8 Ways to Keep Your Brain Innovative

BY GEIL BROWNING

When I return from the Serengeti, my brain feels new. It's as if the hot African sun sears away mental fog. You can replicate this--closer to home.

For many years, I have had the privilege of leading groups of family members, friends, colleagues, and clients to Africa. We do volunteer work for the Kenyan Children Foundation; we dig, scrub, build, teach, and--at all times--give as much love as possible to the AIDS children the Foundation serves. Every evening, no matter how late it is, our group convenes to discuss our day. This is not a vacation. This is work--expensive work! Yet year after year, people jump at the opportunity to join me. 

People want to join me because of the wonderful feelings that come from helping children whom society has otherwise abandoned. There is also the excitement of visiting such a dramatically different part of the world.

Also, after our work is done and we return home, we all notice an interesting phenomenon. Our brains feel new. Our eyes see differently. It's as if the hot African sun seared away all our mental fog.

"It seems crazy to think that I had to go that far to gain perspective," says Lauren, a human resources executive at a Fortune 1000 company. "But life there is simpler. We had no TV or radio or newspapers for three weeks. Unplugging gave me such an appreciation for life. Kenya reminded me of what's important: the beauty of the earth, good food, and fellowship. By getting off the daily treadmill, I was able to get back on it with far more patience. The Serengeti gave me the gift of seeing the bigger picture. Now, in my work, I don't get so wrapped up in the day-to-day challenges that I lose sight of the greater goal. My brain built new pathways and connections, and reached new 'aha' moments that have made my decision making more clear, my life less stressful, and my heart more grateful."

When I am in Africa, I not only begin to see the "bigger picture," as Lauren says, but I also gradually get into the rhythm of "Africa time." An 8 o'clock appointment may or may not happen at 8 o'clock. When it happens, it happens. Africa time causes the structural part of my brain to eventually give up and go on a holiday. I also find that the analytical part of my brain is forced to yield to more innovative and more social thinking--so I use the opposite parts of the brain on which Western society is largely based. All these shifts make my brain more open to inspiration and new ideas.

On the treadmill of our daily lives, we are far too busy for Africa time. Blogger J.D. Gersheinnotes that the expression "I've been crazy busy" has become the new professional apology, and asks, "How on earth did we arrive at the crossroads of manageable busy and clinical insanity?"

The problem with being "crazy busy" is that it does not allow freewheeling thought. Think of the bright ideas you've had when you were washing your face or even sound asleep. A recent article in The New York Times titled "The 'Busy' Trap" points out: "History is full of stories of inspirations that come in idle moments and dreams. It almost makes you wonder whether loafers, goldbricks, and no-accounts aren't responsible for more of the world's great ideas, inventions, and masterpieces than the hardworking."

Working incessantly is counterproductive. Our brains can handle only so much. A wonderful article by Sara Robinson called "Bring Back the 40-Hour Work Week" notes that every workday, "odds are good that you probably turn out five or six good, productive hours of hard mental work, and then spend the other two or three hours on the job in meetings, answering e-mail, making phone calls, and so on. You can stay longer if your boss asks, but after six hours, all he's really got left is a butt in a chair."

Although corporate America has not gotten the message, there is mountains of evidence that working longer hours does not produce better work. In fact, the overworked brain begins to make mistakes, and it is possible for teams to reach a point at which they are working longer hours just to correct the errors they made from working longer hours! Dramatic examples of the consequences of brain fatigue include the Exxon Valdez disaster, the space-shuttle Challenger explosion, and numerous times when air-traffic controllers have been overtired.

So what can you do to work smarter, prevent burnout, and make sure your brain is always open to inspiration?

1. Work fewer hours.

Working the longest hours of anyone is just foolish.

2. Clarify your goals and core values.

What are you ultimately trying to accomplish? Are you spending too much time spinning your wheels on tasks that are irrelevant?

3. Track your time.

Being ruthlessly efficient allows you to block out periods of nonwork time.

4. Don't overpromise.  

This is especially challenging for entrepreneurs, given that in many cases you won't get the job unless you tell the client you'll get it done in record time--for the least amount of money.

5. Say no.

Learn to walk away from jobs that will be a nightmare.

6. Hire help.

If you refuse to delegate, you end up hurting only yourself by working longer hours. You will have to learn how to not be a perfectionist and how to not be a control freak.

7. Get a life.

Make sure you have a good life outside of work and that you're not trying to escape something by working too hard.

8. Unplug. 

Block out periods of time when you will let your phone take messages and let your email collect unread. It's not going anywhere.

Fortunately, you don't need to travel halfway around the world to learn how to make your life less busy and your brain more innovative. By working smarter, you'll have an opportunity for strategic thinking and planning during prime time every day, instead of squeezing your most important visionary work into late nights and weekends.

Source: http://www.inc.com/

IMAGE: JAMIE GRILL/GETTY

How to Become a Real-Life Success Story

 IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
BY STEVE TOBAK

Success doesn't happen on a screen or in a cubicle. You need to get out into the real world.

Most people spend their working lives stuck behind a desk in a dead-end job or lost forever in some middle management abyss. It's frustrating to live and sad to watch, but it is the reality of working life.

The good news is that there is a way out.

Strangely enough, it's more or less within your control. No kidding. If you really want to be somebody in this world, you have a much better chance of fulfilling that destiny than if you spend all your time sitting around whining and complaining, like most people do.

In my experience, motivation plays a bigger role in achievement and success than anything else. If you're driven and willing to put yourself out there, the rest will follow. You'll be exposed to opportunities, experience new things, develop knowledge and skills, gain confidence and wisdom, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Makes sense, doesn't it? And the best thing about it is it's not a theory. This is how the real world works. This is how today's employees become tomorrow's leaders. And since you're obviously motivated--after all, you're still reading--here are some important tips to help you on your way to becoming a real-life success story.

Don't be a zombie. The origin of the word bureaucrat is from the French "bureau," meaning desk or office. Modern definition: cubicle zombie. Rigid. Routine. Status quo. Comfort zone. It's all bad. If you want to go places, you can't play it safe. You've got to challenge yourself. Take risks. Get out and about. Meet people--real people in real time.

This is supposed to be the entrepreneurial generation. Funny thing is, if you spend all your time with your eyes glued to a display, that's no different from being stuck behind a desk in a cubicle. If you spend your life online, you're no entrepreneur. Just a new generation of bureaucrat.

Take charge. Really. Leadership is all the rage these days. Everyone's a CEO of a one-person company. That's nonsense. You're not a leader until people follow you. I mean real people in a real business. Twitter and LinkedIn followers don't count. Besides, a title doesn't make you a leader. Leaders are people who others follow, period.

So, what does it take to get people to follow you? Think about it. You've got to get out in front. Take the initiative. Come up with an idea, a direction, a goal. Then lead the charge to achieve it. Stick your neck out, make things happen, get things done, deliver real measurable results, and hold yourself accountable.

If you do that, the powers that be will give you responsibility. And others will follow.

Face your fear. Be courageous. You know that little voice in your head that goes on and on about all the things that could go wrong? What if nobody likes your idea? What if nobody follows you? What if you fail? What if, what if, what if? You know what that is? That little voice is your fear talking. And it's normal.

I know, you probably think that courageous people are supposed to be fearless. That's a crock. Everyone feels fear. Most people let it stop them. Courageous people don't. They don't let fear stop them from charging forward. From doing what they know they need to do, what they should do, in spite of their fear. That's courage.

Anyone who tells you to ignore that voice doesn't get it. That voice is part of you. It has just as much right to be in your head as your confidence does. Embrace it and understand it for what it is. Then let your motivation--your drive to make something of yourself, to achieve great things--take over.

Afterwards, think back on it. The world didn't come to an end, did it? Everything turned out fine, didn't it? You'll remember that the next time. That's called confidence. Having the courage to face your fear, take advantage of opportunities, experience new things, take charge, and take risks--all that builds confidence.

Now you're well on your way to becoming a real-life success story. Have a great trip. And don't forget to write.

Source: http://www.inc.com/

How to Choose your Life Partner

Dr Hassan's tips for how to choose your life partner.

Most people think there is no love or can't explain it or someone will say i love you then when you ask him to explain he will replay it's an unexplainable feeling. many people don't understand the meaning of the word love or can't put theses feelings in to words.

There is two types of love:

1. Hereditary love and this kind of love is the kind were you say i love my country or i love my family.

2. The other type acquired love and this is between two genders male and female.

These are to understand more about acquired love and to make sure your feelings match what the Dr Hassan explains as love...

Desire : by desire you achieve body love

Personal characteristics: to achieve friendship

Feelings: to achieve security

These three should be framed by respect.

The corners of the framed should be secured by trust.

If you have the above in mind you probably are not having a false alarm and should go ahead and marry this person.

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Life

Eat healthy.
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.
Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.

Be active.
Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.
Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day. Include activities that raise their breathing and heart rates and that strengthen their muscles and bones.

Protect yourself.
Wear helmets, seat belts, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Wash hands to stop the spread of germs.
Avoid smoking and breathing other people’s smoke.
Build safe and healthy relationships with family and friends.
Be ready for emergencies. Make a supply kit. Make a plan. Be informed.

Manage stress.
Balance work, home, and play.
Get support from family and friends.
Stay positive.
Take time to relax.
Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure kids get more, based on their age.
Get help or counseling if needed.

Get check-ups.
Ask your doctor or nurse how you can lower your chances for health problems based on your lifestyle and personal and family health histories.

Find out what exams, tests, and shots you need and when to get them.

See your doctor or nurse as often as he or she says to do so. See him or her sooner if you feel sick, have pain, notice changes, or have problems with medicine.

10 tips to keep you Cool, Calm, and Collected

1. Put your body in motion.
Moving from the chair to the couch while watching TV is not being physically active! Physical activity is one of the most important ways to keep stress away by clearing your head and lifting your spirits. Physical activity also increases endorphin levels — the natural "feel-good" chemicals in the body which leave you with a naturally happy feeling.

Whether you like full-fledged games of football, tennis, or roller hockey, or you prefer walks with family and friends, it's important to get up, get out, and get moving!

2. Fuel up.
Start your day off with a full tank — eating breakfast will give you the energy you need to tackle the day. Eating regular meals (this means no skipping dinner) and taking time to enjoy them (nope, eating in the car on the way to practice doesn't count) will make you feel better too.

Make sure to fuel up with fruits, vegetables, proteins (peanut butter, a chicken sandwich, or a tuna salad) and grains (wheat bread, pasta, or some crackers) — these will give you the power you need to make it through those hectic days.

Don't be fooled by the jolt of energy you get from sodas and sugary snacks — this only lasts a short time, and once it wears off, you may feel sluggish and more tired than usual. For that extra boost of energy to sail through history notes, math class, and after school activities, grab a banana, some string cheese, or a granola bar for some power-packed energy!

3. LOL!
Some say that laughter is the best medicine — well, in many cases, it is! Did you know that it takes 15 facial muscles to laugh? Lots of laughin' can make you feel good — and, that good feeling can stay with you even after the laughter stops. So, head off stress with regular doses of laughter by watching a funny movie or cartoons, reading a joke book (you may even learn some new jokes), or even make up your own riddles…laughter can make you feel like a new person!

Everyone has those days when they do something really silly or stupid — instead of getting upset with yourself, laugh out loud! No one's perfect! Life should be about having fun. So, lighten up!

4. Have fun with friends.
Being with people you like is always a good way to ditch your stress. Get a group together to go to the movies, shoot some hoops, or play a board game — or just hang out and talk. Friends can help you work through your problems and let you see the brighter side of things.

5. Spill to someone you trust.
Instead of keeping your feelings bottled up inside, talk to someone you trust or respect about what's bothering you. It could be a friend, a parent, someone in your family, or a teacher. Talking out your problems and seeing them from a different view might help you figure out ways to deal with them. Just remember, you don't have to go it alone!

6. Take time to chill.
Pick a comfy spot to sit and read, daydream, or even take a snooze. Listen to your favorite music. Work on a relaxing project like putting together a puzzle or making jewelry.

Stress can sometimes make you feel like a tight rubber band — stretched to the limit! If this happens, take a few deep breaths to help yourself unwind. If you're in the middle of an impossible homework problem, take a break! Finding time to relax after (and sometimes during) a hectic day or week can make all the difference.

7. Catch some zzzzz...
Fatigue is a best friend to stress. When you don't get enough sleep, it's hard to deal — you may feel tired, cranky, or you may have trouble thinking clearly. When you're overtired, a problem may seem much bigger than it actually is. You may have a hard time doing a school assignment that usually seems easy, you don't do your best in sports or any physical activity, or you may have an argument with your friends over something really stupid.

Sleep is a big deal! Getting the right amount of sleep is especially important for kids your age. Because your body (and mind) is changing and developing, it requires more sleep to re-charge for the next day. So don't resist, hit the hay!

8. Keep a journal.
If you're having one of those crazy days when nothing goes right, it's a good idea to write things down in a journal to get it off of your chest — like how you feel, what's going on in your life, and things you'd like to accomplish. You could even write down what you do when you're faced with a stressful situation, and then look back and think about how you handled it later. So, find a quiet spot, grab a notebook and pen, and start writing!

9. Get it together.
Too much to do but not enough time? Forgot your homework? Feeling overwhelmed or discombobulated? Being unprepared for school, practice, or other activities can make for a very stressful day!

Getting everything done can be a challenge, but all you have to do is plan a little and get organized.

10. Lend a hand.
Get involved in an activity that helps others. It's almost impossible to feel stressed out when you're helping someone else. It's also a great way to find out about yourself and the special qualities you never knew you had! Signing up for a service project is a good idea, but helping others is as easy as saying hello, holding a door, or volunteering to keep a neighbor's pet. If you want to get involved in a more organized volunteer program, try working at a local recreation center, or helping with an after school program. The feeling you will get from helping others is greater than you can imagine!

Most importantly, don't sweat the small stuff! Try to pick a few really important things and let the rest slide — getting worked up over every little thing will only increase your stress. So, toughen up and don't let stressful situations get to you! Remember, you're not alone — everyone has stresses in their lives...it's up to you to choose how to deal with them.

What is Diabetes

What is diabetes, anyway?
Your body makes a hormone called insulin that helps break down the food you eat every day. Every time you eat something, your body turns that food into glucose, which is what you use for energy. If a person has diabetes, his or her body either has trouble producing enough insulin to do this, or it's not able to use the insulin it makes. Either way, their cells can't use the energy from the food they eat, and they build up too much sugar in their blood and urine.


What happens to your body if you have diabetes?
Having too much sugar in your blood can damage every part of your body, especially your eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and even gums! Over a lifetime, having diabetes puts someone at much greater risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, and kidney failure. Circulation problems and nerve damage can also mean that people with diabetes have to have their feet or legs amputated.

Fortunately, diabetes can be prevented in many cases. And, taking good care of yourself if you have diabetes can prevent a lot of these scary things from happening.


I've heard of different names for diabetes - my grandma calls it "sugar," and my friend has juvenile diabetes. Are these the same thing?
There are two types of diabetes. While both have similar effects - your body can't process glucose right - different things cause them.

Juvenile diabetes got its name because most people who got this type of the disease got it when they were children (even though adults can get it, too). Now, it is called type 1 diabetes. This kind of diabetes happens when the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin in a body organ called the pancreas. Without insulin, you develop diabetes. Between 5 and 10 percent of people with diabetes have this kind.

The other kind of diabetes is called - you guessed it - type 2 diabetes. With this kind, your body makes insulin, but it either doesn't make enough, or something prevents your body from using it right.

Until recently, most cases of type 2 diabetes were in older people and adults who were overweight. In the last few years, though, more and more kids are being diagnosed with this kind of diabetes. Most likely, this is because kids today are more likely to be overweight and not get enough exercise than they were in the past. Children who are African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than others.

Because diabetes causes people to have too much glucose, or sugar, in their blood, a lot of people call it sugar or sugar diabetes. No matter the name, though, it's all the same disease.

Scientists do not know exactly how many kids have diabetes, but they do know that doctors are seeing more and more cases of diabetes in kids. And most of these cases are now type 2 diabetes, which used to be very rare among kids.


How would I know if I have diabetes?
Signs of type 1 diabetes are usually hard to miss. They include being unusually thirsty or hungry, having to pee a lot, and being really tired. Rapidly losing weight and having blurry vision are also symptoms of type 1 diabetes. These often happen really quickly - in just a few weeks. If you notice these symptoms, tell your parents right away so that a doctor can check you out.

Many people with type 2 diabetes don't have any signs, especially in the early stages. Over time, someone with type 2 diabetes might see some of the same signs as type 1.


Why do I hear so much about diabetes now? Do more people have it?
A lot more people have diabetes now - over 18 million Americans. That's more than twice as many people as 20 years ago. While most people with diabetes are over 50 years old, rates of diabetes in kids have been going up really quickly -- about a percent a year. So, even though it's still pretty rare for a kid to have it, more kids than ever before are living with this disease.


Is there a cure for diabetes?
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be controlled with medicine, exercise, and eating right. These three things work together to keep blood sugar under control.

There are a lot of different medicines to treat diabetes. One type you might have heard of is insulin shots, which probably sound scary - who wants to get a shot every day? But for people with type 1 diabetes, taking insulin every day is a lifesaver. And, many kids will tell you that it's not such a big deal once you get used to it. Also, today many kids who need insulin get it through a pump that ataches to their bodies. They wear it on their waist, and it looks like a pager or cell phone.

For kids with type 2 diabetes, doctors will first help them try to lose some weight, increase their exercise, and eat a better diet. This often works to control their diabetes. Some kids with type 2 diabetes have to take a pill or insulin every day, too.

For any person with diabetes, eating right and getting exercise are very important in keeping it under control. And, keeping weight within a healthy range is also really good for someone with diabetes, because being overweight can make controlling blood sugar more difficult.

Nails and Health - Read the Signs

Did you know your nails can reveal clues to your overall health? A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or some rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails. Keep reading to learn what secrets your nails might reveal.

Pale Nails
Very pale nails are sometimes linked to aging. But they can also be a sign of serious illness, such as:
Anemia
Congestive heart failure
Diabetes
Liver disease
Malnutrition


White Nails
If the nails are mostly white with darker rims, this can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis. In this image, you can see the fingers are also jaundiced, another sign of liver trouble.

Yellow Nails
One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as severe thyroid disease or psoriasis.

Bluish Nails
Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn’t getting enough oxygen. This could indicate an infection in the lungs, such as pneumonia.
Rippled Nails
If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that starts in the nails 10% of the time.

Cracked or Split Nails
Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.

Puffy Nail Fold
If the skin around the nail appears red and puffy, this is known as inflammation of the nail fold. It may be the result of lupus or another connective tissue disorder.

Dark Lines Beneath the Nail
Dark lines beneath the nail should be investigated as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Gnawed Nails
Biting your nails may be nothing more than an old habit, but in some cases it’s a sign of persistent anxiety that could benefit from treatment. Nail biting or picking has also been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you can’t stop, it’s worth discussing with your doctor.


Though nail changes accompany many conditions, these changes are rarely the firstsign. And many nail abnormalities are harmless -- not everyone with white nails has hepatitis. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your nails, please visit a dermatologist

Smile Style Part 3

Did you know that what we eat can help or hurt our smiles?

Soda has acid in it that can eat right through the enamel on your teeth. And it's not just soda. Candy, desserts, and other sugary drinks (like fruit punch, some fruit juice, and some sports drinks) can have the same effect.

Coffee (even decaffeinated!) and tea can stain your teeth, turning your pearly whites yellow. I'll be doing my best to stay away from these kinds of foods so that your teeth stay white and your smile stays bright!

Smile Style Part 2

So what do my teeth actually do for me?

You probably know this, but teeth are actually the first step in the digestion process. Chewing your food makes it much easier to break down once it gets into your stomach.

What you may not know is that teeth also help you speak clearly. Without them, you wouldn't be able to make many of the sounds you rely on to communicate. Just imagine trying to say, "I think these teeth are terrific" without your pearly whites to help.

What is a cavity and how do you get one?

Believe it or not, your mouth is teeming with bacteria all the time. It's completely normal — in fact, some bacteria is actually helpful by defending us from harmful germs. Regular brushing helps to keep these bacteria in check — 1,000 to 100,000 per tooth is considered to be a healthy range. But, there are some bad kinds of bacteria that attach themselves to teeth, multiply in numbers and grow into a colony. As time goes on, more bacteria of all different kinds and proteins from you saliva attach to that colony and become a whitish film on your teeth. This is known as plaque. The bacteria use the foods you eat (particularly those sugary snacks) as food and produce acid that eats away at the minerals that make up your enamel and form tiny holes in your tooth. These tiny holes grow into one big one — this is a cavity.

You can get a cavity by not keeping your teeth clean or by eating too many sugary foods.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are molars that grow in at the very back of the mouth. They usually don't start growing until after the age of 16 and can crowd the other teeth in your mouth. For that reason, most people have their wisdom teeth removed. You can have just one wisdom tooth, or all four can come in. Getting them removed usually involves surgery at your dentist's office.

What exactly is enamel and why is it important for teeth?

Enamel is the hard covering over your teeth. It's made from mineral salts like calcium. It actually gets these minerals from your saliva, which helps make your enamel harder. It is these minerals though that can be attacked by acids.

What is the difference between baby teeth and permanent teeth?

Baby teeth are the first set of teeth that people develop during infancy. People usually have their complete set of baby teeth by the time they are three. At about seven, baby teeth come out. In their place, harder, larger teeth grow. These are the teeth that people have until they are adults and are known as permanent teeth.

What is fluoride and why does it help teeth become stronger?

Fluoride is a natural element that can be found in food and water. Scientists noticed that kids who lived in placed where water had lots of fluoride already in it had fewer cavities. In fact, people who drink fluoridated water have 50 percent less tooth decay.

Once your body has soaked up fluoride, it is used by the cells that build your teeth to make your enamel harder and more resistant to plaque. Because of this, many states add fluoride to their drinking water.

Dentists also put fluoride treatments directly on your teeth when you get your teeth cleaned. This helps make your teeth much harder and more resistant to the acids that break down your enamel and cause cavities.

for more info or any dental problems visit us at our dental center at DR HASSAN MEDICAL CENTER

Smile Style Part 1

So what exactly is oral hygiene?
Taking care of your mouth and teeth by brushing, flossing and rinsing is called oral hygiene. By doing these things, you can avoid cavities, gum disease (bleeding gums), and make sure your breath is fresh.


Why is it important?
You know, your smile really is one of your best assets. Take care of it, and it will take care of you!


How can I make sure my teeth stay shiny and bright?
It's as simple as brushing, flossing and making regular visits to the dentist.

The first step is to floss so that you get rid of food particles that get in between your teeth. If you don't, up to 35 percent of your tooth's surface doesn't get clean! It's actually easy to floss. Just wrap about a foot (or twelve inches) of floss around the middle fingers of each hand. Using your first finger, guide the floss in between the teeth and make a c-shape with it. Make sure to do both sides of every tooth! You only need to floss once a day for it to be effective.

The next step is to brush your teeth with a toothbrush that has soft bristles and a rounded end. You should try to brush gently up and down the tooth surface for 2 - 3 minutes. Make sure you hit all of those hard to reach molars in the back of your mouth and that you brush both the front and back of each tooth. That way, you'll clear all of the cavity-causing agents.

Keep in mind that gross bacteria can grow on the bristles of your toothbrush, so make sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 - 4 months, or if you have been sick. Also, make sure your toothpaste has fluoride in it. Flouride is absorbed into your teeth and makes your enamel stronger, which prevents cavities. You should brush twice a day — try it in the morning and right before you go to bed.

The final step is to a shiny and bright smile is to see a dentist twice a year to have your teeth cleaned and get checked for any problems. They will probably take X-Rays to make sure that the roots of your teeth (way below the surface of your gums) are healthy and that there are no invisible cracks in your teeth that can lead to cavities.


Does what I eat affect how my teeth look?
It sure does! In fact, the most important thing that you can do to protect your teeth and keep them looking their best is limit how much sugar you eat and avoid tobacco altogether.

Even though sugar may seem harmless, it can play a major role in tooth decay. The bacteria that already live in your mouth use sugar to grow and form plaque. This plaque can form tiny holes in your teeth that will eventually become cavities. In addition, there is one bacterium (called Streptococcus mutants) that actually uses sugar as food. As it digests the sugar, it produces acid that eats the enamel of your teeth and causes cavities.

The best thing you can do is avoid sugary snacks and drinks like soda, candy, and some fruit juices. If you do eat sugar, try to brush your teeth as quickly as possible to minimize the damage to your teeth.

Tobacco is also harmful to your teeth. The first thing that you will notice is that your teeth turn an unattractive yellow color. This staining can happen really fast and the only way to get rid of it is to go to the dentist. If you were to keep smoking, as you get older, you are more likely to get gum disease, your teeth will decay more quickly, and they will appear to be even more stained — sometimes even appearing black.

ACNE - Zits, Pimples, Blackheads, Whiteheads

During puberty, both boys and girls may develop acne (AKA zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads). In fact, about 8 in 10 preteens and teens have acne. Acne isn't pleasant, but understanding what's going on can help you feel better, and possibly find ways to help reduce breakouts

The Anatomy of Acne

Skin is covered with tiny holes called hair follicles, or pores. Follicles contain oil glands, called sebaceous glands.

These glands make oil, called sebum, that keeps your hair and skin moisturized.

During puberty, hormones can cause the skin to make too much oil, and it can get stuck together with cells inside the pore, and with outside dirt or oil. This can cause a sticky plug in the pore, which becomes an acne a.k.a, pimple, zit, blackhead.

Genetics plays a role, too. If your parent had acne as a teen, it's likely that you will, too.

Myths About Acne

Acne is not caused by eating greasy foods like French fries or pizza, or by eating chocolate.
Scrubbing the skin does not stop acne. It can even make the problem worse. Clean your skin regularly and after heavy workouts. Just remember, don't over scrub.

Wearing makeup doesn't necessarily cause acne. Choose makeup carefully. All makeup should be oil-free so it doesn't clog up your pores. However, it does help to clean your face regularly to keep makeup from clogging pores, particularly if you are physically active.

Stress does not cause acne.

Ways to Help, or Treat, Acne

Hormones have a lot to do with acne (and you can't help those!). But, you can help prevent oil buildup by washing your face morning and evening with warm water and mild cleanser. Also, wash your face after exercising.

Keep your hands away from your face.
The oils and dirt from your hands can aggravate breakouts.
Never pick or try to pop pimples—it can lead to scarring.
Wash your hair regularly, to minimize oil from hair getting on your face.

There are a lot of acne treatments available at your drug store. These creams, washes, and soaps work in different ways such as reducing oil production or helping to break down blackheads or whiteheads. You may have to try several to get the one that works best for you.

When in doubt, get help from the experts. Doctors who specialize in skin care, called dermatologists, can help—especially if your acne is severe. Pediatricians and family doctors can help with milder cases. or if you live in qatar we can gladly help you at Dr. Hassan Al-Abdulla Medical Center

Botox and You

Facial dynamic wrinkles and lines are caused by contractions of the delicate underlying facial muscles (muscles of expression), every time we smile, laugh or frown, these wrinkles and lines caused by facial muscles can give a person an angry, tired, sad appearance, and older in age. The more emotion you show, the deeper these wrinkles and lines are likely to be, now we can remove and prevent their formation with botox.

Treating wrinkles and lines with botox is a simple and safe procedures, no downtime, no sedation or local anesthesia is required and the entire treatment takes about 10 minutes.

The effect of Botox last from 4 to 6 months and you may need to repeat the treatments two to hree times a year. After receiving botox over time the lines and the wrinkles disappear permanently.

Botox cosmetic is approved by FDA as safe effective treatments for facial wrinkles and lines, and has been used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the axillae, palms and soles, also it is useful to raise up the eyebrows, tip of the nose and the angles of mouth if they drop down secondary to aging process, also it is effective in treatment of Gummy smile.

Anti –Aging Medicines Becoming Popular

Death cannot be averted, but early detection and proper medication can prevent, cure and even reverse the incidence of most age-related ailments. Thankfully in Qatar, the number of people who are aware of the need to follow healthy lifestyles and subscribe to anti-aging medicines is on the rise, says Dr Hassan Abdullah, a former specialist with the Hamad Medical Corporation who has been running a centre in Doha promoting anti-aging medication for the past 10 years.

“Aging is the accumulation of changes in cell and tissue, which increases the risk of death. It starts around the age of 40, when people begin unfamiliar aches and pains in their bodies. Some of these pains are serious, and can turn into life-threatening diseases if proper care is not taken in time. That is where anti-aging medicines come in,” Abdullah says.

Started in the United States 12 years ago as a specialized discipline by group of medical practitioners and specialists, anti-aging medicine has come a long way and now has patrons all over the world. According to Abdullah, it can help detect, prevent and reverse ailments as diverse as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, glaucoma, cataract, hair fall, obesity and Alzheimer’s disease.

Abdullah, who is also the editor of the GCC Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, has travelled to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Monaco, Monte Carlo ad China to speak on the importance of anti-aging medicines. “We see more people in the United States and other rich nations leading longer lives, as they equip themselves with the knowledge of anti-aging. However, the understanding of such medicines is growing worldwide. My centre is the only anti-aging medical centre in this region. But China’s first anti-aging centre was opened in Shanghai last November,” he says.

In Doha, the anti-aging medical processes consist of series of laboratory tests, diagnostic programs, lifestyle modification processes, detoxification processes and medication. Patients are required to give details of both personal and their family health history before the process begins.

A number of age-related diseases are inherited, but Abdullah says the process can influence these diseases too. “Through nutritional, hormonal and pharmaceutical intervention, it is possible to influence even genetic tendencies. The important thing is to begin the process as early as possible. Patients who come to us are mostly healthy people who wants to find out if are risk of falling prey to aging related diseases in future. This is the best way to go about it,” says Abdullah.

Women, he says, should begin anti-aging diagnosis sessions from the age of 20 itself for early detection of diseases like breast cancer. He advises men to undergo at least yearly examinations to determine their susceptibility to prostate cancer and other ailments.

“Residence of Qatar are becoming more health conscious, and the number of people who come for anti-aging diagnosis and treatment is increasing. However, it is still not in line with the rate of growth of the country’s population,” Abdullah says. “The biggest challenge for us is to spread awareness about the presence of such therapist, and the necessity of making use of them in time.”

Cosmetic Fillers

Filler is a cosmetic materials made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. The hyaluronic acid is a crystal clear gel called NASHA (Non Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid) is completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Skin starts to sag and wrinkles with age, because loss of subcutaneous fat. Skin filler restore volume and fullness to the skin, eliminate wrinkles and deep lines such as Naso-labial folds. By injecting the filler directly into the skin the youthful and natural facial contours are easily restored. The filler also frequently used to fill out the lips, and lines on the cheeks and forehead. They can also plump out hollow cheeks, reshape the chin and nose, and used to fill Acne scars.

The procedure is done in the office, it takes about 15 minutes, downtime is minimal and the patient can look good in 24 to 36 hours, no need to allergy test. The results lasting from 6 to 12 months and may be much more.

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Winter Woes: Your Skin is the First Victim!

Winter in the Middle East may not be very pleasing for many residence suffering from severe atopic . According to world renound Dr. Hassan al Abdullah, dermatology and venereology consultant at the Dr Hassan Al Abdullah Medical Centre Doha Qatar, eight out of ten children coming to the medical centre, mostly Nationals, suffer from atopic dermatitis or eczema.

He said the disease was mostly inherited and very common among children. Characterized by , atopic dermatitis, among adults, caused severe irritation, splitting, and cracking of the skin, especially in the eczema-affected portion. The cold dry air and low humidity brought about by winter added to the severity of the skin didermatitis or eczemaseases.

“The skin is very sensitive to dust and other environmental factors that might worsen the condition of the skin diseases. Atopic ddryness of skinermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is also associated with the other atopic conditions as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and high fever,” the doctor said.

Dr Al Abdullah explained that cases of atopic dermatitis went up in the winter season due to the excessive dryness of skin. “That is why we advise parents to cover their children with proper winter clothes, preferably cotton ones. Woolen and nylon clothes may cause some allergies to the skin, which children cannot tolerate,” he said.

Elaborating on atopic dermatitis, Dr al Abdullah said even one-month-old infants might already have eczema. “Dry and itchy skin rashes can be found o children’s cheeks. Among adults, atopic dermatitis causes red, itchy rashes and in some cases discoloration of the skin, and dry, itchy patches in armpits and behind knees”.

“Sometimes, the red rashes disappear due to a change in environment. There have been cases when children went abroad and the marks of eczema just disappeared,” he said.
According to Dr al Abdullah, treatment depends on the nature of the cases. “We may give anti-histamine, steroids, moisturizers, and special soaps. We also advise families to avoid collecting dust by frequently cleaning curtains and carpets at home”.

On other skin problems affecting Doha residence this winter, Dr al Abdullah said, “Some expatriates, who have just arrived here and are facing acne problem can blame the sudden change in environment or even the winter season for this. But acne is common among the residence throughout the year. Stress is a major factor as expatriates worry too much about the wellbeing of their families, being away from home. Sometimes change in food habit can also be a factor”.

Other skin diseases which are prevalent in the winter, according to Dr al Abdullah, are psoriasis and vitiligo, affecting about 2 percent of the entire world population. He clarified that none of these skin diseases was infectious, adding that psoriasis became severe during winter due to low humidity.

Severe psoriasis, if ignored, could develop into psoriatic arthritis, causing a permanent joint deformity. While severe eczema, if left untreated, could result in a secondary bacterial infection and might cause painful cracks on skin, the doctor warned. “Those who keep woolen clothes in dresser for a year, must wash them first before wearing them in winter as the clothes may have some dust in them,” he said.

For lip care during winter, Dr al Abdullah advised the residence to use lipsticks or lip moisturizers. “Vaseline creams and other similar moisturizers are best for those who don’t want to spend too much on expensive cosmetic products,” he observed.

Fraxel Laser Treatment with Dr. Hassan Al-Abdulla

Dr. Hassan Al-Abdulla- A name that has been engraved through-out our society today, both women and men admire his work. Dr. Abdulla is a especialized consultant of dermatology and venereology who is holding an M.B.B.S. a Doctorate degree in dermatology and veneorology, an American fellowship in dermathopathology and cosmetic dermatology and member of the American and Asian society of anti-aging medicine.

We sat down with Dr. Abdulla to discuss a recent Treatment that is being introduced in his clinic in Qatar.

Dr. Hassan, tell us more about Fraxel Laser treatment.
Fraxel laser treatment was created with the many benefits of ablative and non-ablaive lasers, but without the downtime, side effects and recovery length. Fraxel is a unique approach to repairing dammaged skin pixel by pixel,spot by spot.Think of your skin as a digital photograph in need of high-quality restoration or touch up

Fraxel Laser treatment improves your appearance by affecting only fraction of your skin at a time with thousands of tiny microscopic laser spots eliminating old epidermal pigmented cell. Unlike old laser treatments that were used to peel the whole surface of the skin with a period of two weeks of no direct sunlight, Fraxel only peels danaged tisue of the surface of the skin leaving healthy tissues heal the rest while stimulating the inside tissues and the patient can go back to his normal lifestyle within the maximum of 3 days.

Who is considered to be an eligible candidate for this kind of treatment?
Everyone suffering from damaged skin and has the signs aging such as wrinkles,pots and lines, from skin pigmentation such as Melasma as well as any kind of scars; for instance acne scars or dilated pores and even sundamaged skin. It is a treatment for all ages and for both men and women.

How does Fraxel Laser treatment works?
Fraxel produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in your skin, known as micro thermal treatment zones. This treatment eliminates old epidermal pigemented cells. It also penetrates deep into the dermis.

Just as important, though, are the areas of skin the Fraxel laser leaves untouched. For every micro thermal zone the laser targets and treats intensively it leaves the surrounding tissues unaffected and intact.

This fractional treatment allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area were treated at once, using body's natural healing process to create new, healthy tighter tissue to replace skin imperfections.

Where, when and how is the treatment performed?
Fraxel laser treatment can be done at any time, under an appointment with me as it is performed at my clinic for about an hour and a half.
The treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned prior to the procedure. Next, topical anesthesia is applied. When the effect of the anethesia to takes place, treatment can be performed, which would last for around 30 minutes maximum.

Is there a certain precautions patients should follow before or after treatment in order to maintain results?
None exactly. Patients can go on with their daily routine, after treatment. Redness and swelling will appear depending on the skin type. The skin will have a pinkish tone for couple of days which is a good sign that skin is healing deeply.

Moisturizer and Sun screen should be used to mask the appearance of flaking and protect the new skin from UV exposure.

Women can apply their make-up and men could shave soon after treatment.

When does the result start to show?
New epidermal skin develops immediately within 24 hours, and over the following weeks and months, the body will keep repairing deeper dermal tissues that have been affected by Fraxel Laser Treatment, producing beneficial changes that continue to improve over the following 2 to 3 months.

Any side effects?
There are 100% no side effects to Fraxel Laser Treatment. None has been recorded up to date except for a few minor cases where patients don't follow the instructions given to them and when they sometimes try to peel the skin off themselves which can cause pigmentation that could simply be treated with fraxel.

Thermage Treatment Interview with Dr. Hassan Al-Abdulla

Thermage is actually used or designed for tightening the skin, to replace the lifting of the face or any part of the body, abdomen redundancy of skin. It could be used after child delivery or losing a lot of Wight, and also after liposuction, to remove the extra skin and contouring, also an addition for contouring any part of the body and removing extra fat, and improving cellulite, if the cellulite is severe I can see it when the patient is laying down, if not it could be seen when the patient is standing.

How often should one do this procedure? Does it have to be on continuous basis? Are there any side effects? Redness, itchiness, swelling, headache, dizziness?

Once a year is enough, the patient can notice the deference after one procedure and also carry on with there day normally, because there is no side affects what so ever like redness o rashes, itchiness.

What will happen to the skin of the patient immediately after the procedure is done?

Everybody tries to escape major surgeries, to avoid sleeping at the hospital going under general anesthesia; in addition surgeries leaves scars long cuts which are hard to remove, like face lifting, it's more expensive and if it's done wrong it could have so many side effects, thermage does not give the same exact result as plastic surgery but it improves the three functions: tightening the skin, reducing fat, improving cellulite.

The pain deferrers from a patent to another some people can tolerate the pain and other do not but in general the pain is not too much, most can tolerate it.

Some clinics give Anesthesia, but the mother company does not recommended it.

What is the target market of this procedure? Can men also try this skin tightening cosmetic procedure? Is there any specific age range for this, because some people in their mid 20's start to develop aging lines due to stress and poor lifestyle habits?

Yes it is ok for them to improve wrinkles, for example the wrinkles surrounding the eye area, also to raise the eye brows. Targeted market is for all ages, especially if the patient suffers from redundancy of the skin, but the most important cases of redundancy appear after the age of the child period or after the marriage in women’s case.

How long is the procedure done? When can one feel and see the total results?

It approximately takes around one hour on the surface area, and the results could be seen right away. The patient can notice the difference directly after the procedure, but the result gets better by time, with in between six months and after it will give the final result.

Can any dermatologists perform this treatment/procedure? Or a there is a certified Thermage doctor who is authorize to do this?

Any can perform the treatment, when the machine is bought, the mother company gives professional training on how to use the machine, and it could by applied to any system like an electronic device, you need to switch on and of and what levels you can work on or of each case, and this protocol is built by the mother company after many studies.

Is Thermage procedure cost-effective comparing to other countries that have started this treatment?

It is rather costly, actually the cost is the major side affect to this treatment, because the mother company charges too much for each head used in the treatment and the head is only used once.

Do you have any special discounts, special trials, promotions for this Thermage treatment?

The price is fixed internationally, the patient can visit the website and learn about the prices, but there might be some difference here in Doha than in other countries relaying on the sales taxes. No special discounts, because as I mentioned the price is fixed worldwide.

Where can one inquire and have a consultation? Any email address, telephone #, clinic address?

The consultation is very important to tell the patient what is best for them, and for directing them, they can read and match there cases to the information provided on the website. For consultation patients can visit our clinic which is located on 250 D Ring Road, 45 Old Airport Area or call on the clinic land line +974 4432 3900 or visit our website www.drhassanmedical.com to learn more about Thermage.