Preventing Hair Loss in Men & Women

by A. Grano

While we often hear people comment on personifying the likeness of someone they admire – whether financially, romantically, physically, etc. – it’s quite uncommon to hear them go as far to say that they hope to emulate their hair loss.

Although many people choose to shave their heads, this is a much different scenario than a person who suffers from involuntary balding. Research has shown balding occurs more often in men than women, and the experience can be horrifying for both parties. Balding is especially hard to deal with when it occurs prematurely or in women in general, who often find coping with baldness to be a very traumatic experience that can lead to self-esteem issues, anxiety and depression. It’s common for men and women to shed hair on a daily basis; some women deal with thinning hair more so than baldness as their age progresses.

Permanent Hair Loss
Balding can either be permanent or temporary. Males are most commonly affected by androgenetic alopecia, which is permanent balding influenced by genetics that can occur as early as their teens or early twenties, with the top of the head and hairline at the temples showing the first signs.

Women experiencing pattern balding seldom experience complete hair loss. Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia of the hair follicle can also lead to permanent hair loss, which can affect both men and women.

Temporary Hair Loss
Alopecia areata, defined as a non-contagious autoimmune condition resulting in temporary balding in both men and women, occurs in small spots of the head, eyebrows, or beard in men and is usually hereditary.

Sudden loss of hair occurs when the normal hair growth cycle is interrupted, known as telogen effluvium, most often as a result of emotional stress, surgery, or nutritional deficiencies. Hairstyles that stress the hair follicle can lead to traction alopecia, another form of temporary balding, such as hair that is pulled too tight or is excessively styled.

How to Help Stop Hair Loss
The average person sheds approximately 50 to 100 hairs daily, which is considered normal. Also keep in mind possible factors such as poor nutrition, certain medications, medical treatments, underlying diseases, hormonal changes, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) and hair treatments (bleaching, dyeing, tight braiding, tight ponytails, blow drying, straightening or hot curlers) which can all accelerate hair loss.

Herbal and homeopathic remedies, as part of a holistic therapy approach, offer an effective natural solution to stimulate and encourage hair growth as well as support blood circulation, hormonal balance and thyroid functioning. Natural remedies are a gentler alternative for people experiencing hair loss over the harsh effects of conventional medication.

Herbs commonly used include Ginkgo biloba, Rosmarinus officinale and Xanthoxylum clavaherculis, which increase blood circulation, promote a healthier scalp and support sound hair growth. Other herbs such as Equisetum arvense, Avena sativa and Echinacea restore hair growth and nourish hair follicles, helping to slow down hair loss.

Food Safety Tips for the Office

by A. Grano

While eating or preparing food at home, your attention is probably fully tuned into the task, and you approach it with hands washed and food preparation surfaces disinfected.

However, when your attention is diverted by a ringing phone or blinking computer monitor, common sense regarding food safety can slip when your stomach begins rumbling. Here are some quick tips to avoid digestive upset or illness!

Tips for Staying Safe
Health starts at home. A holistic lifestyle helps foster a strong immune system, which can help ward off pesky stomach problems or illness. Herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Astragalus membranaceous are known for their antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, as well as their ability to boost the body’s natural immunity.

Be mindful of refrigeration. Most perishable foods such as sandwiches or leftovers will spoil without refrigeration within two hours, so be sure to use your company’s fridge or carry an insulated lunch bag.

Use caution in shared spaces. Bring your own sponge or disposable cleaning products. As sponges notoriously harbor bacteria, there’s an even greater chance the one at work isn’t cleaned frequently.
Clock in carry-out. When you bring food back to the office to eat, be sure to eat it promptly or refrigerate it to avoid food borne illness. Eat leftovers promptly or discard them.

Sanitize your eating quarters. Bring disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and a spray cleanser to clean off your workstation. Your phone and mouse are in constant contact with your hands, which in turn touch your food.

Savor your food - even at your desk! Eating too quickly can cause stomach upset, so be sure to take small bites and thoroughly chew and keep natural remedies on hand for times of need. Matricaria recutita and Ulmus fulva help address post meal troubles such as heartburn, indigestion and flatulence.