30 Days to Better Bladder Control part 2

Cut down on caffeineCaffeine, a diuretic, can contribute to bladder irritation and stimulate muscle contractions, which can both cause incontinence. It may also excite the bladder through its actions in the brain. Reducing your caffeine intake, or cutting out caffeine completely, is particularly beneficial if you have urge incontinence.Kegel, kegel, kegelKegel exercises—which involve flexing the same muscles you use to stop the flow of urine—are top on the list of remedies for incontinence. A physical therapist can tell you how to do them and how often; you may see an improvement after six to 12 weeks of continued practice. Keep...

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30 Days to Better Bladder Control part 1

Know your factsIf you have overactive bladder, you may feel strong, sudden urges to urinate, even during the night. In the worst case scenario, this can cause urge incontinence, a loss of bladder control. OAB is different from stress incontinence—the type where you may leak urine if you cough, sneeze, or laugh. The more you know about OAB the better your chance of beating it.Don’t hold itIt’s important to go the bathroom when you need to. “Holding it” can actually stretch your bladder, making it difficult to empty it completely. But there’s such a thing as going too often. If you’re going more often than every hour or two, that’s probably...

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What Your Looks Say About Your Health part 2

Dark skin patchesA ring of dark skin at the back of the neck may look like it's crying out for a good scrubbing. But in reality, it may be acanthosis nigricans, a condition in which the skin appears darker and thicker—even velvety—along body creases. People with insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity or, in rare cases, cancer, can develop these dark patches. Although not a definitive sign of diabetes, “It makes you think twice and do more workup,” says Heather Jones, a nurse practitioner at Oregon Health & Science University, in Portland, and a member of the Dermatology Nurses Association board of directors. Body hairHair where...

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What Your Looks Say About Your Health part 1

Good looks, good health?By Karen Pallarito Good health often is reflected in an attractive, youthful appearance. So you might be tempted to blame aging and stress for facial lines, unsightly fingernails, or hair loss when, in fact, these flaws can signal underlying health issues, says integrative medicine specialist Molly M. Roberts, MD, of the Institute for Health & Healing, in San Francisco, and president of the American Holistic Medical Association. "It'll start by whispering, then it'll start talking, and, if you don't pay attention, it'll start yelling and shouting, and then you've got an illness,” she says. Here are 13...

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Tricks for Beautiful, Low Maintenance Hair part 2

Get highlights that last for monthsYou can get sun-kissed streaks without a whole lot of upkeep. Check out these strategies for highlights that look great as they grow out. Stick within two shades of your natural color "For most of your highlights go just one shade lighter than your hair color," says colorist Erica Campbell. "Then add a few brighter ones around your face." Your color will look more natural, plus you'll be able to go long before redoing it. Don't go for a full head of highlights every timeAlternate regular highlighting appointments with "mini" face=framing highlights, which save money and extend the time between your...

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Tricks for Beautiful, Low Maintenance Hair part 1

Beautiful hair for busy womenLow-maintenance hair starts with the right cut—and a few style shortcuts that'll save you time, money, and morning stress. There are a few things to consider when looking for a cut that grows out beautifully and doesn't need to be fussed over. Here, the details. Last longer between salon visitsThere are a few things to consider when looking for a cut that grows out beautifully and doesn't need to be fussed over. Don't go too short Although you might think super short hair is low maintenance, the opposite is usually true. “Short cuts require frequent trims and more styling than shoulder length or longer...

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Tasty Diabetic-Friendly Recipes part 4

Three-Pepper PizzaPizza gets a bad rap, but when topped with veggies like bell peppers, it's a great source of calcium and vitamin C. Try using a whole-wheat crust for an extra boost of fiber. Peanut-Butter-and-Jelly-Sandwich CookiesTurn an everyday sandwich into a guilt-free dessert treat. No-sugar-added peanut butter is a great option for diabetic recipes, but a lot of natural peanut butters are also low in sugar. Serve with a glass of fat-free milk for a boost of protein. Black Forest trifleWho says you can't have chocolate when you're watching your sugar intake? Made with sugar-free chocolate-cake mix and instant pudding, this moist...

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