Lifestyle Choices

Sunlight is electromagnetic radiation, which is similar to X-rays but of lower energy. The sun’s energy reaching the earth’s surface can be broadly subdivided into 1) infrared (the lowest energy that can be felt as heat); 2) visible light; and 3) ultraviolet (the highest energy that affects the skin). The ultraviolet spectrum is, in turn, divided into three bands — the “ultra-V three” — each of which causes a different, specific, and most unwelcome effect. (more…)

Six major causes of our facial wrinkles:

1 Natural or “intrinsic” aging

Natural, biologic aging is responsible for the inevitable thinning of our skin accompanied by the loss of structural collagen and elastic tissue. The good news is that this biologic aging is the least important of the causes of wrinkles on your face. (more…)

Although physical diseases can cause or mimic depression, they are a comparatively rare cause. Most of the specific illnesses mentioned here are uncommon and, with the possible exception of hypothyroidism, they start with depression in only a relatively small number of cases.

Several hormones have an effect on mood. As well as the female sexual hormones, hormones from the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thyroid glands, parathyroid glands and pancreas may all affect energy and mood. However, such effects occur only when there is a significant disease in therelevant gland, which is fairly rare, and in which case there are usually also physical symptoms. (more…)

1. Binge-eating disorder

This is a recently classified disorder in which people have frequent episodes of compulsive overeating, but unlike those with bulimia, they do not purge their bodies of food. During these food binges, they often eat alone and very quickly, regardless of whether they feel hungry or full. They often feel shame or guilt over their actions. Unlike anorexia and bulimia, binge-eating disorder occurs almost as often in men as in women.

2. Endometriosis

This increasingly common condition is one of the major causes of infertility, and causes many women much distress and pain. The endometrium is the soft tissue that lines your uterus. Normally, (more…)

As a young woman you assume that when you want to have a child, you will simply fall pregnant. The average time taken for a couple trying to conceive is between 6-12 months of having frequent intercourse (see ‘Trying to conceive‘ on page 315). Ten to fifteen per cent of couples will continue to have difficulty conceiving after one year of trying. When this happens, the couple is considered to have a problem with infertility. It is a ‘couple’ problem, not one or the other. (more…)