Selecting Your Wedding Cake Topper

Wedding is a once in a lifetime event. Everything must be planned well even from the smallest details. One of the things that should be appropriately selected as well is the wedding cake toppers. Wedding cake toppers are the highlight of the overall theme of the wedding and add a final touch to the wedding cakes. Wedding cake toppers are also the best way through which both the bride and the groom can express their personalities. Selecting wedding cakes and the decorations to accentuate it is considered to be an important yet fun aspect during wedding planning. Both the bride and groom share their ideas with regards to the selection of the right wedding cake toppers for this very special event in their lives.

Over the years, wedding cakes are decorated on the top with personalized wedding figurines. This has been the traditional way of decorating wedding cakes. These figurines come in different designs and materials such as wood, porcelain, crystal or clay. The bride and groom may choose figurines that match their personalities, interests and professions. For example, if the bride is a nurse, the figurine can be decorated with a nursing uniform with a cap. On the other hand, if the groom is an engineer, his figurine may as well be decorated with a hard hat. The bride and the groom can also choose something that will remind them of their first date, the marriage proposal or their vision of their marriage. For example, if their first date happened on the beach, figurines in Hawaiian attire and surfing boards can perfectly concretize that memorable event.

Other wedding cakes are topped with flowers. This is a unique way of decorating wedding cakes. Flowers can be made up from sugar, plastic or real flowers. If real flowers are preferred, it should be something that matches well with the flowers used to decorate the venue for the event, the centerpieces or the bouquet. The bride and the groom can also choose to use their favorite flowers that have significant meaning for the both of them or represent the favorite of the person who is important in their life as a couple.

Other custom wedding cake toppers that are becoming more and more popular nowadays are love birds and if both the bride and the groom are animal lovers, they may as well choose dogs, cats and other animals as wedding cake toppers. Some ideas for choosing a wedding cake topper may also include the use of cartoon and comic book characters and famous personalities. If both the bride and groom share the same passion and interest such as scuba diving, figurines wearing scuba diving wet suits are unique ways which they can use as wedding cake toppers.

When planning for the perfect wedding cake toppers, it is important to choose something that will best suit the occasion. Different cake toppers are available online and in the market. Couples should check out first these decorations before finally deciding to purchase wedding cake toppers. 

HSA Health Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA) is defined as a medical savings account made available in the United States of America for the benefit of taxpayers who are also enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). It is considered as an alternative to comprehensive health insurance such as a flexible spending account (FSA).  HSA benefits both the employer and the employee by providing lesser health insurance costs. It provides the society other means of paying their health care. The funds involve are not subject to federal income tax and therefore allow the people to save for possible future medical expenses, as well as for retiree health expenses.

Small businesses are the target and main focus of the introduction of HSA. The government of the United States developed means of helping small businesses. Large companies are estimated to spend about 6, 000 USD annually for each employee. According to some studies and surveys conducted by the Kaiser Family Institute together with The National Association of Health Underwriters, every year approximately 15 percent has increased from the budget of these large companies within 5 years to 700 USD monthly for the health care benefits of each employee. This pointed the need for developing alternative ways of providing health care benefits to employees without spending too much amount.

HSA is, in some way, similar with MSA or medical savings account. The latter has been introduced first prior to HSA, with the same intend or purpose. The main difference between HSA and other medical savings account is the fact that any employers, regardless of how big or small their company are, can offer an HSA account and health care plans to their employees. Medical savings account is only applicable to those who are self-employed, or has fewer employees.

Some of the benefits of HSA include the mere fact that it is used in combination with a high-deductible health plan, funds or contributions as well as payments for qualified medical expenses are free from tax since the employee is allowed to pay in a pretax basis. Accumulated interest is also tax-free. HSA also aids and facilitates employees to become better health care consumers. In HSA, savings are certainly owned by the employee himself and can therefore, move from one employer to another.

Despite its many benefits, HSA health insurance premiums still faces a number of criticisms mainly from consumer organizations like Consumers Union, and medical organizations like the American Public Health Association. According to these organizations, the only people who will receive the benefits of HSA are who have no health problems, physically-fit, healthy and younger employees. As quoted by a Stanford economist Victor Fuchs, "The main effect of putting more of it on the consumer is to reduce the social redistributive element of insurance."

How to Make a Montage Wedding DVD

Montage is a film editing technique involving the editing and merging of series of short clips, condensing space, time and information. It usually depicts a transition in time making it perfect for special occasions such as wedding events. Although others may prefer hiring someone to make their wedding slideshow, both the husband and the wife should know that it is an opportunity for them, allowing more time to be spent together and build their relationship. Recently, more and more easy-to-use programs are made available for making audiovisual presentations.

The easiest way to make a wedding slideshow is through the use of PowerPoint. It is the most convenient way since simple instructions are indicated and arranged in a step by step manner. Photos during the wedding ceremony, videos and songs can be merged in a single presentation. The couple may work together in choosing what photos, videos and songs to include in the slideshow. This will give them ample time to bond and relive the cherished moments of their wedding day.

In using PowerPoint, it is recommended to use templates that will perfectly match the purpose of the slideshow. These PowerPoint templates are available and can be easily downloaded from the internet. The photos to be used in making the wedding montage should be of high quality so that after scanning these images, it will as well add up to the quality of the entire audiovisual presentation. It is also recommended to add wedding videos or other videos wherein the couple are together.

The couple’s theme song should also be included in the wedding slideshow, as well as other favorite songs of the husband and the wife. They can also choose music that has meaning to the both of them especially as a couple and songs that has lyrics which perfectly match the photos used. Slow music and fast beat music can elicit different feelings and emotions when played. Most popular songs played during wedding events include Shania Twain’s From this Moment On, When You Say Nothing at All by Ronan Keating, Nothing Compares To You by Sinead O’Connor and Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.

Detailed instructions regarding the use of PowerPoint in making slideshow can be checked from the internet. These are simple steps with terms easy to comprehend. After editing and merging all the photos, videos and music into one, it is time to make a DVD out of the slideshow created. This is the final touch in the making of a wedding montage. The slideshow will be burned into a DVD, to be able to view the entire presentation from the television with a DVD player, of course.  

PowerPoint presentations may be used during the wedding reception to entertain wedding guests or after the wedding ceremony to serve as keepsakes and remembrance for that special once in a lifetime event. Making a wedding montage is a perfect way to preserve the most beautiful moment in one’s life. 

Home Treatments for Tendonitis

Tendon inflammation or tendonitis is defined as the inflammation of sinewy connective tissue fibers that attach muscles to the bones. It is commonly experienced by manual laborers such as carpenters, and plumbers. Most cases of tendon inflammation occur in middle adults ranging from 35 to 55 years of age. What actually causes tendonitis is still unknown. However, experts suggest it is more likely the result of overused and overstretched tendons. Tendons tend to become overstretched when one is working for long hours without taking a break in between activities, and most especially, without performing warm-up exercises prior to each activity. Common sites for tendonitis occur at the rotator cuff of the shoulders, wrists, elbows, Achilles heel and knees. Signs and symptoms of this condition are pain, burning sensation over the affected area, swelling and stiffness.

The use of oral analgesics is effective in providing pain relief, as well as stiffness. Examples of these medications include aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other drugs such as acetaminophen can also help reduce pain, but it cannot reduce the inflammation. One of the popular remedies for tendonitis is acupuncture. Studies found out that acupuncture can also be an effective treatment alternative for tendon inflammation. It is performed through the insertion of needles which are believed to unblock the blocked energy along invisible energy pathways in the body. This blocked energy is believed to be the reason for the pain and discomforts.

Physical therapies can relieve pain associated with tendon inflammation. This technique is known to help alleviate pain by enhancing blood circulation and preventing scar tissue formation which can cause adhesions to the surrounding connective tissues. However, before deciding to have a session with a massage therapist, it is important to consult first a physician. These therapies are contraindicated to those who have serious health problems such as deep vein thrombosis, fractures, malignancies, nervous system disorders, bursitis, myocardial infarctions and other cardiac disorders. It is also contraindicated to pregnant women and others who have bleeding problems, as well as to those who develop hematoma or bruising easily.

Effective home treatments for tendonitis also include application of ice packs or cold compress directly over the injured area, basic massage, elevation and vitamin C supplementation. When a tendon flares up, cold can reduce the inflammation. It is recommended to apply the ice for five to ten minutes, three to four times daily until symptoms subside. Massaging the area, if it the pain is not too severe and unbearable, can promote and enhance tissue perfusion by improving the blood flow in the damaged tissues. To reduce and control the swelling, elevating the affected area can be of great help. Another effective way to reduce the inflammation is to increase the intake of foods, beverages and other food supplements rich in vitamin C.

It is important to prevent tendonitis from occurring again. This can be best achieved through building and developing the strength and flexibility of the muscles. Physical exercises such as cross training, stretching, and warming up exercises are effective way to improve muscle tone. It is also important to keep in mind that stretching to the point of pain must be avoided. Taking it slow and wearing the right and appropriate footwear is also essential especially when engaging in tough sports. Proper cooling down exercises is also important. Keep in mind that adequate rest plays a major role for tissue repair and restoration. 

Home Remedies for Migraine Relief

Migraine is found to be more common in women than in men. It is characterized as a throbbing, pulsating headache usually occurring at one site of the head. Nausea, vomiting, photosensitivity and sensitivity to external stimuli especially to noise are other manifestations of migraine attacks. Headache may worsen during activity. Migraine is sometimes believed to be triggered by food sensitivities. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is among the commonly reported dietary triggers. Some common causes of migraine also include stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, cigarette smoking, lack of food intake, increased sodium intake, both hypertension and hypotension, and family history.

Migraine attacks may be preceded by an aura which is defined as a sign indicating that a migraine will occur. An unusual visual, olfactory, or other sensory experiences are common examples of an aura. When migraine is left untreated, the pain will usually last 4 to 72 hours. It may also last for weeks. It is recommended to seek medical help if the headaches are too severe and happen frequently. Medical consultation is also needed if the headache is associated with physical exertion, visual disturbances, weakness, numbness and paralysis of the upper extremities.

Various associations are available which aim to provide support and information for people who experienced frequent headaches. Some of these include the American Council for Headache Education (ACHE) and the National Headache Foundation (NHF). Simple home remedies can be done to alleviate pain during migraine attacks. Over-the-counter pain medications can help such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as acetaminophen or paracetamol. However, taking these drugs too often may actually worsen the pain. Some also considers relaxing by lying down and closing the eyes for half an hour to be the most effective treatment for worse headaches. This is due to the fact that sleep is the best way to interrupt the pain cycle.

Another migraines relief is through the use of a cold compress or warm compress whichever is preferred. In most cases, applying an ice pack or towel immersed in cold water over the painful site as soon as possible after the onset of the headache will provide immediate pain relief, approximately within 20 minutes. For mild headaches, imagery or thinking pleasant thoughts may also help since many migraine attacks is brought about by stress and tension. Other home remedies for the management of migraine headaches include the use of chamomile tea, Ginkgo Biloba and vegetable juices such as carrot and fresh grape juice.

Lifestyle modification is also necessary to decrease the frequency of migraine attacks. It is important to avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, and sleeping late at night. It may also be helpful to keep a headache diary. This will help you pick up the patterns, and identify the factors that are mostly triggering the migraine attacks. 

Food to Avoid to Prevent Gout

Experts found out that a diet high in purine, fat and protein plays a major role in the development of gout. Diet has always been associated with acute attacks of gout. Being overweight also places a person at higher risk for gout. This condition is the result of deposition and accumulation of sodium urate crystals that is due to abnormally high levels of serum uric acid levels. Gout attacks are characterized as extremely painful, swelling, stiffness, reddish discoloration, burning and warm sensation over the affected joints. It may also be accompanied by feeling of pressure and tightness. Fever, chills and body weakness may also occur in some cases as a result of the inflammatory process. Common joints that are affected include the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe, elbow and ankle joints.

Gout is more commonly found on adult men above 35 years of age, who are overweight, have a higher than normal blood pressure and practice sedentary lifestyle. Diagnosing this condition is done through blood tests and sometimes, synovial fluid examinations. The blood is examined to know the levels of uric acid present. Uric acid is the waste product of cell metabolism. Crystals may form due to its excessive amount. The crystal deposition itself is not symptomatic. It is when these needle-shaped crystals that accumulate in the joints that produce the classic signs and symptoms of gout. The pain and discomfort usually lasts for at least a week if left untreated. However, acute attacks can happen again. Therefore, it is important to practice strategies to prevent gout attacks from recurring.

There are few things which can be done during an acute attack of gout. It is important to avoid straining the joints by putting any weight on it. Any pressure applied on the joint may worsen the pain and cause further injury to the damaged tissues. Keeping the joint elevated can also reduce the pain and reduce the inflammation by limiting the venous circulation around the affected area. Unnecessary movements and activities must be prevented as well since it is vital to immobilize the joint. This will promote tissue repair and healing. Over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce the swelling and also lessen the pain although other drugs such acetaminophen, is not capable of reducing the swelling but only providing pain relief.

Lifestyle modification is the key to managing and preventing subsequent gout attacks. The ideal diet usually constitutes of a healthy balanced diet which is a low-purine, moderate-protein and low-fat diet. A number of common foods contain high amount of purine. These include meat and poultry such as beef, mutton, veal, venison, chicken, duck and turkey. Other food sources which are also rich in purines include mussels, herring, yeast, smelt, mushrooms and sweetbreads. Another good example of gout food to avoid is seafood like cod, crab, lobster, snapper, salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and anchovies. Some vegetables are also known to be rich in purines. Examples of these vegetables are cauliflower, asparagus, peas and spinach, as well as legumes like legumes such as lima beans, navy beans and lentils.

Chelation and Heavy Metal Toxicity

Heavy metal toxicity is defined as more than the normal accumulation of metals in the human body. Oftentimes, the signs and symptoms of this condition are mistakenly diagnosed as other chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, autism and chronic fatigue syndrome. Microscopic pieces of metals in which humans are most commonly exposed include mercury, aluminum, arsenic, cadmium and lead. Humans are exposed to heavy metals everyday and exposure to these toxic substances is inevitable.

These heavy metals may be found from the environment, diet, cigarette smoking, as well as during dental restoration or dental filling. These metals get embedded inside the body, and in other vital organs like the liver, heart and kidneys. Excreting these metals from the body is usually not a problem. However, those who are suffering from chronic diseases tend to have problems excreting the heavy metals which often result to further accumulation and build up inside the body. 

Studies have proven that numerous metals accumulated in the body produce a synergistic toxicity. Synergistic toxicity means that the toxicity level, when exposed to two toxins, is far greater than the additive toxicity levels of the two toxins. For example, a study conducted by a professor from the University of Kentucky, Dr. Boyd Haley, found that the mortality rate of rats exposed to a small dose of mercury or aluminum killed only 1 100 mice. However, when both mercury and aluminum has been combined at the same time, all 100 mice died, yielding to a 100 percent mortality rate.

Heavy metal toxicity is characterized by severe pain in soft tissues in body such as muscles and tendons, lethargy or weakness, mental deterioration, gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea and constipation, food allergies, dizziness, frequent migraine attacks or headache episodes, visual disturbances, sudden mood changes, depression, anxiety and other more serious nervous system malfunctions including paresthesia and paralysis.

Usually, these heavy metals do not cause problem. However, when free radicals react with these metals, a highly reactive chain reaction may occur. Free radicals are defined as atoms or groups of atoms with an unpaired number of electrons. These can also be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Free radicals are present in the human body and spread throughout new directions. The main problem arises when these highly reactive radicals react with important cellular components such as DNA, increasing the risk for more serious health problems such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

The most popular heavy metal detoxification program is chelation therapy. It involves the use of chelating agents - either intravenously, transdermally, or orally - to remove heavy metals from the body. The most common chelating agents are ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonic acid (DMPS), thiamine tetrahydrofurfuryl disulfide (TTFD) and 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). These drugs act by adhering to heavy metals in the body, thus preventing them from binding to other agents which will then be excreted from the body.

During heavy metal detoxification, essential nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin E are depleted since they are also excreted during the chelation process. Therefore, these vital nutrients must be supplemented during the entire course of the therapy.  It is also strongly recommended to maintain a regular bowel movement of at least 2 to 3 times daily. A high protein diet should also be practiced during heavy metal detoxification program since amino acids found in protein greatly facilitate detoxification. Heavy metal detoxification program may also involve the use of chlorella, garlic, MSM and cilantro. Physical activities and heavy exercises have also been found to help the body release toxins. It aids in improving the immune system of the body.

Detoxification therapy may take a great deal of time, ranging from months to years, to completely rid the body from all the heavy metals which have accumulated over the years. A number of adverse effects may also arise during the entire course. Regular consultation with the physician will help provide knowledge with regards to the improvement of the condition resulting from heavy metal toxicity.

Best Shampoos for Hair Loss

Hair growth varies from person to person. It follows a particular pattern or cycle for each individual. The hair growth cycle involves 3 phases namely the growing, resting and shedding phase. It is during the growing phase that a new hair is being produced and at the same time allowing it to continue its lengthening. The new hair is produced at the root and blood vessels maintain its growth. The blood vessels are also responsible for supplying the hair strand with nutrients. Each hair strand is estimated to grow at least 1 centimeter per month during the growing phase. This phase usually lasts for 4 to 5 years. 

The second part of the cycle which is the resting phase is when the hair ceases from growing although it still receives nourishment from the blood vessels. The resting phase lasts for about 2 to 4 months. Usually this phase prepares the hair for the last part of the cycle which is the shedding phase. The shedding phase is considered to be the shortest phase. During this time old hair follicle are released from its base. This will facilitate the growth of a new hair, taking the place of the old hair follicle. 50 to 100 hair strands per day are loss as a normal part of this process.  It is during this phase that alopecia or baldness is more likely to take place.

In hair loss, an abnormally high rate of shedding is noticed. Hair thinning may be the first effect of the excessive hair loss. But after some period of time, baldness or alopecia takes place. A loss of 500 hair strands a day defines an excessive hair loss. This condition may require medical consultation as this may be due to some underlying health problems. These may include hormonal problems, fungal infections, and other serious health conditions such as lupus and diabetes. Some medications may also cause hair loss like drugs for chemotherapy, anticoagulants and antidepressants. Certain hairstyles and hair treatments can also trigger excessive hair loss. Many cases of alopecia have been linked with genetic predisposition.

There are a number of best shampoos identified for hair loss. The most widely used among these is dandruff anti-inflammatory shampoos. This shampoo for hair loss may cause dryness of the scalp thus, it is recommended to use it only twice a week, if possible. Nisim hair products are also considered to be of quality when it comes to managing hair loss. Hair Genesis products also come with high quality especially its shampoo product. Natural hair shampoos are also available for hair loss. Some of these effective natural shampoo products include Cre C Hair Loss shampoo and Phytocyane. Both of these hair products contain Chinese herbs. Cre C Hair Loss shampoo is made from ginseng while Phytocyane is extracted from grape seeds and ginkgo Biloba.

Other recommended shampoos for hair loss include Nioxin which has an excellent scalp cleansing effect, Dead Sea Hair Loss Shampoo, and Regenepure. For special occasions, Jason Thin to Thick shampoo may be very helpful since it can significantly increase the hair volume. In most cases, massaging the scalp with vitamin E is an effective management for hair loss. Another shampoo which is gaining more popularity recently is the DS Laboratories Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo. Studies also show the effectiveness of other hair treatment solutions such as the HairMax LaserComb. It is best to consult seek medical help first before deciding what hair loss treatment you opt for.