10 offbeat places to meet guys
By Lisa Lombardi
Heard about the woman who met an amazing guy browsing placemats at Williams-Sonoma? Us neither. Fact is, dating is an odds game—if you want to meet a guy, you’ve gotta go where the boys are. Here, in no particular order, are 10 surprising hot spots. But keep in mind that you can find someone practically anywhere, so don’t overlook the guys you whiz by every day as you pick up your dry cleaning, add cinnamon to your latte or scarf down your sandwich at your cubicle. As Steve Santagati, author of the book The Manual, puts it: “There’s probably a guy within 10 feet of you checking you out right now.”
1. Your local hardware store
If Flip This House has taught us anything, it’s this: Cute Homeowning Guys Do Their Own Renovations! (And save a bundle in the process.) Your neighborhood hardware joint is a hangout for not just handy condo-owning types, but all guys—even the ones whose last big project was the pig-shaped cutting board they made for Mom in eighth-grade shop class. “Being surrounded by tools brings out any man’s masculine side,” explains Patrick Carone, an editor at Maxim magazine. “Added bonus—if you go alone, you’re pretty much letting him know you don’t have a man in your life.” Ask for his advice on a DIY project (“Do I need special hooks to hang a giant mirror?”). Whatever you do, “don’t introduce yourself,” advises Santagati. “Just go up and start talking as if you know him.” Because now you do.
2. The driving range, early on Saturday afternoon
Used to be, you’d only find two types golfing: guys over 50, and guys who dress like they’re over 50. These days, though, it isn’t just your dad’s cardiologist teeing off: Cute non-prepped-out guys are hitting the links en masse. Don’t feel like killing 18 hours at an actual golf course? Luckily, hitting balls at the driving range is a quicker way to sink a Saturday night date. “At a driving range, you’re close to the other golfers, making it easy to fall into conversation,” points out Carone. And when you go after lunch you’re more likely to find guys who just want to hit balls for fun (scary serious-golfer dudes show up at the range in the late afternoon, after they’ve finished their regular round of golf). How to spark something? Just ask the cutest golfer in the immediately vicinity if he can show you how to hold the club. “Voilà, he’s got his arms around you already,” says Carone.
3. Jury duty
So you think the only men in the jury pool are ones who weren’t bright enough to get out of jury duty? Linda Barlow, of Warrington, PA, begs to differ. “I met my husband Bruce at jury duty,” Linda says. He asked her to lunch; she said no, but quickly reconsidered because he didn’t seem like an axe-murderer. “I always tell my girlfriends who complain about getting jury duty that it’s a great place to meet men,” she notes. And all that waiting makes it a natural hook-up spot: “The guys are bored and thinking about women,” promises Santagati. That means making one small move (from “Hey, any interest in the other half of my muffin?” to “Want a section of my paper?”) can reap a big romance payoff. And, as Linda and Bruce can attest, you can’t fail with, “Know where to get Chinese/Thai/good sandwiches around here?”
4. Improv class
Why? They’re jam-packed with men, for one. (Which sex loves Second City and consistently stays up for Conan? The men.) Two: The class is all about interaction, notes Carone, so you don’t have to think up cheesy lines (like, “Who’s your favorite comedian?”) to start a conversation. Not to mention, the nature of spontaneous ad-libbing gives you a chance to see if you two have Bogart-Bacall chemistry, says Debbie Magids, Ph.D., author of All the Good Ones Aren’t Taken. By the time your first date rolls around, don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve known each other since back when Saturday Night Live was funny. “You are opening up to parts of yourself that are hard to get to, and it could really make for a true connection,” says Dr. Magids.
5. A store’s flat-screen TV section
Have you noticed that every guy is in the market for a plasma TV? “Single guys between 18 and 34 are much more likely than the general population to say they plan on buying a plasma TV,” confirms Carone. So he already has one? He wants a bigger one! So he can’t even afford an iPod? He heard the prices are dropping fast! Next time you’re in Best Buy or WalMart, swing by the stupidly-big TV aisles and do a little shopping of your own. If you want to strike up a conversation, say, “What’s the first movie you’d watch on that?” His answer could be a deal-breaker (think: Big Momma’s House 2) or a deal-sealer (insert name of obscure movie you love here).
6. The blackjack or craps table
“This is the absolute best place to meet,” says Santagati. “Everyone’s close to each other and having fun.” And few guys can resist a woman who knows her way around the real games. “Slots are for old ladies,” adds Carone. “When a man sees a girl at the craps table who’s doing more than just blowing on dice, he takes note. And if you roll and double his money, he’ll be in love.” Just please don’t blow the rent money, OK?
7. In line at the DMV
At first thought, this doesn’t seem like the optimal place to meet your soul mate. Almost everyone’s cranky, the lighting is horrible and filling out 70 forms doesn’t leave you much time to flirt. But the DMV is actually a great place to guy hunt. Here’s why: If a man can stay good-natured and polite even though he has 800 people in front of him and just waited half-an-hour in the wrong line, he’s a good guy. Actually, lines in general are underrated: Eva Pereira, 31, met her husband, Ron, 33, buying coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts. He asked her if she was following him (she had parked next to him, then ended up behind him on line). This made her laugh. “We spent the next hour drinking our coffees and chatting,” she says. “We’ve been together ever since.”
8. The nearest bar to the sports arena after a big game
“Sometimes, numbers count,” says Dr. Magids. “The more men you meet, the better shot you have of finding the one.” Where can you be guaranteed to find guys in bulk? At the closest pub to your local sports arena. (It must be the closest one, because guys in search of a post-game beer don’t walk far). “This is a great place to find men in partying mode,” says Dr. Magids. If their team won, you know they’ll be in a great mood. And if they lost, you’ll be a welcome distraction—just don’t say, “It’s only a game!”
9. Sam Ash (or another musical instrument store)
If you have a thing for brooding band guys, hit up your local instrument store. Bonus: the guy-girl ratio tends to be more favorable than Alaska, so you don’t have to sweat the competition. “Many women compare and contrast constantly, and when they have a lot of competition they wipe themselves out from the game,” says Dr. Magids. “Without that element, you can just be yourself.” Don’t worry if you haven’t picked up an instrument since the 4th grade. “See if he’ll play a chord from your favorite Fall Out Boy song,” suggest Carone. “Even if he can’t, it’ll lead to a rocking conversation.”
10. Frequent-flyer lounge in your hometown airport
First off, you know he isn’t an international terrorist (thanks, security check!). But there are other perks to mingling in the VIP lounge. It’s easy to strike up a conversation because you have “an easy opening topic,” notes Dr. Magids. “Where are you going? Then you can start talking about where you have traveled in the past. Also, if there is a delay, people naturally start to commiserate.” So he’s not in the VIP area? Go ahead and board, because Passenger Right may be seated right next to you, which is the serendipitous situation Vanessa Ton found herself in on a flight from Detroit to her home base of Los Angeles. “We talked for four hours straight, about everything,” she reports. “Now he’s moving to L.A. to be near me.” Memo to airlines: Make that perk standard, and you’ll all get out of chapter-whatever-it’s-called fast.
Lisa Lombardi has written for Marie Claire, Glamour, Maxim and other magazines. She met her husband in a job interview.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Play Jeopardy
Get your brain sharpen to a razors edge!
The JEOPARDY! Brain Bus is a fun-filled event that offers prizes, personal appearances by the Clue Crew and even gives you the chance to try out for the show.
Upcoming Brain Bus Events
MIAMI EVENT
Date: Saturday, January 12, 2008
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Gulfstream Park
Sport of Kings Room (2nd Floor)
901 S. Federal Highway
Hallandale, FL 33009
The JEOPARDY! Brain Bus is a fun-filled event that offers prizes, personal appearances by the Clue Crew and even gives you the chance to try out for the show.
Upcoming Brain Bus Events
MIAMI EVENT
Date: Saturday, January 12, 2008
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Gulfstream Park
Sport of Kings Room (2nd Floor)
901 S. Federal Highway
Hallandale, FL 33009
Keep it in the vault
WHAT NOT TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS
(CareerBuilder.com)
Salary information: What you earn is between you and Human Resources. Disclosure indicates you aren't capable of keeping a confidence.
Medical history: Nobody really cares about your aches and pains, your latest operation, your infertility woes or the contents of your medicine cabinet. To your employer, your constant medical issues make you seem like an expensive, high-risk employee.
Gossip: Whomever you're gossiping with will undoubtedly tell others what you said. Plus, if a co-worker is gossiping with you, most likely he or she will gossip about you.
Work complaints: Constant complaints about your workload, stress levels or the company will quickly make you the kind of person who never gets invited to lunch. If you don't agree with company policies and procedures, address it through official channels or move on.
Cost of purchases: The spirit of keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well in the workplace, but you don't want others speculating on the lifestyle you're living -- or if you're living beyond your salary bracket.
Intimate details: Don't share intimate details about your personal life. Co-workers can and will use the information against you.
Politics or religion: People have strong, passionate views on both topics. You may alienate a co-worker or be viewed negatively in a way that could impact your career.
Lifestyle changes: Breakups, divorces and baby-making plans should be shared only if there is a need to know. Otherwise, others will speak for your capabilities, desires and limitations on availability, whether there is any truth to their assumptions or not.
Blogs or social networking profile: What you say in a social networking community or in your personal blog may be even more damaging than what you say in person. Comments online can be seen by multiple eyes. An outburst of anger when you are having a bad day can blow up in your face.
Negative views of colleagues: If you don't agree with a co-worker's lifestyle, wardrobe or professional abilities, confront that person privately or keep it to yourself. The workplace is not the venue for controversy.
Hangovers and wild weekends: It's perfectly fine to have fun during the weekend, but don't talk about your wild adventures on Monday,. That information can make you look unprofessional and unreliable.
Personal problems and relationships - in and out of the office: Failed marriages and volatile romances spell instability to an employer. Office romances lead to gossip and broken hearts, so it's best to steer clear.
Off-color or racially-charged comments: You can assume your co-worker wouldn't be offended or would think something is funny, but you might be wrong. Never take that risk. Furthermore, even if you know for certain your colleague wouldn't mind your comment, don't talk about it at work. Others can easily overhear.
(CareerBuilder.com)
Salary information: What you earn is between you and Human Resources. Disclosure indicates you aren't capable of keeping a confidence.
Medical history: Nobody really cares about your aches and pains, your latest operation, your infertility woes or the contents of your medicine cabinet. To your employer, your constant medical issues make you seem like an expensive, high-risk employee.
Gossip: Whomever you're gossiping with will undoubtedly tell others what you said. Plus, if a co-worker is gossiping with you, most likely he or she will gossip about you.
Work complaints: Constant complaints about your workload, stress levels or the company will quickly make you the kind of person who never gets invited to lunch. If you don't agree with company policies and procedures, address it through official channels or move on.
Cost of purchases: The spirit of keeping up with the Joneses is alive and well in the workplace, but you don't want others speculating on the lifestyle you're living -- or if you're living beyond your salary bracket.
Intimate details: Don't share intimate details about your personal life. Co-workers can and will use the information against you.
Politics or religion: People have strong, passionate views on both topics. You may alienate a co-worker or be viewed negatively in a way that could impact your career.
Lifestyle changes: Breakups, divorces and baby-making plans should be shared only if there is a need to know. Otherwise, others will speak for your capabilities, desires and limitations on availability, whether there is any truth to their assumptions or not.
Blogs or social networking profile: What you say in a social networking community or in your personal blog may be even more damaging than what you say in person. Comments online can be seen by multiple eyes. An outburst of anger when you are having a bad day can blow up in your face.
Negative views of colleagues: If you don't agree with a co-worker's lifestyle, wardrobe or professional abilities, confront that person privately or keep it to yourself. The workplace is not the venue for controversy.
Hangovers and wild weekends: It's perfectly fine to have fun during the weekend, but don't talk about your wild adventures on Monday,. That information can make you look unprofessional and unreliable.
Personal problems and relationships - in and out of the office: Failed marriages and volatile romances spell instability to an employer. Office romances lead to gossip and broken hearts, so it's best to steer clear.
Off-color or racially-charged comments: You can assume your co-worker wouldn't be offended or would think something is funny, but you might be wrong. Never take that risk. Furthermore, even if you know for certain your colleague wouldn't mind your comment, don't talk about it at work. Others can easily overhear.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Lighten your load
(CBS4)
A recent study discovered that today's women carry twice as much in their handbags as their mothers did.
While previous generations might have carried a wallet, lipstick, and keys, today's women frequently carry everything from cell phones to bottled water.
And even though big handbags are the latest rage, enabling women to carry lots of stuff, they could cause significant health problems.
Joanna Coles highlighted those problems in Marie Claire magazine.
Coles, the magazine's editor in chief, discussed the situation on "The Early Show" on Monday.
Today's woman is often "super-woman" - mom, partner, business person, host, friend, and more. She isn't leading the life of yester-year. Her life, like her purse, is over-crowded and full. And she "needs" and "wants" a large purse.
Designers conscious of this have turned out some amazing oversized bags and have turned them into the "it" bag.
In general, what makes these bags weigh a lot is the thickness of the leather, the hardware, and even the interior pockets' lining. These are things to watch out for when purchasing a bag. One of the drawbacks about the designer bags is that many of the more expensive ones have more ornate detailing or thicker leather, and so are considerably heavier.
Celebrities have grabbed hold of the trend. Take Nicole Richie, for instance: Half the time, you're not sure who's bigger or weighs more - her or her bag.
Since large handbags are fashionable, with bargain brands and expensive labels alike offering the bulky bags, and since they're roomy, they can tempt women to carry along those extra sneakers to walk on a lunch break, an umbrella in case of a sudden shower, or even a stock of snacks or a bottle of water.
But, says Coles, just because the space is there doesn't mean women really need to use all of it.
Trouble is - a cool accessory is turning into muscle mayhem.
Many women are complaining of neck, shoulder and back pain. Physical therapists claim an aggravated neck or shoulder can lead to upper-back problems, from which pain can be felt long after the purse is back on the coat rack. The pain can be felt, they explain, while playing sports, exercising, or even working at the computer.
Other symptoms that your bag is too heavy and creating problems could include tingling fingers and headaches.
Experts suggest avoiding bags that weigh more than three pounds, and say the ideal bag should weigh two pounds, total - yes - total! That doesn't seem possible, partially because most of the new, fashionable bags weigh more than three pounds empty!
The absolute maximum should be no more than 10 percent of your body weight, experts emphasize which would mean, for instance, a maximum of 13 pounds if you weigh 130 pounds.
If you have to follow the trend, Coles say, try to buy a big bag, made from light material. Also, experts say to try exercising and stretching your neck throughout the day. Try to avoid overloading your bag. You don't need your entire kitchen sink with you! And try to change the shoulder on which you carry your big bag every ten-to-15 minutes if you're walking around.
A recent study discovered that today's women carry twice as much in their handbags as their mothers did.
While previous generations might have carried a wallet, lipstick, and keys, today's women frequently carry everything from cell phones to bottled water.
And even though big handbags are the latest rage, enabling women to carry lots of stuff, they could cause significant health problems.
Joanna Coles highlighted those problems in Marie Claire magazine.
Coles, the magazine's editor in chief, discussed the situation on "The Early Show" on Monday.
Today's woman is often "super-woman" - mom, partner, business person, host, friend, and more. She isn't leading the life of yester-year. Her life, like her purse, is over-crowded and full. And she "needs" and "wants" a large purse.
Designers conscious of this have turned out some amazing oversized bags and have turned them into the "it" bag.
In general, what makes these bags weigh a lot is the thickness of the leather, the hardware, and even the interior pockets' lining. These are things to watch out for when purchasing a bag. One of the drawbacks about the designer bags is that many of the more expensive ones have more ornate detailing or thicker leather, and so are considerably heavier.
Celebrities have grabbed hold of the trend. Take Nicole Richie, for instance: Half the time, you're not sure who's bigger or weighs more - her or her bag.
Since large handbags are fashionable, with bargain brands and expensive labels alike offering the bulky bags, and since they're roomy, they can tempt women to carry along those extra sneakers to walk on a lunch break, an umbrella in case of a sudden shower, or even a stock of snacks or a bottle of water.
But, says Coles, just because the space is there doesn't mean women really need to use all of it.
Trouble is - a cool accessory is turning into muscle mayhem.
Many women are complaining of neck, shoulder and back pain. Physical therapists claim an aggravated neck or shoulder can lead to upper-back problems, from which pain can be felt long after the purse is back on the coat rack. The pain can be felt, they explain, while playing sports, exercising, or even working at the computer.
Other symptoms that your bag is too heavy and creating problems could include tingling fingers and headaches.
Experts suggest avoiding bags that weigh more than three pounds, and say the ideal bag should weigh two pounds, total - yes - total! That doesn't seem possible, partially because most of the new, fashionable bags weigh more than three pounds empty!
The absolute maximum should be no more than 10 percent of your body weight, experts emphasize which would mean, for instance, a maximum of 13 pounds if you weigh 130 pounds.
If you have to follow the trend, Coles say, try to buy a big bag, made from light material. Also, experts say to try exercising and stretching your neck throughout the day. Try to avoid overloading your bag. You don't need your entire kitchen sink with you! And try to change the shoulder on which you carry your big bag every ten-to-15 minutes if you're walking around.
The healthy hair diet
Healthy Diet Is Key To Healthy Hair
You know the line, "You are what you eat"?
Your hair reacts strongly to what you consume.
On "The Early Show" Wednesday, dietitian Keri Glassman offered the recipe for healthy, good-looking hair - and fewer bad hair days - by tending toward certain foods and avoiding others.
Glassman says people may not realize that their diet affects their hair, but it does! Hair can look old just like skin can look old.
Everyone wants their hair to look shiny and fresh - and diet could help in that regard, Glassman points out.
FOR STRONG/FAST GROWING HAIR
Protein: a building block of hair (meat, fish, eggs)
B12: prevents hair loss (meat, eggs, fish, yogurt)
Iron: prevents hair loss
Calcium: essential for hair growth (yogurt, milk)
Biotin: Helps produce keratin; may prevent graying and hair loss (wheat germ, brewers yeast, organ meats, oatmeal, egg yolk, soy, mushrooms, bananas, peanuts)
Silica: strengthens hair, prevents hair loss (sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds, strawberries)
Choose: lean beef, eggs, chicken, yogurt, asparagus, Swiss chard, almonds, brown rice, cumin, tumeric
FOR SHINY HAIR
Omega 3 fatty acids: encourage re-growth and prevent hair loss (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed)
Vitamin A: helps produce healthy sebum in scalp (carrots, Swiss chard, cantaloupe)
Vitamin C: maintains scalp health
Selenium: keeps skin and scalp supple and elastic (tuna, turkey)
Choose: wild salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts, brazil nuts, beets, broccoli, carrots, berries, melons, flaxseed,
FOR DRY HAIR
Iodine: prevents dry hair, hair loss (bowl of salt)
Vitamin A: helps produce healthy sebum in scalp
Vitamin E: enhances scalp circulation (almonds, green leafy veggies, avocado)
Zinc: prevents dry hair (oysters, poultry, meat, beans, nuts, and dairy, coconut)
Choose: water, seaweed, green vegetables, olive oil, avocado, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, kelp, iodized salt, garlic
FOR ENHANCED COLOR HAIR (NON-GRAYING HAIR)
Vitamin B5: prevents graying, hair loss (eggs, brewers yeast, liver, milk, sunflower seeds, peas, peanuts, beans, broccoli, bananas, mushrooms, wheat germ)
Vitamin B6: helps create melanin, which gives hair its color (wheat germ, baked potato, garbanzo beans, chicken, spinach, red meat)
Choose: coconut, brewer's yeast, milk, eggs, shellfish, liver
GENERAL TIPS
Stay hydrated; water is best.
Choose whole, natural, fresh foods
Focus on getting five-plus servings of fruits and vegetables per day
A balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals is key
Avoid processed, packaged foods
Take a multivitamin and omega-3 supplement
Get adequate sleep
Keep stress levels low
Damaging to hair:
Caffeinated beverages: coffee, soda, etc.
Low-protein diet
Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
Refined sugars
Processed foods with preservative, high salt content
Transfats, saturated fats
Excess amount of vitamins, minerals - be careful with supplements
Lack of sleep
You know the line, "You are what you eat"?
Your hair reacts strongly to what you consume.
On "The Early Show" Wednesday, dietitian Keri Glassman offered the recipe for healthy, good-looking hair - and fewer bad hair days - by tending toward certain foods and avoiding others.
Glassman says people may not realize that their diet affects their hair, but it does! Hair can look old just like skin can look old.
Everyone wants their hair to look shiny and fresh - and diet could help in that regard, Glassman points out.
FOR STRONG/FAST GROWING HAIR
Protein: a building block of hair (meat, fish, eggs)
B12: prevents hair loss (meat, eggs, fish, yogurt)
Iron: prevents hair loss
Calcium: essential for hair growth (yogurt, milk)
Biotin: Helps produce keratin; may prevent graying and hair loss (wheat germ, brewers yeast, organ meats, oatmeal, egg yolk, soy, mushrooms, bananas, peanuts)
Silica: strengthens hair, prevents hair loss (sunflower seeds, peanuts, almonds, strawberries)
Choose: lean beef, eggs, chicken, yogurt, asparagus, Swiss chard, almonds, brown rice, cumin, tumeric
FOR SHINY HAIR
Omega 3 fatty acids: encourage re-growth and prevent hair loss (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed)
Vitamin A: helps produce healthy sebum in scalp (carrots, Swiss chard, cantaloupe)
Vitamin C: maintains scalp health
Selenium: keeps skin and scalp supple and elastic (tuna, turkey)
Choose: wild salmon, tuna, sardines, walnuts, brazil nuts, beets, broccoli, carrots, berries, melons, flaxseed,
FOR DRY HAIR
Iodine: prevents dry hair, hair loss (bowl of salt)
Vitamin A: helps produce healthy sebum in scalp
Vitamin E: enhances scalp circulation (almonds, green leafy veggies, avocado)
Zinc: prevents dry hair (oysters, poultry, meat, beans, nuts, and dairy, coconut)
Choose: water, seaweed, green vegetables, olive oil, avocado, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, kelp, iodized salt, garlic
FOR ENHANCED COLOR HAIR (NON-GRAYING HAIR)
Vitamin B5: prevents graying, hair loss (eggs, brewers yeast, liver, milk, sunflower seeds, peas, peanuts, beans, broccoli, bananas, mushrooms, wheat germ)
Vitamin B6: helps create melanin, which gives hair its color (wheat germ, baked potato, garbanzo beans, chicken, spinach, red meat)
Choose: coconut, brewer's yeast, milk, eggs, shellfish, liver
GENERAL TIPS
Stay hydrated; water is best.
Choose whole, natural, fresh foods
Focus on getting five-plus servings of fruits and vegetables per day
A balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals is key
Avoid processed, packaged foods
Take a multivitamin and omega-3 supplement
Get adequate sleep
Keep stress levels low
Damaging to hair:
Caffeinated beverages: coffee, soda, etc.
Low-protein diet
Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
Refined sugars
Processed foods with preservative, high salt content
Transfats, saturated fats
Excess amount of vitamins, minerals - be careful with supplements
Lack of sleep
Libio gel for women
Viagra-like drug for women being tested
Testosterone ointment intended to boost female libido
The Associated Press
A drug that could do for women what Viagra has done for men is being tested at the University of Virginia. The drug is a testosterone-laden ointment called LibiGel and it's intended to boost the libido of women who have lost interest in sex. It will be prescribed at UVa in coming months to women who are suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
The condition is believed to affect one-third of American women.
"It is the most common sexual problem that women have," said Dr. Anita Clayton, a psychiatrist with the UVa Health System and author of the 2007 book "Satisfaction: Women, Sex and the Quest for Intimacy."
UVa joins 99 other medical institutions participating in testing the drug's efficacy and safety.
If given the green light by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Illinois-based BioSante Pharmaceuticals Inc. hopes to offer the drug to any woman complaining of a low sex drive.
For now, though, Clayton will enroll 25 women between the ages of 30 and 65 to take part in the national study.
Those women must have had both ovaries surgically removed, be currently taking an estrogen supplement and be distressed about their lack of libido.
Ovariectomies, or surgical menopause, can lead to a drop in sexual interest because ovaries produce roughly half of the testosterone in a woman's body.
Testosterone plays a key role in sexual functioning for men and women.
LibiGel comes in a pump bottle. The woman rubs the small dot of gel into the skin of her upper arm. Over the next 24 hours, the gel's testosterone seeps into her bloodstream, boosting her energy and libido.
Increase in satisfying sex
Clayton, who is running the clinical trial at UVa, said the drug is better than previous testosterone treatments because it keeps levels of the chemical constant, much like naturally occurring testosterone.
"I expect this will work," she said.
In its second-phase clinical trials at 17 institutions, LibiGel led to a 283 percent increase of satisfying sexual encounters for the women taking the drug.
"A lot of women have this problem, but unfortunately they've been largely ignored by pharmaceutical companies," said BioSante's chief executive, Stephen M. Simes. "It's not fair that women have no drugs, while men have many."
Testosterone ointment intended to boost female libido
The Associated Press
A drug that could do for women what Viagra has done for men is being tested at the University of Virginia. The drug is a testosterone-laden ointment called LibiGel and it's intended to boost the libido of women who have lost interest in sex. It will be prescribed at UVa in coming months to women who are suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder.
The condition is believed to affect one-third of American women.
"It is the most common sexual problem that women have," said Dr. Anita Clayton, a psychiatrist with the UVa Health System and author of the 2007 book "Satisfaction: Women, Sex and the Quest for Intimacy."
UVa joins 99 other medical institutions participating in testing the drug's efficacy and safety.
If given the green light by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Illinois-based BioSante Pharmaceuticals Inc. hopes to offer the drug to any woman complaining of a low sex drive.
For now, though, Clayton will enroll 25 women between the ages of 30 and 65 to take part in the national study.
Those women must have had both ovaries surgically removed, be currently taking an estrogen supplement and be distressed about their lack of libido.
Ovariectomies, or surgical menopause, can lead to a drop in sexual interest because ovaries produce roughly half of the testosterone in a woman's body.
Testosterone plays a key role in sexual functioning for men and women.
LibiGel comes in a pump bottle. The woman rubs the small dot of gel into the skin of her upper arm. Over the next 24 hours, the gel's testosterone seeps into her bloodstream, boosting her energy and libido.
Increase in satisfying sex
Clayton, who is running the clinical trial at UVa, said the drug is better than previous testosterone treatments because it keeps levels of the chemical constant, much like naturally occurring testosterone.
"I expect this will work," she said.
In its second-phase clinical trials at 17 institutions, LibiGel led to a 283 percent increase of satisfying sexual encounters for the women taking the drug.
"A lot of women have this problem, but unfortunately they've been largely ignored by pharmaceutical companies," said BioSante's chief executive, Stephen M. Simes. "It's not fair that women have no drugs, while men have many."
Javafit coffee
This morning we were talking about who keeps you caffeinated and I got a nice note from the folks at Javafit. This will perk you up.
Javafit is gourmet coffee (100% Arabica coffee) that is fortified with nutrients. They have energy, immune, focus and diet. All the products offer benefits. If you want something a little different check out Javafit.
Javafit is gourmet coffee (100% Arabica coffee) that is fortified with nutrients. They have energy, immune, focus and diet. All the products offer benefits. If you want something a little different check out Javafit.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Make him slimmer
Is the man in your life fighting the "dunlop?" You know, when your belly dun lop over your belt? Well you may have heard of Spanx for women...now there's a company with compression under garments for men.
Tasers for her
Now there are Tasers made just for women.
A woman in Arizona loves the lady Tasers so much, she's started her own version of Tupperware parties involving the stun guns, reports the Arizona Republic. Hey, everybody, It's a Taser Party!
Dana Shafman, founder of Shieldher Inc., has recently started sponsoring Taser parties, giving women a chance to buy Tasers for $300, or $350 with a laser beam to help with aiming.
Shafman's parties allow women to get together to discuss concerns and learn about the Taser C2, the newest consumer Taser that is similar to the device police officers use. "I felt that we have Tupperware parties and candle parties to protect our food and house, so why not have a Taser party to learn how to protect our lives and bodies," Shafman said.
She has had parties in Phoenix and Scottsdale by invitation. Guests have the opportunity to shoot the Taser for the first time at a cardboard cutout during the parties. For safety reasons, no alcohol is served and no one is actually Tasered.
After her first Taser party in Scottsdale recently, Shafman said, "I think the party was spectacular. It opened up opportunities for people to ask questions and get informed about the Tasers." Debi McMahon was excited to get her Taser activated. "I feel like I'm 6 feet tall and 250 pounds. I'm going to buy one for my mom. It's going to be her 81st birthday present."
Apparently, one concern among the women is that Tasers, which come in a variety of pretty colors, will be mistaken as toys by their children. Some women think the solution is tell their kids "telling their children what the Taser does and why it should be handled only by Mommy and Daddy."
A woman in Arizona loves the lady Tasers so much, she's started her own version of Tupperware parties involving the stun guns, reports the Arizona Republic. Hey, everybody, It's a Taser Party!
Dana Shafman, founder of Shieldher Inc., has recently started sponsoring Taser parties, giving women a chance to buy Tasers for $300, or $350 with a laser beam to help with aiming.
Shafman's parties allow women to get together to discuss concerns and learn about the Taser C2, the newest consumer Taser that is similar to the device police officers use. "I felt that we have Tupperware parties and candle parties to protect our food and house, so why not have a Taser party to learn how to protect our lives and bodies," Shafman said.
She has had parties in Phoenix and Scottsdale by invitation. Guests have the opportunity to shoot the Taser for the first time at a cardboard cutout during the parties. For safety reasons, no alcohol is served and no one is actually Tasered.
After her first Taser party in Scottsdale recently, Shafman said, "I think the party was spectacular. It opened up opportunities for people to ask questions and get informed about the Tasers." Debi McMahon was excited to get her Taser activated. "I feel like I'm 6 feet tall and 250 pounds. I'm going to buy one for my mom. It's going to be her 81st birthday present."
Apparently, one concern among the women is that Tasers, which come in a variety of pretty colors, will be mistaken as toys by their children. Some women think the solution is tell their kids "telling their children what the Taser does and why it should be handled only by Mommy and Daddy."
McDonalds vs Starbucks
Would you like fries with your latte?
McDonald's Corp is set to launch coffee bars with "baristas" serving cappuccinos and lattes, moving into direct competition with global coffee chain Starbucks Corp.
McDonald's will install coffee bars at its 14,000 U.S. stores, incorporating theatrics similar to Starbucks' counters, displaying espresso machines and having baristas prepare drinks, the report said.
The report, citing internal documents from 2007, said the move will add $1 billion to McDonald's annual sales of $21.6 billion. McDonald's will also sell smoothies and bottled beverages, it said.
A McDonald's representative was not immediately available for comment.
Competition between the two companies has already been brewing, with McDonald's expanding its coffee offerings. Specialty coffee, along with breakfast items and lower-cost offerings have helped McDonald's outperform most other U.S. restaurant companies this year.
Starbucks, on the other hand, has been tempering its previous message that its perpetual expansion was resistant to blips in the U.S. economy. It has said that it plans to open 2,500 stores in fiscal 2008, down from a previous target of 2,600.
McDonald's Corp is set to launch coffee bars with "baristas" serving cappuccinos and lattes, moving into direct competition with global coffee chain Starbucks Corp.
McDonald's will install coffee bars at its 14,000 U.S. stores, incorporating theatrics similar to Starbucks' counters, displaying espresso machines and having baristas prepare drinks, the report said.
The report, citing internal documents from 2007, said the move will add $1 billion to McDonald's annual sales of $21.6 billion. McDonald's will also sell smoothies and bottled beverages, it said.
A McDonald's representative was not immediately available for comment.
Competition between the two companies has already been brewing, with McDonald's expanding its coffee offerings. Specialty coffee, along with breakfast items and lower-cost offerings have helped McDonald's outperform most other U.S. restaurant companies this year.
Starbucks, on the other hand, has been tempering its previous message that its perpetual expansion was resistant to blips in the U.S. economy. It has said that it plans to open 2,500 stores in fiscal 2008, down from a previous target of 2,600.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Easy ways to go green
The nest
Change your light bulbs. We're sure you've heard this before -- and we know it's tempting to buy the four-pack of bulbs for $2 -- but compact fluorescent bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.
Bring your own mug to Starbucks. You'll get a 10-cent discount, and it's one less paper cup to end up in a landfill. While you're there, pick up some free bags of spent coffee grounds to use as "green" fertilizer in your garden.
Save water. Run the dishwasher only when it's full and don't pre-rinse dishes (a waste of time, water, and energy). But the real water drain is the shower -- take shorter ones.
Turn off your computer. When in standby mode, your PC is still using energy. In fact, 75 percent of electricity used in your home comes from electronics that are turned off. Stop this phantom electro rush by plugging your computer into a power strip and shutting the strip down completely at the end of the day. Also, remove your iPod, digital camera, and phone chargers from outlets when not in use.
Cancel catalogs. Many of us have a steady flow of unwanted and unsolicited junk mail, catalogs, and magazines. Let's say everyone in New York City received 10 a month: That would make 240,248 tons of paper waste!
Reuse plastic bags. Instead of chucking 100 billion plastic sacks a year (wow!), try and get a second, third, or tenth use out of them. Tote your lunch to work or your groceries home in them, or at least use them as garbage bags. Better yet, next time you shop, try a reusable bag. Learn how at reusablebags.com
Green your car. The next time you're in the market for a new car, check out an eco option like a hybrid model -- whatever you do, don't get an SUV. In the meantime, take care of your current ride with regular tune-ups and properly inflated tires.
Use recycled paper... in the bathroom. Most of the TP we use is made from virgin trees found in forests previously untouched by humans. Seeing as trees absorb carbon dioxide, we'd get better use from them living than we would as a roll in the powder room.
Buy energy-efficient appliances. The old fridge conked out. Great! Replace it with an Energy Star appliance (energystar.gov), and you'll use at least 15 percent less energy and water in your home. It might be a little pricier to buy, but you'll be saving money on your utility bills and helping the environment.
Plant a tree. Adding green to your garden is aesthetically -- and earth -- pleasing.
Give and voice your support. Contribute or volunteer with the green organization of your choice. And tell a friend to do the same. Some we like: onepercentfortheplanet.org, saveourenvironment.org, sierraclub.org, and conservationfund.org. Sign the "Emissions Petition" at environmentaldefense.org and send the message to your local government representatives that you want to undo global warming.
Change your light bulbs. We're sure you've heard this before -- and we know it's tempting to buy the four-pack of bulbs for $2 -- but compact fluorescent bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.
Bring your own mug to Starbucks. You'll get a 10-cent discount, and it's one less paper cup to end up in a landfill. While you're there, pick up some free bags of spent coffee grounds to use as "green" fertilizer in your garden.
Save water. Run the dishwasher only when it's full and don't pre-rinse dishes (a waste of time, water, and energy). But the real water drain is the shower -- take shorter ones.
Turn off your computer. When in standby mode, your PC is still using energy. In fact, 75 percent of electricity used in your home comes from electronics that are turned off. Stop this phantom electro rush by plugging your computer into a power strip and shutting the strip down completely at the end of the day. Also, remove your iPod, digital camera, and phone chargers from outlets when not in use.
Cancel catalogs. Many of us have a steady flow of unwanted and unsolicited junk mail, catalogs, and magazines. Let's say everyone in New York City received 10 a month: That would make 240,248 tons of paper waste!
Reuse plastic bags. Instead of chucking 100 billion plastic sacks a year (wow!), try and get a second, third, or tenth use out of them. Tote your lunch to work or your groceries home in them, or at least use them as garbage bags. Better yet, next time you shop, try a reusable bag. Learn how at reusablebags.com
Green your car. The next time you're in the market for a new car, check out an eco option like a hybrid model -- whatever you do, don't get an SUV. In the meantime, take care of your current ride with regular tune-ups and properly inflated tires.
Use recycled paper... in the bathroom. Most of the TP we use is made from virgin trees found in forests previously untouched by humans. Seeing as trees absorb carbon dioxide, we'd get better use from them living than we would as a roll in the powder room.
Buy energy-efficient appliances. The old fridge conked out. Great! Replace it with an Energy Star appliance (energystar.gov), and you'll use at least 15 percent less energy and water in your home. It might be a little pricier to buy, but you'll be saving money on your utility bills and helping the environment.
Plant a tree. Adding green to your garden is aesthetically -- and earth -- pleasing.
Give and voice your support. Contribute or volunteer with the green organization of your choice. And tell a friend to do the same. Some we like: onepercentfortheplanet.org, saveourenvironment.org, sierraclub.org, and conservationfund.org. Sign the "Emissions Petition" at environmentaldefense.org and send the message to your local government representatives that you want to undo global warming.
Find Mr. or Ms. right
HOW TO DATE GREAT IN 2008
(Match.com)
Dare to have spares Dating is a numbers game, so ignore the old rule that says, 'A nice person only dates one at a time.' The more you date, the better the odds of finding someone wonderful who's worth weeding out from the pack. Plus, a full social calendar and lack of instant availability brings out the hard-to-get reaction in the opposite sex without actually having to play a game!"
Roll up the rugs Throw a 'widening your net of possibilities' party. Love matches often come from your network of friends, colleagues and family. Invite everyone you know and ask them to bring at least one single person, or even a couple. The love of your life -- or at least his or her cousin -- just might walk through your door.
Be captivated Finding and sustaining love is like acquiring a piece of art. We should wait to be struck and captivated. But all too often we walk around with our pre-crafted 'frame' or idea of whom we belong with -- desperately trying to fit someone into it. So in 2008, throw away your mental checklist of what you're looking for and keep a truly open mind --you might be surprised at who truly clicks with you.
Get a planner Set dating goals. Writing things down helps you to achieve your goals. Think short- and long-term. Maybe it's one date a week or meeting three new people a month. Either way, write it down and make it happen.
Risk embarrassment Don't be afraid of going out on a limb. You don't want to appear desperate, but at some point one of you has to give up waiting three days to call the other person back and pretending you're too aloof to fall in love. Why not you? A corny gesture -- writing a note telling how happy you are when you see him or cooking a meal -- can make him think it's time to take things beyond the stage of dates you aren't sure are actually dates.
Play the odds The quickest way to meet prospective dates is to hang out in places where the odds are in your favor. For women, that means sports bars or the driving range. For guys, try DSW (or any other gigantic shoe warehouse). These places are crawling with women, especially on early Friday evenings and Saturdays. Just ask the nearest unattached female to help you pick out a new pair of shoes. See where it goes from there.
Listen up One of the most engaging ways to get people to feel close to you is by being a good listener. Why do you think people love to go to their hairdresser? Good listening requires paying close attention, asking for details, and then echoing back the important points of the conversation. If you take the time to listen to someone, he or she will feel like you really care.
Get some class Sign up for one thing you're interested in that involves a group meeting on a regular basis. I recommend ones that focus on your own interests: Yoga, cooking or kayaking class, a gardening group, a political campaign, or a co-ed sports league or team. In no time, you'll have a wider circle of friends, and when you meet a prospect, you'll already have some idea of that person's character and personality. This will prevent you from wasting a lot of time on a loser.
Give good sense Have a romance with life! Tap into your senses, and you'll come alive with positive energy. Really taste your food and savor your wine; enjoy your music and the sounds of nature; feel the sun or the breeze on your skin and smell the aromas around you. When you get in the habit of living life like this, others are drawn to your passion and enthusiasm.
(Match.com)
Dare to have spares Dating is a numbers game, so ignore the old rule that says, 'A nice person only dates one at a time.' The more you date, the better the odds of finding someone wonderful who's worth weeding out from the pack. Plus, a full social calendar and lack of instant availability brings out the hard-to-get reaction in the opposite sex without actually having to play a game!"
Roll up the rugs Throw a 'widening your net of possibilities' party. Love matches often come from your network of friends, colleagues and family. Invite everyone you know and ask them to bring at least one single person, or even a couple. The love of your life -- or at least his or her cousin -- just might walk through your door.
Be captivated Finding and sustaining love is like acquiring a piece of art. We should wait to be struck and captivated. But all too often we walk around with our pre-crafted 'frame' or idea of whom we belong with -- desperately trying to fit someone into it. So in 2008, throw away your mental checklist of what you're looking for and keep a truly open mind --you might be surprised at who truly clicks with you.
Get a planner Set dating goals. Writing things down helps you to achieve your goals. Think short- and long-term. Maybe it's one date a week or meeting three new people a month. Either way, write it down and make it happen.
Risk embarrassment Don't be afraid of going out on a limb. You don't want to appear desperate, but at some point one of you has to give up waiting three days to call the other person back and pretending you're too aloof to fall in love. Why not you? A corny gesture -- writing a note telling how happy you are when you see him or cooking a meal -- can make him think it's time to take things beyond the stage of dates you aren't sure are actually dates.
Play the odds The quickest way to meet prospective dates is to hang out in places where the odds are in your favor. For women, that means sports bars or the driving range. For guys, try DSW (or any other gigantic shoe warehouse). These places are crawling with women, especially on early Friday evenings and Saturdays. Just ask the nearest unattached female to help you pick out a new pair of shoes. See where it goes from there.
Listen up One of the most engaging ways to get people to feel close to you is by being a good listener. Why do you think people love to go to their hairdresser? Good listening requires paying close attention, asking for details, and then echoing back the important points of the conversation. If you take the time to listen to someone, he or she will feel like you really care.
Get some class Sign up for one thing you're interested in that involves a group meeting on a regular basis. I recommend ones that focus on your own interests: Yoga, cooking or kayaking class, a gardening group, a political campaign, or a co-ed sports league or team. In no time, you'll have a wider circle of friends, and when you meet a prospect, you'll already have some idea of that person's character and personality. This will prevent you from wasting a lot of time on a loser.
Give good sense Have a romance with life! Tap into your senses, and you'll come alive with positive energy. Really taste your food and savor your wine; enjoy your music and the sounds of nature; feel the sun or the breeze on your skin and smell the aromas around you. When you get in the habit of living life like this, others are drawn to your passion and enthusiasm.
Start your day right
Do you find yourself getting up on the wrong side of the bed? Here's a little science to help you make it the right side, and step into 2008 fully awake!
First, leave your blinds half way open. Morning sunlight signals your brain to cut down on the production of melatonin, and bump up production of adrenaline. So when the alarm goes off, your body is already working on waking up.
Program your coffee maker- and actually use the timer! Treat yourself to the best coffee you can afford, and put if half a scoop more than you normally use! The scent of strong coffee brewing activates the pleasure centers in the brain, and caffeine stimulates the central nervous system.
Exercise for 30 minutes every morning! People who exercise in the morning are the most likely to stick with it, and the morning shot of endorphins and increased blood flow to the brain will have you thinking sharper, too.
Finally, you'll have a better day if you can do the following: hug your spouse, your child, or even a pet before you leave home. Hugging decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and increases the levels of the 3 "feel good" brain chemicals- dopamine, seratonin and oxytocin.
First, leave your blinds half way open. Morning sunlight signals your brain to cut down on the production of melatonin, and bump up production of adrenaline. So when the alarm goes off, your body is already working on waking up.
Program your coffee maker- and actually use the timer! Treat yourself to the best coffee you can afford, and put if half a scoop more than you normally use! The scent of strong coffee brewing activates the pleasure centers in the brain, and caffeine stimulates the central nervous system.
Exercise for 30 minutes every morning! People who exercise in the morning are the most likely to stick with it, and the morning shot of endorphins and increased blood flow to the brain will have you thinking sharper, too.
Finally, you'll have a better day if you can do the following: hug your spouse, your child, or even a pet before you leave home. Hugging decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and increases the levels of the 3 "feel good" brain chemicals- dopamine, seratonin and oxytocin.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Your crown of beauty
A COLORFUL JOB HUNT:
***Looking for that “in” for your next interview? Seventy-six percent of women believe brunette is the best hair color for making a good impression on an interview. Blonde came in second (12 percent) and red last (three percent).
***CEOs prefer … Brunettes! Sixty-seven percent of women said if they were a CEO and could hire only one person based on their hair color, they would hire a brunette. Thirteen percent of women chose redheads and eight percent chose blondes.
THE BEAUTIFUL BLONDE:
***Sex appeal … Flirty blonde icons clearly still hold influence, as more than half of women polled said blonde is the hair color men find sexiest on a woman. Half of women surveyed also chose blonde as the most seductive hair color.
***Blondes still have more fun … More than half of women surveyed reported that they believe blonde is the most fun-loving hair color.
THE BRILLIANT BRUNETTE:
***Seriously speaking … More than three quarters of women surveyed said they associate brunettes with being the most serious. Fifty-six percent also reported that brunette signals the most confidence.
***Trust me, I’m a doctor … Seventy-seven percent of respondents said that a brunette doctor would appear the most trustworthy to them. Seventy-two percent of women find brunette to also be the most trustworthy hair color in general.
LADIES IN RED:
***They mean business … Redheads were voted most intimidating by half of respondents.
***If only for a day … The majority of women surveyed said that if they could change their hair color for a day, they would choose to go red.
***Looking for that “in” for your next interview? Seventy-six percent of women believe brunette is the best hair color for making a good impression on an interview. Blonde came in second (12 percent) and red last (three percent).
***CEOs prefer … Brunettes! Sixty-seven percent of women said if they were a CEO and could hire only one person based on their hair color, they would hire a brunette. Thirteen percent of women chose redheads and eight percent chose blondes.
THE BEAUTIFUL BLONDE:
***Sex appeal … Flirty blonde icons clearly still hold influence, as more than half of women polled said blonde is the hair color men find sexiest on a woman. Half of women surveyed also chose blonde as the most seductive hair color.
***Blondes still have more fun … More than half of women surveyed reported that they believe blonde is the most fun-loving hair color.
THE BRILLIANT BRUNETTE:
***Seriously speaking … More than three quarters of women surveyed said they associate brunettes with being the most serious. Fifty-six percent also reported that brunette signals the most confidence.
***Trust me, I’m a doctor … Seventy-seven percent of respondents said that a brunette doctor would appear the most trustworthy to them. Seventy-two percent of women find brunette to also be the most trustworthy hair color in general.
LADIES IN RED:
***They mean business … Redheads were voted most intimidating by half of respondents.
***If only for a day … The majority of women surveyed said that if they could change their hair color for a day, they would choose to go red.
Bionic women
Rebuild Your Body
How today's technology can turn you into a bionic woman
Holly C. Corbett
It's official: They can rebuild you. While you were busy puzzling out the sci-fi mysteries of Bionic Woman the show, bionic woman the reality has been brewing in science labs and doctors' offices across the country. These days, researchers are boldly going where no one has gone before when it comes to the art of human reconstruction. ACL surgery? Who needs it! Botox? For rubes. That's all baby steps compared with the stuff we found when we checked in with leading experts to uncover which of your body parts can be fine-tuned through technology.
Spine
Old-school spinal surgery is invasive and painful -- and puts a serious dent in your ability to perform downward dog. But now docs can replace a damaged disc -- the cartilage pad between vertebrae -- with a stainless-steel version that allows the spine to retain its natural range of motion. It's designed as a metal socket with a steel ball that pivots as you move. And because you don't have to wait for bones to heal, recovery time is only about a week. Docs expect insurance providers to cover the surgery fully within the next year.
Rather not have a spine that sets off metal detectors? In the next five to 10 years you may be able to get replacement discs created in the lab from your own tissue. Scientists are working on a procedure that would remove cells from faulty discs, inject them with healthy new DNA, and then place the cells back into your spine, where the DNA would help heal the disc from the inside out, says Gerald E. Rodts Jr., M.D., professor of neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. Bonus: There's no incision, so you can walk out with just a Band-Aid.
Feet
A new surgical wand called the Topaz can slash the time you spend off your feet after common sports injuries. The device emits sound waves that target damaged tissue inside the foot. Just a small incision allows the radio-frequency waves to penetrate the trouble spot and boost blood flow, which speeds healing. "Patients only need to wear a walking boot for only about a month, versus the two to three months on crutches after traditional surgery," says Jane Andersen, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Teeth
Fixing broken teeth or getting a Hollywood smile with a crown or veneer requires multiple visits to the dentist. But the Cerec 3D, a technology that's been gaining popularity among dentists, streamlines the process. A dentist uses a 3-D camera to take photos of the damaged tooth, and then a computer with a built-in grinding machine assembles a multidimensional image and grinds a perfect match while you wait. (Dental insurance should cover the procedure, but if you aren't insured, it can run you from $400 to $1,500.) Total time in the chair: two hours.
And in the next 10 years, tooth repair could become an all-natural process. "Scientists are working on growing tooth enamel in the lab using human stem cells, which could then be used to replace fillings and broken teeth," says Alan Zweig, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, California.
Skin
For anyone who has ever forgotten sunscreen: Remergent's DNA Repair Formula ($125, remergentskin.com) has been clinically proven to reverse the effects of sun damage, including wrinkles, according to Ronald Moy, M.D., director of dermatology and cosmetic surgery at the California Health and Longevity Institute in Westlake Village, California. The science: It contains enzymes that help repair cell DNA while channeling the power of antioxidants to prevent future damage.
A new alternative may keep you wrinkle-free for at least twice as long as Botox injections. Scientists have created a needle that emits energy waves to destroy or paralyze the nerves controlling the facial muscles that cause frown lines. The effects last up to eight months.
Fat
Dimples are cute on Mario Lopez, but not on your backside. Lipotherapy involves a series of small injections of phosphatidylcholine, a chemical that breaks down fat cells, eventually flushing them from the body. "There's no anesthesia or incisions, as there is with liposuction," says Ruthie Harper, M.D., of the Laser and Skincare Clinic in Austin, Texas. (And at $800 for four treatments, it's much less costly.)
Within the next year, a painless ultrasound could instantly dissolve fat anywhere on your body so it's reabsorbed into the bloodstream. "The technology may be used to target fat cells and liquefy them without incisions or injections," says Neil Sadick, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Early studies show that it can safely reduce the waistline by one to two inches.
Eyes
For the more than 110 million Americans with less-than-crystal distance vision, Lasik was a breakthrough, but the surgery still can't guarantee 20/20 because it reshapes only the front surface of the cornea. Now a new tool called the Pentacam (available in corneal and laser specialists' offices) creates a 3-D map of both the front and back of your lens in seconds, so docs can further customize treatment.
Because people with extreme nearsightedness or thin corneas are poor candidates for Lasik, they haven't had options to correct their vision permanently. "But a corneal implant may soon provide them freedom from contacts and glasses," says Brian Bonanni, M.D., of Gotham Lasik in New York. "A tiny, clear plastic disc is inserted into the eye, and it reshapes the cornea from inside."
Bones
If you break your arm snowboarding this winter, a new laser treatment can help that pesky cast come off sooner. "It uses cold lasers, which emit low-level energy that stimulates cell growth," says Gregory Roche, D.O., a reconstructive surgeon based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. "Fractures heal about 30 percent faster with the laser than without it." The treatment requires several 10-minute sessions over two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. It's typically used on bones that can't be cast, like ribs and toes, but it also speeds recovery on bigger limbs.
Knees
Women are almost twice as likely as men to need a knee replacement. But until recently, total knee replacements were one-size-fits-all. Today, woman-specific implants are "designed to mimic a woman's smaller, narrower knees, and they sit at a proper angle in relation to the hips," says Robert Bucholz, M.D., chairman of orthopedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
In the next decade, you may see a faster fix for ACL tears, which affect up to eight times as many women as men. A study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that injections of hyaluronic acid, a lubricating fluid found naturally in the joints, boosted patients' walking speed and muscle strength and slashed recovery time.
How today's technology can turn you into a bionic woman
Holly C. Corbett
It's official: They can rebuild you. While you were busy puzzling out the sci-fi mysteries of Bionic Woman the show, bionic woman the reality has been brewing in science labs and doctors' offices across the country. These days, researchers are boldly going where no one has gone before when it comes to the art of human reconstruction. ACL surgery? Who needs it! Botox? For rubes. That's all baby steps compared with the stuff we found when we checked in with leading experts to uncover which of your body parts can be fine-tuned through technology.
Spine
Old-school spinal surgery is invasive and painful -- and puts a serious dent in your ability to perform downward dog. But now docs can replace a damaged disc -- the cartilage pad between vertebrae -- with a stainless-steel version that allows the spine to retain its natural range of motion. It's designed as a metal socket with a steel ball that pivots as you move. And because you don't have to wait for bones to heal, recovery time is only about a week. Docs expect insurance providers to cover the surgery fully within the next year.
Rather not have a spine that sets off metal detectors? In the next five to 10 years you may be able to get replacement discs created in the lab from your own tissue. Scientists are working on a procedure that would remove cells from faulty discs, inject them with healthy new DNA, and then place the cells back into your spine, where the DNA would help heal the disc from the inside out, says Gerald E. Rodts Jr., M.D., professor of neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. Bonus: There's no incision, so you can walk out with just a Band-Aid.
Feet
A new surgical wand called the Topaz can slash the time you spend off your feet after common sports injuries. The device emits sound waves that target damaged tissue inside the foot. Just a small incision allows the radio-frequency waves to penetrate the trouble spot and boost blood flow, which speeds healing. "Patients only need to wear a walking boot for only about a month, versus the two to three months on crutches after traditional surgery," says Jane Andersen, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Teeth
Fixing broken teeth or getting a Hollywood smile with a crown or veneer requires multiple visits to the dentist. But the Cerec 3D, a technology that's been gaining popularity among dentists, streamlines the process. A dentist uses a 3-D camera to take photos of the damaged tooth, and then a computer with a built-in grinding machine assembles a multidimensional image and grinds a perfect match while you wait. (Dental insurance should cover the procedure, but if you aren't insured, it can run you from $400 to $1,500.) Total time in the chair: two hours.
And in the next 10 years, tooth repair could become an all-natural process. "Scientists are working on growing tooth enamel in the lab using human stem cells, which could then be used to replace fillings and broken teeth," says Alan Zweig, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, California.
Skin
For anyone who has ever forgotten sunscreen: Remergent's DNA Repair Formula ($125, remergentskin.com) has been clinically proven to reverse the effects of sun damage, including wrinkles, according to Ronald Moy, M.D., director of dermatology and cosmetic surgery at the California Health and Longevity Institute in Westlake Village, California. The science: It contains enzymes that help repair cell DNA while channeling the power of antioxidants to prevent future damage.
A new alternative may keep you wrinkle-free for at least twice as long as Botox injections. Scientists have created a needle that emits energy waves to destroy or paralyze the nerves controlling the facial muscles that cause frown lines. The effects last up to eight months.
Fat
Dimples are cute on Mario Lopez, but not on your backside. Lipotherapy involves a series of small injections of phosphatidylcholine, a chemical that breaks down fat cells, eventually flushing them from the body. "There's no anesthesia or incisions, as there is with liposuction," says Ruthie Harper, M.D., of the Laser and Skincare Clinic in Austin, Texas. (And at $800 for four treatments, it's much less costly.)
Within the next year, a painless ultrasound could instantly dissolve fat anywhere on your body so it's reabsorbed into the bloodstream. "The technology may be used to target fat cells and liquefy them without incisions or injections," says Neil Sadick, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Early studies show that it can safely reduce the waistline by one to two inches.
Eyes
For the more than 110 million Americans with less-than-crystal distance vision, Lasik was a breakthrough, but the surgery still can't guarantee 20/20 because it reshapes only the front surface of the cornea. Now a new tool called the Pentacam (available in corneal and laser specialists' offices) creates a 3-D map of both the front and back of your lens in seconds, so docs can further customize treatment.
Because people with extreme nearsightedness or thin corneas are poor candidates for Lasik, they haven't had options to correct their vision permanently. "But a corneal implant may soon provide them freedom from contacts and glasses," says Brian Bonanni, M.D., of Gotham Lasik in New York. "A tiny, clear plastic disc is inserted into the eye, and it reshapes the cornea from inside."
Bones
If you break your arm snowboarding this winter, a new laser treatment can help that pesky cast come off sooner. "It uses cold lasers, which emit low-level energy that stimulates cell growth," says Gregory Roche, D.O., a reconstructive surgeon based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. "Fractures heal about 30 percent faster with the laser than without it." The treatment requires several 10-minute sessions over two to four weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. It's typically used on bones that can't be cast, like ribs and toes, but it also speeds recovery on bigger limbs.
Knees
Women are almost twice as likely as men to need a knee replacement. But until recently, total knee replacements were one-size-fits-all. Today, woman-specific implants are "designed to mimic a woman's smaller, narrower knees, and they sit at a proper angle in relation to the hips," says Robert Bucholz, M.D., chairman of orthopedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
In the next decade, you may see a faster fix for ACL tears, which affect up to eight times as many women as men. A study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that injections of hyaluronic acid, a lubricating fluid found naturally in the joints, boosted patients' walking speed and muscle strength and slashed recovery time.
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