What is a Photofacial?

It would be nice if our skin never lost the tone, smoothness and elasticity we're born with. As we're all too well aware, though, skin can readily betray a person's age; blotches, dark patches, freckles and age spots don't exactly scream “youthful.” But by using intense pulsed light (IPL) technology in a procedure called a Photofacial, those telltale spots can be greatly diminished or even eliminated completely.

The energy emitted by the IPL wavelength is only absorbed by the unwanted pigment, shattering it into tiny fragments that are harmlessly absorbed by the body – all while leaving the surrounding tissue undamaged. The treatments are given in a series, so effects are gradual and subtle, but noticeable. Photofacials are ideal for people who lead an active lifestyle; sessions are generally quick, there's little to no interruption in your daily activities, and no downtime for recovery. And though the word “facial” is in its name, IPL can be used not only on the face, but the chest and hands as well.

Whether you've got discoloration due to acne, rosacea, sun damage, or hyperpigmentation, it can be improved – you've just got to see the (intense pulsed) light.

Colon Hydrotherapy

The average American diet wreaks havoc on the colon. High-fat, high sugar, laden with preservatives and toxins, and severely deficient in fiber, it causes a buildup. Peristalsis – the muscular contractions which move waste through the colon – is slowed, and the bowels become sluggish. Even if you're “regular” and eliminate on a daily basis, you can still have an impacted colon full of hardened waste. Pounds of material can accumulate inside, leaving you bloated and putting your health at risk.

Colon hydrotherapy is a gentle method of cleansing the inside of the colon, ridding the body of harmful toxins and buildup. Once the colon is free of the waste that has been impeding its function, patients notice surprising improvements. These can range from weight loss to a higher energy level to clearer skin to improved concentration. The body is able to absorb the vitamins and nutrients from food more efficiently, leading to better overall health.

To keep the colon in smooth working order, you should have hydrotherapy treatments on a fairly regular basis – but in the meantime, eating plenty of fiber and keeping your diet as organic and additive-free as possible will help move things along.

High Fructose Corn Syrup and Obesity

It's no coincidence that our nation's rate of obesity – and related diseases such as diabetes – has skyrocketed since the 1970s, when high fructose corn syrup became a mainstay of the American diet. A sweetener manufactured as a cheap replacement for sugar, it's everywhere: in the things you'd expect it to be in (soft drinks, cookies, ice cream) and some places you may not expect (canned soup, spaghetti sauce, ketchup, cranberry juice).

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is metabolized differently than sugar, blocking the action of insulin, which is responsible for regulating the body's use and storage of sugar for energy. It stimulates the appetite and lessens our ability to recognize when we're full, leading to weight gain – and contributes to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease. HFCS is processed by the liver, which has difficulty metabolizing large amounts of it; this increased workload ultimately puts the liver at risk.

To cut down on your family's intake of HFCS, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Read labels – even on products that aren't sweet.

• Avoid fast food, as it can contain lots of HFCS.

• Watch what you're drinking – most sweet beverages (including a lot of fruit juices) contain HFCS. When in doubt, drink water.

• Just because a product is labeled “natural” doesn't mean it's free of HFCS!