Why Having A Best Friend is Good for You

If you’re ever feeling under pressure, it might be an idea to see your best friend. Being in their presence can reduce stress levels – at least according to a study of children.

‘One of the interesting things about these findings is that it’s not just any friend – it’s the best friend,’ said Ryan Adams, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of paediatrics at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre.

A hundred children aged ten to 12 were asked to fill out a diary five times a day for four school days, and rate how they felt about what they’d experienced in the past 20 minutes.

They were also asked whether they’d been alone or with parents, siblings, a best friend, a boy or girl friend, classmates, strangers, teachers or some other person.

And they had saliva samples take to measure for the stress hormone cortisol. Researchers found that the presence of a best friend, more than anyone else, buffered the physical effects of a negative experience, so the child produced less cortisol.

When no friend was around during stressful times, cortisol levels shot up. Although the study only looked at children, experts say its findings are likely to apply to adults too.

Dr Karen Majors, an education psychologist with Barking and Dagenham Community Educational Psychology Service, said: 'A child’s close friends can be problematic and lead them astray, but they can also be incredibly positive and supportive.

'Friendships serve really important purposes socially, emotionally and cognitively as well as being a playmate and companion. For example, previous research shows if you transfer school with friends you know, it bodes well for making new friends.'

Underwear run sets world record

A protest of Utah's uptight laws that featured people running through the streets of Salt Lake City in their underwear has set a new world record.

Guinness World Records says the Utah Undie Run broke the previous record for largest gathering of people wearing only underpants or knickers by 1,720 people.

Records officials say 2,270 people stripped to their underwear during the Utah Undie Run on Sept. 24. The previous record of 550 people was set last year in Great Britain.

Utah Undie Run organizers are planning another run next August. The event's goal is to protest the state's conservative politics.

Organizers prohibit nudity. Participants donned bras, panties, nightgowns, swimwear or colorful boxer shorts.

Natural woman!

Embracing her curves is nothing new to Kate Winslet, but now the actress is taking an active stand against the pressure in Hollywood for women to undergo cosmetic surgery.

The 35-year-old actress told London's The Telegraph that she and fellow British Oscar-winners Emma Thompson and Rachel Weisz have formed what she describes as the "British Anti-Cosmetic Surgery League."

"I will never give in," she said. "It goes against my morals, the way that my parents brought me up and what I consider to be natural beauty."

While the women's resolve not to go under the knife is real, their league might be more of a way to speak out against ageism than an active organization.

"I am an actress, I don't want to freeze the expression of my face," Winslet said.

Thompson, 52, agreed. "I'm not fiddling about with myself," she exclaimed. "We're in this awful youth-driven thing now where everybody needs to look 30 at 60."

Newly-married Weisz, 41, said that people "who look too perfect don't look sexy or particularly beautiful."

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Sexy Bras and Panties

Women like to wear bras and panties because of several reasons. Bras and panties and all others similar items make women feel sexy. They also can help women to shape their body, from waist to tight, pretty much everything! Bras and panties protect the most intimate organ of women body. Last but not least, men like women who wear sexy lingerie, at the end these items help couples to create a good aura for their relationship.

With so many online shops selling her room items, it is easy to get bras, panties and other related products these days. What women need is to pick the correct size, product and style that fit their personality. Most of those stores are selling from bras, panties, thongs, to sexy lingerie, as well as swimwear, sleepwear, shape wear and much more. Visit store that’s already popular, known for their best prices, hot sales and free shipping, then you can start buying your favorite products; all is there, from spanx to wacoal.

These items are for your most intimate parts of your body, that’s why you need to select the best product, and you need to find products that can offer comfort. Determine the correct size of your bra (and panties) is essential. Don’t be surprised if there are many ladies out there are putting on the wrong size bra, this could result in many health problems. Just make sure that your bra and panty are not too small, not to big either, just feel it and when you feel the most comfort, that’s the correct size.

Secret to Pippa Middleton’s Tight Body: Pilates

One of the most acclaimed presences at the wedding of Prince William and Katherine Middleton was the bride’s sister and bridesmaid, Pippa, who wowed in a long white dress that made the best of her slender and toned body. Those hoping to get as fit as she is, should know that it’s all down to Pilates.

After the wedding, paparazzi snapped Pippa on vacation on a yacht, looking unbelievably fit in a two-piece white swimsuit, which only generated more interest in her and whether she kept to a diet and regular exercise.

As it turns out, she does. The Daily Mail did some digging around and learned that Pippa’s favorite physical exercise is Pilates.

In a testimonial on the website of the London gym she visits, Pippa says Pilates is ideal for someone as busy as she is. It’s a great way of staying in shape, while also allowing her to unwind and de-stress.

She goes to a small gym in Parson’s Green near her London apartment, the Mail reports.

“Whether it’s 7am in the morning or 7pm at night I always leave feeling calm, refreshed and invigorated,” Pippa wrote in the testimonial about the benefits of Pilates.

“Over the past few months I have noticed a huge difference in my core strength and posture and couldn’t recommend Margot more highly as an instructor,” she adds.

Indeed, while Pilates doesn’t lead to immediate and considerable weight loss, it does do wonders for the posture because it strengthens and tones the muscles.

What to Eat for Strong and Healthy Hair and Nails

Certain foods can improve the way you look. The following nutrients will give your hair and nails extra luster, strength and shine.

Biotin (a.k.a. vitamin H) can improve hair that is splitting or thinning as well as strengthen weakened nails. Taken with zinc and the corticosteroid clobetasol propionate, biotin has even been used to treat alopecia, an autoimmune skin disease marked by the loss of hair. A deficiency in biotin may result in brittle hair or even hair loss. An easy way to remember: The H in vitamin H stands for hair. Try: Bananas, beans, cauliflower, eggs, lentils, peanuts and salmon.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
To get shinier hair, introduce more omega-3s into your diet, which “help support scalp health and may give your locks extra luster and shine.” The three active ingredients—alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid—are all essential fatty acids and "are important components of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis that contains keratin and has water-holding capabilities. Deficiency in essential fatty acids can result in dry scalp or dandruff." Try: Eggs, flaxseed, fish oil, mackerel, salmon, sardines, spinach, tuna and walnuts.

Protein
Protein intake is important for many reasons, notably when it comes to hair and nails. Both "are made of structural proteins known as keratin, so adequate dietary protein is important for providing the building blocks for growing strong hair and nails, lean meats are the easiest way to pack protein into your diet—just make sure to steer clear of any that are overly fatty. Try: Chicken, eggs, lean red meats, lowfat dairy, nuts, seafood, soybeans and whole grains.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps produce a conditioning substance for the scalp known as sebum, which keeps hair looking and feeling healthy. In addition to these beauty benefits, this vitamin contributes to better eye health and immune system function, which keeps you vital and strong from head to toe. Try: Apricots, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, Cheddar cheese, egg yolks, mangoes, oatmeal, spinach and sweet potatoes.

Zinc
Zinc is another nutrient active in helping the immune system function properly, and DiBona also notes that it plays an important role in the formation of your connective tissues. Try: Cashews, green beans, lean beef, lobster, oysters and soybeans.

Why Sleep is The Key to Success

It is one of our most basic functions, as important as the in and out of our breath. Our need for sleep is primal, yet the pace of life means it's often pushed to the periphery, sacrificed at the altar of work, friends, study and fun.

But now science is beginning to show that getting the right amount of sleep might be the key to making the rest of our lives run more smoothly.

Increasingly, research is indicating that the quality and quantity of our sleep affects every part of our lives, from success in work and school to our likelihood of developing problems such as obesity or mental illness.

Writing in the journal Frontiers in Neurology last year, American researchers highlighted the growing body of research confirming that students who have insomnia, inadequate sleep, daytime sleepiness, irregular sleep patterns or poor sleep quality do not perform as well in school as others.

Many sleep researchers now advocate the introduction of staggered start times for older high-school students - one of the most under-slept groups in society after shift workers.

But the most cutting edge of sleep research is beginning to show it seems also to be linked to mental illness.

Nicholas Glozier is at the forefront of such research in his work as a professor of psychiatry and sleep research at the Brain and Mind Research Institute at the University of Sydney.

Five health reasons to not quit coffee

The morning ritual of brewing a cup, the smell that perks you up before you take a sip and, of course, the flavor all make it your favorite beverage aside from water (water’s delicious!). You have 5 health reasons not to quit coffee, here they are:

1. It protects your heart: Moderate coffee drinkers (1 to 3 cups/day) have lower rates of stroke than noncoffee drinkers, an effect linked to coffee’s antioxidants. Coffee has more antioxidants per serving than blueberries, making it the biggest source of antioxidants in American diets. All those antioxidants may help suppress the damaging effect of inflammation on arteries.

2. It diverts diabetes: Those antioxidants (chlorogenic acid and quinides, specifically) play another role: boosting your cells’ sensitivity to insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar. In fact, people who drink 4 or more cups of coffee each day may have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to some studies.

3. Your liver loves it: OK, so the research here is limited, but it looks like the more coffee people drink, the lower their incidence of cirrhosis and other liver diseases. One analysis of nine studies found that every 2-cup increase in daily coffee intake reduced liver cancer risk by 43 percent.

4. It boosts your brain power: Drinking between 1 and 5 cups a day (admittedly a big range) may help reduce risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as Parkinson’s disease, studies suggest. Those antioxidants may ward off brain cell damage and help the neurotransmitters involved in cognitive function to work better.

5. It helps your headaches: And not just the withdrawal headaches caused by skipping your daily dose of caffeine! Studies show that 200 milligrams of caffeine—about the amount in 16 ounces of brewed coffee—provides relief from headaches, including migraines. Exactly how caffeine relieves headaches isn’t clear. But scientists do know that caffeine boosts the activity of brain cells, causing surrounding blood vessels to constrict.

Now, that’s not to say that coffee doesn’t have any pitfalls—it does. Some people are super-sensitive to caffeine and get jittery or anxious after drinking coffee; habitual coffee drinkers usually develop a tolerance to caffeine that eliminates this problem (but they then need the caffeine to be alert and ward off withdrawal headaches). Coffee can also disturb sleep, especially as people age. Cutting some of the caffeine and drinking it earlier in the day can curb this effect. Lastly, unfiltered coffee (like that made with a French press) can raise LDL cholesterol, so use a filter for heart health.

Lady Gaga's Practiced Safe Sex

The New Yorker, 24, concedes she wasn't ready at the time, but is thankful she has always practiced safe sex.

With the issue close to her heart, Gaga is currently promoting her M.A.C. Viva Glam lipstick - with proceeds going towards HIV and AIDS charities.

She tells the new issue of Grazia magazine: 'I didn’t lose my virginity until I was 17. But I have to say even then I wasn’t ready and it was an absolutely terrible experience. It wasn’t good at all.

'I have never not had safe sex, I have always asked a guy to be tested and to use protection, which was always my rule. Otherwise you’re playing Russian Roulette.'

Lady Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, admits her early sexual experiences left her finding the act unpleasant, but she has begun to enjoy love-making with boyfriend Luc Carl, 32. She originally dated him when she was 19 before splitting, but the pair reconciled last June.

She explained: 'I never actually enjoyed sex until two years ago. It was a proper monogamous relationship in which I felt free enough to trust and I had enough self love.

Study: Negative experiences can stop painkillers working

A patient's belief that a drug will not work can become a self fulfilling prophecy, according to researchers. They showed the benefits of painkillers could be boosted or completely wiped out by manipulating expectations.

The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, also identifies the regions of the brain which are affected. Experts said this could have important consequences for patient care and for testing new drugs.

Heat was applied to the legs of 22 patients, who were asked to report the level of pain on a scale of one to 100. They were also attached to an intravenous drip so drugs could be administered secretly. The initial average pain rating was 66. Patients were then given a potent painkiller, remifentanil, without their knowledge and the pain score went down to 55.

They were then told they were being given a painkiller and the score went down to 39. Then, without changing the dose, the patients were then told the painkiller had been withdrawn and to expect pain, and the score went up to 64. So even though the patients were being given remifentanil, they were reporting the same level of pain as when they were getting no drugs at all.

New Fuller Lips of Kim Kardashian

Doctors (who have not treated or even met Kim) have repeatedly warned her that she was doing herself no favors with so much Botox and little nip and tucks here and there, because she was still young and was becoming too “plastic.”

Either Kim is not reading the papers or she simply doesn’t care, because she just debuted a new set of lips the other day, as the Daily Mail can confirm.

The reality star was pictured outside her home without makeup on (a rare occurrence for Kim) and what looked like fuller lips.

Celebrity bloggers have also pointed out the striking similarity between Kim and her sister Kourtney, which has prompted jokes of how they must be using the same doctor who’s trying to make them look identical.

“The reality star was spotted leaving her Beverly Hills home on Thursday, sporting even fuller lips than she had had the previous week,” the Daily Mail says.

Power Balance bracelets: provide no scientific edge

Power Balance bracelet, the popular performance accessory worn by athletes including Drew Brees, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, provide no scientific edge, the company confessed this week.

The California-based company was forced to admit the lack of evidence supporting its claims of natural power after coming to an agreement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Associated Press reported.

Athletes who wore the bands insisted they provided a boost. Science said otherwise.

The bracelets, first released in 2007, were embedded with holograms and supposedly designed to interact with the energy flow of a body. They sold for $29.95 and were worn by athletes and celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal, David Beckham and Robert De Niro.

Why even bother making the claim that the bracelet gave power? Why not dance around the issue and refuse to make a definitive statement about them? Issue vague comments about natural energies and positive karma (like a hippie selling a crystal at a Phish show) and let fans of the product do the rest of the promotion by word of mouth.

Just like lucky socks, those titanium necklaces worn by baseball players or that $5 putter you bought from a sale rack at a pro shop, the only benefit derived from the Power Balance bracelet is the idea that it makes you better. Belief is a powerful thing; just watch a basketball player during a hot shooting streak or a golfer with the yips. Deep down we all know wearing the same sweatshirt on NFL Sunday doesn't change the outcome of our favorite team's game, but we wear it anyway, just in case.

Food Could Cause You Age Faster

Watch out what you eat! It turns out that the type of sandwich fixing you choose could cause you to age faster. And the bread stuffing that really sticks it to you? Processed meat. In a study, researchers found that people who ate the highest amount of processed meat -think salami, pressed ham, and bologna- showed the greatest signs of wear and tear in a key marker of cellular aging.

Telltale Telomeres

The people who ate the most processed meat had the shortest telomeres. Not a good thing, because telomeres are those tiny protective coverings on the ends of your DNA strands. The shorter they get, the older your body is on a cellular level -and the wider the door opens to problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. In the study, the telomeres of the processed-meat lovers showed about 3.4 extra years of aging compared with those who ate the least processed meat.

A Processing Problem

What's so bad about processed meats? The trouble is that they tend to be packed with a whole bunch of bad things like saturated fat, sodium, cholesterol, nitrates, and nitrites - all things believed to be linked to telomere-shortening inflammation.

Coffee Doesn't Wake You up

The most recent study conducted by researchers found that Coffee doesn’t really wake you up. So why do we have such feeling? According to researchers it is just an illusion triggered by public opinion, as coffee has been widely correlated with wake up process.

We often hear from many that their brain doesn’t start working properly in the morning until they drink a cup of coffee. But the stimulating effect for which caffeine is famous may be an illusion, say researchers.

Those who drink a lot of coffee may feel more alert after their first cup of the day. But this is probably because it reverses the fatiguing effects of overnight caffeine withdrawal, say the researchers.

Their study suggests coffee drinkers may actually be better off without their habitual morning mug as it raises the risk of anxiety and high blood pressure.

Sleep Better and Save Money

You don't have to spend a fortune on bedding to get a good night's sleep. Taking good care of the pillows, comforters, and sheets you already own will help you sleep like a baby and also save you money because you won't have to replace them as often.

Below are some tips for making the most of what you have:

Pillows:
Cover your pillow in two layers to protect it from dust, dirt, and body oils. The first layer should be a case with a zipper and then put a traditional pillowcase over the zippered cover.

You can throw polyester, feather, and down pillows into your washing machine. Use the delicate cycle. Be sure to check the seams on down pillows first so that feathers don't leak out. Good Housekeeping columnist Heloise suggests washing two at a time for balance.

Comforters:
Use a duvet cover to protect your comforter and wash it regularly.

Shake out your down comforter once a week to keep the down from bunching up. Airing it outside occasionally will keep it fresh.

Sheets:
Stay away from laundry sheets and fabric softeners. Why? They dull colors, and it's difficult to get rid of the residue they leave behind. (They'll also make your towels less absorbent.)

Don't use bleaches or detergents with optical brightens because they can weaken and discolor your sheets. Using a delicate detergent and rinsing well will keep your sheets soft.

Consume Too Much Good Things Can Be Bad

There are some things that you just can't have too much of. It can be damaging if you consume too much. Below are some surprising examples.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that needs to be ingested every day because our bodies don't produce or store it. What your body doesn't need is flushed out in your urine, but it's still possible to take too much. Mega-doses of vitamin C can cause gastritis, nausea, diarrhea, and kidney stones, according to the Mayo Clinic. In rare cases it can make you tired and dizzy.

Protein helps build muscle, blood, skin, hair, nails, and more. There is a long list of health benefits associated with eating proper amounts of protein from providing energy to keeping the immune system in good shape. But eating too much protein can cause kidney problems, dehydration, and osteoporosis, and it may be linked to certain cancers.

Soybeans are popular because they boast many health benefits from lowering cholesterol to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, but that doesn't mean you should eat soy foods with abandon. Some compounds in soybeans mimic the hormone estrogen. Animal studies suggest that large amounts of soy might reduce fertility in women, trigger early puberty, and disrupt development in fetuses and children.

Exercise is something most of us don't get enough of. About 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day is enough to ward off chronic diseases such as diabetes, improve mood, and deliver a whole bunch of health benefits. Shoot for at least 60 minutes a day, 5 to 6 times a week if you want to get the most benefits from exercise. Is there such a thing as too much exercise? Yes, and it can lead to injuries, exhaustion, depression, and long-term health problems.

The same rules apply for things that are traditionally thought of as being bad for you. Moderate amounts of dark chocolate, coffee, and red wine can be good for you, so go ahead and indulge every now and then.

Study in Progress: The Impact of Cell Phones

Some researches have shown that cell phones had no impact on the health of a person, but experts said the study period is probably not long enough to detect certain diseases, like cancer. That is why, Cosmos research will be undertaken in a period of five years.

The researchers said the current best way to do it is to monitor the health of mobile phone users in certain period of time. "In this way we can get a real picture to determine whether there is a link between cell phones and disease," said Dr Mireille Toledano, researchers from Imperial College London.

Later the study was not limited to brain cancer, given the current people use mobile phones in a variety of ways, including to open the site, so the phone does not always have to be used near the head.

"We'll see a variety of health impacts that may arise, including various cancers, such as the skin cancer and diseases related to brain nerves. Disorders and complaints such as headache, tinnitus, depression, and sleep disorder also will be monitored," said Toledano.

Let's wait for the results. Does electromagnetic radiation that has been accused of a health hazard actually proven.

Surprising symptons of Stress

Stress can come with some pretty surprising symptoms, from forgetfulness to nausea to skin rashes. Most of the time, you didn't feel quite like yourself. Find out about how your body is telling you that you’re too anxious!

1. Cavities
We all know that slacking off on dental hygiene is the first way to get cavities, but stress can also be a culprit especially when you're grinding your teeth at night or during the day.

2. An eye twitch
Have you ever had an eye twitch? The often temporary condition can be annoying and worrisome, and for some, can be triggered by stress, this condition is known as blepharospasm.

3. Rashes
It sounds strange, but your skin can be a pretty good barometer of your stress level. Stress can cause a rash, usually raised red spots or hives on the stomach, back, arms and face.

4. Forgetfulness
Lost keys, forgotten appointments, missing cell phone are just few signs that you are under stress. Research shows that chronic stress can literally shrink the size of the hippocampus, which is responsible for some memories, that's why you forgot!

5. Confusion
Stress causes distraction and lack of focus. Stress hormones lodge longest in the brain. Sunlight helps the body release serotonin to improve mood, and vitamin D helps you improve your immune system.

6. Nausea
Have you ever been worried about a loved one's (or your own) health condition, Googled it and suddenly felt nauseated? Stress can upset the stomach, and nausea can be a byproduct of worry.

7. Ragged Cuticles
Do you have ragged, unkempt cuticles or nails? Their condition could be the result of a stress-induced nervous habit. Nervous habits like nail-biting are how several people channel their stress by distracting ourselves with what is known as oral satisfaction.

8. The pain in your neck
The pain in your neck that you attributed to long hours at the computer could actually be a symptom of stress. "Stress definitely affects our musculoskeletal system, resulting in tight, contracting muscles and/or spasms in muscles."

9. Sleepiness
Feeling sluggish? Stress hormones cause your body to surge with adrenaline and then crash into sleepiness.

Snake Serum - Skin Care

Smooth skin belongs to celebrities isn't some privilege we all can have. But Kate Moss willing to share her secret what make her skin glow, snake serum!

Kate Moss and her fellow celebrity’s friends have some special skin care that are made from snake serum, some ingredients that make skin so smooth, healthy and glow.

"This skin care doesn't have any side effect like botox. It also has immediate effect" This is what the manufacturer of the cream has said about their product, as quote by Female Artist.

Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Col are just few celebrities to mention here that very satisfied with the result of this product. To use, just apply the cream once every two days.

Katie Holmes who just started to use Glamoxy Snake Serum, was able to hide some light wrinkles only 9 seconds after applying the cream.

Seven Reasons Why You Should Drink Fresh Coconut Water

Since long times ago, the coconut is known as benefit-rich plants. Almost no part of the coconut trees that are not useful.

This post will reveal to you how drinking fresh coconut water regularly will improve your health and fitness. Here are seven reasons why you should keep drinking fresh coconut water, especially applies to you who live in areas where coconut is so abundant!

1. Coconut water is more nutritious than milk, because it does not contain cholesterol and it is low fat.

2. Coconut water can improve blood circulation and known to cleanse the digestive system.

3. Coconut water is not only good for your body's immune system, but also helps the body to fight some types of viruses that cause disease.

4. If you are suffering from kidney stone disease, make it a habit to drink coconut water regularly. The habit of drinking coconut water will help dissolving kidney stones and facilitate their exit from the body.

5. Coconut water is also known from earliest times to cure urinary tract disorders. A glass of coconut water and drink it regularly can relieve the pain of urinating trouble.

6. If you want to release motion sickness, no one can recover as quickly as consuming coconut water.

7. Coconut water has this soft taste and it contains rich potassium electrolytes. Potassium helps the body to regulate blood pressure and cardiac organ function.