Protein is the building block of every strand, but it can be high in fat. To keep your saturated fat intake low, opt for lean cuts of meat, mix light meat with dark, or choose seafood.

Biotin, B6 and B12 promote new growth within the follicles. Good sources include whole-grain breads, oatmeal, skim milk, lowfat cheese, eggs, salmon, nuts and nut butters.

Zinc strengthens natural oils that coat the hair shaft, creating shine. Feast on meat, nuts, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and yogurt.

Vitamin C helps promote cell renewal in the scalp. Get your fill in the form of brightly colored fruits and veggies. Strawberries and kiwis are surprising super sources, as are raspberries, mangoes, oranges and red bell peppers.

Vitamin A is also a hair helper; look for it in apples, apricots and sweet potatoes.

Antioxidants found in herbs, dark chocolate and fresh berries promote a healthy scalp by sparking cell turnover.

Here is the link for it: Food for Hair

Here is the link:

http://www.dosomething.org/teensforjeans/home?m=119933216&c=82502&a=119997152&u=82531

Here is the link: Aeropostale donates your old ones

In a nutshell: Two studies show that drinking coffee and exercise will reduce the chances of getting prostate cancer in the future.

The article:

TUESDAY, Dec. 8 (HealthDay News) — Having a few more cups of coffee and running that extra mile each day can reduce a man’s risk of dying of prostate cancer, two studies indicate.

The case for coffee and physical activity as prostate cancer preventatives is far from proven, according to the research reported Tuesday at an American Association for Cancer Research meeting in Houston. But data from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study show a clear association with both daily activities.

“I wouldn’t recommend that people change their coffee-drinking habits based on this study,” said Kathryn M. Wilson, a research fellow in epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, and lead author of one report. “But if you like coffee, there is no compelling reason to cut back at this point.”

Her data on the nearly 50,000 men in the study showed how common a diagnosis of prostate cancer has become since widespread screening began. In the 20 years from 1986 to 2006, 4,975 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed, affecting just about 10 percent of the men in the study.

But only 846 of those cancers were life-threatening, because they had spread beyond the prostate gland or were growing aggressively, Wilson said. And while the study found just a weak relationship between consumption of six or more cups of coffee a day and a reduced risk of all forms of prostate cancer (down about 19 percent), the reduction for the aggressive form was much more marked — 41 percent.

And there was a clear relationship between the amount of coffee consumed and prostate cancer risk, Wilson said: “The more coffee you drank, the more effect we saw.”

The caffeine in coffee doesn’t seem to be the link, since the same reduction was seen for consumption of decaffeinated coffee, she said. Instead, “it has something to do with insulin and glucose metabolism,” Wilson said. “A number of studies have found that coffee is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes.”

This study is just a starting point for establishing a relationship between coffee and prostate cancer, Wilson stressed. “At this point, we would just like to confirm whether it exists in different populations,” she said. “We hope that this study drives more research so that we really know what is going on.”

The other study, by Stacey A. Kenfield, a research associate at the Harvard School of Public Health, looked at the levels of physical activity among 2,686 men in the study who were diagnosed with prostate cancer. It found, as many other studies have, that exercise is good for overall health, with a 35 percent lower death rate for men who reported three or more hours a week of vigorous physical activity, such as jogging
, biking, swimming or playing tennis.

And the death rate from prostate cancer for men who exercised vigorously was 12 percent lower than for those who didn’t — a figure that did not quite reach the level of statistical significance because the numbers were small, Kenfield explained.

Nevertheless, “this is the first study to show an effect of physical activity not only on overall survival, but on prostate cancer survival,” she said.

It’s already well known how physical activity reduces overall mortality, Kenfield said. “It affects immune function and reduces inflammation, among the major processes involved. But it’s not clear yet how it is related to prostate cancer and survival.”

Here is the link: Coffee fights cancer?

Metallic Lids in Under a Minute

This season’s shimmery eye shadows go way beyond silver and gold—colors such as copper, navy, and violet look cool and fresh and are easy to wear. Simply dust the color onto your lids and along your bottom lashes for a halo effect. The rest of your makeup should be toned-down—just add a coat of mascara, a dusting of blush, and a neutral lip color.

2. Freshen Your Face

6. Quick Purple Polish

Here is the link: Holiday hair/makeup tips

Here are quotes and the link for it:

“Academics have long theorized that expressions of thanks promote health and happiness and give optimism and energy to the downtrodden. Now, the study of gratitude has become a surprisingly burgeoning field, and research indicates being thankful might help people actually feel better. There’s a catch, however: You have to say thanks more than just once a year.”

““Gratitude leads people to act in virtuous or more selfless ways,” said DeSteno, whose research was published earlier this year in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science. “And it builds social support, which we know is tied to both physical and psychological well being.”

Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California, Davis, said those who offer gratitude are less envious and resentful. They sleep longer, exercise more and report a drop in blood pressure, said Emmons, who wrote “Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier.”

Brenda Shoshanna, a New York psychologist, agreed.”

Say ‘thank you’— it’s for your health

A lot of research has found that consumption of soft drinks in high quantity, especially by children, is responsible for many health problems that include tooth decay, nutritional depletion, obesity, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease.

The USDA recommendation of sugar consumption for a 2,000-calorie diet is a daily allotment of 10 teaspoons of added sugars. Many soft drinks contain more than this amount!

What it means: When you drink sodas that are packed with simple sugars, a hormone called insulin is released, that empties the sugar in your blood stream into all the tissues and cells for usage. Raised blood insulin levels beyond the norm can lead to depression of the immune system, which in turn weakens your ability to fight disease.

Something else to consider is that most of the excess sugar ends up being stored as fat in your body, which results in weight gain (you’ll never get a 6 pack of abs) and elevates risk for heart disease and cancer.

The health effects of diet soda

Diet or regular — led to a 30% greater chance of weight gain around the belly.

Caffeine can deplete the body’s calcium, in addition to stimulating your central nervous system and contributing to stress, a racing mind, and insomnia.

I personally adore soda which means that I just need to drink less of it.

Here is the link: Soda’s effects

My advice to get lower priced clothes but still look nice? Try Target or H&M. If you want to get a suit, get fitted. Go to Men’s wearhouse and ask to be measured. You don’t have to buy anything to get fitted but to be courteous, at least try on a couple of things so the people working there don’t get annoyed.

Via Yahoo front page

It’s tough out there these days. So if you’re looking for work, you should be putting as much thought into your wardrobe as your CV. We helped seven on-the-hunt guys refine their looks so they can nail the interview and land the gig.

Jesse Gill, 23
Job he wants: Formula One engineer

Before

Jesse’s got the right colors for Europe — navy suit, brown shoes-but his outfit needs to be streamlined, like the race cars he hopes to one day design.

After

1. Way too young to be sporting a yellow power tie. This blue silk knit brings out the blue in his shirt and goes with just about everything.

2. Unless you’re a CEO, go with fine-line pinstripes — more urban gent, less robber baron.

3. As any Italian will tell you, there’s nothing wrong with caramel brown shoes. But for an interview, go with a darker, more subdued shade.

Wool suit, $595, by DKNY. Shirt, $390, by ETRO. Tie, $135, and shoes, $670, by Salvatore Ferragamo. Watch by Hamilton.

Felix Lugo, 19
Job he wants: IT consultant

Before

In a brightly striped shirt, double-wide tie, and weekend khakis, Felix looks like what he is: a kid who just graduated from high school.

After

1. A fitted sweater and slim gray pants make Felix look years more polished. Plus, he’s sure to stand apart in a sea of khaki-and-oxford-loving IT applicants.

2. Maintain clean lines — place your phone in your shoulder bag, not on your belt.

Sweater, $199, by Club Monaco. Shirt, $145, by Jack Spade. Tie, $130, by Alexander Olch. Pants, $60, by H&M. Shoes, $598, by John Varvatos. Watch by Bulova.

Michael Vickers, 22
Job he wants: Art-gallery curator

Before

A simple rule for all job interviews: Avoid black on black on black unless you’re auditioning for Twilight.

After

1. The gray shirt and tie maintain the monochromatic art-world vibe Michael’s going for but aren’t as severe as his original look.

2. Shaggy artist hair is appropriate for painting, not interviewing. He still looks creative, but now he’s more on point. So on point, in fact, that during the photo shoot he scored the groomer’s digits.

“In the art world, you’re either an artist, so you dress poor-chic, or you work in a gallery, so you dress fancy even if you can’t afford the clothes. It’s all about faking it. But in this outfit, I’m not faking anything. I just feel more confident.”

Wool suit, $1,195, by D&G. Shirt, $195, by Theory. Tie, $125, by John Varvatos. Shoes, $265, by Johnston & Murphy.

Akash Shah, 24
Job he wants: Accountant

Before

Not a bad suit, per se, but too boxy, too dark, too high-buttoned.

After

1. Even when applying for a job in which you won’t see sunlight, you shouldn’t dress like you’re in mourning. A pale blue or pink shirt adds necessary color and makes you look more alive, less like the drone you will become. (Joke!)

2. A lower-set button stance on the suit jacket instantly makes Akash appear taller and trimmer.

3. No sneakers, driving shoes, or other misguided footwear. Lace-ups or wingtips, black or brown. End of story.

“I’ve always followed my dad. I shop where he shops, buy suits like his suits, and tie my ties like he does. The first suit he ever picked out for me was double-breasted-I was 12.”

Wool flannel suit, $236, by Calvin Klein. Shirt, $150, by Thomas Pink. Tie, $140, by Alexander Olch. Shoes, $425, by Bally.

John Strang, 23
Job he wants: Sports management

Before

John is training for the Olympic trials in the decathlon. Yeah, we couldn’t tell either. In pleated pants and a blousy shirt, he looks shapeless and nondescript — not really what you want to project for a sports job.

After

1. If you’re going to skip the jacket, make sure your shirt and pants fit perfectly. Now you can actually tell that John’s a fit, athletic guy.

2. He still achieves that all-American style, but with a toned-down color palette, he looks a bit more urbane and a little less Go, Gators!

Shirt, $80, and tie, $75, by Brooks Brothers. Khakis, $78, by Tommy Hilfiger. Shoes, $575, by Florsheim by Duckie Brown. Belt by J.M. Weston.

Martin DuPain, 24
Job he wants: Art director

Before

The military boots and plaid are perfect for spray-painting a mural or seeing MGMT. Less so for showing off your portfolio.

After

1. Creative doesn’t have to mean loud. Keep the accessories simple and understated and the entire outfit slim and modern.

2. Shirt? Tucked in. Jeans? Tucked out.

“This outfit is perfect, because I’m dressed well but not like I’m afraid to get dirty. I still look like I’m ready to roll up my sleeves.”

Shirt, $285, by Spurr. Tie, $125, and belt by John Varvatos. Jeans, $30, by Shaun White 4 Target. Boots, $650, by Rag & Bone. Watch by nixon. Macbook Air by Apple.

Greg Scott, 30
Job he wants: Equity analyst

Before

It’s hard to judge the suit when it’s overshadowed by that tie. Forget for a moment that it’s bright pink — the width alone makes Greg look much wider than he is.

After

1. No razor-line goatees, stubble, or soul patches, please. Unless you have a full beard, shave before your interview.

2. A slimmer tie with a sharp, clean pattern anchors Greg’s look, so he appears younger and more professional.

3. Remember, you’re not the boss — yet. So no cuff links, no contrast-collar shirts, no oversize rich-guy watches.

Suit, $895, by Boss Black. Shirt, $230, by Acne. Tie, $150, by Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers. Shoes, $455, by Ermenegildo Zegna. Watch by Raymond Weil. Briefcase by Tumi.

Can you really blame a guy for wearing his jeans a bit too high on his waist? For grabbing a dress belt that’s not quite a dress belt? For not knowing what the heck collar stays are? Well, no. But we can offer advice that that will prevent him from suffering these flubs again, while guaranteeing better style for life.

Mistake 1: The Schlumpy Leather Jacket

Problem: There’s nothing modern-or even retro-cool-about a leather jacket that fits like a rain poncho.

Solution: When trying on a new leather jacket, keep going down a size until you can’t get it on, then buy the next size up. It should feel snug as a wetsuit but will take your body’s shape over time. The coolest style right now? The bomber you see here.

Jacket, $1,695, by Dolce & Gabbana. Shirt, $375, by Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiére. Khakis, $48, by Dockers. Shoes, $488, by Brooks Brothers Peal & Co.

Mistake 2: The Barack Obama Jeans

Problem: Whitewashed high-waisted jeans aren’t just dorky—they also emphasize all the wrong parts of your body.

Solution: Medium-rise raw denim jeans sit at the most flatter place (on your hips), follow your legs (instead of saddlebagging out from your waist), and form-fit to you as you break them in. Oh, and while you’re at it, replace the Seinfeld-esque running shoes with some lace-ups or classic sneaks.

Jeans, $90, by Martin + Osa. Sweater, $100, by Uniqlo. Shirt, $40, by H&M. Shoes, $560, by Alden. Watch by IWC.

Mistake 3: The Cheap Printed Tie

Problem: Let’s pretend this tie isn’t a little ugly. And tied too long. It still isn’t working. Why? A cheap thin silk tie gets you an unacceptably tiny knot.

Solution: Go for a sturdier silk tie, which’ll make for a solid knot. Plus, keep any patterns understated. Also, a quick note on length: The tip of your tie should not hang below the waistline of your pants.

Tie, $135, by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Shirt, $360, by Etro. Pants, $280, by Acne. Tie bar by Kenneth Cole.

Mistake 4: Sagging Suit Pants

Problem: Just bought a cool skinny suit? It ain’t cool if it stacks up at your ankles like baggy jeans.

Solution: Take your suit to a tailor and tell him you don’t want a break. Those are the words you should use: “I want this suit hemmed with little or no break.” Period. Remember: Tailors are used to working with guys who don’t know what they want. Be assertive so he understands that you’re after a specific look and don’t just want “the usual.”

Suit, $1,095, by D&G. Shoes, $395, by Calvin Klein Collection.

Mistake 5: The Pancake Collar

Problem: When you’re not wearing a tie, the collar on your dress shirt flattens out and sinks beneath the lapels of your jacket. The look? Sloppy.

Solution: First, look for dress shirts with firm collars that stand up on their own., framing your face. Second, use collar stays. You know, those little plastic things. Every proper dress shirt has slots for them.

Shirt, $150, by Thomas Pink. Suit, $1,195, by Emporio Armani.

Mistake 6: Right Suit, Wrong Belt

Problem: You want Tiger Woods’s swing, not his style, especially when wearing a suit. A silver-tipped faux cowboy belt is not a dress belt. If you’ve got one, retire it.

Solution: Invest in a high-quality leather beltthat’s an inch to an inch and a half wide. If it smells and feels buttery, that means it’ll age beautifully. And the buckle should be subtle.

Belt, $69, by Club Monaco. Shirt, $370, by Marc Jacobs. Pants, $195, by Boss Black.

Mistake 7: The Oversize Suit

Problem: You invested in a dark handsome suit, but you look a little…eh in it. Know why? It’s a size too big, and all that extra material is boxing (shoulders), sagging (waist), and flopping (ankles).

Solution: Repeat the leather-jacket method from the opening page. When trying on a suit, keep going down a size in the jacket until it gets uncomfortable. Then go one size up and buy that. And unless you’re over six feet two, buy a regular length, not a long.

Suit, $1,395, and shoes, $395, by Calvin Klein Collection. Shirt, $360, by Etro. Tie, $150, by Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers.

]]> http://occampus.com/blog/2009/10/05/7-things-that-guys-do-wrong/feed/ 0 http://occampus.com/blog/2009/09/09/how-to-look-never-tired/ http://occampus.com/blog/2009/09/09/how-to-look-never-tired/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:30:11 +0000 Alpha Omega Staff http://occampus.com/blog/?p=1588 Here is a preview of the slideshow available from AOL.

1.  Take hot (and then) cold showers. Alternating blasts revive Jayne Sandman, 29, associate publisher of Capitol File magazine, when she’s done the D.C. party circuit five nights in a row. Says Dr. Fusco, who recommends this to overworked patients: “The temperature change revs circulation and brings back color-it’s like CPR for the skin.”

2. Give yourself a face lift. Pulling your hair into a high, tight one literally gives your face a little lift, so you look refreshed, says Paris-based runway hairstylist Odile Gilbert.

3. Reduce puffy eyes. She dips cotton pads in brewed espresso and presses them beneath her eyes. “It eliminates all the darkness and puff,” she says. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, so it shrinks blood vessels and minimizes dark circles. Its diuretic effect also helps reduce swelling, which is why it’s so popular in eye creams.

For more tips, click on the link.

How To Never Look Tired