Damian O'Hara is a former chain smoker who after countless miserable attempts to quit, finally did so successfully using

Damian O'Hara--

Are light and mild cigarettes 'milder' or 'lighter' (by that what we really mean is 'safer' or 'less dangerous') than so-called full-flavor cigarettes?

To answer this question, we must first understand what a light or mild cigarette is. A light cigarette is identical to the full-flavor version with the exception of two things: first, the filter is longer. This gives the smoke more time to cool down before entering the airways and this reduction in temperature gives the illusion of a milder 'taste'. (This is why most smokers can't smoker non-filtered cigarettes: the smoke is too hot for them and they find the 'flavor' too harsh). Second, many manufacturers also put microscopic ventilations in the filter. Again, this allows the smoke to cool down giving the illusion of a milder taste. Also some side-stream smoke escapes through the ventilations, which gives these cigarettes lower tar and nicotine levels when the cigarette is tested by the FTC's smoking machines.

However, we do not smoke like a machine smokes. We cover the ventilations with our lips or fingers. We rip the filter off, or tape it up. We drag deeper, smoke further down the butt, or smoke more cigarettes to compensate for the loss of this side-stream smoke.

Because we smoke light and mild cigarettes differently, we actually end up getting very similar amounts of nicotine (and therefore tar, carbon monoxide etc.) from ultra-light cigarettes as we do from full-flavor brands, it's just that the smoke is cooler giving the illusion of mildness.

In Canada this scam has been blown wide open and tobacco companies are now no longer allowed to use the deceitful descriptors 'light' and 'mild.'

As with so many other walks of life, in quitting smoking, knowledge is power. 

Light Up And Slim Down?

Stop Smoking With A New Video Game

How The President of Allen Carr Quit His Smoking Habit

Jim is frequently quoted in articles about issues affecting senior citizens and has been featured in numerous high profile publications, including Time magazine, USA Today and The New York Times. In addition, he has made multiple appearances on CNBC, CNN, Retirement Living Television and national public television.

Jim Miller--

According to the National Eye Institute, 3.3 million Americans age 40 and over currently live with low vision or blindness – usually brought on by one of the big four age-related eye diseases: macular degeneration; glaucoma; cataracts; or diabetic retinopathy – and that number is expected to double over the next 30 years. (The terms vision impairment, or low vision, means that even with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery, you don’t see well.) Those affected often sink into depression, suffer hip fractures and other injuries, and become socially isolated. While not much can be done to prevent these diseases, there are some things you can do to cope with and manage this condition.

Hands-On Help

Are you aware of vision rehabilitation services? Today, there are hundreds of vision rehabilitation agencies, organizations and clinics across the country that can help people, and their families, adapt to living with vision loss. While vision rehabilitation cannot restore lost sight, it does help people maximize their existing sight or, if they have no vision, it can equip them with techniques and tools to maintain an independent lifestyle. Services vary, but many offer eye examinations, low vision evaluations and professional counseling, along with special training on how to perform everyday activities in new ways and training to use visual and adaptive devices. They may also offer tips and guidance for modifying the home, and support from others with low vision. To find a program in your area visit www.lighthouse.org – click on “Help Near You.” Costs for these types of services range in the ballpark of $200 to $300 for an initial vision evaluation, and $50 to $100 per hour there after. While Medicare and most private insurance coverage is spotty at best and more often non-existent, most state agencies for the blind and visually impaired offer low cost or free services.

Other Resources

If you can’t find a vision rehabilitation service in your area, there are other resources that can help like the American Foundation for the Blind, which created a special site for seniors with low vision (www.afb.org/seniorsite), and VisionAWARE (www.visionaware.org), a nonprofit public charity. These sites offer tons of information, instructional videos and articles providing everyday solutions to living with vision loss including tips for adapting your home to make it safer and easier to maneuver, techniques for traveling safely outside the home, and ideas on how to manage your finances, medication and other tasks like cooking, cleaning, grooming, reading, writing and more. They also list a variety of low vision adaptive products and computer technology that can help improve your quality of life and help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Another helpful resource is Lighthouse International, a nonprofit offering great information on their Web site and a free new guide called “Living Better: A Guide for People with Vision Loss.” To get a copy, visit www.lighthouse.org or call 212-821-9567.

Research Your Hospital For The Best Care

Tattoo Your Eyeball?

Dry Eyes?  Restore Your Life!

is a licensed pharmacist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. The author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist (HarperCollins, July '07), she is "America's Most Trusted Pharmacist," and has helped millions of patients in various clinical settings, such as retail, hospital, nursing home pharmacies, and through  her nationally syndicated column, "Dear Pharmacist." A former spokesperson for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Suzy Cohen is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine, The Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists and The American Pharmacists Association. You can subscribe to Suzy's free weekly newsletter or ask her a question at her

Suzy Cohen--

Dear Pharmacist,
I have a vaginal fibroid that is about the size of an egg. It’s attached at the opening of the vagina and is very painful. What can I take that is natural to help shrink it? --CA Orlando, Florida

Answer: Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that more often appear in the breast, uterus or ovaries. One thing is clear about fibroids, they need estrogen to grow and if you reduce the amount of estrogen in the body, they retreat. This is why menopausal women seem to trade in their fibroids for hot flashes.
Some fibroids grow to the size of a grapefruit. Hysterectomies are sometimes performed as ‘treatment.’ It’s understandable in certain serious cases when the fibroids cause extreme pain or cancer is involved, but I think it’s barbaric that doctors used to do routine hysterectomies to remove fibroids even if you had no symptoms. Besides surgery doesn’t fix the hormonal imbalance that caused it in the first place. Hysterectomies rank up there with other ridiculous procedures that were once popular, like bloodletting, routine tonsillectomies and lobotomies! So ladies, before you get talked into going under the knife, at least try some of the following supplements.

Serrapeptase: This is an enzyme that eats cysts for food. I think it is amazing for inflammatory conditions and it should shrink your fibroids with continued use. Sold widely online and in health food stores.

Myomin: A blend of Chinese herbs was developed by an Oriental naturopath, Dr. Chi. The supplement limits estrogen production, acting sort of like an “aromatase inhibitor” similarly to stronger prescription drugs (Aromasin, Evista and Tamoxifen).
Sold online at www.energeticnutrition.com or www.chi-health.com.

This supplement will you reduce estrogen load and when fibroids don’t get the estrogen they need, bloating might occur, especially right before your period and for a few days into your cycle. So it appears that your fibroid condition is worsening. Bloating should subside midway through your cycle. A colored discharge may also occur for a few months as the fibroids slowly dissolve and exit the body.

I3C or DIM: This supplement is extracted from broccoli, cauliflower and other cruciferous veggies. It helps reduce estrogen in the body so the same warnings exist for this supplement as for Myomin.

Evening Primrose Oil: It’s extracted from the seeds of a wildflower and provides you with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This can help relieve painful menstrual cycles, endometriosis and fibroid tumors too!

Diet: No more fried food, dairy or meat because these may fuel the growth of fibroids. Eat more salads and fruits. Drink juices that are red and fresh, like pure pomegranate, grape or cranberry juice.

Medicine: Wean off your birth control or hormone replacement drugs (with your doctor’s blessings) because these forms of estrogen fuel fibroid growth.

Did You Know?

Drug companies are trying to pull a fast one and get FDA approval to use statin cholesterol drugs in 8 -10 year old kids, even without adequate testing in this population!

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist.” For more information, visit www.DearPharmacist.com)

© 2008 Suzy Cohen, RPh.

Further Reading:

A Hysterectomy Is Not For Everyone

Some Pills Make You Pack On The Pounds

Interview: Trainer of the Stars and Queen Latifah: Jeanette Jenkins--Author and President of The Hollywood Trainer Weight-Loss Plan

Stuart A. Seale, M.D., board-certified family physician and co-author of The 30-Day Diabetes Miracle, has helped thousands of patients over the past quarter century. He serves as the medical director for Ardmore Institute of Health, and is the medical director, physician, and educator for Lifestyle Center of America’s Stopping Diabetes ProgramTM in Sedona, Arizona. He conducts an advanced wellness and healthy lifestyle workshop called The Well ExperienceTM, and also maintains a private, mobile medical practice, Room Calls Sedona. Dr. Seale has also received the 3-year AMA Physician Recognition Award eight times, most recently in 2007.

Stuart Seale--

In the middle of July, AD 64, Rome caught on fire. For five days the blaze raged, destroying 14 Roman districts and severely damaging seven. It is a common saying that Emperor Nero played his lyre, or “fiddled,” while the city was being destroyed around him. Whether the story is based on fact, or is meant as an analogy in reference to Nero’s poor leadership in general, is debatable. The question I want you to ask yourself is this – when it comes to pre-diabetes and diabetes, are you a Nero? Are you fiddling while your world is literally burning down around you?

On June 24, 2008, the Centers for Disease Control released updated statistics related to diabetes and pre-diabetes. In the two years since the last set of statistics was released, diabetes has increased by 3 million people – there are now nearly 24 million Americans with diabetes. This represents 8 percent of our population. There are another 57 million with “pre-diabetes”, a somewhat friendly and reassuring term given to a condition that is really the same as diabetes, but is just at an earlier (and more easily reversed) stage. Unfortunately, complications such as retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney disease), and neuropathy (nerve damage) begin during pre-diabetes, so reassurance is not in order when this diagnosis is given.

It has been determined by the American Diabetes Association that in 2007 the cost of diabetes in the U.S. totaled $174 billion. Diabetes contributes to at least 250,000 American deaths each year. It is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, and non-traumatic amputations of the lower extremities. Those with diabetes are at double the risk for suffering a heart attack, two to four times the risk for having a stroke, and they die up to 17 years younger than their non-diabetic counterparts. To put these numbers in perspective, consider that the 2007 Iraq war budget was $110 billion, and that in the entire 5-year history of the Iraq war there have been 29,000 Americans wounded and 4,114 killed. In that same 5-year time frame, more than a million Americans have died directly as a result of diabetes. If this comparison doesn’t make one’s head spin concerning the severity of the problem confronting America in the form of diabetes, then consider the fact that during the lifetime of the children born in the year 2000, diabetes prevalence will increase from the current 8 percent to over 35 percent of the population being affected. Just as sure as Rome literally burned in 64 A.D., America will figuratively burn, and diabetes will be the lighted match that starts the fire.

It appears that American society collectively, and most of those with diabetes and pre-diabetes individually, are willing to be like Nero, and literally “fiddle” while their world burns down around them. There seems to be no sense of urgency, even for those caught up in the relentless progression of this disease, to do much about diabetes. Taking insulin or other medications alone only masks the symptoms, and does nothing to treat the underlying cause, or to stop and reverse diabetes. Watching Nero fiddle is especially difficult when you consider that type 2 diabetes (which comprises 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes) in most cases can be completely reversed with very simple changes in lifestyle behavior. In other words, stop fiddling and start doing something different! There is no magic pill. You need to take action yourself. When you do, diabetes will be under your control.

So how can you put down your fiddle and stop being a diabetes Nero? Eat more vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and nuts in moderation. Dramatically reduce, or eliminate completely, your intake of meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, white flour products, and sugar in all of its forms. Eat a large breakfast, a moderate lunch, and little or no supper. Take a 10-minute very slow stroll immediately after each meal, and 2 hours later take a very brisk 20-minute walk. 

Your world does not need to perish in the flames of diabetes. Take ownership. Start making simple changes today and begin to quench the fire!

Dr. Seale and the Lifestyle Center of America are now holding a contest for one person to go through the diabetes boot camp free of charge. You can visit http://www.diabetesmiracle.org and click on “Take the Challenge” to learn more.

The Lifestyle Center of America is offering one winner:

· All-expenses paid travel to one of LCA’s campuses this fall

· A 12-day residential stay to kick-start the new diet and lifestyle

· Continued long-distance health coaching for the entire year

· A digital video camera which will be used to chronicle the journey

Further Reading:

The Real Cure For Type 2 Diabetes

Are You Insulin Resistant?

Pancreatic Cancer Will Cause Diabetes

(Rodale, 2008) is a doctor of public health and nutrition, registered dietitian and American College of Sports Medicine-certified Health Instructor. She is owner of Bazilian’s Health Clinic in San Diego, CA and the Nutrition Specialist at the renowned Golden Door spa and fitness resort in Escondido, CA. Her book, The SuperFoodsRx Diet, offers readers a celebratory, health-promoting, disease-fighting, metabolism boosting way to lose weight in the real world. She is self-proclaimed 'Blueberry Fan Number 1' and as a nutrition scientist, dietitian and writer, Dr. Wendy works to bring the credible science of nutrition into the hands--and mouths--of her clients and readers.

Dr. Wendy Bazilian--

The 4^th of July is among our most cherished holidays. Remembrance of our fight for independence, our perseverance and our celebration of America! My family has celebrated the 4^th of July together in a small Virginia town for over 35 years running though we come from places as far as Michigan, Maine, Maryland and California. Fireworks, parades, picnics, family reunions. . .and blueberries! It’s National Blueberry Month and since 1999, the USDA determined these little blue globes of goodness—a fruit truly native to the United States—should have their very own month-long national celebration.

Why are they so special? Well, not only are they a crop native to the U.S., but they are grown today in 38 states here at home and also supply over 90% of the entire world.

July marks high season for fresh blueberries nationwide but because they are so delicious and easy to enjoy, you can find U.S. blueberries fresh these days from April through October. And don’t forget those other months too, where you can enjoy frozen blueberries at the market or ones you froze yourself over the summer!

They’re good for you too! The best news is that your belly and your whole body love blueberries. In fact, blueberries are a SuperFood. What makes them so super?

They’re excellent sources of vitamin C, high in fiber and abundant in antioxidants that play a role in protecting your health. In fact, the stunning blue color that you look at just before popping a blueberry into your mouth actually is the antioxidant itself looking right back at you! Blueberries are health-promoting, disease-fighting foods and have been researched for their role in helping reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, urinary tract infections and other chronic diseases. What’s more, they’re getting a lot of attention about their ability to help protect the health of our brains—including our memory—as we age.

But that’s not all—a SuperFood can’t just be good for you, it has to be good to you, too. A SuperFood must also be available in your local markets, versatile and super-easy to use. You can’t expect to get great nutrition from a food if you can’t find it or don’t know what to do with it, but with blueberries, you’ve got it made. Fresh, frozen, dried and in juices—virtually every supermarket in the U.S. carries blueberries for you to enjoy.

They’re so easy that a rinse is all they require which even the busiest of moms and dads, and even kids, can do. No peeling, chopping, coring, pitting. They’re the ultimate ‘poppable’ snack. And they go with any meal from blueberry pancakes to salads to snacks, in yogurt, served with chicken or pork and of course a favorite – blueberry pie. You can find more great tips and recipes at www.blueberrycouncil.org.

Let our celebration of Independence Day shared with family and friends be marked with not only tradition but that delicious, nutritious food, too. When we salute the flag and set the table all month long—remember the (red, white, and) blueberry whose history is as old as our very own country.

Red, White, and Blueberry Pound Cake

Lose Weight By Eating Super Foods

A Doctor's Top Tip: Every Step Counts

In a country in which obesity-related illness is on the rise, making healthier choices about what we put on our plates is more important than ever. That’s why so many people opt for fish and shellfish as a healthy, low-fat source of protein and other essential nutrients, including beneficial Omega-3 oils. But even though organizations like the American Heart Association recommend eating fish at least twice a week, one little word still has people thinking twice before selecting the catch of the day: mercury.

Mercury is an element that occurs naturally in the environment, but thousands of tons are also released each year in the form of industrial waste. Once absorbed into the atmosphere, it can be deposited back into the water supply where trillions of microscopic bacteria convert it into methylmercury, a more toxic form of mercury that is then ingested by fish and marine mammals, many of which are eventually eaten by humans. As a result, methylmercury can accumulate in the body and may lead to serious—even chronic—health problems.

It may come as a surprise to know that mercury may also be lurking in the fillings in your teeth. Older dental fillings were often made of amalgam—a mixture of mercury and one or more other metals. However, research found that over time those amalgam fillings were releasing low levels of mercury into the body, and the use of amalgam in the dental industry has declined significantly.

How Much is Too Much?
According to the World Health Organization, there is no known “safe” level of mercury. Because studies have shown that mercury may damage the central nervous system, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends only eating fish and shellfish that contain less than 1 ppm (part per million). Further research indicates that exposure to mercury may also increase the risk of heart disease and infection, as well as developmental delays and birth defects.

According to Thomas McGuire, author of Tooth Fitness: Your Guide to Healthy Teeth, “The most common early symptoms [of mercury toxicity] are fatigue and short-term memory problems, since the brain is one of the first organs affected.” He goes on to state that mercury is a factor in cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer, and that mercury amalgam may worsen existing health problems.

Removing Mercury Naturally
In addition to replacing existing amalgam fillings with composites or porcelain crowns, natural health practitioners often recommend herbal chelation as a way to help get rid of mercury. Chelation refers to the binding of a substance with a metal (such as mercury) in order to safely and effectively eliminate it from the body. Mercury-specific cleansing formulas utilize natural chelating agents such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help draw out mercury from deep within the body’s cells and tissues.

An effective mercury cleanse will often include vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals such as selenium and copper, as well as alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and L-glutathione, all of which have been shown to help remove the mercury from the body. Herbs such as milk thistle seed extract are added for their role in supporting healthy liver function, since the liver is the body’s primary detoxification organ. Additional herbal ingredients are often added to assist with cleansing and to provide antioxidant and immune support.

If you’re concerned about the presence of mercury in your body, speak with your natural health practitioner about the best cleansing options for your individual needs. Also, choose smaller species of fish and shellfish when dining on seafood, as larger species spend more time in the food chain and can accumulate larger amounts of mercury.

Summer Colds--No Match For The Power of Probiotics

Herbal Cleansing For Renewed Health

A Healthier Diet, A Healthier You

She is also the author of Enough is Enough! The Hellraiser’s Guide to Community Activism: How to Organize a Successful Campaign for Change, and Beat High Gas Prices Now! The Fastest, Easiest Ways to Save $20-$50 Every Month on Gasoline. Big Green Purse has reached #7 on Amazon's ranking of environmental books.

Diane MacEachern--

My family is really susceptible to skin cancer. My father's had it, my brother's had it, and I've had it - several times. Needless to say, I'm a borderline fanatic when it comes to wearing sunscreen. My daily face lotion contains SPF15, and if I'm at the beach I always use at least SPF 45, along with a hat, sunglasses, a breezy long-sleeve shirt and light pants. Yes, it took a while to get over wanting a "summer tan." But there's nothing like a few bouts of skin cancer to put vanity into perspective, especially considering the facts:

Every year, more than 800,000 Americans are affected by basal cell skin cancer alone. The percentage of women who are younger than 40 when they develop the disease has tripled in the past three decades, says the National Women's Health Resource Center; the same age group has quadrupled its rate of squamous cell skin cancer. More than 77 percent of cancer-causing exposure occurs after the age of 18. (By the way, tanning beds are no safer than the sun. Using tanning beds before age 35 increases your risk of the even deadlier skin cancer, melanoma.)

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appear to trigger most lip cancer, too. What's more, too much sun can prematurely age your face and make you look as pinched as a prune. UV rays even take their toll on eyes, causing cataracts and other ailments.

UVA is the most abundant source of solar radiation; it penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. UVB is a factor, too. The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (9 a.m. - 3 p.m. during standard time) pose the greatest risk, and that's true whether it is sunny or cloudy.

What Can You Do?

· Follow the "shadow rule." Avoid the sun during the late morning and early afternoon when the sun is strongest - and when your shadow is shorter than you are.

· Use enough sunscreen. Apply one ounce of sunscreen (about the amount that fills your palm or a shot glass) at a time. Larger people will need more. If you're swimming or sweating a lot, apply sunscreen immediately after drying off. Don't miss ears, around the eyes, neck (all the way around), hands, feet, toes, and backs of knees.

· Use the right SPF. Different skin types need different SPF (sunburn protection factor) ratings. The American Academy of Dermatology advises choosing a sunscreen with at least SPF 15. If you are fair, burn easily and often suffer bad sunburns, choose higher SPF numbers such as 30 or 45. But don't stay in the sun longer. An SPF 45 "probably provides 3 to 4 percent more protection than a SPF 15," says Dr. Susan C. Taylor, MD, a Philadelphia dermatologist and the Founding Director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York. According to Dr. Taylor, even though skin pigment, or melanin, in the "average" African American gives protection equivalent to SPF 13, brown- and black- skinned people should still use sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

· Apply early and often. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends applying sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outside to let your skin absorb it, then reapply every two hours. Because no sunscreen is truly "waterproof" or "sweatproof," reapply after 40 minutes of sweaty activity or swimming.

· Dress for the occasion. Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Protect your eyes with wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection. Beach umbrellas and other kinds of shade help, but UV rays can still bounce off sand, water, and porch decks. Use sunscreen whenever outside.

What to Buy?

· First, throw away last year's lotions, as some ingredients lose effectiveness over time.

· Pick the best product. According to Environmental Working Group, 54 percent of sunscreens become unstable when exposed to light and might not offer the advertised protection. The group recommends the "best" sunscreens here.

· Consider self-tanning lotions and sprays. However, you can still burn in the sun, as these only contain an SPF of 4. Use a sunscreen every two hours with an SPF of at least 15.

· Solarweave® is a revolutionary fabric specially manufactured to block more than 97.5% of all UVA and UVB radiation. Available in bathing suit cover-ups, long-sleeve shirts, t-shirts, pants, and hats (pictured above).
· Coolibar clothing comes packaged with a hang tag that includes an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (or "UPF") rating. Some clothes claim to block 98% UV. Available in tunics blouses, hoodies, pants, and cover-ups.
Want to learn more? See our Personal Care Page, or visit the National Women's Health Resource Center .

Barbecue Tips

Some Medications Increase Skin Cancer Risk

The Most Common Spot For Melanoma

is a licensed pharmacist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. The author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist (HarperCollins, July '07), she is "America's Most Trusted Pharmacist," and has helped millions of patients in various clinical settings, such as retail, hospital, nursing home pharmacies, and through  her nationally syndicated column, "Dear Pharmacist." A former spokesperson for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Suzy Cohen is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine, The Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists and The American Pharmacists Association. You can subscribe to Suzy's free weekly newsletter or ask her a question at her

Suzy Cohen--

Question: You recently wrote an article about how good the sun can be for you in creating vitamin D. The instructions with the medication I take for acne (doxycycline) state that I should stay away from the sun, so I do. What can happen if I don’t? --DP, Gainesville, Florida

Answer: The sun does help you make more D which helps protect against prostate cancer and breast cancer. But some medications warn against sun exposure because of a side effect called “photosensitivity.” It isn’t a given because not everyone who uses a photosensitizing drug is affected. Offending drugs of this type cause some people to suffer a dreadful sunburn, brown splotchy patches or skin rash. Depending on the medication, this side effect may or may not be reversible. Some drugs are more likely to cause reactions than others.

Doxycycline is an antibiotic often prescribed for acne and has a strong reputation for causing skin damage in some people who are photosensitive. It is one of many drugs that increase a person’s photosensitivity, so you could burn after only a few minutes of exposure, where it might normally take two hours to get sunburned. Sunburn is just one type of reaction; it is possible to experience other short-term effects such as hives, eye burn, itches, blistering or scaling of the skin.

Chronic effects with certain photosensitizing drugs include premature aging of the skin, skin cancer, strong allergic reactions and even cataracts. Now this isn’t 100 percent foolproof, but eating certain foods and taking some supplements may prevent or reduce the severity of a sunburn. Seriously, studies suggest that antioxidant substances like vitamin C, E, lycopene and green tea extract may be helpful in protecting your skin. Chocolate too!

For the record, the FDA reports that many household substances also increase your risk for sunburn. Such ingredients are commonly found in deodorants, antibacterial soaps, artificial sweeteners, mothballs, nylon and wool fibers and cadmium sulfide, a chemical injected into the skin during tattooing.

Interestingly, many blood pressure reducing medications, female hormones, birth control pills (anything with estrogen in it) and anti-inflammatory arthritis medications and diabetic medications have the potential to cause photosensitive reactions.

If you get a bad sunburn take a painkiller (like Tylenol) then take a bath in oatmeal, it’s sold under the brand name Aveeno at pharmacies nationwide. I personally add a little baking soda to the bath for even more soothing sensation. Dry off and apply a lightweight moisturizer to your skin twice a day. Dermoplast or Solarcaine are over-the-counter anesthetics that you can spray on your skin. Aloe is fantastic, apply it straight from the plant. You can also use this folk remedy: Dip a compress into cool water that contain apple cider vinegar (50/50 mix) and apply it to painful areas of your skin.

The Most Common Spot For Melanoma

Seven Threats To Young Skin

Fight Infections Naturally

is a licensed pharmacist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience. The author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist (HarperCollins, July '07), she is "America's Most Trusted Pharmacist," and has helped millions of patients in various clinical settings, such as retail, hospital, nursing home pharmacies, and through  her nationally syndicated column, "Dear Pharmacist." A former spokesperson for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Suzy Cohen is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine, The Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists and The American Pharmacists Association. You can subscribe to Suzy's free weekly newsletter or ask her a question at her

Guest Blogger Suzy Cohen--

QUESTION: I’ve been filling in for my brother at work these last two weeks, but it’s not the most enjoyable task for me. He’s fighting off a skin infection and has been to several doctors. He’s getting better, but not fast enough for me! Any suggestions? CC Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

ANSWER: Human skin is always teeming with bacteria, fungi and other germs, but these ‘bugs’ need a suitable host to cause infection. They like people with weak immune systems—the result of too much stress, fast food and work. People with the strongest immune systems tend to consume lots of “rabbit food.” Consider the following natural immune boosters:
1. Spirulina: This superfood comes from blue-green algae and is an incredible source of protein, vitamins, minerals and the powerful detoxifier, chlorophyll. Spirulina is best known for its immune-boosting properties and it can be used for cancer. Take daily, especially if you eat meat.

2. Garlic: Add one clove of lightly sautéd garlic to foods each day. Finding high quality supplements is iffy. I like Kyolic’s Aged Garlic because the garlic is free of pesticides; it’s odorless and contains added antioxidants. Clinical trials often use Kyolic brand.

3. Tea Tree Oil: Dab it on the skin—do not take internally! Tea tree is native to Australia. Make sure you buy 100 percent pure oil, rather than a dilution.

4. Zinc: The mineral revs up the immune system, preventing infections. Zinc can latch on to the cold-causing rhinovirus and destroy it before the infection becomes full blown. Take it at the first sniffle to shorten your cold misery by 3 or 4 days. A good maintenance dose is 10 -15mg daily.

5. Olive Leaf Extract: This is a powerful anti-EVERYTHING, relieving vaginal yeast infections, herpes, PMS, psoriasis, headaches, chronic fatigue, diabetes and hypertension. It curbs the production of ‘reverse transcriptase and protease,’ making olive leaf a must for people with AIDS/HIV. Take about 500mg three times daily (standardized).

6. Probiotics & Enzymes: These supplements minimize infections and cure other nagging GI problems. Conventional antibiotics are drug muggers for intestinal flora, making probiotics absolutely essential for anyone taking them.

7. Vitamin D: Sun yourself for 15 minutes each day—it’s free! Studies prove that your skin cells need D to prevent infection, reduce inflammation and improve auto-immune conditions.

8. Oregano: Use fresh herb or supplement; it bolsters your immune system, driving out bacteria, fungus and parasites and it also reduces blood sugar.

9. Green Tea: Drink one cup at night, any flavor.

10. Larch Arabinogalactan: Incredibly powerful, even used for cancer. It activates your ‘killer’ cells, which defend you from chronic chest, sinus or ear infections. When my kids were young, I gave them Arabinex powder sold online or at Thorne Research (800) 228-1966.

Did You Know?
A new study shows that four weeks of fast food and sugary drinks can spark the beginnings of liver damage and diabetes.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.DearPharmacist.com)

© 2008 Suzy Cohen, RPh.

Pill Swallowing 101

Food Is Not The Enemy

Mediterranean Diet Is Rich In Antioxidants And Low In Harmful Fats