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SURVIVING YOURSELF: WOMEN AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

Debilitating. Destructive. These are just a few words used to describe autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases affect women 8 times more often than men, with lupus being one of the most disruptive. Lupus is a disease that occurs when a person’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs instead of attacking foreign invaders such as common viruses and bacteria. Lupus often results in wide-spread inflammation, pain, swelling and organ/tissue damage throughout the body. . These are just a few words used to describe autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases affect women 8 times more often than men, with lupus being one of the most disruptive. Lupus is a disease that occurs when a person’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs instead of attacking foreign invaders such as common viruses and bacteria. Lupus often results in wide-spread inflammation, pain, swelling and organ/tissue damage throughout the body. Studies have examined gender differences in lupus but none have produced any definitive answers. “It is well known that many autoimmune diseases such as lupus and Sjogren's syndrome more commonly affect women,” said Richard Furie, MD, Director of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmune Disease Treatment Center at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Lake Success, New York. “There is a lot of conjecture as to why this occurs, but the bottom line is that no one knows.”

Women and Men: 10 Differences that Make a Difference

HEART DISEASE. Heart disease kills over 500,000 American women each year.over 50,000 more women than men – and strikes women, on average, 10 years later than men. Women are more likely than men to have a second heart attack within a year of the first one. 0,000 American women each year-0 0,000 American women each year – over 50,000 more women than men – and strikes women, on average, 10 years later than men. Women are more likely than men to have a second heart attack within a year of the first one

Drug Addiction Women are more likely to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than men when trying to quit an addictive substance, and generally find it more difficult to quit than men doSTIs/HIV Women are two times more likely than men to contract a sexually transmitted infection. HIV is among the top 10 leading causes of death for all US women aged 25-54 and is the number 1 leading cause of death for African American women aged 25-34.Smoking Smoking-related diseases kill more than 140,000 American women annually. Smoking has a more negative effect on cardiovascular health in women than men. Women are also less successful quitting smoking and have more severe withdrawal symptoms..

10 Ways to Keep Air Clean at Home

Control pet dander- Pet dander is less of a problem for COPD than for asthma, because dander particles are usually too big to penetrate deep into the airways, says Dr. Edelman. Still, many people with COPD also have allergies, which can exacerbate breathing problems. Dogs, cats, and even birds can be a problem (fish aren’t). If you already have a pet, or you find an animal is necessary for your mental health, make sure you wash your hands after petting, and keep your pet out of the bedroom.

10 Ways to Keep Air Clean at Home

Cut the chemicals- It’s a bit of a conundrum. You need to clean up dust and pet dander, but strong-smelling cleaning products can be lung irritants.Even walking into a recently cleaned house can be a problem and wearing a mask won’t necessarily help. That means using vinegar or regular old soap and water, basically “things that don’t have a fragrance,” says Dr. Horovitz.You should avoid hair spray, perfumes, glues, paints, and air fresheners too. “If you want to freshen your air, clean and don’t mask over another odor,” he says.

Soul Satisfying Journeys: Essential Oils for Travel

During this time of the month, many people take their long awaited vacations. Whether you are heading out for vacation or on the road for work, essential oils are amazing, natural remedies for a host of difficulties that can come up while traveling. Here are some of my favorites:Bergamot is a great skin oil good for any skin condition. It is a wonderful insect repellant, and has a very balancing and uplifting quality to it. Traveling whether for business or pleasure can be stressful, having this great little oil can make it less so. Inhaling this oil can help return you to a peaceful, relaxed, energized state. Yet at the same time, if you have been over stimulated by the days events, you could bathe with it at night to help you have a restful sleep. It is analgesic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, digestive, sedative, and uplifting. Geranium helps heal wounds and regenerate tissue. It is anti-depressant, antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, insect repellent, refreshing, relaxing, sedative and is tonic. It helps to release anger and negative memories. It can be used for bleeding, circulatory problems, depression, diabetes, diarrhea, digestion, eczema, gallbladder problems, gastric ulcers, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, jaundice, kidney stones, liver, menstrual problems, neuralgia, regenerating tissue and nerves, ringworm, shingles, sores, sore throats, sterility, urinary stones. Ginger this warming oil is calming and is used for upset stomachs and nausea. Massage a few drops on your wrists, inhaled from the bottle or dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and massage into the abdomen. Chop up some fresh ginger and boil it into tea and drink a cup or two in order to relieve stomach upset. Lavender is often called the universal oil, because you can use it for so many things. It is analgesic, anti-coagulant, anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-toxic, cardiotonic, and is a sedative. It has a very balancing effect on the body, emotions, mind and spirit. It may help acne, allergies, arthritis, asthma, boils, bronchitis, and is excellent for burns of any type. It has been used for cramps, dandruff, depression, diaper rashes, earaches, eczema,fainting, flatulance, hair loss, headaches, high blood pressure, indigestion, insect bites and repellant, infection, flu, insomnia, laryngitis, helps to detoxify the lymphatic system, migraines, nausea, nervous tension. PMS, psoriasis, rashes, helps to prevent scarring, sprains, stress, stretch marks, sunstroke, throat infections, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, thrush, water retention, and wounds.Lemon oil is excellent for purifying water, and is refreshing to drink in water. It is antiseptic, anti-viral, astringent, invigorating, refreshing and tonic. It may be used for anxiety, balancing blood pressure, digestive problems, fevers, gallstones, promoting leukocyte formation. Helps to clean the lymphatic system, enhances memory, soothing to the respiratory system, and sore throats. Do not go out in the sun with citrus oils on areas where the sun shines. Citrus oils have a slight bleaching effect on the skin that is magnified by the sun. Lemon oil is very toning to the skin, and evens out the complexion.

In search of the most sustainable packaging

The growth in popularity of organic foods and natural products has resulted in a considerable level of new product development over a short period of time. As noticed during industry trade shows, the manner in which organic, nutritious and fair trade goods are packaged and presented to a growing consumer market demanding them, is frequently overlooked. Nutrition, environmental concerns, marketability and logistics are all factors that directly influence the choice of packaging substrate and design. Which are the most unique, convenient, eco-friendly and safe packaging solutions? Which are the best materials? Could it be PET or bio-plastics? Or is it glass or metal?This is the second of a series (started with the O.W.N. Summer 2009 digital edition available at www.organicwellnessnews.com) on packaging alternatives that fit the values of the green movement. We asked industry players about their choices. Here are some of their replies. In Canada Harmony Organic opts for traditional glass shaped bottle

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6TH FASHION & STYLE AWARD 2010

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