A Tough Pill To Swallow: Switching To The Birth Control Patch

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

So, you’re concerned about remembering to take your pill and winding up with an “insta”, “unplanned” family. And, you’ve been considering using the patch in it’s place, since it’s pretty much a birth control “no-brainer”.

Most patches can be worn “inconspicuously” on your arm, stomach, or buttocks and work similarly to the pill when it comes to preventing ovulation and protecting against pregnancy. Generally a month’s supply consists of three patches, one for each week, with the exception of the week your menstruation is due, in which you skip a week.

Besides taking the pressure off taking the pill at the same time each day, the patch is also highly recommended for ladies with liver issues or hepatitis, since the estrogen gets absorbed directly into your bloodstream, not your liver, as with oral contraception.

Additionally, if you’re already on the pill, the patch takes effect immediately. However, if not, experts suggest backup protection such as condoms, for (at least) the first month, until your body has stopped ovulating.

And, you should note that if you are a smoker over the age of 35, its likely your doctor won’t issue you the new patch.

loading..

Bathing Beauties: Choosing The Right Suit For You

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

Longer, sunnier days and warmer weather has most of us heading to the great outdoors as often as we can. And for many of us that means making a b-line for the beach or boardwalk, and putting us in the public eye for “scrutiny”.

In fact, many guys bikini season is a dream come true, while for many of us gals, flaunting our assets is a nightmare we’ve been dreading all winter long.

Still, looking sensational in a swimsuit is as simply as knowing how to shop for one that’s slimming and stunning say experts and suggest that when you set out on your search, your motto should be bather beware.

1. Think Big: For maximum benefits, go for maximum coverage and step it up a size or two. In fact, experts agree that the mistake most women make is buying a suit that’s too small (especially when it comes to bikini or tankini bottoms). And they add, that larger size is not need to sweat it, since standard swimsuits are typically a size or two smaller than other apparel.

2. Go Light And Sweet: Most of us tend to lose some color during the winter months and that means toning it down when we head out initially in the summer. Darker skinned women can get away with bolder colors than their paler counterparts who should opt (initially) for more basic neutral tones and work their way up to brighter bathing suits.

3. Stress To Impress: Opt for bolder colors and patterns in areas you want to draw attention to and use darker solids where you don’t.

4. Figuratively Speaking: Know your body and choose a figure-flattering suit. Remember heavy legs and thighs warrant a boy short style or one with a tiny skirt. Bustier babes should opt for fuller tops with a built in brassier, and ladies who want to tuck in their tummy can opt for a one piece with a cutaway back that gives the appearance of a sexy two-piece from the rear.

5. Trials and Tribulations: To Avoid tribulations, shop first thing in the morning and on a relatively empty stomach. Experts also suggest refraining from shopping (for a swimsuit) on bloating-prone days, and getting a bit of sun beforehand, since having a tan tends to make people feel more attractive and confident.

6. Take Your Time: Experts suggest shopping for swimwear when you have the time. After all you don’t want to feel rushed and you’ll want to try on several suits before making a final decision. And, they add make sure the fitting room has a three-way mirror so you know what you look like from all angles.

7. Ordering Online: Remember it’s likely the suit will look significantly different on you than it does on the model. Make sure the site or catalog you are ordering for allows for returns and or exchanges. Consider ordering more than one suit and returning the ones that don’t fit or that you don’t like.

loading..

Water World: What You Need To Know About H2O

By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We all know that drinking plenty of water is essential for hydrating and nourishing our body and our skin but for many keeping moist still remains an untapped mystery.

So, here is what you need to know.

Daily Requirements: It’s by now probably ingrained in our brain that as adults we should get at least eight glasses of water each day. But, realistically, is this feasible, and how many of us really keep track? In fact, most of us don’t think about our water intake unless we’re hot and thirsty, and even then most of us may be inclined to reach for that ice-cold can of soda, juice, or a refreshing frap or iced coffee. But, according to experts each of us must replace the fluids we lose through sweating, exhaling, exercise, etc, noting the women need about 91 ounces or about 11 cups of fluid and mean an estimated 125 ounces or 16 cups on a daily basis.

The Right Amount For You: Just like we all have different metabolisms, and varying food requirements, so do we all have different daily water requirements. In fact, experts assert that how much water we need depends on our size, exercise habits and sweat rates. So, while it’s difficult to generalize, they suggest that one of the best indicators of overall hydration is your urine frequency and output. And, they suggest that a normal flow means urinating every two to four hours and should be light in color and of significant volume indicating you are getting plenty of fluids. However, if you can go almost all day without a bathroom break and/or your urine is dark and concentrated, you are likely dehydrated.

Alternative Options: Some people just don’t enjoy drinking water. In fact they often find themselves forcing it down. Yet, according to experts, you can meet your daily requirements simply by eating foods that are abundant in water. In fact, about 20 to 30 percent of daily water requirement come from food with liquids making up the other 70 to 80 percent. Remember, oranges are almost all water (90% to be exact), soups are also primarily water as is lettuce and don’t forget that even yogurt contains an ample amount of water as well.

Untapped Potential: Most of us these days drink bottled water in lieu of tap water, but is it really better. Well, according to government agencies that require a annual water quality report note, that reports don’t always equal purity. In fact, they often can help identify contaminants and impurities.

With that said, its important to note that bottled water quality varies by brand, and whether or not it’s “safer” may depend on where you live, lifestyle needs and personal preference and taste.

Tiny Bubbles: One of my favorite H20 indulgences is sparkling or bubbly water. With that said, many may wonder about the plausibility of oxygenated water? The answer is you can’t increase water’s oxygen content. Water, by sheer composition is made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom and there is no such thing as changing its composition or adding to it to make it super oxygenated.

Should You Refuse Infused: Many new products infuse basic water (which is already good for you on its own) with vitamins and nutrients that are supposed to do everything from boost you energy to help you lose weight. However, experts suggest that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. They suggest that taking a daily multivitamin as well as eating well and exercising should be enough. And, while there may be healthier options (since many contain artificial colors, flavors, and sugar), they are fine as an occasional treat.

loading..