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Box Office: High School Musical 3 Is Still No. 1

BuzzSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:30:41 -0800

Those whippersnappers have once again snapped up the box office crown. Over the Halloween weekend, High School Musical 3 got top marks at the box office for the second weekend in a row, this time bringing in just over $15 million. According to Variety, this pushed "its worldwide total to an estimated $146.8 million after 10 days in release."

Kevin Smith's raunchy comedy Zack and Miri Make a Porno debuted at No. 2, just barely beating out Saw V with each movie raking in something in the $10 million range. Opening nationwide over the weekend, Clint Eastwood's Changeling nabbed the fourth spot with an estimated $9.4 million. Per location, however, Changeling is the big winner, with an "average of $5,085, the best of any film in the top 10 chart." The Haunting of Molly Hartley rounded out the top five with approximately $6 million over its opening week.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

Box Office: High School Musical Dances to No. 1

BuzzSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:00:23 -0700

We knew High School Musical was a huge television hit but now it's a bona fide silver screen success. The third installment of the perky Disney musical bonanza scored the top spot at the box office over the weekend, earning an estimated $42 million.

Meanwhile, Saw V did excellent business over the weekend as well, earning an estimated $30.5 million in the No. 2 spot. Variety notes that both titles were record breakers:

The top two films each entered record territory. Disney’s High School is by far the biggest musical bow ever, besting Mamma Mia! Lionsgate’s Saw franchise is within $2 million of eclipsing Friday the 13th to become the top-grossing horror series ever.

Max Payne and Beverly Hills Chihuahua came in at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively, with the top five being rounded out by the Ed Norton cop thriller Pride & Glory.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures

What Do You Think About the Saw Movies?

BuzzSugar — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:30:07 -0700

For any Saw (or Saw 2 through 4) fans out there, this Thursday some AMC theaters are showing a Saw marathon just before the fifth movie is released this Friday. Will you check this out at a theater near you?

I know many people who like the Saw movies (or at least the first one) even if they're not huge fans of the horror genre itself. For some, the psychological aspect makes the movies more interesting than your average gory flick. Do you agree? Is Saw different than others in the genre?

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The Vampire Diaries "You're Undead to Me": The Good, the Bad, and the Bloody

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:45:29 -0700

We're on the brink of big stuff on The Vampire Diaries, and it's definitely become a reason to stay home on Thursdays nights. Everything just got real - from Damon's nature to the Big Secret. I love dissecting the show almost as much as I love seeing a strapping young vampire in a black v-neck shirt, so let's talk about this week's good, bad, and bloody!

To see them (warning - spoilers ahead!) and chat, just read more.

The Good:

I'm really starting to care for people outside the threesome, particularly Bonnie. Her Carrie-like setting the car on fire is chilling (seriously, no one but Stefan saw that?) and her seeking out her grandma to find out what's going on with her has me really interested. Even if the casting of 47-year-old Jasmine Guy (Whitley from A Different World) is sort of unbelievable.
I'm also intrigued by this ragtag antivampire squad, which includes Caroline's mother, Tyler's mother, and Logan. Last week, they seemed to know exactly what's been haunting Mystic Falls, and I got the ominous feeling that these "regular" townsfolk may not be what they seem. I also want to know more about why they're assembling certain objects, like the necklace and pocket watch (Horcruxes?!)

The Bad:

The newsreel, you guys. The newsreel is so silly - while I balked at that footage being so easy to find and so clear, it's worse that the newsman exclaims "Is that the nephew?!" and have the camera swing to Stefan in the shadows.
My other big problem with this week's episode is the Uncle Zach situation. I can't remember them explaining if Uncle Zach was a vampire, but he really seems to be dead. I assumed he was also a vampire until this week, when he tells Damon that he could have had a real family. So what was he? Human? Vampire? And was the crow Zach's familiar, or a crow that Damon found and killed for sustenance? There are larger implications for the unanswered questions, so I hope they're tied up next week.
Can we also know exactly what the deal is with vervain? K thanks.

The Bloody:

I wasn't expecting Uncle Zach to meet his end so quickly, even if the show had made him pretty inconsequential.
Poor Vickie became another victim of Damon's - she can't have any blood left, right?
We also saw what happens when vampires go out in the sun without their protective jewelry on. Scab city!

It seems like we've reached a pretty big climax in the show: Damon has just asserted himself as a pretty evil villain, while Elena had that oh-so-important realization of every young vampire's love interest: The Epiphany. That scene is not too terribly dissimilar from Bella's (here's a reminder!) and Elena wants answers next week. Also next week? The Civil War-era flashback! I can't wait. What did you think of this week's Vampire Diaries?

Photo courtesy of The CW

Festivals Round Up

FabSugarUK — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:00:47 -0700

Last weekend saw Reading and Leeds drawing the festival season to a close. It's been a fun Summer from the Isle of Wight festival to Glastonbury, to T4 on the Beach we've seen a variety of acts take to the stage up and down the country. Here is a round up of the style slideshows so you can sit back and reminisce about the past few months.

Isle of Wight	T in the Park	On Stage at Glastonbury
T4 on the Beach	V Festival	Reading and Leeds

Freaky or Fabulous: Grace Jones' Piercing Performance Gear

FabSugar — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:00:22 -0800

It's Grace Jones mania around here. Ever since I saw her on the cover of V Magazine's Spring issue, I re-fell in love with her brazen ways. The singer recently performed in London; she took the stage wearing nothing but a satin blazer, fishnet stockings, leather gloves, and a disc on her head. Not many people can pull this off without looking crazy, but if anyone can, it's Grace. What do you think - freaky or fabulous?

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Interview With the Referee of Puppy Bowl V (Part II)

PetSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:15:01 -0800

We already learned a bit of background on the pups and the referee in Part I, now let's hear more about the action, including this year's "streaker" (!) on the field, in the interview below.
PetSugar: What do you say to yourself when you get up that morning?
Ref: I look myself in the mirror for a long time, in the eye, and I say: 'This is your calling, this is what you're meant to do.' It's what I'm born into, my destiny.

PetSugar: Do you have any secret weapons on hand in case things get a little hairy?
Ref: Just experience and I consult the Puppy Bowl referee guidebook. I like to keep a little peanut butter behind the ears sometimes, but otherwise it's just my strong bond with the dogs and they know who's boss when I'm out there.

PetSugar: How many pups play at a time?
Ref: There are 10 to 12 dogs out there but we do have substitutions. You'll see that on the field, if a puppy's acting up and has too many penalties or is being a dirty dog, I have to eject him from the game. We give everyone a fair shot and I tell you, the puppies we have this year are some of the cutest but also you'll see there's so much action, touchdowns being scored, tackles, it's an exciting year for Puppy Bowl.

PetSugar: Which penalty do you see most and how do you keep order?
Ref: There's two: The first is unnecessary ruffness (r-u-f-f, of course) and then the other one is a personal foul. As you can imagine, there are a lot of foul things on that field with puppies. But I throw my yellow flag on it – it's a dirty job but someone's got to do it.

Learn about the special guest performer before Puppy Bowl V, kitty halftime, and this year's "streaker" (!) when you read more.

PetSugar: Is there anything surprising lined up?
Ref: We're bringing out all the stops this year. But, even though we try to keep the show G-rated (and, as the ref, I try to obviously keep control of the game), one of the puppies got extra frisky. He went down into its birthday suit and we have a streaker, a Chinese Crested. I don't know what he was trying to prove but once I saw it on the field, I chased it around, covered it up and I made sure we retained order on the field.

PetSugar: You've convinced me, but can you sum up why our readers should tune in?
Ref: Well, we clear out the puppies to set up the halftime show. We bring in the kittens and it's 15 minutes of adorableness so, if you're not a puppy person (which I can't imagine you not being), then you have a chance to see these cute little kittens doing their thing. And if you're not a dog person or a cat person, you have Pepper the parrot singing the most beautiful rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" that you'll ever hear – it'll bring a tear to your eye, you'll see. Also this year, if you've missed Puppy Bowls I-IV, if you're living under a rock, this one is celebrating the fifth anniversary with Hall of Fame moments from the first four. So that's even more reason to watch because you can see the best, cutest, friskiest moments form the first four all in one amazing sitting at Feb.1 at 3 p.m..

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Migraine headache

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:55 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Migraines are severely painful, recurrent headaches that are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms such as visual disturbances (aura) or nausea. There are two types of migraine – migraine with aura (formerly called common migraines) and migraine without aura (formerly called classic migraines). If you have a migraine with aura, you may experience a visual disturbance (like seeing stars or zigzag lines or a temporary blind spot) about 30 minutes before the headache starts. Even if you don't experience an aura, you may have other warning signs in the period before the headaches starts (called prodrome), such as a craving for sweets, thirst, sleepiness, or depression. Although there is no cure for migraines, you can manage the condition by reducing the frequency of attacks and lessening pain once an attack starts.

Signs and Symptoms

The headache from a migraine, with or without aura, has the following characteristics:

Throbbing, pounding, or pulsating pain
Often begins on one side of your head and may spread to both or stay localized
Most intense pain is often concentrated around the temple(s) (side of the forehead)
Can last from 4 to 72 hours

These symptoms may occur at the same time or before the headache:

Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness, lightheadedness or even vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Visual disturbances, like seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines, temporary blind spots (for example, loss of your peripheral vision), or blurred vision
Parts of your body may feel numb, weak, or tingly
Light, noise, and movement – especially bending over – make your head hurt worse; you want to lie down in a dark, quiet room
Irritability

Symptoms that may linger even after the headache is gone:

Feeling mentally dull, like your thinking is not clear or sharp
Sleepiness
Neck pain

Causes

Researchers aren't sure what causes a migraine, although they know it involves changes in the blood flow in the brain. Initially, blood vessels constrict (narrow), reducing blood flow and leading to visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, weakness, numbness, or tingling sensation in one area of the body, or other similar symptoms. Later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge) leading to increased blood flow and a severe headache. Migraine triggers can include the following:

Alcohol, especially beer and red wine
Certain foods, such as aged cheeses, chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, some fruits (like avocado, banana, and citrus), foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG), onions, dairy products, meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats) fermented or pickled foods
Skipping meals
Fluctuations in hormones (for example, during pregnancy, before and during your period, and menopause)
Certain odors, such as perfume or smoke
Bright lights
Loud noises
Stress, physical or emotional (often, the headache occurs during a period of relaxation after a particularly stressful time)
Sleeping too little or too much
Caffeine
Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke
Some medications

Risk Factors

Gender (women are more likely to get migraines than men)
Having other family members with migraine headaches
Being under age 40; migraines tend to diminish as you age
Taking birth control pills (if your migraines are affected by fluctuations in estrogen levels)
Exposure and sensitivity to any of the potential triggers listed above

Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history in order to distinguish migraine headaches from other types of headaches, such as tension or sinus. He or she will ask questions about when your headaches occur, how long they last, how frequently they come on, the location of the pain, and any symptoms that accompany or precede the headaches. Sometimes it helps to keep a diary about your headaches prior to seeing the doctor, so you'll have an accurate recording of how often they happen. (See Lifestyle section for what information to include in a diary.)

Tests your doctor may order, depending on your symptoms and exam, include:

Computerized tomography (CT) scan, to look for other problems that could be causing your headache
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to look for brain abnormalities, and to look closely at the blood vessels in the brain
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap), if your doctor suspects meningitis or other conditions

You should seek emergency help if you experience the following symptoms:

You have unusual neurologic symptoms you have not experienced before, such as speech problems, change in vision, loss of balance, or difficulty moving a limb.
Your headache pattern or intensity is different
You are experiencing "the worst headache of your life"
Your headache worsens when you are lying down

These may indicate a stroke, a bleed in the brain, or other serious condition.

Treatment Approach

Treatment for migraines is aimed at preventing them from occuring and lesseneing pain once an attack starts.

You can control your migraines with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary therapies. Biofeedback (see Mind/Body Medicine) may help you control the initial contraction of blood vessels, while relaxation techniques may reduce both the frequency and intensity of attacks.

Lifestyle

Keeping a migraine diary, particularly when you first begin to experience migraines, can help identify the triggers for your headaches so you can avoid them. When a migraine occurs, write down the date and time it began. Note what you ate for the preceding 24 hours, how long you slept the night before, what you were doing just before the headache, any unusual stress in your life, how long the headache lasted, and what you did to make it stop.

Other lifestyle measures that may reduce the number of migraines include:

Avoiding cigarettes, caffeine, and alcohol
Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep each night
Relaxing and reducing stress in your life (see Mind/Body Medicine section)

Once a headache or associated migraine symptoms begin, it helps to:

Rest in a quiet, darkened room
Drink fluids to avoid dehydration (especially if you have vomited)

Medications

Medications for migraines can be classified in two major categories: those designed to prevent attacks, and those designed to relieve pain.

Drugs for Prevention

Your doctor may prescribe preventive medications if you have two or more migraines per month, use pain relievers more than twice a week, or if your symptoms are especially debilitating. Depending on your condition and medication, your doctor may recommend taking the medication daily or when a known trigger is about to occur (such as having your period).

Beta-blockers - also used to treat heart disease; researchers aren't sure why they also work for migraines, although they may help keep blood vessels in the brain from constricting and dilating. Beta-blockers include
- Atenolol (Tenormin)
- Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)
- Propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA)
Calcium-channel blockers - another type of cardiovascular drug that can help prevent migraines, including
- Verapamil (Calan, Isoptin)
- Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor)
Anti-depressants - Tricyclic antidepressants are helpful in preventing all kinds of headaches, including migraines. Tricyclic antidepressants include:
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Doxepin (Sinequan)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
Anticonvulsants - Some anti-seizure drugs help prevent migraines, although researchers aren't sure why:
- Divalproex sodium (Depakote)
- Topiramate (Topamax)

Drugs for Treatment

To be effective, these medications should be taken as soon as you feel a migraine coming on.

Triptans - This class of medications tends to be the front-line treatment for severe migraines and relieve pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. They work by constricting the blood vessels in the brain. Triptans include
- Almotriptan (Axert)
- Eletriptan (Relpax)
- Frovatriptan (Frova)
- Naratriptan (Amerge)
- Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
- Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
- Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
Ergots - Ergots also work by constricting blood vessels, but tend to have more side effects than triptans. Ergots include
- Ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot)
- Dihydroergotamine (Migranal)
Isometheptene, dichloralphenazone, and acetaminophen (Midrin) - Midrin combines a pain reliever (acetaminophen) and sedative (dichloralphenazone) with a medication that constricts blood vessels (isometheptene) to prevent migraines.

Other medications used to treat the headache pain or associated symptoms:

Anti-nausea drugs
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Narcotics, such as codeine, are sometimes used for people who can't take triptans or ergots; however, they can cause dependency and rebound headaches

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

Diet

Certain foods may trigger migraine headaches. Some of the include:

Chocolate
Cheese
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer found often in food from Chinese restaurants
Foods containing the amino acid tyramine (found in red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans)
Nuts
Peanut butter
Some fruits (like avocado, banana, and citrus)
Onions
Dairy products
Meats containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats)
Fermented or pickled foods

If you suspect that any of these foods cause your migraines, you could follow an elimination diet, eliminating all the items on this list from your diet and then reintroducing them one at a time. Pay close attention to when the number of headaches increases after eating particular foods. Then you know which trigger foods to avoid.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP, 400 to 600 mg per day) - This amino acid is made by the body from tryptophan (another amino acid you get from certain foods) and converted into serotonin, an important brain chemical. Researchers think abnormal serotonin function in blood vessels is related to migraines, and some of the drugs used to treat migraines work by affecting serotonin. Several studies indicate that 5-HTP may be about as effective as some prescription migraine medications, reducing the intensity and frequency of attacks. But not all studies have been so positive – one study found that 5-HTP was less effective than the beta-blocker Inderal. More studies are needed to be sure that 5-HTP is helpful in treating migraines. If you take an antidepressant, or supplements such as St. John's wort or SAMe, you should not take 5-HTP.
Magnesium (200 to 600 mg per day) - People with migraines often have lower levels of magnesium compared to people who do not have migraines, and several studies suggest that magnesium may reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. In one study, people who took magnesium reduce the frequency of attacks by 41.6 percent, compared to 15.8 percent in those who took placebo. Some studies also suggest that magnesium may be helpful for women whose migraines are triggered by their periods.Side effects from magnesium can include lower blood pressure and diarrhea.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin, 400 mg per day) - A few studies indicate that riboflavin may reduce the frequency and duration of migraines. In one study, people who took riboflavin had more than a 50 percent decrease in the number of attacks. Not all studies have found riboflavin to be effective, however. More research is needed.

Preliminary research indicates that these supplements may also help prevent migraines, although much more research is needed to say for sure:

Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg three times per day)
Melatonin (5 mg per day, taken before bedtime)

Herbs

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

Butterbur (Petasites hybridus, 50 to 75 mg of a standardized extract two times per day) - A few studies suggest that butterbur may help reduce both the frequency and duration of migraine attacks. The studies used a standardized extract that lowered the amount of alkaloids in the herb, which might potentially be harmful to the liver. If you want to try butterbur for your migraines, ask your doctor about a safe extract and dose. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take butterbur.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium, standardized leaf extract to 250 mcg parthenolide per day) - Feverfew has been used traditionally to treat headaches, and several well-designed studies have found that it may help prevent and treat migraines (not all studies agree, however). In one study of people with migraines, those who took feverfew capsules every day for 4 months saw a substantial drop in the number of attacks as well as far fewer symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, compared to those who received placebo. Feverfew can increase the risk of bleeding, and should not be taken with anticoagulants (blood-thinners). Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take feverfew.

Although there are no scientific studies showing that these herbs work, they are sometimes suggested to treat migraines and other types of headaches:

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba)
Willow bark (Salix spp.)

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been studied as a treatment for migraine headache for more than 20 years. While not all studies have shown benefit with acupuncture, researchers do agree that acupuncture appears safe and that it may be effective for some people. Results from a study published in 2003 suggest that receiving an acupuncture treatment when migraine symptoms first begin is as effective as taking the drug Imitrex; as symptoms continue, however, the medication works better than acupuncture.

In addition to needling treatment, acupuncturists may recommend lifestyle changes, such as suggestions for specific breathing techniques, qi gong exercise, and dietary modifications.

Chiropractic

Several clinical trials indicate that spinal manipulation therapy may help in the treatment of migraine headaches. In one study of people with migraines, 22% of those who received chiropractic manipulation reported more than a 90% reduction of attacks and 49% reported a significant reduction of the intensity of each migraine.

In another study, people with migraine headaches were randomly assigned to receive spinal manipulation, a daily medication (Elavil), or a combination of both. Spinal manipulation was as effective as Elavil in reducing migraines and had fewer side effects. There was no added benefit to combining the two therapies.

In addition, researchers reviewed nine studies that tested spinal manipulative therapy for tension or migraine headaches and found that it was as effective as medications in preventing these headaches.

However, not all these studies were of good quality, and they varied in the techniques used. More research is needed to say for sure whether chiropractic is effective for preventing migraines.

Massage and Physical Therapy

Reflexology, a technique that places pressure on specific "reflex points" on the hands and feet that are believed to correspond to areas throughout the body, has been proposed as a treatment for migraines. Some early studies suggest it may relieve pain and allow people with migraines to take less pain medication. However, more research is needed. Practitioners believe reflexology helps you become more aware of you own body signals, which might help you sense the subtle signals that indicate a migraine is about to occur (before pain starts). They also believe reflexology helps improve general well-being and energy level.

Homeopathy

One of the most common reasons people seek homeopathic care is to treat chronic headaches. However, only one out of four studies included in a scientific review found that individually prescribed homeopathic remedies significantly reduced the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines. Some of these effective remedies are listed below. Professional homeopaths may also recommend various treatments based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account the individual's constitutional type. In homeopathic terms, a person's constitution is his or her physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

The following are some of the remedies found to be effective:

Belladonna - for throbbing headaches that come on suddenly; these types of headaches tend to worsen with motion and light, but are partially relieved by pressure, standing, sitting, or leaning backwards
Bryonia - for headaches with a steady, sharp pain in the forehead that may radiate to the back of the head; these types of headaches worsen with movement and light touch, but improve with firm pressure; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are irritable and may also experience nausea, vomiting, and constipation
Gelsemium - for pain that extends around the head and feels like a tight band of constriction; pain usually originates in the back of the head and may be relieved following urination; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who feel extremely weak and have difficulty keeping their eyes open
Ignatia - for pain that may be described as a feeling of something being driven into the skull; these types of headaches tend to be triggered by emotion, including grief or anxiety, and the treatment is appropriate for both children and adults
Iris versicolor - for periodic migraines that begin with blurred vision, especially after eating sweets; pain usually occurs on one side of the head and may be partially relieved by gentle movement and/or fresh air
Kali bichromicum - for aching and pressing pains on the forehead (particularly between and behind the eyes); may be accompanied by sinus congestion or nausea and vomiting; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who prefer to lie down in a dark room and who experience relief from warmth and eating
Lachesis - for migraines on the left side of the head that are typically worse in the mornings and before menstruation; this type of headache is aggravated by warmth and sunlight and relieved by open air and firm pressure
Natrum muriaticum - one of the most common remedies used for migraine headaches, particularly those that are described as "hammers beating the head;" pain is relieved when the individual is lying down, alone, in a quiet dark room; these migraines may be associated with either menstruation or a grieving experience and are worse in the middle of the day; this remedy is most appropriate for children who look pale and feel nauseated, nervous, and emotional
Nux vomica - for headaches that are described as a "nail being driving into the head;" often accompanied by nausea and/or dizziness; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are constipated and irritable
Sanguinaria - for right-sided headaches that begin in the neck and move upwards, recur in a predictable pattern (such as every seven days), and are accompanied by nausea and vomiting; pain is aggravated by motion, light or sun exposure, odors, and noise; this remedy is appropriate for children who may have a craving for spicy or acidic foods, despite having a general aversion to eating due to the headache
Sepia - for migraines that are accompanied by nausea and are relieved when the individual is lying down; light and movement tend to worsen symptoms; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are moody and don't like being alone, but worry about being with others

Homeopaths may also prescribe the following remedies based on their knowledge and clinical experience:

Pulsatilla - for headaches triggered by eating rich, fatty foods, particularly ice cream; pain tends to move but may be concentrated in the forehead or on one side of the head; may be accompanied by digestive problems or occur around the time of menstruation; children for whom this remedy is appropriate often develop these symptoms while at school
Spigelia - for migraines described as a stinging, burning, or throbbing pain, often on the left side of the head; symptoms tend to worsen with exposure to cold weather and with motion, but are temporarily relieved by cold compresses and when the individual is lying on the right side with the head propped up

Mind/Body Medicine

Reducing and learning to cope with stress may help reduce the number and intensity of your headaches. Techniques that can help include:

Self-hypnosis
Biofeedback
Joining a support group
Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation (alternately contracting and releasing muscles throughout your body), meditation, and guided imagery

Other Considerations

Pregnancy

Many of the medications, herbs, and supplements used to prevent or treat migraines should not be used if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before using any medication (over the counter or prescription) or any complementary therapy available prior to becoming pregnant.

Warnings and Precautions

Use medications only as directed. using some medications on a regular basis can cause rebound headaches.

Call your doctor if you experience a new headache, a change in quality of a previous headache or headache pattern, or if a medication that usually takes away the pain no longer works.

Prognosis and Complications

Migraine headaches generally don't pose a threat to your overall health, although they can be chronic, recurrent, frustrating, and interfere with your day to day life. Stroke is an extremely rare complication from severe migraines, possibly due to prolonged constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels, reducing the blood flow to parts of the brain.

Many people find that migraines into remission (meaning that they stop for a long time and happen only very infrequently) or even disappear altogether, especially as you get older. For women, this may be related to lower levels of estrogen after menopause.

Supporting Research

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Baghdikian B, Lanhers M, Fleurentin J, et al. An analytical study, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Harpagophytum procumbens and Harpagophytum zeyheri. Planta Med. 1997;63:171–176.

Barrows KA, Jacobs BP. Mind-body medicine: an introduction and review of the literature. Med Clin North Am. 2002;86(1):11-31.

Bauman RJ. Behavioral treatment of migraine in children and adolescents. Paediatr Drugs. 2002;499):555-561.

Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Alt MedReview. 1998;3(4):271-280.

Blumenthal M. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Tex: American Botanical Council. Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

Bronfort G, Assendelft WJ, Evans R, Haas M, Bouter L. Efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic headache: a systematic review. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2001;24(7):457-466.

Cady RK, Schreiber CP. Sinus headache or migraine? Considerations in making a differential diagnosis. Neurology. 2002;58(9 Suppl 6):S10-S14.

Cummings S, Ullman D. Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam; 1997: 217-220, 343.

Dagenais S. Haldeman S. Chiropractic. Prim Care. 2002;29(2):419-437.

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Review Date:
12/18/2007
Reviewed By:
Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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adam.com

How-To: Fake Short Hair Like Rosario Dawson

BellaSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:55:25 -0800

I can't say enough about the hairstyle (and gorgeous earrings) we saw on Rosario Dawson at the premiere for Seven Pounds in LA. At first glance, it looked like a chopped change from her recent Lucky cover but, once I zoomed in, I realized it was a nip and tuck.This style's a baby step for commitmentphobes who want a cut, but aren't quiiite there yet. The trick to the illusion of short hair: large hair pins. Taking a mix of the classic pins (the ones that are rigidly straight with ridges) and the ones that look more like a bendy "v", tuck sections of your hair starting with the bottom and loosely layer the top until it's all pinned under.

Why jumbo? Find out when you read more.

Back when I chatted with the stylist who created Molly Sims messy updo, he told me that "a girl's necessity is always five long hair pins in the bottom of her purse, just in case." It totally makes sense now – why do with 20 what you can do with five – and, if oversized pins can make me go from long to short without the scissors, then I'm attached to the products below.

Sta-Rite Jumbo Hair Pins - $1.99	scunci Large Bobby Pins,Black - $1.99
Marianna Hair Pins Black - $7.99	Marianna Jumbo Roller Pins - $1.39

Source

Prostate cancer

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:35:04 -0700

Overview

Signs and Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Preventive Care
Treatment
Other Considerations
Supporting Research

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Prostate cancer is a cancerous (malignant) tumor that originates in the prostate gland and can eventually spread to other organs, bones, and tissues. The prostate is a cluster of small glands located beneath the bladder that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. Its principle function is to manufacture fluid that constitutes a portion of the semen.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40. Men at higher risk include African-America men older than 60, farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. The lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat (vegetarians).

Fortunately, prostate cancer tends to be slow-growing compared to many other cancers -- the majority of prostate cancers either do not spread or cause harm for decades.

Signs and Symptoms

Many people with prostate cancer experience no symptoms at all.

Some symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer include:

Difficult and painful urination
Frequent urination and a feeling that one has to urinate even when the bladder is empty
Incomplete emptying of the bladder, which may lead to dribbling of urine
Awakening frequently in the night to urinate
Decreased force of urine stream
Blood in the urine
Hip and back pain

When the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms can include:

Bone pain
Weakness or paralysis caused by compression of the spinal cord
Weight loss
Anemia
Kidney failure

Causes

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels.. The influence of genes on the development of prostate cancer is suggested by the fact that prostate cancer tends to occur in men who are related to one another (see Risk Factors section). In addition, researchers have identified a gene that is associated with 30% of family-related prostate cancers.

Reports also indicate that farmers as well as men who work in tire, rubber, and sheet metal factories tend to have high rates of prostate cancer or more aggressive forms of the cancer. Some researchers speculate that environmental exposure to cadmium (present in commercial fungicides) and other harmful substances may be responsible for the high rates of prostate cancer in these men.

Nutrition has been implicated in the development of prostate cancer because disease rates among men from countries with low prostate cancer rates (such as Japan) increase when they immigrate to the United States. This rise in incidence is thought to be due to the switch to a typical American diet, which is high in saturated fat. Elevated levels of male sex hormones, such as testosterone, may also play a role in the development of prostate cancer.

Risk Factors

The following factors may increase a man's risk for prostate cancer:

Older age -- prostate cancer is most common among men who are older than 55.
Race -- African-Americans have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer than Caucasians who, in turn, have a greater risk than Native and Latin Americans.
Family history of prostate cancer -- having a brother with prostate cancer makes a man 4.5 times more likely to develop the disease. Having a father with prostate cancer makes a man 2.3 times more likely to develop prostate cancer.
High-fat diet -- foods rich in saturated fat may increase testosterone levels.
Lack of exercise may increase the risk in those who eat a high-fat diet.
Occupation -- people who are regularly exposed to the chemicals dimethyl formamide and acrylonitrate, and the metal cadmium (such as metal workers and farmers), have high rates of prostate cancer.

Diagnosis

Two standard tests are used for early detection of prostate cancer:

Digital rectal exam (DRE) -- in this test, the physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the patient's rectum in order to feel the prostate for bumps or other abnormalities. Many malignant tumors originate in the outer part of the prostate where they may be detected by this exam. Some men find this test embarrassing, but the DRE is quick and relatively painless, and helps detect many prostate cancers. Although some tumors identified using DRE have already spread outside of the prostate gland, studies indicate that regular DREs still save lives.
PSA test -- blood test measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced in the prostate gland that keeps semen in liquid form. Prostate cancer cells produce elevated quantities of PSA, so measuring PSA levels allows physicians to detect cancer while it is still microscopic. Unfortunately, the test is not accurate enough to definitively rule out or confirm cancer. For example, advancing age and benign conditions such as enlarged prostate can also elevate PSA levels.

If either the DRE or PSA test suggests the possible presence of cancer, the following tests will be performed to make a definite diagnosis:

Transrectal Ultrasound -- a visual image of the prostate is obtained by using ultrasound.
Biopsy of the prostate -- a tissue sample is obtained through the rectum and examined for cancerous cells under the microscope.

If the biopsy confirms the presence of cancer, several tests will be performed to detect any spread of the disease. This information gauges how serious the prostate cancer is at the time of diagnosis. Likely tests include the following:

Imaging tests (CT and MRI) -- computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may pinpoint the location of cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.
Bone scans and x-rays -- these techniques look for spread of cancer to the bones.
Lymph node dissection -- this is part of a surgical procedure to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymphatic system.

Preventive Care

Regular screening with the DRE and PSA exams by a doctor may help detect prostate cancer in the early stages, before it has spread. Both the American Cancer Society and the American Urological Association recommend that men between the ages of 50 - 70 should have annual DRE or PSA tests. African-American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40.

Studies also suggest that the following lifestyle modifications may minimize the risk of prostate cancer:

Consuming a low-fat diet, rich in fruits and vegetables
Eating foods rich in selenium (such as brewer's yeast, wheat germ, chicken liver, nuts and seeds, tuna and herring) and vitamin E (such as wheat germ, organ meats, sweet potatoes, leafy vegetables including spinach, nuts and seeds, eggs, soybeans, and lima beans)
Exercising regularly, because exercise temporarily lowers testosterone

Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the age of the individual, the presence of other medical conditions, and the man's preferences in conjunction with the physician's recommendations.

If prostate cancer is detected early, treatment usually involves either surgical removal of the prostate or radiation therapy. For more advanced cases of prostate cancer, or if cancer spreads beyond the prostate, hormone medications are the preferred treatment.

If the man is older than 70 and has only a slow-growing tumor, the physician may adopt a strategy called "watchful waiting," in which the man returns frequently for check-ups. Treatment occurs only if the man's condition worsens.

Dietary modifications may slow the growth of the cancer in men undergoing watchful waiting, as well as those who have had surgery or are being treated iwth with medication or radiation. For example, eating a low-fat diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, soy, selenium, and fiber has been associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer.

Saw palmetto, a widely studied herb, appears to significantly reduce symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and may be used in prostate cancer, but only under the supervision of a doctor.

Acupuncture can relieve pain and the side effects of surgery while meditation and massage may reduce stress and anxiety associated with having prostate cancer.

Medications

Medications are considered the best therapy for people with advanced stages of prostate cancer or when cancer spreads from the prostate to other parts of the body. Drugs may also be prescribed prior to radiation therapy or when surgical procedures fail to lower PSA levels. Most medications for prostate cancer lower levels of male sex hormones (such as testosterone). Lowering testosterone levels can cause tumors to shrink or slow their growth.

Some commonly prescribed medications include:

Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) agonists (such as leuprolide, goserelin, and buserelin) -- LH-RH is natural hormone, released by the hypothalamus in the brain, that lowers the production of testosterone, and the medication encourages the release of this natural hormone. Side effects can include hot flashes, weight gain, development of male breast tissue, breast pain, and nausea.
Hormones including antiandrogens (such as flutamide, bicalutamide, and nilutamide) and estrogens (such as diethylstilbestrol) -- these medications reduce testosterone levels, but side effects can include reduced sex drive, fatigue, nausea, impotence, diarrhea, and hot flashes.
Chemotherapeutic medications (such as mitoxantrone and estramustine) -- improve symptoms in advanced cancer but do not increase life expectancy

Surgery and Other Procedures

Removal of the prostate (prostatectomy) -- offers an excellent cure for men with prostate cancer that is completely confined to the prostate, and is performed if life expectancy is at least 10 years and cancer is confined to the prostate. Side effects include incontinence and impotence, but new procedures that spare nerves near the prostate preserve sexual function in 25 - 90 % of men.
Surgical exploration of lymph nodes -- may be performed to evaluate whether prostate cancer has spread to the lymphatic system.
Resection of the prostate (called TURP or transurethral resection of the prostate) -- removal of all or part of the prostate gland to eliminate cancer and to relieve obstruction of urine.
Removal of the testes (orchiectomy) -- lowers testosterone levels, but side effects can include impotence and hot flashes.

In addition to these surgical procedures, radiation therapy may be effective for cancer confined to the prostate, particularly for older men. Radiation can be administered through an external source, or irradiated seeds can be placed internally near the prostate. Using irradiated seeds actually lowers the risk of damage to organs surrounding the prostate from radiation because administration can be more precise in both amount and location. Side effects can include proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum), urinary tract infections, and impotence.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

A comprehensive treatment plan for support of the health of men living with prostate cancer may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Preliminary studies suggest that nutritional supplements may reduce the symptoms of some prostate cancer. Ask your team of health care providers about the best ways to incorporate these therapies into your overall treatment plan. Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using.

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Eat foods high in B-vitamins and calcium, such as almonds, beans, whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), and sea vegetables. A study found that men who consumed 28 or more servings of vegetables per week were 35% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who had less than 14 servings per week.
Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and especially sugar.
Quality protein sources, such as organic meat and eggs, whey, and vegetable protein shakes, may be used as part of balanced program aimed at gaining muscle and preventing weight loss that can sometimes be a side effect of cancer therapy. Try to eat fewer red meats and more lean meats such as chicken and fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy), or beans for protein.
Eat cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower) -- they contain special cancer fighting chemicals.
Use healthy oils in foods, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

A daily multivitamin, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and selenium.
Calcium D-glucarate, 200 - 400 mg daily, for support of immunity and anticancer effects.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 - 3 tablespoonfuls oil, one to three times daily, to help decrease inflammation and help with immunity. Cold-water fish, such as salmon or halibut, are good sources but not substitutes for supplementation.
Whey protein, 10 - 20 grams daily mixed in favorite beverage, when needed as a protein supplement for support of immunity and weight gain; or creatine, 5 - 7 grams daily, when needed for muscle weakness and wasting. Talk with your health care provider.
N-acetyl cysteine, 200 mg one to three times daily, for antioxidant effects.
Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus among other strains), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, when needed for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. You should refrigerate your probiotic supplements for best results.
Astaxanthin, 2 - 6 mg daily, for immune and antioxidant support.
Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant and immune activity.
Vitamin C, 500 - 1,000 mg one to three times daily, as an antioxidant and for immune support. Some doctors will use higher doses in alternative cancer therapies. Check with your health care provider.
Lycopene, 5 mg one to three times daily, for antioxidant and anticancer activity. In a large study, lycopene levels were significantly lower in those with prostate cancer compared to those without.
L-glutamine, 500 - 1,000 mg three times daily, for support of gastrointestinal health and immunity.
Melatonin, 2 - 5 mg one hour before bedtime, for sleep and immune protection. Ask your health care provider about potential drug interactions with the use of melatonin.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune effects. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) standardized extract, 160 mg two times daily, for hormonal support. There has been some concern that saw palmetto could mask prostate cancer by lowering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. However, a randomized study of more than 1,000 patients did not demonstrate this effect on PSA levels. Talk to your health care provider about using saw palmetto for your condition.
Fermented wheat germ extract, 1 packet dissolved in favorite beverage once daily, for anticancer and immune effects. Ask your health care provider for more about this supplement.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) standardized extract, 200 mg two to three times daily, for anticancer and immune support.
Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) standardized extract (D-fraction), 600 mg twice daily, for immune and antiviral effects. You may also take a tincture of this mushroom extract, 30 - 60 drops two to three times a day.
Garlic (Allium sativum), standardized extract, 400 mg two to three times daily, for antibacterial or antifungal and immune activity.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may provide relief from side effects of orchiectomy (removal of the testes). Studies also support the use of acupuncture for the pain that often occurs when cancer has spread beyond the prostate (particularly to the bones). A National Institutes of Health statement released in 1997 also supports the use of acupuncture to alleviate nausea associated with chemotherapy.

Evidence suggests acupuncture can be a valuable therapy for cancer-related symptoms (particularly nausea and vomiting that often accompanies chemotherapy treatment). Studies have also indicated that acupuncture may help reduce pain and shortness of breath. Acupressure (pressing on rather than needling acupuncture points) has also proved useful in controlling breathlessness and is a technique that patients can learn and then use to treat themselves.

Massage and Physical Therapy

Studies suggest that massage reduces stress and boosts immune function, so it may help relieve anxiety for men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Pelvic floor exercises -- the repetitive use of muscles that start and stop the flow of urine -- may help decrease incontinence caused by prostatectomy (removal of the prostate). This therapeutic approach is often combined with biofeedback.

Mind-Body Medicine

Meditation

Meditation may benefit men with prostate cancer by helping them to reduce stress, ease anxiety, and regain a sense of self-control.

Biofeedback and Pelvic Muscle Training (PMT)

Several studies have found that learning to start and stop the flow of urine by repeatedly using the muscles of the pelvis (PMT) in combination with biofeedback can reduce the duration of incontinence after prostate cancer surgery. Other studies suggest however, that PMT alone, with or without biofeedback, is responsible for the beneficial effects. Either way, both PMT and biofeedback are safe, noninvasive therapies that may benefit men who suffer from incontinence following either surgical removal of the prostate or other treatments for prostate cancer.

Other Considerations

Prognosis and Complications

Most complications from prostate cancer result from specific treatments. These include:

Prostatectomy -- can cause incontinence and impotence
Radiation therapy -- can cause proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum), bladder infections, and impotence
Hormone medications -- can cause loss of libido, impotence, hot flashes, excessive development of male breasts, and tenderness in male breast tissue
Removal of testes -- can cause impotence and hot flashes

The outlook for a man with prostate cancer depends on his age, the stage of tumor growth, whether he has any underlying medical illnesses, and his PSA levels. The prognosis for men with cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate is quite good. Most of these cancers are curable with appropriate treatment, and after 15 years the same number of these men will be alive as those who never had prostate cancer. If the cancer spreads beyond the prostate and does not respond to hormone medications, however, there is little hope for a cure. Still, prostate tumors are slow-growing, and even men with advanced prostate cancer can survive for 5 years or more.

Supporting Research

Alimi D, Rubino C, Leandri EP, Brule SF. Analgesic effects of auricular acupuncture for cancer pain [letter]. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2000;19(2):81-82.

Aronson WJ, Glaspy JA, Reddy ST, Reese D, Heber D, Bagga D. Modulation of omega-3/omega-6 polyunsaturated ratios with dietary fish oils in men with prostate cancer. Urology. 2001;58(2):283-288.

Bairati I, Meyer F, Fradet Y, Moore L. Dietary fat and advanced prostate cancer. J Urol. 1998;159:1271-1275.

Bales GT, Gerber GS, Minor TX, et al. Effect of preoperative biofeedback/pelvic floor training on continence in men undergoing radical prostatectomy. Urology. 2000;56(4):627-630.

Cabrera C, Artacho R, Gimenez R. Beneficial effects of green tea -- a review. J Am Coll Nutr. 2006;25(2):79-99.

Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andresson SO, Yuen J, Adami HO, Wolk A. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer (Sweden). Cancer Causes Control. 1998;9(6):559-566.

Clark LC, Combs GF, Turnbull BW, et al. Effects of selenium supplementation for cancer prevention in patients with carcinoma of the skin. A randomized controlled trial. Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Study Group. JAMA. 1996;276(24):1957-63.

Cohen JH, Kristal AR, Stanford JL. Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk. J Nat Can Inst. 2000;92(1):61-68.

Coker KH. Meditation and prostate cancer: Integrating a mind/body intervention with traditional therapies. Sem Urol Oncol. 1999;17(2):111-118.

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Review Date:
11/7/2006
Reviewed By:
Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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