:

- clofibrate (Atromis-S)

- gemfibrozil (Lopid)

- Antidepressants:

- tricyclics, amphetamines

- High blood pressure:

- atenolol (Tenormin)

- metoprolol (Lopressor)

- nadolol (Corgard)

- propranolol (Inderal)

- timolol (Blocadren)

- Antithyroid:

- carbimazole

- Iodine

- thiocyanate

- thiouracil

- Ulcer drugs:

- Cimetidine (Tagamet)

- ranitidine (Zantac)

- famotidine (Pepcid)

- Anticoagulents:

- Coumarin

- Heparin

Actions you can take to prevent hair loss:

- Stop coloring or perming your hair very often for it can damage it

- Limit exposure of your hair to chlorine

- Avoid exaggerated brushing or combing wet hair

- Use a conditioner every after shampoo to make grooming manageable and easier

- Regulate heat exposure.  Blow-drying, hot-curling and exposure to straightening irons may damage your hair over time

- Avoid medications that can lead hair loss such as Vitamin A, Testosterone products, beta blockers, certain antidepressants and certain cholesterol-lowering agents

- Too much alcohol should be avoided. Be careful in choosing your hair care products as some contain alcohol and can contribute to hair dryness, brittle and hair that is prone to breakage. 

- Tight ponytails and braids can lead to hair damage

- Maintain a healthy diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking enough water

- Birth control pills can contribute to hair loss

- Consult your doctor if should you notice abnormal hair loss, as certain medical conditions such as lupus or having polycystic ovaries, or hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss

Vitamins you can take to prevent hair loss:

- Thiamin ( B1)

Containing the mineral sulfur, this is the essential element of the hair that gives gloss and shine.

- Riboflavin (B2)

This vitamin is vital for body cell breathing, ensuring efficient oxygen utilization for cell repair and production.

- Niacin (B3)

Helps to widen capillaries and vessels thereby increasing the blood circulation to the scalp to help stimulate hair growth. It also may reduce the cholesterol build up which is essential since cholesterol on the scalp will convert to the enzyme 5 alpha reductase.

- Pahtothenic Acid (B5)

This vitamin helps in restoring hair color and brightness. It works with the amino acid Tyrosine Folic Acid, PABA and Copper in the deterrence white and gray hair.

- Biotin (B7)

Biotin is a widely used ingredient in hair products due to its hair promoting properties. Biotin increases hair cortex elasticity , prevents breakage, and thickens hair cuticle.

- Cobalamin (B12)

Regenerates red blood cells for healthy hair.

- Pyridoxine (B6).

Responsible for protein intake balance, it helps in transporting amino acids to the proper tissues. This is also essential in the conversion of one amino acid to another like the conversion of Methionine to Cysteine. With Inositol, they regulate oil flow to the scalp and the skin.

For more great hair loss related articles and resources check out http://hairloss.haircarehaven.com

The Anti-aging Law of Compensation: You Must Apply It

I'm often asked how my skin stays smooth. My answer is simple: Early in life I gorged on anti-aging antioxidants (and still do), I drink a lot of water, and compensate for dietary lapses. Heredity plays a role, of course, but we unfairly blame a lot of decline on our genes.

The so-called civilized world we live in makes it difficult to maintain youthful attributes and stay healthy. Fast food, pollution, low and non-nutrition processed edibles eaten as food, stress, medications, lack of adequate information and our own negligence contribute to health problems and signs of premature aging.

To get around it, you can do one of two things: just let it happen or be on the offensive with compensating measures.

The obvious thing to do is to be on the offensive. But how do you do that?

Let's talk about dehydration. Do you drink coffee or caffeine drinks such as colas or so-called energy drinks? If so, then you must compensate by drinking more water. Caffeine is dehydrating. For every can of caffeinated soda or cup of coffee - at least an equal amount of water is in order. If you don't compensate, the dehydration shows up as gray, flaky dry skin.

Do you drink alcohol? It's dehydrating. That's one reason why your face looks like the wrath of God the morning after just a few drinks the night before. For every glass of wine or bottle of beer, you should consume an equal amount of water - or more. The hard stuff is even more damaging. Yes, you will be running to the potty, but you will be compensating for the dehydration and you will feel better in the morning because you have eliminated a lot of the alcohol toxicity.

Alcohol also depletes B vitamins. Some health minded folks who enjoy a glass of wine follow it with a B Complex capsule and a glass of water.

Overall, caffeine and alcohol are the least egregious offenders. Most folks don't drink an excessive amount of coffee or alcohol on a daily basis.

There is something more damaging than daily caffeine and occasional alcohol. It's what most people use a lot of on a daily basis over a long period of time: prescription medications.

Medication induced nutrient loss is responsible for more health problems that anyone realizes. The pharmaceutical companies do not mention nutrient loss in advertising, although warnings may appear in literature no one reads. And chances are that traditionally trained physicians and pharmacists aren't educated enough about nutrition to be aware.

For example, has your physician or pharmacist ever warned you that estrogen replacement depletes magnesium? Magnesium depletion causes muscle weakness, depression, dizziness, hypertension, and heart problems. That doesn't mean you should stop taking estrogen (if in fact you choose to replace estrogen) but you do need to make certain you are getting enough magnesium. A physician who practices integrative medicine will know enough to prescribe compensating nutrients.

Blood pressure medications such as Tenormin and Lopressor deplete CoQ10 which is absolutely vital to stabilize cellular membranes and give cells energy to function. Statin drugs that lower cholesterol deplete CoQ10 as well.

Diuretics ("water pills") may cause magnesium, potassium, and zinc depletion. Men with prostate problems already tend to have zinc deficiency and if it is not supplemented the prostate can enlarge.

Medications such as Tagamet and Pepcid cause depletion of vitamin B12 and folic acid. A deficiency of these two vitamins causes homocysteine levels to rise. High homocysteine causes irritation of blood vessel walls. When cholesterol flows throw them, it clings to the irritated walls and then you have clogged arteries. We can't live without cholesterol. It is vital for cell membrane integrity and hormone production among other things. But we can't live with cholesterol when it is clogging arteries as a result of high homocysteine.

You don't have to wait for your doctor to prescribe B12 and folic acid. You can buy B12, preferably in the form of methylcobalamin under-the-tongue tablets available over the counter. Folic acid tablets are also available without a prescription.

If you want to learn more about how prescription medications deplete nutrients, read Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook by Ross Pelton, James B. Lavalle and Ernest B. Hawkins.

Don't suffer premature aging and loss of youthful attributes due to dietary indiscretion, neglect, or just not knowing. You can do a lot to help yourself. When you learn to compensate, or find a doctor who can help you avoid what you don't need, or help with what you do need, you will stay healthier and more youthful a lot longer.

The Anti-aging Law of Compensation is too important to ignore. Educate, compensate, and take care of yourself! If you don't, who will?

Barbara Morris, R.Ph. is a pharmacist, author of "Put Old on Hold" and a recognized authority on health and anti-aging strategies. Sign up for her monthly Put Old on Hold Newsletter at http://www.PutOldonHold.com and receive her complimentary ebook, "Twelve Diva Tested Tips for Fabulous Skin." Her expertise is cited in Art Linkletter and Mark Victor Hansen's new book, "How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life."

The Anti-Aging Law of Compensation: You Must Apply It

The so-called civilized world we live in makes it difficult to maintain youthful attributes and stay healthy. Fast food, pollution, low and non-nutrition processed edibles eaten as food, stress, medications, lack of adequate information and our own negligence contribute to health problems and signs of premature aging.

To get around it, you can do one of two things: just let it happen or be on the offensive with compensating measures.

The obvious thing to do is to be on the offensive. But how do you do that?

Let's talk about dehydration. Do you drink coffee or caffeine drinks such as colas or so-called energy drinks? If so, then you must compensate by drinking more water. Caffeine is dehydrating. For every can of caffeinated soda or cup of coffee - at least an equal amount of water is in order. If you don't compensate, the dehydration shows up as gray, flaky dry skin.

Do you drink alcohol? It's dehydrating. That's one reason why after just a few drinks the night before, your face looks like the wrath of God in the morning. For every glass of wine or bottle of beer, you should consume an equal amount of water - or more. The hard stuff is even more damaging. Yes, you will be running to the potty, but you will be compensating for the dehydration and you will feel better in the morning because you have eliminated a lot of the alcohol toxicity.

Alcohol also depletes B vitamins. How many drinkers take any kind of supplements? Nutrient deficiency may well contribute to alcoholism.

Overall, caffeine and alcohol are the least egregious health offenders. Most folks don't drink an excessive amount of coffee or alcohol on a daily basis.

There is something more damaging than daily caffeine and occasional alcohol. It's what most people use a lot of on a daily basis over a long period of time: prescription medications.

Medication induced nutrient loss is responsible for more health problems that anyone realizes. The pharmaceutical companies do not mention nutrient loss in advertising, although warnings may appear in literature no one reads. And chances are traditionally trained physicians and pharmacists aren't educated enough about nutrition to be aware.

For example, has your physician or pharmacist ever warned you that estrogen replacement depletes magnesium? Magnesium depletion causes muscle weakness, depression, dizziness, hypertension, and heart problems. That doesn't mean you should stop taking estrogen (if in fact you choose to replace estrogen) but you do need to make certain you are getting enough magnesium. A physician who practices integrative medicine will know enough to prescribe compensating nutrients.

Blood pressure medications such as Tenormin and Lopressor deplete CoQ10 which is absolutely vital to stabilize cellular membranes and give cells energy to function. Statin drugs that lower cholesterol deplete CoQ10 as well.

Diuretics ("water pills") may cause magnesium, potassium, and zinc depletion. Men with prostate problems already tend to have zinc deficiency and if it is not supplemented the prostate can enlarge.

Medications such as Tagamet and Pepcid cause depletion of vitamin B12 and folic acid. A deficiency of these two vitamins causes homocysteine levels to rise. High homocysteine causes irritation of blood vessel walls. When cholesterol flows throw them, it clings to the irritated walls and then you have clogged arteries. We can't live without cholesterol. It is vital for cell membrane integrity and hormone production among other things. But we can't live with cholesterol when it is clogging arteries as a result of high homocysteine.

You don't have to wait for your doctor to prescribe B12 and folic acid. You can buy B12, preferably in the form of methylcobalamin under-the-tongue tablets over the counter. Folic acid tablets are also available without a prescription .

If you want to learn more about how prescription medications deplete nutrients, read the Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook by Ross Pelton, James B. Lavalle and Ernest B. Hawkins.

Don't suffer premature aging and loss of youthful attributes due to dietary indiscretion, neglect, or just not knowing. You can do a lot to help yourself. When you learn to compensate, or find a doctor who can help you avoid what you don't need, or help with what you do need, you will stay healthier and more youthful a lot longer.

The Anti-aging Law of Compensation is too important to ignore. Educate yourself, compensate, and take care of yourself! If you don't, who will?

Barbara Morris is a pharmacist and author of Put Old on Hold. Visit her website at http://www.PutOldonHold.com Sign up for her newsletter and receive "Twelve Diva Tested Tips for Fabulous Skin."