Diet to Clear Acne - The 6 Dos and 4 Don'ts You MUST Bear In Mind

Acne and pimples are a problem that needs to be addressed at a deeper level. Most people are just too busy buying topical solutions to control their acne breakouts when they should ideally be taking steps to address the problem from the inside. A diet to clear acne is a great approach as it will help you overcome your acne problems for good.

What makes up a general healthy acne diet?

A bad diet can result in oily skin which can be a great breeding ground for acne and pimples. Most of the people who suffer from acne are those who have an oily skin type. Oily skin is generally caused by a diet that is very high in saturated fats and trans-fat. It can also result out of diets that are very rich in carbohydrates. In addition to being bad diet acne foods, saturated fats, trans-fat and carbohydrates can also lead to other general health problems such as high cholesterol, increased risk of heart disease, obesity and so on.

Diet to clear acne - The 6 Do's

1. Water - Are you drinking enough water? A good way to tell would be to see the color of your urine. If it is not clear, you probably need to drink more water.
2. Fruits and vegetables or color foods - Try to include a good portion of fruits and vegetables in your diet, preferably raw.
3. Essential fats - While saturated fats and trans-fat is bad for you, good fats such as oils from seeds and fish oil are very good for your body and skin.
4. Increase fiber - Increased fiber in the form of whole grains, beans and other products can improve your digestion which will reduce the toxin levels in your body.
5. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee - Try to avoid or restrict these beverages to normal levels.
6. All the above tips will add up to what is also called as an alkaline diet acne solution where you try to control your acne breakouts by altering the pH balance in your body to favorable levels.

Diet to clear acne - The 4 Don'ts

1. Watch your sugar intake - Try to substitute sugar with honey and avoid sugary drinks, pastries or other food items that are drowned in sugar.
2. Avoid refined carbohydrates - It is best that you avoid bad carbohydrates in the form of white bread, pasta etc.
3. Watch the canned food - If you are living on a canned food diet, you could be consuming a huge amount of chemicals in the form of preservatives that will not help your skin problems.
4. Deep fried foods - Instead of deep fried foods, go for steamed or grilled options that are much friendlier for the skin.

As you can see from the points above, a good healthy acne diet is one that is also good for your general health as well and you will be well advised to make some changes for the benefit of your skin and your general well being.

The tips I just shared above did helped clear my acne(to a certain degree) and I'm sure it'll help you as well.

But honestly, if you want clear skin, I'll not lie to you... It's NOT easy and you'll need a detailed step-by-step guide to do it RIGHT.

I have read a couple of acne related books and I'd have to say that "Acne No More" covers the MOST grounds. - However, I still dislike certain aspects of the book. I'll reveal them in my acnenomore review here.

If you're really interested in my exact story on how I cleared my acne within 3 months, check out http://www.acnenomorereviewer.com

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"This is Public Health" is now an iPhone Application!

In March 2011, the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) launched a new This Is Public Health (TIPH) iPhone application. It is available via the Apple itunes store. “This innovative application will allow users to digitally place an image of the TIPH sticker in photographs on their mobile device, so they no longer need to have physical stickers with them everywhere they go in order to participate in the campaign.”

The "This is Public Health" campaign was first piloted during the 2008 National Public Health Week.

The TIPH campaign was developed to achieve the following objectives:

• Increase awareness about public health and the important role public health plays in our daily lives.

• Position Schools of Public Health as innovative/effective leaders in public health outreach and education.

• Engage new audiences, including policymakers and funders, in a dialogue about the importance of supporting public health.

• Attract and inspire the next generation of public health professionals through non-traditional engagement tools.
  

The campaign uses stickers with the slogan "This is Public Health" placed in locations around the world to help reach its goals.

The campaign's website clearly shows the reach of the campaign- over 1,000 public health practice organizations, individuals, and other academic institutions in over 45 countries have joined the campaign. But of course (as always), I'm interested in seeing an evaluation of the campaign. It was unclear to me from the website how they define their target audience. I was not sure if they wanted to "increase awareness" of public health among "participants" of the campaign (i.e., those giving out the stickers) or among the general public (i.e., those seeing the stickers in various locations). I was able to track down an evaluation report from September 2009 (which covered the first year of the project). For purposes of this report, data was collected from program participants (defined as those that requested stickers or the campaign video). Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected via phone interviews, feedback from public health groups and individuals, a review of program data and statistics, and an online survey. Here are some key findings:

• The majority of participants [32.7%] learned about the campaign through the ASPH website.

• Educating the general public about public health, increasing awareness about careers in public health and increasing the understanding of the work of a particular institution were the top three goals of those who executed the campaign locally.

• When asked to rate on a scale of 1-10 how effective the “This Is Public Health” materials were in achieving their campaign goals, nearly a quarter [23.8%] gave the materials a 10, citing them as “very helpful” and over three-quarters of the respondents rated the effectiveness a 7 or higher.

• Simplicity and ease of use were what most campaign participants liked best about the “This Is Public Health” campaign.

• Nearly all respondents [92.1%] said that they were likely to recommend the campaign to colleagues in the public health community with almost 70% saying they were “very likely” to do so.

Interestingly, some areas of mixed review were around the program's website, flickr group (pictures), and interactive google maps. There was some concern that keeping all the program materials online because it excluded those without Internet access. In addition, the adoption of flickr and maps depended on the "tech savviness" of the participants. So seeing that their newest addition is an iPhone application, it will be interesting to see which groups of participants are the earliest adopters of the technology. I look forward to seeing the next evaluation report!

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A Pop Health Book Review of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"

This book is not brand new; it has been out for about a year. However, it continues to pick up momentum and be read by book clubs across the country. Therefore, after it was recommended to me by my mother-in-law, I thought it would be perfect for a Pop Health Book Review.

As someone who works in public health, I collaborate with our University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) on a daily basis to ensure the safety of our research (for the good of our research team, funder, and participants). And even though I know and understand the importance of the collaboration, it can still feel like a burden to address and document each question that is asked by our IRB (I know many of you would agree!) I see the students I work with roll their eyes and sigh when they have to take the IRB and HIPAA trainings. HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 Privacy and Security Rules. The students say, "Yeah...we already know this stuff".

However, this book takes what you "already know" and puts a face on it. It reminds you that it wasn't long ago that people (especially vulnerable people) were experimented on and/or used for research without their consent. Often with sad and deadly outcomes.

Rebecca Skloot, an award-winning science writer, takes the reader on her personal journey (lasting over a decade) to learn about the woman behind HeLa cells. The woman's name was Henrietta Lacks. The original cells were taken from her cervix shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer and before her death. HeLa cells have been vital for many scientific advances, including the development of the polio vaccine.

Henrietta's story, pieced together through more than a thousand hours of interviews conducted by Rebecca, touches on the most essential and controversial aspects of public health and research:

1. Treatment/Research on Vulnerable Populations:

• Henrietta Lacks was a poor Southern tobacco farmer, seeking medical care from Johns Hopkins "colored" ward in the early 1950s. A sample of her tumor was taken and given to researchers without her consent. She was treated with radiation without a discussion about the side effects. Henrietta had no idea the radiation would cause her to be infertile. The hospital convinced her husband David to agree to an autopsy (after he already refused) by saying that the exam "could help his children one day". The autopsy results were later given to a writer who published all the details in his book.

• It is no wonder that the IRB now requires specific training and attention to address research that focuses on vulnerable populations. These include pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, prisoners, children, and other special classes of individuals such as minorities and those that are mentally ill.

• It is no wonder that it can be incredibly difficult to recruit members of these vulnerable groups to participate in research, even today! Henrietta's family spoke of their fears of being snatched off the streets around Johns Hopkins by doctors wanting to experiment on them. Rebecca found research that tales of "night doctors" had filled black oral history since the 1800s. These doctors would kidnap black people for research.

2. Ethical Issues

• This book examines the ethical issues of sharing human tissue. Consent to share human tissue (e.g., those you have "discarded"after a blood test or biopsy), is not the same as consenting to participate in research. Often consent is not required.

• But do researchers and doctors have an ethical responsibility to disclose to the patient if (1) their cells/tissues are unique and valuable in some way, (2) the researcher or doctor has a financial interest in their tissue, (3) the patient's tissue will be used in any way that is contrary to their beliefs?

3. Informed Consent

• Times have certainly changed since 1951 when Henrietta Lacks was subjected to tests and procedures without giving informed consent. Unfortunately, it took about 50 years to get there. Her husband and children were still left in the dark regarding the purpose of blood tests in the years after her death. Scientists wanted to map their genes. The family thought they were being tested for cancer. They waited years for results that never came.

• Most of Henrietta's family only completed school until their early-mid teenage years. Even when the doctors explained parts of procedures, it was not at a level or in a way that was familiar to them.

• This book emphasizes the importance of being "informed" in the consent process. If the participants don't understand, their verbal or written consent means nothing.

All of these important issues are discussed with beautiful storytelling by Henrietta's family and Rebecca's careful research. It is a must read, especially for my fellow science and public health friends out there.

You'll find yourself cheering for Henrietta's daughter Deborah and her siblings, who have all endured more than their share of suffering. And probably most important, you'll find yourself making a pact to never sigh when it is time to complete the annual IRB training.

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My solution to the Nausea / vomiting that Ortho Tri Cyclen causes

While Ortho Tri Cyclen has been an effective solution for my acne, it has one significant side affect that I am not too happy about. Here is the problem: I take the pill every night at 7:30. And I feel extremely nauseated / want to vomit at about 2-3am in the morning. Its causing me to wake up in the middle of the night. It's been so bad that I have to actually get up several nights to vomit to make me feel better. I suspect that the hormones in the medicine peak at 2-3am and my body is not used to it.


I was thinking about stop taking the pill several times because I couldn't get a good night sleep. But every time I look in the mirror, I have decided to continue with it. Because I know with the pill, once you stop, acne comes right back.

With other medicine that you might feel nausea, doctors would say that you need to take it with food. So, every night I have been eating right before I go to bed. So far, it stops me from feeling nausea. I think it's pretty bad for my weight but I have no other choice if I want to keep taking Ortho Tri Cyclen. But, I have been on the pill for a little bit over three months and have not gained any weight. I know it's different for everyone because I know people that have gained 5 lbs, 10 lbs or even 20lbs for just being on the pill. You won't know what your body does unless you take Orth Tri Cyclen.

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The Role of Social Media in Emergency Preparedness and Recovery

Last month I attended a presentation about a research study which evaluated the content of State-level emergency preparedness websites. The reviewers were looking for the presence of essential components such as clear contact information and links to federal emergency preparedness resources. I raised my hand and asked, "Are you evaluating these websites/organizations for a social media presence?" I used the example of the most recent Philadelphia "emergency" I encountered, 15 inches of snow. I did not go onto the city's emergency management website for information. I follow NBCPhiladelphia and SEPTA (the city's mass transit system) on Twitter. So I looked at my phone to find out what offices were closed and which buses/trains were running or cancelled. As always the key question remains, how does your target population get their information? What systems will still be working in an emergency (e.g., what if you lose electricity or internet?)

Since last Friday, we have all been watching the sad and heartwrenching images from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. And you may wonder, with so much of the country affected, how will people make contact with their loved ones and how will the government get critical information out quickly? This morning, Mashable ran an article called, "Social Media Plays Vital Role in Reconnecting Japan Quake Victims with Loved Ones". While the earthquake knocked out electricity, the internet remained largely intact. The US Embassy in Tokyo is trying to take advantage of this fact and is encouraging Americans in Japan to contact their loved ones via text message and social media (i.e., Facebook and Twitter). Facebook and Twitter analytics from the day of earthquake show incredibly high usage.

A recent post on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) blog discusses how social media is being considered as a key element in emergency preparedness. FEMA administrator Craig Fugate discusses a January 2011 planning meeting in which he met with the founder of Craigslist and editors from Wired, Twitter, Apple, and Facebook. He reports that they discussed:

• "The need to provide information to the public as data feeds, because they are a key member of our emergency management team"
• "The importance of referring to people impacted by a disaster as survivors and utilizing them as a resource"
• "The importance of providing good customer service"
• "How [emergency managers], need to stop trying to have the public fit into our way of doing things and receiving information, but that we should fit the way the public gets, receives and seeks out information"

It is great to hear that emergency managers are identifying social media as a powerful tool and planning how best to take advantage of it during an emergency.

Other online resources for making connections after a tragedy include:

Google Person Finder : This google service is used in the aftermath of such tragedies and allows users to click, "I am looking for someone" or "I have information about someone".

Red Cross Family Links: The purpose of this website is to help people get connected after being separated by disaster or conflict. Currently, there are links for Japan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Nepal, Iraq, and Somalia.

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How To Get Rid of Acne In One Day With One Application

Imagine you have a stubborn zit on your nose. You try various remedies to get rid of it for several months. And the most frustrating part is that your wedding is tomorrow. You desperately need a quick fix.

Many of you are in this similar situation. Whether it is a wedding or an important social function, you want your skin to be free from blemishes. So, how do you get rid of acne in one day? Is it possible?

All you need is an acne spot treatment. Not any product that you can pick up from the drug store. It must have benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Both of them works very well together to bust those ugly spots overnight.

Another important thing you need to look for is the concentration. For benzoyl peroxide, the concentration has to be 10% while a concentration of 2% is a must for salicylic acid.

You must make sure your face is properly washed and dried. Just dab on the pimple. Don't use it on other facial areas.

This may not work for everyone especially if your skin is sensitive. If you experience extreme dryness, peeling or irritation, then stop using it.

So, why do they work so fast?

Salicylic acid dissolves keratin, a type of protein, which binds of the skin cells. This removes the dead skin cells easily, keeping the pores free from cellular debris and promoting new skin cells to grow.

It also allows the skin to absorb benzoyl peroxide easier and faster.

Propionibacteria acnes, or P. acnes, the acne-causing bacteria, thrive in an environment which is lacking of oxygen. Benzoyl peroxide supplies oxygen to the follicles, killing the bacteria. One thing you should know is that bacteria will never be immune to benzoyl peroxide.

However, neither of them can improve your immune system against P. acnes or control the production sebum. So, you may experience another breakout in the future.

If you want to prevent acne from disrupting your life, then you need to adopt a regular skin care regimen. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide should be used regularly but with lower concentration as you want to avoid the skin irritation. This is not a spot treatment anymore.

If you are looking for better results, you should also look into supplements. Some nutrients are effective in controlling acne. You not only need treat acne on the outside but on the inside as well. As the space is limited here, I would highly recommend you learn more about it at Acnezine review or http://www.acnecrusher.com/acnezine-review.php

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What Makes Your Acne Worse?

Having acne is very annoying, but you can cure it. There are so many methods to cure acne you can try. Well, beside to know how to cure acne, you also need to know what factors that can make your acne worse.

What makes your acne worse:

a. Washing face more than twice.
Washing face more than twice will not cure acne, in fact, it can dry your face skin.

b. Bad diet.
Eating too much junk food and less of vegetables and fruits is usually related to the appear of acne.

c. Dirty hair.
Your daily activities make your hair dirty, so it's not strange that it can cause acne.

d. Popping acne.
It can break beneath of your face skin and spread oil that triggers acne everywhere. And the worst, it can leave scar to your face.

e. Choosing wrong cosmetic.
Choosing wrong cosmetic can clog your face pores, and it makes your skin breath unwell. Water based cosmetic is the best choice as well as it can reduce factors that can cause acne.

f. Stress.
Stress contributes to over produce sebum on your face. Sebum, with dead skin cells clog pores and cause acne.

g. Too much medication.
Too much medication can make your skin dry and become irritated.

h. Wrong natural acne treatment.
Sometimes, one method is good for someone, but not to others. The other example, using mask can make your skin dry if it is used everyday, and of course, it will take longer time to cure your acne.

Thank you for reading, see you on my next article.

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