Thursday, March 8, 2012

Fewer premature births after smoking ban in Scotland

Baby exposed to cigarette smoke
Exposure to tobacco smoke has been linked to lower birthweights and early deliveries 

They believe this is a smoke-free benefit that can be chalked up alongside others, like reductions in heart disease and childhood asthma.
Tobacco smoke has been linked to poor foetal growth and placenta problems.
Plos Medicine analysed smoking and birth rates for all expectant women in Scotland before and after the ban.
It included data for more than 700,000 women spanning a period of about 14 years.
Significant change
Scotland was the first country in the UK to ban smoking in public places, followed by Wales, Northern Ireland and England in 2007.
After the legislation was introduced in Scotland, fewer mothers-to-be smoked - 19% compared with 25% before.
At the same time there was a significant drop in the number of babies born prematurely or with low birthweight.
The investigators believe both are linked to the smoking ban, even though these rates started to go down some months before the ban was introduced and smoking incidence started to creep up again shortly after the ban.
They say there have not been any major changes in maternity care that would explain the findings.
Also, the reduction in premature births was both in non-smokers and women who continued to smoke when pregnant, which they say suggests passive smoke exposure is likely involved.
But while their work suggests a link, it is not proof that one thing necessarily causes another. As with all retrospective studies like this, it is impossible to rule out entirely all other factors that might have influenced the finding.
However, Dr Daniel Mackay and colleagues from the University of Glasgow say their findings "add to the growing evidence of the wide-ranging health benefits of smoke-free legislation" and "lend support" to the adoption of such legislation in countries where it does not currently exist.
Andy Cole, chief executive of the special care baby charity Bliss, said: "We welcome the findings of this new study, which highlights a reduction in the number of babies born early or with low birthweight in Scotland, where around 8,000 babies are born each year needing specialist hospital care.
"Bliss always recommends that women should not smoke during pregnancy and that they should lead a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to remember that the reasons a baby can be born premature or underweight are complicated and that smoking is just one risk factor."
According to the British Heart Foundation, there are more than nine million smokers in the UK, and smoking remains the UK's biggest cause of avoidable early death.
It says the focus should now shift to the effect of smoking in the home and confined spaces, such as cars, especially where children are present.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are continuing to build upon the achievements made to protect future generations from the devastating effects of smoking such as bans on cigarette vending machines and the displays in shops.
"We are committed to ensuring a new comprehensive robust tobacco control strategy for Scotland is developed this year. This strategy will focus on prevention and cessation and include ambitious targets for reducing smoking across Scotland."

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Memory Improvement - 6 Tips to Improve Your Memory

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The brain which is the engine of the body needs to be vital and in good health for a person to have a good memory. Memory problems can start as early as the teenage years or as late as your retirement years. But whether you need to improve your memory in order to pass an exam, or need to stay alert in your work environment or are trying to maintain and improve your memory in your twilight years these tips are for you.
Unlike other parts of the body that generally do not improve with age the brain is an extremely flexible organ that adapts with new stimulation. This ability is especially true with regards memory and learning. There are many things that one can do to enhance one's mental alertness and below are 6 tips to improve memory.
1) Exercise and sleep - In order to maintain overall good health everyone needs to exercise and sleep well. This is also true of the brain, physical exercise pumps oxygen to the brain thereby diminishing the risks of diabetes and other disorders that promote memory loss.
Inadequate sleep means your brain is not working at optimum capacity and since memory enhancing activities occur while you are in the deepest stages of sleep, this means they are compromised. So memory can be problematic for the insomniac.
2) Socialization - Stimulation of the brain occurs while we interact with friends and family and this enables our brain to exercise. Humans thrive in social settings and interacting relationships that especially include laughter are a tonic to our brain and so a memory enhancer.
3) Relaxation - Stress is an adversary to the brain because when it occurs continuously it breaks down brain cells harming the area of the brain which allows retrieval of old memories and formation of new memories. Depression can also be an enemy to the brain because it slows down the brain, reducing its ability to remember to focus or make choices. Meditation is one of the best ways to counteract stress and depression in that it stimulates the area of the brain that encourages joy and feelings of well-being.
4) Consume Foods that boost the Brain - the brain like other organs in the body needs food to feed it and certain foods will enhance memory. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grain and " good fats". Omega 3 are fatty acids that power the brain in a very positive way and are found naturally in fish such as tuna, mackerel, sardine, etc. It has been shown that the risk of Alzheimer's disease is reduced in the population that consumes a lot of fish in their diet. Fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants such as spinach, broccoli, mangoes, cantaloupe, melon, etc serve as substances that shield the brain from injury. Moderate consumption of grape juice and wine increases recollection, red wine in particular increases the flow of blood to the brain.
5) Brain workout - Use your brain by doing new things, change in your routine and new challenges will encourage your brain to use new brain pathways giving it a good workout because this entails mental effort.
6) Mnemonic Devices - The use of clues to enable us to remember something, for example connecting information with a picture.
The above mentioned tips are some basic lifestyle considerations that will keep you healthy and will help you improve your memory.
Lady Tex is a health fanatic and writes frequently about memory improvement. She has provided an in depth review on Memory Improvement Tips. Check out additional reviews from her at the How To Improve Memory site.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6919403

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Finding the Best Hair Salon

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Sometimes finding the right hair salon can be quite an obstacle to overcome. In this article I am going to talk about what makes a good salon and how to find the best hair salon for you. One big factor in your decision will be the salon equipment and we will also be talking about the different expectancies you can have for what you will run into when searching for the right salon for you. Salon equipment can be a huge deal. I'm sure you have all heard the saying that a carpenter is only as good as their tools. Well in this case a salon is only as good as the equipment they have access to. First I will talk about what to look for in a salon when you are salon shopping then we will talk about the equipment in more detail.
First things first the number one thing you need to look for in a salon and its equipment would be cleanliness. Clean equipment usually means that the equipment is cared for on a regular basis. This would be a good hint that the salon equipment at the salon is used frequently and kept in tip top shape. Brand new equipment is not always better than cleaner, older, salon equipment. Often when new salon equipment is introduced to hair stylists they have a learning curve to get around before they are truly talented with the salon equipment and know how to use it. This means that even though you might not have access to the newest equipment you will still be able to achieve the hair style you prefer by using a well known piece of salon equipment. The next thing you want to look at when deciding which salon you want to use should be the cleanliness of the stylist's themselves. If you don't have a clean person to do your hair you will most likely end up with a rushed hair cut and poor use of salon equipment. This is one of the main causes people are unhappy with their hair cuts and styling.
Salon equipment can be an overwhelming factor of going salon shopping. With all of the different chairs, dryers,stations, and shampoo units you never really know what you're looking for let alone what you are needing for the hair style you wish to accomplish. One piece of advice that I would have for you on judging what salon to choose, just ask one of the stylists about the equipment they have and see if they can explain their equipment they are referring to. This can be a very good gauge for how well a salon uses the tools they have in use for their clients. By testing some stylists knowledge on the equipment they use you can see how well they know what they are using and you will most likely be able to tell the experience level of each stylist by the way they answer your questions.
Simply said we have only a few basic things to look for when choosing your salon and equipment to use. Number one focus on cleanliness and number two I suggest testing the knowledge of a few potential hair stylists. Once you visit a few low end vs high end salons you will quickly notice the difference in outcome and this will tell you which salon and equipment fits best.
Supplying you with with Quality Salon Equipment
http://SalonSelects.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6895539

Help! I Need A Skin Makeover

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I live in the desert. I've been located in Palm Springs, California for more than 5 years now and I love almost everything about life here in the desert. Living in this dry climate has its advantages; we have an abundance of gorgeous natural scenery, there are lots of opportunities to get a nice tan almost year round and I can play golf on some world-class courses.
But there's one thing that has been driving me crazy about the desert lifestyle lately, my skin! It gets so dry and irritated at times. The air is dry here and unfortunately this desert-dwelling human has not yet adapted lizard-style skin that keeps moisture locked in. 'Desert skin' is a term used to describe a number of climate-related conditions like rough patches of flakey dry skin, redness or brown spots from uneven skin pigmentation. Fortunately there are solutions for those of us that occasionally suffer from desert skin, Palm Springs has a number of day spa's and dermatology clinics with treatments specifically designed to help treat those symptoms.
Having too many local day spa's to choose from provided me with another "first-world problem" moment. I took a liking to one resort in particular that was close enough to my area. I chose a treatment they called Dermal Quench. Essentially it's a way to rapidly rehydrate the skin using a hyaluronic serum that is applied topically to the face and at the same time applied a stream of pure oxygen over the skin. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the human body and thought by many to have natural healing properties, including helping to prevent the signs of aging. I combined that skin treatment with a laser skin tightening therapy for some saggy skin I noticed around my neck.
Spa treatments like the ones mentioned above are popular all around the country, not just in the desert where I live. Compared to traditional plastic or cosmetic surgery, spa treatments are far less-invasive and can produce impressive aesthetic results. On the flip side, non-surgical beauty treatments may require several sessions before the desired results are achieved. For me, that is not a hard pill to swallow - being in the relaxing environment of a day spa is something I would happily incorporate into my weekly routine!
Most day spa's offer a full menu of services to help with your individual condition, the spa I attended offered 15 different treatments to their clients and had custom programs available for those with specific goals. One note: the lizard-skin replication procedure is still several years from clinical human trials, so for now, plan on sticking to more traditional treatments to treat your dry skin.
Chuck Desaul is a native to California prone to the outdoors but who finds time to write on a variety of health and wellness topics. Regarding this article, those curious about a dermatologist in Palm Springs can visit the link to learn more.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6885987

Longer cancer referral times for young, women and ethnic minorities


Overall, 77% of people were referred after one or two visits to their GP, according to data from 41,299 cancer patients in England.
Researchers said some groups faced more visits before referral.
Cancer Research UK said making the right decision could be challenging.
The vast majority of cancers are detected after patients go to their family doctor, screening and emergency hospital visits are the other routes.
Data from the 2010 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey in England showed that a quarter of patients needed to visit their GP at least three times before being sent to a cancer specialist.
Dr Georgios Lyratzopoulos, lead researcher from the University of Cambridge, said: "There is so much we can learn from studying this quarter.
"The biggest value of the study is to inform and guide future research."
Mixed message
The analysis in The Lancet Oncology showed 16- to 24-year-olds were more than twice as likely to have at least three hospital visits than the over 65s, which the researchers speculate may be down to doctors not expecting to find cancer in younger patients.
Those from ethnic minorities were also less likely to be referred quickly than white patients. Dr Lyratzopoulos said "the older you get the more ethnicity matters, particularly in middle and older age".
The data comparing men and women were more mixed with women being referred more quickly than men for some cancer types. However, overall men were referred to specialists after fewer visits to the GP.
It also said patients with some cancers were more likely to be referred sooner, possibly as they were easier to detect. Out of 8,408 breast cancer patients, 7.4% had more than three appointments before referral. For pancreatic cancer, which is harder to detect, 41.3% of 467 patients had more than three appointments.
Dr Lyratzopoulos told the BBC that harder to diagnose cancers "clearly have to become a bigger research priority".
"No fair-minded person would want to go six times, if they can go once," he said.
Jessica Harris, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: "This study highlights some of the difficulties in diagnosing cancer in primary care.
"A GP will see only around eight cases of cancer a year, on average, among hundreds of people with symptoms that might indicate cancer, so making appropriate referral decisions can be challenging, especially for rarer cancers or those with symptoms that are vague or common to other diseases.
"It's also very important for people to get to know their body and what is normal for them, and go to see the GP if they notice any persistent or unusual change and do go back if your symptom has changed, not gone away or got worse."

Antipsychotics death risk charted in dementia patients


The drugs have a powerful sedative effect so are often used when dementia patients become aggressive or distressed.
A study, published on the BMJ website, argued that antipsychotics should not be used "in the absence of clear need".
Experts said better alternatives were needed to antipsychotics.
A study in 2009, suggested 180,000 people with dementia were taking antipsychotic medication in the UK and said the drugs resulted in 1,800 additional deaths.
Data differences
Researchers at Harvard Medical School followed 75,445 people in nursing homes who had dementia and were prescribed antipsychotics.
The researchers said some drugs were associated with more than twice the risk of death than risperidone, another antipsychotic which was used as a benchmark to compare the other drugs.
The study concluded: "The data suggest that the risk of mortality with these drugs is generally increased with higher doses and seems to be highest for haloperidol and least for quetiapine."
However, the way the study was conducted meant it could not say definitively that certain drugs actually caused more deaths, merely that there was a link between the two.
The Department of Health said antipsychotic use was "resulting in as many as 1,800 unnecessary deaths per year. This is simply unacceptable."
Michelle Fraser says two years on antipsychotics had "horrendous" side effects on her father Michael Rainford
"That's why reducing the level of antipsychotics prescribing for people with dementia by two-thirds is one the key priorities in the National Dementia Strategy."
The Dementia Action Alliance - which includes the Alzheimer's Society, Age UK and the Department of Health - has called for all prescriptions for antipsychotics to be reviewed by the end of March 2012.
Dr Chris Fox, who researches dementia at the University of East Anglia, said: "This study provides an interesting insight into the differential harm of these medicines.
"More work is needed on alternatives to these medicines in dementia with behavioural problems.
"In addition, there is a need to consider duration of use in more acute situations such as severe distress. Is six or 12-week use safe in people with dementia?"
Alzheimer's Research UK's chief executive Rebecca Wood said the risks of antipsychotics were "well-established" yet "progress has been frustratingly slow" in reducing their use.
She said the drugs "should only be used for people with dementia where there is no alternative for dealing with challenging behaviour".
Dr Anne Corbett, research manager at Alzheimer's Society, said: "For a minority of people with dementia antipsychotics should be used, but then only for up to 12 weeks, and under the correct circumstances. For the majority, they do far more harm than good."


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Nasal Irrigation Health Benefits

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There's lots of benefits from nasal irrigation, especially when using a neti pot. The approach of cleaning the nasal passages by way of a small but effective pot has been in existence for centuries; originally from an traditional Hindu tradition just before Yoga sessions. The neti pot can be a fantastically natural but still practical apparatus for eliminating harmful bacteria in addition to other likely dangerous debris in the sinus area, whilst reducing symptoms from the most recurrent illnesses today.
Allergy Relief
Most allergy sufferers contract an array of symptoms through the air they breathe. With so much contaminants, much like dust, dander and pollen, floating around through the environment, it's very simple for them to get stuck along the walls of the sinus cavity, then bring about allergy symptoms by irritating the body from within. A neti pot is a great solution to maintain and protect against these typical reactions by completely cleaning the nasal pathways of any contaminants that are able to possibly harm or bring about the allergies.
Sinus Congestion and Sinusitis
With so many pathogens that could easily get trapped inside the nasal cavity, it could be quite easy to get a sinus infection or to end up having sinus congestion on a regular basis. Using a neti pot to take out all those pathogens and encouraging a healthy working system, the odds of sinusitis will diminish dramatically, in addition, pressure from sinus congestion will drop to practically nothing.
Asthma
It is possible to find a myriad of people who suffer from asthma all across the globe. While a great number of asthma cases aren't going to be so serious, there are individuals that have extremely serious issues during which even some specific prescription medications are incapable of treating the uncontrolled attacks. A good number of these medical conditions are brought on by the air and allergens within it. Nasal irrigation is meant to flush out each of the pollutants, germs and extra mucous that secures everything in the sinus passages. Despite the fact that the pot may not get rid of asthma, it will certainly lessen the sudden allergic reactions and stress from inside.
Headaches and Migraines
Much like asthma, millions of people have problems with severe headaches and migraines each day. Even though the chief cause for them is still unclear, it has been postulated that neti pots help ease and eliminate the continuous soreness and tension. Mainly because the saline solution used within neti pots is often a relaxing temperature that mimics one's body, when there is a rise in temperature inside the head from headaches, the water will in reality develop a bit of a cooling effect that has been shown to ease headaches and migraines.
Common Cold
While using a neti pot won't cure the common cold, its definitely an effective tool to assist with and clear the gloomy sensation and sinus tension in order to aid with clear breathing and congestion. By taking out the bacteria, it helps the body mend sooner whilst generating a more leisurely feeling for relaxation.
Eye Health
Although it has not been clinically proven, several neti pot fans have promoted the pot as a way to improve their vision and several other eye-related ailments. Due to the fact the eyes, ears and nose are all linked, employing a neti pot will not only cleanse the nasal pathways, but will also indirectly help clean other areas like the tear ducts from bacteria that will hinder or prevent them from properly cleansing the eyes.
Good Sleep
Good sleep is produced from many conditions, but most importantly, from correct breathing. The neti pot clears the nasal region and eliminates excess mucus that diminishes the area for air-flow, causing labored breathing. As a result this will cause unrest and difficulty for proper sleep. By consistently employing a neti pot, it's going to encourage all round health and also clear breathing for peaceful sleep.
Now that you've read the 7 health benefits of nasal irrigation, learn more about the health benefits (and cost advantages!) of using a neti pot. Also, don't forget to learn more about neti pot danger (and how to prevent it!) at the web's #1 nasal irrigation resource.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6539168

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Diabetes quadruples birth defects risk, say researchers

Injected insulin during pregnancy
Insulin can be used to control sugar levels during pregnancy 
The risk of birth defects increases four-fold if the pregnant mother has diabetes, researchers say 
The Newcastle University study, published in the journal Diabetologia, analysed data from more than 400,000 pregnancies in North East England.
The risk of defects such as congenital heart disease and spina bifida were increased.
National guidelines already recommend having good control over blood sugar levels before trying to conceive.
Both Type 1 diabetes, which tends to appear in childhood, and Type 2 diabetes, often linked to diet, lead to problems controlling the amount of sugar in the blood.
This is known to cause problems in pregnancy, such as birth defects, miscarriage and the baby being overweight due to too much sugar.
There is concern that rising levels of diabetes, particularly Type 2, could make the issue worse.
Researchers analysed data from 401,149 pregnancies between 1996 and 2008 - 1,677 women had diabetes.
The risk of birth defects went from 19 in every 1,000 births for women without pre-existing diabetes to 72 in every 1,000 births for women with diabetes.
Their report said that sugar levels in the run-up to conception were the "most important" risk factor which could be controlled.
The lead researcher, Dr Ruth Bell from Newcastle University, told the BBC: "Many of these anomalies happen in the first four to six weeks."
She said the number of pregnancies with poor sugar control were "more than we would like".
"It is a problem when the pregnancy is not intended or when people are not aware they need to talk to their doctors before pregnancy," she said.
Guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence say women should reduce their levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c - a marker for long-term blood sugar control) to below 6.1% before trying to have a baby.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Best Types of Fruits for Facial Packs

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Fruits are nature's gift to mankind for sustenance and complete nourishment. There are countless benefits of consuming fruits as a part of your diet along with incorporating fruit extracts as a part of your healthcare regime to make sure that you stay rejuvenated and full of vigor in order to get the most out of life.
Fruits contain all the necessary nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes which prevent major skin damage in your body. There are plenty of antioxidants available inside fruits which prevent skin from being exposed to the free radical factors which cause premature aging in skin.
Fresh fruit has mildly abrasive properties, which exfoliate dead cells that gather up on the uppermost surface of the skin, which keeps your skin glowing and looking fresh and healthy. Many fruit juices and enzymes have the power to replenish nutrient stores of the skin, along with restoring the correct pH balance your skin requires to be healthy.
Fresh fruits also have the ability to heal minor skin problems such as rashes, irritation or inflammation along with reducing unsightly blemishes and soothing fatigued skin. A fruit facial can make your skin appear soft and elastic which makes it look and feel much younger.
The Best Fruits You Can Have In Your Facial Pack
You should determine which type of fruit benefits your skin type in the best possible way in order to have long-lasting effects from your fruit facial. Your esthetician would know which fruits to use in your facial pack in order to achieve this effect. Some of these fruits are:
Papaya
The Papaya is soft and pulpy, which makes it an excellent ingredient for skin care. Papayas are laden in antioxidants, which have nutrients that are capable of impeding the process of skin aging. Papayas contain a valuable enzyme called Papain, which has the potency to stimulate the generation of brand new skin cells. Papain also helps in brightening your complexion, by reducing pigmentation of the skin. Papaya facial masks can reverse severe sun tans, and even effectively fix unsightly dark spots, freckles and ulcers on the skin.
Pineapple
Pineapples are full of alpha hydroxyl acids, which are a type of inorganic acid that works wonder for the skin. Alpha hydroxyl acid help enhance skin elasticity, making it softer and younger. Pineapple facials are recommended for mature skin types, as they completely hydrate the skin by dousing it with nutrients. Pineapples also contain bromelain, which is an enzyme used to treat and prevent lesions in the skin.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are those which contain citric acid, such as oranges and lemons. Citric acid can reduce skin discolorations and blemishes from the surface of the skin, giving skin a natural and healthy glow. Citrus facials are recommended for people who have oily skin, as citric acid reduces excessive oil secretion from the skin. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and hence can protect skin from the most obvious causes of skin that is prematurely aging.
We are a women owned & owner operated beauty salon in Fairfax,Virginia, specializing in eyebrow threading as well as facials and waxing. We focus on non-invasive hair removal techniques. We offer late evening & weekend appointments. We also do same day threading, waxing and facials.
http://www.Esthetictouch.com


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6856537

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Lipstick Buying Guide and Application Tips

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Lipsticks are the most simple and easiest makeup to apply. They are the best quick fix cosmetics you can easily carry and use anytime and anywhere. Lipsticks not only color your lips but they also protect your lips from drying. Reputed online cosmetic stores are selling a wide selection of senegence lipsticks that are made of safe and natural ingredients. You can choose from the liquid variety to the stick forms which are easy to apply. High quality lipsticks contain moisturizer and UV protection ingredients to keep your lips looking beautiful all through the day.
Why Choose Long Lasting Lipstick?
Lipsticks have the ability to change the way you look. They are not only fashionable, but they can give you lot of confidence as you go about with your routine. Standard lipsticks wear out faster and get transferred easily on to cups, clothing, straws, etc. This not only causes embarrassment, but you will have to keep running to the wash room for reapplication. Permanent Lip Color is designed to long last. These lipsticks make your lips look fresh and moisturizer for almost up to seven to eight hours and hence will save you all the time and trouble of carrying multiple lip care products and the need for several applications during the day. Lips Diva is an Independent distributor of Lip Sense and senegence. Lips Diva specializes in long lasting cosmetic products range that can last between 4 and 12 hours.
Tips for Applying Lipstick:
- Clean and dry your lips before applying Lip Sense, because clean lips allow for even application and smooth finish.
- Define your upper and lower lips with a lip liner in a shade darker or similar to the color of your lipstick.
- If you are using a liquid Senegence lip color, shake the bottle well and apply the color beginning at the corner of your mouth in one direction.
- Keep your lips apart while applying lipstick.
- For maximum staying power, apply three layers of Lip Sense. Wait for few seconds between the applications.
- You can use gloss over the lipstick for added shine and glamour.
Tips for Buying Lip Sense Lipsticks:
- Understand your skin tone and choose colors that will complement your skin tone.
- Lipsticks are prone to get into stomach, especially while eating or drinking. Therefore, purchase lipsticks that contain natural ingredients.
- Buy lipsticks that offer multiple benefits such as coloring, moisturizer and protection against UV rays.
- Buy from reputed online stores that sell only high quality products.
Lip Sense are non transfer lipsticks that do not get transferred on cups or clothing. They are available at online stores at affordable prices.
Ajeet Yadav is professional writer and currently writing on Lip Sense and Long Lasting Lipstick.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6855819