Do you have medium-length hair? Looking for some attractive hairstyles that will give you ravishing New Year look? Well, we have made your task easy. Go through rest of the post and get the list of 10 most stunning medium hairstyles for 2015. Check it out:

1. Wavy Side Ponytail with Side-Swept Bang

Let us start with something extra feminine. Take a look at this gorgeous side ponytail created on layered wavy hair. For add-ons, get a subtle puffy crown and neat side-swept bangs.

2. Layered Hair with Curly Feathered Bangs

Worried about how to style up your thin medium hair? Here is your answer. The layered locks with slightly curved ends look even more attractive with those curly feathered bangs.

3. Curls with Bangs and Teased Crown

Show some love to your adorable curls with this awesome hairstyle. Make sure that you jazz up your look with the edgy side bangs and tease your crown to get required volume.

Also Read – 15 Coolest and Trendiest Pixie Haircuts for 2015 Here

4. Classy Low Ponytail with Bang and Hair Wrap

Stay simple yet stylish with this classy low ponytail. Take thin sections of hair from the sides and secure them behind your head. To complete your look, wrap hair around your pony and give it a messy appeal.

5. Shag with Fringes and Choppy Ends

Have you ever tried a medium shag haircut? If not, then adopt this trendy hairstyle now. Loads of layers, broken up edges, straight front fringes – what else do you need to look like a dazzling diva?

6. Choppy Layered Hair with Side Bang

If you don’t want to experiment with your hairstyle, just stick to layers. Get your hair straightened and layer it up intensely. You should also get that sexy side bang and give the ends of you’re a choppy effect.

7. Loose Twisted Side Ponytail with Bang

How about going back to those playful school days? Yes, this beautiful school hairstyle will give you that sweet and cute look once again. All you need to do is make a twisted side ponytail by keeping the upper section of your hair loose enough. Moreover, those side strands will give your look an added elegance.

Also Read – 15 Hottest Hairstyle Trends for 2015 Here

8. Beautiful Waves with Braided Headband

Who doesn’t love braided hairstyle? Everybody, right? So, go for this amazing wavy hair with nice braided headband. It is one of the most graceful looks that one can sports on medium hair.

9. Textured Curls with Deep Side Bang

If you have luscious curls, try adding texture to them for achieving a sensational look. Start with a deep side part and texturize your curls so that their ends remain outwards. A long side bang will make your look even spicier.

10. Easy and Elegant Double French Twist

Here is the most sophisticated double French twist that will give you a classical look. This is a modified version of the typical French twist in which you need to create two similar twists behind your head by creating a part. Finally, secure them by using bobby pins or attractive hair pins.

So, which one of these hairstyles are you going to opt for this year?

Reconstructive Plastic surgery is the surgery that is performed to correct abnormalities in the body, be it congenital or those caused by infections, disease or trauma. The surgery normally helps restore the normal functioning of a body part that is affected. It can also be done to correct the appearance of a part of the body. We tell you here in details about reconstructive plastic surgery.

What are the surgeries that come under reconstructive surgeries? 

Reconstructive surgeries are normally performed on the breast after a treatment for breast cancer, on the skin after treating skin cancer, to remove tumors, to treat the damage caused by burns or trauma on any part of the body. Scar revision following a surgery also comes under reconstructive surgery, so also Cleft lip and cleft palate correction . 

When is reconstructive plastic surgery done?

Reconstructive plastic surgery is done for medical reasons, to address a trauma or to treat a birth deformity.

1.Medical Causes for Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgeries are not elective surgeries. They are surgeries that need to be done to maintain the proper functioning of a body part. Of all the reconstructive surgeries performed, tumor removal surgeries are most common. They include removal or tumors and warts from the body. The unwanted tumor is removed from the body and the part that it affected is reconstructed to restore normal functioning.

Similarly, if one is a victim of breast cancer or skin cancer, then the affected area is treated by reconstructive plastic surgery. Breast cancer victims may choose to have their breast rebuilt after a mastectomy. Skin cancer treatment leads to the removal of skin from the affected area. After that the skin is replaced by reconstructive surgery that involves skin grafting and replacing the affected area with skin flaps.

2.Reconstructive Plastic Surgery for Trauma

In case of an accident or a burn, an integral part of your treatment includes “fixing” the damaged body part. After that, depending on the extent of damage that the trauma has done to your body, plastic surgery would be needed to restore normal appearance and functioning of the body part.

3.Reconstructive Plastic Surgery for Birth Defects 

Birth defects like cleft lip, cleft palate or malformation of the chin are common among children. The defects cause speech problems in the children, prevent easy movement of the jaw and in chewing and swallowing food. Restorative surgeries help restore normal appearance in the kids and also cure the speech and jaw movement problems in them.

Insurance for Restorative Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery to improve or enhance appearance is elective and one can live without them. These surgeries are not covered by your insurance. However, restorative plastic surgeries are more of a requirement than a preference and most of them are covered by your health insurance.

Surgeon for Restorative Plastic Surgery

You need to ensure that you find a board certified plastic surgeon who is reputed for restorative plastic surgery since most of these surgeries are complicated, often needing multiple surgeons other than the plastic surgeon and are integral in helping you achieve normal appearance and functioning of the affected body part.

Read more about how to find if your surgeon is board certified here

Native to India, Neem is a magic herb. With naturally occurring compounds like ninbinene, nimandial, nimbolide, nimbinen, nimbin, nimbidol, gedunin etc. that have strong anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Here is a list of top 25 health benefits provided by Neem:

Pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits and is native to Persia. It has been symbolic of eternal life, fertility and good health. This article aims towards pointing out the different health benefits hidden in this fruit.

Cancer Defense: Studies have revealed that women suffering from breast cancer can drink pomegranate juice every day to destroy the cancer cells. The juice leaves the healthy cells unharmed. Males undergoing prostate cancer treatment can prevent hormone therapy or chemotherapy by drinking 8 ounces of this fruit juice every day. The juice stabilizes the PSA levels for prostate cancer patients.

Free Radicals: Free radicals are produced in our body through the process of oxidation and also by the effects of harmful rays of sun. Free radicals are known to damage cells leading to premature aging. These free radicals can also cause heart diseases, stroke, ulcers, cataracts, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, Behcet’s disease and several other medical conditions. Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants that kills both reactive oxygen radicals and oxy radicals and hence, prevents a number of diseases while improving the overall immune system of the body.

Bad Cholesterol: Bad cholesterol or Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) when oxidized within the body can lead to a medical condition called atherosclerosis. This is nothing but hardening of arteries. The antioxidants of pomegranate prevents the oxidation of LDL.

Other Benefits:

Daily consumption of the fruits is good but it may interfere with several medications. If you are already on some medicines, talk to your doctor before making it a part of your daily diet.

Also Read – 10 Reasons to Eat Pomegranates Daily here

For centuries Mint (Indian name – Pudina) has been used by different cultures all over the world for cooking. Its unique aroma and flavor has ruled and is still ruling the taste buds of millions of people. But barely do we know that Mint has unique medicinal properties which can help to cure or prevent several health problems. Compounding to its health benefits is its capability of holistic healing through aromatherapy.

What is so good about Mint?

Vitamins: Mint is exceptionally rich in Vitamin C and carotenes. Beta-carotene present in Mint can help to deal with deteriorating eye health. Beta-carotene is also known for combating and curing cardiovascular diseases. If premature aging is something you are dealing with, you know who to blame. Yes, free radicals! Carotenes present in Mint have been found to destroy the free radicals which do not only lead to premature aging through the process of cell destruction but are also responsible for a number of health problems.

Vitamin C on the other hand helps in repair and growth of body tissues. Immune system of the body is strengthened by daily consumption of Mint. It is also effective in the prevention of rectal and colon cancer.

Minerals: Our body requires some minerals for proper functioning. Some of these minerals are calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium and iron. Calcium and magnesium are important for our bones. Every 100 grams of Mint provides 200 mg calcium and 60 mg magnesium. Iron present in Mint helps to improve the blood health. 15.6 mg iron is present in every 100 grams of Mint.

Nutritional Value of Mint: Every aromatic herb in this world is known for its nutritional values. Walking the same road, Mint provides barely any fat. Only 0.6 gram of fat is present in every 100 grams of Mint. It provides 48 calories per 100 gram. The calories present in Mint mostly have carbohydrates as their source. Not only this, Mint aids in improving dietary functions by offering 2 grams of daily dietary fiber requirements, which has been assessed to be 25 grams for an average healthy adult.

What else can Mint do?

Holistic Benefit of Mint

The unique mentholated aroma of Mint is known to reduce stress by combating hyperactivity of neurons, which in turn reduces the release of stress hormones.

Tusli or Holi Basil is a wonder herb that has been used for thousands of years in India. It has numerous health, skin and hair benefits. This article will cover some of the benefits of Tulsi in all three segments.

Hair Care

Tulsi can help you to have healthy and lustrous hair. Here are some of the benefits provided by Tulsi:

Skin Care

Because of its purifying and antiseptic qualities, tulsi is also used for skin care. Here are some of the benefits of tulsi for skin:

Health Care

Tulsi comes with myriads of health benefits that far exceed the benefits of many other plants and herbs in terms of numbers. Here are some of the health benefits of tulsi:

The list above is not an exhaustive list because there are numerous other benefits of tulsi which cannot be covered in single article! Read our post on 9 Amazing Benefits of Tulsi Tea.

You may always stay on your toes on name of fitness and spend hours in gym every day running on a treadmill and doing twists and turns. But, have you ever wondered that your eyes need exercise too? Why? Okay, in case you don’t know, our eyes are also controlled by muscles and with aging, these muscles become stiff and causes loss of elasticity. This is the primary reason why elder people start losing their eyesight! If you don’t want that to happen to you anytime soon, it is high time you start taking care of your eyes to. There are different yoga poses (and believe it, they aren’t spine breaking) that can help you to keep your eyes healthy. Let us find out! Shall we?

Close and Far: Hold a pencil (or you can use thumb) close to your nose tip. Slowly move it away from you. You will notice that you can gradually see the tip of the pencil clearly. Stop at the point where you can see the tip clearly without straining your eyes. Keep holding the pencil and now look at a distant wall and find a point you can see clearly without straining your eyes. Now look at the pencil tip and then look at the distant point and again at the pencil tip and back to the point on the wall. Don’t tilt your head forward or backward. Repeat this for 5 times and then blink both eyes and close them tightly. This is one set. Complete 5 sets.

Up and Down: Stand straight and look straight in front of you. Now, without tilting your head backwards, look as far up as possible and fix a point on the ceiling. Now, without tilting your head forward, gaze at the floor as close to your feet as possible and find a point you can see comfortably. Now alternately look at the point on ceiling and then at the point on floor and never tilt your head in any direction. One up and one down is one count. Complete four counts. Four counts is equal to one set. After one set blink your eyes a few times. Now repeat and complete another four sets.

Left and right: Imagine a straight line protruding out from the corners of both eyes. Hold two pencils in a way that the tip of the pencils touch the imaginary line. Now look left to see the tip of the pencil on left and then look right to see the tip of the pencil on right. Keep your head fixed in one position. Your head should not move at all. One left and one right makes one count. Total 5 counts make set. Complete 5 sets. Blink your eyes several time after each set.

Circular rolling: Keep your head still and look straight. Now slowly look to your left without moving your head. Look as far left as possible without straining your eyes. Now start rolling your eyes in a circular way from left to up to right to down and back to left. This is one clockwise circle. Now reverse the cycle. Start the same way but instead of left, you will start from right to up to left to down and back to right. This is one anticlockwise circle. One clockwise and one anticlockwise circle makes one set. Complete five sets and then blink your eyes 5-6 times.

Tip: Don’t rush and go slow. The slower you go, the more time your eye muscles get to expand and contract in all directions. This increases the elasticity of the eye muscles.

Diabetes is one of the most widespread diseases in the world. Even though it is a common disease, it is not something to be taken lightly. Diabetes is known for causing neuropathy or nerve damage that can reduce the sensitivity of feet and people will not feel any pain at all. This can result in serious problems like infections and foot ulcers and even worse, amputation. It is because of this, the diabetics need to select their shoes properly. A good pair of doctor-recommended shoes is never a luxury for them. It is rather a necessity. So, if you are a diabetic, how do you select the right pair of shoes?

Factors to consider when finding the right shoes for diabetes:

Anything goes:

‘Anything goes’ is a phrase that only a selected few among millions of diabetics can use when it comes to finding right pair of shoes. If the patients have healthy feet with good sensation and their blood sugar levels are properly controlled, they can go for just whatever they like. But, it is very important that they keep inspecting their feet every time they wear their fancy shoes. They need to look for ingrown toe nails, swelling, warm areas, redness, cuts, sores and blisters. If they notice anything like those mentioned, they must report to their doctors immediately.

Who need diabetic shoes?

Any diabetic patient with slightest of impaired circulation and sensation or even minor deformities must opt for especially designed diabetic shoes.

What types of shoes work well for diabetics?

What time of the day must a diabetic shop for shoes?

Feet of diabetics keep swelling as the day progresses. So, diabetes patients must buy their shoes later in day when their feet have swollen. This will allow them to buy shoes that can fit well.

Special tip to remember:

Always consider wearing a pair of socks when trying a new pair of shoes. This will give a proper fit and ensure that there is enough space for the feet to breathe.

Blackberries, the tiny, juicy, tasty fruits, measuring only 3-4 cm. are true wonders of nature. Laden with myriads of health benefits, blackberries are one of the most commonly prescribed fruits by doctors. Until now, we barely knew about the health benefits of this fruit but thanks to medical research, we are now well-informed. Once you go through these 10 wonderful health benefits, you can’t ignore this fruit any longer.

Fights deadly diseases

1. Cancer: Regular consumption of blackberries can prevent a few types of cancer cells. The fruit is known to have ellagic acid which is effective against cancer prevention.

2. Diabetes: Though it is one of the most common diseases in world, it can be lethal. Blackberries with their high potassium content prevent spikes in insulin level. They work even better when consumed with a teaspoon of honey. Even the blackberry leaves can be chewed for diabetes control. (In our previous post, we covered “Finding the Right Shoes for Diabetes”, read more)

3. Heart diseases: The free radicals produced in our body are responsible for numerous health problems including deadly heart diseases. The antioxidant properties of blackberries rid your body of these free radicals and thereby reduce heart problems.

Fights Skin problems

4. Acne: The antioxidants present in blackberries clear out acne, giving a cleaner and smoother facial skin.

5. UV Protection: We know what the harmful UV rays of sun are capable of. The ellagic acid in blackberries prevent skin cancer caused by UV rays.

6. Aging: Blackberries are rich source of vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant capable of killing free radical produced in our body through the process of oxidation. These free radicals are known for causing premature aging and blackberries can slow down the aging process.

7. Eczema: Strong tea made of blackberry leaves can be applied externally on eczema to speed up the curing process.

Other benefits

8. Magnesium, copper, manganese and potassium present in blackberries help to produce new and healthy red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC).

9. The pulp of blackberry is known for healing hemorrhoids.

10. Boiling blackberries and drinking the strained liquid helps in treating dysentery and diarrhea.

Bonus Benefits Especially for Women

So, have you added blackberries in your monthly budget list? Let us know if you found this article helpful and yes, sharing is caring!

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Aloe Vera is a wonder plant. The ancient Egyptians dubbed this plant as ‘plant of immortality’. Aloe Vera is known for its numerous healing properties. The plant is known to have numerous active components that are essential for human body. Some of these components include polysaccharide, fatty acids, enzymes, amino acids, minerals and vitamins. Let us take a look at some of the healing properties and health benefits of Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera and Cancer: A study was conducted by University of Belgrade School of Medicine in 2012 where it was found that Aloe-emodin found in Aloe Vera inhibits the growth of cancerous cells in human skin after the cells are exposed to radiation. During the study, keratinocytes (human skin cells) were first exposed to radiations and it was found that the keratinocytes proliferated and formed tumor. When Aloe-emodin was applied, the proliferation was significantly inhibited [1]. In 2010, China Medical University researchers found that in addition to Aloe-emodin, Rhein and Emodin found in Aloe Vera also inhibited the growth of cancer cells and also caused cell death among the tumor cells [2].

Applying Aloe Vera on Skin: The Aloe Vera gel can be extracted by peeling off the skin of Aloe leaf. It can then be rubbed on skin after sun exposure.

Aloe Vera and Skin: A study conducted by Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne shows that Aloe gel helps in improvement of genital herpes symptoms and also helps in fighting different skin disorders like psoriasis [3]. The research found that the anti-inflammatory effects of the Aloe gel is greater than placebo gel or 1% hydrocortisone cream. It was also found that the gel can be effectively used treating conditions such as erythema induced by ultra-violet rays.

Aloe Vera and Diabetes: Research has shown that Aloe Vera juice is effective in improving the glucose levels in the blood and hence, it can be used for treatment of diabetes [4]. Studies have also revealed that fat molecules or lipids in blood for Type 2 diabetes patients are decreased using Aloe Vera juice. Complications that result from diabetes such as ulcers and leg wounds. Aloe Vera helps in faster healing of these complications and reduces swelling [5].

What Makes Aloe Vera Effective Against Diabetes? It is believed in the medical world that compounds like anthraquinones, mannans and lectins are responsible for the healing effects of this medicinal plant against diabetes.

Aloe Vera against Free Radicals: Free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in our body by the process of oxidation and also by the effects of several external agents. Research has shown that these free radicals can be notorious and can lead to numerous health problems. Two excellent resources on free radicals and their effects on human body can found here and here. A study conducted in 2010 [6] shows that Aloe Vera extracts have strong antioxidant properties and can effectively scavenge free radicals within the body and thereby preventing episodes of various health problems including Heart disorders, Cerebrovascular disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Emphysema, Behcet’s disease, Cataracts, Osteoporosis, Arteriosclerosis, Atherosclerosis, Stroke, Premature aging and more.

Aloe Vera against Aging: Aloe Vera is found to improve elastin and collagen fiber production through stimulation on fibroblast. This makes the skin less wrinkled and more elastic. The amino acids present in Aloe Vera softens the skin cells that become hard. Skin pores are tightened by the astringent effect of Zinc found in Aloe Vera. Mucopolysaccharides found in Aloe Vera help to moisturize skin and helps to decrease erythema and fine wrinkles [7].

Precautions to be taken: Aloe Vera is a time-tested herb but it can have side effects and can have interactions with medications, supplements and other herbs. So, it is always advised to use Aloe Vera under medical supervision. Here are some possible side effects of Aloe Vera:

References:

[1] Popadic D, Savic E, Ramic Z, Djordjevic V, Trajkovic V, Medenica L, Popadic S. Aloe-emodin inhibits proliferation of adult human keratinocytes in vitro. J Cosmet Sci. 2012 Sep-Oct;63(5):297-302.

[2] Chen YY, Chiang SY, Lin JG, Yang JS, Ma YS, Liao CL, Lai TY, Tang NY, Chung JG. Emodin, aloe-emodin and rhein induced DNA damage and inhibited DNA repair gene expression in SCC-4 human tongue cancer cells. Anticancer Res. 2010 Mar;30(3):945-51.

[3] Mantle D, Gok MA, Lennard TW. Adverse and beneficial effects of plant extracts on skin and skin disorders. Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev. 2001;20(2):89-103.

[4] Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L juice. I. Clinical trial in new cases of diabetes mellitus. Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V, Bunyapraphatsara N, Chokechaijaroenporn O (1996). Phytomedicine 3: 241–243.

[5] Antidiabetic activity of Aloe vera L juice. II. Clinical trial in diabetes mellitus patients in combination with glibenclamide. Bunyapraphatsara N, Yongchaiyudha S, Rungpitarangsi V, Chokechaijaroenporn O (1996). Phytomedicine 3: 245–248.

[6] Saritha, V. “Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Aloe vera gel extracts.” International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archive 1.4 (2010).

[7] West DP, Zhu YF. Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. Am J Infect Control. 2003;31:40–2. [PubMed]