Just like facial acne, back and chest acne are very common because there are so many sebaceous glands on these parts of the body. You may also develop acne on your shoulders, arms and even butt. Body acne can appear in the form of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules, and cysts or legions, which can not only be pesky, but also painful.Body acne is not always easy to treat, especially on the hard-to-reach back area, and is often more difficult to treat than facial acne because body skin is thicker. But with the right regimen, it can be successfully treated. Here are some effective tips on how to get rid of body acne:

Wash the acne-prone areas daily using an anti-bacterial soap with a salicylic acid-based cleanser and SD alcohol 40.
Gently use a loofah and exfoliating scrub while you’re in the shower to get rid of dead skin cells. Do not scrub the area roughly, which will only increase irritation and inflammation.
Wash acne-prone areas immediately after heavy perspiration. Take a shower as soon as you can after you’re done exercising or sweating heavily on a hot day.
Keep your facial and body skin clean every day and be careful not to trigger acne or rashes by wearing very tight clothing or heavy backpacks.
Wear breathable fabrics, like cotton, in order to induce evaporation of sweat.
Use a body cleanser specifically for fighting acne. Something that washes out the debris in your pores to help keep them clean.
Avoid using heavy creams and lotions on affected areas.

* Understand that body acne is different then facial acne. The pores on the body are much different than the pores that are on your face, so they must be treated differently.
* If you have long hair, get all of the oil and shampoo out of your hair when washing.
* Change your diet. You need to get more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds into your diet. These things provide you with a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that will keep your body acne free.
* Stress causes acne. Try to cut down on the stress in your life.
* Keep in mind that it can take up to six weeks to know whether or not your regimen is working, so don’t give up if you don’t see immediate results.


* Don't scrub your skin roughly. It can cause irritation and inflammation.
* Don't pick at the acne because it can lead to further irritation and possible scarring.

uitting smoking isn't easy. More than 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit, yet only 5 to 10 percent are successful in any given attempt, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite these odds, more than 46 million Americans have managed to quit smoking for good, helping to decrease (or even eliminate) their risk of developing a range of serious health conditions.

Smokers have more tools at their disposal than ever to help them kick the habit, including medications, counseling services, and self-help materials. And many have found success through nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), the use of nicotine delivery methods to help ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings caused by the loss of nicotine from cigarettes.

Wondering if NRT could help you or someone you love quit smoking? Here, the lowdown on the five forms approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

The Method: Nicotine Patch

Usually worn on the arm, the nicotine patch releases nicotine into the body through the skin. The patch is available in several doses, or "steps," so that smokers can gradually wean themselves off nicotine completely. For example, smoking a cigarette delivers roughly 1 mg of nicotine, so someone who used to smoke a pack a day (20 cigarettes) may start with the step one patch, which delivers 21 mg throughout the day. Someone who smoked less may begin at a lower dose.

The Pros: The different levels of nicotine patches available allow smokers to choose the appropriate one for their smoking habits. By gradually working down the levels, they're able to cut down on the amount of nicotine until the addiction dissipates completely.
The Cons: Because the nicotine patch slowly releases nicotine into the bloodstream, the level of nicotine can't be adjusted if the person happens to have a strong nicotine craving. It also may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include skin irritation at the site of the patch, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, racing heartbeat, sleep problems, and headaches. Side effects vary, depending on the dose of nicotine, the person's level of skin sensitivity, how long the patch is used, and how it's applied.

The Method: Nicotine Gum

This special chewing gum delivers nicotine to the bloodstream through absorption by the tissues of the mouth. The gum is chewed until it's soft and gives off a tingly sensation and/or peppery taste. Then it should be pressed between the cheek and gums, known as "parking." When the tingling sensation stops, the gum is chewed again and then parked in a different place in the mouth. This process should be continued until the gum is depleted of nicotine (about 30 minutes). Nicotine gum is available over-the-counter, in both 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. A person who smokes a pack or more per day or smokes within 30 minutes of waking up may need to start with the higher 4 mg dose. Nicotine gum is usually recommended for one to three months, with the maximum duration being six months.

The Pros: Nicotine gum allows people to control the nicotine doses their bodies receive. The gum can be chewed as needed or on a fixed schedule during the day, although no more than 20 pieces of gum are recommended per day. It's also a good choice for people who have sensitive skin and don't want to use a nicotine patch.
The Cons: Long-term dependence is one possible disadvantage of nicotine gum. In addition, the gum can damage dentures and dental prostheses.
Side Effects: Potential side effects of nicotine gum include a bad taste in the mouth, throat irritation, mouth sores, hiccups, nausea, jaw discomfort, and a racing heartbeat. Symptoms related to the stomach and jaw are usually caused by improper use of the gum, such as swallowing nicotine or chewing too fast.

The Method: Nicotine Lozenges

These smoking-cessation candies release nicotine as they slowly dissolve in the mouth. Eventually, the quitter will use fewer and fewer lozenges during the 12-week program until he or she is completely nicotine-free. Smokers can choose their dose based on how long after waking up they normally have their first cigarette.

The Pros: Because the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth (like the gum), it gets into the blood more quickly, and as a result, it reaches the brain much faster, sending the message that the body has enough nicotine.
The Cons: Biting or chewing the lozenge can cause too much nicotine to be swallowed quickly, resulting in indigestion or heartburn.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include nausea, hiccups, coughing, heartburn, headache, gas, and trouble sleeping.

The Method: Nicotine Nasal Spray

The nasal spray delivers nicotine to the bloodstream as it's quickly absorbed through the nose. It is available only by prescription.

The Pros: It relieves withdrawal symptoms very quickly and lets the user control their nicotine cravings. Smokers trying to quit usually like the nasal spray because it is easy to use.
The Cons: Because the person controls how much of the spray he or she uses, there's the potential dangers of using too much. In addition, those with asthma, allergies, nasal polyps, or sinus problems are usually discouraged from using this product.
Side Effects: The most common side effects can include nasal irritation, a runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation.

The Method: Nicotine Inhalers

Introduced in 1998, these inhalers, composed of a thin plastic tube with a nicotine cartridge inside, are available by prescription only. When the person puffs on the inhaler, the cartridge emits a nicotine vapor. Unlike other inhalers, which deliver the majority of the medicine to the lungs, the nicotine inhaler delivers most of the nicotine vapor to the mouth. The recommended dose is between six and 16 cartridges a day, for up to six months.

The Pros: Nicotine inhalers are the closest thing to smoking a cigarette, which some smokers find helpful.
The Cons: At this time, inhalers are the most expensive forms of NRT available. According to the American Lung Association, the average cost of the nicotine inhaler is approximately $45 for a package containing 42 cartridges.
Side Effects: The most common side effects, especially when first using the inhaler, include coughing, throat irritation, and upset stomach.

When choosing a type of NRT, it's important to consider which method will best fit your lifestyle and pattern of smoking.

The Benefits of Quitting

Making the decision to stop smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. According to reports from the U.S. Surgeon General, two weeks to three months after quitting, your circulation improves and your lung function increases. One year after quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's. Five to fifteen years after quitting, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker. Ten years after quitting, your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, lungs, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decrease. And after 15 years of quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is equal to that of a non-smoker. And it all begins with four simple words: "I want to quit."

Feeling stressed out? Regain your calm .

Sometimes daily life can get the best of us, and our stress levels can zoom off the charts. With family issues, workplace worries, and day-to-day obligations, anxiety can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally.

To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these methods of stress reduction:

Take a Deep Breath
When people are stressed, they tend to take shallow breaths, which can actually increase feelings of tension. Taking several slow, deep breaths can restore a sense of calm, and can be done almost anywhere.Start by exhaling deeply while contracting your stomach, then inhale slowly as you expand your abdomen. Continue inhaling as you expand your chest and raise your shoulders up to your ears. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then slowly exhale in a reverse pattern. Repeat two or three times, and feel the stress melt from your body.

Exercise
Activity helps the body to relieve tension, and it also releases endorphins, our own ‘feel-good’ chemicals. Any type of exercise is beneficial, so anything from jogging to swimming to a brisk walk around the office can help decrease stress.

Slow Down
When things get hectic, particularly at work, we tend to speed up in order to feel like we are getting things done in a timely manner. If you feel stressed out while doing your job, practice slowing down. Instead of breathlessly answering your phone the second it rings, take a moment to calm yourself before picking up. Slow down your speaking, too; talking at a rapid pace may make you sound tense, as well as cause you to feel flustered and out of control.

Visualize a Stress-Free You
During visualization, also known as guided imagery, you're in control of your own peaceful dream. Imagine a calm, relaxed setting, such as a beach, mountain peak, or your patio, and insert yourself into the scene. Stay with your vision for several minutes, until you feel your mind and body relax. Visualization can be practiced at home or in your office, with or without an audiotape to guide you.

Remember to Eat
Hunger and dehydration can intensify feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as cause headaches. No matter how busy you are, be sure to eat regularly and drink plenty of fluids.

Check Your Posture
Remember to keep your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension, pain, and increased stress.

Try Yoga
Yoga, a widely practiced mind-body exercise, can reduce stress and help you feel calm and centered. Yoga poses improve flexibility and strength, and incorporate breathing techniques that aid in relaxation and general feelings of well-being.

Enjoy a Massage
Treat yourself to a professional massage. Massage consists of kneading muscles and soft body tissues to relieve stress, tension, and pain. A good massage therapist can loosen and relax tight or sore muscles. Your whole body will feel relaxed, yet refreshed and invigorated.

Are your feelings of discomfort just shyness, or a sign of a more serious health condition? Here's how to tell the difference.

Imagine this: A woman hates to stand in line at the grocery store—not because sheÂ’s impatient, but because she's afraid that everyone is watching her. As she approaches the clerk, she becomes anxious and self-conscious. Her heart begins to race, her face turns red, and she begins to sweat. She tries to say hello, but her mouth is dry and her body trembles. When she leaves the store, she can't stop thinking that she made a fool of herself. Her feelings of apprehension and embarrassment only get worse on the drive home.

If this sounds familiar, you may have social anxiety disorder, a condition that affects approximately 15 million American adults. Also known as social phobia, it often begins in childhood, typically around 13 years of age, and men and women are equally likely to develop the disorder. Unlike getting the jitters before a speech or presentation, which is simply shyness, social anxiety disorder is much worse—it's the extreme, debilitating end of the shyness spectrum.

Understanding the Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is diagnosed when people become overwhelmingly anxious and excessively self-conscious in everyday social situations. People with social phobia have an intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and of doing things that will embarrass them. In fact, they can worry for days or weeks before certain situations. This fear may become so severe that it can interfere with work, school, ordinary activities, and relationships.

Social anxiety disorder affects people differently. Each person fears different situations, ranging from dealing with people in authoritative positions to using a telephone and writing in public. In these scenarios, people may experience intense anxiety that leads to nausea, trembling, muscle tension, stomach upset, diarrhea, heart palpitations, blushing, excessive sweating, dry throat or mouth, and stammering.

Assessing Your Symptoms
Still not sure if youÂ’re dealing with shyness or social anxiety disorder? Remember that dreaded speech or presentation: If you managed to deliver it despite your nerves and breathed a sigh of relief when it was over, youÂ’re probably just shy. If you called in sick to avoid it, chances are, it's social anxiety disorder. In extreme cases, sufferers can't even place a seemingly simple telephone call to order pizza, for example, because they're so worried about how the worker on the other end will react.

People experiencing these sorts of symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible since social anxiety disorder can become worse without treatment. And, unlike shyness, social anxiety disorder is often accompanied by depression and may even result in substance abuse if sufferers try to self-medicate. The good news is that most social anxiety disorders can be successfully treated with the right combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. So if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to consult a trained mental-health professional.