A Look at Snoring Treatments - by: Josh Riverside

If your own efforts to stop snoring do not help, consult your physician or an otolaryngologist -- or a doctor for the ear, nose, and throat. If you choose to try a dental appliance as a snoring treatment, you will need to see a dentist specializing in these devices. Some medical snoring treatments are continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral devices (including dental appliances and lower jaw positioners), and surgery. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure consists of sleeping with an air mask to maintain continuous air pressure in the throat. CPAP is a treatment for sleep apnea, as well as for snoring. A wide range of dental appliances, oral devices, and lower jaw adjusters are available to alleviate snoring. Some people experience significant improvement with these oral appliances, which bring the lower jaw forward during sleep. Most of the products fit inside the mouth, but some products on the market are worn around the head and chin to adjust the position of the lower jaw. As far as surgery goes, Thermal Ablation Palatoplasty (TAP) treats snoring and various types of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The types of TAP include: laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty (LAUP) and radiofrequency ablation (or “somnoplasty”). Laser-assisted uvula palatoplasty (LAUP) vaporizes the uvula and a portion of the palate with a laser in the doctor's office under local anesthesia. LAUP effectively removes obstructions to the airway, which may be causing snoring or sleep apnea. Laser-Assisted Uvula Palatoplasty has a higher success rate than Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for sleep apnea (UPPP), but it requires a surgeon with expertise in laser procedures. Radiofrequency ablation, or somnoplasty, shrinks excess tissue in the upper airway with a needle electrode. For snoring, the soft palate and uvula are reduced. For Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the base of the tongue is reduced. For chronic nasal obstruction, nasal turbinates are reduced. Somnoplasty does not require general anesthesia. According to many experts, while other snoring treatments may help in cases of milder snoring problems, for heavy snoring, surgically correcting obstructive conditions in the nose, pharynx, or uvula may be the only solution.

A Look at Male Hair Loss - by: Josh Riverside

At a research study held in a university in Norfolk, Virginia, it was found that 84 percent of men suffering from hair loss were preoccupied with the loss. They described feelings of helplessness, vulnerability, and jealousy of men with full, healthy heads of hair. Men who had begun losing their hair in their early twenties were more likely to have problems with low self-esteem. Male hair loss occurs because of a hormone imbalance. The medical term for male-pattern baldness is Androgenetic Alopecia. This term will help you understand the factors involved in excessive male hair loss. Androgen refers to any of the many hormones that control the appearance and development of masculine traits. An example is testosterone. Genetic refers to heredity, the inheritance of genes from either the mother or father. Alopecia simply means hair loss. So we could say that male hair loss occurs because of male hormones affected by genetic inheritance. DHT (testosterone and 5-alpha-reductase) is a naturally occurring hormone that helps in sexual development. Genetic switches in certain men after puberty cause changes in hair follicles; specifically androgen receptor sites on the follicles that regulate healthy hair growth. As DHT levels increase as men age, binding at the follicle receptor sites increases. This causes an imbalance in the biological processes of the hair follicles that are more sensitive. Slowly, the follicles begin to degrade as DHT builds up on the site causing hair to grow back thinner and shorter, eventually making it so thin and short that it can't be seen. Men lose their hair in different ways based on their genetic predisposition. Male hair loss usually involves receding at the temples, loss on the top of the head, and thinning over large areas. These patterns are identified on something called the "Norwood scale," which classifies different types of hair loss.

A Look at Hair Loss Remedies - by: Josh Riverside

Hair loss causes a great deal of stress and anxiety. In society, one of the factors other people judge us by is our looks, which includes our hair. Hair loss, therefore, can have an enormous impact on self-perception, self-esteem, and social life. Although there is no cure for excessive hair loss caused by male or female pattern hair loss, there are a variety of hair loss remedies available for people suffering from hair loss. One hair loss remedy is simply to learn to live with it. It is, after all, a common, normal process that many go through much like acne. Talking to a counselor may help you cope with any self-esteem issues you may face as the result of hair loss. Many people that suffer from hair loss find that one good remedy can be found in hair styling and cosmetic techniques. Hair coloring, waves, and haircuts alone can make a big difference in the way you look and feel, making hair loss much less apparent. Rogaine, the FDA approved topical treatment for female and male pattern hair loss, is a popular hair loss remedy. Though not always effective in promoting new hair growth, if used regularly, Rogaine can be effective in slowing or even stopping hair loss. Hair attachments are another option in the search for an effective hair loss remedy. Made out of human hair and synthetic fibers, these attachments give the appearance of a fuller head of hair. They are kept on by being anchored to the existing hair, skin, or grafted on through surgical techniques. Lastly, a hair loss remedy that can be effective but costly is hair transplant or replacement surgery. With improving results and procedures, this surgical procedure takes healthy follicles and distributes them over other areas of the scalp affected by baldness.

A Guide to Hair Loss Products - by: Josh Riverside

Hair loss is a genetic/hormonal process that can affect both men and women. Hormones that bind to hair follicles can cause an imbalance in the biological processes that cause hair growth. Eventually, excess hormones on the follicle cause hair to stop growing and the follicle dies. Shampoo, wigs, creams, pills, powders, and just about anything else you can imagine has been marketed as a hair loss product. Hair loss products, if they are at all serious, work by either promoting hair growth, reducing the amount of hormones in the body, reducing inflammation at the follicle, or handling the autoimmune response that occurs as a result of too many hormones at the follicle site. Hundreds of thousands of hair loss products are on the market today and only some are regulated and proven to actually be effective in helping prevent hair loss. It is important that you consult a dermatologist for a complete diagnosis and treatment options before using any product claiming to "cure" or stop hair loss. Some products can end up doing more harm than good. A well-known product for hair-loss is Rogaine, a shampoo that works by promoting hair growth and retarding hair loss. Another product taken orally is Propecia, which works at the hormonal level to stop binding at the follicle site.

A Guide to Hair Extension Salons - by: Josh Riverside

It can be difficult to find a hair extension stylist near you, and you don’t always have the time to drive hours to get your hair done. Luckily, several online resources are available to help. Here is a helpful, condensed list: The Hair Extension Salon Locator This site lists hair extension salons by state. It also features articles on the care of hair extensions and hair loss information. Additionally, they have supplies and training resources. HairBonz This is the website for the HairBonz hair extension system. You can call 1-888-693-HAIR to find a listing of hair extension salons using the HairBonz system. Hair Boutique This informative site has links to hair extension salons. Unfortunately, the information is listed alphabetically and cannot be searched by city or state. However, if you have the patience to scan the listings you just might find a local salon. Black Beauty Care Directory This site is specifically for African-American beauty concerns, and lists salons that cater to African hair. Information is categorized by state for easy access. Another way to find a local hair extension salon is to type “Houston hair extension salons” or “hair extensive salons near Houston” in a search engine. Of course, use your own city name in place of Houston! You can also use your Yellow Pages to find hair extension salons. One of the best ways to find a top-quality salon is by word of mouth. If a friend or family member has beautiful extensions, ask for a reference. No matter where you located your hair extension salon, make sure that your stylist is qualified to apply the extensions. He or she should be a licensed cosmetologist with ample experience in applying the type of extensions you are considering. Many experts recommend that you meet some of the stylist’s other clients and find out if they are happy with their extensions. At the very least, ask to see a portfolio with before and after pictures.

A Guide to Female Hair Loss - by: Josh Riverside

Hair loss usually occurs because of hormonal factors. As a consequence, biological events like puberty, pregnancy and menopause that effect female hormone levels can also cause female hair loss. In the case of pregnancy, hair loss is simply a consequence of the stress the body undergoes during labor and should stop approximately 6 months after birth. Discontinuation of taking birth control pills can also cause temporary female hair loss. The most common type of female hair loss is androgenetic alopecia or female-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is associated with hair thinning predominantly over the sides and top of the head. Female hair loss affects about one-third of all susceptible women and usually onsets after menopause although it can begin earlier. Other causes of female hair loss include dieting. Rapid weight loss over a short period of time promotes hair loss and some supplements such as excessive vitamin A also contribute to hair loss. Physical and emotional stress can cause hair loss but this usually only occurs when the trauma is excessive and of a long duration. Everyday stress does not promote hair loss. Some common myths related to female hair loss are that frequent washing and shampooing, and wearing of wigs and hats all cause hair loss. In addition, rumors abound that permanents, coloring, and other cosmetic treatments can cause permanent hair loss. Other myths are that brushing your hair everyday will create healthier hair, that shaving your head will cause hair to grow back thicker, and that stress causes permanent hair loss. Finally, other myths are that there is a cure for female-pattern baldness and that dandruff causes permanent hair loss. These are just a few common myths associated with female hair loss. If you experience excessive hair loss, you should see a licensed dermatologist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment options.

A Closer Look at Testosterone Deficiency - by: Kristy Annely

Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testes are unable to produce enough testosterone to fulfill the body's needs. Testosterone deficiency has many possible causes, including genetic abnormalities, injury to the testes, and being on certain medications. Normal aging also may play a role in the decline of male testosterone levels. It is also known as low testosterone. The testes produce testosterone regulated by a complex chain of signals that begins in the brain. This chain is called the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gland in spurts, which trigger the secretion of leutenizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone. Normally, the testes produce 4-7 milligrams (mg) of testosterone each and every day. After puberty, testosterone production increases rapidly, and will decrease rapidly after age 50. Recent estimates show that approximately 13 million men in the United States experience testosterone deficiency and less than 10-percent receive treatment for the condition, which is growing in cultural acceptability. Studies also have shown that some men with obesity, diabetes, or hypertension may be twice as likely to have low testosterone levels, though as stated, low testosterone and testosterone deficiency can be caused by taking certain medications, chemotherapy, infections and other basic causes. Signs of testosterone deficiency depend on the age of onset and the duration of hormonal deficiency. Congenital testosterone deficiency is usually characterized by underdeveloped genitalia, and sometimes even undeterminable genitalia. Acquired testosterone deficiency that develops near puberty can result in enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia), sparse or absent pubic and body hair, and underdeveloped penis, testes, and muscle. Adults may experience diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle weakness, hair loss, depression, and other common mood disorders.

15 Hair Care Myths by: Michael Barrows

Everyone has a favourite myth about hair care – and we usually never let the truth get in the way of a good legend! This article examines some of the most widely known - and the reality behind the myths. 1. Excessive washing of hair causes hair loss/dryness FALSE: Frequency of washing doesn’t harm hair. Wash it as often as you like, although the recommendation is three times a week. The right shampoo for your hair type and texture will actually add moisture, body and beauty to your hair. 2. More shampoo = cleaner hair FALSE: Don’t waste your shampoo! A dollop of shampoo, about the size of a quarter is usually enough for long hair. Very long hair may take a little more. 3. Conditioner helps repair split ends FALSE: No conditioner can "repair" damaged hair. What it can do is smooth down the cuticle and make hair seem in better condition. A good conditioner can also prevent damage from occurring in the first place. 4. Blow-drying produces hair loss FALSE: Blow-drying can damage, burn or dry hair, which can cause it to fall, but the hair will grow back immediately. This is not permanent hair loss. 5. Sleeping with wet hair causes scalp fungus FALSE: Scalp or fungal diseases can’t be caught from sleeping with wet scalps. Scalp infections require prior involvement with infected sources such as humans, tainted hair care tools or animals. Scalp fungus (tinea capitis) mainly affects children, whose immune systems make them more susceptible to skin infections. 6. To get your hair to grow, brush 100 strokes each day FALSE: Brushing that much can damage the hair cuticle. NOT recommended! Actually, your hair reacts better to a comb than a brush. Brushing it will only lead to split ends and hair breakage. 7. Sharing combs and brushes can spread scalp diseases TRUE: Lice and other parasites can be transported from scalp to scalp through the sharing of combs, brushes and other hair care tools. 8. Cutting hair makes it grow faster and/or thicker FALSE: This common misconception comes from the fact that hair is thicker at the base than it is at the tip, so shorter hair appears thicker at first. Cutting your hair does not affect its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture. Thin, limp or fine hair will not ever grow thicker in response to a haircut. Plump up your hair by using volume enhancing hair care products, experimenting with a hair fattening blunt cut or getting a texturizing perm or color treatment. 9. Color treatment causes hair loss FALSE: Most hair coloring products contain chemicals that can do serious harm to the hair itself if not properly used, but it wont instigate hair loss. 10. Salon products are identical to drugstore products FALSE: Although there are exceptions, salon products generally contain higher quality, more expensive ingredients that are designed to consistently provide more intensive cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning results. The quality ingredients found in salon products are not usually found in drugstore brands. If in doubt – read the labels. 11. Long sun exposure favors hair loss FALSE: Your hair acts as a shield against the sun. Hair loss appears at the follicle level and so the sun would have to penetrate at this depth to do any damage. 12. Diet is related to hair loss TRUE: it's important to eat right in order to be generally healthy. However, no individual food has been proven to be beneficial or detrimental to hair. 13. Stress causes hair loss TRUE: Severe stress (e.g. surgery or a death in the family), can shut down hair production, causing temporary hairloss (alopecia areata). The scalp usually recuperates, though, and hair grows back 14. Wearing tight braids, ponytails or buns causes baldness TRUE: Traction alopecia is a very real hair loss condition that is quite common amongst older African American women. It results from wearing tight ponytails, cornrows or buns over an extended period of time. Over time, hair breakage or loss as the result of tight, stressed styles, can become permanent. Avoid this potential problem by opting for looser styles that minimize scalp tension. 15. Smoking causes gray hair TRUE: According to J. G. Mosley of the Leigh Infirmary in Lancashire, England in an article in Science News (January 11, 1997) smokers are four times more likely to have gray hair than non-smokers. Even worse, smoking has been conclusively linked to accelerated hair loss. SUMMARY Heard another myth about hair? Do your research – ask an expert! This doesn’t include your grandmother, best friend or local barmaid. Instead, talk to an experienced hairdresser or a trichologist. Always get the real facts before you act on any hair myths – you owe it to your hair. (With thanks to Daniel Mcullough and Karen M. Shelton)

7 Little Known Facts About Thyroid Problems by: Emily Clark

What’s a common disease that over 5 million Americans suffer from 
and many may not even be aware they have it? Hypothyroidism and 
related forms of thyroid dysfunction! 

The thyroid gland looks like a little bow tie and is located at 
the base of the throat, below the Adam’s apple in males. Thyroid 
dysfunction affects both males and females. This gland produces 
hormones which control the body’s metabolism, your internal 
thermostat of sorts. 

Thyroid dysfunction is generally either an over or under 
production of the hormone. Under active thyroid hormone 
production is called hypothyroidism; whereas too much, or 
overactive thyroid hormone production is called hyperthyroidism. 

Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include chronic fatigue 
and weakness, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss 
or coarse, dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold, 
abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss, 
depression and irritability, constipation, muscle cramps. Not 
all symptoms are always present. 

Some doctors prefer to diagnose hypothyroidism with a blood test. 
They will test to check TSH levels (the thyroid stimulating 
hormone produced by the pituitary gland) and T4 levels (the main 
thyroid hormone). Other doctors prefer to take a more holistic 
approach and are able to diagnose based on symptoms. Morning 
body temperature readings (below 97.1 consistently) as well as 
discovery of regular waking up approximately four hours after 
going to bed, can aid in the diagnosis. 

There are chemical, synthetic treatments that can be used to 
restore healthy thyroid functions, such as Synthroid and 
Levothyroxine. 

Some doctors and sufferers prefer to use a form of natural 
thyroid hormone extracted from swine and cows. Yup, pig thyroid! 
It’s the closest to the human thyroid hormone and contains both 
T4 and T3 thyroid hormones. 

Naturopaths have long recognized that there are very effective 
herbs that can help to promote healthy thyroid functioning and 
restore thyroid health. 

Armour, a natural thyroid is available by prescription. T-100 is 
another brand of natural thyroid that can be obtained through 
holistic processionals. Regular use of natural thyroid can help 
to restore deficient iodine levels, while also stimulating the 
thyroid to produce crucial thyroid hormones, thereby treating 
hypothyroidism. 

Bladder wrack or kelp, Licorice, Saw Palmetto and Ginger (root) 
have also been known to stimulate the thyroid to release thyroid 
hormones and is therefore beneficial in the treatment of 
hypothyroidism. 

If you’re not comfortable taking synthetic medications, give 
natural thyroid a chance. It’s the closest match to human 
thyroid and can leave you feeling worlds better. Even natural 
supplements need to be under the care of your physician. Please 
do not self medicate. 

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes 
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any 
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any 
health care program. 

5 Steps To Conquering Male Hair Loss... by: Dave Klein

Would you like to know how to conquer your hair loss problem? Well, here are the 5 critical steps that have been followed by every single guy who has ever conquered their hair loss problem... LISTEN TO ME: If you want to conquer your hair loss, then what do you think you need to do? That's right, YOU MUST follow these same steps. There is no question about it... So, without further ado, here goes... Critical Step #1: YOU MUST understand why YOUR hair loss is occuring. Otherwise, to put it politely – You have no hope! Critical Step #2: YOU MUST be equipped with the most powerful treatments and techniques on the planet. This is not any easy task – sifting through hundreds of scam treatments to find one or two "real deal" treatments is like finding a needle in a haystack... Critical Step #3: YOU MUST develop a treatment regime. A treatment regime is a combination approach towards hair loss. See, if you just take 1 approach, you'll be throwing all your eggs in one basket! You also need to choose treatments that you are personally comfortable with using. There are upsides and downsides to every treatment... Critical Step #4: YOU MUST develop a plan of action, and decide which treatments to include in your regime. Then you need to get hold of these treatments at reasonable prices. And boy, there is a gigantic range in prices for the same ingredients! Critical Step #5: YOU MUST commit to a plan and then find an effective way to track your results. It's the only way that you'll know whether your treatment regime is working... The bottom line? Conquering your hair loss problem will take a little effort, but believe me, its worth it...