London: The Wimpole Aesthetic Centre in offering 10% off Thermage – an amazing fat shrinking radio wave treatment that will get rid of double chins, bingo wings and floppy tummies.
It is also offering 15% off a course of five photo-rejuvenation treatments.
Now all you need is your Makeover Miles card to open a world of value-for-money any ageing treatments.
To see what this great clinic has on offer to go www.wimpoleaesthetics.com
Salt Lake City: Women who have extra fat around their middle may enjoy significant health advantages over slimmer hourglass-shaped females, says a 37-nation study in the journal, Current Anthropology.
Elizabeth Cashdan, a Utah University anthropologist, says that being thinner could mean missing out on the hormones that make women physically stronger, more competitive and better able to deal with stress.
Her study shows that across the world, women’s average waist-to-hip ratio is higher than the magic number of 0.7, the upper threshold of a classic hourglass figure – and the shape that anthropologists believe indicate female fertility to the opposite sex.
It is thought that bigger women have more androgens, a class of hormones that includes testosterone.Androgens increase the waist-to-hip ratio in women by boosting levels of visceral fat, which is carried around the waist. Raised levels of androgens are linked to increased strength, stamina and competitiveness in women, says Cashdan.
Trading the benefits of a thin waist for better ability to be independently resourceful may prove a good deal in many societies, she adds – and this in turn may alter male preferences.
Thus, in Japan, Portugal and Greece, where women tend to be less economically independent, the men say they place a higher value on a thin waist than do men in Britain or Denmark, where there tends to be more sexual equality.
And in some non-Western societies where food is scarce and women bear most of the responsibility for finding it, men prefer larger waist-to-hip ratios.
Whether men prefer a waist-to-hip ratio associated with lower or higher androgen levels should depend on the degree to which they want their mates to be strong, tough, economically successful and politically competitive, says Cashdan .
Houston: Watermelon produces an effect similar to that of Viagra, researchers say.
A slice of the juicy red fruit contains citrulline, a substance that triggers a chemical reaction which relaxes the bodys blood vessels. Exactly the same reaction when a man takes Viagra.
Citrulline reacts with enzymes of the human body when consumed in large quantities. Afterwards, the substance changes into arginine an amino acid that benefits the circulatory and the immune system.
Researchers of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center say that watermelon can be a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects. However, the vegetable is not so organ-specific as Viagra. In addition, the scientists said that anyone who takes Viagra should not be expecting the same results from watermelon.
The organic compound citrulline is an amino acid. Its name is derived from citrullus, the Latin word for watermelon, from which it was first isolated in 1930. It is a key intermediate in the urea cycle, the pathway by which mammals excrete ammonia.
Citrulline is made from ornithine and carbamoyl phosphate in one of the central reactions in the urea cycle. It is also produced from arginine as a by-product of the reaction catalyzed by NOS family (NOS; EC 1.14.13.39). Arginine is first oxidized into N-hydroxyl-arginine, which is then further oxidized to citrulline concomitant with release of nitric oxide.
Although citrulline is not coded for by DNA directly, several proteins are known to contain citrulline as a result of a posttranslational modification. These citrulline residues are generated by a family of enzymes called peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs), which convert arginine into citrulline in a process called citrullination or deimination. Proteins that normally contain citrulline residues include myelin basic protein (MBP), filaggrin, and several histone proteins, whereas other proteins, such as fibrin and vimentin are susceptible to citrullination during cell death and tissue inflammation.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have detectable antibodies against proteins containing citrulline. Although the origin of this immune response is not known, detection of antibodies reactive with citrulline (anti-citrullinated protein antibodies) containing proteins or peptides is now becoming an important help in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Citrulline in the form of citrulline malate is sold as a performance-enhancing athletic dietary supplement which is said to reduce muscle fatigue.
London: UK scientists who questioned nearly 9,800 people over the age of 50 about their lives and found women were more optimistic than men.
Wealth also helps you live longer with the poorest people more than twice as likely to die at any given age than the richest, researchers at University College London discovered.
Report co-author Dr Elizabeth Breeze said that women could become happier as they get older as they no longer have to worry about looking after their families.
She said: “There is a difference between the way men and women view their quality of life and they are influenced by slightly different things.”
“Women are affected negatively by caring for someone else or if they are not in employment but if they see their children and family more they are positively affected.”
Examples might be actresses Meryl Streep, 59, Helen Mirren, 62, and Judi Dench, 72.
Last year, Mirren said: “A weird thing happens to male actors, especially movie stars, in my experience.
“They become grumpy old men. A young male actor feels that all the girls want him – he’s a star. As actors get older that sense of not being in control of their destiny grates on them and they get grumpy.”
Researchers interviewed people born before 1952 at two year intervals.
They found that the poorest fifth of the population were over twice as likely to have died by 2008 as those in the wealthiest fifth.
In some age groups, the difference was even greater with the poorest women between 60 and 74 six times more likely to have died than the richest women of the same age.
According to the study, you have more chance of living longer if you are married, educated to degree level and a professional.
Single people are twice as likely to die early as those who are married or living with a partner.
The study found that exercise increases life expectancy with the physically inactive twice as likely to die before those keeping fit.
Gothenburg: Older people are having more sex than ever, according to a new survey from Sweden.
At a time when the health of many older people is in decline, it seems that an active sex life is on the rise.
Not only are they more likely to have sex at least once a week, they are also much more likely to report high rates of satisfaction, says research carried out among the 70+ age group of the Swedish city of Gothenburg.
The research was carried out in four different time periods – 1971-72, 1976-77, 1992-93 and 2000-01 – for the study which is published in the British Medical Journal.
Men in their eighth decade are less likely to have erectile dysfunction than men the same age 30 years ago, while women aged 70 are much more likely to report having orgasms.
The responses from the four groups, totalling more than 1500 people, showed that over the 30-year period, the proportion of married 70-year-old men reporting sexual intercourse in the past year increased from 52 to 68 per cent, while for married women, the figure increased from 38 to 56 per cent.
Among unmarried men and women, the proportion rose from 30 to 54 per cent for men, and from 0.8 to 12 per cent among women.
Those reporting sex at least weekly rose from 10 to 31 per cent among both married and unmarried men, and from 9 to 26per cent among all women.
The proportion of men reporting high satisfaction with their sex lives rose from 58 per cent in 1976-77 to 71 per cent in 2000-01. Among women, the satisfaction rating rose from 41 to 62 per cent.
Men were much less likely to report being impotent (down from 18 to 8 per cent), while women were more likely to say they “always or usually” had an orgasm (up from 59 to 83 per cent).
London: Top London hair salon Stuart Phillips www.stuartphillips.co.uk is hosting ‘Style in the Salon’, a week where you can pop into the salon in London’s Covent Garden and get the Sex in the City look of your favourite character.
Choose the look you want:
1. The Curly Carrie
2. The Seductive Samantha
3. The Slick Miranda
4. The Sophisticated Charlotte
The package includes:
– A cosmopolitan
– full consultation
– A shiatsu and acupressure head and scalp massage on the one of the famous Japanese shampoo beds (15 mins)
– A 15% discount
T:+ 44 (0)20 7379 5304 or visit www.stuartphillips.co.uk
Stuart Phillips Salon, 25 Monmouth Street, London, WC2H 9DD.
Melbourne: Depressed women are likely to have more sex than those who are happier because it helps them to fight feelings of inadequacy, a new study has revealed.
Researchers in Australia have found that females who suffer from mild to moderate depression indulge in more sexual activity than those who are not, regardless of whether they are in a relationship or not.
Moreover, depressed women have more sexually liberated attitudes, a variety of sexual experiences and, if single, are more likely to go for casual sex, according to the study.
Lead researcher Dr Sabura Allen said: “When people are depressed they feel more insecure about their relationships and concerned that their partner may not care about them or find them valuable. Having sex helps them feel that closeness and security.
“It was more sex and more of everything from kissing to petting, foreplay and intercourse. We knew this anecdotally from clinical samples but this is the first time it’s been shown in research.”
Dr Allen and her colleagues at the Melbourne Monash University came to the conclusion after they analysed the sexual experiences of 107 depressed and non-depressed women who were in relationships.
Dr Allen said that Australian couples “tend to have sex between once and three times a week”, with “very much the majority in the once a week group”. “Single women have it significantly less, but the same is not necessarily true in the case of single men.”
However, the researchers are not sure whether sexual intercourse could be an effective balm for depression. “We really don’t know but we presume it helps as it gives these women opportunities to be close to their partner and loved.”
Belfast: A steamy sex session in the morning can keep you in good health, say British researchers.
According to a research from Queens University in Belfast, a good morning session at least three times a week, decreases the risk of heart attack or stroke by half and a regular session improves circulation, thereby reducing blood pressure.
According to a study in New Scientist, a steamy session twice a week enhances IgA, an antibody that provides protection against microbes that multiply in body secretions. Morning sex also helps in alleviating arthritis and migraine. It burns around 300 calories an hour that simultaneously diminishes the risk of developing diabetes.
Moreover, an American study involving 300 sexually active women whose partners did not use condoms revealed that they were less prone to depression.
Sex increases the production of testosterone that provides stronger bones and muscles thus helping to stave off osteoporosis.
A good morning session can make the hair shine and skin glow by raising the output of oestrogen and other hormones which are associated with it.
According to Yale School of Medicine researchers, having morning sex can aid in averting endometriosis, a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus, grows in other parts of the pelvis.
London: The over-50s may be retiring from the boardroom, but they are not giving up on the bedroom, reveals a new Saga survey today.
According to the Saga/Populus survey of nearly 8000 people over 50, two thirds of those surveyed said they were sexually active (65 per cent), with almost half of those (46 per cent) saying they got between the sheets at least once a week.
Sex is less pressurised after 50 according to a large majority (85 per cent), and seven out of ten find sex a more fulfilling experience than in younger years.
The survey also dispelled a widely touted myth, with three quarters (76 per cent) saying that sex does not become more boring as you get older.
However, respondents said they had sex less often than in younger years, with 84 per cent having sex less often in their 50s than in their 20s or 30s. A minority (16 per cent) also admitted using performance enhancing drugs such as Viagra to help things along.
Worryingly, over one in ten (12 per cent) sexually active over-50s do not use contraception with their current partner to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while also not knowing about their partners sexual history. Recent research has shown increasing cases of STIs in older age groups*.
These findings came as part of a wider survey into the health of the nations over-50s, with other notable findings below:
· 38 per cent of those 65 and over exercise every day, compared to just 29 per cent of 50-54 year olds
· 76 per cent try to eat their five a day of fruit and vegetables
· Problems at work were likely to be the greatest cause of stress followed by relationships, but
· a quarter (24 per cent) would keep any feelings of stress, anxiety or depression to themselves rather than tell their family or seek medical advice
Emma Soames, Saga Magazine editor, said: “These findings shatter the myth that once you hit fifty your sex life is over there is less pressure than when people were younger and it is likely that you feel more comfortable about your body.
Forget about the dirty thirties or the naughty forties. The frisky 50s are having the most fun by swapping the boardroom for the bedroom.
However, while a healthy sex life is a good thing, the over-50s must be wise to their sexual health, as well as their overall health.
Over 50s are able to contribute to this issue on the social networking site Saga Zone, and receive sexual health advice from Sagas health webpages at www.saga.co.uk/health
Sydney: Elderly men with low levels of testosterone are more than twice as likely to suffer bone fractures as those with higher amounts of the sex hormone, researchers in Australia found.
A study of men at least 60 years old found a quarter had testosterone deficiency linked to a two-fold increase in the risk of bone fractures caused by osteoporosis, according to researchers at Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The finding may enable doctors to identify susceptible elderly men and devise strategies to prevent bone fractures.
Osteoporosis, when bones thin and break easily, affects 10 million Americans and is generally considered a women’s disease. While women’s bones become fragile after menopause when they stop producing estrogen, men’s weaken at a later age and can cause just as much damage. In Australia, 30 percent of the 110,000 osteoporosis-induced fractures that occur each year are in men.
John Eisman, Professor Medicine at the University of New South Wales and director of Garvan’s bone and mineral programme said: “Osteoporosis in men is basically ignored. This is something that gives us more insight into why they might have problems, why they might be likely to fracture.”
In the US, for example, two million men have the disease and another 12 million are at risk for it, the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates. Treating patients with osteoporosis medicines including Eli Lilly & Co.’s Evista and Forteo, Merck & Co.’s Fosamax and Procter & Gamble Co.’s Actonel may prevent fragility fractures if the disease is diagnosed early, previous studies have shown.
Each year, about 329,000 hip fractures occur in the U.S. About 20 percent of the people die within six to 12 months after breaking hips, according to a study published in November in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Men’s testosterone levels are usually about 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter of blood, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. A quarter of men over 60 had levels of 294 nanograms or less in the Garvan study, which followed 609 men aged over 60 years between January 1989 and December 2005.
Even after adjusting for factors known to alter fracture risk, including age, weight, fracture history, smoking status and calcium intake, the risk of fracture was more than doubled in men with low testosterone compared with men with high levels of the hormone, according to the study. The results were published yesterday in the Archives of Internal Medicines.
“Men with lower testosterone might be getting a double whammy,” Eisman said. “Their bones are worse and their muscles are a bit weaker, both of which are likely then to contribute to their risk of fractures.”
While testosterone supplements may assist those deficient in the hormone, other treatments may also help, he said.
“Importantly, reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, maintaining an active lifestyle, getting sunlight exposure and eating a diet rich in calcium will also help to minimize risk,” Eisman said.
The research is part of the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study, which started in 1989 and recruited all men and women 60 years or older living in Dubbo, a regional city of 32,000 predominantly white people in Australia’s New South Wales state.
London: ELIXIR is pleased to invite you to the first of of several exclusive events in the UK and elsewhere in which you will hear from leading experts on the latest procedures and techniques in aesthetic rejuvenation and healthy ageing.
When: 25 November 2007
Where: HB Health 48 Harley Street, London W1.
Time: 10.30am to 4pm
This event allows you unique access to top professionals in cosmetic surgery, dentistry and aesthetics – so that you can ask them your questions and concerns. Many will also be offering significant discounts on treatments for those who sign up on the day.
This first event is rather special as the proceeds of the entry ticket will go to the cancer charity of the Honorable Order of Ancient Freemasons, the New Blues (UK registered charity no 1007693). The £20 ticket also includes a buffet lunch, refreshments and a goody bag.
The programme includes the following:
John Moran RD, MBBS LDSRCS, DPsSc, DFFP, Msc Nutri.Med The Holistic Medical Clinic who will discuss hormones, ageing and the menopause
Laresse – the latest non-surgical facial filler from the US. Read more about Laresse at www.laresse.com
Dr Nijon Eccles The Chiron Clinic of the Chiron Clinic at 48 Harley Street, London W1 on breast health and nutrition
Dr Daniel Sister of Beauty Works West on Carboxy Therapy – how carbon dixoide can rid you of wrinkles, flab, scars, stretch marks and more…
Dr Nigel Agger of The Harley Dental Implant Centre on cosmetic dentistry including the latest whitening techniques, veneers and implants for facial rejuvenation.
Shenaz Shariff of the Face and Body Clinic on alternative ways of removing unwanted hair and facial rejuvenation with Revitale
Restoring youthful facial volume with the deep tissue filler Sculptra by Angelica Kavouni of Cosmtic Solutions in London’s Harley Street. Visit www.cosmetic-solutions.co.uk
and
Are food allergies making you fat? More information at ALCAT food intolerence testing at www.thevitalityshopuk.com
Please note: The programme may be subject to change.
To obtain tickets email us at Club Elixir
Edinburgh: Earlier research by Scottish scientists indicates that it may be possible to create a combo pill that increases a woman’s sex drive at the same time as supressing appetite.
So far the pill has only been tested on animals – shrews and monkeys, but the results so far indicate that the pill could go on sale within ten years.
Professor Robert Millar, director of the Human Reproductive Sciences Unit at the Medical Research Council in Edinburgh, said they discovered the double benefit while developing a hormone to treat loss of libido, a problem which affects millions of women.
He noted that the animals in the test demonstrated an increased desire for sex at the same time they were less interested in food.
Female musk shrews and marmosets were injected with the Type 2 Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which provoked an mating response towards their males.
In the shrews, this was shown by ‘rump presentation and tail wagging’, while the monkeys began ‘tongue flicking and eyebrow raising’ said the scientist. The animals cut their food intake by up to a third.
Type 2 Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is distributed to parts of the brain that scientists believe may affect reproductive behaviour.
Professor Millar believes that the results indicate the hormone could be useful in treating both low libido and obesity at the same time. He is now working on reproducing it in the form of a pill, which could prove extremely profitable given the amount of interest pharmaceutical companies have shown in enhancing libido.
New York: Fresh-faced and all-American, or natural-toned vamp; the spring look from the catwalks is all about using subtle colour to highlight your natural assets.
Fresh-Faced takes inspiration from the catwalks and is the epitome of natural, carefree style. Perfect make-up starts with perfect skin so prepare the face with Perfect Primer which helps keep skin nourished, make-up fresh and lines minimized.
For skin that looks naturally flawless and dewy, choose Paula Dorf Perfect Glo, a weightless, translucent foundation that provides just the right amount of cover. Complete the base with Total Camouflage to disguise blemishes and dark circles.
Eyes are natural, but looking effortlessly perfect takes some work! Eye Primer helps eye colour go on evenly and last longer. Apply Tumbleweed to the entire lid, up to the brow and Island to the crease of the eye and along the top and bottom lash lines.
This season, models down the catwalk looking rosy Fresh-Faced includes two powder blushers to add radiant and vibrancy. Blondes can choose the pale-coral toned Baby Face while brunettes will love the strawberry milkshake hue of Ballet. Finish with lashings of mascara for wide-open eyes.
Lips are subtle and sexy apply Flamingo for a natural, luscious look. Want gloss? Apply Lip Slide in Happy over the top. For maximum impact try Lip Slide in Delight a bold candy pink for super-kissable lips. For more information go to www.pauladorf.co.uk
Miami: Now comes even more good news. Sex may be the easiest, most pleasurable way to exercise and lose weight. “You’re burning calories and it beats the heck out of jogging,” says Dr. Eva Ritvo of the University of Miami.
Author Kerry McCloskey recently rocked the Oprah Winfrey Show by revealing her “amazing secret.” Four years ago, McCloskey was overweight and frustrated. “All the popular diets I tried failed. Too much denial. Too many restrictions.” What finally worked? “Intense lovemaking with my future husband.” McCloskey quickly lost 23 pounds and kept them off. Her husband lost 15 pounds. To a cheering audience on Oprah, McCloskey explained that every half hour of sex burns 150-250 calories. “My husband and I have sex eight times a week. You do the math!”
Celebrities are also slimming down under the sheets. Salon.com reported that actress Angelina Jolie’s fabulous figure in “Tomb Raider” didn’t result just from pumping iron. Sex with her then husband, Billy Thornton, “did the trick.” British model Lisa Snowden has also confessed: “I don’t diet. I eat what I like… But what I love best is running off in the middle of the day to make love. It really burns off the calories!”
McCloskey believes that everyone should know the top 10 health benefits of sex. Learn about them at a href=”http://www.lovediet.com/”>lovediet.com
She also shares her scientific formula for achieving lasting weight loss and a more passionate relationship in her book, The Ultimate Sex Diet, available at lovediet.comand at leading online booksellers.
“Every couple should know exactly how to take advantage of the amazing benefits of making love,” recommends McCloskey, “as well as the passion- igniting secrets, the sexy exercises and the sensual eating strategies in The Ultimate Sex Diet. More loving is the ultimate gift we can give each other.”
London: Smoking can seriously damage your sex life – that is the message from theEuropean Commission’s ‘HELP – For a life without tobacco’ campaign. While tobacco marketing regularly associates smoking with glamour, fun, and
attractiveness, the stark reality is far from the fantasy featured in
fashion shows, magazine editorials and tobacco advertising.
The bad news is that smoking can ruin your health, happiness and
relationships. The good news is that giving up smoking is beneficial. An article produced by the HELP campaign in conjunction with the ENSP (European Network of Smoking Prevention) highlights the harm that smoking can do to both men and women’s sex life.
The issues include: · Impotence (men) · Hormonal changes affecting appearance (women) · Damage to testes and to sperm (men) · Painful and irregular periods (women) · Cervical cancer (women) · Premature aging (men & women) · Fertility problems (men and women) When it comes to smoking, sex and romance, the picture is not a pretty one.
Smoking damages almost every aspect of our looks, our health and our relationships. The good news is that in young people, many of these effects can be avoided or even reversed by quitting. “Many young people view smoking as a pleasurable, relaxing activity after sex but they don’t think about the long term health consequences. Impotence and infertility are health messages we need to make young people aware of.
They need to know it’s not cool to light up after sex. QUIT advisors can help young people talk through all issues concerning smoking and sexual health,” said Ruth Bosworth, Director of Services, QUIT.
The Europe Community is actively developing a complete anti-smoking policy. You can find out more on thefollowing websites: www.help-eu.com and Smokers looking for help to quit smoking can call Quitline 0800 00 22 00 or
email stopsmoking@quit.org.uk for friendly advice on how to stop.
LONDON: A large number of Britons would be prepared to give up sex if it meant they would live to be 100, according to a survey on Friday.
The Mori research found that 40 percent would pass on the passion for longevity, although far more women (48 percent) were willing to make the sacrifice than men (31 percent).
However nearly all (94 percent) would not give up their friends or family in order to reach their century while a half thought scientists should keep trying to prolong people’s lifespans.
Private health care provider BUPA commissioned the survey as part of a debate on the implications of an ageing population.
“Britain is facing an ageing time bomb with major challenges presented by retirement, the desire to live longer and the increasing burden of caring for older people,” said Andrew Vallance-Owen, BUPA’s medical director.