PETUA & TIPS

How to avoid getting cataract
A cataract is a painless but annoying cloudiness of the lens of the eye. If left untreated, cataracts will cause vision problems. More than 50 percent of Americans aged 80 and older have had a cataract. Though many factors may play a role in the development of a cataract, there are some things you can do that might help you avoid getting one.

1 Protect your eyes when out in bright sunlight. Wear sunglasses that block strong ultraviolet (UV) rays or a wide-brimmed hat that will shade your eyes from the sun.

2 Stop smoking. A strong link between smoking and the development of cataracts has been established. If you're a smoker, smoking cessation will decrease your chances of getting a cataract.

3 Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. The proper intake of some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, has shown to help avoid getting a cataract. Try to get six servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day.

4 Manage your diabetes, if you suffer from this disease. Diabetes can cause eye problems, including the development of cataracts. Keeping your diabetes under control can help you avoid getting a cataract if you are diabetic.

5 Get a thorough eye examination regularly. Cataract development may be detected early and avoided. For those 60 years of age and over, a comprehensive eye exam should be conducted every year.

Tips & Warnings
Choose green leafy vegetables when you increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Green leafy vegetables contain the highest amounts of antioxidants believed to help avoid getting a cataract.

Add foods that contain B vitamins and carotenoidsto decrease your risk of getting a cataract. Dairy and grains are rich in B vitamins, and carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are great sources of carotenoids (such as beta carotene).

(SOURCE: http://www.ehow.com/how_2318250_avoid-getting-cataract.html)

How to pick a safe skin whitening cream
Skin brightening or bleaching is becoming popular in recent years to give skin an even look. Typically, products are applied on a discoloration (mole, scar, etc.) with the hope of lightening the region and making the blemish disappear. There are a number of ingredients utilized in skin lightening products. Read on to discover which ingredients are ideal for your skin.

Ascorbic Acid Although vitamin C is safe and is an effective antioxidant, it may not be sufficient alone to lighten your skin. Studies have indicated that in larger concentrations of approximately 5% there could be a skin whitening effect, however, most blemish removal creams will not contain that level of concentration. This should be another ingredient to watch out for but not the active ingredient of the brightening product.

Azelaic Acid Occurring naturally in grains such as rye and wheat, azelaic acid has been used in the management of acne. Newer research indicates a potential for removing skin discoloration and curbing melanin production, which is the pigment found in the skin. Brightening products containing azelaic acid need to be used with a moisturizer and sun block so as not to over dry the skin.

Hydroquinone There is a bit of debate surrounding the use of hydroquinone. Although it is quite effective at inhibiting melanin production and low cost, there are concerns over its safety. Usage of hydroquinone has been banned in some countries because of cancer worries, though some have contended that it is safe in small levels. When selecting a skin bleaching cream, ensure that concentrations don't exceed 2% and think about alternating use with another blemish removal product which doesn't include hydroquinone.

Arbutin Arbutin is a substitute skin lightener that naturally contains hydroquinone which is made from certain berry shrub extracts. It has been proven to successfully hinder melanin generation and brighten the skin. It is a safe and effective ingredient to look for in blemish removal creams.

As with any new product, test the skin bleaching product on a small patch of skin before you go for extensive application. This will help determine whether it causes an allergic reaction with your skin. Natural ingredients are the soundest way to go, and though you might spend more money on the cream, the skin will obtain the light, uniform look you've been after.

When in doubt, you could always see a specialist. This sort of treatment is usually offered by hair removal salons. Remember, however, this will require a particular level of comfort with your body being seen by other people. The benefit of over-the-counter skin brightening products is the privacy provided by making use of it within the comfort of your home.

We are more worried about our appearances than previously and there's sure to be continued interest in bleaching creams geared toward our most delicate areas. Shop smart and enjoy your whitened skin, even if most of us won't ever know about...