Women Health Advice

Over the years I’m sure I’ve lost over 100 pounds — the same 10 pounds, 10 times! And so many of my patients tell me the same thing, I wonder how many American women (and their daughters) are on a diet on any given day. We spend billions of dollars a year on diets and weight loss products, yet nearly two-thirds of us are overweight — a trend that’s steadily inching upwards along with our waistlines! Never mind that all these weight loss efforts don’t work, we are putting ourselves through hell to get nowhere. I’ve seen women willing to sacrifice just about anything to lose weight – even their health and well-being. But when I tell women I have a solution for them that doesn’t involve suffering or a magical pill, many say, “Oh, come on, Marcelle, can I really lose weight the natural way?” The answer, I assure you, is “Yes!” I wholeheartedly believe you can lose weight, and that you can do it naturally without starving yourself, without eating food that doesn’t resemble food, withou

Looking for natural remedies to treat acne, eczema and other skin conditions? The dermatologist and nutritionist share their expert tips. The experts show us how to optimise your diet for clearer, healthier, brighter skin.  ACNE »  Dermatologist says: “Look for products that are non-comedogenic, so they do not block pores or cause acne. Key pore-clearing ingredients include salicylic acid (beta hydroxy acids) and many vitamin A products. Also look for anti-inflammatory components such as benzoyl peroxide, zinc and niacinamide. You should look for products that are not too creamy or rich. Even without pore-blocking ingredients, oily or excessively moisturising products will have a detrimental effect on the skin. Go for mineral make-up and combination creams like BB and CC creams.” »  Nutritionist says: “Consume a diet low in added sugars and avoid all highly refined, processed foods. Consume three to five cups of bright-coloured vegetables per day and consider supple

Skin rashes can come about from a number of triggers. Here are a few treatments to keep in mind when they come about.   Treatment options vary depending on what instigated it; however, generally when a rash surfaces it will appear “itchy, red and blotchy”, says GP Dr Joe Kosterich. Kosterich.  Pharmacy treatment:  Moisturising creams and emulsifying ointments How it works: Priceline pharmacist Monica Soliman recommends gentle moisturising cream as the first point of treatment for irritated, dry skin. Simply apply it liberally to provide relief. “Look for products that contain sorbolene or aqueous cream,” Soliman says. For more severe cases an emulsifying ointment is also an option. Warnings: These treatments need to be reapplied frequently, which can be time consuming. The lack of active ingredients also means it’s a slow healing process. Pharmacy treatment:  Topical antifungal treatment How it works: “A fungal rash is usually intensely itchy, characterised b

You can feel wonderful during your pregnancy if you take good care of yourself. Increase your odds of a healthy pregnancy by following these sensible steps to keep yourself in top condition: 1. Eat five or six well-balanced meals each day. 2. Take a prenatal vitamin each day as directed by your obstetrician or midwife. 3. Drink plenty of fluids -- at least eight to 10 glasses a day -- avoiding caffeine and artificial coloring. 4. Don't drink alcohol. 5. Don't smoke or allow yourself to be exposed to secondhand smoke. 6. Exercise -- it's important for your general health and also can help reduce stress. Take a pregnancy exercise class or walk at least fifteen to twenty minutes every day at a moderate pace. Walk in cool, shaded areas or indoors in order to prevent overheating. 7. Get adequate sleep -- at least eight hours a night. If you're suffering from sleep disturbances, take naps during the day and see your physician for advice. 8. Wear comforta

About 8 in 10 people have one or more bouts of low back pain . In most cases, it is not due to a serious disease or serious back problem, and the exact cause of the pain is not clear. This is called nonspecific lower back pain. The usual advice is to keep active and do normal activities as much as possible. Painkillers can help until the pain eases. In most cases, the pain disappears within six weeks but may come back (recur) from time to time. Persistent (chronic) pain develops in some cases and further treatment may then be needed. Understanding the lower back The lower back is also called the lumbosacral area of the back. It is the part of the back between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs. Most of the lower back is made up from muscles that attach to, and surround, the spine. The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are roughly circular and between each vertebra is a disc. The discs between the vertebrae are a combina

To look and feel your best at every age, it’s important to make smart lifestyle and health choices. Here are six simple things that women can do every day (or with regularity) to ensure good health: Health Tip #1: Eat a healthy diet.  “You want to eat as close to a natural foods diet as you can,” says Donald Novey, MD, an integrative medicine physician with the Advocate Medical Group in Park Ridge, Ill. That means a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer processed foods. Eat whole grains and high-fiber foods and choose leaner cuts of meat, fish, and poultry. Include low-fat dairy products in your diet as well — depending on your age, you need between 800 and 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily to help avoid osteoporosis, Dr. Novey says. Avoid foods and beverages that are high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat. Healthy eating will help you maintain a proper weight for your height, which is important because being overweight can lead to a number of illnesses. Looking for