Tinea versicolor a fungal skin infection

It is a common problem with no serious or permanent ill-effects. Tinea Versicolor is a fungus which mainly affects adolescent or teenager’s skin. This occurs due to heavy growth of the yeast on the skin surface. When such kind of a growth occurs it causes uneven skin color, scaling which can be itchy. An oily skin type makes things easier for this kind of a condition. The area affected is the neck, upper chest and back. You develop these spots which are light reddish brown in color.

Yeast named Pityrosporum Orbiculare or Malassezia Furfur is the main cause of this condition. It is lipophilic which means fats are its vulnerability. This provides you the reason of infestation in a specific area like chest, arms and back. As these parts have huge number of sebaceous oily glands. The yeast remains dormant in our skin and with specific changes in environment like warm weather it reacts to it accordingly. When the skin is exposed to excess heat it causes the skin to tan which is affected by the fungus. The warm weather aggravates this problem further.

Tinea Versicolor can be easily recognized. It is generally seen as small, scaly whitish-pink or tanned brown spots scattered all over your body. This fungus grows slowly, preventing the skin to tan in a normal fashion. It can be mistaken as any other skin disease but by doing some relevant tests it can be confirmed as Tinea Versicolor. Even after treating this condition the pigment changes may take a while to disappear.

Some of the other known causes for this condition are the removal of adrenal gland, Cushing’s disease, pregnancy, malnutrition, burns, steroid therapy, curbed immune system, oral contraceptives, increased heat and humidity. Once you start getting treatments change the bedding as well as night clothes to avoid any recurrence. You may have to continue with this treatment to prevent its return. To start with you can do the re-treating once for 3-4 weeks and then once for 3-4 months.

Home Remedies for Tinea Versicolor

It can be treated by antifungal agents who are good in eradicating the lesions. These medicines include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole.

Over the counter dandruff shampoo also seems to work. The presence of selenium in the shampoos works against the fungus. A layer of this shampoo spread on the affected area and kept overnight could work out properly for your skin.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Developing a unique selling proposition consistency between online and offline marketing

This month’s articles hammer home the importance of synergy and consistency between your online and offline marketing efforts. Within this context this month tip addresses what may well be the most important and overriding marketing consideration you can make, online or offline --- Developing your Unique Selling Proposition (USP).

When companies are trying to determine how to market a product, they focus on the Unique Selling Proposition, the one thing that makes that product different than any other. It's the one reason they think consumers will buy the product even though it may seem no different from many others just like it. It may be that the product has a lower price or more convenient packaging, or it may taste or smell better, or last longer. Would you buy from a company that does not promise some great value, benefit, or service but just a “buy from us" for no good reason sales pitch?

Your unique selling proposition is the mantra around which you will build your success so you need to be able to state it in a single statement. It will discipline you to focus on what your business is all about and bring your company to mind when someone is looking for the products or services you sell. It answers the question every consumer asks “What’s in it for me"?

Many businesses online and offline don’t provide an answer - and very few online businesses make sure that answer appears on their landing and home pages. If you can’t cut through the clutter, grab attention and communicate immediately that you offer value nobody else has, your visitors are gone to someone who can.

In order to create your USP ask yourself the following questions:

1. What are the unique aspects about my business, product, or service vs my competition?

2. Which of these aspects are most important to my customers?

3. Which aspects are difficult for my competition to imitate?

4. Which of these aspects can be easily communicated and understood?

5. Can you create a memorable message (USP) of these unique, meaningful qualities about your business or brand?

6. How will you communicate this message (USP) to buyers and end users, both online and offline?

Examples:

AVIS: "We Try Harder"

Burger King: "Have it your Way"

Kentucy Fried Chicken: "Finger Lickin Good"

Dominos Pizza: "Fresh, hot pizza delivered in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed"

Public street fights are a menace to society

Public Street fights may not be very common but the effect it leaves behind is a real menace to the society. These open tussles between two people may just turn really ugly, involving bystanders in the process and it becomes heated brawls. In their anger, their common sense goes haywire and destruction of public properties such as parked vehicles, using waste bins as weapons, using anything that they can get hold of and it becomes a nasty fight.

The street fight may just be a contest between two opponents out in the open space. Outside pubs and night clubs; alleys are great sites for these public street fights where supporters gang up and there's a lot of push and pulling, ugly words and such. These fights are in public places and chances are innocents might get caught in the tussle and in the end, they may be the ones left with some severe bruises and cuts and not those who had instigated the street fight. Especially at nighttime, ruffians and thugs are always on the lookout for someone, anyone, to mess around. Also drunks and drug addicts are number are one menace, starting public street fights; in their state, fights are easy to break out. They may just call out some nasty names and rough words, and soon it turns into ugly fist to fist fights; their friends may want to help them, turning into one major public street fight. All these are quite disturbing for many people, disturbing their sleep, damaging their properties, with the sirens of the police cabs and such. All these are more of a vandalism, a real menace.

There are some no gooders too simply roaming around looking for a fight. Especially females, kids, aged are their targets just loitering around to create a scene.

Public street fights are also common outside the college campuses and sport stadiums. Rivals just get outside on the streets and slug it out within a few minutes, crowds and bystanders cheering on and yes, they tend to obstruct passerby's and traffic at times and by the time the cops manages to push in through the crowds, the street fighters may have run off long back. In instances like this, innocent bystanders may also get whacked or pushed in the scuffle. In fact we do have incidents of public getting hurt in the footpaths and streets, unable to quickly duck out during the street fights. During such street fights, there's utter chaos usually, fighters will just kick and punch the opponents, smash them into the parked cars, they will just use anything nearby, chairs will be flying in the air, beer bottles smashed to thousand pieces on the streets and so the mess goes on. As such these public street fights become very dangerous. While walking on the streets one never knows when the next street fight may break out. It's a scary world out there!

Find your soulmate

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Soulmate. Once upon a time we wondered if we were ever going to meet our own. We ask if the one we are with right now is the one truly meant for us. There are just too many stories about people finding “the one”, their “match”, their “twin soul”, that at times it almost feels too magical to believe, yet we keep on believing. Love, indeed, moves in mysterious ways. If you want to know if it’s possible, it is. You can
find your soulmate.

Soulmates are believed to be our “love match”, the other twin of our soul. If you have episodes of yearning and longing, that’s because you haven’t met yet the special someone who can fill up your loneliness. If you got fears, he definitely has ways to subside them. He can put an end to your uncertainty; he spells happiness. Soulmates rather complement us than complete us.

The first sign in discerning if HE is the one is when your heart and mind tell you that HE is so. You will know it even if you don’t know how. That’s the joy that soulmates bring to everyone.

Knowing each of us has a matched soul is a beautiful thing to think of. The universe is so huge that the journey in finding our soulmates seems like a blanket of overwhelming adventure. The thought seems mysterious but tugs inspiringly at the heartstrings. It makes us want to wake up each day with that burning desire that we might just stumble to them. The scenario can get really delightful, what with a not so
perfect world that we have, finding your soulmate in the most strange times is perhaps the most beautiful thing that can happen to any individual.

So, the question is, how do you find your soulmate when you have no place to start and you have no hint at whom to look for? Simple, it only takes affirmation and awareness, and at the right time you will be able to recognize the “one”.

AFFIRMATION. Believe that you will meet him. While it is true that you don’t have to go on searching literally for your soulmate, it takes a positive affirmation to help you attract the energies of the universe that may lead you to him. As with the Christian principle: Ask and you shall receive. Maintain a conscious effort of believing and anticipating that one day soon you will meet. It can be an everyday exercise you can practice that can fuel you to live your life with passion for love.

AWARENESS It would help a great deal if you can keep your eyes and heart open for possible encounters with a soulmate. Know in your heart that you wish to meet him and imagine in your mind what a dream it would be when that happens. Anyone can pass for a soulmate so try not to discriminate people in advance. Good for you if you have the gift of discernment, but who are the chosen few who have this talent? The strategy is to be in control. Cling on to that aspiration that your soulmate is not too far away. Be aware of signs that surround you because who knows, he could also be looking for you.

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Small is efficient in the electricity sector

A similar picture is emerging in the market structure of UK business electricity retailers as witnessed within the supermarket sector especially between the competitive practices being undertaken.

Just like supermarket chains, business electricity retail is dominated by a few major players who share some 96% of the total market. However, rather than compete head-on for market share, they appear only compete for a small percentage of customers at the peripherals.

They attract these new customers from each other by offering competitive ‘new customer only’ introductory rates, quickly reverting to standard rates (and sometimes more), when contracts roll-over after the first year or so. These practices are not dissimilar to the loss-leaders used by supermarkets to attract customers into the store where they are likely to spend much more on non-discounted goods.

Although showing very similar market structures now, these sectors got to this position in very different ways. The grocery sector was originally fragmented with no major players really dominating until the emergence of supermarket chains. Whereas, electricity was monopolised by regional suppliers and de-regulation simply served to reduce the number of suppliers still further, encouraging competition only amongst each other nationwide.

On one hand we have a market which was previously competitive with many suppliers that have been squeezed by ever-increasing concentration. So much so that the top three supermarket chains now have over 50% of the total market, with the market leader alone claiming 30%. On the other hand you have a market where efforts to expand the number of suppliers have been stifled by the barriers to entry and the sheer power of the incumbent suppliers.

The jury is out on the positive or negative effects of supermarket dominance, however, whatever the rights or wrongs of where we are now, no one can deny that those who now dominate have arrived at their position through their own efforts and ingenuity.

But electricity is a different matter. Power has been bestowed upon the ‘big six’ major suppliers such as British Gas, Powergen and Npower to name a few, irrespective of who actually owns them today. And one might argue that power which has been gained in such a way reduces the drive or even the necessity to compete to win.

Evidence suggests that in the 90% or so of the business that don’t switch year on year price patterns for each supplier are extremely similar. One major player makes a marginal price move and the others simply follow over time.

The argument which supports the view that supermarkets actually create competition and push prices down by their huge economies of scale and purchasing power is also one which is somewhat lost in the electricity arena. Many would view the big six as inefficient legacies of the old system who are protected from real competition by the extremely tough barriers of entry.

Indeed, some of those smaller suppliers who have managed to scale these barriers have been able to demonstrate far more efficiencies aided by intelligent investment in technology. Unlike the supermarkets, there are no real efficiencies related to scale as most electricity retailers must turn to the same wholesale market for their supply. Some can cushion any market turmoil by relying on their up-stream activities when the retail market gets tough – a luxury which is simply not an option for the smaller supplier.

But businesses needn’t switch to the smaller supplier out of sympathy nor from fear of what might lie around the corner should the major players succeed in driving them out completely. They should switch simply because they are now able to get a much better deal and a deal with longevity. The smaller supplier with a plan to mimic the big six in order to attract new customers would be committing commercial suicide. What would be the point of fighting so hard to win new business and then letting it slip away at renewal?

Businesses can save significant amounts of money by switching to the smaller independent supplier now and can relax in the knowledge that they will continue to save money and receive an exemplary service into the bargain. Only then will the big players be forced to sit up and take note and who knows, we might just see the emergence of a truly competitive electricity sector in the future.

Natural therapy for maintaining healthy blood pressure part 3

While there are many common pharmaceutical treatments for high blood pressure including beta blockers and A. C.E. inhibitors there are some very effective alternatives including pomegranate juice, passion flower and physical exercise.

There is evidence that pomegranate juice offers protection against cardiovascular disease. While pomegranates (punica granatum) have been around for thousands of years, not much research had been done until recently. Most of the research was first conducted in Israel and has been ongoing. One of the first studies to gain attention showed that pomegranate juice had potent antiatherogenic (biologically active substance that prevents atherogenesis, the accumulation of lipid containing plaques on the innermost layers of the arteries) effects in healthy humans and in atherosclerotic mice that may be attributable to its anti oxidative properties. A few months later, the results of a study conducted at the University of California showed an antioxidant activity three times higher than those of red wine and green tea.

Then, another study in Israel showed that pomegranate juice reduced the development of atherosclerosis in mice that already had advanced atherosclerosis. The next month , results of another study showed a 36% decrease in serum ACE activity and a 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure in patients who drank pomegranate juice. The study concluded that pomegranate juice can offer a wide protection against cardiovascular diseases which could be related to its inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and on serum ACE activity.

In the past 5 years, 150+ more studies and publications involving the pomegranate have been indexed at U. S. National Library of Medicine's PubMed database, with findings that suggest many healthy benefits of this fruit. Probably the most significant is in the reduction of cardiovascular disease.

Another exciting study in March, 2005 tested the effects of pomegranate juice on samples of cultured human coronary artery cells exposed to extreme stress in vitro (as they would be in someone with high blood pressure), and also on hypercholesterolemic mice. The study showed that administration of pomegranate juice significantly reduced the progression of atherosclerosis, and that the proatherogenic effects induced by perturbed shear stress can be reversed by chronic administration of pomegranate juice. Implications of this is that chronic administration of pomegranate juice may be effective in both prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

The results of another 3-year study suggest that pomegranate juice decreases carotid intima-media thickness and systolic blood pressure in patients with carotid artery stenosis.

In the most recent article about pomegranates, posted at PubMed on January 17, 2007, the authors stated, "The last 7 years have seen over seven times as many publications indexed by Medline dealing with pomegranate and Punica granatum than in all the years preceding them." They noted that the seed, juice, peel, leaf, flower, bark and roots each have pharmacologic activity. They concluded that "the phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of all Punica granatum components suggest a wide range of clinical applications for the treatment and prevention of cancer, as well as other diseases where chronic inflammation is believed to play an essential etiologic role."

Passion Flower has also shows promise of lowering high blood produce by regulating nervous system neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety. (Passiflora incarnata) is accepted for medicinal use in Germany, France, and other European countries for the treatment of nervous anxiety, and was at one time approved as a sedative and sleep aid over-the-counter drug in the U. S. After a review of night-time sleep aids by the FDA in 1978, it was no longer recognized as effective by the FDA since no American company submitted data on safety and efficacy as required by the FDA, so it was dropped as an over-the-counter drug.

Although passion flower is a native American plant, it has been more widely researched and used in Europe than in the United States. In Germany, France, and other European countries, it is accepted for the treatment of nervous anxiety. Standardized passion flower products contain flavonoids as the primary chemical marker. While flavonoids are generally considered among the most active components of the plant, scientists have not been able to pinpoint the single chemical compound or group of compounds responsible for its sedative action.

Passion flower increases levels of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which decreases the activity of nerve cells in the brain, causing relaxation and relieving anxiety. It contains chemicals known as harmala alkaloids, which are thought to block an enzyme involved in depression.

A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of Passiflora extract to the drug Oxazepam in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) showed that Passiflora extract is effective for the management of GAD, with no significant difference between the efficacy of it and Oxazepam. An advantage seen with the Passiflora extract was that fewer problems relating to impairment of job performance were encountered.

Everyone experiences anxiety. It is the body's normal reaction to uncertainty, trouble, feeling unprepared, or a perceived, anticipated or imagined danger or threatening situation. Normal anxiety can be a good thing. It helps motivate a person who works well under pressure, resulting in an increase in productivity. But when anxiety and worry are exaggerated without cause, it is a sign of anxiety disorder such as GAD.

People with GAD, like those participating in the trial above, experience pathological anxiety, which is excessive, chronic, and typically interferes with their ability to function in normal daily activities, and is not triggered by any specific object or situation. Passion Flower appears to be helpful in relieving stress not only in individuals with normal anxiety, but in those with GAD as well.

Although there are many available blood pressure medications and natural therapy (such as Melaleuca's Prostolic) are both helpful in reducing and maintaining healthy blood pressure, your body's best defense against high blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease begins with a change in lifestyle. The time to change is now, no matter what your age is.

Begin by eating a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, and other heart healthy foods. Lower your salt intake, and avoid processed foods that destroy potassium and generally have high levels of salt added that further robs your body of this vital nutrient. Get plenty of exercise, limit alcohol intake and don't smoke.

Your blood pressure rises as your weight increases, but losing just 10 percent of your body weight over a period of six months can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing diabetes, which are two major risk factors for heart disease. Those who are overweight and already have hypertension will see the greatest effect of a 10-lb. weight loss.

A February, 2006 Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association:

"In view of the continuing epidemic of BP-related diseases and the increasing prevalence of hypertension, efforts to reduce BP in both non hypertensive and hypertensive individuals are warranted. In non hypertensive individuals, dietary changes can lower BP and prevent hypertension. In uncomplicated stage I hypertension (systolic BP of 140 to 159 mm Hg or diastolic BP of 90 to 99 mm Hg), dietary changes serve as initial treatment before drug therapy. In those hypertensive patients already on drug therapy, lifestyle modifications, particularly a reduced salt intake, can further lower BP. The current challenge to health care providers, researchers, government officials, and the general public is developing and implementing effective clinical and public health strategies that lead to sustained dietary changes among individuals and more broadly among whole populations."

Top 7 reasons to file your income tax returns on time

Here are seven reasons for not being late filing your income tax returns.

1. Avoid Late Filing Penalties

Late filing can result in substantial and continuing penalties. This is in addition to any interest that is due.

2. Receive Better Service from Your Accountant

The earlier you get your paperwork to your accountant, the sooner he can start preparing your tax returns. More importantly, there will be more opportunities to explore and implement tax saving strategies. On the other hand, if you file late, you tie your accountant's hands. For example, he may hesitate to retain profit in your corporation if such profit will be subject to substantial penalties.

3. Avoid Criminal Charges

Of course, if you don't file tax returns at all for a few years, you may also face charges of tax evasion.

4. Prevent Bankruptcy

Generally speaking, persons who don't file tax returns on a timely basis also lack adequate records for managing their business. Since they don't keep their bookkeeping and accounting up-to-date, they only think they know how they're doing and how they stand financially. This, of course, is a recipe for financial disaster.

5. Enjoy Better Relations with Tax Authorities

Late filers also receive the unwanted attention of the taxation departments. Non-compliance can result in audits, aggressive collection action and legal proceedings. In addition, if you ever do have extenuating circumstances that might call for some leniency or extraordinary consideration on the part of the tax department, you are more likely to receive it if you have a flawless history of co-operation and compliance.

6. Obtain Financing

You'll have difficulty obtaining financing if you can't provide your financial institution with current income information. Assessment Notices from taxation authorities give banks more assurance that the income claims you make are true. As well, if you haven't filed your current income tax returns, what hidden tax liabilities exist? What is the state of your record-keeping? How do you run your business without adequate financial information? Your bank may hesitate to loan you money or refinance under these circumstances.

7. Reduce Stress and Worry

Many people who are late filing their tax returns feel guilty about it. At the back of their minds, they worry about taxation authorities contacting them, audits, asset seizures, criminal prosecution, penalties and interest, and so on. Some of these worries can become magnified beyond what the actual situation warrants. Save yourself unnecessary stress by filing your income tax returns on time.