17 October 2009

Male Hormones

By Anju Mathur, MD

Women who want to handle symptoms of menopause often seek a doctor's help to replace the dwindling supply of hormones naturally produced by the body. But if a man wants to avoid wrinkly skin, weakness and loss of strength, hair falling out, and low libido, what should he do? Why not the same? Replace the lost hormones.

Because women enter menopause and therefore lose the fertility that results in children, while men continue to be fertile later in life, traditional medicine has neglected hormone replacement for men. But the ability to produce hormones in the body dwindles off on a gradient with age in both males and females. Just because a man can still father a baby doesn't mean he likes being a bald, wrinkly, weak old guy.

Male bodies begin to decrease hormone production in when the body ages beyond the age of 30. In some it is more pronounced than others. As age increases, the production of hormones dwindles on a gradient. Not only physical appearance is affected, but also physical and mental well being.

Men can be helped just as much as women by hormone replacement therapy. Feeling youthful and looking younger is significant to both sexes.

Of course, when you think of male hormones, the one that comes to mind is testosterone. But other hormones play a big role in maintaining youthfulness for men as well as women. Some of the other necessary hormones are growth hormone, thyroid hormone and even estrogen and progesterone.

To begin a hormone replacement program, the first thing to be done is medical testing, to find out which hormones are lacking and in what amount. Replacement with bioidentical (which means the hormones used as replacement are the same as the ones lost, not synthetic) hormones in specific amounts for each individual will then be prescribed by a doctor.

Exercise and diet play a large role in maintaining youthfulness, but they will not be nearly as effective as when they are combined with hormone replacement. A myriad of other remedies have been marketed throughout history, from hair replacement to Dr. Hustler's Medicine Show tonic. (The tonic was probably full of cocaine or alcohol or both - so it may have made some feel youthful for a short time.)

But finding the real reason for these symptoms of aging and attacking the problem at the source results in a longer lasting benefit. If you suffer from or worry about these symptoms of age, do something about it. Skip the tonic. Get to the cause of the problem and replace the lost hormones.

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Shopping For Replacement Windows

By Martin Troughton

Replacement windows are windows installed to replace existing window in a house. The most common replacement windows are constructed of wood, aluminium, steel, fibreglass or extruded vinyl. Vinyl is the most popular type of replacement windows on the market. They can be single-hung, double-hung, sliding, fixed, casement, or any combination of these.

Windows need replacing when glass is broken or cracked, sash or sills are rotted, and if windows are leaking water or cold air. The windows originally installed in your home might be the kind that requires storms for the winter and screen panels in the summer to keep bugs out. Replacement windows can save a lot of time on upkeep, because they don?t need storms, and come with their own screens installed.

Original windows are installed in the home when it is brand-new. These windows reflect the sizes and styles of at the time, which were popular in the building trades. Over time, these windows can become damaged, leak, or not open and close properly. Replacement windows can be manufactured to fit into the old window opening, can be made of the same or different materials, and can even be a different style than the original windows.

Replacement windows can also be grouped into special frames to transform a large picture window into a bow or bay window. Replacement windows can be small enough for a basement vent window, or large enough to become glass panels in a sunroom. They likewise can be made in special shapes such as octagons, triangles and half-bows to replace custom-crafted architectural window elements.

The best replacement windows are those which have the highest energy-efficiency. Certain materials, such as aluminium and steel tend to draw cold into the home by the materials themselves. Wood is a good insulator, but tends to require upkeep such as painting and caulking. Vinyl replacement windows are by far the most popular, not only because they are less expensive than wood, they are also low maintenance and energy efficient.

There are number of things to consider when shopping for replacement windows. First is appearance. Second is the materials the sash and rails are made of. Third is the insulating stripping used on the window to stop leaks and drafts where moving parts come together. Fourth is the kind of glass used, and how many panes provide insulation. Gas-filled glass increases thermal efficiency, and coated glass reduces sun fading. Finally, price sets the standard in most cases, because price determines the other options you can afford.

Prices for replacement windows reflect many things including: The materials the window is made of and the number of panes of glass used, the materials to install and weatherproof the window, the size of the window, and grids or upgraded hardware. Special coatings or gasses for greater thermal efficiency, and the labour to remove and install the replacement windows all contribute to the price.

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16 October 2009

The Ideal Visit to the Dentist

By Steven H. Poulos, DDS

Most dentists recommend a check up and cleaning of the teeth a couple times a year, unless some extenuating circumstances require more frequent visits. But what should you expect to occur at such check ups?

Of course the dentist will check for cavities and clean your teeth. And it is necessary that you attend to the health of your teeth and gums by having regular cleanings and exams. But there are other things that a good dentist will do at a check up to prevent future problems with teeth and gums and to maintain current health.

One of the first things a dentist should do is ask about your health history - not just about your teeth, but about any medical conditions, medications or illnesses. With this information a dentist can discover what might affect your teeth and mouth.

X-rays should be done to not only find cavities, tumors, cysts and bone loss, but also to determine tooth and root positions.

A good dentist will know how to check for signs of oral cancer - and an examination of your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat and gums will be done.

Periodontal disease should be evaluated by an examination of gums and bone around the teeth. Periodontal disease is gum disease.

Specialized dental tools should be used to check every surface of every tooth for cavities.

Calculus is a hardened plaque that clings to teeth over a longer period of time. This has to be removed with specialized dental tools. Since it is steadfastly attached to the surface of teeth, it cannot be removed with brushing or polishing. A good dentist will perform this removal.

Plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria, food particles and saliva which is nearly invisible, must be removed. If the plaque has caused inflammation, that can be the beginning of gum disease.

Removing stains and plaque on the teeth by polishing is definitely to be expected at any dental check up and cleaning.

The dentist should make oral hygiene recommendations such as oral hygiene aids that would be needed (for example electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).

A dentist should discuss diet with you and recommend whatever is needed to improve dental health.

As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth.

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Chuck Rosenthal's Landscapes

By Penny Logan

Though landscapes are not his most common subject for paintings, Chuck Rosenthal excels. From Clearwater, Florida, the artist more often paints people and still life, but his landscapes are definitely worth seeing.

Most noticeable in his landscapes are the contrast of glowing colors, oranges and yellows, against peaceful rural scenes. He paints scenes in Florida, areas known to him. The yellows and oranges against the buildings and flora definitely show the Florida sun, although the actual sun is not in the paintings. Any of them would brighten a room.

One painting of a building shows a dignified Florida villa, in Bellaire Beach, we assume, since the title of the painting is "Bellaire Beach." Not only the building and walls themselves reflect the sun, but also the wonderful landscaping of palms and perfectly cared for grass. The colors radiate warmth.

Not a common subject for a landscape painting, "Florida Waterworld" shows wetlands with a big white house in the background. Even the grasses growing in the wetlands reflect that glorious Florida sun. Although most people would not think of such a marshy, boggy land as a place they would wish to paint, Rosenthal makes it appealing and a place you would want to visit.

"Houses on the Marshland" also depicts wetlands with white houses in the background. Again the shimmering oranges and yellows make this painting a showpiece.

"Water's Edge" shows a reflective lake, autumn trees and again, white houses in the background near the edge of the lake. The colors again mirror the sun. The composition of this painting puts forward the beauty of nature, leaving the creations of man (the houses) in the background.

When you look at a painting, do you ever wonder what the artist was thinking when he painted that artwork? Consider perhaps that the artist wonders what you are thinking when you view the painting. Unless you can talk to the artist in person and ask him, you will never know what he was thinking. The artist paints the picture, and puts it out there and invites the viewer to contribute to the painting with your own thoughts and ideas.

What was inspiring to the artist can also inspire you, the viewer.

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Taking Vacations In Swansea

By Karl Fraser

Every year we look for a suitable destinations for our annual vacations and while many of us try to find something fresh and exciting other are just as happy to return to a favorite vacation spot. The United Kingdom offers a wealth of highly suitable vacation destinations including the fantastic city of Swansea.

Second in size only to Cardiff (by number of inhabitants) Swansea is a wonderful city in which to stay during a vacation. Within a very short distance, from the city, you will find many beaches, at least two of which are considered the finest in Great Britain.

So the beach lover is more than catered for but Swansea is perfect for virtually any type of vacation as it has a large number of excellent attractions. Of course the sea will keep many happy and the the stunning countryside will satisfy many others but the city itself has all of the twenty first century entertainments and amenities you would expect in an important city.

Popular Swansea Beaches

The surrounding area is known as the county of Swansea and the number of beaches within it's boundaries is astounding. The most popular beaches are found in the Gower Peninsila with Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay being the most widely known. Other beaches in the area include Rhossili Beach, Mumbles Beach, Brandy Cove, Foxhole Bay, Horton Bay and many more plus Swansea Bay itself.

While the beaches are popular with families, sun lovers and swimmers Swansea Bay is more well known (and most suited) for it's water sports. Sailing is highly popular and you will certainly see plenty of yachts (large and small), pleasure boats and small dinghies. Other popular sports are surfing and water skiing.

Other Tourist Attractions

As I have said earlier Swansea has all of the expected modern entertainments (cinema etc.) and amenities (bars, cafes, pubs and clubs) but the city also has it's fair share of museums, galleries and other cultural attractions. The Dylan Thomas Centre, in the Maritime Quarter, celebrates the local connections, which include Cwmdonkin Park (one of the places where he played during his childhood). There are plenty of parks and gardens to take a leisurely walk and cycling is also very popular (the Celtic Trail is great if you fancy a cycling vacation). Swansea really does have everything going for it.

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Flying Via Business Class Flight Is Possible Even With Limited Budget

By Pete Miguel

The idea of actually being rewarded as a traveler and getting invited to stay in the elite section of the plane isn't an impossible thing to accomplish.

There are so many travelers who have been dreaming to someday fly via business class, but the reality of having to pay huge amount of money for that is just one big challenge to go through. There is hope though for those who have stronger desire and faith than others. Did you know that there are quite a few very generous airline companies that would actually offer the chance of upgrading passengers from economy to business class flights? Yes, this kind of offer does exist.

So, if you are one of the few who have that pretty strong desire to fly via business class, then read carefully as I divulge to you some techniques that could qualify you for such an opportunity.

If you follow these techniques pretty well, then you could definitely have the advantage over 90% of your co-travelers who are also dreaming of this once in a blue moon opportunity.

Take much consideration of your outfit

I'm sure you very well know that you can be judged quickly by others through the way you dress. Assuming you are not fully aware of such thing, just by simply tying to observe other people, you can probably make your own impression on them by looking at the way they are with their outfit.

Whoever wears heavily decorated clothes just so they could catch attention and get noticed by others isn't really doing a good favor for himself or herself. While there are people who will get attracted with fancy attire, usually these are not the kind of people you want to be noticing you - if you get what i mean.

Punctuality has always been a good virtue

This is an obvious and proven little fact that everyone must follow no matter what situation he or she is into. See, although people have different sets of skills and qualities, you still cannot beat a person who knows very well how precious and valuable time is.

Act and speak with wisdom

Have you ever courted a lady? Or if you're a woman, have ever dated a cute guy? Assuming you have got passed that stage of dealing with the initial impression, now you are on the getting to know more stage. Whether you agree or not, the way you speak will either make you win or lose your prospective partner. So, be very particular with your manner of talking.

Imagine an employer doing an interview on dozens of applicants in line competing for the same position, would you think the most qualified of them all has the biggest chance? Not at all, whoever impresses that employer with his or her personality will sure have the best chance of getting it.

Joining airline promos such as that of frequent flier programs

Just imagine you are the manager of a certain company, how would you keep your customers being loyal to your services and products? Obviously by acknowledging their support for your company. And how do you acknowledge loyal customers? By giving them priority over other new or one time customers of course.

You can be part of this program by either visiting your nearest airline office or ticketing agency. Another is by browsing on their website online.

Be one smart traveler

Never ever let your laziness or complacency take over your personality whenever you are traveling. Remember, asking others and being aware of everything that's going on could always save you a surmountable amount of energy, time and money.

Start developing that part in you wherein you are always quick and alert every time you are out traveling especially if you are with your family. This will not only keep your vacation convenient but could also be a big factor at keeping you on the right track all the time.

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15 October 2009

Photoshop Techniques For Transforming Selections

By Oliver Williams

Selections are a big deal in Adobe Photoshop. If your boss says to you, "Can we cut out this person and put them against a different background?", there is no way that you can tell the program to do this. As far as a computer is concerned, your image is just a series of pixels. How easy or difficult it is to select the person will depend on how much contrast there is between them (or more likely their clothes) and the background scene behind them.

It is often the case that, having made a selection, you will often need to transform it in some way. Photoshop selections can be transformed in a manner not dissimilar to the way that objects are transformed in the vector environment. One key thing to remember is that in order for this transformation to work, one of the selection tools has to be active. If the Move tool is active, the pixels inside the selection will also be transformed.

Moving a selection is probably the simplest form of transformation. This can be done either by placing the cursor inside the selection and dragging or by using one of the cursor keys on the keyboard. Each time a cursor key is pressed, the selection will move one pixel in the direction specified. If the Shift key is held down while a cursor key is pressed, the selection will move 10 pixels in the given direction.

To resize and rotate a selection, choose Transform Selection from the Select menu. A bounding rectangle will then be displayed around the selection with handles similar to those found in vector drawing programs. You can drag the handles to resize the selection or drag just outside the handles to rotate. You can even hold down the Control key and drag the handles to distort your selection.

As well as transforming a selection by manipulating it, Photoshop's Select menu also contains a number of automatic transformation commands. One of the most commonly used is feathering: Select - Feather. Feathering blurs the edges of a selection enabling the selected area to blend into the non-selected parts of the image. To access the other options go to the Select - Modify sub-menu. For example, the command Select-Modify-Expand allows you to increase the size of the selection by the number of pixels you specify. Naturally, there is also the reverse command: Select-Modify-Contract.

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