Science has always come up with solutions whenever humanity stumbles upon a new problem to deal with.

What is Biotin?

Biotin is yet another name of a member of the Vitamin family, Vitamin B-7 to be precise. However, the interesting thing is that it plays a crucial role in various activities within the body, has a major say in conditions like pregnancy and is also required for healthy breastfeeding.

What makes Biotin a big deal?

It is quite important to understand that in order to get itself established in the health industry, any product has to provide its claimed solutions to its users. If it's all smoke and mirrors, it can never manage to be something people can trust.

Let's see if Biotin manages to be a vitamin that can truly transform one's health and life.

Here is the list of 5 benefits that are direct effects of consuming Biotin in any of its forms, may it be natural or supplement. Products like biotin supplements are proven to be strong defenders of this situation by providing observable health benefits in a number of ways.

How is Biotin related to health?

Biotin deficiency is related to hair loss.

Let's start with the most common health benefit associated with the use of  Biotin. It's not rare to find people who lose their precious hair because of Biotin deficiency. There is enough scientific data to support the fact that Biotin deficiency is related to hair loss. This has opened ways to take Biotin supplements because they are good at filling the gap that causes the deficiency. You may check out the best hair growth supplements and what you need to know to grow your hair.

Biotin plays an important role in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Data suggests that 50% of the women out there fail to get sufficient Vitamin B-7 during their pregnancy and breastfeeding time. Biotin requirement of the body gets pumped up in both of these conditions and more animal tests have reflected the signs of birth defects due to its deficiency. The fact is that Vitamin B-7 deficiency is caused due to its heavy breakdown during pregnancy.

A pregnant woman is encouraged to make an early visit to her doctor if she is expecting a baby anytime soon.

Biotin ensures smooth macronutrient metabolism.

Macronutrients? Let me start this off by telling what macronutrients are. They are the collective name for protein, fat, and carbohydrates. However, it turns out that these micronutrients are dependent on Biotin in order to get synthesized and that's the reason why the body requires Biotin-containing enzymes for carrying out the metabolism of various amino acids, some of them being as crucial as Leucine.

Apart from this, fatty acids also require this vitamin for their synthesis. And that's not all! Studies have shown that Biotin is extremely important in enabling the process of gluconeogenesis. By converting non-carbohydrate sources into glucose, this process provides the energy required by the body.

Biotin is the solution to chipped, cracked, split, and brittle nails.

Do you know one out of every five persons on Earth has some form of nail condition? Having a 20% probability of you being that person, the door that has Biotin on the other side should be the perfect one to knock. Various studies have shown visible improvement in the quality of nails as a result of Biotin consumption.

Biotin lowers the blood sugar level in Type 2 Diabetes.

Last but not the least, Biotin has a significant impact on the blood sugar levels in the case of Type 2 Diabetes. This is because of the fact that Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic disease and Biotin helps to improve the metabolism of the body. This can prove to be a ray of hope for those who are suffering from this deadly disease and shockingly the numbers are not small.

Mouthwash Matters 

On television commercials and in magazine articles, people sing praise to the latest whitening fads, from kinds of toothpaste to strips to trays to tech devices. Everyone wants the look of a bright, beaming, beautiful smile. However, how often do you hear about oral health? 

Beyond brushing and flossing, rinsing with mouthwash is the healthiest thing you can do for your smile. Mouthwash has a multitude of benefits. It: 

• Cleans hard-to-reach crevices of the tongue and cheeks

• Rinses bacteria

• Fights against tooth decay

• Counters gingivitis

• Promotes healthy teeth and gums

• Freshens breath 

Some varieties of mouthwash cater to special oral needs by reporting whitening benefits and dry mouth curing properties. They can also help with other issues like fungus, which can appear as a black spot on your tongue. In this particular example, make sure you check with your doctor if the spot does not go away after using your mouthwash regularly.

Despite the advantages of traditional over-the-counter varieties, these options have their downsides. The main disadvantage is that supermarket varieties are antiseptics that destroy the microbial balance in your mouth. Imagine consuming a daily antibiotic to avoid getting sick. That would wreak havoc on your body, so why do that to your mouth? Good bacteria are usually discussed in terms of the gut but do not neglect them in your mouth. Instead, use homemade mouthwash recipes to boost your dental routine. 

Have you heard suspicions about the artificial additives in the food we eat every day? From sodas to prepackaged foods, you have surely heard the criticisms. If you have cleaned up your diet, also consider your body, face, and mouth care products. 

Traditional mouthwashes are loaded with two pesky ingredients: artificial sweeteners and alcohol. Both of these ingredients can burn and irritate sensitive mouths. If you experience dry mouth, consider that the ingredients in your oral care products may be to blame. 

Alcohol—including the ever-popular ethanol—can exasperate dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. So, t turns out that parched mouth you are experiencing may not be from nerves or dehydration. If a health condition is contributing to your dry mouth, the alcohol in oral hygiene products on the market probably irritate and inflame the issue. Natural solutions avoid that issue entirely. Plus, alcohol-free options are proven to give people glossier, brighter, whiter teeth that will be in less need of dental restoration. Why wait to try out these healthier choices for a happier mouth? 

Now that you know most mouthwashes on the market do more harm than good in your mouth, consider going the DIY route. However, can you actually trust that mild, home crafted rinses will provide the benefits you need? Yes! Natural solutions offer four key benefits that you would want in any mouthwash. They work to: 

• Prevent plaque build-up

• Loosen food particles

• Health canker sores/ulcers in the mouth

• Help keep cavities away 

The best part is that the benefits can be customized by tweaking recipe ingredients. Experiment to tailor them to your needs and wants. So, what can those pre-made mouthwashes do those natural ones cannot? Not much. Keep reading for two great recipes to start your journey into natural oral care. 

The great thing about these two simple mouthwash recipes is that whether you are a seasoned natural health lover or new to the natural lifestyle, you will probably have these ingredients in your bathroom and kitchen cabinets. That makes these unbeatable in the convenience and accessibility departments. What can you lose by giving these a try? Make it a fun project with craft groups or kids to explore hands-on health hacks together. 

Want a quick tip? Just be sure to re-make homemade mouthwashes daily. The lack of preservatives means that these healthier options have a short shelf life. 

This is a mouthwash that packs the invigoration of traditional mouthwashes without the dryness, sensitivity, and disruption to your mouth. Hydrogen peroxide is the base of this quick fix. It is a natural antiseptic that berates the bad bacteria, sending gingivitis and plaque out your trap. Peppermint essential oil will work to freshen breath and treat canker sores, oral wounds, and swollen gums. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of filtered water

• 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide

• 6 drops of peppermint essential oil 

To make, combine water, hydrogen peroxide, and peppermint essential oil in a glass jar. Then, shake it. To use, swish approximately an ounce of the mixture in your mouth for ten seconds. Spit the rinse out, and reap the advantages. 

This recipe is another quick, easy, functional option. Baking soda is known as a tooth whitening back, but it is used in this recipe for its antibacterial properties that eliminate bad breath and prevent gum diseases including gingivitis. Tea tree oil is recommended to avoid bad breath and heal sores. Peppermint and spearmint oils will combat the heavy scent of tea tree oil and finish this rinse off with a refreshing note, much more palatable to those weaning off of pre-made oral care items. However, feel free to adapt the essential oils to meet your needs. Some people enjoy a citrus oil blend or a cinnamon oil blend. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

• Essential oils 

To make, in a mason jar, add warm water. To that, add in the baking soda. Once that has dissolved, add in desired essential oils. Try out 5 drops of tea tree oil and 7 drops of peppermint or spearmint oil. Shake or whisk together ingredients. To use, swish a big mouthful of the concoction in the mouth before spitting. 

Bonus: something completely different

If you can’t be bothered to mix your own mouthwash, there is an old Ayurvedic practice you might want to try: Oil Pulling. This basically means swishing a tablespoon of coconut, sesame or sunflower oil around your mouth for 20 minutes. Then you spit it out and rinse your mouth with salted water. After which you brush and floss. The oil is said to pull toxins from your mouth, as well as loosen up any debris and plaque. People have also reported getting whiter teeth. 

With such uncomplicated ways to experiment with better-for-you oral hygiene, mouthwash is an easy swap to make if you want to dip your toes into natural health and beauty options. 

Paired with a solid routine of brushing and flossing twice daily, this mouthwash can perfect your smile in terms of health and beauty. Try out these recipes and share your results.

Why are mosquitoes attracted to certain people? 

Scientists have proven that aside from genetics, certain elements in the body chemistry found in excess in the skin can make mosquitoes attracted to people. People with high cholesterol, lactic acid, and who emits more carbon dioxide can be mosquito magnets.

Despite keeping the surroundings free from the stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and maintaining a cleaner environment, it is inevitable that sometimes a few mosquitoes would still thrive and come from unseen sources. In order for susceptible individuals to be protected from being bitten by mosquitoes, one of the things that they should do is to use safe and effective insect repellent lotions or sprays. There are so many products that promise the best results but it also depends on the person's idiosyncrasy. In our case, we tried and tested too many brands in the past, both all-natural and the ones with DEET, but only one brand passed our standards. Since then, we make sure that we never run out of stock of that product at home especially during the rainy season when Dengue cases rise.

Paps, Bunso, and Kuya attract mosquitoes that's why for seven years, Green Cross Active Protect Insect Repellent Lotion (10 Hours), the variant that has a 10-hour effect is our reliable partner in repelling those pesky mosquitoes that may cause Dengue and another mosquito bite-related disease. 



Green Cross is the only one that we find very effective. What we like about it is that it's an anti-dengue and antibacterial protection in one. Its efficacy and continuous protection from day and night last up to 10 hours. We don't need to reapply often to keep ourselves protected. It provides 99.9% antibacterial protection for 10 hours without causing any irritation. It's cool and non-sticky to the skin, perfect for our active lifestyle. The formula smells great on the skin. It doesn't smell medicated or herbal. Only a small amount is needed to cover the exposed skin. It can be spread on skin evenly and easily. It's also reasonably priced, available in a sachet, small tube, and big tube, making it affordable for all. It's also available in leading drugstores and supermarkets where we can find and buy it conveniently. And also, it's made by Green Cross so we're sure that we are using a well-researched, tried and tested, and safe product.

I haven't experienced having a facial treatment in my 40 years of existence. Friends would tell me to join them in their pampering sessions but I always decline. There was one time that a dermatologist friend of mine offered a Diamond Peel treatment but I said that I wasn't ready. Ang pakiyeme ko, 'di ba?

I feel that there is a need for me to visit her but I choose to delay it. I have the tendency to feel uneasy by just thinking that my face would undergo any procedure or treatment. I need to do something with my clogged pores and white heads especially on the nose area because they are really, really disturbing and don't look good at all. I have no choice but to look for a product that can get rid of my skin problems effortlessly and fit my laziness when it comes to skin care.

Who would have thought that the quick solution to my skin perennial problem would be solved buy a Korean skin care product worth Php18.00 only? The product that I am talking about is so tiny that when you go to your favorite beauty section in malls or drugstores, it's really hard to notice.

I had a chance to discover this product when I visited the Puregold branch near Bunso's school. I had ample time so instead of going home to work, I decided to have my quick "me time" to break my routines in a bit. In Puregold I spent time reading beauty product labels then I came across with this product placed in a very cute sachet but could do so much, I tell you. 

The name of the product that I am talking about is iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm. In just a small amount, smaller than pea-size, it effectively helps loosen up and absorb stubborn pore-clogging oils, dirt, and toxins present in the pores of my nose and my entire face as well.

As written on its packaging, these are its ingredients and what they can do.

It contains Kaolin to help control oil and improve skin's balance to fight breakouts. 

It's infused with antibacterial properties to ensure that your pores are purified after use.

It contains Salicylic Acid to effectively penetrate the pores and exfoliate from within making it effective in reducing breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads.

These are the detailed ingredients of iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm:

Glycerin, Water, Stearic Acid, PEG-32, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Kaolin, Lauric Acid, Carica Papaya Extract, Mango Extract, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Oldenlandia Diffusa Extract, Honeysuckle Extract, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Beeswax, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance

This is how to use it:

Before washing the face, apply a small or generous amount on the T-zone or areas with enlarged pores and deep-seated dirt. Massage for one to two minutes. Wipe off with a clean tissue then wash the face.

Do you know that iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm is a great partner product to iWhite Korea Nose Pack or Whitening Pack? If you want a more fair or flawless face, use them hand-in-hand. In my case, I use iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm with iWhite Korea Nose Pack. Effective nga talaga! I'll try using it with the Whitening pack very soon!

iWhite Korea Pore Purifying Balm + Nose Pack = great beauty partner

On cleansed face, apply a generous amount on the T-zone or on areas with enlarged pores and deep-seated dirt. Leave it on for one minute then start massaging it in a circular motion for another one minute. Wipe the balm off completely with a clean tissue. Apply iWhite Korea Nose Pack or Whitening Pack for best results in eliminating blackheads and whiteheads.

Based on experience, one 2.2 ml sachet goes a long way. It lasts more than a week even if you use it daily. If I am not mistaken, I've emptied the sachet after two weeks kasi ginagamit ko lang siya madalas sa T-zone ko. With regular use, my pores become smaller and cleaner. Ganyan lang kasimple!

What is your holy grail when it comes to purifying your pores?

When I was very young, I began to be conscious of my body image at age 10. I heard my friends talking about menstruation, baby bra, pubic hair (Yes, they were talking about it.), spray net, body mists, and deodorants. I was so hesitant to ask my mom about that stuff. All I remember was she taught me to use Avon's Feeling Fresh Deodorant after taking a bath or shower because I was complaining that "Tawas", the antiperspirant/deodorant recommended by my grandmother, made my armpits sweaty and sticky. "Feeling Fesh" became my best partner in keeping myself free from body and armpit odor aside from using an antibacterial soap, Safeguard, to wash my body, and Palmolive Shampoo to wash my hair. These three products worked for my body chemistry and helped me to become free from body odor especially armpit odor at a very young age. That's why when I became a mom, I did the same thing with my boys. Like my mom did, starting them young worked.

Kuya and Bunso would easily get sweaty and their armpits would smell stinky or "maasim" when they reached the age of three. Paps and I encouraged them to use Arm and Hammer Deodorant after taking a bath using Safeguard Pink because after trying and testing, we discovered that these two brands suited their body chemistry. They would always stay fresh for the whole day. During that time when Arm & Hammer Advance Original would easily go out of stock, I would let them use Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder, which they would usually apply on their feet before putting their shoes on.

Preventing Armpit Odor

Our family uses Arm & Hammer Advance Original and Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder as deodorants for years. Why? They are safe to use, easy to find (Arm & Hammer doesn't go out of stock anymore.), versatile, don't stain clothing, keep the armpits dry and fresh-smelling, and protects the armpits from bacteria build-up and odor for 24 hours.

Instilling good grooming and hygiene in all forms should be done during our kids' formative years. Reminding them constantly and teaching by example are two of the best means to educate kids on practicing good grooming and hygiene. In doing so, they can never forget the importance of keeping themselves clean, neat, and well-groomed. Forming a habit can lead to better body image projection and not feeling inferior.

*****
The contents of this article were lifted from my messages to two teenage boys who asked me about my recommended deodorant brands a few years ago. To know some details about it, you may visit #AskAAPM for details.

When considering cosmetic surgery, insurance coverage is one of the most common concerns and is often the deciding factor in choosing whether or not to undergo surgery. If you want a breast reduction surgery, you're probably wondering whether your healthcare providers will cover the procedure. 

Cosmetic vs Medically Necessary Breast Reduction

Most health insurance plans don't cover any cosmetic surgeries, but they will cover reconstructive surgeries and medically necessary procedures. In some cases, a breast reduction is done for cosmetic purposes. You may feel self-conscious about your breast size and choose to undergo a reduction to increase your confidence in your figure. 

In other cases, breast size is linked to physical health issues, and surgery may be necessary to fix these problems. Many women have chronic back and neck pain because of their overly large breasts. Chronic pain can limit your mobility and seriously impact your quality of life. Large breasts often lead to poor posture, and this combined with the weight of the breasts can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness in the arms, hands, and fingers. 

Another common problem is rashes, infections, or inflammation underneath the breasts. Large breasts tend to trap moisture and heat, which can cause painful skin issues. Some women also develop permanent shoulder grooves where their bra straps sit because their breasts are too heavy for a bra to fully support. 

Other serious issues associated with a large breast size include exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and chronic headaches. If you experience these symptoms, it's clear that a breast reduction is necessary to restore your health. Most insurance plans use these symptoms to differentiate between cosmetic and medically necessary breast reductions. However, it can still be complicated to have the surgery covered. 

How to Know If Your Insurance Will Cover Your Breast Reduction

The first thing you need to do is check if your health insurance lists breast reduction as an exclusion. If it does, your insurance will not cover the surgery. Fortunately, most insurance plans do not have an exclusion for breast reduction. This doesn't mean that they'll cover all breast reduction surgeries, but you have a chance of getting the procedure covered. 

Most insurance plans require that a certain amount of tissue be removed for the surgery to be covered. If less than this specified amount is removed, they believe that the breasts were not large enough to cause pain or health problems and that the surgery was only done for cosmetic purposes. 

The amount of tissue that needs to be removed varies based on the insurance company and plan. Some plans take your height and weight into consideration, and some specify an exact amount for everyone. Many insurance companies require that the surgery remove at least 500 grams of tissue to be covered. 

How to Get Your Breast Reduction Covered

If you believe that your insurance might cover your breast reduction, there are a few steps you should take. First, start documenting your symptoms. If you experience back or neck pain, posture issues, numbness, skin irritation, or any other problems because of your breast size, you should record when the symptoms started and whether they've progressed over time. 

If you've seen other medical professionals for these problems, try to get documentation of your visit. This includes massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors. You should also document other treatments you've tried for the health problems. Many insurance plans require that you try other treatments before surgery, so keeping track of everything you've tried to reduce your pain will be very helpful. 

Once you have some documentation of your symptoms, it's time to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. Your surgeon can identify posture issues or other problems and may diagnose you with symptomatic macromastia, which is the medical term for overly large breasts that cause chronic pain and other problems. This diagnosis is key for getting your insurance to cover the surgery. 

If your surgeon believes that your breasts are affecting your health, you can then reach out to your insurance company and request coverage. You and your surgeon will fill out paperwork and submit it to your insurance company, and they will hopefully approve the surgery. If they deny coverage, you can make an appeal. During this process, you'll have to supply extra documentation to your insurance company. You can get letters of support from other medical professionals, and your surgeon can give more information to your provider. 

All insurance plans are different, and some will cover breast reduction more willingly than others. If you want the surgery only for cosmetic reasons, it's unlikely that it will be covered. If you have documented health problems resulting from your breast size, you have a better chance. It can be time-consuming work to convince your insurance company to cover the surgery, but it's worth it to improve your quality of life. 

The doctors at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami provide breast reduction along with a wide variety of other procedures. Dr. Altman completed the prestigious Jerome P. Weber Fellowship before founding the Plastic Surgery Institute. Dr. Ghersi served as a faculty member in the plastic surgery department of the renowned Cleveland Clinic and completed an exclusive fellowship at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. Dr. Oeltjen was an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami before entering private practice. You can learn more about these doctors and their services here: www.psimiami.com.

This is a guest post.