Posted by Reporter on Thursday
What do a Harvard-trained doctor, lawyer, medical school dean, dumpster-diver and former commissioner of the FDA all have in common? One name, one man: David Kessler.
He has recently come out with a book, The end of overeating, which I read about in this fantastic Washington Post article. Why the dumpster-diving? He was on a mission to find out the ingredients of restaurant foods.
Below is an excellent video with Dr. Kessler as he discusses the topics in his book. It helps answer the questions-Why can’t I resist eating those chocolate brownies or that hot fudge sundae? Why don’t I feel satisfied after eating? What is it about certain foods that trump my willpower? The end of overeating sounds like a fascinating read. Just when I began to think I might have an eating disorder (I’m perfectly healthy until I smell cookie dough!) after watching this video I feel like we ALL might have a common eating disorder–loss of control over foods that have just the right ingredients: fat, sugar, more fat and more sugar. Layers and layers of fat and sugar. Dr. Kessler asks, in essence, how the food industry is going to take responsibility for the problems they have created.
Check out this video, it might just make your day. If you feel powerless against certain foods, learn why and know that you are not alone. Enjoy!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/mEWVSEWYGEKK1
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Revlon, Inc. today announced the launch of a new lineup for the second half of 2009, featuring first-to-market breakthrough technology product introductions of Revlon and Almay color cosmetics.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Revlon Executive Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Region Chris Elshaw said, “As part of our strategy of continuing to build our strong brands, we believe launching high-quality, consumer-preferred new products is a key driver of profitable brand growth. For the second half of 2009, we are introducing a number of technologically advanced and proprietary new products, together with new shades, that continue Revlon’s track record of setting and influencing trends.”
Second half 2009 Revlon color cosmetics introductions:
- Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick is a breakthrough product that is the first and only one-step lipcolor that has it all – exclusive ColorStay long-wear technology combined with an exclusive ultra conditioning complex to provide comfortable food-proof wear for up to 12 hours all in one step. The advertising campaign features Jennifer Connelly.
- Revlon DoubleTwist Mascara is a first-to-mass revolutionary 2-in-1 brush that has traditional bristles to thicken lashes and innovative combs to define, providing massive volume and remarkable definition with a rich color impact. The advertising campaign features Jessica Alba.
- Revlon ColorStay Mineral Mousse Makeup and Revlon ColorStay Mineral Finishing Powder are extensions to the Revlon ColorStay Mineral franchise, which was introduced in 2008. ColorStay Mineral Mousse Makeup is a first-to-market formula with ColorStay technology that offers the benefits of mineral makeup in a long-wearing mousse form with a luxurious matte finish. Mineral Finishing Powder features coordinated 3-shade marbleized pigments swirled together to provide a soft, all-over lift of color that diffuses flaws and minimizes shine. The advertising campaign features Halle Berry.
- “Pure Confection” is a collection of 14 new and on-trend shades featuring a palette of candy-inspired colors that will be introduced into core Revlon lip, eye and nail products.
- “Passion Fusion” is a collection of 13 new and on-trend shades featuring a rich and realistic palette that will be introduced into core Revlon lip, eye and nail products.
- Revlon Fruitful Temptations Nail Enamel is a collection of eight exotic summer fruit shades, each of which has a matching fruit scent when the enamel is dry.
- Revlon Makeup Remover Towelettes are oil-free, quilted and pre-moistened. The towelettes contain an antioxidant blend of pomegranate and rosemary with soothing chamomile that leave the skin feeling clean, refreshed and hydrated.
Second half 2009 Almay color cosmetics introductions:
- Almay Smart Shade Smart Balance Makeup is a breakthrough product that is an extension of the highly successful Almay Smart Shade franchise which was launched for 2007. Almay Smart Shade Smart Balance makeup uses Almay Smart Shade proprietary technology with shade sensing microbeads to adjust to skin tone and uses new and breakthrough Smart Balance technology with skin balancing microspheres that work to keep oily areas shine-free and dry skin softly hydrated. The advertising campaign features Elaine Mellencamp and Marina Theiss.
- Almay Pure Blends Volumizing Mascara is an extension of the Almay Pure Blends natural collection of color cosmetics that was launched for the first half of 2009. The volumizing mascara features a hypoallergenic formula and is made from 97.5% natural ingredients, housed in eco-friendly packaging. The advertising campaign features Leslie Bibb.
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Histogen Aesthetics, a division of Histogen focused on providing unique, clinically proven, human skin cell-derived products for aesthetics medicine, today announced the launch of the ReGenica Rejuvenation System for anti-aging and post-resurfacing.
Histogen Aesthetics utilizes a proprietary manufacturing process in which newborn dermal fibroblast cells are grown on beads in controlled bioreactors that maintain an embryonic-like environment, including low oxygen and low gravity conditions. During this process, the cells secrete growth factors such as Keratinocyte Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and soluble extracellular matrix proteins such as collagens, laminin and decorin, which are associated with skin renewal and scarless healing. In addition, factors associated with scarring, such as TGFbeta, are decreased or
nonexistent.
The resulting product is ReGenica, a complex made up of the naturally produced cell signaling materials and embryonic-like proteins which support the epidermal stem cells that renew skin throughout life.
Through Histogen’s unique and proprietary technology process, Histogen Aesthetics is able to produce a skincare system that differentiates itself from other growth factor-containing skin products on the market. ReGenica:
- does not contain any plant-derived growth factors or phytoestrogens which can be subject to seasonal variability and pesticide contamination
- does not contain genetically-engineered growth factors (recombinant proteins)
- does not contain fetal bovine or other animal serum, so no animal hormones are present
“Our patients undergoing cosmetics procedures are very interested in minimizing their downtime as well as minimizing their risk, and I believe the Histogen formulations do both,” said Dr. Garth Fisher, renowned plastic surgeon and primary investigator on the first ReGenica post-resurfacing clinical study. “In addition, they have the added benefit of minimizing the risks associated with allergic responses from using animal products.”
The ReGenica products are formulated based upon the results of randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies, in which independent dermatologists both collected and blind-reviewed the data. In addition to before and after photographs, assessment of product efficacy was determined by instrumental assessment of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), viscoelasticity measurements and three dimensional image analysis of silicon replicas.
“As a participant in a ReGenica clinical study, I was impressed to see the rigorous and controlled trial process Histogen Aesthetics’ products undergo,” said Stephanie Parker, a patient in the ReGenica post-resurfacing clinical study. “I feel comfortable in knowing that any products released by the Company have been tested and proven safe and effective, and am excited that the anti-aging and post-resurfacing products will now be available. ReGenica products aren’t just making claims – I saw real results.”
Initial product launches in the ReGenica rejuvenation system include the ReGenica Facial Rejuvenation Complex for post-resurfacing, ReGenica Advanced Rejuvenation Day Repair with sunscreen and ReGenica Advanced Rejuvenation Overnight Repair. The system is now available at special introductory pricing through dermatologists, plastic surgeons and other aesthetic medicine professionals, and can also be purchased online through www.histogenaesthetics.com.
About Histogen Aesthetics
Histogen Aesthetics LLC, established in 2008 as a subsidiary of Histogen, Inc., focuses on the development of skin, hair and nail care products for the plastic surgery, dermatology and cosmetic industries. Histogen Aesthetics products are based on Histogen’s core technology, in which newborn fibroblasts are grown in a proprietary simulated embryonic environment. From this process, Histogen Aesthetics extracts ReGenicaTM, a unique complex containing naturally secreted growth factors and other synergistic bio-products. ReGenica is currently available as a treatment in the areas of post-resurfacing and anti-aging, with a planned product portfolio addressing a range of skin, hair, and nail care
needs. For more information about Histogen Aesthetics, please visit http://www.histogenaesthetics.com.
About Histogen
Histogen, launched in 2007, seeks to redefine regenerative medicine by developing a series of high- value products that do not contain embryonic stem cells or animal components. Through Histogen’s proprietary bioreactors that mimic the embryonic environment, newborn fibroblasts are encouraged to naturally produce the vital proteins and growth factors from which the Company has developed its rich product portfolio. Histogen has two product families – Exceltrix, Histogen’s human Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and ReGenicaTM, Histogen’s proprietary liquid formula. For more information, please visit www.histogeninc.com.
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Lavera Skin Care North America is offering its newly registered users a chance to win a 20th Anniversary Anti-Aging Gift Set - retail value $223.
“We want to get the word out to the general public that 60% of what they put on their skin is absorbed into their bodies. That’s why it’s so important to use all natural, chemical and petroleum free personal care products that are safe for our bodies and the environment. Not only are our products certified all natural, they’re biodegradable and cruelty-free as well,” says Ulrike Jacob, CEO of Lavera North America. The lucky winner will be receiving three of lavera’s premium organic anti-aging products, used by celebrities like Heidi Klum, Cameron Diaz and Goldie Hawn.
The 20th Anniversary Gift Set contains three LAVERE Anti-Aging customer favorites: the LAVERE Lifting Serum Hydro-Gel, LAVERE Hydro Sensation Energy Day Cream, and the LAVERE Ultimate Eye-Cream. New users registered between April 8th, 2009 and May 31st, 2009 are automatically entered for a chance to win. The winner will be drawn on June 3rd, 2009 and announced on Lavera.com. For official rules and to register for the giveaway visit: http://www.lavera.com/pages/subscribe.html
ABOUT LAVERA:
Since its founding 20 years ago, the Lavera brand (http://www.lavera.com) has grown to include more than 300 natural and organic skin care products. Lavera anti-aging, makeup, skin care, sun protection and hair care products are currently sold in more than 12,000 locations in 25 different countries. Lavera is the market leader in Europe for natural skin care with 27% of the market share in general health and beauty products and a 50% market share in sunscreen products. Lavera was recently awarded the title of “Greenest Beauty Brand” (http://www.lavera.com/pages/greenest_brand.html) by the prestigious OEKO-Test magazine in Germany, beating out 32 other companies. The North American Division was formed in the late 1990s and is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington.
Contact the North American Division by phone at 877-528-3721 ext 6 or, visit Lavera’s site at http://www.lavera.com. For product samples, please email press (at) lavera (dot) com.
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Home Skinovations Ltd., represented by Madeline Johnson Marketing & Public Relations, http://www.mjmpr.com, continues to make its breakthrough Silk’n brand of laser hair removal technology more affordable and economical. Effective immediately, the manufactured suggested retail price of Silk’n has been reduced to $599, with a 60-day money back satisfaction guarantee. For more information on how to acquire Silk’n please see http://www.silkn.com.
Silk’n, available now for over one year, has a proven record of hair removal results, safety and user satisfaction. Clinical and consumer studies with Silk’n revealed that -
80% of users experienced noticeable hair loss after 3 months
90% preferred using Silk’n to visiting a spa or salon
90% said they would recommend Silk’n to a friend
90% described Silk’n as convenient, easy, useful and innovative
Silk’n is an FDA cleared device for home use that is safe, affordable, and physician dispensed. Using Home Skinovations Ltd.’s Home Pulsed Light (HPL) technology, Silk’n provides the results and benefits of physician proven laser hair removal in the convenience of ones own home. Users of Silk’n in controlled study groups have commented:
“I would recommend this product for the simple reason being it is easy to operate. You can see results in no time at all.”
“It works! It’s convenient & very cost effective.”
“I can treat a full leg in less than 30 minutes.”
“Since I have had such good results, I would encourage my friends to buy the product.”
Home Skinovations Ltd. is a private company founded in Israel in June, 2006, with a mission to develop, manufacture and sell the safest and most effective home-use aesthetic devices and products. Its team of skilled scientists, engineers and business executives have a successful and lengthy record of introducing innovative light-based and laser products to the global aesthetic devices market. The company’s patented Home Pulsed Light technology (HPL) brings nearly two decades of advancements in light and laser technology together in the Silk’n brand of light-based systems designed exclusively for safe and effective aesthetic treatments at home. Besides offering a superior solution for the removal of unwanted hair, HPL technology can treat a variety of other aesthetic applications such as skin rejuvenation and acne as well as cellulite, body shaping and tightening.
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Posted by Reporter on Wednesday

Back pain can make it hard to do your job. Understanding what causes workplace back pain can help you avoid it.
Whether it’s dull and annoying or screaming for attention, back pain can make it hard to concentrate on your job.
Many occupations — such as nursing, construction and factory work — may place significant demands on your back. Even routine office work can worsen back pain if you fall into risky habits.
But you often can avoid back pain and injuries by understanding what causes them and focusing on prevention.
What causes back injuries?
Doctors aren’t sure about all of the causes of back pain. In fact, most back problems are probably the result of a combination of factors. Some factors, such as family history, aren’t preventable. You can control other factors, such as weight, fitness and flexibility, by changing your lifestyle. Still other factors are work related, and you may or may not be able to modify these to prevent injury.
Four work-related factors are associated with increased risk of back pain and injury:
(1) Force :-
Exerting too much force on your back may cause injury. If your job is physical in nature, you might face injury if you frequently lift or move heavy objects.
(2) Repetition :-
Repetition refers to the number of times you perform a certain movement. Overly repetitious tasks can lead to muscle fatigue or injury, particularly if they involve stretching to the limit of your range of motion or awkward body positioning.
(3) Posture :-
Posture refers to your position when sitting, standing or performing a task. If, for instance, you spend most of your time in front of a computer, you may experience occasional aches and pains from sitting still for extended periods. On average, your body can tolerate being in one position for about 20 minutes before you feel the need to adjust.
(4) Stress :-
Pressures at work or at home can increase your stress level and lead to muscle tension and tightness, which may in turn lead to back pain.
How to avoid injuries :-
Your best bet in preventing back pain and injury is to be as fit as you can be and take steps to make your work and your working environment as safe as possible.
(A) Be fit :-
Even if you move around a lot on your job or your job requires physical exertion, you still need to exercise. Regular activity is your best bet in maintaining a healthy back. First of all, you’ll keep your weight in check, and carrying around a healthy weight for your body’s frame minimizes stress on your back. You can do specific strengthening and stretching exercises that target your back muscles. These exercises are called “core strengthening” because they work both your abdominal and back muscles. Strong and flexible muscles will help keep your back in shape.
(B) Pay attention to posture :-
Poor posture stresses your back. When you slouch or stand with a swaybacked position, you exaggerate your back’s natural curves. Such posture can lead to muscle fatigue and injury. In contrast, good posture relaxes your muscles and requires minimal effort to balance your body.
(1) Standing posture :-
If you stand for long periods, occasionally rest one foot on a stool or small box. While you stand, hold reading material at eye level. Don’t bend forward to do desk work or handwork.
(2) Sitting posture :-
To promote comfort and good posture while sitting, choose a chair that supports your back. Adjust the chair so that your feet stay flat on the floor. If the chair doesn’t support your lower back’s curve, place a rolled towel or small pillow behind your lower back. Remove bulky objects, such as a wallet, from your back pockets when sitting because they can disrupt balance in your lower back.
(C) Lift properly :-
There’s a right way and a wrong way to lift and carry a load. Some key tips for lifting the right way include letting your legs do the work, keeping objects close to your body and recruiting help if a load is too heavy.
Adjust your work space :-
Look at the setup of your office or work area. Think about how you could modify repetitive job tasks to reduce physical demands. Remember that you’re trying to decrease force and repetition and maintain healthy, safe postures. For instance, you might use lifting devices or adjustable equipment to help you lift loads. If you’re on the phone most of the day, try a headset. Avoid cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear to free up your hands for yet another task. If you work at a computer, make sure that your monitor and chair are positioned properly.
Adopt healthy work habits :-
Pay attention to your surroundings and comfort on the job. Take these steps to prevent back pain :-
(1) Plan your moves :-
Reorganize your work to eliminate high-risk, repetitive movements. Avoid unnecessary bending, twisting and reaching. Limit the time you spend carrying heavy briefcases, purses and bags. If you’re carrying something heavy, know exactly where you intend to put it and whether that space is free from clutter.
(2) Listen to your body :-
If you must sit or stand for a prolonged period, change your position often. Take a 30-second timeout every 15 minutes or so to stretch, move or relax. Try standing up when you answer the phone, to stretch and change positions. If your back hurts, stop activities that aggravate it.
(3) Minimize hazards :-
Falls can seriously injure your back. Think twice before wearing high heels. Low-heeled shoes with nonslip soles are a better bet. Remove anything from your work space that might cause you to trip.
(4) Work on coordination and balance :-
Just walking regularly for activity can help you maintain your coordination and balance. You can also perform balance exercises to keep you steady on your feet.
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Posted by Reporter on Tuesday
Do you have a sweet tooth and like macadamia nuts?
I love them. They are my new favorite snack.
Macadamia nuts have ruled my last two weeks. I don’t typically think about buying them when I’m at the grocery store, but since I ate some recently, I will always make sure I have them on hand. Here’s why:
- They’re delicious.
- They quell my near-insatiable sweet tooth.
- They’re rich.
- I can’t overdo it–they’re very filling!
- I discovered they make an awesome topping for chocolate coconut ice cream, and they compliment plain yogurt quite well with small slices of fresh strawberries.
- They are truly decadent.
They are high in fat, but the good kind of fat, so go ahead, indulge a little!
I found an intriguing recipe at: Diet, Dessert and Dogs, for Raw Key Lime Tarts. They look incredible and the crust calls for macadamia nuts. Haven’t tried them yet but they are at the top of my list of goodies to experiment with! Agave is the sweetener used in the filling. Yum.
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