Are Tanning Beds Safe?

Many people turn to tanning beds to maintain their tans while avoiding the sun's harmful rays. But are tanning beds any safer than laying out in the sun?

When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, it produces extra pigment to help protect itself from burning. This is what causes a person to tan. However, there are serious problems that can result from too much exposure to ultraviolet light. A person who receives too much exposure may experience damage to the eyes, blistering, rashes and early wrinkling. It is also possible that a person who is exposed to too much ultraviolet light may develop skin cancer.

Some salons advertise tanning booths as a safe alternative to tanning in the sun. However, studies are unclear on whether this is true. The first tanning beds were developed using mostly UVB rays, which are the rays that are most likely to result in burning. Due to the publicity about the harmful risks associated with sunburn, many tanning bed companies switched to beds that use UVA rays, which are less likely to cause sunburn. However, these rays appear to increase the risk of melanoma.

Although the damage done by UVB is easy to spot, since it results in burning, UVA rays actually penetrate deeper into the skin, so they can damage tissues under the surface where the damage is not so obvious. Both types of ultraviolet light can cause damage to the skin. Exposure over time can lead to thinner skin and interfere with the skin's natural ability to heal itself. This makes the skin more susceptible to cancer and causes it to age more quickly, resulting in early wrinkling.

Ultraviolet rays can also cause damage to the eyes. They can result in burned corneas or even cataracts. Tanning customers are usually told to wear eye goggles, but many do not heed the warning and try to protect their eyes by keeping them closed or covering them with a cloth. These methods do not keep the harmful UV rays from damaging the eyes.

To protect yourself from the dangers of UV rays, it is a good idea to use tanning beds in moderation if you do use them. Always make sure to wear goggles to protect your eyes during your tanning sessions. However, you may decide that it's just not worth the risk. The safest bet when deciding whether to do something that could be harmful is just to skip it.

For more great info on tanning visit http://www.findtanningbeds.com a website offering tips, advice and resources on topics such as home tanning beds, commercial tanning beds and even finding great tanning bed lights plus so much more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_H

Working Women & Their Fitness Regime

Gone are the days when women would stay back at home and do the house hold cores. Today, women are making use of their skills. They stand shoulder to shoulder to a man. Their work at times can be so hectic that they may hardly be able to spend their time on taking care of their health and their fitness regime. So we shall see the different ways of how working women can stay fit. As she has got to take care of the rest of the family as well.

Yoga is an age old practice that keeps the mind, soul and body fit. Many working women practice yoga for its power and strength. There are 8 parts of yoga.

• Yama
• Asana
• Niyama
• Pranayama
• Pratyahara
• Dhyana
• Dharana
• Samadhi

A 20 minutes daily work out can be very relaxing. This exercise can be performed under any weather condition and in any place. Making it perfect for working women. Medical science has also shown psychological and physiological gains of yoga. Yoga involves proper breathing, thinking positive, rest and a good nutritional diet.

Regular exercise is a great stress reliever. It helps you lose weight and so also increases your energy and stamina. Exercise leads to the release of endorphins. Thus making us feel confident, happy and gives us the strength to take up stress. Working women need this the most. A proper regular exercise can

• Improve your personal life
• Safeguard you from falling sick.
• Give strength to heart and mind.

Hectic life of today can make it difficult for women to hit the gym as desired. So it is advisable to even take up a normal exercise at home itself. Certain exercises like squats push ups, stomach crunches, triceps dips, shoulder press, bent over lateral raise can actually help to stay fit.

Along with proper work outs it is necessary to also be eating a good and healthy diet. Working women at times are so busy with their work that they tend to skip their food. This is not a good habit. It can cause lots of problems later. Eating of fresh fruits, vegetables and drinking lots of water is advisable. More processed food gives the body more energy which is good for digestion.

• Breakfast can start with fresh fruits. As they contains glucose that gives us a whole lot of energy. A heavy breakfast means more energy is consumed to digest it. So a light breakfast is advised. A few dry fruits in the mid day are good in case of hunger.
• Lunch can be a mixture of cereals, pulses, raw and cooked fresh vegetables. Bajra, sprouts, jawar, wheat flour is also good.
• Snack can be sandwich without cheese and butter.
• Dinner can be a proper meal. This has to be consumed 2 hours before going to bed.

Working women have a tougher task than men. They not only need to be working at home but in office too. So it is very necessary that they take good care of their health and follow a good fitness regime.

For further reading, Please visit Women Magazine Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hayi_Mansoor

Women In Midlife - When To Know How Much Is Enough? Abundance Is Having More than Enough

Ever since I became a woman in midlife, one of my mantras has been "how much is enough".

The Ego tells us we are not enough nor do we ever have enough

I'm always looking at the ways people reinvent themselves and how they live. It seems that most of us never feel like we are enough, or have enough. I'm also clear that it is the very nature of our spirit to grow and want more. What does all this mean?

There was a show on Oprah recently that showed people living in small spaces - very small spaces. And both Nate Booth (the designer) and Oprah kept asking, how much do we really need? It's a question worth pondering. I'm not recommending that you move into 250 sq feet (unless that really makes you happy!) But, I'd like to suggest that what we really want in life are not material things - or even opportunities or experiences - but rather, they are states of being. What we might think we want is a new car - but, we really are looking for greater Freedom. We might think we want a new dress or home, but what we're really longing for is a sense of Beauty in our lives.

For those who believe it's more money or riches they want, :

Consider this story

A wise, but poor, woman who was crossing the mountains on foot came upon a precious stone and placed it in her pack. The next day she met another traveler who begged her for something to eat. The wise woman opened her bag to reach for some bread, and as she did so, the sun's rays caught the gemstone, and the hungry traveler gasped with delight, saying, "I am very poor. Won't you give me that stone?" The wise woman did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the jewel could provide him security for the rest of his life. But after a few days in the mountains, he reversed his trail, and went back in search of the wise woman. Finally, he found her. He handed her back the stone. "I know this gemstone is terribly valuable," he said. "But I return it in the hope that you can give me something much more precious. Let me have whatever it is within you that enabled you to give me the stone."

Relationships - are yours enough?

Another clear example of the essence of what we want is in relationships - You've all heard it said - "If you want the perfect partner be the perfect partner."

This is the crux of it: we must have the willingness to be that which we want, to live in integrity with it, and to live as though we already have it. And, we must be unwilling to have something less, while maintaining that paradoxical position of release--being poised to receive and yet not willing things to be different. It's a delicate balance.

Settling for anything less than your deepest desire means that the universe has no reason to give you what your heart truly desires. The question to ask is: Are you really willing to have it, to live up to it by not being available to something less? Are you ready to live in integrity with your hearts deepest longings? If you are--and when you are--the universe will correspond accordingly. Midlife is a perfect time to assess and live this.

And so, I would like to offer a support system for getting and keeping clear in your life. When you subscribe to my free Women Reinvent Midlife newsletter, you'll even receive a special report called, "7 Secrets for Reinventing Midlife from the Inside-Out". You can get your copy right now at http://www.reinventmidlife.com From Dr. Toni LaMotta, Midlife Reinvention Specialist and Spiritual Life Clarity Coach Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Toni_LaMotta

Find Your Best Colors

Have you ever noticed how you tend hear compliments on how nice you look when wearing certain colors? These are probably some of your best colors. There may also be ones that you never feel great in and don't really do you any favors. color analysis became popular in the seventies due to a number of popular television programs but since then there has been less interest in it although there are still a number of professional consultants offering the service. We all like the sound of finding the perfect colors to suit our skin tone and hair color, but can rarely afford the luxury of a professional assessment. In order to guarantee you have the ultimate stylish wardrobe, we are going to tell you how to find your best colors so that you can look and feel amazing.

Firstly look at your skin tone and work out whether you have:

A warm skin tone with yellow, beige, brown and olive undertones - you will tend to look best in clothes in the yellow reds and browns family.

A cool skin tone with blue, rose, pink, purple undertones - you will tend to look best in clothes in the blue, green and purple family.

Look at the contrast between your skin, eye and natural hair color. In general the more the contrast the stronger the colors you can get away with. For example dark hair and eyes with pale skin will suit stronger colors.

If you look at your pupil in natural light, the colors that you see are likely to be your best colors.

Other great ways of finding out which are your best colors are asking friends family, hair colonists/stylists, looking at old pictures of yourself to see which colors suit you best. Celebrities will usually have stylists to advise them on the best colors to wear. By finding a celebrity with a similar coloring to you, you can watch what colors they wear nad get the benefit of this advise for free.

Once you have found your best colors, Use them to select tops or accessories that are close to your face such as scarves. If in doubt always try clothes on in natural light, to assess whether the colors really suit you. Occasionally try something you would not go for, you may be surprised how it looks, there will be a whole palette of colors that suit you so you do not need to stick to just one.

Ceri Heathcote

Designerhighstreet.com -The Ultimate Guide for Ladies of Style

For more articles on fashion and clothing

Find out about this seasons trends at designer, highstreet and online stores

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ceri_Heathcote

Top 4 Accessories For Spring 2008 and Summer 2008

How do you accessorize this season's lighthearted dresses? What goes with Spring's colorful clothes? How about the blacks and whites? How do you endow those Spring and Summer outfits with your personal sense of style?

Through accessories. This season, 4 types of accessories stand out from the crowd. No doubt, they surface season after season but the way they are worn make all the difference.

Trend #1 : Large bracelets

With the season's simple yet chic clothing, all you might need to complete your outfit is 1 stunning bracelet, or an armful of bangles.

Wear a cuff bracelet with your little black dress, or your brightly colored spring dress.

At Chanel, models dripped with jewels. They wore cuff bracelets on bare arms, anklets over their pants and loads of necklaces. At versace, the look was more minimalist with a simple dress accessorized with just a single cuff bracelet worn on the wrist.

At Oscar De La Rental, the outfits were ethnic and 2 wooden bangles were worn on one arm to complete that ethnic look

Trend #2 : Large Drop Earrings

Earrings aren't demure. At least where Chanel's concerned. The models at the Chanel Spring and Summer show wore large drop earrings encrusted with white crystals. The look was surprisingly sophisticated. Those stunning earrings look perfect with skirt suits as well as with evening gowns.

Trend #3 : Layered necklaces

You could go for layer after layer of beads as demonstrated by Oscar De La Renta's models. Fendi too favoured beaded necklaces, worn in so many layers for major impact.

Givenchy and Chanel embraced that layered neclace look, but with silver necklaces instead of beaded ones. Chanel had huge linked silver necklaces worn in a mass of layers to turn heads while Givenchy went religious by adding silver crosses to the necklaces.

Trend #4 : Belts

Some designers favoured thin belts while others loved wide belts. Yet others favored wide stunning buckles and centerpieces on belts with thin leather straps. Anything goes as long as it cinches the waist and looks utterly gorgeous.

The original article, 4 essential accessories for spring and summer 2008

was written by the author for http://www.alljewelry.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Wee

What is Feminism?

Feminism is concerned with gender inequalities in society and the equal rights for women. This encases social, cultural and political movements, theories and moral philosophies that affect women in everyday life. Feminism also takes up the fight against other forms of discrimination.

Some feminists argue that "gendered and sexed identities, such as 'man' and 'woman' are social constructs, meaning that some gender roles are socially conditioned rather than innate."

For many people the feminist movement came in three waves starting from the 19th century to the present day.

The first wave occurred between the 19th and early 20th centuries, starting in the United Kingdom and United States. Their main concerns were with equal contract and property rights for women.

The Suffrage movement began at the end of the 19th century, with the main focus being on gaining political power and the right for women to vote.

The second was during the 1960's and 1970's were cultural and political inequalities were bound together as problem faced by women.

The beginning of the third wave started in the early 1990's to the present day and slams the failure of the second wave. They deem the previous wave to be too focused on the upper middle class white women's views and experiences.

It was argued and still is that through the history of feminism the majority of the leaders have been white middle class women from Western Europe or North America.

Thus alienating women of different colours and races, which was stated in a speech given to US Feminists by ex black slave "Sojourner Truth" in 1851. Sojourner purports that as a black woman she is viewed as even lower than white woman.

Women of other races set up alternative feminist groups which gained more followers in the 1960's civil rights movement in the United States.

Post-colonial and Third World feminism proposed alternatives, with the post-colonial feminist slamming western feminism for being ethnocentric. The definition of ethnocentrism will be discussed in a later article.

In the 1980's feminists realised that an understanding of global issues that also effect women of different races, colours and cultural was essential to understanding gender inequality. In turn this would show that racism, homophobia and classis are intrinsic in society and how they control women.

The Feminist political activists have challenged and brought women issues to the forefront of people's concentions while also creating debate. They changed laws in women right to contract and property and the right to bodily integrity and autonomy. This includes the right for a woman to have an abortion and the right to take and access contraception.

Furthermore they are advocates for the protection of women from domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment. Also rights for women in the workplace and the legal right for maternity leave and equal pay.

Biography Author: Lucy Brookes Website: http://www.lucybrookes-writer.co.uk Lucy Brookes is a feminist author interested in women studies. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Brookes

Women's Self-Defense - "It Won't Happen to Me" is Not An Excuse

The NSA Women-Safe Network began offering self-defense programs in the River Valley close to 2 years ago, and I've presented a number of danger awareness workshops and seminar talks in churches, schools, and to civic groups. But in talking with people on the street as I go about my daily life, I've found an interesting, yet dangerous, attitude among many women I speak with about rape or assault..."It won't happen to me."

NSA Women-Safe Network

Sadly, crimes against women are on the rise in the United States, yet most women give no thought to how they would defend themselves against an attacker until it is too late. I have found that most women are not "danger aware" and are too busy living life to take notice of their surroundings and spot potential threats. They are more focused on getting the kids to school, buying groceries, managing a career (or a home) then they are on learning how to defend themselves.

Every day we all face unsafe situations, and at times, we are to blame by careless or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As I've talked with rape victims who have taken our self-defense classes, I've found that many were (admittedly) simply not paying attention to their surroundings and inadvertently put themselves into a situation where they could be taken advantage of; and when attacked, they did not know how to respond to defend themselves. And now they live with the memory of this act of violence on their person for the rest of their lives.

So how important is it for women to know self-defense today? Here are some interesting facts from the Department of Justice:

· Every 46 seconds, a women in raped in the US

· By the age of 18, 1 in 4 girls will be sexually assaulted

· 1 in 4 rapes occur in a public place

· 2/3 of all rapes occur between 6pm and 6am

· 75% of women raped knew their rapist

· More than 50% of rapists were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they commit their crime

· 95% of all domestic violence incidents were against women

· 3 out of 4 domestic homicides occurred after the victim left the (abusive) relationship.

Studies tell us less than 1/3 of all rapes are reported to authorities, so the statistics we have available are only the "tip of the iceberg". Women who are abused in home (verbally or physically) are unlikely to report their attacker to authorities nor leave the relationship, so an endless cycle of escalating abuse ensues...often with children being innocent onlookers (or victims themselves).

Violent acts against women can occur at any time and place, and the frequency of attacks against women in America is on the rise. This stresses the importance of learning how to identify potential threats before they occur, and learning how to defend yourself should you be the target of an assailant.

Women can be targeted at home, while traveling or shopping. Assaults against women know no age group, ethnic background, shape or size. Domestic violence against women is becoming the new "normal" in many sections of America. The use of "date rape" drugs is on the rise in many parts of the country, and makes it easier for a sexual assault to take place (while often leaving the victim with no memory of the event). Simply learning how to identify potential threats, and how to minimize your risk of being targeted is an essential "danger awareness" principle that is often neglected or overlooked in the hustle and bustle of a typical day.

Learning self-defense is important for women of all ages, and it could make the difference between being a victim or not. There are a number of good books, as well as videos and DVDs that highlight the subject, but the benefits of learning with a qualified instructor cannot be stressed enough.

A book or video can teach you self-defense techniques, but a qualified instructor can help you learn how to properly apply the techniques in a variety of situations, and correct problems in mechanics or application to make a technique more effective.

Instruction can vary, with some 1-2 hour introductory self-defense classes that teach basic countermeasures to common attack scenarios. Others, like the Women-Safe program, focus on a more holistic approach, teaching technique, applications, and providing broader "situational awareness" education in a multi-week setting.

Any type of self-defense training is better than not training at all. The important thing is for women to educate themselves about the potential dangers they face (by any and all means necessary), and learn how to take proactive steps to minimize their risk of becoming a victim. The dangers women face are real, and it is important to do something to prepare.

The Women-Safe Network is a proactive non-profit groups that offers a number of educational workshops and seminars for women (of all ages). We are available to speak to schools, churches, civic & community groups on a variety of danger awareness and safety issues. We also offer rape prevention, danger awareness, and self-defense clinics for women, with an emphasis on predator awareness and defensive countermeasures. John Terry, NSA Regional Director, can be reached at 479-968-1708 or rivervalleywomensafe@imga.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_L_Terry

Simple Bra Test Tells if You're Wearing the Right Bra Size

Get a picture of yourself when you were younger, preferably when you had just gotten your boobs and they had stopped growing, for comparison. With your bra on, with or without a blouse, stand in front of a mirror that's large enough to see your whole body from the waist up.

Stand up straight, and look at your boobs from the front, then turn and look at your right side, then turn to see your left side. As you answer the following questions, refer to your picture to compare yourself now to the way you looked as a teenager.

• Does your bustline look perky, uplifted, firm and alluring? Be honest.
• Do your boobs feel like they're supported and uplifted, or do they feel like they're sagging? You should be able to tell if the weight of them is pulling downward.
• Does it look like your bustline is starting to merge with your waistline?
• Do you have bulges below your underarms? Those bulges are actually separated breast tissue, and shouldn't be there.
• Does your chest above your boobs look bony because the weight of your boobs is causing them to sag, giving your more space there than you had when you were younger?
• Now raise your hands in the air as if you're holding a beach ball above your head, and move your arms in circles to the right, then to the left. Is your bra staying put, or is it moving around when you move? It should stay put.
• Take your forefinger and put it under one of your boobs, at the very bottom of where it grew out of your body, and turn side to side so you can look in the mirror. Is your boob sagging, covering your finger? If so is it covering your finger by a lot, or just a little? Neither one is good, but a lot is worse than a little.

With these answers, and with your old picture to compare yourself to, now you should know for sure if you're wearing the right bra size.

Sylvia Danese DiCola. http://www.danesecreations.com/mybrasizesecrets.html Custom designing, tailoring, alterations, bridal, bra fittings and fabrics. In business in Arizona continuously since 1971. For men, women and the home. Anything that requires sewing, including Custom Western Tuxedos. But we don't work on tents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Danese_Dicola

Women's Self Defense-Hot Tips

The natural reaction of most guys when they see the title of this article is to put it aside and not read it. In my humble opinion that is a mistake. WHY? Simply put there isn't a guy around who doesn't have a woman in his life that won't benefit from these tips-a wife, significant other, sister, mother, aunt, daughter-get the idea?

So guys this is for you too. Read and share with the women in your lives.

Let's start with the more obvious.

DON'T LOOK LIKE A VICTIM. Let's face it. Most guys who assault women are not all that smart but they are not stupid either. They have developed in their own mind a profile of what they are looking for in a victim. Someone who is walking with their head down and an uncertain gait presents an easy target.

USE COMMON SENSE. Everyone has choices on where they go and how they get there. Keep to well lit areas, go with a buddy, avoid dangerous areas and USE YOUR HEAD!

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. Women especially are blessed with an uncanny knack for sensing things. They should use and trust that instinct. When you get a shiver down your spine be ready to react.

GET A SURVIVOR MINDSET. This starts with developing an awareness of your surroundings and not becoming paranoid but aware of the facts that women are potential targets all their lives. Practice either for real with a friend or in your mind what you would do in an emergency. Practicing develops confidence which overcomes fear.

Remember this in an assault situation. Your priorities are survival and escape. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones who rely on you to do everything you can to get away as quickly as you can and survive a possibly life threatening situation.

Carry some self defense products like stun guns and pepper sprays. Their purpose is to allow you time to escape. They will give you from 3-15 minutes to escape to get help or just escape and survive.

Jack Krohn is the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country. He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Krohn