September 2010 | Health and Beauty

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Posted: 30 Sep 2010 09:13 PM PDT

harpobear

Posted on Sep 18, 2010 7:21 AM

Actress and model Cybill Shepherd, Dynasty's Linda Evans and Desperate Housewives' Teri Hatcher reveal their most startling confessions about aging and beauty.

dulcette

I hope they open the conversations with the amount of plastic surgery they have had, AND more importantly how much money they have spent on it.

Dulcette

trishrm

Oprah this was one of the best shows ever! Thank you, Kudos, Commendations !

My Gratitude to Teri Hatcher, Sybil Sheppard and Linda Evans for their courage and honesty. A Special Thank You to Teri Hatcher for having the courage to be first. To Coin a Phrase of one of my favourites of all time "You (all) are Simply The Best! I feel today the door of truth and freedom has been opened for all women around the world! Please do more shows on this issue Oprah. Not only for middle age women like me and grandmothers but also for the teens and young women of today.

novashannon

I truly do not understand why you think these women are couragious. They are whiny pretty girls who have no idea what it is like to not be pretty. Pretty girls have an easy life for nother reason than that they are pretty. Teri Hatcher with no makeup still looks better than most of us ever get to look. I just can't feel sorry for them as they get older, because all of us get older, and at least they got to be beautiful for a time. They still get to be tall and slender, even if they do have more wrinkles than they used to, but so do we ugly girls. Boo hoo hoo for those beautifu; women; they get old just like the rest of us, only they can afford personal trainers and plastic surgery!

susanyounce

The show was interesting although it occured to me that these are public people who have been in show business or are currently in the biz. They talk about turning 50 or 60 and have these profound aha moments of life being so good and how they are the happiest of their lives. It was interesting to know that these famous women have the same worries as us regular folk. Why not do a show about those who are aging and find that in their 50,s/60,s " are having health problems and find that in these" golden years" are not as they expected because their children are grown and they can't work at their careers anymore. With the job gone many friends are gone as well. They no longer have a partner and they are alone and so very lonley. These women not only worry about aging but about living. I think this topic would be just as interesting and possibly connect with a larger audience.

vinangetino

This was a fabulous show! I wish there was another part two!! We as women need to hear this!! I have been feeling so down about myself...almost a year ago I found out my husband was cheating on me for 26 months!! I have felt old, ugly and used....looking at these women on TV that are the same age as me; I just could not keep up...I kept thinking if I looked like that; this would not have happened...but these three women have all had some form of this...I have come to realize he is the one that had the problem!! I am 52 have three fabulous kids; work hard....I am not hanging me head anymore....Women just do not stick together...We need to be kinder to each other!!

clprfg

Thank you, thank you, thank you! It is wonderful to see these women who have been in front of us for so long, as no flaw beauties, as normal women. My belief is that any one of us could look as beautiful and flawless as Linda on Dynasty or Teri on Desperate Housewives if we had access to the make-up artists, hair dressers and the wardrobes. We do have to remember that we are aging every minute no matter who we are or what we do to keep it from happening. Our society needs to embrace the aging and see beauty in the wisdom we acquire as we age.

4evereader

These women have everything most low-middle income people never experience. From beauty, to unbelievable salaries, to wonderful travel experiences, and so on. There is something to be said for smiling and being present on Oprah. However, most people never have a chance to reflect on life through the eyes of financial security, job delight, and time to do whatever one wants to do. Terri Harper's new salary on Desperate is amazing...good for her. The rest of the women in the low-to middle income bracket will get bags under the eyes and live with them.

willbre

I am watching the Oprah Show and am terribly disappointed to Oprah's comments on the show today, such racism. She indicated she never understood the " Barbie Doll" look with Linda Evans, she stated she never wanted to be a Barbie Doll but wanted to be Diana Ross. She also indicated our country had an fantasy with blonds in our country, and she has since gotten a blond dog, how can you compare a blonde dog with a blonde woman. I guess it is okay for Oprah to make such comparisons, but someone else cannot. I am terribly disappointed today these remarks went across the US today and Oprah feels as though she is above all and these remarks are okay. What do you think Al Sharpton's comments would be on these remarks today. I was embarassed for the women on the show today, how about an apology to all the blond women in the US today, and Barbie and a public apology on her show. I think that would be in order following the show today.

bromelia

I loved the show. Thank you Oprah for this show..Lots of what was said I had on my mind...

packerfan10

These women are and should be held with more respect then any other. I use to get your so pretty, you have a great shape. My response was see me in the morning, I don't wear makeup to bed, it's bad for your skin. I turned heads in very nice restaurants but I know the next morning before makeup, hair done, high heels, nice clothes the looks would have been at a 20 something., I thought I was still pretty regardless, not everyone feels that way. Well my ex (13 years my elder) didn't. It didn't matter I cleaned, cooked (more then any other housewives, whom had nannies and housekeeperss). Well I left him, the 4 million dollar home I built for a 1 bedroom townhome. Happier yes, but what Linda Evans said I understood. You go what matters to me.

flswisconsin

I don't think she owes anyone an apology for today's show. She was stating that little white girls looked to Barbie as an Icon and that she did not identify with Barbie, but she more closely identified with Diana Ross. How is that racist? In case you haven't noticed, Oprah is African American, not White. She was merely stating her perception and beliefs. The blonde dog comment was humorous and didn't seem to be slamming blonde women. She is absolutely right about America having a fascination with blondes. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing with someone, but please don't jump to "racism" because someone says something you disagree with.

nikitaseye

I would have a lot more respect for Terri Hatcher IF she was being honest..... She has had work done. She had her eyes done a few years ago. The TV show Clearly shows the difference. The fact that when she smiles she has not ONE wrinkle on the sides of her eyes is a clear indicator she has botox. Come on people...if you are going to stand up as an icon of honesty.....BE honest. This is yet another sad statement of how women make other women feel badly about themselves, not better.

Kudos to Linda Evans for being honest that she had sugery and why she had it! Brava to her.

flswisconsin

These three women are amazing. They would make a great panel of women to put on a "View like Show" on Oprah's new OWN network. Linda Evans is totally underrated and it would be awesome to have her back on television. After reading some of the post's related to this show today, I see several post's from women who seem to be irritated that these actresses dare talk about beauty because they have had access to plastic surgery, or beauty products that women with less income have access too. I think they totally missed the point of the show. The point of the show was that it's what you feel on the inside that's important, not what you look like on the outside. It was also bring to light that age is not a curse, but a blessing. It brings with it wisdom. Celebrate every year, you have earned it.

threeboysmama

What a fantastic show!!! Thank you thank you thank you for telling the truth about aging and defining yourself by your outward appearance. I worked as a model for over 15 years and was a former cover girl myself and know firsthand what goes into the preparation for a model in a photoshoot, as well as the "Photoshopping" that happens afterwards with the already enhanced image. I cannot tell you how many times I have said and thought that the standard for "beauty" in this country is absolutely ridiculous - it's impossible and not a reality for anyone - including the models on the magazine covers!!! I am now 33 and the mother of three darling boys and living the dream of a stay-at-home mother, but have found myself more often than not looking at recent photos of myself and thinking how old and tired I look in all of them - subconsciously and consciously comparing them to old shots in my portfolio wondering how all these women in entertainment still look so good at their ages - it's RIDICULOUS...I am comparing myself to something I KNOW is a lie - it's about time that the American media portray real women at all ages who are classically beautiful and uncovnentionally beautiful in the same light and with the same admiration - people are beautiful for who they are inside and what they contribute to this world to make it better....Mother Teresa was a knockout in my book!!!

tearoad

look, isn't it time oprah started calling people on their blatent lies? teri hatcher looks like she is sixteen in some ways; that isn't achieved with soap and water.

plus, since teri hatcher has done so much botox and fillers and whatever else she has done that she isn't telling us about, then there is nothing "natural" about her. she is the result of a lot of very expensive medical procedures.

as to cybil shephard, ya gotta love that woman. she has always been so honest. yeah for cybil shephard.

as to oprah...she has a lot of envy and it shows, even with all her money....

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Stealing beauty: Cosmetics top list of swiped goods - msnbc.com

Posted: 30 Sep 2010 05:21 AM PDT

When magazine headlines shout "steal this look!" — some women are taking that literally.

Turns out, cosmetics top the nation's list of shoplifted items.

"Health and beauty care items" accounted for 20 percent of all items stolen from supermarkets in 2008, according to the most recent survey from the Food Marketing Institute.

Health highlights
1. Sephora via Getty Images file
  Stealing beauty: Cosmetics top list of swiped goods
  When magazine headlines shout "steal this look!" — some women are taking that literally.
2. 11 million baby toys, high chairs recalled
3. Peanut menace? Allergy bullies use food to torment
4. New study renews breast cancer screening debate
5. When bedbugs infest your love life

Are vain people more likely to be criminals? Or do criminals just want to look hot in their mug shots?

More likely, it's that slipping beauty products into a purse is more doable — and worthwhile —than, say, ripping off a 12-pack of toilet paper.

Just last month, Caroline Giuliani — the 21-year-old daughter of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani — was caught swiping $100 worth of beauty products from a Manhattan Sephora . The Harvard senior must complete one day of community service to pay for her beauty-stealing binge. And although we don't know what Giuliani stole from the high-end beauty shop, experts say shoplifters are just as discerning as consumers when it comes to what they take.

Story: 5 skin mistakes that age you

"Consumers gravitate toward certain items, and so do the criminals," says Joseph LaRocca, a senior advisor for the National Retail Federation. Among the top shoplifted items are pricey hair care brands like Pureology and Bumble and Bumble, according to the group.

Also among the most stolen items: Oil of Olay's Regenerist line of anti-aging products, LaRocca says. "We hear that over and over again; it's one of the top targeted items," LaRocca says.

That's surely in part because of the attention the Regenerist line received after an American Consumer Union review of the drugstore line found that it outperformed much more expensive brands such as La Prairie Cellular, which sells a 1.7-oz. anti-aging cream for nearly $580.

Highly shoplifted items like the Oil of Olay skin care line are increasingly being stashed under locked display cases — an annoyance for the customer who must track down an employee to unlock the $24 wrinkle serum.

Most stolen health and beauty products

Abreva
Advil
Aleve
Alli weight loss pills
Benadryl
Braun toothbrushes & replacement heads
Bumble and Bumble
Claritin
Cover Girl cosmetics
Crest Whitestrips
diabetic testing strips
e.p.t. pregnancy tests
Gillette Fusion Razors and replacement cartridges
Gillette MACH3, Venus and Sensor razors and refill cartridges
Lotrimin
Matrix
Nicorette
Oil of Olay
Oral B replacement heads
Pepcid AC
Prilosec
Primatene
Pureology
RoC
Rogaine
Similac
Sudafed
Schick Quattro razors and all Schick refill cartridges
Sonicare replacement heads
Tylenol Extra Strength
Visine
Zantac

Source: National Retail Federation

"Unfortunately, many of these theft deterrent tools are inconsistent with good customer service and a good shopping experience," says Lisa LaBruno, the vice president of loss prevention and legal affairs for the Retail Industry Leaders Association.

The padlocks may be making a dent, however. Bucking the economic downturn, overall shoplifting rates dipped in 2009; still, retailers still lost $11.7 billion from shoplifting last year.

Story: Prick and run? Botox bandits rip off wrinkle shots
Story: Having a life crisis? It shows on your face

Rhett Asher, the vice president of industry relations for the Food Marketing Institute, says the group is working on a report looking into why amateur shoplifters swipe what they do. In terms of beauty products — why pocket a $15 lip gloss and risk serious legal consequences?

"You have to look at it as a specifically self-destructive kind of behavior, a statement of rebellion — it's more about that kind of statement than it is about mascara," says Dr. Gail Saltz, a New York City psychiatrist and regular TODAY contributor. "I think that if you're stealing stuff, then probably you aren't happy and you may feel it's about the way you look."

But for teen girls, pocketing nail polish from a drugstore can almost be a rite of passage — even actress Megan Fox went through a sticky-fingers phase as a teenager, and was reportedly banned from a Florida Wal-Mart after stealing a $7 tube of lip gloss. (Keep in mind that's according to tabloid reports, and Fox's reps have refused to comment on the claim.)

"For young girls, it often is these makeup items they're taking, because ... it's not about beauty — it's about doing something wrong," Saltz says.

Another theory: Maybe some petty thefts steal the stuff they're too embarrassed to bring to the register. Among the top shoplifted items according to the NRF are Alli weight loss drugs, pregnancy tests, Nicorette products — and Rogaine.

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Beauty Shops Work to Fight Breast Cancer - fox4kc.com

Posted: 30 Sep 2010 08:09 PM PDT

KANSAS CITY, MO - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and some metro hair salons are marking the occasion with a special effort to "cut" the impact of the disease.

FOX 4 Medical Reporter Meryl Lin McKean is Working for You with the report.

In recognition of Breast Health Awareness month, the Black Health Care Coalition in partnership with area beauty shops will provide access to breast health information and free mammograms. "Beauty Shop Talk" will be held this Friday, October 1 at Salon Red, 5150 Ararat Drive off of Eastwood Trafficway and Saturday, October 9, 2010, at Oasis Salon, 7703 Prospect, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oasis Salon will also provide free haircuts for women on certain days in October as a part of their "Let's Cut our Breast Cancer" campaign.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

“Top model speaks to students, emphasizes beauty is limitless, not only external - University Daily” plus 1 more

Top model speaks to students, emphasizes beauty is limitless, not only external - University Daily

Posted: 29 Sep 2010 09:00 PM PDT

Whitney Thompson, the first plus-size model to win "America's Next Top Model," said healthy is beautiful in a speech at the Student Union Building Tuesday night.

"We have totally unrealistic expectations of what we should look like," Thompson said. "We see these fake, airbrushed women in magazines and think that's beautiful. It's not beautiful – it's fake."

Thompson said the fashion industry causes impractical expectations of beauty by enforcing extreme restrictions on what is considered beautiful.

"Designers use girls who haven't gone through puberty so they will be skinny enough," said Thompson, shaking her head. "One designer said 'I don't want my models to be anorexic. I just want them to look like they're anorexic.'"

The average woman's size for the United States is 14. The average plus-size model in the fashion industry is a six, Thompson said.

"When a size six is considered plus-size," Thompson said, "you know something is wrong. Today, anyone who looks at a magazine or watches commercials is influenced by these unrealistic conventions of beauty."

Thompson said the pressure from the fashion industry leads almost all models to eating disorders, and the more disturbing fact is that it leads fashion consumers to eating disorders.

According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health's website, the average age when girls begin dieting in the United States is 8 years old, and some women are beginning to dilute breast milk with water to prevent babies from becoming fat.

The most shocking statistic is 80 percent of 10-year-old girls are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of a parent dying, getting cancer or nuclear war, Thompson said.

This trend of unhealthy eating among young girls led Thompson to be on "America's Next Top Model."

"I was so repulsed and disgusted with the fashion industry," said Thompson, who was allowed half a can of tuna and an apple each day when she was a regular model. "But I had to spread the message that there is no one definition of beauty, and since then I have spread my message all over the world."

Since "America's Next Top Model," Thompson has become the spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association and a role model for girls all over the world by promoting positive body image, despite size.

"If your boyfriend thinks you need breast implants, you don't need breast implants. You need a new boyfriend," Thompson said as the crowd applauded and cheered.

Ariana Dominguez, a freshman from El Paso, said she came to hear Thompson speak because she wanted a confidence boost and some inspiration.

"I've never watched 'America's Next Top Model,'" Dominguez said. "I had no idea who Whitney Thompson was, but I'm really glad I came."

Dominguez said she was amazed at the statistics of eating disorders among young women and the fact that girls began modeling at 14 years old.

"The biggest thing I took away tonight is her quote that beautiful is not a size," Dominguez said. "It's not an age and it's not a procedure."

Katie Farmer, the nightlife coordinator for the Tech Activities Board, said a lot of college students have poor body image and invited Thompson to speak because she believed Thompson would entertain, educate and motivate the audience.

"We're constantly comparing ourselves to models and airbrushed celebrities," Farmer said. "These people's lives are literally revolved around looking perfect. I believe that learning to love our bodies and love ourselves is important, despite what society tells us."

Farmer said most people feel singled out from what society instructs us to look like. She said Thompson has experience being singled out as the only plus-size model and hopes Thompson can share her advice on overcoming adversity.

Janae Pyle, a sophomore biology major from Muleshoe, came to see Thompson speak because she loves "America's Next Top Model" and enjoyed watching Thompson, specifically.

"I came out knowing that beauty is not a shape or a size," Thompson said. "It's being healthy. Her speech was really motivating and really funny."

While Thompson focused her lecture on body-image issues, she kept the audience laughing with her descriptions of her experience on "America's Next Top Model."

"After they dyed my hair," Thompson said, "I looked in a mirror and thought, 'Great, I look like Barbie – big Barbie."

Unilever to boost body, style with $3.7 billion buy of US beauty products maker Alberto Culver - Los Angeles Times

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 04:56 AM PDT

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Consumer products maker Unilever NV said Monday it has agreed to buy Alberto Culver Co., the U.S. maker of beauty products such as TRESemme, VO5 and Noxzema, for $3.7 billion in a management-backed deal.

Unilever, which makes Dove soaps, Degree deodorants and Suave shampoos, said it will offer $37.50 per share for Alberto Culver, a 19 percent premium to its closing price in New York on Friday. The deal must be approved by regulators and Culver shareholders.

Graham Jones, analyst at Panmure Gordon & Co., said the price was "on the high side" but he saw the buy as positive for Unilever.

"It further skews Unilever to high growth, high margin personal care categories, gives a more rounded category presence in hair care and makes it global leader in hair conditioning, No. 2 in shampoo and No. 3 in styling," he said in a note Monday.

Unilever Chief Executive Paul Polman said Culver will fit well with his company's current beauty range.

"Personal care is a strategic category for Unilever and growing rapidly," Polman said in a statement.

Although Unilever intends to grow mostly via its existing brands, "bolt-on acquisitions such as Culver supplement organic growth and add powerful new brands to our portfolio," Polman said.

Culver also owns St. Ives skincare, Nexxus haircare, and it purchased British skincare company Simple Health & Beauty Ltd. last year.

Unilever said it would use its scale and distribution prowess to promote Culver's brands more aggressively in their existing markets, and to introduce them to emerging markets.

Unilever owns big beauty brands such as Dove, Vaseline, TIGI, Pond's and Axe, in addition to its food holdings including Ben & Jerry's ice creams and Lipton teas, and home care brands such as Surf and Sunlight.

Last September it agreed to buy the soaps and personal care businesses of Sara Lee Corp. for $1.88 billion. The deal, which includes Europe's Sanex and Duschdas brands, still awaits regulatory approval.

Polman said the Culver deal would add to Unilever's per-share earnings in the first year.

Unilever, with dual headquarters in London and Rotterdam, Netherlands, is the world's third-largest maker of consumer products behind Procter & Gamble and Nestle.

Alberto Culver, based in Melrose Park, Illinois, has a market capitalization of about $3.1 billion based on Friday's closing stock price of $31.48.

Unilever shares were up 2 percent to euro22.28 ($29.88) in early trading in Amsterdam.

Analyst Jeremy Batstone-Carr of Charles Stanley research said the buy would increase competitive pressure on P&G in the U.S., where it owns the rival Pantene, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders and Clairol brands.

Batstone-Carr said the quality of the deal for Unilever would depend on how much cost-savings it can wring out of Culver.

"Were Unilever to derive savings on the order of 10 percent of sales, this could add in excess of 3 percent to existing earnings per share estimates," he said in a note on the deal. He rates shares "Accumulate."

Alberto Culver generated sales of around $1.6 billion and operating earnings of around $250 million for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2010, Unilever said.

Unilever's personal care products became its largest unit in the second quarter, accounting for 30 percent of revenues. Recent strong performers include Degree deodorants in the U.S., Dove in Brazil and Rexona in Japan.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

“Strawberries: Natural Beauty Product - Associated Content” plus 1 more

Strawberries: Natural Beauty Product - Associated Content

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 06:31 PM PDT

Sweet, fragrant, deep red, romantic, and refreshing; there is nothing like enjoying fresh strawberries in a variety of meals, snacks, desserts, or just plain by themselves. In addition to tasting great, strawberries are

an extremely versatile food that provides a variety of health benefits. Its no wonder that these berries are a world wide favorite. And as if they couldn't get any better, strawberries can also be used as a natural beauty product due to their acidity and nutritional content.

Outer beauty starts with inner beauty, and strawberries can benefit you from the inside, out. Found in strawberries are many cancer-fighting antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, folic acid, potassium, riboflavin, omega-3 fatty acids, and Iodine. As part of a healthy diet, the nutrients in strawberries can help a variety of health problems such as include eye care, proper brain function, and relief from high blood pressure, arthritis, gout and heart diseases.

Using them as an outer beauty tool is simple, and they can be used by themselves or with other household items to benefit your skin and hair, whiten your teeth, and reduce under-eye puffiness. Using fresh strawberries is best; just make sure they are thoroughly washed.

Strawberries contain the skin friendly ingredient alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps exfoliate. Simply cut one in half and run it over a clean face, then let wait a few minutes before rinsing. Your skin should feel instantly softer and smoother.

You may also make a mask by mashing 3 or 4 medium sized berries with the back of a fork, combine them with 1 table spoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of fresh , plain, unsweetened yogurt. Yogurt is moisturizing and its live cultures balance the pH of your skin, so it is ideal for acne. Leave the mask on for about 10 minutes before rinsing.

Similar to cucumber, strawberries can be used to soothe puffy eyes. Just place a few chilled slices under them, relax for 10 minutes to let the cool slices and anti-inflammatory properties do their job, then rinse. Be sure not to get any juice in your eyes, as it may burn a little.

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Health Watch: Fire Prevention Week begins with alarming results - Patriot Ledger

Posted: 28 Sep 2010 03:25 PM PDT

In honor of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 3 – 9), First Alert is urging Americans to "Get Alarmed!" in a nationwide public education campaign focused on elevating awareness about fire and carbon monoxide protection.

A recent nationwide survey conducted by First Alert revealed that 66 percent of U.S. households are not in compliance with the NFPA's recommendation for the number of smoke alarms per home, 90 percent of homes do not meet the recommendation for carbon monoxide detectors, and 40 percent of households admit having zero carbon monoxide detectors.

"Each year, nearly 3,000 Americans die from home fires, and CO poisoning claims another 450 lives," said Deborah Hanson, director of external affairs for First Alert.

Despite the low number of NFPA-compliant homes, 91 percent of survey respondents reported feeling "certain" that their homes are adequately equipped with smoke alarms, and 62 percent reported the same "certain" feeling for CO alarms.

The current recommendation from the NFPA is to have at least one CO alarm on each level of a house and one in or near every bedroom. For smoke alarms, have one installed at the top of each staircase and one in every bedroom.

This means the average-size home in America –– a two-story, three-bedroom house –– would need a minimum of four smoke alarms and five carbon monoxide alarms to comply with NFPA guidelines.

The Home Safety Council suggests implementing the following precautions at home:

· Regularly test smoke and CO alarms.

· Plan and practice a fire-safety drill.

· Check out technical advances in alarms.

-- ARA

New Research: Breast cancer survivors report sexual issues

Seven out of 10 younger breast cancer survivors reported problems with sexual function at the first follow-up after treatment, a large Australian study showed.

Overall, 59 percent of study participants reported some issue related to sexual function, and among those younger than 70 who had a regular partner, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 70 percent, as reported online in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

The analysis showed that vasomotor symptoms and treatment with aromatase inhibitors increased the likelihood of sexual dysfunction.

"Over 80 percent of all women in our study declared that their sex life before breast cancer was good and satisfying," wrote Mary Panjari, Ph.D., of Monash University in Australia, and her co-authors in their discussion of the findings. "The group with sexual function problems was more likely to have experienced loss of desire (and) a decrease in sexual activity (and was more likely to) be concerned about this and want an increase in their level of desire."

-- MedPageToday.com

Did You Know?

Your ears hurt when you're in a plane that is ascending or descending because the Eustachian tube, which connects the back of the nose with the middle ear, can't equalize the pressure changes fast enough. It's especially painful for children because their tubes are narrower.

To reduce the pain, chew on gum or mints and give babies a pacifier or a bottle. The swallowing uses the muscle that helps unblock the Eustachian tube. Yawning also helps.

-- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Health Tip

Pomegranates are high in fiber and they provide potassium, vitamin C, loads of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Furthermore, they help keep blood platelets from clumping together and forming clots.

Best of all, they are now in season. Choose a heavy pomegranate that is deep red in color. To eat it, cut off the crown, cut into sections and place the sections in a bowl of water. Roll out the seeds with your fingers and then drain the water. Eat the seeds alone or with a salad.

-- EatRight.org and HealthCentral.com

Number to Know

30: According to new Dutch research, cigarette smokers are 30 percent more likely to take off 10 to 24 days of work because of poor health.

Children's Health: Tips to help prevent food allergies

Take special care with feeding practices during your child's first years, especially if someone in your family — including grandparents, cousins, aunts or uncles — is allergic to any foods. While following these feeding tips cannot guarantee a child will not develop a food allergy, it may help reduce the risk.

Exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months decreases the incidence of atopic dermatitis, cow's milk allergy and wheezing in early life.
The use of soy-based infant formula does not appear to play a role in allergy prevention.
Solid foods should not be introduced before 4 to 6 months of age. Delaying the introduction of solid foods beyond that age does not appear to provide significant protection from developing food allergies.
At this time there is insufficient evidence to recommend further dietary interventions such as avoiding specific foods (including fish, eggs or peanuts) during pregnancy, breastfeeding or beyond 4 to 6 months of age.

If at any time your infant reacts badly to a food, such as suddenly developing a skin condition, wheezing, vomiting or excessive diarrhea, or if you have any reason to suspect he or she may be allergic to a food, call your pediatrician immediately.

-- EatRight.org

Senior Health: How will new health care affect Medicare?

Health care legislation passed earlier this year may make Medicare annual enrollment season particularly challenging for the millions of baby boomers aging into Medicare and for seniors already enrolled who are considering different coverage for 2011. Annual enrollment runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, allowing people to select their Medicare coverage for 2011.

According to Adrienne Muralidharan, senior Medicare specialist for Allsup Medicare Advisor, the most important ways the new health care legislation will affect Medicare beneficiaries for 2011 include:

Prescription drug costs should be lower in the "doughnut hole." For 2011, Medicare beneficiaries will receive a 50 percent discount for the cost of brand-name prescription drugs and a 7 percent discount for generic drugs.
Medicare Part B will fully cover preventive care. Beginning in 2011, Medicare beneficiaries will no longer have to pay deductibles or co-pays for preventive services that fall under U.S. Preventive Service Task Force guidelines, such as an annual wellness exam.
More beneficiaries may have higher costs for Medicare Part B and Part D (prescription drug) coverage. The Part B income threshold freezes at the 2010 levels through 2019. As a result, individuals with modified adjusted gross income exceeding $85,000 and married couples with income exceeding $170,000 will have to pay higher premiums.
Open enrollment has now been replaced with a shorter annual un-enrollment period, which runs from Jan. 1 through Feb. 14. During this period, the only change that can be made is to un-enroll from a Medicare Advantage plan in order to enroll in traditional Medicare and join a Medicare Part D plan.

-- AARP.org

GateHouse News Service

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Monday, September 27, 2010

“OTC Health And Beauty PR/Social Media Experts Robin Leedy & Associates (RL&A) Forms ... - YAHOO!” plus 2 more

OTC Health And Beauty PR/Social Media Experts Robin Leedy & Associates (RL&A) Forms ... - YAHOO!
MEDIA ALERT: Trends and New Innovations in Beauty, Fragrance, Personal Care & Skin Care - Yahoo Finance
Unilever to boost body, style with $3.7 billion buy of US beauty products maker Alberto Culver - Los Angeles Times

OTC Health And Beauty PR/Social Media Experts Robin Leedy & Associates (RL&A) Forms ... - YAHOO!

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 06:43 AM PDT

Relationship Broadens RL&A's Offerings in the Digital and Social Media Marketing Arena

(PRWEB) September 27, 2010 -- OTC health and beauty PR and social media experts Robin Leedy & Associates (RL&A) (http://www.robinleedyassociates.com) is announcing a strategic partnership with Thinklabs Interactive of NYC that will expand its digital offerings to clients. The new alliance with Thinklabs will add to the 26-year-old agency's already strong social media expertise with customized mobile applications and enhanced Facebook application building, among other digital tools.

Thinklabs is the latest endeavor for Christian Brucculeri, formerly director of client strategy at enter: new media, where he led development of digital strategy for a variety of brands. Previously, Brucculeri held the director of social media position at Robin Leedy & Associates and was a director of strategy for YouCast Corp.

In addition to pre-built and custom solutions for brands in digital and social media, Thinklabs also provides clients with a proprietary social insights dashboard, Medialab, which is used for measuring campaign results across blogs, sites, advertising networks, Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms.

RL&A has maintained its reputation as the PR/social media agency of choice for drugstore "self-medicating" brands in categories ranging from beauty, nutritional supplements to OTC and personal care/HBA brands. With more than two decades of experience, including beauty brands PR, nutritional products PR, women's healthcare PR, lifestyle PR, event planning, social media marketing, Facebook development and management, influencer outreach (consumers and healthcare professionals) and word of mouth marketing, the agency, including its social media division – ChatteRL&A – is creating customized communications programs that deliver targeted brand messaging, whether via editorial placements in magazines or on TV, through key bloggers and other category influencers, or on social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.

"Our new partnership with Thinklabs takes our agency's extensive social media and digital capabilities – and our client messaging – from the desktop or laptop to the mobile device," says Robin Russo, president of Robin Leedy & Associates. "Just like social media allows us to message consumers where they are looking and engaging with topics and content, we are now expanding our digital and programming resources in order to better serve up messages on the technology they are using in the palm of their hand."

"We are excited to be working so closely with the Robin Leedy & Associates team to build a full suite of digital marketing solutions for brands in the beauty, health and nutritional categories. Combining RL&A's communication and messaging expertise with Thinklabs' ability to produce interactive content and support it with media and measurement, we've created an all-in solution for brands looking to get their message out and measure the results of their efforts," adds Brucculeri.

For more information on Robin Leedy & Associates and Thinklabs, contact Robin Russo at (914) 241-0086, ext. 16, russo(at)robinleedyassociates.com) or Christian Brucculeri at (917) 865-0891 christian(at)thinklabsinteractive.com, or visit http://www.robinleedyassociates.com.

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Robin Leedy & Associates
Anne Carlantone
914-241-0086
E-mail Information
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MEDIA ALERT: Trends and New Innovations in Beauty, Fragrance, Personal Care & Skin Care - Yahoo Finance

Posted: 27 Sep 2010 07:05 AM PDT

Press Release Source: HBA Global On Monday September 27, 2010, 10:00 am EDT

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT:	HBA GLOBAL EXPO & CONFERENCE www.hbaexpo.com

WHEN:	September 28-30, 2010

WHERE:	Jacob K. Javits Convention 11th Avenue between 34th & 39th Street New York, NY

EXHIBIT HOURS:	10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 29 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30

WHO: This year's show has more than 600 international industry suppliers and educational partners presenting their latest products, innovations, and expertise at the health and beauty industry's premier international product development event––HBA Global Expo & Conference. The top brand manufacturers and marketers, emerging entrepreneurs, and enterprising niche companies from around the world are expected to attend.

WHY: HBA Global Expo is the only industry-specific exposition and educational conference for the cosmetic, fragrance, personal care, skin care, and well-being industries, featuring new products, trends and technologies. Highlights of the show include:

Pamela Baxter, President and CEO of LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics North America, whose name is synonymous with Dior, Guerlain, Givenchy, delivering the Keynote Address on Tuesday, September 28th at 9:00 a.m. in the Special Events Hall.

Iconic supermodel, Christie Brinkley, receiving the annual HBA Positively Beautiful Award for her work on behalf of SMILE TRAIN (www.smiletrain.org) after the Keynote presentation.

Trend Spot Theater (Booth 970) featuring live make-up demonstrations from celebrity make-up artist Eve Pearl and others including the latest in lashes, make-up for all skin colors, timeless beauty, flawless complexions for high-def beauty, and global beauty trends.

Break-Out Brand of the Year, announced by the Honest Beauty blog, with nominees that include Lisa Hoffman Beauty, No. 4 High Performance Hair Care, StarletGlam, Irresistible Beauty, EnPointe Skin Solutions, Navajo Naturals and Hard Candy.

New Products Innovation Showcase (Booth 1964) featuring skin care formulations, active ingredients, sustainable packaging, organics, private label offerings, and the chance to vote for the best new product.

Daily beauty sampling and tastings presented by Mintel, a global market research company, and daily Innovation Tours of worldwide beauty innovations and the HBA New Products Showcase.

On-line communities meet-up in the Social Spot (Booth 763) as well as expert tips on building an on-line presence, meet the Beauty Bloggers, and book signing by trail-blazing beauty blogger, Nadine Jolie.

The presentation of the HBA International Package Design Awards (IPDA), showcasing the best finished goods products in cosmetics, fragrance, personal care, skin care, and sustainability categories.

Travel from India to the Dominican Republic to Italy with an exhibit floor filled with international suppliers of raw materials and ingredients, packaging, private label and services. This year HBA features 150 new exhibitors, returning flagship companies, as well as a Green Pavilion to help understand the latest certification and regulations that will impact the beauty business.

Leading edge educational offerings with the Trends Conference, Green Conference, Marketing and Technical Conference, and the new Global Perspectives Conference featuring top beauty and personal care experts including: leading anthropologist Dr. Birute Mary Galdakis, Orangutan Foundation International; Susan Akkad, Estee Lauder; Carmen Bauza, Walmart; Marla Malcolm Beck, bluemercury; Dr. Liliana George, Estee Lauder; Paolo Giacomoni, Clinique; Carrie Gross, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare; Jason Harcup, Unilever; Howard Kreitzman, Bloomingdale; Peggy Lee, Maybelline; Ido Leffler, Yes To Carrots; Wendy Lewis, Global Trends Advisor; Nirav Mehta, Coty Beauty; Karen Robinovitz, Purple Lab; Jenny Rushmore, P&G; Maria Sansotta, Tarte; Jolene Schwartz, Appearances For Men; Jill Tomandi, Stila Cosmetics; and Jasper van Brakel, Weleda;

For the first at HBA and in North America, natural cosmetics workshops presented by Organic Monitor

VISUALS:	The latest in skin care, cosmetics, hair care, fragrance, and personal care Anti-aging, beneficial beauty, and sun protection products Demonstrations of the latest spa and wellness treatments and massage therapies Color palettes and beauty trends for 2011 Dazzling displays of unique packaging creations, skin analysis, sustainable materials and delivery systems Real-time make-overs for high definition and ageless beauty

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