The Anatomy Of A Coffee Tree

Coffea, a member of the Rubiaceae family is responsible for the
biological heritage of “coffee.” The Rubiaceae family includes
more than 500 genera and 6,000 species of tropical trees and
shrubs.



It is doubtful the average person would recognize an actual
coffee tree. Most of us would recognize a roasted coffee bean.
Just in case you stumble upon something you think might be a
real coffee tree, here is a quick description of one:



•Pruned short in cultivation
•Capable of growing more than 30 feet high
•Generally covered with dark-green, waxy leaves that grow
opposite each other in pairs, although a coffee tree can also
have leaves that are purple or yellow (dark green is the
predominant color) The leaves may be 1 to 40 centimeters in size

•Coffee cherries grow along the tree’s branches (see below for a
description of coffee cherries)
•Coffee cherries bloom into flowering, fragrant, white blossoms
after about a year
•Because coffee cherries grow in a continuous cycle you might
see flowers, green fruit and ripe fruit at the same time on a
single tree

A coffee tree can live as long as 20 to 30 years. They are
capable of growing in a wide range of climates so long as the
climate does not have harsh fluctuations in temperature. Coffee
trees grow best in a rich soil and mild temperature with
frequent rain and shaded sun. Heavy frost will kill coffee
trees.

It is estimated that there are 25 to 100 species of coffee
plants. In the commercial coffee industry, there are two
important coffee species. These are:

•Arabica
•Canephora (more commonly called robusta)

Varieties of Coffea Arabica – C. Arabica include:

•Bourbon
•Typica
•Caturra
•Mundo
•Novo
•Tico
•San Ramon
•Jamaican Blue Mountain

The original coffee trees were discovered in Ethiopia. Coffea
Arabica comes from these original coffee trees. The coffee trees
in Ethiopia produce a fine, mild, aromatic coffee.  Over half of
the world’s coffee production originates from the coffee trees
in Ethiopia. Arabica coffees bring the highest prices in the
world market of coffee. Better arabicas are high grown coffees,
generally between 2,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level.

The Arabica coffee trees are costly to cultivate due to the
following factors:

•The terrain tends to be steep and access is difficult
•The Arabica coffee trees are more disease prone than robusta
coffee trees, which requires additional care and attention

Arabica coffee tree beans are flatter and more elongated than
robusta coffee tree beans and “lower in caffeine.”

Variety of Coffea canephora – C. canephora var. robusta include:


•Robusta

The robusta coffee tree tends to be hearty and is more disease
and parasite resistant. This makes the robusta coffee tree
easier and cheaper to cultivate. The robusta coffee tree is able
to withstand warmer climates and prefers constant temperatures
between 75 and 85 degrees. It needs about 60 inches of rainfall
per year and cannot stand up to a frost. Robusta beans produce a
coffee with a distinctive taste and about 50-60% more caffeine
than the Arabica coffee tree beans.

Most robusta coffee trees are grown in Central and Western
Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, which includes Indonesia and
Vietnam. Brazil is also a country in which the robusta coffee
tree is grown, however, Brazil accounts for only about 30
percent of the world market.

What does a “coffee cherry” look like? You will recognize a
“coffee cherry” by the following characteristics:



•The outer skin of a coffee cherry is called the “exocarp”
•Beneath the exocarp is the “mesocarp,” which is a thin layer of
pulp
•This thin layer of pulp is followed by a slimy layer called the
“parenchyma”
•The beans themselves are covered in a parchment-like envelope
called the “endocarp” and more commonly called “the parchment”
•Inside the parchment, side-by side lie two beans
•Each of these beans are covered separately by another layer of
thin membrane or seed skin called “spermoderm”
•The spermoderm is generally referred to in the coffee trade as
the “silver skin.”

Source: The National Coffee Association

Most research today suggest drinking coffee in moderation is healthy.

Drinks that may be healthier include the Life's Abundance Minerals and Antioxidants and Life's Abundance Greens Blend. Both these drinks help us get more of the recommended daily portions of fruits and vegetables.

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Join the Life's Abundance Team and start helping pets and humans live longer, healthier lives while at the same time earning extra income or full time income.

Our Human supplements are endorsed by Keri Glassman.

Ms. Glassman’s long-established reputation as a leader in her field positions her as a highly sought after speaker and regular guest on major television programs, where she shares her insights on nutrition and healthy eating. In addition to authoring six popular books on diet, nutrition and healthy living, she also serves as an advisor to both Women’s Health Magazine and Yahoo Health and is a contributor to People Magazine and Foodnetwork.com. 

As founder of Keri Glassman Nutritious Life, Keri and her team help many private clients, including celebrities, live happier, healthier lives by balancing nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management, among other things. 

Keri’s passion is driven by the idea that excellent nutrition should be attainable for everyone. And, pairing with Life’s Abundance helps her further her mission of empowering the public to take charge of their wellness through nutrition. 

That’s why Ms. Glassman wholeheartedly endorses these meticulously formulated products with hand-picked ingredients and no GMOs, gluten, dairy, grains or anything artificial to provide clean, healthy choices for those that are striving to lead more nutritious lives. 

USE OUR PRODUCTS. 

IF YOU BECOME IMPRESSED WITH OUR PRODUCTS, JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR ABOUT OUR INCOME OPPORTUNITY. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT YOU CAN EARN A SUBSTANTIAL INCOME FROM SELLING OUR HEALTH-PROMOTING PRODUCTS FOR PETS AND HUMANS. THERE'S NEVER BEEN A MORE EXCITING TIME TO SIGN-UP AS A LIFE'S ABUNDANCE FIELD REPRESENTATIVE. WITH NEW PRODUCT RELEASES ON THE HORIZON, YOU WILL FIND MORE WAYS TO REACH NEW CUSTOMERS AND NET SERIOUS WAGES. IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY THAT WILL KEEP YOU ENGAGE WITH OTHER PEOPLE IN A "HELPING" KIND OF WAY.

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DISCLAIMER: THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. ALL HEALTH CONCERNS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL.  THE ARTICLE CONTENT IS OFFERED AS A RESOURCE FOR HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES.

Favorite Flavored Coffees Verses More Nutritional Daily Drinks

In the early ‘80s, coffee flavor choices were minimal and
less-than-desirable to consumers. There was amaretto, irish
cream, brandy, vanilla and chocolate flavored coffees sold in
small quantities to local specialty roasters. The aroma to these
early flavored coffees was slightly “medicinal.” The taste of
flavored coffees was not all that enjoyable.


When nut flavors were introduced in the mid-to-late ‘80s, things
changed. Flavors like hazelnut, vanilla nut, nut cream, southern
pecan emerged. These new flavors offered sweet, creamy and of
great importance aromatic alternatives. This introduction of nut
flavors and other flavors with sweet and creamy profiles began
to contribute to the overall success of flavored coffees in the
specialty industry. The flavors attracted new customers for
retailers. Flavors gave small regional roasters within the
burgeoning specialty coffee industry a special competitive edge
over larger roasters who did not offer flavored coffees. Small
coffee shops as well began to brew and sell hot and cold
variations of flavored coffees to help give themselves a
competitive edge. The sweet, creamy and aromatic coffee
beverages seem to attract a consumer who did not like the
regular brewed coffee, but still wanted to be part of the “gang”
of those who went to the coffee house for socialization and
coffee.

By 1988 top sellers on the flavored coffee market were:

•Hazelnut
•Vanilla
•Chocolate
•Amaretto
•Irish crème

Currently, top sellers are similar to those in the ‘80s and
include:

•Vanilla
•Chocolate
•Hazelnut
•Irish crème

Caramel is popular in the U.S. and Amaretto sells well in
Europe. According to Colleen Roberts, director of sales at
Flavor Dynamics, Hazelnut, Vanilla and Irish Crème continue to
hold their position as the most popular flavors in the flavored
coffee industry. Some flavored coffee retailers offer the top
three and select flavor profiles that might represent the
season, such as, chocolates in the first quarter and spice
flavors in throughout the fall.

If a roaster wants to limit the number of flavorings bought, be
sure to purchase the top five flavors. Flavor and Fragrance
Specialties’ top five coffee flavors represent a combination of
the traditional and new, hazelnut, vanilla-french vanilla,
vanilla nut cream, pumpkin spice and blueberry cobbler.

Simple application methods make it possible for any small
roaster/retailer to inexpensively begin flavoring coffees. The
process can start with a small drum mixer similar to a cement
mixer. Line the mixer to avoid cross contamination (of the
flavors). If proper precautions are taken, contamination of
green beans should not be a problem for the small
roaster/retailer. The cost of flavoring is about 25-50 cents/lb.


Pricing of flavors in the flavored coffee industry has become
very competitive as more and more flavor houses offer this type
of product, which gives the roaster/retailer a greater
opportunity to shop and compare quality and pricing. The
roaster/retailer should know their regional flavor profiles and
demographics to select the best options from a flavor listing.
Some flavors are more popular in specific regions.

Vanilla and hazelnut flavored coffees have been favorites with
consumers for decades. These flavors continue to appear year in
and year out on supermarket shelves.

Coffee is considered a healthy beverage drank in moderation. You still can enjoy coffee drinks during the day.  Even healthier beverages are those filled with minerals and antioxidants such as what is distributed by Life's Abundance. Since the body cannot manufacture minerals, they must come from our diet. What this drink can do for you is:

• Increase daily intake of minerals, Americans are deficient in minerals mainly due to the depletion of minerals in our soil. We need minerals so that our vitamins work properly. 
• Sufficient daily minerals helps to maintain mental and physical well being.
• Antioxidants from 11 nutrient-rich super fruits. Antioxidants are essential to good health.
• The organic coconut water in this drink mix replaces "electrolytes" and helps to restore a natural pH balance in the body.
• This drink WILL NOT give you a sugar crash like most other health drinks.
• Life's Abundance Minerals and Antioxidants drink mix will give you sustained energy.
• Helps to keep you hydrated.

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 Do you enjoy sharing helpful health care information for pets and humans? If so: 

You might be surprised to know using and recommending the Life's Abundance pet and human products can result in a substantial part time or full time income.

Join the Life's Abundance Team and start helping pets and humans live longer, healthier lives while at the same time earning extra income or full time income.

Our Human supplements are endorsed by Keri Glassman.

Ms. Glassman’s long-established reputation as a leader in her field positions her as a highly sought after speaker and regular guest on major television programs, where she shares her insights on nutrition and healthy eating. In addition to authoring six popular books on diet, nutrition and healthy living, she also serves as an advisor to both Women’s Health Magazine and Yahoo Health and is a contributor to People Magazine and Foodnetwork.com. 

As founder of Keri Glassman Nutritious Life, Keri and her team help many private clients, including celebrities, live happier, healthier lives by balancing nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management, among other things. 

Keri’s passion is driven by the idea that excellent nutrition should be attainable for everyone. And, pairing with Life’s Abundance helps her further her mission of empowering the public to take charge of their wellness through nutrition. 

That’s why Ms. Glassman wholeheartedly endorses these meticulously formulated products with hand-picked ingredients and no GMOs, gluten, dairy, grains or anything artificial to provide clean, healthy choices for those that are striving to lead more nutritious lives. 

USE OUR PRODUCTS. 

IF YOU BECOME IMPRESSED WITH OUR PRODUCTS, JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR ABOUT OUR INCOME OPPORTUNITY. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT YOU CAN EARN A SUBSTANTIAL INCOME FROM SELLING OUR HEALTH-PROMOTING PRODUCTS FOR PETS AND HUMANS. THERE'S NEVER BEEN A MORE EXCITING TIME TO SIGN-UP AS A LIFE'S ABUNDANCE FIELD REPRESENTATIVE. WITH NEW PRODUCT RELEASES ON THE HORIZON, YOU WILL FIND MORE WAYS TO REACH NEW CUSTOMERS AND NET SERIOUS WAGES. IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY THAT WILL KEEP YOU ENGAGE WITH OTHER PEOPLE IN A "HELPING" KIND OF WAY.

NO PRODUCTS TO STOCK OR SHIP OUT. LIFE'S ABUNDANCE TAKES CARE OF THE ENTIRE PURCHASE TRANSACTION ALONG WITH SHIPPING. LIFE'S ABUNDANCE CUSTOMERS ENJOY FAST SHIPPING WITHIN 2 BUSINESS DAYS OF ORDERING.

LET'S GET STARTED

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) develops slowly
over many years sometimes before you notice symptoms such as
“feeling short of breath.” Cigarette smoking is the most common
cause of COPD. It can also be caused by breathing in lung
irritants like pollution, dust, or chemicals over a long period
of time.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is usually diagnosed in
people 40 years old or older, and is a major cause of death and
illness throughout the world. In the U.S.A., chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease is the 4th leading cause of death. There is no
cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is not a
contagious disease.  Damage to airways and lungs cannot be
reversed. There are only things you can do to feel better and
slow the damage to your lungs.

In a healthy person airways of the lungs are clear and open and
the air sacs are small, elastic, and springy. In people
diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the
airways and air sacs lose their shape and become floppy.

Causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include:

•Cigarette smoking (most common cause)
•Breathing fumes and other pollutants that irritate and damage
the lungs and airways
•Pipe, cigar and other types of tobacco smoking can cause COPD
especially if the smoke is inhaled.
•People with a family history of COPD are more likely to get the
disease if they smoke
•Secondhand smoke plays a role in causing COPD
•Frequent, severe lung infections in childhood may increase the
risk for acquiring COPD later in life

Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease start years
before the flow of air in and out of the lungs is reduced and
include:

•Cough with sputum production (most common is a cough that does
not go away and coughing up lots of sputum)
•Shortness of breath especially with exercise
•Wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe
•Tightness in the chest

It is important to note that not everyone who has a cough and
sputum goes on to develop chronic pulmonary obstructive disease.


A doctor looking for chronic pulmonary obstructive disease will
examine you, listen to your lungs and ask you questions about
your medical history. Physician questions will include what kind
of lung irritants you may have been around for long periods of
time and if you smoke.

A breathing test called “spirometry” may be used. It is painless
and used to show how well your lungs work. Based upon this the
spirometry test results, your doctor can determine if you have
chronic pulmonary obstructive disease and just how severe it is.
There are four levels of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease
severity, they are:

•People at risk for COPD
•People with mild COPD
•People with moderate COPD
•People with severe COPD

Goals of treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
include:

•To relieve symptoms with no or minimal side effects from the
treatments
•To slow progress of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
•To prevent complications from the disease
•To improve overall health

The exact treatment plan for chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease can be different for each person and is based on whether
symptoms are mild, moderate or severe.

Treatments used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
include:

•Medications such as bronchodilators that work by relaxing the
muscles around the airways to open them up and make it easier to
breathe. Bronchodilators are inhaled directly into the lungs via
an inhaler
•Pulmonary or lung rehabilitation
•Oxygen treatment
•Surgery
•Treatments to manage complications or sudden onset of symptoms
•Pneumococcal vaccine may be recommended to prevent pneumonia
•Annual flu shot to avoid breathing complications from the flu

Surgery is usually done for patients with severe symptoms that
do not improve from other types of treatments, and have a hard
time breathing most of the time. The two types of surgery that
are considered in cases of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease are:

•A bullectomy to remove a large air sac that may compress a good
lung
•A lung transplant

Hospitalization may be needed if:

•You have a lot of difficulty catching your breath
•You have a hard time talking
•Your lips or fingernails turn blue or gray

Source: The American Lung Association

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All
health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care
professional.

When working with your physician, ask about taking supplements to improve your overall health in addition to a healthy diet. Life's Abundance distributes a bundle of high quality supplements. Click the photo below for more information:

 Open yourself up to a whole new way of embracing health! Our Nutrition Supplement Bundles offer amazing convenience, cost savings and a means to kickstart your wellness regimen. 

This pack showcases all six of our incredible health-promoting products. Each carefully formulated supplement features ingredients selected for efficacy, potency ... even great flavor! Clean living has never been simpler. 

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• Chocolate Flavor Plant Protein
• Minerals & Antioxidants, Cherry or Tropical Fruit Flavor
• Greens Blend
• Probiotic
• Multivitamin
• Fish Oil Capsules

Do you enjoy sharing helpful health care information for pets and humans? If so: 

You might be surprised to know using and recommending the Life's Abundance pet and human products can result in a substantial part time or full time income.

Join the Life's Abundance Team and start helping pets and humans live longer, healthier lives while at the same time earning extra income or full time income.

Our Human supplements are endorsed by Keri Glassman.

Ms. Glassman’s long-established reputation as a leader in her field positions her as a highly sought after speaker and regular guest on major television programs, where she shares her insights on nutrition and healthy eating. In addition to authoring six popular books on diet, nutrition and healthy living, she also serves as an advisor to both Women’s Health Magazine and Yahoo Health and is a contributor to People Magazine and Foodnetwork.com. 

As founder of Keri Glassman Nutritious Life, Keri and her team help many private clients, including celebrities, live happier, healthier lives by balancing nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management, among other things. 

Keri’s passion is driven by the idea that excellent nutrition should be attainable for everyone. And, pairing with Life’s Abundance helps her further her mission of empowering the public to take charge of their wellness through nutrition. 

That’s why Ms. Glassman wholeheartedly endorses these meticulously formulated products with hand-picked ingredients and no GMOs, gluten, dairy, grains or anything artificial to provide clean, healthy choices for those that are striving to lead more nutritious lives. 

USE OUR PRODUCTS. 

IF YOU BECOME IMPRESSED WITH OUR PRODUCTS, JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR ABOUT OUR INCOME OPPORTUNITY. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT YOU CAN EARN A SUBSTANTIAL INCOME FROM SELLING OUR HEALTH-PROMOTING PRODUCTS FOR PETS AND HUMANS. THERE'S NEVER BEEN A MORE EXCITING TIME TO SIGN-UP AS A LIFE'S ABUNDANCE FIELD REPRESENTATIVE. WITH NEW PRODUCT RELEASES ON THE HORIZON, YOU WILL FIND MORE WAYS TO REACH NEW CUSTOMERS AND NET SERIOUS WAGES. IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY THAT WILL KEEP YOU ENGAGE WITH OTHER PEOPLE IN A "HELPING" KIND OF WAY.

NO PRODUCTS TO STOCK OR SHIP OUT. LIFE'S ABUNDANCE TAKES CARE OF THE ENTIRE PURCHASE TRANSACTION ALONG WITH SHIPPING. LIFE'S ABUNDANCE CUSTOMERS ENJOY FAST SHIPPING WITHIN 2 BUSINESS DAYS OF ORDERING.

LET'S GET STARTED

THIS IS A MOST EXCITING TIME TO BUILD A NETWORK MARKETING BUSINESS

Age-related Macular Degeneration Disease: Exciting Discovery

The clinical trial called the Age-Related Eye Disease Study
sponsored by the National Eye Institute found that high levels
of antioxidants and zinc significantly reduce the risk of
advanced age-related macular degeneration. Advanced age-related
macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss. The
study involved 4,757 participants, 55-80 years of age in 11
clinical centers nationwide.

People at high risk of developing advanced stages of AMD
received a high-dose combination of vitamin C, vitamin E,
beta-carotene, and zinc.

It was an exciting discovery for people at high risk for
developing advanced AMD. These nutrients are the first
discovered for effective treatment to slow the progression of
the disease. Treatment for advanced age-related macular
degeneration is very limited.

The nutrients studied delay the progression to “advanced”
age-related macular degeneration in people who are at high risk,
those with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes, or those with
advanced AMD in one eye already. AMD is a leading cause of
vision loss and blindness in Americans 65 years of age and
older.

The nutrients will not cure AMD or restore vision already lost
from the disease. They will play an important role in helping
people at high risk to not develop “advanced” AMD and keep their
vision.

Drusen is a common feature of age-related macular degeneration.
Drusen are yellow deposits under the retina found often in
people over age 60. A lot of people will have drusen during an
eye exam in which the pupils are dilated. Drusen alone does not
cause vision loss. It is the increase in the drusen size and/or
number that increases a person’s risk of developing advanced
age-related macular degeneration. Age-related macular
degeneration can cause serious vision loss.

Studies previously suggested people who have diets rich in
green, leafy vegetables have a lower risk of developing
age-related macular degeneration. The high levels of nutrients
that were evaluated in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study are
extremely difficult to achieve from diet alone. There was also a
cataract portion of the study in which researchers found that
the same nutrients had no significant effect on the development
or progression of age-related cataract.

Taking large doses of antioxidant vitamins or zinc may not be
appropriate for all people with intermediate age-related macular
degeneration disease because of medical reasons. For example, if
you are a smoker, beta-carotene has been shown to increase the
risk of lung cancer. These groups of people will need to discuss
with their primary care doctor the best combination of nutrients
for them. It is also necessary to add appropriate amounts of
copper to the diet when using high levels of zinc to prevent
copper deficiency.

The participants reported minor side effects from the treatments
which included:

• Urinary tract problems that required hospitalization

• Anemia at a slightly higher rate, however, testing of all
patients for anemia showed no difference among treatment groups.


• Yellowing of the skin is a well-known side effect of large
doses of beta-carotene; this was reported slightly more often by
participants taking antioxidants.

The AREDS study is the first to demonstrate an adequate
treatment for people at high risk for developing advanced
age-related macular degeneration disease. The formula will help
to save the vision of many who otherwise would have serious
vision loss.

Source: The National Eye Institute, which is part of the
National Institutes of Health and is the Federal government’s
lead agency for vision research.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All
health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care
professional.

Body And Hair Changes To Expect As You Age: Healthy Lifestyles Count

As you age expect increasing amounts of fat tissue toward the
center of the body. Fat will increase and lean body mass will
decrease. The liver, kidney and other organs may lose some of
their cells. Bones lose some of their minerals and become less
dense. Water in your body is decreased by tissue loss. You may
even become shorter. This loss of height is related to aging
changes in the bones, muscles and joints.  Height loss is
greater after 70 years old. All total you may lose 1 to 3 inches
in height as you age.

Ways to reduce height loss:

• Physical activity
• Proper diet
• Treating osteoporosis

The change in total body water may make older people more likely
to get dehydrated.

Loss of muscle mass in the legs and changes in body shape can
affect balance which contributes to falls.

Most age-related changes cannot be prevented. Steps you can take
to help slow or reduce these changes include:

• Exercise
• Avoid smoking
• Eat healthy
• Excessive alcohol use and illicit drug use can accelerate
age-related changes

Your lifestyle will play the largest role in how fast these
age-related changes take place. Do not accept the picture of a
hunched over, frail man or woman with a big belly, skinny arms
and legs as something that happens to everyone in old age. You
don’t have to look like that.

Probably the most obvious sign of aging is hair color change. As
you age the hair follicles produce less pigment (melanin), which
causes the graying process. Gray hair often starts to appear in
the 30s, although this varies. You may start to notice graying
at the temples. The hair becomes progressively lighter and most
usually eventually turns white.

Hair coloring is probably the easier and painless way to conceal
a person’s true age. The quality of hair coloring has improved
so much over the years that most people would never guess it was
not your own natural color. Hair coloring is usually best done
about every 6 weeks.  In fact, hair color products can actually
improve the texture of the hair and provide more body, even more
shine. An important note here might be: Choose a knowledgeable
and skilled hair stylist or specialist for your hair coloring. I
live in a very small town, and I could not be more pleased with
the expertise of the hair stylist who colors my hair. Good
hairdressers and hair products do not belong only to the rich
and famous!

Graying is a lot genetically determined. Caucasians gray sooner.
Asians are late to get gray hair.  Nutritional supplements,
vitamins and other products will not stop or decrease the rate
of graying. However, I have two sisters who both started graying
much sooner than I did. Of the three of us, I am the most health
conscious! I believe healthy lifestyle also plays a part in when
our hair starts to gray.

Almost everyone will experience some hair loss as the result of
aging. The quantity of hair you have on your body and head is
determined by your genes. Even if you had thick, coarse hair as
a young adult, it will eventually become thinner, fine and
light-colored. Men may begin to show signs of baldness at age
30. By age 60, about two-thirds of men have significant
baldness. With new technology and products even “baldness” is
correctable to a degree for some individuals.

Source: National Institute of Health

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All
health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care
professional.

Anti-Aging Skin Care And Tips For Dry, Itchy Skin

As a person ages it is normal to see the appearance of wrinkles
and age spots. Elderly people can also develop skin disorders
that can lead to serious medical problems. Older people need to
give their skin more care than when they were younger. This is
important because older skin is less oily, less elastic and
thinner. It will bruise easier and take longer to heal when cut.


To protect against most kinds of skin cancer at any age use a
sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Also consider
wearing long sleeves and a shady hat to give protection from the
sun.

If you experience any of the following symptoms call a health
care professional or go to the emergency room:

• Sudden, severe generalized itching, which can be a sign of
liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorder or allergy

• Blisters or rash on forehead or temple with inflammation or
pain in the eye. This could be indication of shingles involving
the eye, which is an emergency that must be treated immediately.


Call a health care professional during office hours if you
experience any of the following problems:

• Severe itching on underarms, abdomen, hands, wrists and groin,
which can be a sign of scabies or mites and is easily treated.
Sometimes scabies and mites can be picked up during a hospital
stay

• If a mole grows in size, larger than one-quarter inch, are
discolored (pearly blue, black or red and irregular shape) or if
moles bleed

• A skin problem that starts or becomes worse just after
starting a new medicine, increasing dose, or finishing the
course of a medicine

• If a skin ulcer stays longer than two weeks without healing or
grows in size

Dry and itchy skin may be more of a problem in winter when there
is less humidity. Consider the following as suggestions to
prevent or treat dry, itchy skin:

• After shower or bath, gently pat skin with a towel, but leave
the skin moist. Apply a lotion, body oil or moisturizer that is
high in petroleum such as AquaphorTM or EucerinTM. Avoid
moisturizers with perfume or alcohol; these will dry and
irritate the skin

• Use warm, not hot water for your bath or shower and keep them
short. Do not scrub the skin roughly. Use a soft cloth or
sponge. Use glycerin soap or moisturizing cream such as ToneTM
or DoveTM and rinse off well.

• If you experience problem dry spots, try applying petroleum
jelly to the troubled areas after bath or shower. If you use
petroleum jelly be sure to wear pajamas and/or sock to protect
bedding and clothing.

• Change bed sheets and clothing often. Wash clothes and sheets
in detergents free of perfumes and fabric softeners that could
irritate the skin. Be sure to rinse clothes and bedding
thoroughly. An older person should wear cotton. Synthetics and
other fabrics can be irritating to the skin.

• Drink plenty of water. Decrease us of caffeine and alcohol.

Source: Foundation for Health in Aging

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All
health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care
professional

Low-Dose Aspirin Has No Effect Against Aging Brains

There has been hope that the use of low-dose aspirin would
protect older, healthy women against cognitive decline such as
memory and thinking. However, according to a study published
recently in the British Medical Journal, this is not the case at
all.

Earlier evidence suggested aspirin and other anti-inflammatory
drugs might help protect aging brains from dementia. The Women’s
Health Study focused on brain health and involved 6,400 women
aged 65 or over between the years of 1998 and 2004 and did not
reveal evidence that use of low-dose aspirin would protect aging
brains.

Low-dose aspirin has significant cardiovascular benefits.
Low-dose aspirin taken on a daily routine basis helps to prevent
both heart attacks and strokes in women 65 and over. The new
guidelines state women under 65 should not be taking aspirin
routinely.

In the Women’s Health Study the first assessment was taken after
5.6 years of treatment. It was found that cognitive performance
was similar in the two groups. The second assessment after 9.6
years of treatment revealed the same results. The risk of
decline in cognitive function was comparable between the two
groups. One area in which there was a hint of better performance
was on the category fluency test. The association was far from
definitive.

Researchers found that the data suggested low-dose aspirin might
be of help among people who are current smokers or have elevated
cholesterol if these were not “chance” findings. They could not
find other studies that replicate this finding.

Limitations of the study included:

• The population in question was generally “younger old” and
white.

The risk of dementia is really more prevalent in women after age
85. Since the trial ended, researchers cannot continue to follow
these same women at the later age. Therefore, whether or not
aspirin is beneficial in those who are older and high-risk is
really not known. What they did conclude was that there is no
significant improvement at all in women less than 85 years of
age.

The study was well-run and had a big sample with careful
measures. If there was a relationship, researchers feel, the
Women’s Health Study would have found it.

Source: Healthday

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food
and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All
health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care
professional