Archive for the 'Wellness, Fitness and Diet' Category

Recurring Sinus Infection- An Explanation?

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

As part of our efforts to chronicle the experiences of sinusitis sufferers, a gentleman named Carlton contributed a “Sinusitis Treatment Success” story.

He pointed out a study conducted by the Mayo clinic and the University of Buffalo addressing the issue of recurring sinus infection. It states that “chronic sinusitis is an immune disorder caused by fungus.”

I asked Carlton in a follow-up email if he had tested positive for fungi in previous

allergy tests, and here is his response:

“Hello Walt:

I had 2 different allergy tests, both negative.

The Mayo/U. of Buffalo research says this is not an allergic reaction like a pollen allergy, so it wouldn’t show up in an allergy test. It’s an over reaction to fungus by T-cells that damage the sinus lining and gives bacteria a place to grow. Most people have no reaction, but most people with chronic sinusitis do. Apparently there is a test, but ENT’s are skeptical. Mine said the fungus idea was false and suggested surgery. If I was cynical, I might think his opinion was because there’s no surgical solution.

This is leading edge stuff. Mayo received a patent on anti-fungal treatments.

I decided to try this approach after everything else failed. I don’t want surgery, because I’ve never heard of one that worked.

I’ll let you know how it goes, but so far, I feel much better.

Carlton”

Huge Implications in the Study Results

There are huge implications in this study for those who suffer from recurring sinus infection. This work could lead to treatments that treat the root cause of the problem for the first time.

Another article in the Health Solutions Newsletter of Sept 2005 also referred to the Mayo Clinic/U. of Buffalo study and adds further clarification. Their article was entitled “Mayo Clinic Announces Startling New Sinus Discovery”

“Jens Panikau, sinus researcher at Mayo Clinic, has published a new finding that explains why sinus disease persists despite so many new drugs. Dr Panikau found that the main cause of sinus symptoms was that the eosinophiles - your special cells that defend your body against infection, - get into the mucus and produce a toxic product called MBP that is made in order to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, among sinus sufferers, there is an excess of this MBP in the mucus that also damages the cells of the nose and impairs its ability to sweep bacteria out of the nose. Dr Panikau shows that it is the MBP that makes the patient sick, with fever, pain, fatigue, and secondary infections.”

Anyone who suffers from recurring sinus infection issues and who cannot find adequate relief after treatment by an otolaryngologist or after unsuccessful surgery are urged to do what Carlton has done:

1.Start using pulsating nasal irrigation to cleanse the nose of crusty old mucus which could be carrying toxins.

2.Test your environment to see if you are exposed to high levels of fungus.

3.If the tests are positive for fungus, try to improve your environment to lower the amount of fungus you are exposed to.

There are numerous books and articles which address this subject.

Hopefully the follow-on work of the Mayo Clinic and University of Buffalo will identify antifungal treatments that can finally go after the root cause of recurring sinus infection. Sinus sufferers should be aware of these research efforts and be ready to discuss these findings with their ENT specialists. Maybe serious help is finally on the way.

About the Author:

Walt Ballenberger is founder of http://www.postnasaldrip.net. To find out more about how to test for fungus levels and using pulsating nasal irrigation, get a free report entitled “Sinus Treatment Success Stories” by visiting http://www.postnasaldrip.net and follow the Free Report link.


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AEDs - Automated External Defibrillators Saving Lives In Usa

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

Statistics give us more and more information related to sudden cardiac arrests and other heart failures. More and more people and in earlier and earlier stages of their life die of a heart disease. Statistics, in the US alone, are extremely alarming:

-Every 30 seconds someone dies because of a heart disease;

-More than 2.500 Americans die daily because of heart diseases;

-Every 20 seconds there is a person suffering a heart attack;

-Each year 6 million people are hospitalized because of a heart disease;

-The number 1 cause of death in the US is a heart disease.

Although the AED is not an universal panacea for all heart diseases, nothing else can compete with its major feature - effectively re-starting the heart after it has been stopped by a sudden cardiac arrest. Because of their ease-of-use and portability, automated external defibrillators are being introduced in more and more public places, and chances are that AEDs will be as common as fire extinguishers in gyms, schools and airports.

From a technical point of view, an AED is used for ventricular fibrillation. In other words, an AED is used at the lower electrical level of the heart, when the two chambers called ventricles are no longer beating in a normal rhythm. The technical term describes that the ventricles are fibrillating, meaning that the muscle fibres of the heart contract spontaneously, rapidly, and irregularly. The heart is no longer capable to pump blood into the body, thus causing a sudden cardiac arrest. Here is where the contribution of an AED device is of great help - it has the capacity to re-start the heart. This is one good reason for a patient with a known history of heart diseases to have such a device at home.

Not long ago, the AED device was used strictly by medical professionals or by the crews of ambulances. Before the 1980s it was a large and heavy device and way too complicated to be used by a person without medical background, but things have changed.

Today, the AED is a portable and automated machine, slim and light and easy to be used by anyone in case of emergency. This device monitors the activity of the heart and determines if defibrillation is necessary. In case the Automated External Defibrillator detects a problem the AED will help you proceed to the defibrillation process by using audiovisual prompts and instructions.

So there are plenty of reasons why an AED device should be kept in all homes around the world. We all have relatives who died because of heart problems, so why ignore the crucial help such a device could offer?

Let’s return to the statistics concerning the Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) incidence in US, because they give more and more reasons to have this machine at home:

-each year 325,000 Americans die because of SCA;

-95% of those who suffer an SCA die before arriving to a hospital;

-every day, on average, 1000 people die of SCA;

-SCA brings death in a matter of minutes;

-The victims of SCA can be saved by using an AED.

It’s easy to hesitate and have second thoughts when a heart attack occurs, unfortunately SCA can not wait and the AED is a viable solution for emergency cases. And because AEDs are so easy to use (they require little or no training), more and more families will consider them to be a life-saving investment. With people spending money on home security systems, it also makes sense to purchase an AED that you can use at home in case a member of your family suffers a heart attack.

About the Author:

For more resources on Automated External Defibrillators and updated information on AED selection factors, please visit our website, http://Defibrillatorhub.com A related health website you might be interested in deals with all the complexities of drug and alcohol rehab


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Say Cheers To Good Health The Natural Way!

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

Good health is always within our reach. Believe it or not, maintaining a sound health is not, after all, a burdensome task. All that you require is to eat right at regular intervals. Sounds quite simple, isn’t it? But most of us hardly pay enough attention to our diet. With a generous addition of fruits and vegetables to our daily diet, we can take a big stride forward towards the course of a blooming health.

It is commonly observed that most people take a lot of stress upon themselves nowadays. One hardly has the time to devote to his family owing to the mounting pressure of workload. Our body can meet these stressful circumstances only when it enjoys a sound health. Hence the need to remain fit and healthy has become necessary; else it would be hard enough for a normal human being to survive.

There’s nothing more logical than keeping an eye on your diet in order to remain healthy. Your daily diet should be monitored to help you cope with your hectic schedule and make you feel healthy and cheerful throughout the day. Nothing can be as refreshing as a cool fruit juice or a natural drink to relieve a stressful situation. Fruit juices not only serve as energy boosters, they also cool your system and help you relax.

Fruit juices are an excellent source of essential vitamins. It is always wise to consume a glass or two of seasonal fruit juice daily. These seasonal fruits contain essential components that help human body to adjust to the changing seasons. For instance, a cool watermelon juice during a hot summer day helps to rehydrate the body and supplement the loss of fluids. Fruit juices offer resistance to fight diseases and thus are a tasty way to say cheers to good health. Certain flavors like watermelon or strawberry are hot favorites among people.

With more and more people becoming self-conscious about their health, fruit juices have gained an upper hand over aerated drinks in recent times. Certain fruit juices are consumed much more than a banana or milk shake owing to the greater calorie content of the latter. For this reason, watermelon juice is preferred over other natural drinks. With one cup serving of watermelon providing around 48 calories, watermelons form an excellent way to keep your calorie count under check. This is because watermelons boost your body’s metabolism and burn loads of calories. A little exercise combined with a glass of refreshing watermelon juice can really help you shed those extra pounds! Talking of essential vitamins, watermelons are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Besides, watermelons are a very good source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene.

So guys! Fasten up your belts and prepare yourselves to lead a life, the natural way. You should always remember that there is nothing so precious as your own health. Strive to attain the ‘pink of perfection’ and cheer your way to success. So drink healthy and get going!

About the Author:

Suzanne is an Internet marketing professional with expertise in content development and technical writing in a variety of industries.http://www.sundiacorp.com


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Simple But Effective Weight Loss Tips

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

Many people turn to weight loss tips because they are not sure exactly how to start an exercise and eating program. They know they have to do it but they just don’t know how. So, for those people, looking up some basic weight loss tips can make all the difference. After all, it is so easy to get discouraged with this process, and it is even easier to revert to the old comforts of food when things do not go as quickly as planned. Using weight loss tips is just another way of boosting your confidence and getting you on the right track toward a healthier life. So, we offer these helpful suggestions:

One: understand that it takes time. Of all weight loss tips, this could be the one people overlook more than any other. Weight loss is not a quick process; you have to work for it. And, yes, while you can lose some initial weight quickly, you will have to work even harder to maintain the results. Be patient and do not push yourself farther than your body can actually go.

Two: get moving. This is the most basic of weight loss tips. No matter how much of your food you cut out, if you are not taking the time to exercise, then you will not lose weight. You will still be bringing in more calories than you are getting rid of. You do not lose anything this way. You need to exercise but, if something rigid like lifting weights seems to much for you, then consider other methods. You could go for walks, take a swim, ride your bike, play sports with the kids, etc. Exercise can be simple and fun, if you find something you like.

Three: diet sensibly. You do not suddenly cut out everything and you certainly do not rely on pills as a substitute for food. Your body needs nutrition, especially since you are now putting it through exercises that require energy. You have to learn how to eat sensibly; this means upping your fruits and vegetables and decreasing the high in fat foods and desserts. While you should not starve yourself (sometimes, you are simply going to crave chocolate cake), you should learn the importance of moderation.

Four: create a diet journal. Keeping track of what you eat and how much you exercise serves two purposes. One, it is a constant reminder to you during the day. You are far less likely to stuff your mouth with fatty foods if you have to write about it later. Two, it also helps you keep track of what you are doing and how much weight you have lost. You can have an actual record of your success and know what works, what doesn’t and what you can add to make it better.

These are simple weight loss tips but they are necessary. Too many people become discouraged and decide to quit their attempt before they really try it. Remember these weight loss tips and keep yourself on the right route.

About the Author:

Tom Nelson believes in taking a more holistic approach in the battle of weight control. Discover an effective 100% natural, 100% organicn weight loss fat binder that is spreading like a wild fire.


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Hoping Weight Loss Pills Will Really Work For You?

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

The glamour of loosing weight quickly by using weight loss pills has caught the imagination of thousands of health conscious people. Using such pills is very hard ignoring, as some of them are known to help you in reducing your weight within a short span of time. Weight loss pills or herbal supplements are the buzzwords of the day and people flock to buy such weight loss aids with an alarming intensity! However, there is fierce debate raging among the scientific community about the efficacy of using these pills. Weight loss experts wonder as to whether such pills really work in practice.

Are these weight loss pills really safe for your body? Do they form a safe option of loosing your weight? Here is a brief look at some of the types of weight loss pills, their advantages and disadvantages:

Most popular weight loss pills are essentially herbal and natural in nature and composition. These herbal pills are made by combining several natural ingredients in different quantities. A number of them are readily available in your favorite super store, while some of them are up for sale online on sales portals as well. Most of these pills are yet to be clinically tested and proved comprehensively for safety standards. A well known example is perhaps the herb, Bitter Orange, which is known to suppress your appetite, so that you don’t feel hungry to eat your food. On the other hand, weight loss pills made out of a substance called Chitosan, is known to block absorption of dietary fat into your body, which may prove quite dangerous under high dosages. Country Mallow is yet another herbal substance that is supplied in the form of weight loss pills. Ephedra and Guar Gum are also known to possess some properties, that control your appetite and block dietary fat metabolism.

How these weight loss pills interact and work individually and collectively with your body system, is still unknown and it needs further advanced research. Using these pills could be a risky venture, especially if you’re taking other synthetic medications, or if you’ve been suffering from one of those terminal diseases. Keep in your mind that even if you’re currently ingesting these weight loss pills, you still have to consume and use some amount of calories, than your body actually uses, just in order to lose weight.

If you’ve have been taking these weight loss pills, you’ll need to be on your guard to avoid many unforeseen adverse side effects. Neither these pills are clinically tested and proven for safe use nor are their chemical structure conducive for human consumption. A majority of these weight loss pills are a combination of more than ten substances, whose real effects are yet to be tested. Furthermore, they tend to drastically suppress your appetite, so that the energy reserve of your body system is made to deplete after sometime. This rapid depletion of body energy may create severe imbalances in your body system’s ability to carry on with normal metabolic processes.

About the Author:

Tom Nelson believes in taking a more holistic approach in the battle of weight control. Discover the most effective 100% natural, 100% organicweight loss pills that are spreading like a wild fire.


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Boost Health With Gastric Stable Acidophilus

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

Have you ever thought about what goes into your body each and every day? If not, you should. One of the key ways to ensure that you feel good and are healthy is by eating nutritious food and making sure your GI tract has the tools it needs to digest and absorb nutrients as best possible. The GI tract, which includes the stomach and intestines, works to digest food and eliminate waste. A variety of “good” intestinal bacteria, called probiotic bacteria, can help to keep the digestive system running by helping to digest food, process waste, and keep the “bad” bacteria in check.

Although some kinds of bacteria do cause illness and diseases in humans, the majority of bacteria do not cause disease. There are actually types of bacteria that are beneficial. Probiotic bacteria are used in the manufacturing of food and beverages and can be found in buttermilk, yogurt, cheese, sausage, and acidophilus milk. The same probiotics can be found in our intestines, where they help to keep the digestive system running by digesting food and processing waste. Probiotics are live bacteria that are non-toxic and do not cause disease. Some of the best known probiotic bacteria include members of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. These probiotic bacteria are also known as lactic acid bacteria because they have the ability to break down lactose. Both of these types of probiotic bacteria are well studied and are available in both food and dietary supplements. The bacteria that are found in yogurt, our intestine, and most natural supplements are the same types of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria longum. Because of this, these bacteria are referred in a generic sense as probiotics or “good” bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria can be found naturally in milk. The probiotic bacteria used in food and natural supplements are harvested through a highly controlled fermentation process which results in high numbers of quality bacteria.

Normal microflora (intestinal bacteria) is associated with good health, while an imbalance if frequently associated with various disease states including yeast infections and colon cancer. Eating foods or taking a nutritional supplement that contains probiotic bacteria can help support and modify the large intestine microflora, which assist digestion by making the intestines more inhospitable to invading bacteria species, protection against disease-causing bacteria, and stimulation of the immune system.

Lactose, which is an important sugar that is converted to lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria, can lead to lactose intolerance when the body is unable to digest lactose which results because of genetics, gastrointestinal disease, or a decline in the amount of intestinal lactase levels. Those who are deficient in lactase accumulate non-absorbed lactose in the GI tract, which draws water and electrolytes into the gut and speeds water through the intestines, causing bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. About 50 million people in the United States have some form of lactose in tolerance.

Digestive enzymes, which consist of protease, amylase, and lipase, act upon food by breaking it down into similar components that are used by the body for energy. Without these enzymes, digest could not take place and the food we eat could not be absorbed and utilized by our bodies. Probiotics help the enzymes in our bodies digest food and process waste, ensuring that the digestive tract is running smoothly. When taken with enzymes, the enzymes ensure greater levels of digestion and absorption of food while the probiotic bacteria aid the enzymes in digestion and keep problems in check.

Helping to ensure a healthy digestive system is not the only use for probiotics, as Lactoabcillus acidophilus has been found to help prevent vaginal yeast infections in women that suffer from these reoccurring infections. Probiotic bacteria have also been demonstrated to have anti-cancer properties. In one study, colon cancer patients given Lactobacillus acidophilus showed a significant increase in numbers of intestinal Lactobacilli and a decrease in risk factors associated with colon cancer. Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases can also benefit from probiotic bacteria supplements. Probiotics supplementation can also improve and prevent skin diseases such as eczema. Scientific research has shown that probiotic bacteria can actually control inflammation associate with skin conditions.

Since probiotic bacteria do not permanently stay in the body, they need to be replenished through the consumption of foods which contain probiotic bacteria or taking a natural probiotic supplement daily. If you choose to take a probiotic nutritional supplement, the critical factor is how many bacteria reach the intestines healthy. A quality supplement should deliver at least 1 billion living probiotic bacteria per dose to your intestine and be mixture of both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. A good quality probiotic nutritional supplement will have guaranteed levels of live bacteria at when it is consumed. Other, lesser, brands will just merely state levels of live bacteria at the point of manufacture. Look for a product that has a use by, or expiration date that is clearly stated on the package. It’s also important to find a supplement that does not require refrigeration because one can never be sure whether the supplement was refrigerated during shipment and storage to the retail store. A scientifically validated process (True Delivery Technology) assures that live bacteria are delivered to the intestine by suspending the probiotic bacteria in a moist paste and sealing the bacteria in a seamless spherical gelatin ball protected from air and dryness. Since lactic acid bacteria aren’t very resistant to stomach acid, the harsh environment destroys the majority of the bacteria. This new coating process protects the bacteria from the stomach acid, as the sphere is specially developed to dissolve in the intestines. Although this specialized process is expensive, it has many advantages to you. The gelatin spheres “seal” the bacteria in the capsule, protecting them from air, which can injure or kill probiotic bacteria and eliminating the supplement’s need to be refrigerated. By protecting the bacteria on the shelf and in the stomach, the probiotic bacteria are able to successfully reach the intestine. This means that, there will be a greater number of healthy bacteria that can arrive in the intestine. Acidophilus supplements can be found at your friendly online vitamin store at discount prices.

About the Author:

Please visit VitaNet Health Foods, VitaNet sells high quality probiotics like acidophilus to improve digestion. Please link to this site when using this article.


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After Getting A Nose Piercing

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

It’s finally your turn to sit in front of the piercing artist. The fifteen minutes you were seated in the reception area seemed like a long wait. You’ve nervously flicked through the magazines in the salon. But, you didn’t really read anything. Your mind was all blank. Yes! The time has come. And, although you’ve been planning to get a nose piercing for a very long time, you can’t help but feel scared and excited at the same time.

As you walked to the chair, awareness took over and you looked around the room, made sure that the artist has an Association of Professional Piercers certificate and observed the way she sanitized her hands before she approached you and asked you to sit on the chair. You even watched her tear the sealed package containing the sterilized needle. Things were going very well and you laid back to brace yourself for the pain that will follow. And, after a while, the nose piercing was done. With a satisfied smile on your face, you examined the new stud on your nose. It looked quite nice, a very tiny sparkle on your upturned nose.

Now What?

Getting a nose piercing isn’t just about fun. It involves getting a set of new responsibilities that you need to take seriously. If your new nose piercing doesn’t heal properly, it may get infected. And, you need to watch out for signs of infection. If you notice any redness, discharge, foul odors or a rash around the location where you got your nose piercing, do head to the doctor immediately. You may have an infection. And, you shouldn’t try to treat it on your own.

You should rinse the pierced area with antibacterial soap and water twice a day and remove any crusty substances that you may find on it. Make sure that you dry the area properly every time you rinse it. And, if you’re a workout buff, you should make sure that you clean the area properly after one.

The Day You Want to Let it Go

There will come a time when you will look at your reflection and wonder if you could make some changes in the way you look. Perhaps it’s because you’ve grown tired of your nose piercing. And, you feel like getting a new stud. You may also want to remove it because you’ve realized that a clean cut look works better for you.

If you have decided to push through with it, take a look at your nose piercing and makes sure that it is not infected. After that, you need to prepare for the procedure by getting a pair of tweezers and leaving them in boiling water for ten minutes. After drying them in a fresh gauze wrap and making sure that both your hands and face are clean, you can start removing the stud with the sterilized tweezers. While doing this, you should push your nostril gently towards the bridge of your nose. If you can’t do this on your own, feel free to enlist your best bud to help you out. After all, friends are supposed to stay with you through thick or thin.

About the Author:

If you plan on getting a nose piercing, go to Body-Jewelry-Useek.com. You will also find some information on Monroe and labret piercings and foot jewelry here.


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So You Want To Get A Lip Ring?

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

Lip rings have become quite popular in the past few years. Many film stars, sports icons, rock stars and other denizens of the celebrity world wear them. With the spread of this new trend as well as the concept of self-expression, rebelliousness and independence attached to it, it is no wonder that a lot of people are planning on getting a lip ring.

The good thing about getting a lip ring is the fact that they heal faster than other piercings. Even though this is the case, there are still some risks that should be considered when you make a decision to get them. You should also note that getting it may curtail you from doing some of the activities that you are used to. Having a piercing is very similar to having a wound and exposing it to bacteria-carrying substances while it heals, can lead to infections. So, keep in mind that getting a lip ring is a very serious business.

Get Ready to Be Pierced

Because you will be stuck with it forever, getting a lip ring is something that you need to plan. Start by finding some friends who have already done this. Ask them where they had it done and get some recommendations from them. You should find a piercing artist that you can trust. And, the best way to do that is to view the finished products and hear the testimonials of his satisfied customers. You also need to make sure that safety measures are being followed during your piercing. Observe the artist at work and make sure that the sterilized needle that he will use on you will come from a sealed pack. Of course, you also need to make sure that the ring is being put on in the right place.

In choosing the area that you would like to be pierced, try to picture how it would feel to have a foreign object in that area. An advantage of getting a lip ring is the fact that it isn’t too intrusive. Although a part of it is located between the lip and the gums, the lip ring doesn’t rub against them. It doesn’t cause any damages to the gum line. Still up to it?

OUCH! Now What?

After going through the procedure, you need to take care of your new piercing. It usually takes two or three months for the lip to heal. And, during this time, you should avoid kissing or giving oral sex. You shouldn’t expose the wound to substances that contain bacteria. Smoking and drinking should also be avoided since these substances can irritate the wound. You should gargle some mouthwash in order to make sure that the piercing would heal faster. Just make sure that it doesn’t contain a lot of alcohol. You can also opt for a saline solution that can also kill bacteria. You should also rinse the pierced area with peroxide after eating. Also, getting some ice cream and pain killers during the first few days after getting pierced would be a great idea.

About the Author:

If you are looking for a lip ring, go to Body-Jewelry-Useek.com. You will also find some information on tongue piercings and lip piercings here.


Original source here

Lip Piercing 101

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

Lip piercing is practiced by many ancient tribes. The Dogon tribe of Mali, for example, regards the piercing of the lip as a way of commemorating the way their ancestor spirit, Noomi, gave them the power of speech. In the society of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, a man who has a lip piercing is a member of the higher caste and he usually wears jewelry made from gold and jade. Today, a lot of people, including some celebrities, wear lip rings because of the way it allows them to express themselves.

Although it may give you the bad girl or bad boy appeal that you would like to portray, do take note that going through lip piercing is no joke. It is a decision that involves facing risks and consequences that might cause you to regret your actions later. Also, you have to remember that a lip piercing isn’t something that you can just remove after you have grown tired of it. So, if you’re still up to getting a lip piercing, here are some things you need to take note of before going through it.

Who and Where?

Ask around and pick an artist who is well-recommended. Make sure that he has a certificate from the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). This is an organization of piercing artists that make safety rules that prevent you from incurring health risks due to piercing. Also, pick a piercing salon that is clean and has artists who sanitize their hands before doing a piercing. You should also make sure that they use sterilized needles in sealed packages and not a piercing gun. Remember that piercing guns cannot be sterilized and if they use one on you, you’re bound to get an infection from your piercing.

The Placement

Since you will be living with it for the rest of your life, you should know where you want to have your lip piercing done. Putting a lip ring on your lower lip is very much recommended because it doesn’t have any contact with your gums and wouldn’t cause any damages in this area in the future.

You can also have a labret stud on the area below your lower lip. This is also called a labret. Because the flat disk is squeezed between the back of the lip and the gums, the placement of this lip piercing is very important because it can hurt your gums.

If you’re feeling adventurous, it is also possible to put a labret stud above the upper lip. Because it is related to the placement of Marilyn Monroe’s beauty mark, it is called a Monroe piercing. And, if you are a very daring person, you can also opt for Angelbites, which consists of two upper lip piercings on both sides of the lip. Only labret studs can be used for this type of lip piercing. Snakebites, on the other hand, are just like Angelbites. The difference is that Snakebites are found on the opposite sides of the lower lip and both rings and studs can be used for this type of lip piercing.

Before choosing any of these placements, it would be a good idea to imagine what it would be like to have them on your mouth. After all, you wouldn’t want to get a lip piercing that would affect the way you speak, eat or drink.

About the Author:

Getting a lip piercing? Visit Body-Jewelry-Useek.com for more information. You will also find information on Monroe lip piercings and nose piercings here.


Original source here

Are You Ready To Get A Tongue Piercing?

Wednesday, July 4th, 2007

Tongue piercing, with its provocative and intriguing appeal, has become popular in the past few years. Unlike other piercings, it doesn’t restrict body movement because of its location. It is also very discrete and can be worn without worrying over going to job interviews and meeting the parents. Also, according to some, it adds pleasure to intimate moments. Because of this, wearers of tongue rings have a very sensual aura and are uniquely appealing to some men.

Although it is it the in thing today and many celebrities are sporting them, getting a tongue piercing involves some risks that you might need to deal with during and after the process. Going through with it is a very big decision. And, it requires a lot of preparation and research. It shouldn’t be a spur of the moment thing that you’ll regret later. Here are some tips that you should consider before getting a tongue piercing.

Avoid the Risks

Tongue piercing is relatively safer than piercings because the chances of bleeding and getting a bacteria infection are less likely. Among the areas that are usually pierced, the tongue heals the fastest. In fact, it only takes four weeks for a tongue piercing to heal as compared to other piercings which can take months and even a year to heal. But, that doesn’t mean that it is totally risk free.

There is still a risk of excessive bleeding if a blood vessel is hit. And, this can only be avoided by getting an experienced piercing artist because a qualified piercer can avoid blood vessels. This is one of the reasons why you should do your research before you get pierced especially if it is your first time. Do ask around. After all, we wouldn’t go to a dentist that we know nothing about. We should be as protective of our tongue as we are with our teeth.

If you don’t feel comfortable with the person who is going to do your piercing, call it off and find another piercing salon. In these cases, following your gut feel can be a very good idea. Upon entering the salon, you should also give it a good look. Make sure that they have an Association of Professional Piercers certificate. APP is an organization of piercers that make piercing rules that will ensure your safety. You should also observe the artist while he is doing your piercing. Make sure that the sterilized needle that will be used on you, comes from a sealed package.

Choosing a tongue barbell is also important. First, look for one that is made of implant quality stainless steel because it doesn’t cause any foreign body reaction or in the skin. The size of the straight barbell is also very important. Pick a longer barbell because it gives room for the initial swelling and lessens the discomfort. After the swelling has let up, you can pick a shorter barbell in order to stop the bleeding and lessen the risks of damaging your teeth and gums.

These are the things that you need to consider when getting a tongue piercing. Are you ready to get one?

About the Author:

If you want to know more about tongue piercing and find a cheap tongue ring, go to Body-Jewelry-Useek.com. You will also see lip ring jewelry here.


Original source here