To Botox or Not To Botox....

...that is the question!
If all the photos of celebrities with frozen foreheads and almost halfway smiles are not a deterrent to avid users of Botox, then nothing will be! The use of Botox to halt and prevent the natural lines that occur on your face from aging is at an all time high. Botox is now also being used under the armpits to paralyze the sweat glands to stop excessive underarm sweat. While some may think it's all a bit "out there", hey, whatever floats your boat! ....or really, just freezes it dead in its tracks! ;)

Botox is becoming one of the most popular forms of cosmetic enhancement, along with liposuction, breast implants, eye and facelift surgery and rhinoplasty (nose jobs).

What Botox is: a diluted form of botulism used to weaken and paralyze the muscles that cause wrinkles

Botox facts:

Generally used on your face and neck

Is now becoming a more popular alternative to facelift surgery

Average cost = $400 for one treatment

Average age = 40 to 59 (but getting younger)

Side effects could include bruising (usually resolves in 4-5 days), the occasional headache, and very rarely a drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow.

While many rave over its results and effects, still others experience negative side effects from this procedure. It is really hit or miss, but the best thing to do if considering having it done for yourself is to get the best, most reputable doctor you can find. That way, your chances of having a positive outcome are highly increased.


Here are some brief reviews from patients who have had Botox:


The Good


"Botox in jaw (for tmj) made my face look slimmer"

"Love the results! didn't hurt at all"

"Botox is great (eyes, forehead and frown between my eyes)"

"Botox allowed me to look as care free as i felt"

"Money well spent - crow's feet and fine lines"

"Botox = brilliant. first injection at age 22 for forehead line"


The Bad and the Ugly


"Deeper wrinkles after botox wears off"

"Bumps after botox on my frown lines between my eyes"

"I have pea size lump in the corner of my eye after botox injection in the crow's feet areas."

"Botox in forehead - I can hear the botox moving!"

"How long will eyebrow droop last?"

"Double vision side effects after botox"

Reviews courtesy of Realself.com

You can read more reviews and results from Botox users here:
http://www.realself.com/Botox/reviews


All I will say is "none for me, thanks!" ;) I scared of that stuff!

As with all cosmetic procedures, proceed at your own risk!

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It's SO Not The Fat Gene That's Making YOU Fat!

So, new studies in obesity research have found that there is a mutation in the DNA of certain people (on the 16th chromosome) that causes them to overeat because their bodies don't produce a certain enzyme that tells them when they are full. Therefore, they are constantly hungry. For some, this is good news, because it explains for them why they have such a hard time maintaining a healthy weight. Well, here's the bad news...only 1-2% of the obese population can point to this as the cause of their excessive weight. So.....that leaves a whopping 98 - 99% of people that can't use this as an excuse!

For many of you, it's NOT the fat gene. NOPE. If I were you, I'd start looking at some of those OTHER stubborn genes. Like the CHEESEBURGER gene. Or the 'double stuffed Oreos' gene. The 'apple pie a la mode' gene. The 'I haven't exercised since I was in high school' and the 'I've tried diets - they dont work' genes. They are big culprits in causing this condition.
These are the genes we need to closely examine! I swear, I've never met a 'Yes, I'll Supersize That' gene that DIDN'T make you fat!

Are there other reasons for obesity besides the aforementioned genes? Sure. There is a such thing called an eating addiction and there is now this new term called emotional eating. I'm sure that there is some validity to these concepts, but, once again, only THE SMALLEST PERCENTAGE OF OBESE PEOPLE are that way because of those issues. For most, it's the 'I want to eat whenever I want and not exercise EVER' gene. Trust me on this! So many thousands upon thousands of people have this particular gene, that it's just plain astonishing!!

So, what to do here? Well, I'll tell you. Research has proven that these particular genes can be removed WITHOUT SURGERY.
Yes! Can you believe it? Great news, right? Of course it is! What you will need to do to find help is to consult your nearest fitness professional, motivational coach and nutritionist. These are the people who can help you to remove those fat causing genes for sure! Now, this is not a completely painless procedure....I'd be lying if I said that it was.
But no pain, no loss!! It will be a bit uncomfortable at first -- as all extreme procedures are. But you will soon find yourself in recovery mode, and the pounds will then start to melt off.
I personally had a really persistent White Castle hamburger gene that plagued me for years, but once I consulted a trainer and a gym, that thing went away like *THAT*! (snap fingers)

Now, don't feel bad about this. Many have suffered the consequences of these wild, uncontrolled genes and have come out on the other side of it fitter, healthier people. It's nothing to be ashamed of ..... unless you decide to do absolutely nothing about it or neglect to even try to get them removed. If this turns out to be the case, then it all falls on your shoulders. And your knees..... and your ankles..... and pretty much your entire life. So, don't hesitate. Do something about it now!

I am giving referrals to all who ask. I know plenty of great gene removal professionals that can help you in this area. Just drop me an email, and be well on the way to getting rid of those obesity causing genes TODAY!


disclaimer***
To anyone offended by this, WHOOPS! The Fitness Diva tends to be a bit sarcastic from time to time! ;)

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Is Your Mate Just Letting Themself Go??

Here you are working out, trying to be more active and health conscious, watching what you eat and trying to be the absolute best you can possibly be, but in the meantime, you can't help but to notice that your mate...well...isn't. As you're running out the door to catch your next pilates class, he/she's sitting on the couch with the remote firmly in hand, munching on an oversized bag of Cheetos. This is a familiar scene, and one that is playing more and more frequently lately. You also can't help but to notice that sweetie pie's waistline is getting a bit oversized, too. Unlike you, this doesn't seem to be bothering him or her one bit. What do you do?

The "honey, you're puttin on a bit of weight" neck of the woods is pretty dangerous territory and you must tread there carefully! While your sweetheart obviously knows they've put on a pound (or 20), they really don't want to hear this from you, even if you do mean well. If you want to take some action here, it's best to be a bit crafty about it!

Here are a few strategies you might want to try:

Rant and rave about this new class at the gym, telling honey that it's exactly the type of thing he/she will go nuts for.
Try to get him/her to go to this hot, new class. Even if you're lying and end up only taking them to the regular toning class, still, get 'em up and out the door somehow.

Begin to casually mention all the hot bods (of the opposite sex) you're seeing at the gym lately. Ooh and ahh over some of the abs, pecs and biceps you saw that day. Stare off dreamily into space as you do this, and if you know how to do it without looking like a complete fool, let your mouth hang open a bit the way you would when you're craving a steak or something sweet.

Dress up sexy-like and announce that you're studying to be a personal trainer, and he/she's gonna be your guinea pig.
Now, you really have to pour the sexy on for this to make them bite. Hot short shorts and a tight tank top should do it. Men, just go shirtless and be sure to flex a lot while training sweetie pie so she'll look forward to the next session! Girls, you know what to do! ;)


Okay. That's enough with these tactics for now. Try them, and if they don't work, I'll introduce you to the BIG GUNS. Those are fool proof! In the meantime, let's work on getting honey cakes up off the couch!

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