Monday, October 27, 2014

NEUROHACKS: Why your body jerks before you fall asleep

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120522-suffer-from-sleep-shudders


TOM STAFFORD

Why your body jerks before you fall asleep
(Copyright: Science Photo Library)



If you have ever wondered why people’s arms and legs twitch suddenly as they are drifting off to sleep, our resident psychologist Tom Stafford has the answer.

As we give up our bodies to sleep, sudden twitches escape our brains, causing our arms and legs to jerk. Some people are startled by them, others are embarrassed. Me, I am fascinated by these twitches, known as hypnic jerks. Nobody knows for sure what causes them, but to me they represent the side effects of a hidden battle for control in the brain that happens each night on the cusp between wakefulness and dreams.

Normally we are paralysed while we sleep. Even during the most vivid dreams our muscles stay relaxed and still, showing little sign of our internal excitement. Events in the outside world usually get ignored: not that I’d recommend doing this but experiments have shown that even if you sleep with your eyes taped open and someone flashes a light at you it is unlikely that it will affect your dreams.

But the door between the dreamer and the outside world is not completely closed. Two kinds of movements escape the dreaming brain, and they each have a different story to tell.

Brain battle
The most common movements we make while asleep are rapid eye-movements. When we dream, our eyes move according to what we are dreaming about. If, for example, we dream we are watching a game of tennis our eyes will move from left to right with each volley. These movements generated in the dream world escape from normal sleep paralysis and leak into the real world. Seeing a sleeping persons' eyes move is the strongest sign that they are dreaming.
Hypnic jerks aren't like this. They are most common in children, when our dreams are most simple and they do not reflect what is happening in the dream world - if you dream of riding a bike you do not move your legs in circles. Instead, hypnic jerks seem to be a sign that the motor system can still exert some control over the body as sleep paralysis begins to take over. Rather than having a single “sleep-wake” switch in the brain for controlling our sleep (i.e. ON at night, OFF during the day), we have two opposing systems balanced against each other that go through a daily dance, where each has to wrest control from the other.
Deep in the brain, below the cortex (the most evolved part of the human brain) lies one of them: a network of nerve cells called the reticular activating system. This is nestled among the parts of the brain that govern basic physiological processes, such as breathing. When the reticular activating system is in full force we feel alert and restless - that is, we are awake.
Opposing this system is the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus: 'ventrolateral' means it is on the underside and towards the edge in the brain, 'preoptic' means it is just before the point where the nerves from the eyes cross. We call it the VLPO. The VLPO drives sleepiness, and its location near the optic nerve is presumably so that it can collect information about the beginning and end of daylight hours, and so influence our sleep cycles.
As the mind gives in to its normal task of interpreting the external world, and starts to generate its own entertainment, the struggle between the reticular activating system and VLPO tilts in favour of the latter. Sleep paralysis sets in. What happens next is not fully clear, but it seems that part of the story is that the struggle for control of the motor system is not quite over yet. Few battles are won completely in a single moment. As sleep paralysis sets in remaining daytime energy kindles and bursts out in seemingly random movements. In other words, hypnic jerks are the last gasps of normal daytime motor control.
Some people report that hypnic jerks happen as they dream they are falling or tripping up. This is an example of the rare phenomenon known as dream incorporation, where something external, such as an alarm clock, is built into your dreams. When this does happen, it illustrates our mind's amazing capacity to generate plausible stories. In dreams, the planning and foresight areas of the brain are suppressed, allowing the mind to react creatively to wherever it wanders - much like a jazz improviser responds to fellow musicians to inspire what they play.
As hypnic jerks escape during the struggle between wake and sleep, the mind is undergoing its own transition. In the waking world we must make sense of external events. In dreams the mind tries to make sense of its own activity, resulting in dreams. Whilst a veil is drawn over most of the external world as we fall asleep, hypnic jerks are obviously close enough to home - being movements of our own bodies - to attract the attention of sleeping consciousness. Along with the hallucinated night-time world they get incorporated into our dreams.
So there is a pleasing symmetry between the two kinds of movements we make when asleep. Rapid eye movements are the traces of dreams that can be seen in the waking world. Hypnic jerks seem to be the traces of waking life that intrude on the dream world.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Out of Breath, Karakter Unik Generasi O Indonesia

http://www.the-marketeers.com/archives/out-of-breath-karakter-unik-generasi-o-indonesia.html
By Darus Salam


Presiden Direktur PT Sun Life Financial Indonesia dan Country Manager Sun Life Financial Group di Indonesia (kiri) bersama Presiden Sun Life Financial Asia, Kevin D. Strain, Elin Waty, Chief Distribution Officer PT Sun Life Financial Indonesia (kanan) (Sumber: Dokumentasi Sun Life Financial)

Sun Life Financial Asia baru saja merilis indeks hasil studi tentang kesehatan orang-orang di kawasan Asia. Dari tiga karakteristik yang akhirnya memunculkan istilah generasi O, yaitu overworked (bekerja berlebihan), overweight (kelebihan berat badan), dan overwhelmed (kelelahan), orang Indonesia memiliki satu tambahan, yaitu out of breath (tersengal-sengal).

Dari 729 responden di Indonesia, mayoritas atau 21% mengatakan mengalami gangguan pernapasan akibat kualitas udara yang buruk. Selain itu, masyarakat Indonesia juga tergolong sebagai perokok terberat di Asia. Bila hanya 14% responden di negara-negara lain yang mengaku merokok lebih dari sekali dalam sehari, di Indonesia ada 21% yang mengaku melakukannya.

Di samping udara yang tidak sehat, responden di Indonesia memiliki tiga masalah kesehatan utama lain, yaitu diabetes (26%), obesitas (23%), dan serangan jantung atau stroke (21%).

"Survei ini merepresentasikan hal yang terjadi saat ini dan kami akan melakukan survei ini secara berkesinambungan. Kami melihat Indonesia adalah negara yang penting. Kami senang dapat membawa indeks kesehatan ini ke Indonesia," ujar Kevin D. Strain, Presiden Sun Life Financial Asia pada pemaparan hasil studi di Jakarta, Rabu (22/10/2014).

Sementara itu, Presiden Direktur PT Sun Life Financial Indonesia Eddy Belmans mengatakan Generasi O di Indonesia tidak berbeda dengan generasi O lain di negara-negara Asia. "Ini adalah generasi yang sibuk dan menginginkan banyak perubahan. Hanya saja, mereka belum bergerak untuk mewujudkannya," terang Eddy.

Dengan mempertimbangkan tren dan berbagai risiko tersebut, ditambah potensi jasa pengelolaan keuangan yang besar, Sun Life Financial Indonesia pun merasa perlu memberikan perlindungan yang lebih luas bagi masyarakat Indonesia. Kevin mengatakan Sun Life Financial telah menginvestasikan dana senilai US$ 40 juta untuk memperluas akses keagenan dan masuk ke kota-kota besar kedua di Indonesia.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Menyusui Bayi Adopsi atau Bayi yang Dilahirkan oleh Ibu Pengganti

Breastfeeding Inc.
http://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-BABB-indo

Anda ingin menyusui bayi Anda yang dilahirkan oleh ibu pengganti atau bayi adopsi? Hebat! Bukan hanya mungkin, ada kemungkinan Anda akan dapat memproduksi ASI yang cukup. Memang akan berbeda dengan menyusui bayi yang telah Anda kandung selama beberapa bulan. Dengan niat dan tekad yang kuat, Anda akan merasakan ikatan batin yang indah karena menyusui dan Anda dan bayi akan mendapat manfaat dari pengalaman ini.

Menyusui dan ASI

Ada dua masalah dalam menyusui bayi yang diadopsi atau dilahirkan oleh ibu pengganti. Pertama adalah membuat bayi Anda mau menyusu. Yang kedua adalah menghasilkan ASI. Adalah penting untuk mengatur harapan Anda pada tingkat yang masuk akal karena hanya sebagian kecil wanita bisa menghasilkan jumlah ASI yang cukup untuk kebutuhan bayi. Bagaimanapun, menyusui lebih dari sekedar memberi ASI dan banyak ibu yang merasa bahagia dengan menyusui tanpa berharap dapat memproduksi seluruh ASI yang dibutuhkan bayinya. Ibu-ibu tadi lebih mencari hubungan dan kedekatan yang istimewa, dan keterikatan emosional dari proses menyusui. Seperti yang dikatakan oleh seorang ibu yang mengadopsi, "Saya ingin menyusui. Jika bayi bisa sekaligus mendapat ASI, itu bagus".
            
Membuat bayi mau menyusu

Meskipun banyak orang tidak percaya bahwa mengenalkan botol sejak awal dapat mengganggu proses menyusui, mengenalkan dot di usia dini memang dapat mengganggu proses menyusui. Semakin cepat bayi menyusu ke payudara semakin baik. Semakin Anda bisa mencegah bayi menggunakan botol sebelum Anda mulai menyusui, semakin baik. Namun bayi membutuhkan aliran dari payudara agar ia mau tetap melekat dan terus menghisap, terutama jika bayi telah terbiasa mendapat aliran dari botol atau metode minum yang lain (minum dari gelas, menghisap melalui jari). Jadi apa yang bisa dilakukan?


  1. Bicaralah dengan tenaga kesehatan di mana bayi akan dilahirkan dan beritahu kepala perawat dan konsultan laktasi bahwa Anda berencana menyusui sang bayi. Mereka seharusnya mau mengakomodasi keinginan Anda untuk memberi minum bayi dengan gelas atau menyusu dengan bantuan jari, jika Anda tidak bisa menyusui segera setelah bayi lahir. Sebenarnya, saat ini sudah sering dibuat pengaturan di mana Anda dapat hadir pada saat bayi lahir dan dapat segera mengambil bayi ke payudara Anda. Semakin awal dimulai, semakin baik. Situasi ini harus didiskusikan sejak awal dengan wanita yang akan melahirkan (ibu biologis) dan jika ada pengacara, biacarakan juga dengannya.
  2. Terus lakukan kontak kulit dengan bayi Anda, Anda tidak berpakaian dari pinggang ke atas dan bayi Anda hanya mengenakan popok, adalah sangat penting pada masa-masa ini. Kontak kulit ini akan memantapkan pertukaran informasi sensoris yang penting antara Anda dan bayi Anda serta membantu bayi menstabilkan beberapa proses fisiologis dan metabolik: mempertahankan kadar gula darah, denyut jantung, laju pernafasan, tekanan darah dan saturasi (kejenuhan) oksigen. Pada saat yang sama, kontak erat antara Anda dan bayi membuat bayi yang tanpa bakteri (saat lahir) mengalami kolonisasi bakteri yang sama dengan Anda. Lebih jauh lagi, memantapkan bayi dengan tempat barunya sambil mendorong bayi untuk menyusu sekaligus membantu Anda untuk memproduksi ASI.
  3. Beberapa ibu pengganti (atau dalam kasus adopsi, ibu biologis) ingin menyusui bayi pada hari-hari pertama. Pada kasus adopsi, ada sedikit kekhawatiran yang diungkapkan oleh pekerja sosial bahwa hal ini dapat menyebabkan ibu biologis berubah pikiran. Ini mungkin saja terjadi, dan mungkin Anda tidak mau mengambil risiko itu. Hal ini dapat menimbulkan perasaan kecewa dan penyesalanantara ibu pengganti dan ibu biologis. Ini adalah kemungkinan secara teoritis tapi akan membantu jika ibu biologis menyusui bayi sehingga bayi belajar menyusu. Ini memungkinkan bayi menyusu, mendapat kolostrum dan tidak mendapat tambahan asupan selain ASI sejak awal. Pilihan lainnya adalah dengan meminta ibu yang melahirkannya untuk memerah ASI pada beberapa minggu pertama sehingga Anda dapat memberikan ASI perah sebagai tambahan ASI Anda sendiri, menggunakan alat bantu menyusui pada payudara (lihat bagian ’s’).
  4. Pelekatan yang baik menjadi semakin penting ketika ibu tidak memiliki pasokan ASI yang penuh. Pelekatan yang baik biasanya berarti menyusui tanpa rasa sakit. Pelekatan yang baik berarti bayi mendapat ASI Anda lebih banyak, tanpa memandang apakah ASI Anda berlimpah atau minimal. (Lihat lembar informasi Ketika Melekat/When Latching).
  5. Jika bayi Anda perlu mendapat suplementasi (tambahan asupan), maka sebaiknya dilakukan dengan alat bantu menyusui dengan saat bayi sedang menyusu pada payudara (lihat lembar informasi Alat Bantu Menyusui/Lactation Aid). Bayi belajar menyusu dengan menyusu pada payudara, bukan dengan menyusu dengan gelas, jari atau dengan botol. Tentu saja Anda dapat menggunakan ASI yang telah Anda perah sebelumnya. Anda juga bisa mendapatkan ASI dari Bank ASI jika tersedia, karena merupakan yang terbaik kedua setelah ASI perah Anda. Dengan alat bantu menyusui, bayi Anda akan tetap menyusu meskipun mendapat tambahan asupan; lagi pula, bukankah Anda inginmenyusui bayi Anda?
  6. Jika Anda mengalami kesulitan untuk membuat bayi Anda menyusu, datanglah ke klinik laktasi sesegera mungkin untuk mendapat bantuan. Bahkan, Anda perlu didampingi oleh seorang konsultan laktasi atau seseorang yang berpengalaman membantu ibu menyusui.
Menghasilkan ASI

Segera sesudah bayi di dekat Anda, kontak klinik menyusui dan persiapkan pasokan ASI Anda. Pahami bahwa Anda mungkin tidak akan pernah menghasilkan pasokan yang cukup untuk bayi Anda, meskipun ada kemungkinan Anda dapat mencukupinya. Jangan putus asa dengan jumlah ASI yang berhasil diperah sebelum bayi Anda lahir, karena pompa tidak pernah bisa mengeluarkan ASI sebanyak bayi yang melekat dan mengisap dengan baik. 

Tujuan utama dari memompa ASI sebelum bayi lahir adalah untuk mengeluarkan ASI dari payudara, sehingga payudara dapat menghasilkan lebih banyak, bukan hanya untuk membuat simpanan pasokan ASI sebelum bayi lahir, meskipun hal ini juga baik jika bisa dilakukan.

Di bawah ini dibahas penggunaan obat-obatan pada poin A dan B, membantu Anda mempersiapkan payudara untuk menghasilkan ASI. Kita berusaha membuat tubuh Anda berpikir bahwa Anda sedang hamil. Obat-obatan bukanlah persyaratan mutlak bagi Anda untuk menghasilkan ASI, tapi dapat membantu Anda menghasilkan lebih banyak.
  1. Hormon–Estrogen dan Progesteron. Jika Anda mengetahui dari jauh-jauh hari, katakanlah paling tidak 3 atau 4 bulan, perawatan dengan kombinasi estrogen dan progesteron dapat membantu mempersiaplan payudara Anda untuk menghasilkan ASI. Pil KB adalah salah satu cara mendapatkan hormon ini, tapi lewatkan plasebonya (pil gula selama satu minggu setiap empat minggu) dan lanjutkan ke paket berikutnya; cara lainnya adalah menggunakan koyo estrogen ditempelkan di payudara ditambah progesteron oral. Dapatkan informasi mengenai protokol ini dari klinik dan lihat Protokol Newman-Goldfarb untuk Induksi Laktasi di www.asklenore.info. Kami menyarankan Anda mengkonsumsi hormon-hormon ini sampai 6 minggu sebelum bayi lahir.
  2. Domperidone. Lihat lembar informasi Domperidone, Memulai Penggunaan/Domperidone, Getting Started dan Domperidone, Mengakhiri Penggunaan/Domperidone, Stopping). Dosis awalnya adalah 30 mg tiga kali sehari, tetapi kami pernah menggunakan hingga dosis 40 mg 4 kali sehari. Domperidone dilanjutkan ketika hormon telah dihentikan. Biasanya perlu meneruskannya selama beberapa bulan setelah Anda mulai menyusui. Lihat lembar-lembar informasi tersebut untuk informasi lebih lanjut. Tanyakan di klinik.
  3. Memompa. Jika memungkinkan, sewalah sebuah pompa elektrik dengan pompa ganda. Memompa kedua payudara pada saat yang sama menghemat separuh dari waktu yang biasa, dan menghasilkan produksi ASI yang lebih baik. Mulailah memompa saat Anda menghentikan pil KB. Lakukan yang memungkinkan. Jika memungkinkan dua kali sehari pada awalnya, maka lakukan dua kali sehari. Jika bisa melakukan satu kali sehari selama hari kerja, tetapi bisa enam kali sehari pada akhir pekan, lakukan demikian. Pasangan Anda juga dapat membantu stimulasi puting (lihat lembar informasi Memerah ASI/Expressing Milk)
Tapi akankah saya menghasilkan seluruh ASI yang dibutuhkan bayi?

Mungkin ya, mungkin tidak. Jika tidak, tetap susui bayi Anda, biarkan diri Anda dan bayi menikmati hubungan istimewa yang terjadi saat menyusui. Dalam kasus apapun, sedikit ASI lebih baik daripada tidak sama sekali.

Sangat Penting
jika Anda memutuskan mengkonsumsi obat-obatan (hormon dan/atau domperidone), dokter keluarga Anda harus mengerti apa yang Anda minum dan mengapa Anda meminumnya. Adalah penting untuk menjalani pemeriksaan fisik dan tekanan darah sebelum memulai protokol ini. Efek samping yang signifikian jarang terjadi, tapi tidak berarti tidak mungkin terjadi. Anda perlu dipantau oleh dokter Anda, dan segera setelah bayi Anda bersama Anda, dokter anak Anda perlu mengetahui bahwa Anda menyusuinya dan perlu memantau kemajuan bayi seperti bayi-bayi lainnya.

Pertanyaan? 
Pertama-tama kunjungi laman nbci.ca atau drjacknewman.com. Jika informasi yang Anda butuhkan tidak ada, klik Contact Us dan tulis pertanyaan Anda ke dalam email. 

Informasi juga tersedia di dalam Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding (atau The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers); dan/atau DVD kami, 

Dr. Jack Newman's Visual Guide to Breastfeeding (tersedia dalam bahasa Perancis atau dengan teks dalam bahasa Spanyol, Portugis dan Itali); dan/atau The Latch Book and Other Keys to Breastfeeding Success; dan/atau L-eat Latch and Transfer Tool; dan/atau GamePlan for Protecting and Supporting Breastfeeding in the First 24 Hours of Life and Beyond.

untuk membuat perjanjian dengan klinik kami kunjungi www.nbci.ca. jika Anda kesulitan mengirim email atau mendapat akses internet, hubungi (416) 498-0002.
Menyusui Bayi Adopsi atau Bayi yang Dilahirkan oleh Ibu Pengganti , 2009©
Written and revised (under other names) by Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC, 1995-2005©
Revised by Jack Newman MD, FRCPC, IBCLC and Edith Kernerman IBCLC, 2008, 2009©

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Hairy things

10 Foods for Stronger Nails and Thicker Hair

http://time.com/3481714/10-foods-stronger-nails-thicker-hair/

Hair and nails
Plush Studios—Getty Images/Blend Images

Looking good is just as much about taking care of your body on the inside as it is about using products on the outside. And we’re not just talking about your skin: “A nutritious diet promotes healthy nails and hair, too,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. But there’s no need to add a refrigerator’s worth of new foods to your diet. “Since both hair and nails are made of keratin, through a similar process in the body, it’s thought that nutrients that help one can also help the other,” says Dr. Zeichner. Ready to say bye-bye to brittleness? Read on for foods that give your hair and nails a boost.

Whey protein
“Your hair needs protein to produce keratin, the proteins that make hair strong,” says Dr. Zeichner. “If hair doesn’t receive enough protein, it can go into a ‘resting phase,’ causing noticeable hair loss,” adds Beth Warren, author of Living a Real Life with Real Food. Try adding a scoop of whey protein to your morning smoothie for simple boost. (Bonus: Whey protein may help control your appetite. In one study, people who drank whey protein ate 18% less two hours later than those who drank a carb-heavy beverage.)
Red meat
A juicy steak is loaded with protein, and it also has another nutrient that’s important for hair and nail health: iron. “People with iron-deficiency anemia often have thin hair,” says Dr. Zeichner. And according the American Family Physician, iron-deficiency is associated with koilonychia—a nail disease characterized by spoon-shaped nails. That doesn’t mean you should eat red meat every day of the week. Red meat is high in saturated fat, and eating a lot of it has been associated with an increased risk of several health problems including heart disease, several types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes. But you can safely indulge in a lean cut of beef once a week. If you think you may be deficient in iron, talk to your doctor about starting a supplement.
Blueberries
“Antioxidants help protect your body’s cells against free radical damage,” says Erin Palinski, RD, author of Belly Fat Diet For Dummies. “This damage increases stress hormones and inflammation, which impacts all cells in the body, including those in the hair and nails.” Among other fruits and dark greens, Palinski calls out blueberries: “They have one of the highest antioxidant properties of all fruits,” she says.
Almonds
Not only are almonds a good source of protein, they’re loaded with magnesium, which helps maintain healthy hair and nails. “Magnesium is Mother Nature’s anti-stress mineral, and stress is a major factor in hair loss,” explains Ashley Koff, RD. “Vertical ridges in your nails may be a sign of inadequate magnesium,” adds Palinski. You can also get more magnesium through leafy greens, cacao nibs, and soybeans.
Beer
Beer is one of the richest sources of silicon in the average diet, says research from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. “Silicon is a trace mineral thought to increase circulation to the scalp, which is good news for hair growth,” says Rebecca Kazin, MD, dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology. That explains why a daily 10-milligram silicon supplement was shown to reduce hair and nail brittleness after 20 weeks, according to theArchives of Dermatological Research. No need to go overboard, though: Most single servings of beer contain more than 10 milligrams of silicon. Experts recommend that having no more than one drink a day if you’re a woman, and two if you’re a man.
Oysters
“Zinc is needed for many biological processes, including making proteins like those in your hair and nails,” explains Dr. Zeichner. Oysters have 74 grams of zinc per serving, far more than any other food, says the National Institutes of Health. Not lucky enough to eat oysters every day? Beef, poultry, fortified cereals, and baked beans can also help you up your intake.
Milk
More research still needs to be done, but some studies suggest a link between vitamin D and hair loss. Example: Women with hair shedding had lower vitamin D levels than women with healthy hair, according to a Skin Pharmacology Physiology study. Plus, Koff says calcium is a key mineral in building healthy hair and nails (note: you need vitamin D to absorb calcium). Of course, vitamin-D fortified milk offers both, but speak to your doctor about a vitamin D supplement if you think you might be deficient.
Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein and contain some vitamin D, and they also have biotin. “Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, may play a role in the development of keratin,” says Dr. Zeichner, who explains that patients with biotin deficiency often have weak hair and nails.
Note: If you have a major nail concerns, you may want to consider a biotin supplement. A daily dose of 2.5 milligrams may strengthen brittle nails, says a Journal of Drugs in Dermatology review, and that’s too much to get from food (you’d need to eat over 300 eggs, in fact).
Salmon
Salmon is a good source of biotin and protein, along with omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, and promote healthy, moisturized skin. And don’t forget, your scalp is skin, too: “A healthy scalp means healthy hair follicles, which mean healthy hair,” says Dr. Zeichner. Omega-3s’ inflammation-reducing effects are also good for your nails: “Inflammation impairs the healthy development of your nail plate,” says Dr. Kazin.
Brazil nuts
Rats deficient in selenium (a trace element linked to protection against oxidative stress) have sparse hair growth, says a study in PLoS One. Just six to eight Brazil nuts meet almost 800% of your recommended daily value, according to the National Institutes of Health.

16 Hair Myths You Need to Stop Believing

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20810743,00.html?xid=Time-stronger-nails-092914

Debunking hair myths

by Kiera Aaron

hair-myths

Whether you've got long locks or a trendy pixie, you probably have your own unique hair challenges—maybe it's a weird cowlick or unruly curls. In any case, separating hair fallacies from facts will help you concentrate on things that will actually help your hair grow healthier and look better. Here, myths about your hair, and how you can use the truth to your (beautiful) benefit.

Cutting your hair frequently makes it grow faster

cut-hair-longer

"Trimming your hair doesn't affect growth," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "That happens at the scalp." But there's a reason experts suggest trimming your hair every six to eight weeks: "Frayed ends makehair look thinner and cause breakage, so when you cut them off, your hair appears fuller," says Melissa Piliang, MD, dermatologist and hair specialist at the Cleveland Clinic.

If you pluck one gray hair, two will grow back in its place

gray-hair

This one only seems true because one gray usually means more grays. "This myth probably started because people plucked one gray hair, then noticed more afterwards," says Dr. Piliang. Sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but more silver strands would have surfaced no matter what—you can't blame the plucking itself. 

Still, that's not a license to launch a full-on plucking war on your grays. "Your hair will become weaker if it's plucked too much over time, and it'll eventually stop growing back," warns Dr. Piliang. "That's not a big deal if you're plucking here and there, but it'll add up if you start going gray all over." Time to celebrate your silvers or book an appointment with a colorist

Shampooing makes your hair shed

change-shampoo

Don't blame the shower: If yourhair is going to fall out, it will simply fall out somewhere else, albeit somewhere less noticeable (thanks, clogged drain). "This is the biggest myth I hear," says Dr. Piliang. "People often lose hair in the shower, so they associate shampooing with shedding." Problem is, if you cut back on washing in an effort to spare your hair, you can actually make the problem worse. "Oil buildup can cause inflammation, which stunts hair growth."

Address the real problem: "Stress is often the culprit behind shedding—divorce, surgery, a death in the family can make it more severe," says Dr. Piliang. Try these eightnatural stress relievers, and add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender, tea tree oil, and rosemary, to your shampoo; they may stimulate hair growth, according to a Journal of Cosmetic Dermatologyreview.

The more you brush your hair, the healthier it will be

comb-hair

If you've ever groaned at the idea of running a brush through your hair 100 times a day, you'll like this one: there's no value in brushing your hair more than you already do. In fact, excessive brushing may do more harm than good. "Over-brushing can damage your hair's cuticle," says Dr. Piliang. (That's your hair's outer, protective layer.) Brush your hair when it's knotty, but leave it alone otherwise.

Color-treated hair is unhealthy

hair-dye

Bleaching is indeed one of the worst things you can do to your hair, but not all types of color treatments should have a bad rep. "Removing color from the hair makes each strand thinner and more prone to breakage," says Dr. Piliang. But adding color actually plumps up your strands, making your locks look thicker. "I tell my patients it's okay to color their hair, as long as they're going darker."

You can't dye your hair when you're pregnant

pregnant-hair

"The main concern with dyeing your hair during pregnancy is the risk associated with inhaling ammonia, not the risk of it being absorbed into your scalp," says Carrie Ann Terrell, MD, an OB-GYN and professor at the University of Minnesota. "But the levels of ammonia are so low that it's not a problem, especially if you go to a salon, which will have industrial strength ventilation." Still, some women prefer the natural route. Henna is a plant-derived, ammonia-free dye, making it a favorite among pregnant women.

Using the right products will make your hair thicker

man-hair-products

Most people think healthy-looking hair is all about external factors like the weather or the products you use. But what you eat affects your hair more than you think. "It takes your body a lot of energy to grow hair," says Dr. Piliang. "It needs nutrients." That means if you're on a restrictive diet, your body won't be able to dedicate energy to your hair, since it'll be too busy worrying about your essential organs. Make sure you're getting enough carbs, protein, and healthy fats, and pay extra attention to zinc, iron, and vitamin D. "They're crucial vitamins for hair growth, and a lot of women are deficient," says Dr. Piliang. Talk to your doctor about a supplement if your levels are low—especially if you don't eat red meat (which is loaded with iron).

Switching shampoos is good for your hair

shampoo-change

"It's fine to switch shampoos, if you like different effects (one is anti-dandruff, one is volumizing, and so on), but it's perfectly fine to use the same shampoo every time you wash," says Dr. Piliang. As for thatmy hair looks so great with this new shampoo feeling? You're probably just liking the novelty: Shampoos do have different effects, says Dr. Piliang, but it's not necessary to switch unless you want something new.

Dandruff signifies a dry scalp

dandruff

We're used to equating flakes with dryness, so it's an easy mistake to make, but it's an oily scalp that usually goes hand in hand with dandruff. "Dandruff is caused by a type of yeast that tends to overgrow in an oily environment," says Dr. Piliang. "Dandruff is your body's reaction to the yeast." That's a problem if you cut down on washing in an attempt to diminish dandruff: use an anti-dandruff shampoo, but don't scale back your suds sessions.

Sudsy shampoos clean your hair better

shampoo-spud

Shampoos don't necessarily need to lather to get the job done. "We're just used to associating a lather with cleanliness," says Dr. Piliang. But sulfates, the foaming agent added to many shampoos, can fade your color if you dye your hair. What's more, there's some debate about possible harmful effects. The American Cancer Society has deemed sulfates safe, but some lab tests suggest sulfates might pose a cancer risk, explains Mitchell Kline, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Weill Cornell Medical College.

If you prefer to play it safe (but still like that sudsy sensation), try a sulfate-free shampoo that has glycerin. "Glycerin creates the soapy lather a lot of people like, with no known risks," says Dr. Kline.

Air-drying is healthier than blow-drying

blow-dry-hair

Yes, you should spare your hair the blast of hot air, but sometimes you just need it to be dry in 15 minutes. But what if we told you that air-drying isn't all it's cracked up to be? An Annals of Dermatology studycomparing blow-dried hair to naturally-dried hair found that blow-drying causes more damage to the hair's surface (as expected), but air-drying can create damage deeper within strands. 

Researchers say that the interior of the hair swells when exposed to water for extended periods of time, possibly creating more damage than heat styling. (Yes, our minds were blown, too.) Your best bet, according to this study, is to use the lowest heat setting on your dryer (or hold it at least six inches away from your hair), making sure to move the dryer continuously, so you don't concentrate heat on any one spot for too long.

Oils are a no-go if your hair is greasy

oily-hair-tips

Only if you apply oil to your scalp: "Oils applied to the ends of the hair will add shine and luster," says Dr. Piliang. Even better: Unlike products that sit on the hair's surface creating the illusion of healthy hair, some oils have the ability to penetrate the hair's cuticle and actually make it healthier. Coconut oil was shown to protect against bleach, heat, and UV damage in a Journal of Cosmetic Science study; and argan oil was shown to protect against hair lightening-induced protein loss in aJournal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications study. Mix 20 drops of pure argan oil with 3.5 fl oz. conditioner (about the size of a bottle you'd carry-on a plane) for the benefits without the grease, says Robson Miranda da Gama, professor of cosmetology at Santo Amaro University in Brazil, and author of the argan oil study. He suggests this mixture for all hair types.

You should wash your hair every other day

shampoo

First you heard that you should wash your hair every day, then you started hearing that you should suds up every other day. Throw all the hair-washing rules out the window, and actually pay attention to the look and feel of your hair. Everyone's hair is different. If your hair is oily at the roots, wash it. If not, skip washing until you start feeling greasy. People with dry hair may want to let their scalp become slightly oily to ensure they're not over-washing it, says Dr. Zeichner.

Men inherit baldness from their mother's side of the family

men-balding

Here's a little biology 101: If you're a man, your mother gave you an "X" chromosome and your father gave you a "Y." (Women receive two Xs.) "Many people think male pattern baldness is an X-linked trait, passed down from the mother's side," says Luis Garza, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who studies balding. But you can't blame mom for this one: "We suspect multiple genes, from both mom and dad, contribute to baldness," Dr. Garza says. 

Wearing hats can cause hair loss

man-hat-hair

"The idea is that hats cut off circulation to the scalp, causing hair loss," says Dr. Zeichner. "But it's just an old wives' tale." Male pattern baldness is caused by genetics, and is turned on by things like high testosterone and stress, explains Dr. Garza. "People probably just noticed hair in their hats and made the false connection," he adds. That doesn't mean you'll need to hide under your hat if you see the first signs of balding: Dr. Garza says a minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine) regimen works preventively, not just after-the-fact. (It can be used by both men and women.) There are also other treatments for male pattern baldness.

You should towel-dry your hair

hair-towel

If you're like most people, you exit the shower, immediately reach for a towel, and start rubbing your hair vigorously. Don't. "Towel drying is rough on your hair, and can promote breakage," says Dr. Zeichner. Instead, gently squeeze your hair with a towel, and then comb it with a wide-toothed comb to remove excess water.

21 Reasons Why You're Losing Your Hair

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20727114,00.html?xid=Time-stronger-nails-092914

Why is my hair falling out?

by Amanda Gardner

woman-hair-loss

It's true that men are more likely to lose their hair than women, mostly due to male pattern baldness (more on that later). 

But thinning hair and hair loss are also common in women, and no less demoralizing. Reasons can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition. 

In many cases, there are ways to treat both male and female hair loss. It all depends on the cause. Here are some common and not-so-common reasons why you might be seeing less hair on your head.

Physical stress


sick-hospital

Any kind of physical trauma—surgery, a car accident, or a severe illness, even the flu—can cause temporary hair loss. This can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Hair has a programmed life cycle: a growth phase, rest phase and shedding phase. “When you have a really stressful event, it can shock the hair cycle, (pushing) more hair into the shedding phase,” explains Marc Glashofer, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Hair loss often becomes noticeable three-to-six months after the trauma. 

What to do: The good news is that hair will start growing back as your body recovers.

Pregnancy

hair-loss-pregnancy

Pregnancy is one example of the type of physical stress that can cause hair loss (that and hormones). Pregnancy-related hair loss is seen more commonly after your baby has been delivered rather than actually during pregnancy. “Giving birth is pretty traumatic,” says Dr. Glashofer. 

What to do: If you do experience hair loss, rest assured that your hair will grow back in a couple of months. “It’s a normal thing and it will work its way out,” Dr. Glashofer says.

Too much vitamin A

vitamin-A-supplements

Overdoing vitamin A-containing supplements or medications can trigger hair loss, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The Daily Value for vitamin A is 5,000 International Units (IU) per day for adults and kids over age 4; supplements can contain 2,500 to 10,000 IU. 

What to do: This is a reversible cause of hair loss and once the excess vitamin A is halted, hair should grow normally.

Lack of protein

fish-protein

If you don't get enough protein in your diet, your body may ration protein by shutting down hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This can happen about two to three months after a drop in protein intake, they say. 

What to do: There are many great sources of protein, including fish, meat, and eggs. If you don't eat meat or animal products, here are the 14 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Protein Sources.

Male pattern baldness

male-bald-balding-hair

About two out of three men experience hair loss by age 60, and most of the time it's due to male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss, caused by a combo of genes and male sex hormones, usually follows a classic pattern in which the hair recedes at the temples, leaving an M-shaped hairline. 

What to do: There are topical creams like minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral medications such as finasteride (Propecia) that can halt hair loss or even cause some to grow; surgery to transplant or graft hair is also an option.

Heredity

hair-loss-genetics

Female-pattern hair loss, called androgenic or androgenetic alopecia, is basically the female version of male pattern baldness. “If you come from a family where women started to have hair loss at a certain age, then you might be more prone to it,” says Dr. Glashofer. Unlike men, women don't tend to have a receding hairline, instead their part may widen and they may have noticeable thinning of hair. 

What to do: Like men, women may benefit from minoxidil (Rogaine) to help grow hair, or at least, maintain the hair you have, Dr. Glashofer says. Rogaine is available over-the-counter and is approved for women with this type of hair loss.

Female hormones

hair-loss-hormones

Just as pregnancy hormone changes can cause hair loss, so can switching or going off birth-control pills. This can also cause telogen effluvium, and it may be more likely if you have a family history of hair loss. The change in the hormonal balance that occurs at menopause may also have the same result. “The androgen (male hormone) receptors on the scalp becoming activated,” explains Mark Hammonds, MD, a dermatologist with Scott & White Clinic in Round Rock, Texas. “The hair follicles will miniaturize and then you start to lose more hair.” 

What to do: If a new Rx is a problem, switch back or talk to your doctor about other birth control types. Stopping oral contraceptives can also sometimes cause hair loss, but this is temporary, says Dr. Hammonds. Don't make your problem worse with hair-damaging beauty regimens.

Emotional stress

hair-loss-accident

Emotional stress is less likely to cause hair loss than physical stress, but it can happen, for instance, in the case of divorce, after the death of a loved one, or while caring for an aging parent. More often, though, emotional stress won't actually precipitate the hair loss. It will exacerbate a problem that's already there, says Dr. Glashofer. 

What to do: As with hair loss due to physical stress, this shedding will eventually abate. While it's not known if reducing stress can help your hair, it can't hurt either. Take steps to combat stress and anxiety, like getting more exercise, tryingtalk therapy, or getting more support if you need it. 

Anemia

hair-loss-anemia

Almost one in 10 women aged 20 through 49 suffers from anemia due to an iron deficiency (the most common type of anemia), which is an easily fixable cause of hair loss. You doctor will have to do a blood test to determine for sure if you have this type of anemia. 

What to do: A simple iron supplement should correct the problem. In addition to hair loss, other symptoms of anemia include fatigue, headache, dizziness, pale skin, and cold hands and feet.

Hypothyroidism

hair-loss-thyroid

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for having an underactive thyroid gland. This little gland located in your neck produces hormones that are critical to metabolism as well as growth and development and, when it’s not pumping out enough hormones, can contribute to hair loss. Your doctor can do tests to determine the real cause 

What to do: Synthetic thyroid medication will take care of the problem. Once your thyroid levels return to normal, so should your hair.

Vitamin B deficiency

hair-loss-vitamins

Although relatively uncommon in the U.S., low levels of vitamin B are another correctible cause of hair loss. 

What to do: Like anemia, simple supplementation should help the problem. So can dietary changes. Find natural vitamin B in fish, meat, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. As always, eating a balanced diet plentiful in fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein and “good” fats such as avocado and nuts will be good for your hair and your overall health.

Autoimmune-related hair loss

hair-loss-steroids

This is also called alopecia areata and basically is a result of an overactive immune system. “The body gets confused,” says Dr. Glashofer. “The immune system sees the hair as foreign and targets it by mistake.” 

What to do: Steroid injections are the first line of treatment for alopecia areata, which appears as hair loss in round patches on the head. Other drugs, including Rogaine, may also be used. The course of the condition can be unpredictable, with hair growing back then falling out again.

Lupus

hair-loss-brush

Other autoimmune diseases such aslupus can also cause hair loss. Again it’s a case of mistaken identity: overzealous immune cells attack the hair. Unfortunately, hair loss of this type is “scarring,” meaning the hair will not grow back, says Dr. Hammonds. 

What to do: If the hair loss is mild, you might want to try a new hairstyle to camouflage the damage. Short hair, for instance, is stronger than long hair and may hide bald patches better.

Dramatic weight loss

hair-loss-weight-loss

Sudden weight loss is a form of physical trauma that can result in thinning hair. This could happen even if the weight loss is ultimately good for you. It’s possible that the weight loss itself is stressing your body or that not eating right can result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Loss of hair along with noticeable weight loss may also be a sign of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. 

What to do: "Sudden weight loss seems to shock the system and you’ll have a six-month period of hair loss and then it corrects itself,” says Dr. Hammonds.

Chemotherapy

hair-loss-chemo

Some of the drugs used to beat back cancer unfortunately can also cause your hair to fall out. “Chemotherapy is like a nuclear bomb,” says Dr. Glashofer. “It destroys rapidly dividing cells. That means cancer cells, but also rapidly dividing cells like hair.” 

What to do: Once chemotherapy is stopped, your hair will grow back although often it will come back with a different texture (perhaps curly when before it was straight) or a different color. Researchers are working on more targeted drugs to treat cancer, ones that would bypass this and other side effects. In the meantime, Here's How to Deal With Thinning Hair During Chemo.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

hair-loss-men-women

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another imbalance in male and female sex hormones. An excess of androgens can lead to ovarian cysts, weight gain, a higher risk of diabetes, changes in your menstrual period, infertility, as well as hair thinning. Because male hormones are overrepresented in PCOS, women may also experience more hair on the face and body. 

What to do: Treating PCOS can correct the hormone imbalance and help reverse some of these changes. Treatments include diet, exercise, and potentially birth control pills, as well as specific treatment to address infertility or diabetes risk.

Antidepressants, blood thinners, and more

hair-loss-medication

Certain other classes of medication may also promote hair loss. More common among them are certain blood thinners and the blood-pressure drugs known as beta-blockers. Other drugs that might cause hair loss include methotrexate (used to treat rheumatic conditionsand some skin conditions), lithium (for bipolar disorder), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, and possiblyantidepressants

What to do: If your doctor determines that one or more of your medications is causing hair loss, talk with him or her about either lowering the dose or switching to another medicine.

Overstyling

hair-loss-corn-rolls

Vigorous styling and hair treatments over the years can cause your hair to fall out. Examples of extreme styling include tight braids, hair weaves or corn rows as well as chemical relaxers to straighten your hair, hot-oil treatments or any kind of harsh chemical or high heat. Because these practices can actually affect the hair root, your hair might not grow back. 

What to do: In addition to avoiding these styles and treatments, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using conditioner after every shampoo, letting your hair air dry, limiting the amount of time the curling iron comes in contact with your hair and using heat-driven products no more than once a week.

Trichotillomania

hair-loss-pulling

Trichotillomania, classified as an “impulse control disorder,” causes people to compulsively pull their hair out. “It’s sort of like a tic, the person is constantly playing and pulling their hair,” says Dr. Glashofer says. Unfortunately, this constant playing and pulling can actually strip your head of its natural protection: hair. Trichotillomania often begins before the age of 17 and is four times as common in women as in men. 

What to do: Some antidepressants may be effective, but behavioral modification therapy is another option.

Aging

hair-loss-old-age

It’s not uncommon to see hair loss or thinning of the hair in women as they enter their 50s and 60s, says Dr. Glashofer. Experts aren’t sure why this happens. 

What to do: Experts don't recommend that this condition be treated, says Dr. Hammonds. That leaves women with cosmetic approaches such as scarves, wigs and hair styled so as to cover up thin spots. That said, there are also plenty of tricks to prevent hair breakage and ways to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy in your 50s and above.

Anabolic steroids

muscle-steroids

If you take anabolic steroids—the type abused by some athletes to bulk up muscle—you could lose your hair, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Anabolic steroids can have the same impact on the body as polycystic ovary disease (PCOS), as the mechanism is the same, says Dr. Hammonds. 

What to do: This should improve after going off the drug.