LUCA is the best UVA/UVB sunscreen available in the United States, because our formulations contain Polycrylene®, a novel Avobenzone stabilizer and strengthener. Avobenzone protects against UVAs, but without the addition of Polycrylene®, it begins to breakdown after 10 minutes in intense sunlight. In addition to excellent UVB coverage rated by familiar SPF ratings, LUCA sunscreen is the only product in the United States to voluntarily place a critical wavelength value (see critical wavelength below) on our label showing our level of UVA protection.

Good daily UVA protection is very important. As an esthetician, each year I have seen an increase in the numbers of skin carcinomas and melanomas which are diagnosed in an ever younger patient population. UVA rays are strongly linked not only to melanoma, but to the aging associated with sun exposure (sun spots, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, skin thinning, etc). Daily UVA/UVB protection is important on chronically sun exposed skin surfaces (face, arms, ect.).

The increased UVA protection is reflected in our critical wavelength, which is the highest in the U.S. market. Critical wavelength is recognized internationally as a rating system for UVA protection which will likely be adopted by the FDA in the near future.

LUCA is the best UVA/UVB sunscreen available in the United States, because our formulations contain Polycrylene®, a novel Avobenzone stabilizer and strengthener. Avobenzone protects against UVAs, but without the addition of Polycrylene®, it begins to breakdown after 10 minutes in intense sunlight. In addition to excellent UVB coverage rated by familiar SPF ratings, LUCA is the only product in the United States to voluntarily place a critical wavelength value (see critical wavelength below) on our label showing our level of UVA protection

Luca is available in a SPF 15 and SPF 30 Sunscreen.  They have just come out with a Critical Wavelength Spray on sport SPF 30

Luca sunscreen products are available at  Skincarebymichele.com

Free shipping in the U.S.

Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes incompetent acid reflux will result. This is called gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD.

So can you cure your acid reflux? If there is true lower esophageal incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical treatment such as fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.

However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on acid reflux before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.

Obesity can cause or contribute to acid reflux. It is more likely in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. An important aspect of acid reflux treatment is losing weight.

Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may force acid back up into the gullet. Your acid reflux will improve if you wear loose clothes.

Large volume of food in the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. The large volume also increases gastric clearance time increasing the risk for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.

Acid Reflux can be affected by certain foods. Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an inflammation caused by cow’s milk intolerance. Removing cow’s milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.

Some drugs can affect the LES and result in acid reflux. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are in this list.

GERD symptoms are affected by female hormones. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect clearance of food from the esophagus.

If you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the lining of the esophagus. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Try not to take medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take drugs standing or sitting up and avoid lying down immediately after.

Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Stop smoking and your acid reflux might improve.

Certain exercises have been shown to increase the risk of acid reflux. Competitive weightlifting and cycling can do this. Joggers can develop GERD symptoms.

If you have acid reflux symptoms, look at all the potential risk factors and eliminate them. If by doing so, your symptoms disappear, you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.

There is one thing that you will have to come to terms with if you are going to lose fat, and that is that there is no fat loss solution that will help you lose weight overnight. There is no such product that you can take before you go to sleep in order to wake up thin the day after.

What is the perfect pregnancy workout? Now, the first thing that you want to find out is that you do not want to overdo it when you are pregnant. You want to make sure that you take it easy all the way through you pregnancy. This, however, does not mean that you have to not workout at all – do not be a lazy bones, because that is how you will put on weight.

There are a lot of fitness routines that you can actually do when pregnant and not just the ordinary ones either. You can start out doing some mild workouts like walking, swimming, stretching such as Yoga, and even dancing. Most people think that they cannot jump around when they are pregnant, and this is true to a certain degree.

You should not overdo anything, but a small amount of jumping that you would do in a dance or aerobics class is fine at the beginning. As you get bigger though this can be very uncomfortable. The rule of thumb is to listen to your body. If it hurts then don’t do it.

This is why you will find so many pregnant women recommending that you do Yoga or Pilates. This is all you need to keep that extra fat off of your body. If you want to go for a run or jog, stop yourself right there. It would be better for you and the baby if you rather went for a walk. Take the dogs out or go for a walk with a dear friend or even your hubby if he is not working too much.

It will help with the cramps and the stiffness and the sore ligaments as well. You can also walk a lot. This is the best thing to do when you are pregnant and if you are overdue, walking is the first thing that is recommended.

This is why most doctors, if they know what they are doing, will tell you that you cannot do anything for the next six weeks after you have given birth, but you can wear a pregnancy wrap.

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