How to Get Rid of Pimples on Your Neck

by MELYNDA SORRELS  

Daily washing helps eliminate acne. Photo Credit Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images

Sometimes the body produces too much sebaceous oil -- the body’s natural oil for lubricating hair and skin. When this happens, the pores clog with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, resulting in pimples. Getting rid of pimples, particularly on the neck, takes extra care.

Step 1

Wash your skin twice daily, but no more than that to avoid drying out the skin. Wash your neck in the morning and at night before you go to bed. Use a mild cleanser or an over-the-counter acne medicated face soap and warm water. Rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water to remove residual soap. Splash your neck with cold water to close the pores. Pat dry with a soft clean towel to avoid irritating the skin.

Step 2

Apply a topical acne cream to the affected area daily. Read the ingredients to ensure the product contains benzoyl peroxide, a key ingredient in fighting acne. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 3

Drink water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and your system flushed. This can help prevent more acne problems.

Step 4

Avoid wearing scarves and turtlenecks that don’t allow air to get to the affected area. Keep your hair pulled away from your neck -- hair contains oils that can transfer to your skin. Keep your bedding clean by washing it at least once a week.

Step 5

Avoid popping pimples, because it leads to scarring. Oils in your fingertips can transfer to your skin, making acne worse. It’s best to avoid touching the affected skin at all.

Tips

• Seek the help of your doctor or dermatologist for persistent and painful acne -- they can prescribe medications and offer beneficial advice.

Things You'll Need

• Mild cleanser
• Topical acne cream

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How to Get Rid of Little Pimples All Over the Face

by CHRIS SHERWOOD  

A young woman is trying to squeeze a pimple in her bathroom. Photo Credit Alliance/iStock/Getty Images

Pimples are a common skin problem that erupt on the face when sebum oil mixes with the dead skin cells in your pores to create a soft clog called a comedone. In areas that have high levels of sebaceous glands, such as the areas around your forehead, mouth and nose, there is a possibility of forming multiple pimples at the same time. When this occurs, there are several ways to help treat the entire affected area.

Step 1

Apply an over-the-counter treatment medication containing salicylic acid to the pimples on the face. Salicylic acid helps treat the pimples by breaking down the acne comedone as well as slowing down the shedding of skin cells in the affected follicles, states the New Zealand Dermatological Society.

Step 2

Apply an over-the-counter lotion or gel containing benzoyl peroxide to the pimples. Benzyol peroxide kills the acne-related bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes, as well as helps to remove dead skin cells to prevent future pimples from forming on the face.

Step 3

Take the full course of oral antibiotics to kill off the P. acnes bacteria and reduce the associated inflammation in the pimples, if prescribed by your physician. Common antibiotics for use on acne include erythromycin, tetracycline and minocycline. Combine oral antibiotics with the topical application of benzoyl peroxide to help reduce the chances of bacterial resistance to the antibiotic.

Step 4

Use a topical retinoid, such as adapalene, tretinoin or tazarotene, or take an oral retinoid medication, such as isotretinoin; these are only available with a prescription. Retinoids provide a wide range of treatment effects on facial pimples ranging from unclogging pores and reducing inflammation to preventing future pimples from forming on the face.

Step 5

Talk to your doctor about other potential treatments for more serious pimples on the face. Other options include laser treatments to reduce sebaceous glands, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or the physical extraction of blackheads and whiteheads by your doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Salicylic acid product
• Benzoyl peroxide product

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How to Reduce the Size of Oil Glands on the Face

by LISA FINN  

Young woman washing off her face. Photo Credit petrunjela/iStock/Getty Images

Large facial oil glands are likely to occur in people with oily skin and big pores. Oil glands are usually microscopic and not noticeable but, in some people, they can turn into little tumors called sebaceous hyperplasia papules. These white, hard bumps will not pop like a pimple; instead they must be treated in a dermatologist's office. California-based board-certified dermatologist Cynthia Bailey recommends taking care of enlarged oil glands with a proper skin care routine and a visit to your dermatologist.

Step 1

Wash your face twice daily with a cleanser containing retinol. This helps rid your skin of toxins, unclogs your pores and can actually make the pores appear smaller. Other beneficial, over-the-counter facial wash ingredients include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and salicylic acid. Wash your face using small, upward circles, and leave the cleanser on for at least 30 seconds. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Step 2

Pour some toner on a cotton ball and swipe along your entire face. While this won't help get rid of enlarged glands, it does aid in keeping your skin free from acne-causing bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum that clog pores. Find an alcohol-free toner that contains retinoids, antioxidants and exfoliants. Follow the toner up with a noncomedegenic, fragrance-free moisturizer -- even if you have oily skin. This helps return necessary hydration to your skin so your glands don't go into overdrive trying to compensate for the dryness caused by any medication.

Step 3

Visit a board-certified dermatologist and ask about a prescription of azelaic acid. This medication helps ward off common skin bacteria such as Proprionobacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and is thought to normalize processes within the gland. In addition, New York-based dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz says the prescription medication Accutane is extremely effective in reducing sebaceous hyperplasia; however, it isn't FDA-approved for this specifically. Your dermatologist may also discuss your going on an anti-androgen medication, which can reduce testosterone and suppress oil gland stimulation.

Step 4

Have the bumps from the enlarged oil glands removed with an in-office procedure. According to Schultz, giant oil glands can disappear when a strong acid applied to the oil gland turns it white, leaves a crust and then falls off in 10 days. When you have a lot of sebaceous hyperplasia papules, the doctor can use a laser treatment called photodynamic therapy. The laser activates a medicated solution around your entire face to dissolve the oil gland. This is a quick procedure with no downtime.

Step 5

Stay out of the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when walking around outdoors, and slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30. According to Paula Begoun, author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," prolonged sun exposure and damage is considered a factor in sebaceous hyperplasia. Prolonged sunlight exposure can damage your oil glands, which is why it's crucial to reapply sunscreen several times a day and use a facial moisturizer that has one built in.

Things You'll Need

• Face wash
• Clean towel
• Cotton balls
• Toner
• Oil-free moisturizer
• Prescription medications, if recommended
• Sunscreen SPF-30

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Electrolytes in Coconut Water

by ERICA KANNALL  

woman holding up coconut Photo Credit DmitryLityagin/iStock/Getty Images

Drinking water from a fresh coconut does more than just quench your thirst; it replaces electrolytes essential to maintaining your overall health. You'll often see fresh coconuts for sale on the beach in tropical vacation destinations, but coconut water is also available in cans or tetra packs in most grocery stores. Drinking refreshing, slightly sweet coconut water after a workout, on a hot day, or when you're ill can help replenish the electrolytes your body needs.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals found naturally in your body fluids, such as plasma. They're free ions that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes maintain proper muscle and nerve function as well as fluid balance in your body. You lose electrolytes when you sweat or lose fluid from your body such as when you have diarrhea or vomit. If you're lacking electrolytes you might feel dizzy, weak, fatigued, confused, or experience muscle spasms, numbness, twitching or blood pressure changes. It's important to replace the fluid and electrolytes you lose to prevent side effects.

Electrolytes in Coconut Water

Coconut water contains the electrolytes calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. These minerals, suspended in water, occur naturally in the fluid of the coconuts. Each of the minerals plays a different role in your body in addition to functioning as an electrolyte. Calcium, which is the most abundant mineral in the body, and magnesium both help keep your bones and teeth strong. In addition to being electrolytes, phosphorus and potassium aid in energy metabolism and maintaining body proteins.

In Place of Sports Drinks

Drinking coconut water is an excellent way to replace electrolytes in your body. Often people consume sports drinks to achieve this. However, a study published in the June 2002 issue of the "Journal of Physiological Anthropology and Applied Human Science" indicates that consuming coconut water after exercise may be a more effective way to rehydrate than drinking plain water or a sports beverage. Among the study participants, the coconut water caused less stomach upset and had a flavor they preferred over water and a carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage; it also effectively restored water and electrolyte levels. Furthermore, coconut water is all natural, free from added sugar and doesn't contain artificial ingredients or food colorings.

Restoring Electrolyte Balance

If you're very sick or hospitalized in an emergency, you may require intravenous fluids to rehydrate and replace electrolytes quickly. Typically, lab-prepared sterile saline solutions are used in IVs. However, according to an article published in the "American Journal of Emergency Medicine" in January 2000, coconut water can replace IV fluid in remote parts of the world or in emergency situations. The article reports of a case in which electrolyte balance was successfully restored in a patient by treating him with an IV of coconut water, which flowed directly from the coconut.

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How to Add Electrolytes to Water

by EUNICEB  

A man is holding a bottle of water in his hands. Photo Credit nandyphotos/iStock/Getty Images

Electrolytes are substances, usually salts, acids or bases, that contain ions. These ions are electrically conductive and help receive and send messages throughout the body. Electrolytes can be lost by heavy exertion and sweating, vomiting, diarrhea and alcohol, all which can cause dehydration. There are a few things you can do to replenish the body with electrolytes. Sports drinks usually are packed with electrolytes and can be drank before, during or after sports or exercise. Drinking fresh fruit juices is also a good way to replace lost electrolytes. Another way, which is also the most cost effective, is to add a few household ingredients to a glass of water.

Step 1

Fill a 32-oz. bottle with 16 oz. of water. Distilled water is ideal because it's the closest to pure water, but bringing tap water to a boil in a kettle will provide adequately clean water. Spring water may also be used.

Step 2

Add a dash of salt to the water. A pinch of salt will add sodium to the mix, a necessary electrolyte for keeping the nerves healthy for sending and receiving messages in the body. Baking soda has a similar makeup to salt and may be substituted if desired.

Step 3

Add 16 oz. of fresh citrus juice. The citrus family of fruit contain calcium and potassium, which combined with salt provides a balance for pH and fluid levels in the body. Lemon, lime, tangerine, grapefruit and orange juice all have the necessary minerals for electrolyte replenishment.

Step 4

Add a half teaspoon of honey to the drink. Honey will provide glucose and help for better absorption of minerals within the body, while bringing a pleasant taste to the drink.

Step 5

Put the cap on the bottle and shake well. Drink the mixture after heavy physical exertion, after an illness or in high temperatures.

Things You'll Need

• 32 ounce bottle
• Salt or baking soda
• Citrus juice
• Honey

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How Much Canned Tuna Can I Eat Every Week?

by ANDREA CESPEDES  

An open can of tuna on a bamboo mat with a fresh onion and capers. Photo Credit Gulcan yasemin Sumer/Hemera/Getty Images

Canned tuna is a lean, inexpensive source of protein. But like most fish, tuna contains traces of mercury. For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends certain people limit their intake of certain fish, including tuna. The amount of canned tuna you can eat every week depends on your physical condition and the type of tuna you choose.

Significance

The American Heart Association recommends that you consume 3.5 ounces, or ¾ cup of flaked fish, two times per week. The emphasis of the recommendation is on fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. Canned tuna is among the seafood highest in these essential fatty acids.

Concerns

Mercury contamination and polycholorinated biphenyls, dioxins and pesticide residue come from pollutants in the water. Mercury can damage the brain and nervous system development in fetuses and young children. Adults who ingest high levels of mercury may suffer nerve damage and damage to the brain and nervous system, too. While pregnant women and young children can benefit from the nutrition in canned tuna, they are more vulnerable to the negative effects of consuming mercury. The FDA classifies chunk light tuna as a fish low in mercury, while canned albacore tuna is higher in mercury.

Expert Recommendation

The FDA notes that most people can consume fish regularly without risking their health. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children, however, should limit their consumption. Even women who may become pregnant should be careful about mercury consumption because the toxins can remain in the body for over a year. These people can eat up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish per week; canned chunk light tuna can make up some or all of these 12 ounces If you eat canned albacore tuna, limit your intake to 6 ounces per week if you fall into one of the vulnerable population categories.

Considerations

Recommendations for canned tuna are different than those for fresh tuna steaks, which tend to contain higher levels of mercury. Vulnerable populations should limit intake of fresh tuna to just 6 ounces per week, advises the FDA. If you are wary about consuming fish for fear of its effects on your unborn child, be aware that consuming too little omega-3 fatty acids can also negatively affect your baby’s development.

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Can You Eat Canned Tuna While Pregnant?

by JANET RENEE, MS, RD  Last Updated: Jan 22, 2014

A small glass bowl filled with canned tuna Photo Credit Ildi_Papp/iStock/Getty Images

Fish are a good source of protein and other nutrients and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are low in saturated fat, promote heart health and are part of a well-balanced diet. However, as a pregnant woman, you must reduce your exposure to chemicals that can harm your growing baby. Because tuna and other fish contain varying levels of mercury, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers specific recommendations for expectant mothers.

Tuna Guidelines for Expectant Mothers

The EPA recommends you limit your fish consumption to 12 ounces per week, which equates to two average meals containing 6 ounces each. Canned light tuna is low in mercury and is one of the best options if you are pregnant. Albacore is a white variety of tuna and comes from a bigger fish than light tuna. The larger the fish, the higher the mercury levels. The EPA confirms that albacore contains higher mercury levels than canned light tuna. If you choose albacore canned tuna, limit your consumption to 6 ounces weekly. Following these guidelines will help reduce your exposure to mercury.

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How to Become Physically Fit for Boxing

by MAX WHITMORE  

Boxing Photo Credit XiXinXing/XiXinXing/Getty Images

The art of boxing requires total body fitness. You need cardiovascular endurance to withstand several minutes of constant movement in the ring. You need arm, leg and core strength to give power to your punches. And you need speed and agility to deliver accurate punches while you avoid getting hit. Practicing drills with a punching bag and sparring with partners will help to develop your speed, agility and accuracy. Other exercises, outside the ring, can improve your cardiovascular endurance and strength.

Cardiovascular Conditioning

Step 1

Calculate your cardiovascular training heart-rate zone. The cardiovascular, or aerobic, zone should be 70 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. Subtract your age from 220 and multiply the result by 0.7 and 0.8 to get your target range, measured in beats per minute, or bpm. For example, the lower end of a 20-year-old man’s target range is 140 bpm, and the upper end is 160 bpm.

Step 2

Use a heart-rate monitor. It allows you to watch your heart rate as you exercise to ensure that you are working in the target zone.

Step 3

Perform cardiovascular exercise for at least 30 minutes, at least 20 minutes of which should be in the target zone. For the best results, do a weight-bearing exercise such as running, jogging or jumping rope, which also conditions the joints and muscles in your legs.

Step 4

Engage in cardiovascular exercise most days of the week. On training days, do the cardiovascular exercise before your regular ring sessions.

Strength and Core Conditioning: Walking Planks

Step 1

Lie face down on the floor with your hands beneath your shoulders and your elbows at your sides.

Step 2

Push up into the top part of a pushup. Your body should make a straight line from your heels to the back of your head. Your weight should be balanced on your hands and toes.

Step 3

Engage your abs and “walk” your arms and legs three steps to the right and do three full pushups. “Walk” back to the left and do three full pushups. Rest for 10 seconds. Repeat the plank exercise 10 times.

Strength and Core Conditioning: Squat Punches

Step 1

Stand with your feet shoulder distance apart and with a 5- to 10-lb. dumbbell in each hand.

Step 2

Bend your elbows and hold the dumbbells at shoulder height. Lower into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips.

Step 3

Maintain the squat and punch left-to-right five times. Return to the start position for 10 seconds. Repeat the squat exercise 10 times.

Things You'll Need

• Heart-rate monitor
• Jump rope (optional)
• Dumbbells

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Punching Bag Routines

by KENT NINOMIYA  

A punching bag is great exercise. Photo Credit Quang-Ngo/iStock/Getty Images

Punching bag routines are a great way to train your body to perform boxing combinations. Hitting a bag teaches good form. Punching in combination increases muscle memory. Your body will instinctively repeat the punching motions without hesitation even when you are not hitting a bag.

Step 1

Start with a jab punching bag routine. Move in a circle around the punching bag while shooting out jabs as fast as you can. Do not punch with power. Focus on speed and movement. Arc around one direction and then repeat in the other.

Step 2

Do a "left-right" punching bag routine. This can be "right-lefts" if you are left handed. Start by throwing a fast jab at the punching bag then immediately follow with a hard straight punch with the other hand. The straight punch should be generated from the feet and hips for power. Do a series of these to get a feel for the timing. The punches should be quick then hard.

Step 3

Perform a body shot punching bag routine. These punches are aimed at your opponent's ribs. To sneak them under the guard, bend your knees slightly and circle your punch from waist level. Straighten your knees and swing your hips as you strike the punching bag. The routine consists of a series of lefts and rights to the center of the punching bag. Focus on bending your knees and raising up with every punch.

Step 4

Do a 1-2-3 punching bag routine. This consists of a quick jab followed by a hard straight punch with the other hand followed by a body shot with the jabbing hand. All the punches should be performed in quick succession without sacrificing form. A 1-2-3 punching bag routine should be done after warming up with a left-right routine and body shot routine.

Step 5

Do a 1-2-3-4 punching bag routine. This is just like the 1-2-3 punching bag routine but has an uppercut added at the end. An uppercut involves a punch coming straight up toward an opponent's chin. This requires a deep knee bend and hip turn so the fist can rise at a low angle. A 1-2-3-4 punching routine requires a lot of coordination since you are performing four distinctly different motions right after each other. Start slowly then speed up as you become more comfortable.

Things You'll Need

• Hand wraps
• Bag gloves

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What Does a Balanced Diet Consist Of?

by MOLLY ROSE  

What Does a Balanced Diet Consist Of? Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images

When combined with regular exercise, eating a balanced diet is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The key to a nutritious diet is to make sure that your body has the right combination of proteins, carbohydrates, dairy products, fruits and vegetables -- and yes, even some healthy fats.

The Go-to Grains

Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet because they supply complex carbohydrates. Photo Credit Comstock Images/Stockbyte/Getty Images

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends consuming 6 ounces of grains each day – based on a 2,000-calorie diet. As much as half of those grains, however, should be whole grains. Whole grains are an important part of a balanced diet because they supply complex carbohydrates, which burn off slowly throughout the day, whereas simple starches -- such as white rice -- burn off quickly and provide just a short-term energy boost.

Vegging Out

A variety of vegetables is an important part of any diet. Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images

A variety of vegetables is an important part of any diet: They supply essential vitamins and minerals, give the body plenty of water and are low in fat and calories. Leafy greens in particular supply plenty of fiber, while orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes supply plenty of vitamin A. Aim to eat 2.5 cups of vegetables each day.

Don't Forbid the Fruit

Fruits supply valuable vitamins and minerals. Photo Credit Noel Hendrickson/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Fruits also supply valuable vitamins and minerals, but in this case it’s important to eat fruit whole. Keeping the skins on fruit will also improve your diet by providing fiber. Processed juices are often very sugary, and in some cases, even fresh juices eliminate many of the vitamins found in a plucked-from-the-tree fruit.

Mix in the Milk

Eat about 3 cups of dairy products per day. Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Dairy products supply calcium and some protein, but they can also be high in fat and sugar. Eat about 3 cups of dairy products per day, but stick to skim and low-fat versions.

Meat and Beans

Meat and beans provide protein. Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Meat and beans provide protein, which keeps hunger at bay and provides a longer-term fuel supply than simple starches. The best protein sources are lean cuts, seafood and beans. Additionally, beans provide fiber, which keeps you full and regulates the digestive system. Aim to eat 5.5 ounces of meat or beans each day.

Check the Oil

Every balanced diet should have some fat. But instead of loading up your bread with butter or pouring oily dressing over salads, try to consume seafood and nuts, which contain healthy, good-for-you fats such as omega-3s.

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