February 13th, 2010 by admin

Sometimes, it’s good to talk to economists. Although most of them failed to predict the recession, they are still able to tell us interesting things about the way we behave. One of these interesting ideas comes under the heading of elasticity of demand. This studies the way people react to changes in the price of goods and services. Sometimes, this is slightly counterintuitive. For example, significantly raising the prices of goods and services considered in the luxury class can actually increase demand. More obviously, raising the prices on must-have goods and services will usually reduce demand. The reasons are not hard to find. The higher the price, the fewer the people who can afford the product. So people want to buy the product, and be seen wearing or using it to prove to the world they have the money. It’s a status trap. But if the price of gas rises to, say, $4 per gallon, the average driver will find this a deterrent to using the gas guzzler and so drive less.

There is an increasingly strong political movement building behind the idea of using price disincentives to modify eating behavior. The plan calls for new taxes on drinks with high sugar content and most junk food. This is a declaration of war along the same lines as taxes on cigarettes. Just as higher prices can reduce demand for tobacco, the same logic is adopted by the anti-obestiy lobby. Why should this be taken seriously? Because the majority of US states have budget deficits as tax revenues have fallen. Given the billions of dollars lost through the poor productivity and the treatment of obesity-related diseases, the idea of taxing high calorie foods is quite attractive to legislatures. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that adding 3 cents to the cost of the standard can of soda will produce $50 billion over ten years while cutting consumption. Additional revenue with a health benefit makes for good politics! But, of course, the opponents strike back, characterizing this as a “sin tax”. The nanny state is taxing all the things we like to eat. But when education has failed to persuade Americans to change their eating habits, perhaps it really is time to raise the price of sinful foods. Read the rest of this entry »

February 13th, 2010 by admin

Acne is a very common skin infection caused by excessive sebaceous gland secretion. Acne usually appears on the face, back, chest and shoulders. It is commonly seen in teenagers and adults. Acne is believed to be caused by the hormonal imbalance and toxins within the body. Acne can cause scars on the skin and make the skin sensitive and painful. The most effective acne treatment is that which offers long lasting results without any side effects. There are two types of acne treatments available and they are nonprescription acne treatment and prescription acne treatment.

Nonprescription acne treatments are mainly used for the treatment of mild types of acnes. This treatment is the best solution for reducing sebum production, killing bacteria and removing dead cells from the skin. Nonprescription acne medications include antibacterials, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids. Prescription acne treatments are used for the treatment of inflammatory acnes.

The common prescribed acne medications include retinoids, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, and accutane. Several natural acne treatments are also used to remove acne and the scars it causes, and are considered to be the most effective acne treatment by many people. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily, avoiding stress, and proper exercise will ensure a healthy, toxin free body which is necessary for clear skin.

A diet that is rich in natural minerals helps to maintain the health of the skin cells and avoid the occurrence of acne. Proper diet and skin care is the basis of the mosteffective acne treatment Avoiding food with high fat content can considerably reduce the risk of acne. By avoiding diary products, fatty foods, processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco you can remove toxins from your body. A variety of advanced treatments exist. Depending upon whether the acne is mild, moderate or severe, you have to try different applications to find the one suitable for you.

But before you go thinking that you can get clear skin but just hoping for it, let me correct you. For you to get clear skin it is going to take dedication and a commitment to a routine, and once you have that clear skin will be the next thing to follow. Because acne is a condition, if you fall out of your routine and get back into your hold habits, then the acne will come back, and sometimes even stronger. Commitment and dedication, you can accomplish almost anything.