EcoChics Earthwear Co-Founder, Jessica Clay, is an Inspiration

EcoChics Earthwear co-founder, Jessica Clay, is competing this weekend in the prestigious Arnold Pro Bikini competition. A former gymnast, she holds the distinction of being one of the few women in the world to have competed in both the fitness and figure divisions of the Arnold Sports Festival.

Jessica trains several hours a day, seven days a week, and follows a careful diet to optimize her level of health and fitness. Jessica is a real inspiration to everyone at for taking care of herself and her commitment to helping the environment.

You can read more about Jessica in the Columbus Ohio Dispatch: http://bit.ly/dSQLSZ and order EcoChics Earthwear eco-friendly fashion at www.2ecochics.com.

1800Flowers are the Perfect Gift for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is the time to remember mom and show her how much she’s loved and appreciated. Traditional ways to celebrate include giving cards, gifts, enjoying a shared meal, or simply spending together. The best gifts are those which show thought and consideration of what mom truly likes and enjoys. Among the most personal gestures, which is sure to make any mother smile, is giving flowers.

Flowers are a wonderful Mothers Day gift because they can be customized to meet mom’s personal style and preferences. Some mothers enjoy receiving timeless roses, while others like sweet blossom arrangements, a fragrant spring mix, or artistically arranged tropical flowers. Flowers can be chosen based on mom’s favorite colors and placed in a variety of containers that match her taste. Popular containers include vases and baskets but can also be placed in fun tea pots, whimsical bags, and colorful boxes. 1800flowers can send beautiful, fresh arrangements to mom’s everywhere. This makes for a convenient option for those children who can’t be with their mother on the holiday but want to send a special gift that lets her know she’s cherished. Flowers spread joy and there’s no better time to make mom happy than on Mother’s Day!

Vitamin E Doesn’t Decrease a Woman's Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There had been a belief among some people in the medical community and those who promote homeopathic remedies that vitamin E supplements may prevent women from developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, Dr. Elizabeth W. Karlson and researchers for the Women's Health Study analyzed the effects added vitamin E and showed this not to be the case. In spite of credible biologic mechanisms, controlled trials revealed that regular, long-term ingestion of vitamin E through supplements does not reduce a woman's chance of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately twenty million people globally. It is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by the body's failure to recognize its own healthy tissues and instead attacking them as if they were a foreign substance. RA can bring about pain and inflammation of the organs and cause pain, swelling and stiffness in their joints. Over time, RA can also increase the risks of cardiac and lung disease and may cause irreversible damage to bones and cartilage. Other complications from this chronic condition include dry-eye and irregular salivary gland production.

Previous studies reported in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, which were "observational" in nature, showed that adding antioxidants to the diet could cut the risks of rheumatoid arthritis. Some people even believed vitamin E could be used as a treatment for arthritis. During the Women's Health study, every other day almost 40,000 women of forty-five years of age older were randomly given 600 international units of vitamin E through supplements or a placebo. Dr. Elizabeth W. Karlson and researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston followed-up on the study which lasted an average of ten years. Their findings show that fifty women who belonged to the group which received vitamin E and fifty-six women who were part of the placebo group developed RA. This research suggests that taking vitamin E supplements does not have any significant effects on the likelihood of women getting rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Taking large amounts of vitamin E should also not be considered a natural treatment option. Women and men, who do have this disease, should consult with their doctor and rheumatologist to discuss their treatment options. Often arthritis drug treatments include medication which can be grouped by: corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Arthritis medication can be purchased through an online pharmacy and shipped to RA patients all over the world. For the latest information about RA and osteoarthritis, visit www.arthritis.org.

Americans, Acne, and Affording Treatment

Acne is one of the most often diagnosed skin diseases effecting people of all races and genders in the United States. It commonly occurs among teenagers and people in their early twenties; however, someone can develop acne at any age. The condition is not physically harmful but can be very damaging psychologically to both young adults struggling with their self-esteem or older patients who are concerned about social stigma.

Acne comes in several forms such as: whiteheads, blackheads, and the less common cystic acne and nodular acne. The primary cause of acne is increased oil production in the skin's sebaceous glands. This excessive production can be caused by a variety of things, including: genetics, stress, hormone changes, and prescription medication. Acne breakouts may also be the result of environmental pollutants, a humid atmosphere, or oily cosmetics coupled with poor hygiene.

Some statistics about acne:

60 million people in the U.S. have acne
20 million people in the U.S. have acne severe enough to cause skin scars
20% of all American adults have an active case of acne
85% of American teenagers have acne, which will cause permanent skin scars on 25% of them
40% of Americans with acne will not seek acne treatment
30% of Americans will buy over-the-counter acne medication
11% of Americans with acne will seek help from a physician

Today's acne treatments are very effective. However, to determine the best acne medication for one's specific condition, patients need to first identify the cause of their breakouts. A medical professional can diagnosis types of acne and recommend which acne medicines will help clear the skin of the individual patient. Within the United States, there are many excellent dermatologists which can be found through the American Academy of Dermatologists. Unfortunately for patients over twenty-five years of age, many insurance companies don't cover the cost of their treatment. An adult patient's policy may cover a part of their doctor's visit, skincare procedures, and acne medicines but the remainder is their financial responsiblity. This is because insurance companies consider acne on adults to be a cosmetic issue and not a medical one. Acne patients may have not be able to afford their skin therapy, which is why some people don't seek treatment.

Regardless of how insurance companies classify acne, patients at all stages of life want to treat this skin disease. Like a teenager, the self-worth of an adult patient suffers if they have a poor complexion which is riddled with acne. They shun social situations, aren't as comfortable in the workplace, and in general are less confident. Some adult acne patients have said that they feel they're not taken as seriously when they have acne, as it is a condition typically associated with young people. This is especially frustrating when patients know there is medication which can clear their break-outs but they can't pay for it. One alternative adult Americans with acne have found is to purchase their medicines through an online pharmacy. Electronic pharmacies like www.pacificonlinepharmacy.com carry acne drugs such as Tretinoin Gel (Avita®, Retin-A gel®) but offer them at reduced prices. This is a very welcome alternative for patients because their acne treatment is as much about building their self-esteem as it is clearing their complexion.

Steve Stevanovich: Dream Destination Weddings

Steve Stevanovich knows more and more couples today are deciding on a destination wedding for their dream day. They can choose a favorite vacation spot, a romantic location, an exotic locale, or an atmosphere full of adventure. The bride and groom may love the tropical luxury of an island or the excitement and energy of a city. In addition to its offering a unique setting, there are many other benefits to planning a destination wedding event.

Destination weddings are less expensive than traditional weddings. While in the past they'd been an option only for the very wealthy, now they've become an affordable alternative to any couple who wants a special ceremony. Destination weddings will transform a wedding into an unforgettable vacation for the happy couple, the bridal party, and the wedding guests. As a way of cost savings, Steve Stevanovich advises negotiating with hotels and airlines for a package price. Many hotels and resorts offer all inclusive packages for a bridal couple, which can contain costs and make for an easier, more enjoyable experience.

Employees at top destination spots, like Royal Cancun, Turtle Island, and Aruba make the stay even more pleasurable by catering to guests and helping them make the most of their stay. Steven Stevanovich has seen many successful weddings in beautiful locations within the United States, like Santa Fe, Utah's Zion National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and New York City. Guests leave having seen some of the most historic and famed locations within the country and witnessed the coming together of close friends or family. Destination weddings are a distinctive way to combine a special life event with a fabulous vacation and honeymoon. It's an experience the bride, groom, and everyone who travels with them will never forget.

American Women Choose The Pill

The world for women in the United States changed radically in 1960 when the birth-control pill (or “the pill”) was first approved for use. Women were finally able to control contraception, something they tried to in every culture since the earliest recorded history. The desire for sex but fear of pregnancy went together for most of the female experience. For years, women were worn out by multiple pregnancies or chose to abstain from sexual intercourse to prevent conception. In earlier centuries it was very common for women to die during childbirth because of little knowledge of obstetrics or the importance of basic hygiene. It’s commonly believed that the primary cause of women’s death from childbirth in the eighteenth century was unwashed hands by physicians and midwives.

While there were other birth control practices in place prior to the pill, the advent of oral contraceptives was especially liberating. When taken properly, the birth-control pill is over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. This makes women feel confident and in control of their reproductive future. Families can now choose when they have children and how many. They can consider the size of the family they’d like and can comfortably afford. Women can more easily work and better plan a professional future. Oral contraceptives can be purchased through an online pharmacy, such as www.pacificonlinepharmacy.com. Many women are choosing this option because it saves both money and time and their pills are shipped directly and discreetly to their home. There are currently more than 100 million women around the world using birth-control pills, with 12 million of those women residing in the United States alone. For Americans, it really is the birth control method of choice.

1800flowers Celebrates All Kinds of Love

Valentine's Day is a centuries-old holiday for celebrating love. While traditionally, it's a time for romancing a sweetheart it is also a special time to remember family and friends. One of best ways to show your love and affection is by sending gifts. Valentine's Day presents are often chocolates and candy hearts but also include many other types of sweet treats such as: cupcakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, red gummies, and licorice. Stuffed animals make a fun present for women who're young at heart and children while lingerie is a popular (and sexy) purchase many men appreciate. Everyone enjoys being remembered with a Valentine's Day card and flowers.

There are valentine's bouquets which can be specially chosen for the recipient. One or two dozen red roses are a timeless gesture of romance, while lovely arrangements of red, pink, and white flowers make a perfect gift for a new girlfriend or even a first Valentine's Day date! Parents, grandparents, and siblings will be touched when being remembered with a bouquet and a special child will enjoy receiving a Happy Valentine's Day teddy bear and chocolate present. Your single gal BFF will love being gifted gorgeous flowers, which are also a great way to celebrate your friendship and kick-off a fun night out! Valentine's Day is about remembering and honoring many kinds of love and today there are many great options for sending joy to everyone that's in your heart.