1. She likes to discuss the virtues of marriage

She talks about the good and bad of marriage, the ‘good’ being mentioned several times more than the bad. She tells you about her ideas of a successful long-term relationship, and that she’d like to be in one someday. If she is really up and ready for it, you’d know by the way she fondly refers to marriage as being a bond that lasts forever. Now, if she weren’t ready, she’d probably avoid the entire discussion where marriage comes up and would not want to say anything about it. Avoidance in the matter is one of the crucial signs that she is not ready for marriage, yet.

2. She loves to be around you

She likes to be with you, and says she’d like to be with you for a lifetime. She cleans your room, wash your dishes, or setting your clothes right. She even cooks for you. Sometimes she nags at you (like a typical wife would) because you just cannot keep your living room clean, despite all her subtle efforts. But she then sets the room right (again, like a typical wife). These are obvious signs that she really wants to live with you, and, supposedly, as being your wife.

3. She wants you to meet her family, and shows interest in yours

She invites you to have dinner together with her family, and insists that you talk to her dad about stuff in common, perhaps play golf together, or watch a (common) favorite game. She asks you to accompany her to family picnics, so that everyone gets to know her man better. She also makes inquiries about your family, and wants to know what kind of women they like. If that is the case, you are in the right track. She really wants your relationship to be a long one.

4. She talks about the future

If she’s been using ‘we’ instead of ‘I’ when talking about the future, chances are that she already has a vision of your life together as a couple. She asks about your future plans, shows genuine concerns regarding your work life and where it is leading, and also gives you suggestions on what would be the best thing to do next. She perhaps even consults you for advice on her career and life ahead. Chances are that she has perhaps set her mind on marrying you.

5. She mentions are married friends, and notices other married couples

She let you know what a wonderful proposal her office-colleague or her friend has experienced, and how romantic she thought it was. She has been talking to you about how her friend looks so good together with her husband, and muses over the idea that perhaps you two will make a great couple too. Did she point out to a married couple recently and say – ‘They look happy, don’t they?’ Maybe it’s time you ask her if she’d like to be happy like ‘them’ too.

6. She looks affectionately at wedding dresses on display of stores

When you two are out in the town, shopping together or just walking by, she stops in front of window displays of wedding gowns and awes at the beauty of one. And by her look, you know she wants it. She is perhaps imagining herself in the white fluff as well. And you in a tuxedo. And the wedding bells are perhaps also ringing in her ears. So do not be late to tell her that she would look beautiful in it… and perhaps you would love to see her in one of these.

7. She asks you about your idea on kids

She likes kids, you know that. She loves the idea of being a mother. She says that she wants a lot of them, plus, she also asks you about your opinion on children. All of these mean the same thing– she wants to have children with you. Now that being decided, there is really no doubt that it’s you she wants to share her life with.

With all these signs popping up every now and then, in conjunction with your anticipation being building up about when to ask her the BIG question, do not get over-excited and hasten the procedure. Do take the time to ponder on the hints she’s been giving you and think about the things that she has mentioned – a particular romantic fantasy (suggesting how she’d like to be proposed), or a place she loves very much (suggesting where she wants to be with you at that moment). If she has mentioned her preference of rings, something like ‘I do not like huge stones on rings’ – or something similar to that, make sure you have made a note. After all, the more detailed the ambience and the atmosphere is, the more attention you give to make sure everything is perfect (especially the ring), the more are the chances that she will stand in an alter and say ‘I do’ to you, someday.

Your favorite health guru would say “always keep a healthy lifestyle.” But what does it mean?

There are several things that comes to mind when we talk about health. Some would see fitness as an indicator of healthiness. Some would say low fats, low carbs, low sugar are the key elements for a healthy body. There are actually 101 kinds ways to choose from but not all could be good for you.

More and more people develop serious illnesses because they failed to listen to their bodies. A seemingly healthy executive who does not have a history of high blood pressure suddenly falls to the ground due to heart attack.

Keeping yourself healthy doesn’t have to be rigid, numbered or something only the gym can provide. You just have to know what is best for you and live the lifestyle needed to maintain or achieve wellness. Sometimes just going back to the basics can already get to your goal. Here are some ways to achieve a healthy body:

Keep a healthy mind - The mind is so powerful that it could dictate what the other parts of the body should do. It can also define the well-being of the body. If it thinks positive, the body becomes energized. If it is in the negative, it can self-destruct. If it thinks healthy, then most likely a shield of wellness will protect your system from catching even the deadliest of all sickness. With a positive mind you will only do what is best for your body.

Know your body - know what your body and mind can achieve, and also what they cannot. Just accept the fact that people are made differently. Someone’s strengths could be your weakness or vise-versa. To have a healthy body play with your strengths. Ask the doctor or nutritionists to help you identify your deficiencies and what you need to do to strengthen you weaknesses.

Exercise - identify the type of exercise routine is best for you. Not everyone could do running or jogging like those with hypertension or obviously those who does not have the capacity to do so. Walking is a good for the heart. Swimming is stamina building. To best identify which exercise to do that fits your physic and objectives, consult your doctor first.

One of the most recommended stress-busters is exercise. It relaxes the muscles and shakes off the negative energies from your body. After a good amount of exercise the body produces endorphine in the brain. It is a natural way of bringing back the good feeling in you.

Eat the right kind of food - as they say “you are what you eat”. If you eat junk food you are most likely to get sick – really sick like having kidney problems, diabetes and the like. The body needs vitamins and minerals to perform well. Many experts nowadays are recommending organic food. Lots of fiber helps detoxify your body. Fruits give you the needed glucose. Fish one of the best source of omega-3. To know more about your diet that is best for you, consult a nutritionist.

Choose your battles - Everyday you encounter people, activities, information, traffic, time and more. All these give you the adrenaline rush. When you encounter a hot headed driver in a traffic jam, take a step back to assess whether it is worth the fight or not. Classify your source of stress according to importance. Drop the most trivial and give your energy to the most important tasks of the day.

Sigh – current psychotherapy studies show that sighing or taking a wistful deep breath reboots respiration and works as a stress management strategy. Stress makes the breathing irregular. Although sighing spontaneously happens whenever muscle tension build-up, it is important to give yourself a break and enjoy a moment of such breathing.

Zoe Lister and Loui Batley

From: Hollyoaks

Angelina Jolie and Elizabeth Mitchell

From: Gia

Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie

From: Girl, Interrupted

Piper Perabo and Jessica Paré

From: Lost and Delirious

Sharon Stone and Ellen DeGeneres

From: If These Walls Could Talk 2

Michelle Ryan and Brooke Kinsella

From: EastEnders

Selma Blair and Sarah Michelle Gellar

From: Cruel Intentions

Mischa Barton and Olivia Wilde

From: The O.C.

Nikki Reed and Evan Rachel Wood

From: Thirteen

Naomi Watts and Laura Harring

From: Mulholland Dr.

Alyson Hannigan and Amber Benson

From: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Erin Karpluk and Anna Silk

From: Being Erica

Angela Gots and Olivia Wild

From: House M.D.

Heather Graham and Bridget Moynahan

From: Gray Matters

Amanda Seyfried and Julianne Moore

From: Chloe

Jessica Lowndes and Rumer Willis

From: 90210

Lauren Collins and Deanna Casaluce

From: Degrassi: The Next Generation

Jennifer Garner and Natassia Malthe

From: Elektra

Hannah Murray and a figurant

From: Skins

Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth

From: I Can’t Think Straight

The sex tape. Oh my, the sex tape. First, I’m not entirely sure I believe a sex tape exists, but if it does, I am willing to bet every penny I have (don’t get too excited, I’m a writer, I don’t have many pennies to bet) Heidi knew about it and knew full well it would someday see the light of day. If the sex tape does exist, especially if it features Karissa Shannon who is no stranger to using her body to make her more famous, than it was probably recorded with the sole intention of someday being sold. Were people shocked that Heidi left Spencer? They sure were, but that shock only lasted so long. As their names disappear from the headlines, one has to wonder about the timing. With all that said, let’s take a look at the top five reasons Speidi should be banned from existence.

5. Speidi make celebrities everywhere look bad.

Speidi invite the press into every moment of their lives. They welcome the attention. They thrive on it. Not all celebrities would see out their home life for a chance at extending their time in the spotlight. The press can be invasive and unwelcome. Most celebrities, the ones that are in show business because they love acting or making music, don’t want the press trying to pry into their personal lives. Speidi makes them look ungrateful. They aren’t. They just know they don’t have to be fame whores to me famous. Big difference and one that Speidi can’t seem to grasp. Maybe that’s because they don’t have a lick or talent between the two of them and couldn’t get famous any other way. Either way.

4. Speidi is by far the stupidest of all celebrity couple monikers.

Speidi? Really? Spiderman was Spidey – not this train wreck of a couple. Brangelina, Bennifer, Robsten, Gyllenspoon, Mayerston… all very lame and pointless. All infinitely better than Speidi. I have to admit it’s somewhat appropriate as, much like spiders, these two creep me out.

3. Spencer Pratt should just be banished from existence in general. He might as well take Heidi with him.

I don’t want anything bad to happen to Spencer Pratt. I mean, I’m not a cruel person and I’ve never met the guy. I’m sure somewhere out there someone actually cares about him at least a little bit. I’m just saying he should be banished somewhere far, far away to a place so remote and distant, we will never have to worry about hearing his name or seeing his face again. It doesn’t have to be punishment though. Just give him lots of mirrors and Heidi to offer constant attention, and he’ll be fine.

2. The world has far too many fake Christians for its own good and these two are about the worst.

I’m not a religious person, but it sincerely bugs me that these two morons use religion as a way to expand their fan base. Sure, other celebrities have done it, but these two are especially bad. I mean, really. Who devotes their life to religion and follows it up by posing for Playboy? It’s just sad. And pathetic. Thinking about it, it’s absolutely perfect for Speidi.

1. Without Speidi, Heidi and Spencer are just Heidi and Spencer.

Alone, Spencer Pratt is a bigger boob than the fake ones strapped to Heidi’s chest. Alone, Heidi Montag is the living punch line to every blond joke you’ve ever heard. Alone, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are mildly annoying but easily ignored. When they join forces as the monster known as Speidi, they are unavoidable. For some reason, the press shows up for every event they stage. The attention only makes Speidi stronger but hungry for more. They will stop at nothing, alert the press to their every move, knowing full well, the press will arrive with cameras in hand. Before long, you can’t pick up a magazine without seeing this disease spreading on every page.

E! Online got it right. They banned the names Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag from their website. They saw them for what they are and refused to allow the beast to grow. What a wonderful world it would be if all entertainment sites continued that trend. I’m getting on board with that right now. This is the last time I will ever use the term Speidi or the names Heidi Montag or Spencer Pratt in anything I write. To their fans, I only have one appeal. Open your eyes. They’re lying to you and they’re making you look foolish. To those who share my feelings for ‘those who shall not be named’ – join the boycott. Don’t write about them in your blogs. Send e-mails to the websites that do. They’re like bullies on the playground – ignore them and they’ll go away. Let’s make it happen, people!

1. David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff got his start in the 1970s on the popular daytime drama, “The Young and the Restless,” playing Dr. Snapper Foster. Even though his acting chops didn’t set the world on fire at the time, Hasselhoff went on to play Michael Knight on the 1980s program “Knight Rider,” and Mitch Buchannon in “Baywatch.” In addition to “wowing” the viewing public, Hasselhoff also became a singing sensation… mostly in Europe, which is strange as I always thought Europeans had more taste than that. Two of his songs went to number one in Germany. Hasselhoff’s lack of talent was recently solidified as he was the subject of a Comedy Central Roast… that’s when you know you’ve really hit rock bottom, when celebrities who are worse no-names than you are making jokes to an international television audience about your lack of talent!

2. Paris Hilton

She’s famous for being rich….. what bigger waste of space could there possibly be than Paris Hilton? When you look up the word “overrated” in the dictionary, Hilton’s photo practically leaps off the page as a prime example. Give the girl some credit, she has attempted to have a few “real” careers, like modeling (at which she wasn’t half bad), singing (to the dismay of dogs everywhere who started howling as soon as the first notes of “Stars are Blind” were played – what an appropriate title for a Paris Hilton song, by the way), and acting (at which she was truly horrible).

3. Taylor Hicks

“And the new American Idol is…. Taylor Hicks!” These eight words put fear in the hearts of music lovers everywhere in 2006, when Hicks won the fifth season of the reality television show. Granted, the talent wasn’t very competitive that year, with Kat McPhee as a runner-up, but many feel that Chris Daughtry, who came in fourth place that year, should have been the clear winner. Hicks certainly hasn’t wowed the public since 2006, only releasing two albums – thankfully!

4.   Rosie O’Donnell

I’ll have to admit, there was a time, long ago, when Rosie O’Donnell was actually relevant… and funny. She was a stand-up comedian in the late 1970s-early 1980s, and appeared on the reality show “Star Search,” which was sort of the 1980s answer to “America’s Got Talent.” Since then, however, O’Donnell’s career, and talent, has gone downhill. She hosted a popular daytime television program in the 1990s. Then she began to slowly, gradually morph from the “Queen of Nice” into the “Queen of Mean.” Now, O’Donnell is seen as a militant, anti-gun lesbian who rarely has a smile on her face.

5. Rush Limbaugh

Conservative radio host, prescription drug addict, author… this no-talent windbag has done it all. Rush Limbaugh has embarrassed himself (apparently not enough) and his listeners through some of his thoughtless antics, such as the time he made fun of Michael J. Fox for his twitchy Parkinson’s movements, saying he was exaggerating his disease (which was not true); the parody of “Puff the Magic Dragon” he came up with entitled “Barack the Magic Negro;” and his calling soldiers who criticize the war “phony soldiers.” Someone needs to stop this waste of space from ever opening his mouth publicly again.

6. Justin Bieber

He sings a song called “Baby,” and looks like a baby… how appropriate. This untalented Canadian teenager took the pre-teen world by storm in 2008 when he was accidentally discovered online. Too bad the person who discovered Justin Bieber didn’t just leave him there to flounder on the Internet. Instead, now we’re treated to that song day and night, because if you hear it during the day, against your better judgment you find yourself humming it in your head in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep. His voice is more effective than No-Doz at keeping you awake in the middle of the night! Guess that might be his talent, after all.

7. Tom Cruise

Like any red-blooded heterosexual female, I must admit that there was a time in the 1980s and early 1990s when I thought Tom Cruise was a sexy young actor. He didn’t have the greatest acting talent, as he’s been nominated for acting awards but has never won. My problem with Cruise started when he publicly criticized Brooke Shields for using an antidepressant following the birth of her first child, and claimed that there was no such thing as a “chemical imbalance.” Then, of course, he did that whole weird thing on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” when he jumped up and down on her couch gushing about his love for Katie Holmes. This guy has gone from being a hot commodity to a cold, opinionated, strange, unappealing bore.

8. Sarah Silverman

Is there a female comedienne today who is less funny than Sarah Silverman? I’ve never seen the appeal of this waste of time and space. Not only is she unfunny, she’s also been accused of bigotry against Asians and blacks, and, in a documentary, accused radio/TV host Joe Franklin of raping her. Even though it was said in “jest,” apparently Franklin didn’t take it that way, as he considered suing her for her remarks. He finally said, “the best thing I could do is get Sarah better writers so she’d have funnier material.” I couldn’t agree more, Joe.

9. Victoria Beckham

Once she was a Spice Girl, now she’s the wife of a hunky soccer star. Why, pray tell, is she still famous? Even when the Spice Girls were big, they weren’t all that talented. Victoria Beckham herself admits to having no talent, telling Elle magazine, “It became very obvious from the start that I was never going to be the best singer or the best dancer or the best actress. I was never a ‘natural.’ You know, I’ve never been that good at anything, to be completely honest.” Finally, an untalented celebrity who recognizes the fact that she’s a waste of space!

10. Jesse James

Reality television stars are people who should never have been celebrities in the first place, but for some unknown reason, they were given their own television programs and many of them became huge stars. James didn’t really fall into that category, although I suppose his shows “Monster Garage” and “Motorcycle Mania” appealed to a certain segment of the viewing public. No, James achieved the most fame for something far worse: cheating on his wife, actress Sandra Bullock. He’s the worst type of celebrity, the type who becomes famous from hurting others. Let’s hope James fades back into the woodwork now that he and Bullock are kaput, but don’t count on it – another so-called reality television “star,” Kat Von D, is claiming to be dating him. What a way for two talentless media whores to stay in the limelight.

Michael Kors handbags are filled with smaller details. Multiple pockets, chains and a lot of ornamentation, this is a handbag that will be an asset to any outfit. His designs are neither flirtatious nor overtly feminine, these are handbags you can carry every single day with a variety of different outfits. Whether it is denims or a summer dress, each bag goes beautifully with any kind of clothes. The colours are mostly muted and neutral so that you may carry a single handbag the entire week with whatever you are wearing! That is a luxury no other designer can offer you.

Michael Kors handbags come in various styles so that any woman may carry them, no matter what her personal style is. Whether it is flap bags, hobos or clutches, the designer has an exquisite collection in each style to choose from. These bags are available at various stores and can even be ordered online. The designer comes up with a new line each season which is a brilliant way to ascertain what’s fashionable this season and what’s not. The brand’s growing popularity is due to the fact that the bags are luxurious as well as affordable. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Catherine Zeta Jones have been spotted sporting these bags. The variety gives the brand an added charm. Whether it is a tote or a clutch, each different piece has a class appeal of its own.

This season, the Michael Kors bag that caught everyone’s eye is the Lily tote in gold. This season, most of his bags have been finished in neutrals and gold, including creams and whites. However, this particular small purse is fashionable and extremely stylish. Made of metallic gold leather, this bag is both elegant as well as durable. Like all Michael Kors handbags, this one has top handles in the same material as well as a thick golden chain which makes it a perfect bag with party wear. A versatile little tote, you may actually use the handles to sling it on your shoulders to carry this small purse under the arm. The bag is a perfect size, quite capable of fitting all the little knick-knacks ladies love to stuff in their handbags. Whether it is your lip gloss, blackberry or even a small umbrella, this beautiful yet practical bag from Michael Kors will fit all your basic necessities. The small purse is made glamorous by the Michael Kors logo and the color adds to the glamour. This is a bag which screams elegance and can easily be carried to office for a big meeting day paired with a power suit in cream; to lunch with all your girlfriends with a gorgeous summer dress in orange or beige and also to dinner teamed with your classic little black dress.

A well chosen small purse defines elegance. They make a statement of style and sophistication. They are not meant to be stocked with things you might need through the day but are just there to accentuate or complement the outfit. A perfect little small purse can hold some money, a few cards, your mobile phone, your basic makeup and keys. These look feminine and complete your look. Most women wait for a long time before they buy the perfect clutch. Unlike a handbag, a small purse is a thing of elegance, something that must represent your personal style, instead of just stocking your basic necessities. A small purse must be something you carry boldly with any dress, something that accentuates the dress as well as your personality.

That’s the true beauty of Michael Kors handbags. He has the best designs in small purses which are practical and versatile. If the price tag on one of his bags is your concern, you can buy it at many leading stores available at discounts. the price tag however, is justified, keeping in mind that a single bag from Michael Kors can accentuate so many outfits that it really is a must have.

Baby Food Diet

This one’s been in the news lately as a celebrity favorite. None other than Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and Madonna have tried this diet, created by celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson. A book is expected to be released soon so that the general public can follow it if desired, but what it really boils down to is, eating jars of baby food. Most baby food is free of additives, preservatives and fillers, and much of it is organic, which might be why the idea became so appealing and trendy among celebs. We all know (well, us moms who have been known to sample Junior’s sweet potatoes from time to time know, anyway) how bland baby food is. Do you really think eating Gerber during the day is going to satisfy you enough to keep you from bingeing on Rocher later? Time will tell, I suppose.

Last Chance Diet

Invented by Dr. Robert Linn in the 1970s, the Last Chance Diet involved eating nothing but Prolinn, a liquid protein elixir created by Linn (hence the name, Prolinn). It was supposed to be made up of such tasty and nutritious morsels as pre-digested animal hides, tendons and slaughterhouse byproducts combined with sweeteners and artificial flavors. Yummy! However, the diet wasn’t all it was cracked up to be: after many Last Chance Dieters died, the FDA yanked Prolinn from the market. For those unlucky dieters, this really was their Last Chance.

Parasitic Worm Diet

You might find this hard to believe, but this diet craze is currently all the rage in Hong Kong, where obesity has been increasing in recent years. Seems thousands of Hong Kongians are ingesting parasitic intestinal roundworms, the idea being that these worms will eat your food for you, helping you to avoid any of the nasty fat and calories usually incurred when eating. In addition to eating your food, however, these worms inject toxins into the human body, and have been known to cause diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, pancreatic duct obstruction, lung invasion, and death. Perhaps not the smartest way to lose weight after all…

Man Juice Diet

No, this isn’t just a ploy by men to get women to give them blow jobs. In 2002, a porn star named Kim Kelly became famous for publicizing the fact that she planned to eat nothing but “man juice” (aka semen) for 30 days. She planned to have six servings of man juice per day, and had more than 1000 men offering to donate “meals” for her to ingest. Because she could not “raise” enough funding to keep the diet going, Kelly only was able to attempt it for 8 days. The idea is so appealing to the providers of “man juice,” however, that it will probably rear its ugly head again one day.

Breatharian Diet

Based on the spiritual concept of fasting, the Breatharian Diet assumes that food is not necessary to sustain life, and that the human body can subsist on air, sunlight, and Prana, or life force. Many Breatharians exist just on water, herbal tea, air and sunlight. Some just practice it for a few days, which makes a bit of sense, but others claim to follow it religiously, often to an early grave.

Lunch Box Diet

Popular in the United Kingdom, this diet invented by a fitness trainer is simple: buy a lunch box, fill it with vegetables, proteins and fats, and graze on the contents of your lunch box all day long. You’re supposed to be eating healthy foods all day long, in order to satisfy your hunger without bingeing. The creator will sell you the diet plan for $21 USD, or you can go to Walmart, buy a cheap lunch box and fill it with food on your own. If you can adhere to the plan, this one makes a little bit of sense. But c’mon, how realistic is it to only eat foods you’ve placed in that box all day long? I’d probably be sneaking a Twinkie or two in there for good measure, thereby wrecking my entire day’s diet.

Japanese Banana Diet

This diet from Japan emerged about two years ago. Adherents to the Japanese Banana Diet ate only bananas and room-temperature water for breakfast, and claimed that this jump-started weight loss, regardless of what they consumed for the rest of the day. Really? Anything I want? Well, they did say no dessert, but other than that, anything was fair game. Other variations on the banana diet say eat 2 bananas before each meal, then whatever you want after that. Proponents of this diet do say that weight loss isn’t fast, possibly because constipation is a side effect of eating so many bananas….

HCG Diet

Followers of this diet eat just 500 calories daily and inject themselves with the HCG hormone, one that most women who have been pregnant are quite familiar with because it’s produced during pregnancy by the placenta. It has been called very unhealthy by doctors, and by the FDA, who has not sanctioned the use of HCG for anything except fertility treatments. On the plus side: if you’re trying to get pregnant, this might be the diet for you.

Cotton Ball Diet

Ok, this one’s just too stupid for words. The premise is self-explanatory. You are supposed to eat cotton balls to give a false feeling of “fullness.” It’s been practiced by supermodels and dancers (apparently ones with low intelligence) and has occasionally caused death. Duh!

The Master Cleanser Diet

Also called the “Lemonade Diet” or the “Liquid Diet,” this diet was made popular by Stanley Burroughs in 1976. It consists solely of a liquid diet of water, lemon or lime juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper. Followers may only drink lemonade about 6-12 times a day, a glass of salt water, and an herbal laxative tea once or twice a day. It’s supposed to detoxify the body, and was originally intended for that purpose, but re-emerged in 2004 as a weight loss diet. It might be safe for a day or two, but most doctors say following this diet for any length of time greater than that may be hazardous to your health.

For a healthy scalp, its best to use a mild shampoo which with an acid base. This keeps hair protected and doesn’t harm the texture of your hair. Always read the ingredients written behind your shampoo. Some shampoos can contain harmful chemicals which may make your hair appear softer initially but damage it completely over a period of time. Whenever you select a new shampoo, it is best to buy the sample first to test in on your hair for 2-3 washes. If it suits you, go ahead and shift to the new shampoo. Some people suggest that you can use a mild shampoo everyday to help keep your scalp clean and avoid the pores from getting clogged. However, this only is essential for those who have a very oily scalp. If your scalp is dry, excessive washing will dry it further. What is important here is that scalp must be kept clean. There is no guide that can tell you exactly how many times a week you must wash your hair as it differs from person to person. The simplest thumb rule is to wash your hair when you feel it is dirty.

Nothing makes your hair look uglier than dandruff. These white flakes can cause constant itching and even look embarrassing when clinging to your scalp. It is fairly common and many people suffer from the constant itching and flaking. It could be caused by various disorders which include dry skin, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and even contact dermatitis. It is a good idea to consult a good dermatologist to get the best treatment and know which shampoo must be used. Most dermatologists will prescribe a good dandruff shampoo depending on your needs. It could be a Seborrheic Dermatitis shampoo , Selenium sulfide shampoo or even a Ketoconazole shampoo, depending on what is causing the dandruff.

A good way to ensure that your scalp stays healthy is to give it sufficient moisturizing. Like our skin, the hair also needs moisturizers to keep the skin pliable and to stimulate hair growth. Use natural oils like jojoba oil as these have a high content of Vitamin E, which is a great moisturizers and helps keep the skin supple. Shea butter is also another great option to keep the scalp moisturized as well as conditioned. Dry scalp can lead to many problems like itching and flaking.

Your scalp needs t be clean to be able to be healthy. You don’t just need to shampoo it to keep it clean but also exfoliate the scalp skin once a week to get rid of dead skin. This is as essential as exfoliating your facial skin. Dry flakes clinging to your hair can ruin its beauty completely. Also, massage the scalp regularly. It promotes blood circulation which makes the scalp healthier which in turn, makes your hair grow and also keeps then healthy. A massage also works to soothe nerves and relaxes the brain. It improves lustre as well as makes the hair smoother. Make sure you use just your fingers in circular motions and place them well under the hair, right on the scalp, to avoid breaking hair.

What many people do not realize is that just like our skin even our scalp is susceptible to sunburns. Wear a hat or cover your hair with a scarf if you are going to be in the sun for long hours. Incase you can’t manage either; buy a spray-in sun block that can protect your scalp from sunburns. Incase you do manage to get sunburns on your scalp, use a mild shampoo and moisturize it.

Incase the pores of the scalp do get clogged with excessive oils and dirt; there are chances of developing scalp acne. Many women suffer from this problem, especially if their hairstyles are elaborate and cause them to sweat on the scalp. A very important way to keep the scalp healthy in summers is to ensure that your hair and scalp are dry. If the scalp is not dry, a lot of fungal infections and acne problems can make it itchy and painful. Avoid styling products if you are suffering from either of these problems. It is best to use a mild shampoo and then use a leave in conditioner just for the hair. Do not apply any conditioner on the scalp as it further clogs the pores. Once your hair is towel dried, use a good quality hair dryer to evenly dry your scalp. Never tie up your hair before it has completely dried. The moisture gets trapped in your hair or scalp, causing itching. Most of the times, the scalp remains wet which cause fungal and bacterial infections. This is very important in summers as the skin on the scalp sweats as well. Especially for women who follow a regular workout regime, it is essential to wash hair with a mild shampoo after a workout to ensure that the scalp is clean.

Having a healthy scalp ensures that you will have healthy hair. A good, balanced diet with omega 3 fatty acids ensure a healthy scalp. Similarly, sleeping 8 hours a night also keeps the scalp healthy and promotes hair growth.

Most sexually transmitted diseases will only affect you if you have sexual contact with someone who has an STD. However there are some infections, for example scabies, which are referred to as STDs because they are most commonly transmitted sexually, but which can also be passed on in other ways.

1. Gonorrhea

Often called “the clap,” gonorrhea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria. This bacteria can be found in moist areas of the body including the vagina, penis, eyes, throat, and rectum. Infection can occur with contact to any of these areas. An infected person may also spread gonorrhea from one part of their body to another by touch. Gonorrhea can be spread through all forms of sexual activity including oral, vaginal, and rectal sex. Gonorrhea may be passed to newborns if their mother is infected when childbirth occurs.

Who gets gonorrhea?

Although any sexually active person can get gonorrhea, it is most prevalent among those from 15 to 30. Women who have vaginal intercourse with an infected man have a 60 to 90 percent chance of becoming infected; while men who have vaginal sex with an infected woman have a significantly lower 30 to 50 percent chance of becoming infected by this sexually transmitted disease.

Symptoms of gonorrhea:

• abnormal bleeding
• a burning sensation during urination
• vaginal discharge
• general irritation of the outer area of the vagina

2. Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is the clinical name for painful intercourse. The pain can be felt as burning, sharp, searing or cramping. It can be external, within the vagina, or deep in the pelvic region or abdomen.

Causes of Dyspareunia Are Multiple

The causes of dyspareunia, as with most sexual dysfunction, can be classified as either organic (physical or medical factors such as illness, injury or drug effects) or psychosocial (including psychological, interpersonal, environmental and cultural factors). The cause of a sexual dysfunction in a given person may be a combination of several factors, and in some cases, the precise cause may not be identifiable at all.

Female dyspareunia can be caused by dozens of physical conditions. Any condition that results in poor vaginal lubrication can cause discomfort during intercourse. Among the more common culprits are drugs that have a drying effect (antihistamines, certain tranquilizers, marijuana) and disorders such as diabetes, vaginal infections, and estrogen deficiencies.

Other causes of female dyspareunia include:

• blisters, rashes and inflammation around the vaginal opening or the vulva
• irritation or infection of the clitoris
• disorders of the vaginal opening, such as scarring from an episiotomy, intact hymen or remnants of the hymen that are stretched during intercourse, or infection of the Bartholin’s glands
• disorders of the urethra or anus
• disorders of the vagina, such as surgical scarring, thinning of vaginal walls (whether due to aging or estrogen deficiency), and irritation due to chemicals that are found in contraceptive materials or douches
• pelvic disorders such as infection, tumors, abnormalities of the cervix or uterus, and torn ligaments around the uterus.

3. Chancroid

Chancroid is a highly infectious and curable sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Haemophilus Ducreyl (also known as H. Ducreyl). Because Chancroid can be transmitted without even having sex, it ranks Chancroid was once rare in the U.S. and use to be primarily found in Africa and parts of Asia known for high sexual activity. Women are usually unaware that they have a Chancroid ulcer either on the inside, or outside of their bodies. This fact, of course, perpetuates the transmission of this highly infectious, sexually transmitted disease.

Symtoms for Chancroid in female

First signs of infection appear from 3-5 days and up to 2 weeks after contact, and usually a tender, raised bump develops where the bacteria entered the body:

• inside/outside the vagina or rectum
• occasionally on hands, thighs or mouth
• on the penis

Within 1-4 days the bump transforms into one or more shallow sores which break open and deepen, becoming:

• filled with pus
• inflamed
• painful
• ruptured

The next stage may persist for several weeks and may result in:

• a painful open sore
• purulent base of the ulcer
• several lesions merging to form gigantic ulcers

In over half of the untreated cases the chancroid bacteria infects the lymph glands in the groin.

The lymph glands in the groin may

• swell, creating a pus-filled bulge, known as a bubo
• enlarge until they burst through the skin
• drain continuously
• remain open
• become infected by other bacteria
• may be firm or fluctuant
• may rupture or ulcerate

The typical chancroid bubo:

• appears about 1-2 weeks after the ulcer forms
• is unilateral, spherical, and painful

4. Genital warts

Female genital warts is the most widely spread sexually transmitted diseases among women. It is caused by a virus called HPV (the human papilloma virus). In fact there is an estimated number of 20 million Americans who are infected by this virus. Moreover, about 5.6 million new infections are declared each year in the US.

The HPV infection does not always cause genital warts or any symptoms of any kind. And even when it does, the first signs of genital warts and other symptoms only start to appear after a couple of months or even years following the infection.
How does a female get genital warts?

• Sexual contact is the most common way to transmit female genital warts.
• Oral sex can also transmit HPV, but research shows that the virus “prefers” genital tissues to those of the mouth.
• Vertical transmission occurs when a mother passes the virus and genital warts to her baby during birth.
• Auto (self) transmission can occur from one site to another on a woman.
• Fomites: the virus may be passed from an object (like a bath towel or toilet seat) to the woman, though research has not proven this theory.

Symptoms of female genital warts

Female genital warts are pinkish, reddish or grey swellings of the skin that grow on the vulva, the vagina (the case of vaginal warts or vaginal genital warts), the area between external genitals and the anus and even in the anus. They can also grow inside the uterus.

These swellings grow to form clusters that take on a cauliflower shape. Some times the symptoms of female genital warts can also include a sensation of burning and itching and can even cause some bleeding.

5. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), is caused by a parasite, trichomonas vaginalis, that can live in the urogenital tract of males and females and infect any sexually active person, especially those who are not using protection or who have multiple partners.

Symptoms

Symptoms of trich can appear as early as 4 days after sex with an infected partner. But trichomoniasis often goes undiagnosed because symptoms may not appear until later, if at all.

In females, symptoms can include:

• abundant or frothy vaginal discharge ranging in color from gray to green to yellow, with a watery to milky consistency
• foul odor
• itching and tenderness in or around the vagina
• pain during sex
• bleeding after sex
• pain during urination
• soreness or itching of the labia and inner thighs
• swollen labia

If you have a teenage daughter, it’s important for her to recognize both a normal vaginal discharge (it’s usually clear or whitish, has no odor, and causes no irritation) and the signs that something might be wrong.

Don’t get caught with a cat in your tongue, here are 10 other imaginative uses for condoms which can help you through some awkward moments. See if you can put them to good use when you’re being asked why you carry a condom the next time around.

As Dip Tea Bag

As Butterfly Catcher

As Party Balloons

To Protect Your Golf Club

As a Neat Lunchbag

As a Ponytail Holder

To Make a Bikini

As Disposable Drink Dispenser

As Socks in Rainy Season

As Milk Bottle Nipple