Skincare Column

Acne Aggravators:

• Hormones: Multiple hormones are associated with acne, but it’s the increase intestosterone or androgens, that impact skin most. When the body experiences a surge in hormones (from menstruation, pregnancy, menopause or stress), androgen levels rise, causing the production of skin cells and oil to be amplified. Skin doctors say that adult acne may also be caused by an increased sensitivity or de-sensitivity to the hormones that are in the body at a later point in life. Some say the reason for pimples around menstruation

Fitness Column

No matter who you are, you have no doubt experienced stress at some point during your life. The majority of Americans say they face at least a moderate level of stress most every week. Nearly nine out of 10 people report having experienced high levels of stress at some time.

The American Institute of Stress estimates that 90 percent of all doctor visits are for stress related disorders. Additionally, 95 million people in this country take some form of medication for a stress related problem each week.

People who suffer from stress have higher Read More

Dogs, geese and turkey enjoy the sun near the woodpile at Cary Neeper’s house. Courtesy photo

 

How the Hen House Turns: Birds in the Sun

It’s been beautiful lately here in New Mexico. The skies are their usual deep blue, and the sun is warm. Lucy, Bobbi and the gang hang out with the dogs near the south fence by the back porch, where the sun rides over them all day—evidence for a certain survival instinct, an ancient wisdom emerging in the birds.

Chickens are very hard to defend against chicken hawks. Cooper Hawks is the actual name and their Read More

The Pain Free Athlete

Is Strength Training Ruining Your Posture?

If you’re lifting weights without addressing postural disparities such as one shoulder higher than the other, a hip that is rotated forward or rounded shoulders then yes, your unbalanced posture is becoming stronger and more engrained with every repetition performed.

I’m not saying don’t resistance train if you have postural disparities, but rather use your resistance workout to improve your posture and muscle balance.

Many of my clients are particularly concerned about the Read More

Hygea Healthy Bite: Why Tomatoes in Jars are Better for your Health

The federal Food and Drug Administration barred Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and children’s cups in June 2012 but it is still prevalent in food packaging and in our bodies.In fact, BPA is found in detectable levels in 93 percent of Americans over the age of six, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this column, we’ll cover what it is, where to find it, and easy ways to avoid it.

So, what the heck is BPA?…

It was first synthesized in 1891 and has become a key building block of Read More