Protect Your Skin-- Opt for Self Tanners!

Avoid Damage to Your Skin: Best Self Tanners

With the fall and winter months approaching, you may be tempted to hop into a tanning bed to keep your skin golden. However, tanning beds can be harmful and cause skin damage in the long run. No matter what they tell you at tanning salons, tanned skin means damaged skin cells. Cumulative damage caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging such as brown spots, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and more. It can also lead to skin cancer, which can be fatal. Almost 10,000 people die from melanoma each year, and every year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon, according to the Skin Care Foundation website.
Let's face it: tanning is not a part of a healthy lifestyle. But if you just can't give up your bronze skin, there are safe alternatives, including self tanners! To keep your skin healthy and help prevent cancer, opt for some of these products instead:

For the Price Conscious:


L'oreal Sublime Glow, $10
This is a gradual tanner, so you can apply it over the course of a few days to get a darker shade. It leaves behind a subtle shimmer, and it is overall a quality product for the money. The only downside is that it tends to have a runny consistency.

Neutrogena Sun Fresh Sunless Foam, $9
With no streaking and a pump feature for easier use, this self tanner is a great product for the price.

For the Face:

Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel for the Face, $32
It is suggested that you use this after tinted moisturizers and before powders, and is meant to enhance the tan on the face. It provides a sun-kissed look, as well as a little glow.

Worth the Price:


Guerlain's Terracotta Self-Tanning Spray, $35-$50
This spray dries very quickly (5-10 minutes), so you can get dressed shortly after applying it. The color is very natural, and no users have reported that infamous orange hue that can sometimes be associated with self tanner.


These self tanners provide a safer tan than exposing yourself to those dangerous UV rays. It's recommended that you add daily application of sunscreen to your skin care routine.



Sources:

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Ulta/2128300?$detail$
http://www.skincancer.org/healthy-lifestyle/tanning
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts
http://beauty.about.com/od/productstop10lists/tp/best_self_tanners.htm
https://dy6g3i6a1660s.cloudfront.net/11djOWHLmS8gQrgol_JTBgFeAV4/bb_p.jpg

10 Reasons You're Tired All The Time

10 Reasons You're Tired All The Time

Do you consistently get eight hours of sleep a night and still feel tired? Many of us feel like we can't make it through the day without a nap or caffeine, but do we know why? Even with a full night's sleep, sometimes we find ourselves dragging our feet.

Here are some reasons why you may be tired all the time:

1. What You Eat

Image source: http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/ articles/health_tools/fatigue_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_businesswoman_eating_donut_outside.jpg

Grabbing sugary snacks to give you a pick me up when you're tired may be counterproductive. When you eat foods high in sugar or caffeine, your blood sugar levels are all over the place and cause "crashes." Eating a healthy and balanced diet, complete with complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein, is the best way to keep your blood sugar level steady and prevent those energy slumps.

2. How Much You Exercise

Image source: http://www.prevention.com/sites/default/files/images/news/featured_images/woman-exercise-628x363.jpg

Though you may feel exhausted after a workout, in general exercise will give you more energy. Studies have shown that sedentary people who start exercising feel less fatigue than those who stay idle. The recommendation for exercise is at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise.

3. Anemia

Image source: http://www.youngandraw.com/wp-content/uploads/Dark-Leafy-Greens1.jpg

Many women suffer from anemia, or low iron. If you eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep, it might be a good idea to go get your iron tested through a blood test. Eating enough iron is important for your body to be able to stay well oxygenated. Iron is found in dark leafy greens, meats, and fortified cereals.

4. Deficiencies in Other Key Nutrients

Image source: http://curewellpharmacy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/vitamins-and-minerals-banner.jpg

Iron isn't the only nutrient important for energy production. Lack of other vitamins and minerals such as potassium may be causing you to feel lethargic. Talk to your provider about getting a blood test for deficiencies.

5. Thyroid Problems

Image source: http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/
articles/health_tools/sore_throat_slideshow/corbis_rf_photo_of_woman_with_sore_throat.jpg

A thyroid that is working improperly (or not working at all) may be causing excessive fatigue. Other symptoms of an underactive thyroid include: weight gain, depression, sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair, and aching muscles. Talk to your provider if you suspect a problem.

6. Celiac Disease (Gluten Allergy)

Image source: http://peasinablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/wheat1.jpg

Believe it or not, chronic fatigue may be a sign of celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Since gluten damages your ability to absorb nutrients when you have celiac, this can leave you feeling very tired. Other symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, anemia and weight loss. You can talk to your provider if you feel like this could be you, or cut out wheat, barley, and rye from your diet and see if there is an improvement.

7. Diabetes

Image source: http://doctormurray.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/type-2-diabetes.jpg

Both types of diabetes are being diagnosed at any age now. If you find you just don't feel good most of the time, you may be living with diabetes and not even realizing it. Often type II diabetes goes unnoticed for some time before showing any kind of symptoms. It is a good idea to go get your blood sugar tested if you aren't feeling yourself (especially if accompanied with excessive urination and/or thirst).

8. Depression

Image source: http://markspsychiatry.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/woman_depressed.jpg

If your tiredness is accompanied by extreme or even debilitating sadness or despair,
you may be depressed. People who are depressed are more than four times as likely to be tired. Depression is more common than you think, and you shouldn't keep it to yourself. Go talk to your provider about a course of action to get you feeling better.

9. Sleep Problems

Image source: http://blog.annlouise.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/insomnia_woman.jpg

Although you may be getting in adequate hours of sleep, there may be problems you're unaware of while you're trying to get your z's. You may be tossing and turning on an uncomfortable mattress, in which case you can try a different mattress or even a mattress pad. Another reason you may not be getting the rest you need is snoring, or even sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is when you periodically stop breathing during the night due to obstructed airways. It might be a good idea to talk to your provider about doing a sleep study.

10. Heart Disease


Yes, it sounds scary, but heart disease is definitely prevalent among women. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms that women complain of with heart disease. It's never a bad idea to check with your doctor, just in case.

In any case, if you're getting enough sleep and still tired all the time, go discuss your concern with your provider.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/why-so-tired-10-causes-fatigue?page=2
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Thyroid-under-active/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/women/features/the-causes-of-womens-fatigue
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/medical-causes-of-tiredness.aspx
http://www.helpguide.org/harvard/vitamins_and_minerals.htm

Do You Have an Eating Disorder?

Do You Have an Eating Disorder?

 
Image source: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01578/sad_1578406c.jpg

Are you constantly preoccupied by what or how much you eat? Do you eat in secret? Do you feel like no matter how much weight you lose, you still consider yourself “fat?” If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then there may be a chance you are suffering from an eating disorder.

There are three main eating disorders:

Anorexia Nervosa:

Image source: http://www.thebalancedmind.org/sites/default/files/iStock_6493749-sad-teen-1.jpeg

Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to as anorexia, is described as distorted body image and excessive dieting that leads to severe weight loss with a pathological fear of becoming fat.

Signs that you may have anorexia nervosa:

·         Restriction of food intake leading to weight loss or a failure to gain weight resulting in a significantly low body weight·         Fear of becoming fat or of gaining weight

·         Having a distorted view of yourself or of your condition (thinking you are overweight when you are actually underweight, or thinking you’ll gain weight if you eat one meal)

·         The preoccupation with being thin takes over your eating habits, thoughts, and life

·         You no longer get pleasure out of activities or relationships you used to enjoy

·         Lying about how much you eat or hide your eating habits from others

·         Feeling powerful or in control when going without food or over-exercise

·         Loss of period

Consequences of untreated anorexia nervosa:

Can’t think right, sad, moody, irritable, bad memory, fainting, changes in brain chemistry, hair thins and gets brittle, anemia and other blood problems, weak muscles, swollen joints, bone loss, fractures, osteoporosis, kidney stones, kidney failure, constipation, bloating, period stops, problems growing, trouble getting pregnant, bruise easily, dry skin, growth of fine hair all over body, get cold easily, yellow skin, brittle nails, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, heart palpitations, heart failure

Anorexia can be fatal if not properly treated.

Bulimia Nervosa

 
Image source: http://i2.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article1774895.ece/alternates/s615/Young%20woman%20sitting%20next%20to%20toilet.jpg

 Bulimia nervosa, or bulimia, is characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate behaviors like self-induced vomiting or abuse of laxatives.

Signs that you have bulimia nervosa:

·         Eating past the point of satiation, even until you feel pain or nausea

·         Using diuretics or laxatives in order to flush waste

·         Throwing up at least once a week after overeating

·         Excessive exercising

·         Distorted body image

·         Fear of weight gain

·         You no longer get pleasure out of activities or relationships you used to enjoy

·         Feeling a loss of control during a binge

More severe cases show signs of chronic vomiting, such as:

·         Swollen cheeks or jaw area

·         Calluses or scrapes on the knuckles (if using fingers to induce vomiting)

·         Teeth that look clear

·         Broken blood vessels in the eyes

Consequences of untreated bulimia nervosa:

Depression, anxiety, dizziness, shame, low self-esteem, anemia, swelling and soreness of cheeks, cavities, tooth enamel erosion, gum disease, teeth sensitive to hot and cold, sore and irritated throat and esophagus, blood in vomit, fatigued muscles, stomach pain and ulcers, dry skin, dehydration, low potassium, low magnesium, low sodium, kidney problems, constipation, irregular bowel movements, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, irregular or absent period, irregular heartbeat, low pulse and blood pressure, heart failure

Binge Eating Disorder

Image source: http://www.womentowomen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SS-Woman-Binge-Eating.jpg

Binge eating disorder (BED) was recently added to the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is defined as recurring episodes of eating significantly more food in a short period of time than most people would eat under similar circumstances. It is not to be confused with overeating; binge eating disorder affects about 2% of Americans, whereas overeating is a common problem in which an individual eats past the point of satiety or more calories than their body requires.

Signs that you may have binge eating disorder:

·         Episodes of overeating marked by feelings of lack of control

·         Eating too quickly or when not hungry

·         Feelings of guilt, embarrassment, distress or disgust with behavior

·         Eating alone

·         Feelings persist at least once a week over three months

·         May miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat

Consequences of untreated binge eating disorder:

Depression, stress, trouble sleeping, and weight gain (which in turn may lead to Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, heart disease, certain types of cancer)

If any of these sound like you in any way, please speak with your doctor.
The number to the BYU-Idaho Student Health Center Counseling Center is (208) 496-9370.

If you know someone and suspect that they may have an eating disorder, the following are helpful tools for knowing what to do (courtesy of WomensHealth.gov):

1.      Set a time to talk.
Speak privately with your friend in a quiet place where there are no distractions.
2.      Tell your friend about your concerns.
Be honesty and tell your friend about your worries. Tell them you think these things may be a sign of a problem that needs professional help.
3.      Ask your friend to talk to a professional.
Offer to help your friend find a counselor or doctor and make an appointment. You can even offer to go with them for support.
4.      Avoid conflicts.
If your loved one won’t admit that they have a problem, don’t push it. Tell them you are always there to listen and talk.
5.      Don’t place shame, blame, or guilt on your friend.
For example, do no tell them, “You just need to eat.” Instead, say things like, “I’m concerned about you because you won’t eat breakfast or lunch.”
6.      Don’t give simple solutions.
Don’t say, “If you’d just stop, then things would be fine.”
7.      Let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what.

Sources:

http://www.dsm5.org/documents/eating%20disorders%20fact%20sheet.pdf

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/anorexia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm

http://eatingdisorders.about.com/od/do_I_have_an_eating_disorder/a/Diagnostic-Criteria-For-Anorexia-Nervosa.htm
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/bulimia-nervosa.html
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/anorexia-nervosa.html