Question & Answer! Is it okay to have sex when I have a yeast infection?

Question: Is it okay to have sex when I have a yeast infection?

Answer: You're better off taking a brief hiatus from intercourse if you've been struck with this common ailment, according to Rodney Francis, a Santa Monica OB-GYN. "When you have a yeast infection, the vaginal tissues become inflamed," he explains. "Having sex further increases the irritation and slows down the healing process." It also puts your guy at risk of catching your infection, then passing it back to you. What's more, if you're using an anti-yeast cream instead of oral medication, having sex can remove some of the cream from your vagina, making the meds less effective. To give your bod time to recoup, wait until three days after finishing any treatment before getting busy.

Hit Your Style - Nice Shoes

CHAIN-STRAP FLATS

Diane Kruger, Jennifer Hudson and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley give their typically sweet ballet flats a little edge by picking pairs with a tough chain around the ankle.

COLORFUL SUNGLASSES

Heidi , Ashley  and January Jones show their true colors by picking shades with bold, bright frames.

JES Organics Company Updates on Organic Skin Care Products

Well, I have been using the new Vitamin B3 Treatment serum for a week now and I am very excited with my own personal results.  I wanted it more for aging and sun spots and some hyperpigmentation from the sun on my neck.  However, in addition to using it on my face and neck, I also used it on a very itchy raised skin lesion on my forearm that I have had since April and couldn't get rid of.  I put the Vitamin B3 Treatment serum on that and within 24 hours, the itching stopped and within 48 hours, it was flat and almost gone.  I had a raised enlarged pore on my cheek that always bothered me and that is flat now in 72 hours and has almost disappeared.  I feel like my skin is noticeably more tone after applying the serum and I can't wait to see how it combats fine lines and sun spots in a few months. 

JES Organics Organic Skin Care Line was previously called Belle Peau Anti-Aging.  We have made the decision to change the name to Ageless Skin Care because our products are really good for all skin types.  We were hearing from our customers that moms were buying our skin care to prevent premature aging and that their teenagers were finding that it really helped their acneic prone skin.  And there is lots of research to support that the ingredients we use in our products works well for a broad spectrum of skin care types and issues.  Please be patient with us as we update the labels and web-site photos with the new products/information. 

Our Organically Preserved Body Lotion is also back now by popular demand.  This lotion was previously under our Belle Peau line but will now be under the new Ageless Line.

Compare our ingredients to the top selling Skin Care lines and you will see we have power packed skin care ingredients while still being natural, organic, organically preserved and non-toxic.  Because we are anti-corporate greed, you will find that our prices are very affordable and you can't beat the quality.  All of our products are FRAGRANCE FREE, PARABEN FREE, SULFATE FREE, NON-TOXIC. Rated 0-2 by Skin Deep for Safety and Toxicity. 

We added this new Vitamin B3 Treatment serum to our Ageless Skin Care Line based on the ingredients, organically preserved, quality, and all of the research supporting the benefits of these ingredients.  During my research with these ingredients and the Vitamin B3, I found it fascinating that a single product could work for the whole spectrum of skin types from acneic prone to anti-aging.  At JES Organics, we love it when we can keep it simple and have products that work for all age groups.

We have discontinued the Exfoliant even though it was an excellent product, we find that the majority of people have very busy lives and want to keep it as simple as possible.  Our Ageless 2 in 1 Cleanser gently exfoliates and cleanses at the same time eliminating that extra step. 

In the near future, we will be replacing the Nutrient Rich Beet Masque with a Creamy Detoxification Masque.  The Nutrient Rich Beet Masque is great for all skin types and helps to pull toxins from the skin and pores.  It is a powder masque that can be mixed with water, soy milk, yogurt or any liquid that is good for the skin.  With Beet Powder, Vitamins B and C this masque is well rounded and mild for all skin types. This is on sale for just a limited time. 

Beet Powder is extremely rich in iron, potassium, niacin, copper, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, biotin, niacin, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, manganese, magnesium and contains phosphorus. Beets provide a natural source of phosphate of copper which is necessary for the skin to stretch.

Topical application of Niacinamide (B3) has been shown to increase Ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin and to prevent skin from losing water content. It will decrease itching, inflammation, help acne affected skin, decrease oiliness, alleviate atopic dermatitis, decrease UV-induced skin cancers and help decrease facial pigmentation.

Whether the goal is fighting wrinkles and age spots or eradicating stubborn acne, cosmetic manufacturers are turning to an old vitamin that seems to be learning new skin care tricks. Niacinamide, aka vitamin B3, is popping up in moisturizers, eye creams, anti aging serums, and acne treatments, as scientists continue to unlock this nutrient's beauty benefits.

Vitamin B5 improves the moisture-retention capacity of the skin and stimulates skin regeneration. Dry skin stays supple and elastic for longer. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effect.

Ascorbyl Palmitate is found naturally in fruits and green vegetables and is essential for normal metabolism, wound healing, and tissue repair. Solubility enables this form of Vitamin C to reach the surface of the skin rapidly in amounts greater than can be achieved by water soluble Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), therefore providing readily available form of Vitamin C to skin. It can be used by individuals who have normally sensitive skin.

Kaolin Clay - the mildest of all clays. It is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. It does not draw oils from the skin and can therefore be used on dry skin types.

Bentonite Clay is a highly absorbent clay that pulls toxins from the skin.

Resveratrol and grape seed polyphenols combine to prevent diabetes

Friday, April 29, 2011 by: John Phillip

(NaturalNews) Researchers publishing the results of two independent studies in the British Journal of Nutrition have demonstrated that polyphenol antioxidants found naturally in red grapes can prevent the buildup of fat in muscle tissue that is a precursor to metabolic disorder and diabetes. Resveratrol and grape seed extracts influence how the body responds to insulin, the hormone that controls critical mechanisms of dietary sugar and fat metabolism. The grape-derived compounds have been shown to improve cardiovascular and Alzheimer`s disease risk factors in the past. Information gleaned from these studies explains how daily consumption of the fresh fruit can be invaluable as it prevents muscular fat accumulation leading to metabolic instability and diabetes.

Detailing the result of research performed at the University of Montpellier in France, scientists found that subjects fed a diet high in fat and sugar experienced a lower accumulation of fat in muscle tissue when supplemented with a concentrated extract of red grape polyphenols. Diets high in oxidized saturated fats are known to disrupt the normal function of insulin leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. By limiting the effect of fats on cell membranes, the grape extract was found to provide a significant level of protection against the disease.

In a separate body of research, scientists determined that a 10 mg daily dose of resveratrol was associated with lowered insulin resistance in Type-II diabetics. Resveratrol is a powerful protective anti-fungal compound found in the skin of red grapes. Known to activate a longevity signaling gene (SIRT-1), resveratrol has been shown to extend lifespan by lowering the risks associated with systemic inflammation. The polyphenol may help to prevent cancer development, cardiovascular disease and dementia, and it is now shown to impede the development of diabetes by regulating insulin sensitivity.

Researchers formed two groups of participants and randomly supplemented their diet with resveratrol (5 mg twice a day) or a placebo. After four weeks the resveratrol group showed a significant decrease in insulin sensitivity compared to the placebo group. The study authors explain that the results are likely due to the potent antioxidant action of resveratrol, as oxidative stress is a key contributor to the onset of insulin resistance.

Researchers concluded "The present study shows for the first time that resveratrol improves insulin sensitivity in humans, which might be due to a resveratrol-induced decrease in oxidative stress that leads to more efficient insulin signaling." To maximize the anti-diabetic health benefits of grape polyphenols, health-minded individuals will want to include organically grown red grapes in their diet or supplement with grape seed extract and resveratrol (10 to 25 mg daily).

Article References:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/...
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/...
http://journals.cambridge.org/actio...

About the author
John Phillip is a Health Researcher and Author who writes regularly on the cutting edge use of diet, lifestyle modifications and targeted supplementation to enhance and improve the quality and length of life. John is the author of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan', a comprehensive EBook explaining how to use Diet, Exercise, Mind and Targeted Supplementation to achieve your weight loss goal. Visit My Optimal Health Resource to continue reading the latest health news updates, and to download your Free 48 page copy of 'Your Healthy Weight Loss Plan'.  Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032221_resveratrol_diabetes.html#ixzz1TbBocuOe

Here's latest quarterly report of Ky. nursing homes' deficiencies

In the second quarter of 2011, inspectors found 291 deficiencies in 49 Kentucky nursing homes, nine of which had 10 or more. Rosewood Health Care Center in Bowling Green had 19 deficiencies, followed by Mountain View Health Care Center in Elkhorn City with 18 and Christian Health Center in Louisville with 16.

Kentuckians for Nursing Home Reform, a non-profit organization that advocates for nursing home residents, obtains such data regularly through open-records requests to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and distributes it statewide.

On average, inspectors find six deficiencies in Kentucky's nursing homes, according to Medicare's nursing-home comparison data. Inspections assess a facility on the care of residents and how that care is administered; on how staff and residents interact; and on its environment. Certified nursing homes must meet more than 180 regulatory standards. The state Office of Inspector General website has more data, such as the results of inspections and the ownership of each facility.

The other nursing homes with 10 or more deficiencies in the second quarter were: Wurtland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (15); Christian Health Center, Corbin (14); Royal Manor, Nicholasville (12); Glasgow State Nursing Facility (12); Regis Woods Care and Rehabilitation Center, Louisville (12); and Owsley County Health Care Center, Booneville (12).

Treatment Serum with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) & Antioxidants

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

JES Organics Treatment Serum+ is packed with a synergistic complex of potent anti-oxidants and vitamins. These concentrated ingredients help to increase the synthesis of collagen, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, promote firmness, boost skin elasticity and improve the skin barrier.

Research shows that Vitamin B3 improves the function of the skin and helps to prevent many of the signs of premature aging. Smoothes wrinkles, boosts skin elasticity, reduces sallowness, fades age spots and discolorations and helps to fight acne.

According to some leading skin care experts, skin care products containing DMAE, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Vitamin E and Retinol Vitamin A can create amazing results in the appearance of aging skin.

Skin Types: Mature, Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Acneic

Whether the goal is fighting wrinkles and age spots or eradicating stubborn acne, cosmetic manufacturers are turning to an old vitamin that seems to be learning new skin care tricks. Niacinamide(Vitamin B3), is popping up in moisturizers, eye creams, anti-aging serums, and acne treatments, as scientists continue to unlock this nutrient's beauty benefits.

What It Does
Vitamin B3 is no stranger to dermatologists, who have known about niacinamide's acne-fighting ability for years. When 198 people with severe acne were given a proprietary formula containing 750 mg of niacinamide, 79 percent experienced a significant improvement in skin lesions after eight weeks. In fact, niacinamide seemed to work just as well as a popular antibiotic to reduce acne. But niacinamide isn't just reserved for the young.

Applying this nutrient to the skin can help prevent many of the signs of premature aging. A growing number of studies show that niacinamide improves the function of the epidermis, the skin's outer layer.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

• Smoothes wrinkles
• Reduces sallowness
• Boosts the skin's elasticity
• Anti-Aging
• Fade age spots and other discolorations (A safe alternative to hydroquinone, a chemical skin lightener that may cause cancer)
• Fights Acne
• Rosacea

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has been used topically for rosacea. It is thought to improve the skin barrier, improve the skin’s moisture level, and reduce inflammation. One study looked at a niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer (applied twice daily) or a placebo moisturizer in 50 people with rosacea. After four weeks, the niacinamide-containing moisturizer was found to improve the skin barrier.

In one clinical trial, 50 women used a moisturizer containing 5 percent niacinamide on one side of the face and a placebo cream on the other. After 12 weeks, the niacinamide side showed less wrinkling and a significant reduction in age spots compared to the placebo side.

Unlike many cosmeceutical ingredients, there is a great deal of research that supports the use of topical niacinamide. Studies have shown its usefulness in increasing synthesis of collagen and lipids, inhibiting the transfer of melanosomes, and decreasing inflammation. As a precursor to niacin, it may even play a role in preventing skin cancer.

Hyperpigmentation also seems to respond to topical niacinamide. In a poster presented at the 2001 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, niacinamide was shown to decrease melanosome transfer to keratinocytes. In addition, a poster at the 2002 annual meeting of the AAD demonstrated that moisturizers containing 2% and 5% concentrations of niacinamide resulted in a clinically detectable decrease in facial pigmentation.

The mechanism by which niacinamide affects inflammation is unclear, but it has been shown to inhibit mast cell histamine release, neutrophil chemotaxis, and release of inflammatory mediators. It has also reduced the triglyceride and diglyceride content of sebum, resulting in less facial oil. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of topical niacinamide in treating inflammatory acne and rosacea in unrelated trials by Dr. Shalita, Dr. Zoe Draelos, and others.

Vitamin C
Topical ascorbic acid accelerates the healing of wound as it aids in stabilizing and generation of collagen. This vitamin stimulates collagen synthesis, production of stable collagen and triggers the production of enzymes that is necessary for the cross linking of collagen molecule which in turn gives better tissue strength.

1. Improves the appearance of skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
2. May protect and lessen the effects of sunburns.
3. Protects cells from free-radicals
4. Protects the skin cell from damage due to ultraviolet light

Advantages
Once Vitamin C penetrates the skin, it stays there for up to 72 hours. This means that a properly formulated topical vitamin-C product can have a long lasting effect in the skin.

Fast acting, results can sometimes be seen in just a few days or weeks of use. Improvement in skin texture and skin tone is easily noticeable after a short time period of use. Depressed scars may take several months to be normalized.

Vitamin C Ester is well known and long documented antioxidant that protects the surface of the skin from free radicals that can damage the skin.

DMAE is found in foods and can create an almost immediate appearance in the firming and tone of the skin. Dimethylaminoethanol, better known as DMAE, is an antioxidant membrane stabilizer. When applied topically, it helps to firm, smoothes, and brighten skin. It also enhances the effects of other antioxidants like alpha lipoic acid and Vitamin C ester. As a result, DMAE works best when used in combination with other nutrients and an antioxidant base.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is the most powerful of antioxidants. It is able to benefit both the water and lipid portions of the skin. It is said to give the skin a “youthful and glowing appearance.”

New breast cancer drug which shrinks tumours 'will be available within years

A new drug that shrinks the most serious breast cancer tumours could be available in Britain within the next five years.
Affitoxin, which kills cancerous cells by preventing them from producing protein, could give fresh hope to thousands.
Human testing on the 'wonder drug' is about to begin in the U.S. and it could be on sale shortly.

The drug works against HER2 positive breast cancer which is the most serious form of the disease.
In trials it has been effective where the Herceptin fails. Cancer sufferers can become immune to the popular drug and once it has been used there are currently no other treatment options.

The research, carried out at Philadelphia University, could mark a significant breakthrough in the fight against disease.
Cancer fighter: Herceptin users often develop immunity
Around 48,000 women in Britain are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
When Affitoxin was injected into mice with large and aggressive tumours they stopped growing and most of them disappeared altogether.
Dr Jacek Capala said: 'Herceptin has revolutionized the treatment of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, but a significant number of tumors acquire resistance to the drug.
'Affitoxin could offer another therapeutic option for those patients whose tumors no longer respond to Herceptin.'
He added: 'When cells absorb the toxin, it interferes with protein production and, thereby, kills them.'
Baroness Morgan, chief executive of Breast Cancer Campaign, told The Sun: 'Herceptin is arguably one of the biggest advances in breast cancer in 20 years but in many cases it eventually stops working.
'If Affitoxin realises its potential as a new treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer, it may overcome this issue of resistance.
'These promising results indicate a clinical trial urgently needed to move this drug closer to patient use.'

Top 6 low-intensity workouts

Water workout
Taking to the water can provide a great workout and be ideal for people who are just starting out in fitness or working their way back after an injury. There are a variety of options, from a full aqua aerobic session to sessions consisting of walking on underwater treadmills – really it’s all about being active, but in the water.
The water supports your bodyweight (up to 85 per cent of it), minimizing the impact on your joints, making it suitable for people of any age, size or fitness level. The number of calories burnt is dependent on the depth of the water – the deeper the water, the more calories you will burn as more energy is required to push your body mass through water. On average, a half hour session in the water will burn around 200 calories – and even more should you add additional weights to your body.
Tai-Chi
At first sight, Tai Chi may not appear as the most taxing of workouts, yet the flowing
succession of slow and graceful movements can be a great calorie burner. Tai Chi is as low impact an exercise as you will find, yet a half hour session can burn on average 140 calories.
When done correctly, Tai-chi raises the heart rate significantly (to approximately 60 per cent of maximum) – enough to be classed as moderate exercise. In addition to the calorie burn, there are other benefits including improved strength, flexibility, concentration, and balance. And best thing of all is that Tai Chi can be done almost anywhere, anytime.
Get your skates on
In-line skating provides a great low impact workout which some studies have suggested provides the same level of aerobic activity as running or even riding a stationary bike. The calorie burn will depend on your size, the effort you put in, and the route you take, but it is estimated that half an hour skating could burn in excess of 200 calories.
Inline skating develops muscles in the entire upper leg, rear end and hip, as well as the lower back. Muscles in the upper arms and shoulders are also developed when arms are swung backwards and forwards while skating and you can increase your calorie burn just by swinging more vigorously.
Swimming
Swimming provides a great cardiovascular workout and is suitable for all due to the fact that it is non-load bearing with the water cushioning your joints as you swim. Breaststroke is the lowest intensity stroke and as such burns fewer calories – around 180 calories for a half hour session – but it’s a stroke that generally enables you to swim for longer and therefore burn more calories from a longer session.
Breaststroke expands the lungs, works the chest muscles and inner thigh, shoulders, triceps, legs and hamstrings – and some even swear it increases the size of your breasts! If you wish to swim other strokes to increase your calorie burn then half an hour of swimming burns the following: freestyle/front crawl – 300 calories; backstroke – 240 calories; and butterfly – 450 calories.
Yoga
Not only is yoga great for improving your strength, flexibility, muscle tone and reducing stress, it’s also a great calorie burner. Consisting of a series of deep-breathing exercises and ‘poses’ which are held for a set period of time, these can be adapted to suit any fitness level. A typical half hour session will burn around 200 calories.
And the great thing is you can do a yoga workout with working up too much of a sweat which is great if you are really pushed for time. If you want try yoga of greater intensity to burn even more calories, then consider options like Bikram Hot Yoga, Power Yoga or Zero Gravity yoga.
Walking
Quite simply the easiest and most accessible form of workout is walking. Without the joint jarring that occurs when running, walking is a workout that can easily be fitted into your daily routine or added as a leisure pursuit during your free time. You can happily choose the intensity to work at which suits you.
If you are not used to a walking workout, then start with a short distance and walk at a pace that suits you. You can easily crank up your speed and distance for improved calorie burn count. The number of calories burned will depend not only on your size, but also the speed you walk and the route you take. As an example, an average sized woman walking on a flat route at around 3mph will burn around 150 calories.
Note: calorie burn figures are approximate as they are dependent on bodyweight, the intensity of the workout, routines or routes followed and individual’s fitness level.

How trying to lose weight can prevent women from having children

Health experts have warned that extreme dieting and eating disorder can leave women infertile at an early age.
The normal warning sign that a woman's fertility is being affected is when her periods stop.
"The hypothalamus in the brain controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland that drives the menstrual cycle, stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs," the Daily Mail quoted Dr Marie Wren, deputy medical director of the Lister Fertility clinic in London, as saying.
"But if a woman loses a lot of weight, this process shuts down. It's the body's way of preserving what resources it has. If a woman menstruates, she loses iron - and if she has little nutritional input, she can't afford to lose that," she stated.
Bulimia, an eating disorder when person binge eats and purges food through vomiting or laxatives, and faddy yo-yo dieting can also trigger this process.
"If your body weight is yo-yoing, then it is possible your body would perceive this as a stress and so switch off the ovulation mechanism," explained Amanda Tozer, consultant in reproductive medicine at Barts and the London Hospital.
"If you are just losing a few pounds either way you'll probably be fine, but if your weight is really going from one extreme to another than this may happen," she added.
Following low-calorie restrictive diets may also compromise a woman's chance of getting pregnant.
"If you aren't getting enough nutrients, then your body will not function as normal and this will reduce fertility," said Dr Wren.
The worst thing is that the effects cannot be reversed.
About 20 percent of those who become seriously underweight find their menstrual cycle never returns, even when they are at healthy weight.
"It is not just a woman's fertility that is affected by weight. An underweight man will have poorer quality sperm as he is undernourished, likewise if he is overweight," Dr Wren explained.
"One study found that men with a high BMI ejaculate less sperm and more of them are abnormally shaped than normal," she added.

Rihanna BOBRihanna switched her look up again at the Billboard Music Awards with a layered bob and side swept bangs.

Make The First Move Ms. Independent! Ask Him Out

It’s 2011!!! Women are making more money, are more independent and some believe that they don’t need a man as much as their mother or grandmother did. When a woman decides that she doesn’t need a man she is setting higher expectations for the next man crazy enough to approach her. A number of women know exactly what they want out of a man these days. That’s fine I suppose but there is one problem. MS. BIG & BAD 2011 INDEPENDENT WOMAN is afraid to ask a man out on a date! In your professional life, you are telling men what to do all day! In your personal life, you pick and chose which values to keep traditional.

The purpose of this article is not to change the tradition of the man pursuing the woman. If you have read anything that I have written, you know by now that my principle is that “All marriages and relationships are either successful or they fail based solely on the leadership of men.” Men are the problems in relationships, not women. The purpose of this article is to inform women of exactly what their role is in the dating game.

My boyfriend has one female friend. They’re really close, they hang out by themselves, he never asks me to join them, and oh, yeah — she’s gorgeous. Is he going to cheat on me with her?

Women your role, your purpose, your goal, what you should be trying to do is show the man that you are interested and available. That’s it. He has got to take it from there. Life is faster and much more complicated than it was 60 years ago when it was easier to meet a guy. My grandmother met my grandfather at the market. She was in her Sunday best in the fruit section taping on a watermelon. Pops was cool. This was when men would wear suits everywhere (Why did men stop wearing suits everywhere?) Grandma smiled at Pops. Her smile let Pops know that she was interested and available. A smile was all it took back then.

Thanks to Steven J Dixon

Planned merger of Louisville hospitals grows more controversial; C-J devotes considerable space to it and Beshear steps in

UPDATE, July 27, 3:43 p.m.: Gov. Steve Beshear issued a statement saying "It is clear there are growing concerns within the community about issues related to the hospital’s future level of access to medical services, and those concerns need to be fully vetted before the Commonwealth takes the legal steps required to approve this merger," such as changes in leases of public property and agreements on operation of the hospital. Just as important as the legal issues, Beshear said, is "the public policy of how the University of Louisville Hospital will continue to honor its mission as a public teaching hospital that provides access and care to citizens, especially those who are indigent." The governor said his administration "will hold a series of conversations with the principals in the proposed merger and other interested parties," starting with a meeting among four of his cabinet secretaries, Mayor Greg Fischer, state Auditor Crit Luallen and Attorney General Jack Conway.

The merger that would put a Catholic health group in charge of the University of Louisville's hospital is growing ever more controversial, as demonstrated by today's edition of The Courier-Journal. The top story was about U of L President Jim Ramsey's uncertain response to a request by state legislators to answer questions of a legislative committee, accompanied online by a photograph of a somewhat sheepish-looking Ramsey, left. UPDATE, July 28: Ramsey says he will appear before the panel Aug. 17.

The paper's editorial page was mainly about the issue. The top editorial was headlined "Ramsey's silence," and it referred to the second 'editorial' on the page, actually a recitation of email correspondence between Ramsey and one of his Fern Creek High School classmates and her husband, who oppose the merger and questioned Ramsey's charcterization of an earlier C-J editorial as "not based on complete and factual information."

Next to that piece was a letter from the lawmakers: Rep. Tom Burch, chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee and a Catholic who opposes the merger because of its implications for reproductive and end-of-life procedures; and Reps. Mary Lou Marzian and Joni Jenkins of Louisville. It was illustrated by a photo of Ramsey looking thoughtful. Above it was a letter, illustrated by a photo of Pope Benedict XVI, from Eugenia K. Potter, former executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Women, headined "Is it dogma or discrimination?" Conservative commentator Martin Cothran has a contrary view on his blog.

UPDATE, July 27, 8 a.m.: The C-J editorial page is again mainly about the issue, with an editorial urging the state auditor, governor and attorney general "to thoroughly scour and bring transparency to the negotiations with Catholic Health Initiatives;" an article by former University Hospital nurse Beverly Glasscock saying that the hospital wouldn't be able to perform emergcy abortions needed to save a woman's life; and a letter from former university trustee Bill Stone defending Ramsey from what he calls an "over the top" attack by the paper's editorial board.

My boyfriend has one female friend. They’re really close, they hang out by themselves, he never asks me to join them, and oh, yeah — she’s gorgeous. Is he going to cheat on me with her?

Question -My boyfriend has one female friend. They’re really close, they hang out by themselves, he never asks me to join them, and oh, yeah — she’s gorgeous. Is he going to cheat on me with her?

Answer - Ah, the age-old question: Can a man be friends with a woman he finds attractive? As a guy with a few hot friends myself, I’ll admit, I’ve definitely thought about fooling around with them. And the hotter the friend, the greater the temptation.

Still, you shouldn’t assume your guy is going to cheat just because he spends time alone with this girl. The fact that he never asks you to join them could just mean that he likes to talk to her about things he couldn’t talk about in front of you — namely, you and your relationship. And assuming the friend isn’t an evil skank, chances are, she has your back in those conversations and advises him on how to make you happy.

But sure, there’s a chance he will be or already has been unfaithful. You just need to trust that he’s not, and in order to do that, you need to get to know the girl. Since your guy isn’t making that happen — that’s an insensitive mistake on his part — suggest that he invite her along next time you’re hanging out in a group setting. Say something like “A bunch of us are going to this bar later on, and you should bring so-and-so — I’d love to meet her.” Don’t put any pressure on him or come across as suspicious. Then, when you see them together, let your woman’s intuition guide you. You’ll know if something’s fishy

Its Angelina Jolie and The kids

Angelina Jolie takes her spirited brood: Shiloh, 5, Knox and Vivienne, 3, and Zahara, 6, day tripping in London on Saturday.

Workshop Aug. 4-5 will help health groups with policy, programs

A two-day workshop intended to help health coalitions and organizations make progress at the policy level and implement evidence-based programs will begin Aug. 4.

On the first day, speaker Monte Roulier of Community Initiatives will speak about the art and science of building health and whole communities. On the second day, speakers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will demonstrate how to use The Community Guide, a free resource that offers guidance on what programs and policies are evidence-based for obesity, mental health, asthma, tobacco, substance abuse, violence and other health issues.

The workshop is part of the "Health for a Change: Ignite — Unite — Act" series, a program of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. It starts at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 and ends at 4 p.m. Aug. 5. at the Hurstbourne Place Office Building in Louisville. To register, click here.

Majority of Americans now support comprehensive smoking bans

For the first time since it started asking the question in 2001, a majority of Americans polled by the Gallup Organization say they support a ban on smoking in all public places. The poll showed 59 percent of Americans support such a ban. In 2001, only 39 percent of people did, The Huffington Post reports. Only 20 percent said they would support making smoking illegal, as alcohol was during Prohibition from 1920 to 1933.

According to the American Lung Association, 27 states and the District of Columbia have passed comprehensive smoke-free laws. Kentucky is not among them, but 31 Kentucky communities have passed such laws. A poll conducted by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky released earlier this year showed 44 percent of respondents said they were strongly in favor of a statewide smoking ban. Another 15 percent said they were somewhat in favor of it. (Read more)

Program serving young, blind children hit hard by state budget cuts

A program that helps educate blind preschoolers throughout Kentucky has had its state funding drastically cut. Louisville-based Visually Impaired Preschool Services, also known as VIPS, will only receive $10,000 from the state this year, compared to $80,000 three years ago, The Courier-Journal's Deborah Yetter reports. (C-J photo by Michael Hayman)

The program provides free, at-home education for children who are considered legally blind until they turn 4. "The impact is that we won't be able to serve them as often," said Diane Nelson, the program's executive director. "It's so sad."

While the cut will not affect VIPS' preschool in Louisville, it will affect parents and children in more rural parts of the state because fewer specially trained teachers will be sent from Louisville and Lexington to help them. The program serves about 300 children in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Last year, about 50 of those children were outside Louisville and Lexington. This year, only 22 rural children are being helped. "We don't have the money to go out and find these kids," Nelson said.

The funding reduction is the latest in a series of cutbacks that have affected Kentucky public health in the past several years. All told, public health funding has been cut $12 million in recent years. (Read more)

Rihanna was spotted outside her New York hotel wearing denim cutoffs and a plaid button down shirt.

State health commissioner retiring after seven years in the job, fighting for public health and expanding its role

By Tara Kaprowy
Kentucky Health News

After dealing with the aftermath of 9/11, an anthrax scare, H1N1 flu, the worst ice storm in Kentucky's history and a series of budget cuts, it's been a busy decade for Dr. William Hacker at the state health department. But after 10 years at the agency, seven as its boss, Hacker will retire at the end of the month.

He is getting great reviews for his work as commissioner, which has included expanding the role of public health beyond its traditional roles, including disaster response and prevention.

"Dr. Hacker has always provided quality leadership," said Scott Lockard, president of the Kentucky Public Health Association. "He has been a great advocate for public health. He has been well respected both in state and on the national level and he will be deeply missed."

"Dr. William Hacker has been an exemplary leader for public health and has led by example with his professional and genteel leadership style," said Linda Sims, director of the Lincoln Trail District Health Department and president of the Kentucky Health Department Association. "Dr. Hacker has been instrumental in helping local health departments during budgetary challenges with guidance and support. The development of new services and screenings for children have increased under his efforts that will make a difference for many years to come."

Hacker, a native of Manchester, joined the department in February 2001 to work in the maternal and child health division. He'd practiced as a pediatrician in Corbin for 18 years and subsequently spent six years with Appalachian Regional Health Care.

Just eight months after he came on board at the health department, his role expanded drastically. "On 9/11, we were asked how many burn beds we had available in Kentucky because they felt they would be flying burn victims to us," he said. "We had never had funding to establish the ability to actually track the beds available. Public health did not have a role to play in critical health care. But they called on public health that day."

Three weeks later, suspicious white powder started appearing in the mail, and public health offices nationwide were called again. Though anthrax spores were not found in Kentucky, envelopes containing white powder were, and they needed to be tested by public-health officials.

Dr. Rice Leach, then the commissioner, asked Hacker to establish the Public Health Preparedness Branch of the Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning, marking a major shift for the department. Traditionally, public health had not been involved in incident management, which occurs when first responders are sent in to handle a crisis. "We were the backup to deal with consequence management," Hacker said. "But when you're dealing with bioterrorism, public health needs to step in. There was a lot of learning that went on between law enforcement, emergency medical services and public health. That was a cultural shift. We were forced through the natural evolution of events to step up to the plate."

In 2004, following Leach's retirement, Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher named Hacker commissioner. He established the Kentucky Outreach and Information Network, which expanded the department's ability to reach vulnerable populations like senior citizens and people with language, hearing or motor difficulties. Partnerships are still in place with other state agencies, Family Resource Youth Service Centers, literacy programs and faith-based organizations such as the Christian Appalachian Project. "We'd say, 'Here's the message we need to get out, whether we were talking about a hot weather advisory or how long is it safe to eat food out of your refrigerator if your electricity is out," he said.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, prompting several thousand people to come to Kentucky. "We had to figure out how to take care of these people without any resources and many times without any family connections," Hacker said. Hurricanes Gustav and Ike followed, presenting similar challenges.

The next major disaster was the 2009 ice storm. The role of public health was to provide shelter, which Hacker called "a major challenge." But emergency stockpiles obtained by the Public Health Preparedness Branch proved useful. "We use cots, satellite radios and generators that were supposed to be used for an inflatable hospital," he said. "That provided power in Elizabethtown."

Emergency stockpiles were also tapped for items like face masks in 2009-10, when people started getting sick with H1N1. "We responded efficiently because of the training we had been planning for," Hacker said. In 2006, department officials prepared extensively for a bird flu "that is still smoldering," Hacker said, but has never reached the ability to spread quickly from person to person.

In the middle of all this, the state changed governors, but not health commissioners. Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who took office in December 2007, appointed a new secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, but showed confidence in Hacker by keeping him as commissioner of the cabinet's Department of Public Health. "I was prepared for Gov. Beshear to select someone else, but I was very pleased when he gave me the opportunity to continue to serve," Hacker said. Apart from Leach and Dr. Carlos Hernandez, Hacker has served one of the longest terms of any commissioner in the past 40 years.

Beshear told Kentucky Health News in July 2011, "Dr. Hacker’s commitment to public health and education is unassailable, and he provided great leadership and vision for our Department of Public Health. Dr. Hacker built teams, mentored, encouraged and connected organizations and people to achieve better outcomes for Kentuckians’ health. His success is largely driven by his belief in inclusion -- that bringing together many organizations can improve health in Kentucky. Kentucky will miss him."

Beshear's retention of Hacker greatly pleased Al Smith, who had just concluded 33 years as producer and founding host of "Comment on Kentucky" on KET. A former newspaper publisher in London and Western Kentucky, Smith helped Hacker campaign for a comprehensive hospital to serve Corbin and London. "He was ahead of his time, as usual, and we lost the political game," Smith recalled. "Fortunately, his great gifts have been appreciated by the state and other health providers who have kept him in leadership for many years. I hope there will be other opportunities for his influence and service at another time. . . . In or out of public service, Dr. Bill Hacker is a leader who always seeks the best for Kentucky."

Asked his biggest accomplishment, Hacker named two: leaving behind a capable team and establishing the Preparedness Branch, which he said is now deeply embedded. "I have a personal relationship with senior FBI agents that did not exist before," he said. "We have a very close partnership with emergency management officials. And we're close with the Department of Agriculture because of the correlation between animal diseases and human diseases. All those partnerships have positioned Kentucky's government entities to be more responsive."

That responsiveness, however, has a lot to do with funding, which Hacker said is his biggest worry, because public health tends to be invisible. "If you ask, most people think public health just takes care of poor people. We, in fact, take care of all forms of people. It's just we do our jobs well and so it's invisible to those folks unless they need a public health service."

Already, Hacker has dealt with several rounds of budget cuts and is worried that "political leaders and the public don't really understand the impact of what the future may look like" with a less well funded public health system. "It could mean slower response to diseases, slower response to disasters, less cervical cancer screening, less prenatal care. There's a whole host of services being provided but they cost money," he said.

Still, though it's not without concern for the future of the department, Hacker, 64, said it's time to head home. He will continue to live in Lexington. "My wife has some health problems and for 44 years she's made sacrifices to support my career. I think the time has come to reverse the equation," he said. "My decision to leave was a difficult one because I love the mission of public health. But it became clear to me that this was the right time to transition from employment to retirement. I will continue to support the mission of public health in any way I can contribute."

Dr. Steve Davis, longtime deputy commissioner of the department, will take over as interim commissioner Aug. 1. He called Hacker "a good doc and a good man. Simply put, we have been blessed to have him for many years."

Louisville hospital merger could thwart some patients' final wishes

More concerns are being raised about the merger that would put a Catholic hospital group in charge of the University of Louisville's hospital. First, it was the prospect that women getting Caesarean sections would not be able to get their tubes tied at the same time. Now, "A growing chorus of protest from local residents, doctors and others has erupted over the fact that Catholic doctrine could override patients' end-of-life wishes," Laura Ungar and Patrick Howington report for The Courier-Journal.

"While many wealthier patients could simply choose a different hospital, indigent patients have little choice but University Hospital for treatment, including end-of-life care," the reporters note. "That has left some worried about how end-of-life decisions will be affected if living wills and decisions to remove a feeding tube, for example, will not be honored if they are 'contrary to Catholic teaching'."

Denver-based Catholic Health Initiatives told the newspaper that advance directives such as living wills would be honored “in the vast majority of cases” but “There may be the rare situation, such as a patient in a persistent vegetative state who is not in the dying process, when what the patient is requesting through his or her advance directive is not consistent with the moral teaching of the Church. In those few cases, a Catholic health care facility would not be able to comply, and with the family's guidance, the patient would be transferred to another facility, or to their home under hospice and family care.” (Read more)

UK center probes the science of muscles and exercise

Exercise is good for you. But it's not that simple. "Doctors and scientists have a lot of questions about why exercise is so beneficial, how muscles work and the role muscle strength plays in overall health," columnist Tom Eblen writes on the front page of today's Lexington Herald-Leader, and reports that some of those questions are being addressed by the University of Kentucky Center for Muscle Biology, which was created three years ago. "With outside grants of more than $12 million, center researchers are looking at everything from injury prevention in young athletes to rehabilitation for elderly stroke patients," he writes.



"Physical activity and muscle strength seem to contribute to everything from better memory to disease prevention. For example, even moderate exercise can help Type 2 diabetes, which has become epidemic among overweight Kentuckians. Muscles store most of the body's insulin." The center's director, Karyn Karyn Esser, told Eblen, "When you exercise and make muscles work, it creates a separate path for absorbing glucose." (Eblen photo: Caitlyn Kerins demonstrated equipment for measuring muscle control as faculty member Patrick McKeon watched.)

Two researchers are studying how to strengthen diaphragm muscles, which are essential in breathing, "to help patients get off ventilators. It is a huge problem: about 60,000 Americans are on ventilators at any given time, and it costs billions of dollars to care for them," Eblen writes. "The longer most people are on a ventilator, the more likely they are to die." And "muscle weakness is the main culprit in about 70 percent of ventilator patients." Other researchers are investigating why lifting weights can improve memory in the elderly, why certain patients lose muscle strength soon after being hospitalized, how injuries caused by repetitive motion can be avoided, and exactly how massage and ice help repair and strengthen muscles.

Eblen, who took up bicycling at 35 to lose weight and is still an enthusiast in his mid-50s, is writing a lot lately about exercise in response to Lexington's designation by Men's Health magazine as the nation's most sedentary city. And the center's Esther Dupont-Versteegden is even researching inactivity: "We know that people feel better when they exercise regularly, but why is that?" she asked. "What is inactivity doing to people?" (Read more)

SUNDAY SPECIAL - Flaviana Matata

Flaviana Matata attends the Hublot and African Wildlife Foundation Auction Dinner at American Museum of Natural History - African Mammals Room in New York City.

RIP - AMY WINEHOUSE

Celebrity Style Sunglasses

'70s-Inspired

J.Lo knows a thing or two about looking hot in shades—we bet this woman owns 5 million pairs. If you want to try intricate frames like these, make sure they work with what you're wearing (her silver, sequined top is dead-on) without being too costume-y.

Playful Patterns

Olivia Palermo's shades are speckled with a butterfly-ish print. If you're looking for a daring style, this is the version for you.

The Celebrity Style Sunglasses

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Matte-Framed

For an original spin on classic, black shades, look for a pair with a non-shiny frame. Adele's slightly cat-eye-shaped pair is edgy without being too much.

Aviators

Few styles translate to "hot babe" like aviators—as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley proves here. They look great on square and heart-shaped faces, but that doesn't mean round-faced girls can't wear them—just look for a wider-set pair with straighter edges.

Optometrists, ophthalmologists renew battle over optometrists' ability to perform medical procedures

Ophthalmologists renewed their fight yesterday against new rules "that would allow optometrists to perform more complex procedures that critics say will endanger patients," Mike Wynn of The Courier-Journal reports. The Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners held the hearing on regulations that would implement a law passed quickly by the General Assembly after a years-long lobbying effort by optometrists and their trade group's executive director, Darlene Eakin, left. (C-J photo by Pam Spaulding)

The law allows optometrists to do limited laser treatments, "injections of medicine and removal of benign lesions from eyelids," Wynn writes. The only other state that allows them to do so is Oklahoma, but critics say no problems have been reported in that state and have noted that only 41 Kentucky counties have ophthalmologists.

Ophthalmologists "charged that the rules are not stringent enough to ensure optometrists — who are not medically licensed — can perform the treatments without causing harm," Wynn writes. The rules would require optometrists who want to expand their practice to take classes on more than 20 medical topics, pass tests, get clinical experience and "demonstrate competency to a board-approved expert," Wynn notes. "Lexington ophthalmologist Ken Weaver said wording in the draft resembles 'vague ideas,' rather than medical standards, and could allow an optometrist to perform eye surgeries after a 16-hour course from an unqualified instructor." (Read more)

Former boss of troubled personal-care home is indicted

"Another former administrator of a troubled Letcher County personal care home has been indicted on charges of witness tampering and theft," Beth Musgrave reports for the Lexington Herald-Leader.

A county grand jury indicted Jonah Tackett, former administrator of Golden Years Rest Home, on two charges of bribing a witness, two of tampering with a witness, and three of theft by failure to make required disposition, all felonies punishable by one to five years in prison.

A spokeswoman for Attorney General Jack Conway, whose office is prosecuting the case, declined to tell the Herald-Leader whether the charges "relate to ongoing criminal and civil cases involving the Jenkins home that houses more than 34 people," Musgrave reports. A circuit judge barred the Tackett family and members of the home's board of directors from having contact with the facility.

The indictment was "the latest in a history of legal troubles at the facility and for the Tackett family," Musgrave reports. "Conway’s office has said that the office would like to keep Golden Years open but its primary concern is the safety of the residents at the facility." (Read more)

Resveratrol - Powerful antioxidant support for youthful, healthy aging

Resveratrol is one of the most amazing nutrients known to modern science. Known as a longevity nutrient that gives red wine it's amazing benefits on heart health, resveratrol continues to be widely studied for applications in treating cancer, diabetes, and even chronic inflammation. Several drug companies have already attempted to copy the resveratrol molecule and turn it into a "miracle drug" that would be patented and sold at huge profit margins.  While red wine is a good source of resveratrol, you would have to consume about 100 glasses a day which of course is never recommended.  Red wine is recommended in moderation of 1-2 glasses a day.  Resveratrol is now available in capsule form. 

Powerful antioxidant support for youthful, healthy aging

Resveratrol Youthful Aging™ combines the activated form of natural trans-resveratrol with red wine extract, green tea extract and grape seed extract. The research indicates that combining natural trans-resveratrol with other polyphenols provides greatest efficacy. 100% vegetarian product.

Each capsule contains the following youthful aging nutrients:

• Red Wine Extract
• Potent Natural Trans-Resveratrol
• Grape Seed Extract
• Green Tea Extract

The benefits of each of these nutrients are:

• Red Wine Extract
• Contains the group of polyphenols known to be the source of the French Paradox (a high fat diet but with much less cardiovascular health issues than Americans)
• Possess synergistic antioxidant and longevity attributes
• Nurtures healthy cardiovascular function
• Potent Natural Trans-Resveratrol

The most researched polyphenol found in red wine grapes, berries and Japanese Knotwood plant (polygonum) 

Includes only the bioactive form - natural trans-resveratrol

• Standardized for consistent efficacy in every capsule
• Promotes a healthy inflammatory response
• Positive impact on youthful gene expression
• Supports healthy dendrites formation in the brain
• Positive impact on healthy clotting levels

Grape Seed Extract

• Contains proanthocyanins (a class of polyphenols), which act as antioxidants and thought to be instrumental in combating oxidative stress
• Protect cells against free radical damage and resulting oxidative stress
• Animal studies indicate increased efficacy of resveratrol when combined with grape seed extract

Green Tea Extract

• Contains the powerful EGCg polyphenol
• EGCg is the polyphenol most closely associated with healthy cell expression

Patients in isolated rural areas have higher rates of death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease living in isolated rural areas "seem to be at greater risk" of death from COPD than those living in urban areas, even when "hospital rurality and volume" are taken into account, says a new study published in the latest issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Researchers from Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center collected data from COPD patients at 129 veterans' hospitals measuring first, 30-day mortality and then adusting for patient rurality, hospital volume, and hospital rurality. The results indicate "mortality was significantly elevated in patients living in isolated rural areas compared with those living in urban areas," regardless of patient and hospital characteristics, reports Doctors Lounge, an online medical resource for physicians, students and allied clinical professionals. (Read more)

Justice Dept. accuses Erlanger nursing home of collecting on 'worthless services;' suit is first of its kind in Kentucky

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a civil complaint against Villaspring Health Care and Rehabilitation in Erlanger and its parent company, Carespring Health Care Management, claiming they "billed Medicare and Medicaid for services purportedly provided to its residents despite knowing that the services were so inadequate that they were essentially worthless," Valarie Honeycutt Spears of the Lexington Herald-Leader reports.

The complaint was the first in Kentucky alleging that a nursing home violated the federal False Claims Act. "Today's filing represents an important milestone in the effort to ensure effective care for Medicare and Medicaid recipients in long-term care facilities," U.S. Attorney Kerry Harvey said.

The list of allegations include failures to follow physicians' orders, treat wounds and pressure sores, update resident care plans, give enough to drink, give regular baths and monitor diabetics' blood-sugar levels, Spears reports. The complaint alleges there were numerous injuries and at least five deaths from 2004 to 2008 due to improper care.

Officials of the nursing home officials invited journalists to tour the facility and denied any wrongdoing. "We do not feel that the government's case has any merit, and we will defend ourselves vigorously," Carespring spokeswoman Kim Majick said. "Villaspring has consistently provided high-quality care to the residents of Kenton County and looks forward to doing so in the future." (Read more)

It's Kendra! It's Summer! It's a Nice Photo

Its KEDRA getting carried away!

Hank Baskett gives wife Kendra Wilkinson a lift Tuesday during a seaside photo shoot in Santa Monica, Calif.

SMART & SEXY

Pushup bra with removal pads

The Best Hair Tips

1) Find a shampoo that lathers less. Sudsy doesn’t necessarily mean clean—sometimes, it means the opposite. Shampoos that lather too much are often overloaded with moisturizing products, which can leave build-up in your hair, making it look and feel dirtier quicker. So opt for a sulfate-free formula.

2) Give your locks a burst of cold. Before you hop out of the shower, turn the cold water on for a second and quickly rinse it through your strands. It helps seal the cuticle, adding a sleek finish to your locks.

3) Play hot-and-cold as you dry. When using a round brush to dry your hair in sections, start from the roots and dry all the way to the ends, letting the brush linger at the tips of your strands. Let your hair cool off like this on its own for five seconds, then repeat on another section. Alternating between heat and cool-down time helps set your style, and your blowout will have more body.

4) Do an at-home glaze between color appointments. Glazes fill holes and rough spots in your hair cuticles, helping smooth your locks and put moisture back into your hair. This keeps your color shiny and bright so it lasts longer and look better. Plus, you can snag an at-home kit from your local drugstore.

5) Use rollers for high-volume. For sex-kitten lift, blow out your locks until they’re dry. Then, section off the hair on top of your head—between your temples and all the way back to the crown of your hair. Divide that section into three smaller sections vertically (as if you were making a mohawk), and wrap each in a 2-inch velcro hair roller. Let your hair sit like this for 30 minutes, and then unwrap your strands, lightly comb them out, and spray for hold.

6) Drop the towel. Keeping wet strands wrapped in a towel for a half-hour as you do your make-up will just cause frizz! The roughness of the cotton forces your hair cuticles open, making them more likely to go every-which-way. Instead, squeeze out excess water as soon as you’re out of the shower, then let your hair air-dry for five or ten minutes before blowdrying.

7) Apply products 10 minutes before you style. Whether you’re curling, straightening, or whatevering, applying product 10 minutes in advance helps it fully absorb into your strands so you get all of its benefits and more bang for your buck.

8) Wrap—don’t clamp—your hair for quick curls. When using a curling iron, you don’t need to fasten your locks to the barrel. Wrap sections around the iron and hold in place for about 10 seconds to score the same soft, sexy curls.

9) Use spray bottles as your new lazy-day BFF. If you wake up and your locks are totally flat or grungy from the day before, just spray the top layer of your hair until damp, and then use a big barrel roundbrush (2 inches or more) to blow your locks dry. You’ll score high volume on that top layer, and since it’s freshly blown out, you’ll create the illusion of all-over smooth hair.

10) Use dry shampoo a different way. Instead of waiting until your locks need an dirt-fighting pick-me-up, apply a dab of dry shampoo to your roots immediately after you wash and dry them. Though your hair’s already clean, the barrier will stave off the debris and oil your strands will collect throughout the day before it hits. Bonus: It also gives you killer volume.