Articles by Lisa Scott on ArticleSnatch.com

A Brief Ovierview Of Lasik Eye Surgery

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

LASIK, an acronym for Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a form of refractive laser eye surgery procedure performed by ophthalmologists intended for correcting vision. The procedure is usually a preferred alternative to photorefractive keratectomy, PRK, as it requires less time for full recovery, and the patient experiences less pain overall. The LASIK technique was made possible by Dr Jose Barraquer (Colombia), who around 1960 developed the first microkeratome, used to cut thin flaps in the cornea and alter its shape, in a procedure called keratomileusis. This procedure was developed and pioneered by the world leading Barraquer Clinic, based in Bogota, Colombia. LASIK surgery was developed in 1990 by Dr. Lucio Buratto (Italy) and Dr. Ioannis Pallikaris (Greece) as a melding of two prior techniques, keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. It quickly became popular because of its greater precision and lower frequency of complications in comparison with these former two techniques. In 1991, LASIK was performed for the first time in the United States by Drs. Stephen Brint and Stephen Slade. The same year, Drs. Thomas and Tobias Neuhann successfully treated the first German LASIK patients with an automated microkeratome. **End Summary** Topics: Lasik eye surgery]]> lasik]]> eye surgery]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Lasik eye surgery has been perfected in recent years, and most of the associated risks are no longer a significant concern.

Is Laser Hair Removal An Option You Should Consider

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Epilation performed by laser was performed experimentally for about 20 years before it became commercially available in the mid 1990s. Laser and light-based methods are sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation. Laser hair removal works by sending a beam of laser light to a group of hair follicles with enough power to disable or destroy the root. If done properly, there should be no damage to the surrounding skin area. Experts say that "Laser hair removal only destroys hair in its active growth phase, the anagen phase. This phase lasts several years, and up to 85% of our hair is in that phase at any given time". Laser hair removal can prove rapid, gentle removal of unwanted hair. Cheaper than traditional electrolysis, it can still cost over $1,000 for multiple treatments to get the job completed. Small areas, such as the upper lip, can be less. There are some requirements before you consider, laser hair removal. One absolute requirement is that the surrounding skin color be lighter than your hair. In addition, people with dark skin are not good candidates for laser hair removal as they absorb too much or the laser energy into their skin. **End Summary** Topics: laser hair removal]]> hair removal]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Unwanted hair on certain parts of your body can be an annoying problem for some people. Fortunately, science has found a good alternative to shaving, plucking, and peeling that unwanted hair away. It is called laser hair removal .

What Are The Early Signs Of Pregnancy?

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Pregnancy is the carrying of one or more embryos or fetuses by female mammals, including humans, inside their bodies. In a pregnancy, there can be multiple gestations (for example, in the case of twins, or triplets). Human pregnancy is the most studied of all mammalian pregnancies. Human pregnancy lasts approximately 9 months between the time of the last menstrual cycle and childbirth (38 weeks from fertilisation). The medical term for a pregnant woman is genetalian, just as the medical term for the potential baby is embryo (early weeks) and then fetus (until birth). A woman who is pregnant for the first time is known as a primigravida or gravida 1: a woman who has never been pregnant is known as a gravida 0; similarly, the terms para 0, para 1 and so on are used for the number of times a woman has given birth. In many societies medical and legal definitions, human pregnancy is somewhat arbitrarily divided into three trimester periods, as a means to simplify reference to the different stages of fetal development. The first trimester period carries the highest risk of miscarriage (natural death of embryo or fetus). **End Summary** Topics: early signs of pregnancy]]> pregnancy]]> fertilization]]> pregnancy tests]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The early signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman; some may have all the signs in the book and others may have just a few or none.

The Little Souls Dolls

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Little Souls dolls are valuable and unique treasures created by children who are in need. Sales benefit those very children and part of the sales go to the Children's Hope Foundation. The concept behind the toys is as sweet and endearing as the faces themselves. Each doll is created by hand, just as you would suspect. The beauty lies in who makes the Little Souls Dolls and who benefits from the sales. They reminded me of something my great-great grandmother would make by hand for a beloved child. When I read about the history to the Little Souls Dolls, I knew that I had to have one. Little Souls Dolls look like folk art, each one with a unique and loving face that is sure to warm your heart. Upon looking at the collection of dolls available online, I immediately fell in love with the quaint toys that beckon the onlooker to another time and place. The children create the dolls while staying in the hospital. Each child is given instructions and materials necessary to create the doll. They also make up a story about the Little Souls Dolls they build. **End Summary** Topics: little souls dolls]]> dolls]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> A Brief History Of The Little Souls Dolls .

Taking A Closer Look At American Indian Beadwork

Sat, 17 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Beadwork is the art or craft of attaching beads to one another or to cloth using a needle and thread. Most beadwork takes the form of jewelry or other personal adornment, but beads are also used in wall hangings and sculpture. Historic pieces of American Indian beadwork are featured in museums across the country, and include fabulous displays of early beadwork using seeds, beans, nuts, shells, bones, teeth, rocks, quills, claws, pearls, turquoise, coral, silver, gold, and other things found in nature. American Indian beadwork is a popular collector's item. Intricately beaded pieces of clothing, moccasins, and ceremonial head dresses are striking, and make a nice addition to any collection. According to http://www.nebraskahistory.org, it wasn't until the early 1800s that American Indian beadwork featured the use of trade beads in the colors of light blue and white taking the place of the more primitive pieces used before. The new beads allowed Indian artists to be more creative in their designs and patterns. The bead work of the Plains Indian tribe is the most prevalent American Indian beadwork, with the use of intricate peyote stitch beading. **End Summary** Topics: American Indian beadwork]]> beadsquills]]> pearls]]> turquoise]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Learn more about American Indian beadwork .

A Gourmet Chocolate Gift Basket Is The Perfect Gift

Sat, 10 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

There are many online specialty stores that offer nothing but the best in chocolate gift baskets. They offer a great assortment to choose from, and you can even individualize your basket by picking just your favorites. Chocolate gift baskets are designed for all occasions and holidays; Valentines Day, birthdays, weddings, and Mother’s Day are by far the most popular, but they are offered in designs perfect for any type of gathering. May chocolate gift baskets can be combined with other items as well, such as with flowers, wine, fruit, nuts, cheeses, appetizers, or whole gourmet meals, and are perfect for a romantic getaway or picnic too. These gift baskets are available in a variety of sizes and prices, and can be gift wrapped for special occasions with a personal card attached and shipped directly to the recipient. With the internet you can shop, make your purchase, and have it shipped all in a relatively short period of time. It will be packaged to keep your chocolate gift basket fresh and cool, and is usually delivered by UPS or Fed Ex to guarantee that your purchase arrives in the state in which it left the store. **End Summary** Topics: chocolate gift basket]]> chocolate]]> gourmet chocolates]]> connoisseurs]]> fine choclates]]> gifts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Choose a gourmet chocolate gift basket for your next gift to that special person in your life.

The Classic Look Of A Black And White Photo

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

How stacked is your photo album? Are you keeping it updated as the years go by? Remember, you won't ever get them back. It's probably time to start preserving those special times. When I flip open an old photo album and glance through the variety of black and white photos from my parents' childhood, I am simply amazed. For some reason it's hard to remember our parents were children once too. We only know them as the adults they have become. I want my children to be able to do the same thing with me one day. So far my wife and I have accumulated around a dozen photo albums. We have two or three of them made up of black and white photos. Some people actually prefer black and white photos since they tend to hide imperfections a little better. However, now days the digital cameras are so widespread and simple. So many photos are taken and downloaded to our laptops. This is much less expensive if you don't print them out. Do you take a lot of pictures? Well, if the answer is no, then you should start. Pictures are the keys to great memories. **End Summary** Topics: black and white photos]]> black and white photographs]]> black and wihite]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Get some great black and white photos of your family and loved ones black and white photos of your family and loved ones.

Are Herbal Diet Pills Right For You?

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

I took a few herbal diet pills in college once on a whim, and I didn’t eat anything for nearly two days afterwards. I also didn’t really get much sleep either. Anything that makes you wired like that and kills your appetite so completely just isn’t good for you. While they were ‘ephedra free’ and were supposedly totally natural and safe, I don’t think I’d ever felt so polluted and ill in my life. A year later I discovered that the FDA had banned the same herbal diet pills I had taken, and I have to wonder what it was I had put in my body. Herbal diet pills are very popular these days as an alternative to more traditional methods of weight loss like diet and exercise. Herbal treatments in general are very trendy today, which I find a little worrisome for several reasons. First of all, just about anything can be in an herbal diet pill. ‘Herbs’ are a kind of loophole in the FDA system, as they are not classified as drugs and therefore don’t have the rigorous standards for testing and safety that drugs normally get. **End Summary** Topics: herbal diet pills]]> herbal]]> diet pils]]> fda]]> herbal diet]]> diet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Get the informaton you need about herbal diet pills .

Are You Ready To Homeschool Your Child Yet?

Sun, 04 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

If you are interested in homeschooling information, it's simple to attain on the Internet. You can actually purchase guides that instruct you on how to teach your child at home. Some parents find it much more convenient to homeschool, or prefer the safety of their child to remain in their own hands. This is perfectly fine; however, you do want your child to interact with peers as they grow. This essentially allows them to adapt and make friends easier. I remember back when I was in elementary school, and was jealous of the children who were homeschooled. How cool it would be to not have to go to school everyday. Your child's education is a big decision to consider. Discover a spectrum of homeschooling information today. Homeschooling information is just a mouse click away. Public education can be a life experience. You truly get a sense of how to interact with your peers. I attended public school from kindergarten through senior year, and think it worked rather well. Sure, you have some good and some bad experiences, but overall it was fun. Regardless, more and more these days parents are in need of homeschooling information. **End Summary** Topics: homeschooling]]> homeschhol]]> public school]]> homeschool]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Deciding to teach your children at home is a big step, get the homeschooling information you need to make an informed decision.

Tips For Finding Penpal Friends

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Penpal friends generally find one another through a service which can be either online or in a magazine. They list their interests, a brief description of themselves which includes gender and age and they are either matched with someone they will be compatible with or they choose their own pen friend. Some penpal matching services are based on common goals or beliefs. The people joining want to find a friend they can write to who sees the world the same way they do. Before the advent of the internet many people worldwide would instant message each other in an entirely different way. They were penpal friends and although they shared much of the same information we do today with online buddies, their method of communication was significantly slower. Penpals can live thousands of miles apart and begin a dialogue which will include everything from family members to the political systems of their countries. Decades ago penpal friends were all the rage with teenagers. They would find a friend somewhere else in the world and then spend hours writing handwritten letters and mailing them via the post office to one another. **End Summary** Topics: penpal friends]]> penpals]]> matching services]]> pen friend]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Learn how to find a penpal online or offline.

Buying A Gift For The Man Who Has Everything

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400

You pick out an amazing, expensive little keychain that comes with 32 features including its own panic button and tell yourself it’s the perfect gift. Of course, it’s not. The man who has everything has probably seen the super keychain before and decided not to buy it since he would never use it in a million years. It’s never easy finding gifts for the man who has everything, since the man who has everything has, well, everything. You know the type, professional job, nice car, good family, a few hobbies; probably an all-around good fellow, but not very easy to buy gifts for. The biggest problem is that if he really wants something he’ll probably just go out and buy it himself. Therefore, anything he really wants he probably already has, and just about everything that he doesn’t have he probably doesn’t want very badly. This puts you, the gift-giver, in a pretty sticky situation. “Well, I have to get him something,” you rationalize. You walk into a store, maybe even The Sharper Image where they seem to have all sorts of gifts for the man who has everything; personalized golf tees, fighting robots, glow in the dark keyboards. **End Summary** Topics: men\'s gift]]> gift\'s for the man who has everything]]> gifts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> A shopping guide to finding the perfect gift for the man who has everything .

Finding That Perfect Happy Birthday Card

Sat, 27 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

If you've never tried sending happy birthday cards online, that next special birthday of someone you know is your perfect opportunity. Check out what the Internet has to offer. You won't be disappointed. Unless you're still a kid, that inescapable yearly occasion they call, the birthday, can get a little redundant. Once you hit your forties and fifties, the routine becomes all too familiar. There's another year that just whizzed by. They always go by faster as you age. Well, regardless of when you were born, you know that you can always count on happy birthday cards. These sometimes inspiring, little birthday wishes can make your day. Let's face it, we all want to be remembered on our birthdays. Ever since I was a small child, I can recall getting birthday cards. No offense to my Mom and Dad, but they were typically pretty corny. Come on, you know the ones. As I grew older, I realized that it was now my responsibility to remember the birthdays of others. This was a problem. I was terrible at remembering the birthdays of my family and friends, and forget the happy birthday cards. **End Summary** Topics: Happy Birthday]]> happy birthday cards]]> birthday cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Let us help you find that perfect birthday card .

What To Do About Hair Loss After Pregnancy

Sat, 27 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

After the baby is born, though, the extra hair is gradually released, and hair loss after pregnancy is much more pronounced than it was before or during pregnancy. This is normal, so do not worry about it. It could take up to a year for the hair to return to its normal rate of falling out, a few strands at a time. So, do not worry if you notice hair loss after pregnancy. It is normal, and a result of your hormones gradually readjusting to their normal pre-pregnancy state. Hormones affect many parts of the body, including hair, nails, milk production, ovulation, moods, and menstruation. During pregnancy, nails become notably harder. Just as there is a normal amount of hair loss after pregnancy, the fingernails will also return gradually to the way a woman had normally experienced them. Pregnancy is a whole body experience. After the baby is born, the mother’s body has a lot of things to do in order to return to its usual non-pregnant state. A mother who is nursing will have a longer period of readjustment than one who is not. **End Summary** Topics: hair loss after the pregnancy]]> hairloss]]> pregnancy]]> ovulation]]> hormones]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Have you noticed any hair loss after the pregnancy ?

Get The Facts About Student Loans For College

Sat, 27 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

One of your first priorities when finishing up high school should be to look for financial aid for college. This way when you get into that University, you won't be pondering numerous ways to pay for it. The funds will be in place. When you apply for student loans, the key is to be the early bird. Yes, that whole early bird gets the worm spiel that your grandma laid on you actually has some merit to it. I recall when I was anxious to head off to a University. Are you headed off to college? Well, congrats on taking that next big step. Now it's time for reality to kick in with a vengeance. If mom and dad aren't footing the tuition bill, then it's certainly time to start searching for student loans. When we finish high school, a great weight is lifted. It's a good feeling to be done with that dry and awkward phase of life. I was told by my high school math teacher to apply for student loans at the beginning of the year. Don't wait till the fall when classes actually begin. **End Summary** Topics: student loan]]> financial aid]]> student grants]]> college money]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> So if you are going to college you probably need to get a student loan .

Ephedra Supplements May Not Be Worth The Risk

Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Ephedra supplements are hard to find in stores because of the dangers linked to them, but they are still legal and available to anyone determined to take them. I see them now and then in gas station markets or 7-11s, usually sold at the counter in colorful little packets labeled something ridiculous like ‘Super Boost’ or ‘Ultimate Energy Pills’. If you’re thinking about taking some of these, just be careful not to over do it, and to avoid other stimulants. Even ephedra by itself boosts your chances of having heart attacks, especially in people who already have heart trouble or blood pressure issues. The irony is that most people that would want to take ephedra supplements to lose weight are the exact same people who are at the most risk by taking them. Ephedra supplements used to be a very popular way to promote weight lose in the obese. Like most stimulants, ephedra supplements significantly boost metabolism and lower appetite, so they make an effective and tempting alternative to diet and exercise. Because of the risks associated with it, ephedra supplements have waned in popularity as diet pills. **End Summary** Topics: Ephedra supplements]]> boost metabolism]]> diet]]> herbal supplements]]> lower appetite]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Ephedra supplements are definitely a risky and unhealthy way to lose weight.

The Fine Points Of Writing A Critical Essay

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

The last thing many majors want to do is write, much less write critical essays on some political or social concept or controversy he or she could give a rat’s a** for. But the requirements for a number of classes include the writing of critical essays, so rather than fight it, go with the most manageable process for accomplishing the assigned task. That is, keep in mind a few essential steps and elements, and you should be able to fly. First, the basics of writing critical essays are the same for writers of most modes. Here are the modes that you might directly or indirectly be asked to write in—might be assigned the steps for or told to write an X essay using: ANALYTIC-A classic style used in art, science, history, psychology, education, and most other disciplines across the curriculum to explore and investigate an idea, process, person, action, or attitude. ARGUMENTATIVE-Used in more advanced English classes, in philosophy, and in courses which include theory. COMPARATIVE/CONTRASTIVE-Used in most courses where specific analysis of like and unlike elements, characters, and ideas lend themselves to comparison. DEFINITIONAL-Written when we apply a more thorough study to a topic, especially an abstract one. **End Summary** Topics: critical essay]]> essay]]> expository essay]]> write an essay]]> essays]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Do you need to write a critical essay ?

Memories Are Forever When You Create A Photo Album

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

It took the digital camera to make me finally create a photo album. You see, I had a virtual photo album on the computer, one which would show the images that I had taken, and where I could arrange them in whatever configuration I wanted. I realized then, that I had to create a photo album, or forever lose track of all of my precious memories. I simply didn't know where anything was anymore, so I set off to by a lovely hardbound book to create a photo album to organize all of my most precious pictures so that I could show them. With the prevalence of digital cameras and the fast pace of life, few people really take the time to create a photo album anymore. This is really a shame. I could even design covers or text for my digital photo album, which was pretty neat. It was so convenient, that I rarely bothered to look at my old pictures any more. I just wasn't up for the effort of digging through them anymore. **End Summary** Topics: create a photo album]]> digital photo album]]> virtual photo album]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Life is an accumulation of our cherished memories save them by creating a photo album .

Wedding Flowers - Warm Or Pastel Shades

Sat, 20 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Flowers are one of the most important aspects of a wedding. They bring color, life, and aroma to a wedding. They help make table settings more beautiful, and can transform a formerly dull space into a beautiful personality-filled one. Yet they can also be confusing for a beginner, and a budget breaker for many, as well as an excuse to spend your wedding sneezing for some. A simple and elegant wedding bouquet is the perfect accessory to compliment your gorgeous gown and smiling face. We say ‘simple’ because you want your wedding bouquet to highlight your dress, not detract from it. If your bouquet is too ‘flashy,’ your dress may not receive the attention it deserves. Nevertheless, this is not to say that your bridal bouquet should be plain, white, and boring. That’s not the case at all. Just keep the flashiness in check! As a matter of fact, it’s become very popular for the modern bride to use pastel colors in their bridal bouquets. Soft pink’s and blue’s can add a magnificent touch to any wedding dress. The hue’s are very uplifting and pleasant. Believe it or not, not everyone prefers a bouquet of fresh flowers. **End Summary** Topics: wedding flowers]]> wildflowers]]> bouquet]]> silk flowers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> You have many choices when it comes to wedding flowers so do your due research first.

Teach Your First Grader How To Spell

Tue, 16 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Our education begins from the day we're born. While we don't immediately plunge into school, we're constantly exposed to new things that help develop our minds. Academics are only part of our long journey to knowledge. By the time we enter kindergarten, we are ready to begin the reading and writing aspects, but at a slow and steady pace. Too much too soon can overwhelm and confuse us. When we hit 1st grade, we are more prepared to tackle the nitty gritty. I recall my 1st grade spelling, reading and mathematics, and how they introduced me to a whole new world. When my daughter was born, I certainly wasn't thinking about school yet. The formula and diapers kept me pretty preoccupied. Now that she's seven years old, and in the first grade, academics are a major concern. One thing I noticed right away is that 1st grade spelling and mathematics are slightly different than they used to be. Now this is a good thing. Schools are constantly pushing our children to learn more at a younger age. **End Summary** Topics: spelling]]> child]]> teaching]]> homeschool]]> 1st grade spelling]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Learn how to teach your child 1st grade spelling

Estheticly Pleasing Water Gardens And Pools

Mon, 10 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Water gardens or garden pools have become a popular part of landscape architecture in the United States. Water gardens are visually soothing and seem to connect people to the natural aquatic world. The esthetic value of water gardens is enhanced by the almost endless variety of design and planting options that make each one a unique and personal creation. The location of the water garden is critical to its ecology and maintenance, as well as to your enjoyment of it. Sunlight is needed for plant photosynthesis. Plants are important to the water garden’s ecology because they produce oxygen, remove and recycle nutrients, and provide shade and hiding places for fish and other inhabitants. A water garden should be situated to receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. However, direct sun at mid-day during the warmest months can cause shallow pools to overheat. Locating the water garden so that it can be viewed from the house will increase your enjoyment and allow you to supervise it. Be sure to control access to the water garden to ensure the safety of children. A good view of the water garden will also help you spot unwanted visitors such as predators. **End Summary** Topics: water gardens]]> garden pools]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Estheticly pleasing water gardens and pools for your home garden.

Make Your Money Go Further In London: Find A Cheap Hotel

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0400

London is the coolest city on earth, according to a big crowd of fans of the city, and there is quite some truth in that. The city on the Thames has an amazing lot of things to do. One can spend several weeks in the city alone, doing something different every day. Cheap London hotels do not have to be dive hotels in seedy areas. All too often travelers think that if they are seeking cheap London hotels that they will need to sacrifice quality and safety for price. The reality is, however, that if you have the right travel professionals assisting you, you will find cheap London hotels that are clean, safe and enjoyable. You can either stay at cheap London hotels that will turn a great day into a nightmare in a hurry, or you can stay at moderate London hotels at cheap London hotels rates in order to keep your day on the same great tone. The choice is fairly obvious. London has great sites to see for the entire family, as well as many things to enjoy. **End Summary** Topics: cheap hotels in london]]> london]]> Bayswater]]> Victoria]]> Kings Cross]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> London has a reputation for expensive hotel accommodation with very little cheap budget hotels. This article is a guide to finding a cheap hotel in London

The Growing Use Of Pets As Therapy

Sun, 02 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500

The inclusion of pets into hospital and rehabilitation environments has long been considered very therapeutic, and pets continue to be an important part of life long after rehabilitation has ended. In addition to filling lonely hours with companionship, pets can be trained, much like the more familiar Seeing Eye dogs, to perform tasks and assist persons with disabilities in many different ways. The responsibility for pet care can enhance cognitive functioning in ways that are more subtle and enjoyable than traditional therapies. Fun activities often stimulate individuals with low motivation in ways that are not often achieved by sitting in front of a television set for hours on end. Pets are very good companions and help people feel less lonely. They also respond with feedback which can negate inappropriate behaviours, and interest in a pet may redirect egocentricity that may arise from frontal lobe deficits. Selecting a pet can be turned into a cognitive exercise of planning. The choice of a pet should be fun, not fraught with discord. It’s important to consider all options e.g. a sophisticated set up of aquariums with pumps and filters may be too complex for some. **End Summary** Topics: rehabilitation]]> therapeutic]]> seeing eye dogs]]> pet care]]> wwning a pet]]> pet therapy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Pet therapy, exploring a growing trend.