Thursday, April 03, 2008
Newsletter Archive
HFL June 2007
Here is the latest HFL news:
New Product Launch
We have added another new product line: Source Naturals. Source Naturals manufactures a line of comprehensive products they refer to as Bio-Aligned Formulas. Bio-Aligned Formulas are designed to help bring the power of alignment to the body by evaluating the root causes of body system imbalances, and then providing targeted nutrition. These formulas not only address nutritional symptoms directly, but also deal with their underlying causes in interrelated body systems. Source Naturals was among the first to introduce scores of nutrients to America that have since become household names, for example, lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, N-acetyl glucosamine, propolis, and spirulina. Their line of more than 400 products reflects the latest advances in nutritional research, with a comprehensive selection of single-entity nutrients in their highest quality and most bioavailable forms. We are carrying a limited amount of Source Naturals products at this time, but we will continue to expand the line.
Promotions
Customers that shop at HealthFitLabs.com for the first time get a 20% one-time discount! Just enter FIRST as the coupon code at checkout to redeem your coupon.
Returning Customers get 10% off their reorders. Any returning customer can use this 10% discount every time they shop on our site. Enter REORDER to redeem this coupon at checkout every time you shop at HealthFitLabs.com.
Free shipping on orders over $75. No coupon needed, just fill up those shopping carts. Order larger sizes to gain an even larger savings.
Our Mission: At HealthFitLabs we sell only the highest-quality natural vitamins and nutritional supplements, as well as bath and personal care products. We're passionate about customer service and dedicated to helping our customers and affiliates meet their personal health goals.
As always, please forward this on to your friends and family (they can subscribe at the bottom of the newsletter and get a $5 coupon for a future purchase!). Thank you for your support!
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Hot Headlines: Protection Against Photoaging
AgingSkinNet Article
"Photoaging" is the term that describes damage to the skin caused by intense and chronic exposure to sunlight. The visible effects of photoaging are fine wrinkles, mottling and pigmentation of the skin, and skin roughness; changes that are usually associated with chronologic aging (calendar years). But, photoaging is not a good indicator of chronologic age; it just makes a person to look older than his or her chronologic age. The three approaches to counter photoaging are:
Avoid the midday sun
Prevention by use of photoprotective agents: sunscreen and clothing
Skin rejuvenation treatments
Photoprotection is the use of physical and/or chemical agents to prevent the skin-damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. Physical agents are clothing, umbrellas and parasols, awnings and tents that protect you from sun when you are outdoors. Chemical agents are sunscreens you apply to your skin.
The effects of UV radiation on the skin are related to the intensity and duration of UV exposure. Avoiding intense, chronic exposure to solar radiation, for example, avoiding activities such as sun bathing is one important way to protect against photoaging. Photoaging can be minimized by avoiding sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you cannot avoid sun exposure between these peak hours of UV intensity, use sun-protective measures such as wearing a broad-brimmed hat and long-sleeved sun-protective clothing. You also need a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher if you are going to be exposed to sunlight for more than 20 minutes. An important point to remember: Even on cloudy days, 80 percent of the sun's UV rays reach the ground. A cloudy day is not a reason to skimp on photoprotection.
Photoprotective Topical Sunscreens
There are two basic types of topical sunscreens:
Absorbers of UV radiation: chemical sunscreen ingredients such as para-amino benzoic acid (PABA), cinnamates, salicylates and benzophenones
Reflectors of UV radiation: physical sunscreen ingredients such as titanium or zinc oxide
A third class of topical agents is the antioxidants such as vitamins E and C that do not absorb or reflect UV radiation but are believed to enhance the ability to skin cells to repair damage induced by UV radiation.
Sunscreens usually consist of a combination of several photoprotective chemicals. The degree of protection they provide is measured as a sun protective factor (SPF). Persons who always burn rather than tan, typically a person with pale white skin, red or blond hair, and blue or green eyes, are at highest risk for photoaging and skin cancer and should always use maximum photoprotection. Dermatologists strongly recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher for all skin types. SPF is determined in the United States by a guideline accepted by sunscreen manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Topical sunscreens are marketed as lotions, creams, gels and ointments; the type you choose is a matter of personal choice.
An effective sunscreen should also be broad-spectrum, providing protection against both the A and B wavelengths of UV. Both UVA and UVB are present in sunlight and both can cause skin damage. The UVB wavelengths are the principal cause of sunburn. UVA can penetrate to deeper layers of the skin. Since most chemical ingredients of sunscreens are most effective against either UVA or UVB, many sunscreens are a mixture of UVA and UVB-absorbing chemicals, or physical blocking agents such as zinc oxide. You can check the label to see if a sunscreen provides both UVA and UVB protection. A sunscreen providing only UVB protection is effective against sunburn but less effective against the deeper penetrating UVA. You can also check the label of a sunscreen product to see if it contains ingredients that provide broad-spectrum (UVA-UVB) protection, e.g., oxybenzone, cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone (Parsol 1789).
Suggestions to improve sunscreen effectiveness:
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outdoors
Use about 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover the entire body. Cover all exposed areas liberally. Pay special attention to face, ears, nose, arms and legs. Remember that lips can burn, too, so cover lips with a lip balm sunscreen or SPF 15 or higher
Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or heavy sweating (reapplying does not increase the SPFit just keeps the SPF at its maximum level)
Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF or 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection are effective in preventing actinic keratoses (AK), skin conditions that can be a precursor to skin cancer. Effective sunscreen protection may also help to prevent the development of melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer.
Side effects of sunscreens, if they occur, are usually a contact irritant reaction to a chemical in the sunscreen. Other possible side effects include phototoxicity or photoallergy (due to interaction of chemicals in the sunscreen with sunlight), and contact allergy. A sunscreen that causes a side effect should be avoided. Persons with an existing skin condition such as acne, eczema or other dermatitis, actinic keratoses or rosacea should consult a dermatologist regarding selection of an appropriate sunscreen.
In Summary: Criteria for Selecting a Sunscreen to Prevent Photoaging
SPF of 15 or higher
Broad-spectrum, providing both UVA and UVB protection
Does not cause skin irritation
Does not worsen an existing skin condition
Selecting Clothing for Photoprotection
For maximum photoprotection you can select clothing as well as sunscreen on the basis of SPF. Clothing with a high SPF can block nearly 98 percent of UVA and UVB radiation, a degree of protection especially important (1) if you burn easily and are at high risk for photoaging, skin cancer and other sun-induced skin conditions, and (2) if you spend a lot of time in the sun while hiking, fishing, gardening, and working outdoors. Good sun protection is important for children, also. Skin damage can begin early, 80 percent of sun exposure is received before age 18. Some epidemiologic studies have indicated that heavy sun exposure in childhood is a risk factor for melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) later in life.
For maximum photoprotection from clothing:
The clothing should provide maximum body coverage: long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and wide-brimmed hat
Tightly woven synthetic fabrics made from nylon and polyester provide maximum protection. Tightly woven cotton blends are nearly as UV protective and more comfortable in high heat and humidity
Fabrics made specifically to provide UV protection are made by U.S. manufacturers to meet SPF specifications. A SPF of 15 or higher provides adequate UV protection
A dermatologist can make recommendations regarding selection of sun-protective clothing for the needs of the individual patient
Skin Color and Risk for Photoaging
Skin tends to be more susceptible to photoaging on the basis of skin color. In general, the fairer, less pigmented the skin, the greater the risk for photoaging and other sun-induced skin problems, including skin cancer:
Fitzpatrick Classification of Skin Type
I - Always burns, never tans (pale white skin)
II - Always burns easily, tans minimally (white skin)
III - Burns moderately, tans uniformly (light brown skin)
IV - Burns minimally, always tans well (moderate brown skin)
V - Rarely burns, tans profusely (dark brown skin)
VI - Never burns, (deeply pigmented dark brown to black skin)
A person whose skin meets criteria for Type 1 is likely to be a person with pale white skin, red or blond hair, blue or green eyes, and Celtic (Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Breton) ancestry. This description fits a significant fraction of the United States population. A person with Type 1 skin is very sensitive to UV radiation, burns easily, never tans, and is at risk for early onset of skin damage that results in photoaging.
Skin Types II and III are increasingly more pigmented shades of white, with tendency to burn rather than tan, and moderate to strong risk for photoaging and other sun-induced skin problems.
Types IV and V are "olive" to moderate brown in skin color, sunburn minimally and tan easily, and have moderate to low risk for photoaging and other sun-induced skin problems.
Type VI is dark brown to black in skin color, never sunburns, and has a minimal risk for photoaging. Risk for skin cancers related to sun exposure is very minimal.
Dark-skinned persons and white-skinned persons are, however, equally at risk for dehydration with long-duration sun exposure.
World-wide statistics on skin cancer have led dermatologists to recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher for all skin types.
References:
AAD "Dermatology Insights" Spring 2000.
AAD Facts About Sunscreens.
AAD Guidelines for Photoaging/Photodamage.
Pathak MA et al. Sun-protective agents: formulation, effects, and side effects. In: Freedberg I M et al (Eds.). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 5th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1999:2742-2763.
*Visit our selection of full-spectrum (UVA-UVB) sunscreens in our Bath and Personal Care Section, Sun Protection tab.*
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The Better-for-You Bean Dip
Most people think of beans only as a healthy substitute for protein if they are not eating meat. Beans offer us many other benefits: they contain cancer-fighting phytochemicals, are a great source of folate, a major cancer-fighting vitamin, and carry a lot of fiber, which helps with digestion. This bean dip is a delicious complement to crackers or vegetables.
Curried Bean Dip
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium tomato, seeded and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup minced red onion
1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 tsp. curry powder
1 can (15 oz.) soy beans* or small white beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup frozen green peas
Fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish
In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, tomato, onion, ginger and curry powder. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Add the beans and the peas and cook while stirring for 5 minutes. Put the bean mixture in a blender and puree until smooth. Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and sprinkle cilantro on top. Serve the dip warm or at room temperature with whole grain crackers, pita bread or vegetables.
Makes 2 1/2 cups
Per 2 tablespoons: 37 calories, 2 g. total fat (<1 g. saturated fat), 3 g. carbohydrate, 2 g. protein, <1 g. dietary fiber, 24 mg. sodium.
*Note: Canned soy beans are usually available in the health food section of regular supermarkets and in health food stores.
*Find other tasty recipes in our Healthy Library*
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Healthy Humor
On a cheerful summer holiday weekend a man walks into the butcher shop that has a sign in the window saying "Ground Sirloin: 29 cents per pound."
"I'm having a cookout this weekend," the man says, "and I'd like 5 pounds of your ground sirloin, please."
The butcher shakes his head and says, "Sorry. I'm all out."
The disappointed man goes down the street to another butcher shop and asks, "How much is your ground sirloin?"
"It's $3.29 per pound."
"Three twenty nine?" exclaims the man. "Just up the street they are selling it for 29 cents!"
The butcher smiles calmly at the gentleman and asks, "Does he have any?"
"No. He's out of it right now."
"Well," says the butcher, "When I don't have any, I can also sell it for 19 cents per pound!"
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Ask the Expert: Summer Summer Summertime
by Dr. Daniel Gerwig
At long last summer is around the corner and we are all excited to get out and enjoy the nice weather. Whether it's getting out and walking through the neighborhood, becoming involved with sports leagues, or starting a new workout routine, we need to think about a few things before jumping into these activities full force. First off, many of us, especially in the Midwest, develop a more sedentary lifestyle over the winter months and when the weather warms up we want to get out and take advantage of it. Unfortunately, the months of de-conditioning during the winter will increase our chance of injuring ourselves when we start back up with these more athletic activities during the summer. Knowing that, we need to prepare our bodies for these activities with a good warm-up and stretching routine before we start. Once we are doing the activity, start off easy and work your way into anything full-speed. Another good way to avoid these injuries is to have your physician conduct a pre-participation exam to determine if you have any physical issues that could be aggravated by increased physical activity. If you do go out and overdo it your first time back into an activity and injure yourself, don't just shake it off and say "it will go away." We only have a few months of good weather to enjoy so don't spend half of it dealing with an injury that won't heal on it's own. If you injure yourself, get it treated. There are treatments out there that can cut the length of time you suffer from an injury in half! So if you want to enjoy your summer to its fullest, don't delay on having a professional treat your injury.
Dr. Daniel Gerwig is a sports injury expert and can answer any questions at his office, call him at (630) 90-1422 today.