November 1, 2017

15 Doctor Recommended “To Do’s” to Fight the Flu

 

As we head into flu season there are many things we can do to “flu proof” ourselves. Regardless of whether you choose to get a flu vaccine or not, there are things we can do to heighten our chances of not getting sick this winter. Dr. Christopher Calapai, a New York based Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine provided us with a comprehensive list of 15 to do’s to fight the flu.

 

  1. Keep your surroundings clean, wipe surfaces at work, keep your cell phone clean. According to the CDC viruses can survive on a surface for up to 8 hours

 

  1. Wash your hands frequentlyand use a hand sanitizer. Remember the workplace and public spaces are a hotbed for germs. This is where the hand washing comes into play.

 

  1. Increase intake of vitamin D, C, E and A.Include foods such as red bell peppers (add to salads), sweet potatoes, chicken soup, salmon and garlic. Research shows that keeping vitamin D levels at 80 ng/ml or so decreases the risk of catching the flu and swine flu.

 

  1. Bring your own lunchto work where you can control food prep and ensure surfaces are clean.

 

  1. Get a full night’s sleep.When you feel run down you’re more susceptible to illness.

 

  1. Work from homewhen feeling sick. These days it’s easier for people to work from home at the slightest signs of cold or flu.

 

  1. Eat kimchi!It’s delicious and a great probiotic which boost immunity.

 

  1. Add mushrooms to your meal.Packed with selenium they’re an immunity booster.

 

  1. Sip green or black tearich in polyphenols and flavonoids which ward off illness as well as L-theanine,

an immunity boosting amino acid. Green and black tea are also packed with polyphenols and flavonoids.

 

  1. Munch on sweet potato frieswhich are high in vitamin which helps us fight off bacteria and viruses.

 

  1. Don’t touch your face especially the eyes.The average person touches their face around 15 times

per hour! It’s something we do unconsciously so if we can be more aware of face touching the more we can stop.

 

  1. Soup it up!Chicken veggie noodle or ginger garlic soup fights flu and sinus infection.

 

  1. Exercise regularly!Doing 30 minutes of moderate cardio per day is optimal to enhance the performance of infection fighting white blood cells.

 

  1. Go hands free on the smartphone.When we put our phones down and then pick them up or touch them this is where viruses can spread. Using earbuds and cleaning the phone with a devise friendly cleaner will help.

 

  1. Lose the booze.You really want to cut back on alcohol consumption during flu season. It dehydrates us and lowers our immunity so our ability to fight off virus is impaired.

 

About the Doctor:

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham’s, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

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November 1, 2017

Natural Hair Growth – The Do’s and Don’ts

Frizz-free strands, soft, shiny hair and clean-cut ends are the tell-tale signs of healthy hair. No matter the colour, texture or length of your hair, it is vital you maintain the health of it to prevent any damage. Sometimes it may be difficult to take care; our day-to-day activities means we are outdoors in varying weather conditions and blow dryers and straighteners provide us with a quick styling fix. But don’t worry as these simple steps are here to support you on your hair care journey.

Let’s begin with what you should be doing to help you achieve a healthy head of hair!

Oils

Natural oils are a great way to add moisture and shine to your locks. When massaged into the hair, the oils can help nourish the scalp towards healthy growth. It’s best to find out which oils are best for your hair type and how it will Argan oil is well known to help tame dry, frizzy hair, whilst Sweet Almond Oil is high in protein and is ideal for fine hair.

Science!

Achieve thick, volumizing hair with lasers. You may be wondering how on earth lasers could help support healthy hair. Discovered by Professor Endre Mester, Low Light Laser Therapy is commonly found in hair devices to help stimulate hair growth by using lasers and LEDs. The iGrow Laser is an FDA-approved laser helmet which can be worn in the comfort of your home as it aims to stimulate and strengthen hair follicles, promoting growth and allowing you to achieve thick, healthy hair.

Use protection

Notice how often women rush to find shelter or rummage through their bags for an umbrella when it begins to rain – it’s just us simply protecting our hair. But what about the time we relax in the sun. Heat damage can result in dry, brittle, straw-like strands. It is important to find serums or sprays that include SPF to help protect your hair. Also, regular trimming helps protect the cuticles from breaking.

Food

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can support you in keeping energised and physically in shape, but the right foods can also help revitalise your hair by strengthening strands and promoting hair growth. Eat fishy foods such as salmon as this contains Omega 3, great for helping get silky hair or red meats that contain iron which helps stimulate hair follicles.

If you’re feeling creative, why not whip up a protein food hair mask! Ingredients such as eggs, avocados and bananas include essential minerals and protein to help nourish your hair.

Now the things we shouldn’t do…

Don’t overwash hair

Try not to overwash your hair – aim for a maximum of 2 to 3 times a week. We produce natural oils that aim to condition and protect our hair, but if we are constantly shampooing, this strips away the oils. Always use conditioner and refrain from rinsing with hot water as this can cause damage to the cuticles, leading to breakage.

Don’t wear tight hairstyles

Sleek ponytails, braids, cornrows may look good but when worn too tightly, it can result in strands of hair breaking. Give your scalp a rest – constantly pulling the hair follicles is not only painful but may lead to hair loss. Wear your hair loosely and avoid elastic bands that grip the hair too tightly.

Don’t rely on chemicals

Overuse of chemicals can lead to lifeless locks. Whether it is bleaching your hair or using a shampoo that contains sulphate, chemicals can make the hair dry and more prone to breakage and damage. Look for natural or sulphate-free shampoos and try not to colour hair so often.

So now you’ve read through the Do’s and Don’ts on how to look after your hair and ensure it receives the care it deserves. Head to www.haircaretotal.co.uk, where you will find a great range of products that aim to nurture your hair.

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November 1, 2017

5 Anti-Aging Skin Regimens

The American Academy of Dermatology refers to the natural aging process as “intrinsic aging,” and while there isn’t anything you can do about that, there is definitely something you can do about “extrinsic aging.” Your environment and lifestyle choices can greatly influence the look and feel of your skin, and ultimately speed up the appearance of wrinkles and other visible lines of aging. Ensure your skin stays as youthful as possible with these anti-aging regimens.

1. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

It’s no secret that moisturizer revitalizes the skin, and keeps it feeling soft and smooth. Every time we wash our skin, in fact, some of the natural moisture is wiped away, and therefore it’s important to maintain moisture levels by moisturizing twice a day — once in the morning and once in the evening. During the day, you can kill two birds with one stone by using a moisturizer that also has SPF as this will protect your skin from any sun damage, and thus fights off premature aging.

2. Cleanse Your Face Everyday

Whether it’s once or twice a day, cleansing your face should become a regular routine to keep your skin clean and free of blemishes. One mistake that many women make when it comes to saving their skin from premature aging, is leaving their make-up on overnight. If you’re only going to cleanse once a day, make sure it’s in the evening before bed and is with a gentle cleanser as this will reduce irritation and increase hydration.

3. Have A Nighttime Routine

During your sleep is the ideal time for your skin to restore and energize itself — two activities that will naturally keep your skin young. Therefore, having a comprehensive nighttime routine that can involve not only cleanser and moisturizer but also possibly an eye cream and a strong serum, supports this regeneration and gives your skin the best chance to help itself.

4. Start Using An Appropriate Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is usually where the first signs of wrinkles and lines appear, as it tends to be thinner drier and more sensitive than any other area. Try applying eye cream regularly to give this particular area the extra support it needs. Artistry by Amway just created the Artistry Supreme LX Collection which uses stem cells from the Gardenia Grandiflora flower. If you prefer natural products then this may be a great option and it comes in just a moisturizer as well.

5. Cater To Your Personal Needs

Everybody’s skin is different, and acknowledging this is important to ensuring your skin fights the signs of premature aging. Whether it’s dark circles, puffy eyes, an oily t-zone, excessive dryness, dark spots or uneven skin tone, always include products or rituals that cater to your individual needs.

Aging skin can be difficult to combat given the many internal and external factors that contribute to the health of our complexion. Try using some of these skin regimens and get in the habit of taking care of your skin so it remains glowing and youthful for as long as possible.

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October 26, 2017

It’s a Glam Thing Loves Beauty Brands that give Back

 U Brands:

U Brands cares about our youth’s future. When you purchase their stationery or desk accessories, they will donate a portion of their proceeds to Kids in Need Foundation®. The Kids In Need Foundation’s mission is to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed in the classroom by providing free school supplies nationally to students most in need.

Sababa:

The USDA estimates that 42 million people in the United States are food insecure as of 2015. Of this number, 13,118,000 are children under age 18. That means 1 in 6 children live in a household without consistent access to adequate food. Sababa is a One into One™ company. For every product sold, Sababa gives a meal to a child in need, right back into the community where the product was sold.Sababa provides an opportunity for people to give back without changing their habits or daily routines. Sababa represents a way of life and making a difference in the community.

Vessel:

Building a better world through everyday elegance, Vessel’s Buy a Bag, Give a Bag program is the perfect combination of style and cause. With every bag purchased, Vessel gives a school backpack to a child in need. Since this purposeful program was implemented, Vessel customers have helped provide over 18,000 school backpacks! A company that believes life is an adventure filled with purpose, Vessel allows you to carry a customized design to inspire the world with your vision, creativity, and chic style.

Mirenesse:

When you purchase Mirenesse’s Limited Edition Shona Art Makeup Collection, they will give back to their Power through Beauty campaign. Mirenesse will be donating 10% of all proceeds from this line to help put an end to domestic violence.

Green Goo:

Green Goo is a woman-owned, family-operated business based out of Lyons, Colorado that strives to bring “farm to farmacy” by carefully selecting only the purest, most sustainable herbs and essential oils. Their products range from skin repairing salves to nourishing lip balms, softening bath soaps and so much more. As Green Goo’s success grows, so does their commitment to help the community. Their products were used to help heal at the Hargeisa Orphan Center in Somalia, to provide 600+ patients with pre-medical care in Honduras, as well as many other worthy causes worldwide. Some of the organizations they’ve partnered with are: World Vision, Mercy in Action, Mandela Foundation, Snowball Express, Summit for Soldiers, the Pacific Crest Trail, and John Hopkins, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Green Goo also partnered with Keep a Breast Foundation and Non-toxic revolution Donating $.05 per each sale!

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October 26, 2017

Change the Clocks Not Your Mood with These 5 Steps

As we prepare to switch the clocks and “fall back” this November 5, many of us may give up more than an hour of daylight. We may be giving up our good mood. Many people mark the clock change as the start of more darkness, cold weather and anxiety over holiday schedules and holiday shopping and travel. Dr. Saman Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services explains how setting the clocks back is, for many people the start the winter blues and offers tips on how not to slip into a funk.

Set a sleep regimen.

Less daylight affects our mood and the further north you go the more intense it is. Dr. Hafeez explains that around 3 million people are affected by some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s more common in women than in men and it often lingers throughout the entire winter. How to beat it? Dr. Hafeez suggests getting to bed an hour earlier and adding in some time to wind down an hour before bed. “Don’t watch the news before sleep; read a book, write in a journal or meditate. Do something that eases you into a restful state,” she says.

Change up your exercise schedule.

It’s normal for the brain to get thrown off when it gets darker earlier. Less daylight means that the motivation to get outside for that early morning jog may fade. This is normal. “It’s important that you give your brain new stimulation. Try working out after work instead of in the morning or, if possible join a work out app that brings at home exercise routines right to your phone.

Book your calendar.

The more you have to look forward to the better your mood will be. Schedule weekly dinners with family and friends. Wintertime is hibernation time so set up a family movie schedule or game nights. It’s important to have weekends booked up with fun activities to keep the mind looking forward to fun events. “Social withdrawal is common in the winter when temperatures drop. Take turns hosting dinner events and get around people,” Hafeez encourages.

Study up!

Interested in learning a new skill? Use the wintertime to take seminars, attend workshops and commit to learning something new. When you engage the part of your brain responsible for learning you’re more inspired and alert. Even listening to podcasts and participating in interesting webinars on a topic you’re interested in will increase energy, Hafeez says.

Experiment with new recipes.

When the temperatures drop and we enter hibernation mode we tend to crave more comfort foods. According to Dr. Hafeez, a great way to lift our moods and stimulate our brains is through taste. Winter is a great time to explore new foods. With so many fresh food delivery companies out there you can get pre-portioned healthy food options with step-by-step prep instruction delivered to your doorstep. “I really like this idea because it engages the senses which stimulates the brain. You’re releasing positive brain chemicals triggered by excitement, adventure, task execution and enjoyment, plus you’re eating healthy.

About the doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credibl

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October 26, 2017

Michelle Trachtenberg & Keisha Castle Hughes wears Gabriel NY!

Los Angeles, CA – October 24, 2017 – Michelle Trachtenberg and Keisha Castle-Hughes were photographed wearing Gabriel NY last night. Michelle accented her black cocktail dress with Gabriel NY’s 18k White Gold Fashion Diamond Ladies’ Ring ($4,310) at the InStyle Awards, while Keisha Castle-Hughes wore Gabriel NY’s 14k Yellow Gold Wide Band Diamond Ladies’ Ring ($2,650, www.gabrielny.com) to the Thank You For Your Service premiere in Los Angeles.
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October 26, 2017

Camera in Focus – 6 Things to Keep in Mind When Using a Photobooth Outdoors

Photobooths are fast becoming a new trend in the age of DSLRs and hired photographers, and it’s easy to see why. A photo booth from Snappy Photobooths will set you back less than a professional photographer, won’t need to interrupt conversations for photo opportunities, and can take as many pictures as a memory bank can hold over the course of your event.

Much like a photographer, they’re available for nearly any kind of event and unlike a photographer they are not subject to late notice sick days or unexpected holidays. These monolithic machines of photography mastery will not only take your pictures, store your pictures, and look good doing it, but they’ll also provide you with props for silly shots too.

The only thing you need to keep in mind is where you put them when you’re using them outside, so to help with that one task, we’ve created a list of things to keep in mind when using a photobooth outdoors, and we believe it will help immensely.

Lighting

As everybody with a phone camera knows, outdoor lighting is different to indoor lighting, and this difference is capable of ruining a shot in no time. One problem occasionally faced by photobooths is that they take on aspects of both outdoor and indoor lighIt’s a Glam Thingting when they are used in an outdoor setting.

This is because the unit is outside where light is bouncing off every blade of grass and tree in the immediately area, and the camera is housed on the inside of the unit. Make sure when placing it that you face the entryway away from where the sun will affect it, and everything should be a-ok.

Placement

Where the unit is in your event means everything, as you want it to be obvious to everyone and clearly intended for use. In an outdoor setting, this is a little harder to do because there aren’t the familiar and predictable lines of a house or walls to guide people to it, so instead you need to find a place people will flock to anyway. The food area tends to be the best place for this, as people are naturally moving toward it at all times, and it’s usually centrally located.

Props

Props are one of the best things about photobooths, and more and more companies are providing props for photographs that are relevant to the event. A large foam pair of love-heart glasses for a wedding, several sets of devil horns for a 21st birthday party, or even a toga for a university party.

These are all great ways to liven up phthe partypeople.com, otographs and encourage people to be more silly with the photobooth, however keeping in mind what you provide to your guests is a good idea, as drunk and disorderly guests might destroy props in their merriment. This adds to your bill, which is never a nice surprise at the end of a party.

Accessibility

How accessible your photobooth is for all of your guests will directly influence how many people use it and therefore how much use you get out of it. Accessibility should also be kept in mind for differently-abled individuals, so solid ground should be present when choosing the outdoor location for your photobooth, and a ramp is suggested for ease of access.

Weatherproofing

No matter where you are, surprise rain is a thing that affects us all. The fact that a photobooth is also an electronic device means that weatherproofing the outside of it if it isn’t already weatherproof is a very good idea.

Look for anything that might let dust or water into the unit and try to shelter it. It’s important that you don’t seal up these ports, as they can be venting locations for the machine, and sealing them could result in more damage occurring.

Nature

Finally, nature being the way it is you are sure to get bugs invading your photobooth at some point during the day of your event. Whether these are tiny gnats, harmless and almost non-existent for how much trouble they cause, or wasps that stand a chance of genuinely hurting someone is up to you.

It is recommended that you put a mosquito net around the unit if your soiree is taking place near troublesome insect nests or in areas or seasons known to be rife with critters.

These tips are the best ways to prepare your photo booth for the troubles of the outside world, and with some simple preparation you can not only ensure that the machine lives to photograph another day, but that your guests have a wonderful time filling up that memory chip with funny, wonderful photographs.

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October 25, 2017

Shantel VanSanten Celebrates the Grand Opening of Platt Boutique Jewelry & The Kit Vintage!

Los Angeles, CA – October 25, 2017 – Actress Shantel VanSanten helped celebrate the grand opening of Platt Boutique Jewelry & The Kit Vintage at their new location in Los Angeles last night. The actress posed in a chic light blue suit at the party while Kate Walsh enjoyed some vintage shopping. Guests sipped on wine from Miraval while enjoying a one-of-a-kind curated selection of vintage clothing and jewelry.
Platt Boutique Jewelry and The Kit Vintage boasts a huge celeb clientele including Jennifer Lawrence, The Kardashian family, Jennifer Lopez, Anne Hathaway, Emma Roberts and much more. The family owned and operated boutique has recently joined forces to create the ultimate vintage shopping destination in Los Angeles. Located on Beverly Blvd, the new store offers the finest curated vintage designer clothing (including Gucci, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar De La Renta, Versace & more) courtesy of The Kit Vintage as well as the beautiful antique jewels from around the world that Platt Boutique Jewelry is renowned for.
Photo credit  www.gettyimages.com
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October 24, 2017

Go with the Gut: 7 Foods to Eat for Better Skin, Hair and Mood

By Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O.

All symptoms of the body from thin, dull hair, and sallow skin, to acne breakouts, body aches and sluggish energy all point to the gut. Gut health is incredibly important making mindful eating an essential part of longevity and anti-aging. If you want to feel vibrant and maintain a youthful appearance up to 15 years younger than your actual age, start weaving these key foods into your diet.

Garlic:

When we have an overgrowth of candida in the gut we experience things like acne breakouts, bloating, and constipation. Garlic mitigates all of this because it kills candida. Garlic also aids in digestion and immunity. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for joint aches. Allicin, which serves as an anti-aging, antifungal benefit to garlic aids in smoothing skin and preventing acne and other skin conditions.

Ground Flaxseed:

Responsible for helping food to travel effortlessly and smoothly through the GI tract, flaxseed keeps us regular. Flaxseed also contains cancer fighters called lignans which also ward off heart disease. Flaxseed helps to minimize rashes, skin flare ups and irritation. When you consume flaxseed your skin becomes more even toned and less sensitive.

Apple cider vinegar:

One of the best ways to address any digestive issues is to combine a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water or in tea and drink it before a meal. It helps your body to break down food. It helps with to prevent indigestion and stomach issues after eating. Anytime you can aid the digestive process you’ll notice glowing skin and a youthful radiance.

Celery & Celery Juice:

Another anti-inflammatory and cancer fighter celery also lowers blood pressure and rids us of sugar cravings (and sugar makes the skin sallow and leads to breakouts). The natural salts in celery juice maintain a healthy gut pH. The common recommendation is to drink 16 ounces on an empty stomach and improvements to digestion and physical appearance will be evident within 10 days.

 

Cauliflower:

High in fiber, cauliflower helps the gut maintain healthy microbes. This is important because when microbes or gut flora are out of whack a whole slew of symptoms become evident. These include digestive issues, depression or anxiety, and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Fermented foods:

Kimchi is delicious and sauerkraut or pickled vegetables can make for a nice topping to a salad or mid-day snack. These fermented foods are packed with good bacteria which balances the microbiome, which is the anchor for our health and immunity.

Asparagus:  

Another “prebiotic” fiber that keeps the gut healthy and balanced is asparagus. You can add garlic to it and broil it in the oven offering a 1 -2 punch of gut friendly foods in one delicious side dish. It’s important to note that people who suffer from stomach pain may not do well with prebiotics in larger amounts. If the gut is already inflamed these foods can cause a flare up.

About the Doctor:

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson’s. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham’s, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

 

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October 23, 2017

Halloween Beauty Looks Right At Home with YouCam Makeup

YouCam Makeup just released its first-ever 3D AR Halloween costume collection so users can now try out hyper-realistic Halloween beauty looks right at home. In addition to trying out these realistic beauty looks, YouCam Makeup partnered with Lancôme to help users bring these looks to life through product recommendations for in-app purchases – with just a few taps you can try on the looks and purchase the products!

 

This extensive Halloween beauty series marks the launch of YouCam Makeup’s newly revamped AR 3D engine that makes virtual beauty trials more accurate and realistic than ever before. The powerful new feature reconstructs a real-time three-dimensional face model based on a facial scan of 100+ landmarks per second allowing users to experience the styles in live camera for a unique true-to-life try-on. This advanced technology enables users to experience unprecedented virtual makeup effects that bring these striking Halloween styles to life.

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