Obesity is one of the main causes of Diabetes. Research has shown that 60 - 85 % of Diabetic cases are linked to the patient being overweight. Diabetes is therefore sometimes termed the “prosperity disease” because it’s a condition primarily associated with affluent societies and a diet that contains excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates and harmful quantities of proteins and fats; foods generally not consumed in large amounts in peasant societies.

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce insulin with the result that glucose remains in the blood which may in turn have a harmful effect on your eyesight, nerves, kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

Research has also found a connection between a level of stress and Diabetes mellitus. If you feel you are under a lot of stress you may want to consider making adjustments to your lifestyle. Smoking can be another important risk factor with men especially at risk. Among men who smoke, the risk of developing Diabetes is doubled. For a women, smoking on average 25 cigarettes a day, the risk of developing Diabetes is increased by nearly 40 percent.

People who live a sedentary lifestyle also have a greater risk of developing Diabetes. Exercise helps control your weight and consumes a lot of the glucose present within the blood. It also makes your cells more sensitive to insulin which has the beneficial effect of reducing the workload upon your pancreas.

What are some of the signs commonly associated with the onset of Diabetes? There are certain symptoms that can forewarn you of a problem. These can include excessive urination, constant thirst, unexplained loss of weight, nausea, extreme tiredness, infections, pronounced irritability and extreme tiredness.

Extreme thirst without obvious cause is often a warning symptom of Diabetes. Diabetes develops high blood sugar levels and the body tries to compensate by diluting the blood which registers in the brain that we are thirsty. Even after drinking a lot of water, if you have a dry mouth and you find yourself having to urinate frequently then you should check with your doctor.
Blurred vision, extreme itching or soreness in the genital area or frequent yeast infections of the vagina can also be warning symptoms of Diabetes. As can an unexplained absence of menstruation in women.

One of the hardest symptoms to deal with is poor wound healing. If you are finding that your wounds are healing more slowly than usual, it could point to the onset of Diabetes. If you find that, in addition to slow healing, wounds are becoming infected or ulcerous then you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

We all live pretty stressful lives and it isn’t unusual to become tired but if you are showing signs of extreme fatigue, and sleeping isn’t recharging your batteries then again this may possibly be a symptom of Diabetes and should consult your doctor.

Some people with Diabetes can experience unexplained weight loss. This is often because their bodies are unable to process many of the calories they are consuming. Losing sugar and water in the urine also contributes to the weight loss. It is another way our bodies try to get rid of the extra sugar within our system. Excessive urination can also lead to dehydration which is damaging.
It is worth bearing in mind that almost one third of all people in the United Kingdom with Diabetes aren’t aware they have it. The symptoms often just get confused with simply getting older.

Once diagnosed, you will have to keep a check on your blood sugar level. This is much less of a challenge than it ever used to be. There are several products available that can help you accurately measure your blood sugar level. These are - Accu-Chek Aviva Blood Glucose Meters, Freestyle Freedom Lite Blood Glucose Monitor’s and Accu-Chek Compact Test Strips.

For many people being diagnosed with Diabetes doesn’t need to involve a complete change in lifestyle. For example, whilst a change in overall diet is recommended you can continue to eat sweets, desserts and cakes if you switch to diabetic chocolates and sugar substitutes such as Canderel. 

If, after reading this article, you feel that you may be suffering from any of the symptoms of Diabetes, it is vitally important that you see your doctor. Left untreated, Diabetes can kill.

I imagine that your weight loss programme has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows with times when you feel in control and other times when you feel disheartened and maybe even annoyed with yourself. Most diets contain periods when weight loss is slow which make it seems like an uphill struggle. What else could you possibly do to maintain your weight loss routine?

Well, there are a few things you can do straight away that won’t cost anything. My first tip is to take a photograph of yourself say once a month or when you feel good about yourself. This will help encourage you to continue with your efforts to lose weight and reinforce the success you have achieved.

The second thing you should consider is introduce or intensify the amount of exercisein your life. You don’t have to become a marathon runner, it would be enough just to jog, walk or cycle for around thirty minutes three times a week. This will jump-start your weight loss again if it has slowed down or stopped and more important still it will subconsciously remind your brain that your intention is to get fitter and lose weight..

Another effective action is to join a support group or exercise with a friend.The advice and support from other dieters can radically help to boost your incentive and motivation to continue with your efforts. They can also be on hand to swap weight loss tips that may also help you. Joining an online health or dieting forum could also be useful. If you know of few friends who are also dieting, finding support online via the internet could be the help you need to keep going.

You must remember to alter your calorie intake each time you lose a significant amount of weight. This means that you will continue to lose weight at a steady and healthy rate. Rapid weight loss is never a good idea.

Many weight loss products also spring to mind here. They are certified safe to take and have had amazing results for many people. They are also readily available for those who seek additional help and support.

For example, Alli helps prevent the absorption of fats from the your diet which, in turn, reduces your total caloric intake. However, it is intended to be used at the same time as a reduced-calorie diet. This will help enhance the effects of Alli, boosting your overall weight loss. This could be exactly what you need to further improve your weight loss efforts, preventing that dreaded plateau and keeping you in control.

Of course, Alli is not the only product you can take to help you maintain your weight loss routine. Lipobind is a natural weight loss products that helps to absorb dietary fats, further breaking them down allowing them to be naturally eliminated from the body. Whilst taking Lipobind, you can help your overall weight loss by following a healthy, balanced diet, otherwise you will set for yet more disappointment.

Adios Max contains the same ingredients as the original Adios but they are significantly in higher concentrations. Its main ingredient, Fucus, has been increased to 120mg. Fucus is a species of seaweed which naturally contains a very high amount of iodine. A deficiency of iodine can affect the amount of the hormone Thyroxine your body produces. This hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism which you need to help burn off excess weight and calories.        
 
Adios Herbal, on the other hand, is a herbal remedy traditionally used as an aid to help  slimming. The ingredients in Adios can help you to lose weight naturally by speeding up your body's metabolic rate and stimulating fat metabolism.

Appesat is slightly different to all the other weight loss products. It is made from a complex of fibres found in seaweed extract. It has long been known that eating a diet high in fibre helps you keep fuller for longer. When ingested, the pills swell up to three times the original size, instantly making you feel fuller before you have even begun your meal. You must take these tablets before you eat to gain the maximum effect from them.

Zotrim Tablets contains 3 natural ingredients that work together to help you lose those unwanted pounds quickly, effectively and without side effects. This is extremely reassuring especially if you have already hit that weight loss plateau where your loss slows down considerably and can even stop.
As you can see, there are plenty of things that you can do to help you maintain your weight loss routine. Remember to keep drinking plenty of water whilst losing weight and taking regular exercise to help keep you toned and burning calories at all times.

For many people skincare can be deeply baffling. There is a vast array of products on the market addressing every possible skin type and condition containing a seemingly endless list of ingredients and claimed successes. So, where do you start? Which product is best for you?

Before you consider a particular product you must identify your skin type. Standard skin types are typically Dry (usually mature skin); Oily (tend to suffer from spots and pimples), Combination and Sensitive. If you have combination skin, for example, you will have areas of your face which appear oilier than others. Typically the area of the face which is oily is known as the T-Zone. This ranges from your forehead (the top of the T), down over the top of your nose to your chin. Your cheeks, on the other hand, are often a lot drier than the T-zone.

Sensitive skin tends to experience a reaction to certain skin care products that contain perfumes, colourings and other chemicals. You may even be allergic to one or more substances which are contained within many skincare products. A typical reaction would present itself as redness, soreness, spots, dryness and possibly a rash. This kind of reaction can also be the root cause of eczema and dry skin which can lead to itching and bleeding.

As many normal skincare products contain chemicals that are unnatural (the identity of many chemicals you may not even recognise) there's always a possibility that long term use could result in damage to your skin. This is obviously something that you should want to avoid; especially if your skin is particularly sensitive to pollutants, dirt, heat and harsh chemicals. You may also dislike the idea of using unnatural substances on your skin and body.

If this is the case products that are specifically created for dry skin conditions and eczema can help prevent irritation and long-term skin damage. Our skin is a natural protective barrier to bacteria, germs and dirt. It also protects us by preventing loss of water and dehydration. It is really important to keep your skin as clean and healthy as you possibly can. The right skincare products can help you do this leaving your skin looking and feeling great.

To start with you could consider trying Oilatum which contains light liquid paraffin. Eczema and Psoriasis are especially common skin conditions and a product which is particularly good for treating them is Oilatum Natural Repair Cream. This cream is formulated with natural plant lipids and it helps to replicate and repair your skin's natural barrier keeping moisture in and harm out. The whole range of products work by leaving a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water evaporating from the skin surface. It's this evaporation of water that can lead to dry skin and irritation as well as damage to the surface. Sometimes prevention is better than cure!

E45, on the other hand, is a range of products that helps keep your skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated. It also contains Medilan which moisturises the skin in addition to its caring nature. It helps that it is also not known to cause allergic reactions whatever your skin type. Why not use this moisturing lotion instead of your usual cream? Give your skin a break from potential irritations.

Dermol is a range of skin care lotions that acts in two ways to help those sufferers with dry skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. As these conditions do cause quite severe itching/irritation, Dermol effectively prevents the itch-scratch cycle that inevitably occurs. Finally, some much needed relief!

Cetaphil provide effective, gentle skin care to help your skin look and feel its best. It also features new products that help with the treatment and care of dry skin conditions and atopic dermatitis.

For an alternative to any of the above you could consider Garnier Skin Naturals. They are, of course, a trusted range of products that treat and care for a wide variety of skin types, conditions and problems.

To start off your daily skincare regime try Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Deep Pore Wash. This will thoroughly cleanse and unclog your pores which if left unchecked can cause spots to form. This face wash is enriched with zinc and eucalyptus which can also help to protect against the appearance of blemishes.

The second step would be the application of Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Pore Purifying Toner. This toner will help to dry imperfections, tighten your pores to prevent dirt from entering and leave your skin looking matte and oil free. Or why not consider trying the Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Deep Clean Cream Wash? This gentle cream will cleanse your skin without drying. It contains natural aloe extract which is great for relieving skin irritation and redness. It will leave your skin feeling perfectly clean and comfortable.

With this superb range of skincare products you can look and feel great safe in the knowledge that you are protecting and caring for your skin as best as you can.

Do you think you are addicted to smoking? If you do, why don’t you wake up in the middle of the night for a smoke? Ok, so you aren’t really addicted, not like a drug addict is addicted so that’s good news isn’t it? Giving up now can’t be that difficult can it?

Here’s another question for you. When did you have your last cigarette? An hour ago? Yesterday evening? So if you think about it - you’ve already quit! Congratulations, you are on your way

Of course, now comes the hard part in seeing it through for the first seven days which are the hardest. No one says it’s easy – your brain is going to want to persuade you to feed it some nicotine and you are going to want to resist it. Here are some tips to help you make it.

1.Tell your friends, family and work colleagues that you’ve quit – you are now a non-smoker. Now you need to act like a non-smoker to reinforce your new identity. For instance take up a sport, join a gym or do some regular exercise  Dry-clean your favourite clothes to get rid of the smell of old tobacco.

2. Avoid smoking environments as best you can for the first week to minimise temptation until your body has adjusted to a normal balance without nicotine

3.You can try Acupuncture. It may not be ideal for those who have a fear of needles but many people who have tried it do swear by it. Acupressure is similar but doesn't require the use of needles.

4. There are some medications that can help you quit. You can talk to your doctor about Zyban which is a prescription medication that changes the way that your body responds to nicotine. A course of Zyban is started 1 to 2 weeks before you intend to quit. Treatment then lasts for a couple of months to help you through the withdrawal cravings.

5. An alternative to Zyban is Champix which is another prescription medication that works by reducing your craving for a cigarette. You set a date to stop smoking and then start taking Champix 1 or 2 weeks before this date. Treatment lasts for 12 weeks.

6. Whilst you are taking medication think about taking up a hobby or spend more time on an existing interest to help you take your mind off smoking and keep you occupied. The money you save from not smoking could probably finance your membership of a society or club or pay for the equipment

7. There are times when you have to make a choice between smoking or being strong. Remind yourself why you want to quit. Here are some extremely undesirable facts you may not be aware of. Smoking causes…

Ø  sexual impotency

Ø  diabetes which can ultimately lead to your legs being amputated

Ø  cancer of the mouth, tongue, and  throat

Ø  teeth to prematurely  rot

Ø  extreme aging of the skin
 
8.       You can reduce your nicotine addiction by using Niquitin gum or a lozenge. These work by releasing a controlled dosage of nicotine into your mouth and then into your bloodstream. The dosage is progressively reduced until you no longer feel the urge. 

9.       If you think you also need to keep your fingers busy while reducing the craving try using an electronic ‘cigarette’ as a smoking alternative.  The leading products are made by Nicovap and Nicocig and they work by helping you reduce the nicotine dosage until your body’s natural balance has been restored..

10.   A less obtrusive option to control the nicotine craving is to use a Nicorette patch. These patches release a small, controlled amount of nicotine into your body through your skin the dosage of which is progressively reduced.

11.   As with most habits smokers tend to have natural cigarette triggers such as mealtimes or coffee breaks.  Be aware of the times that you would normally have a cigarette and stop the habit by finding something else to do.

12.   Using subconscious reminders about the positive effects of quitting smoking can be beneficial. Many smokers have quit with the help of hypnosis

13.   Other simple methods of helping you stop smoking are taking regular exercise as it improves blood flow and releases stress helping you deal with tensions in life without cigarettes. Try sucking a mint. to keep your mouth busy and freshen your breath

14.   Email or call our pharmacist who can advise you on the best treatment to help you to quit.

15.   Remember, no one says it’s easy to quit. Nicotine is an addictive substance and very few smokers can give up without some form of help so there’s no shame in that.

Acne is a skin condition that tends to present itself at the onset of puberty resulting in tens of thousands of UK teenagers suffering from it each year. It is caused by inflammation of the small oil glands or sebaceous glands. These surround the fine hairs on the face.

Acne can be a distressing condition for a teenager but the good news is that it normally fades by the time you reach your mid-20s. Sadly, for some people this is not always the case and a few may continue to have acne well into adulthood. Women can be especially susceptible to the occasional bout of acne because of the hormonal changes that they experience during the menstrual cycle and  pregnancy.

To help prevent acne arising an appropriate hygiene scheme is a must; you should begin by determining your skin type. Look at the amount of oil on your skin and establish if your skin type is dry, normal, combination or sensitive. A healthy skin needs some oil to help maintain a healthy looking complexion. You may be more susceptible to acne if your hormone levels give you excessively oily skin; the area around your nose is a place to watch. It is important that you wash your face at least twice a day with a product that has been especially formulated for this purpose. Don’t be tempted to use normal soap as this can make matters worse.

There are several good acne skin care products on the market. Some work by limiting the production of the sebum and oil within your skin. Whilst others prevent your skin pores from clogging up with trapped oil or have an anti-bacterial formulation that stops infections.

As a general approach you may want to start with the gentler products and move along until you reach the stronger range of products.
Neutrogena has a range of products designed to treat dry skin conditions which can be a significant factor in spot and acne break-outs. The Neutrogena products will help to ease the dryness, the soreness and the damage to the skin that is a catalyst for allowing in bacteria enabling infections to start.

Savlon Antiseptic wipes are perfect for keeping your skin clean and free of infections which can make spots considerably worse. They are great for slipping into your bag for when you’re on the go to remove the dirt and grime that unavoidably comes with living in an urban area.
Cetaphil is a gentle skin cleanser that will work with your skin’s natural PH balance. It will remove any impurities and dirt which may be blocking your skin’s pores causing spots and blackheads. Cetaphil will also moisturise your skin as dryness can be another factor in spot outbreaks and irritation.
A step up in strength would be Clearasil which has a range of products that can be used everyday. Clearasil will help to cleanse your skin, tighten pores and prevent acne. It can penetrate deep into the pores to counter dirt, grease and bacteria.

Freederm is another product that cleans the pores thereby helping to prevent new spots from appearing while countering the ones that have already broken-out. Or you could opt for a skin routine with a difference. Quinoderm is a range of face cleansing and acne-fighting products that are designed to keep your skin clean if used morning and night. Its range of creams has an antibacterial and peeling effect, preventing and treating the causes of acne.

There’s almost nothing worse than discovering in the morning that you’ve developed a big new bright red spot in a prominent place. Panoxyl Aquagel can help you out as it has an antibacterial and peeling effect that will fight to keep your skin nice and clear. No grease here, either!

Alternatively, you could consider the Oxy range of products which have been a trusted and effective solution for treating acne and spots for over 20 years. This range is improving all the time and it now boasts the ability to kill bacteria, reduce sebum and reduce redness combining to give you clear and spot-free skin.

So you’ve decided that now is the time to start losing some weight, you’ve set your goal and run the movie in your mind of how great you’ll look in your trim new body.  You may have talked to friends about the diets they swear by and perhaps you read something about one of the latest fad diets being promoted by a Hollywood star. All this well-intentioned advice can often be confusing and perhaps even contradictory.

The key to losing body weight is terribly simple - eat food that contains fewer calories than your body needs to maintain its current weight. This forces your body to then use the stored fat to make up for the energy it isn’t getting from your food intake. Regular aerobic exercise can help this process by raising the speed at which your body’s engine (your metabolism) burns up the calories.

Eating the right food in the right quantities is essential. It’s a myth that just cutting out all carbohydrates will make the pounds drop off. In moderation carbs are essential as they quell the feeling of hunger without introducing too many calories. Removing carbs completely will put a strain on your internal organs and may also give you terrible bad breath!
In moderation the right sort of fat in your diet is also essential.  Your body needs some fat to be able to absorb the important vitamins A, D, E and K and circulate them through your cardiovascular system. Fat also contains the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 that cannot be synthesized by your body.
Extreme diets such as single food diets like cabbage soup and fruit are an extreme health risk and are best ignored. Equally, just taking more exercise will not help drop a dress size if you are still eating more calories than your body actually requires after all the exercise you’ve taken.

So hopefully now you are thinking about a balanced diet containing fewer calories. But let’s face it, losing weight the sensible way and taking regular exercise isn’t the most fun. Fortunately, there are some products that can help you get there faster. 

Alli is a very popular product and it works by blocking one quarter of the fat you eat from being absorbed into your body. This may help you to lose an extra 1lb or more of weight per week in addition to the other weight loss you experience.
LIPObind is another very well-known product.  It uses a patented natural fibre complex to reduce the amount of fat (and therefore calories) absorbed by the body by binding itself together with this fat and transporting it safely out of the body.

A second way you can speed-up your weight-loss is by increasing your metabolism - the rate at which your body burns off the calories. Our metabolic rates normally decline with age so this can often be useful for more senior people who aren’t regularly exercising. Adios Max and Adios Herbal are two natural products which perform this useful function.
So you are now losing weight the sensible way but what happens when you feel really hungry and the temptation to break your diet is irresistible?  Fortunately help is at hand. Appesat is an appetite suppressant made from seaweed extract and it works by cleverly stimulating hunger receptors in the stomach wall that trick the brain into thinking your stomach is full. 

An alternative is Zotrim Tablets act which work in a couple of ways: they help increase your energy levels so you feel like exercising more and they also control your appetite. This means that you feel fuller for longer and are less likely to eat more than your body requires.

For a diet to work it has to be one that you can stick with. This means it has to be tasty, tempting and nutritionally sound. It also has to show results quite quickly which is where the products mentioned above can help you achieve your goals. Simply cutting out certain types of foods and ingredients altogether is the wrong approach and is likely to fail because total denial will almost inevitably lose out to temptation.

There are two main causes of hair loss. Hormone imbalances can start as early as puberty in men and often occur after menopause in women. Other hormone-related causes can be pregnancy, illness and stress at work or at home. Some of these hormonal imbalances are hereditary and caused by genetic factors.

The second group of hair loss causes are side-effects from medical treatments and some fungal infections. These may be the first sign of an underlying disease (reference: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/androgenetic-alopecia). It is strongly recommended that when hair loss is first noticed, a GP’s examination is undertaken to ascertain the cause and suggest a treatment.

The most common cause of hair loss in males is Androgenic Alopecia. This is also commonly known as “male pattern baldness”. Hair is generally lost in a well-defined pattern starting above both temples and with visible thinning on the crown of the head leaving a rim of hair around the sides and rear of the head.
Women tend to suffer less from classic male pattern baldness and instead it is more usual for the hair to become thinner all over the head with the hairline remaining in place. This is called "Female pattern baldness" although it may occur in males. This variety of androgenic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness.

In order to find the most suitable treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia we must first consider some of the contributory factors. Research confirms that hair loss relates to the hormones called Androgens. One of these androgens is DHT or Dihydrotestosterone. Increased levels of androgens in the hair follicles can lead to shorter hair growth cycles and thinner hair. DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink and constricts blood vessels that supply the follicles (Reference http://www.androgeneticalopecia.org) Each strand of hair normally grows for between two and six years. It then rests for a number of months before it falls out. It is normal to lose between sixty and eighty hairs a day.

When considering a suitable hair loss treatment some of the following tips could help you on your way:

•    Before doing anything find out why you are experiencing hair loss. Ask yourself questions such as: Have I been ill, stressed or on medication in the last 3 or 4 months? Did either of my parents exhibit hair loss? Am I experiencing weight gain? Am I eating properly? Am I doing regular exercise? Am I taking any supplements? Consulting a doctor with answers to these questions will help you get the answers you need.

•    Once you are ready to take a treatment decide whether you are looking for a hair loss remedy or a cosmetic treatment.

•    Ensure that you have done your research and that the product you choose is a trusted one. Propecia (Finasteride) is the only prescription tablet in the UK and can be bought from www.pharmacy2u.co.uk  with a valid UK prescription. However it is not available for women. Finasteride is a synthetic type 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that halts the cause of your hair loss by altering the behaviour of the hormone. Some experts say it is important to use Finasteride in conjunction with products that contain Minoxidil, which work by reactivating the hair follicles (Reference: http://www.courthouseclinics.com ). Regaine contains Minoxidil and is available for men and women in different strengths. Once treatment with Propecia and Minoxidil has commenced, it should continue in order to maintain hair growth.

•    Take care to read the small print. Some products mention warnings about changes in the menstrual cycle or an increase in acne or facial hair which accompany hormonal imbalances.

•    Consider products such as Alpecin that are applied directly to the hair and scalp as these are less likely to affect other parts of your body. Alpecin works by stimulating hair-growth at the roots by releasing caffeine directly to where it is needed. Alpecin is also relatively cheap at between £4 and £6 per bottle.

•    Another such product is Regaine. Regaine have recently launched a new product called Regaine Foam, which is extra-strength foam containing Minoxidil. Regaine Foam is not only innovative it is also incredibly easy to use. You simply massage foam into your scalp as part of your daily routine both morning and night. It is unscented and will prevent further hair loss as well as re-grow the hair.

•    There are some natural products available. A chamomile infusion or products containing nettle root, Vitamin E, zinc and magnesium have been proven to work well (reference:http://www.besthairlosspreventionproducts.com/),as has green tea and horsetail silica. Viviscal is a natural product which is gluten free although it does warn that it should not be taken by pregnant women or those allergic to fish.

•  There is also a natural treatment called Nourkrin that is a protein, mineral and food supplement which has been developed to reduce hair loss. It was originally produced for women and after its initial success, the makers came out with a supplement formulated especially for men. It is a holistic program to treat hair loss with products such as shampoos, conditioners and scalp lotions also recommended for use.

•   Another product that comes from nature’s finest is Revivogen. This also comes as a scalp therapy as well as a variety of conditioners and shampoos such as the bio cleansing shampoo that helps to get rid of excess sebum and DHT in the scalp itself.

•    There is a product called Silicium 44 Hair loss solution that is a natural product with an organic biological silicon formula. It is suitable for men and women even during pregnancy. Treatment need not be continued after 28 days, but should be applied annually.

•    There are cosmetic treatments as well as medicinal ones. One product that combines cosmetic and medicinal treatments is Nanogen. The electrostatic nanofibres work to mask the hair loss as the fibres bind to existing hair and cover the space in between. The Nanoguard B is a DHT inhibitor like Finasteride, which can be used with their scalp roller and sanitizer. Most products are relatively expensive and have to be taken for 4-6 months before any change can be seen.

Whatever you do ensure that the treatment you use is given the time to work and do not unnecessarily spend vast sums of money on lots of different treatments at once. One treatment at a time will ensure that you know which one works for you.

Although it is likely that there is more than one cause for acne it is generally understood that diet and a change in hormones are key factors.

There is no conclusive evidence that poor diet comprising an excessive quantity of foods rich in saturated fats such as chocolate, crisps and fried food are a major causal factor. These foods can affect one’s complexion and therefore should be eaten in moderation.

Suspicion about diet is more focused upon our western, high-glycemic diet which can cause the body to produce too much insulin and excess sebum (http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/treatment.html). Another theory links acne with dairy products. The theory holds that cows when pregnant produce hormones. These are then consumed when drinking their milk which in turn upsets the body’s natural hormonal balance.

The main sufferers of acne are teenagers going through puberty. Adults who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome, or use certain progesterone-only contraceptive pills may also develop acne. Some cosmetic products that can be very greasy or medicines such as steroid creams for eczema or anti-epileptics, can also contribute to a breakout of acne (http://www.bupa.co.uk).

Acne usually appears when girls and boys begin to produce more testosterone, which increases the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. According to Bupa as many as four in five teenagers suffer from some form of acne. Although acne does not discriminate by gender, there are differences in how it affects boys and girls. Girls usually enter puberty before boys and therefore generally experience an earlier onset of acne. Boys’ skin is very different with larger pores and sebaceous glands which tend to produce more oil, so when boys enter puberty the appearance of acne can often be more severe. Acne tends to clear up much faster in girls due to timing and length of puberty. According to sciencenet (http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/pdfs/growth2_actsheet.pdf ) girls experience puberty between the ages of 9 and 13 years of age. Boys on the other hand, typically experience it between 10 and 16 and in some cases until they are 19 or 20.

A few helpful do’s and don’ts in the treatment of acne are:

Finding the right treatment for acne can often be a case of trial and error. Cetaphil as mentioned above is a special cleansing agent, which provides gentle and effective skincare. It is a non-irritant and non-comedogenic. It is especially good for retaining the natural pH balance of the skin. It is designed to be used in conjunction with other treatments to enhance their effect. It can be used as an all over body cleanser, not just limited to the facial area. Once applied, it can be removed with cottonwool pads or rinsed off with water.

Another cleanser to use is Freederm. This comes in a variety of washes and facial cleansers. One of the most effective ones is the exfoliating wash, which can help rid the skin of its dead skin cells. The Freederm gel is good to use in conjunction with the cleansing washes. It contains Nicotinamide, which is an anti-inflammatory that will reduce any redness and swelling of spots.

Some of the most effective products contain Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid. Panoxyl Aquagel and Quinoderm are often considered good products to start with, Both contain Benzoyl Peroxide and Quinoderm has the added antibacterial properties of Hydroxyquinoline Sulphate. Oxy have developed a holistic skincare range, which contains Benzoyl Peroxide too and has been especially formulated for male skin.

If the skin is oily, choose an acne gel as opposed to a cream or a lotion. Creams are typically best for dry skin.

Whichever product is chosen it is important that that the treatment be given a chance to work. The effect may not be seen for 4 to 6 weeks. It is also important to continue the treatment for the recommended period after the spots have cleared.
 
To keep the face clear of sweat it is recommended to keep facial wipes such as Savlon Antiseptic wipes, Neutrogena, Clearasil, or the new Freederm deep pore cleansing wipes, with you at all times.

If none of the over the counter medicines work, it may be time to see a doctor who in some cases may suggest taking a contraceptive pill or prescribing some stronger acne medication. A GP may also suggest seeing a dermatologist.

When it comes to weight loss products the choice is vast. There are a plethora of different diet pills and formulae available over the counter or with a prescription from your GP. To find the most effective solution for you can be a challenge and comes with a caveat. It depends largely on the bodily reactions of the individual as to whether or not a product is beneficial.  A willingness to try a few different ones before finding the right one is therefore a useful strategy

The main products on the market are Alli Capsules, LIPObind, Adios Max and Adios herbal, Appesat, and Zotrim Tablets. The different products aid weight loss in different ways

Alli Capsules fall into the category of Fat Binders. According to www.slimmingresources.com ,Fat Binders are particularly good for people who crave fatty foods but ‘do not want to suffer the consequences of them in their diet’. They can prevent up to 25% of an individual’s fat intake from being processed. This could mean losing an extra pound on top of the pound already lost. Alli tablets are FDA approved.

LIPObind is also part of the family of Fat Binders. Lipobind is 100% natural and contains Litramine, a natural fibre complex made from dried cactus extract. LIPObind has been proven to bind up to 24.7% of fat from food. It also contains Vitamins A, D and E. According to LIPObind the product works as an appetite suppressant. You take it by adding water, making the soluble fibres in LIPObind swell. This traps food and keeps your stomach satiated for longer. It also claims to keep your blood sugar on the level, stopping the need to snack on high-energy foods for a quick energy boost. LIPOBIND came second in a study of 20 best weight loss supplements by online medical researchers in an unbiased review (http://www.fatbinders.net/top-3-weight-loss-supplements-on-the-market.html ).

The second type of weight loss product is one that aims to speed up the body’s metabolism. Adios Max and Adios Herbal both fall into this category. They contain a variety of ingredients, the main active ingredient being Fucus Dry Extract. Fucus has been clinically proven to speed up the metabolism in people suffering from thyroid disorders. It contains high levels of iodine which raises the metabolism and burns fat faster. The other herbal ingredients include Dandelion Root which is a diuretic and can relieve water retention and Boldo which is a laxative. According to www.dietspotlight.com Adios Max ‘could play an important role in weight-loss as part of a program that also includes a proper diet and exercise’. Adios tablets are a popular choice with UK consumers and there are many testimonials and reviews that regard Adios as being a competent companion in the weight loss journey.

The final two products are Appesat and Zotrim. Appesat is an appetite suppressant recently released in the UK. In dietary circles, it is commonly referred to as the “gastric band in a pill”. Its active ingredient is French Atlantic grown seaweed extract, which has been clinically proven to make the stomach feel fuller. Taken before a meal extract swells in the stomach, stretching the stomach wall and makes contact with sensors that send messages of fullness to the brain. Appesat lasts for 3 hours and is then broken down normally by the body. It is intended for short-term use in order to retrain the stomach into accepting smaller portion sizes. It has also been clinically proven to work and can boost weight loss by up to 60%.

Zotrim is an all-natural product that aims to help curb hunger yet leaving you feeling energised. It is made from three natural plant extracts Yerba Mate, Guarana and Damiana. It does contain Caffeine in the form of Guarana though only a small amount. It has undergone eight clinical studies in order to prove its effectiveness and more recently has been scrutinised by Professor Lesley Regan the diet doctor on BBC2. Professor Regan was seemingly impressed by the level of research as well as its findings. For Zotrim research evidence visit http://www.zotrimreview.com/zotrim-research-evidence.pdf .

According to research, Alli capsules are considered to be the slimming aids that give the best results. As stated on all the packaging associated with these products, they are most effective when taken in conjunction with a natural and healthy diet and with a good exercise regime.

It is a common affliction in household pets. Our little friends can become afflicted with a whole list of parasitic worms. These cannot only make our pets feel unwell but can also affect humans - in some rare cases causing serious health consequences.

For pets in the UK, it is the roundworm, otherwise known as Toxocara, and the tapeworm or E. Granulosus that pose the greatest risk to their owners. Unless you can keep your pet indoors constantly you will struggle to keep your pet out of contact with both these parasite nasties. The only method of reliable control is to worm your pet on a regular basis using recommended worming products such as Drontal.

If you travel frequently with your pets they will also become exposed to a wider range of parasites. Again, worming treatments such as Drontal are your only means of prevention. You are legally required to worm all dogs and cats that travel. This is in place not only to protect your pet from infection but also to prevent the spread of parasites from abroad across the UK.

There are other types of worms that can be prevented if the animal is not exposed to a likely source of infection. If you ensure your pet cat does not have fleas and you will reduce the risk of him catching the Dipylidium tapeworm for example. However a good worming tablet will provide that added security and provide effective protection against all parasites.

At Pharmacy2U we offer a range of affordable pet products including worming tablets and flea treatments, all of which are eligible for free UK delivery and next day delivery.