Health

Summer Hair Styles
By Rita Cook

It's summertime! Time to find that trendy edge that goes with hot weather and more time spent outdoors. Indeed, it's time for a new hair style.

Glen Woods at Glen Alan Salons notes that the new trend for the summer is definitely mid-length hair with lots of layers.

"Everyone has had the short swing bob, influenced by Victoria Beckham, and those people will be growing their hair out," he says. "In a fashion forward community like ours, everyone has the latest trends.

Indeed, no one wants to walk outside and see their hairstyle on everyone.
"So styles are always changing. We are always giving our clients a fresh look," Woods says.

Woods also believes people will be getting away from the whole flat iron craze leaving hair natural with more wave and movement.

"Short bangs are hot right now and cheaper than botox," he adds. "Clients are keeping their color more natural with subtle highlights with lowlights, not as much of the bleach blonde look."

At Heidi's Salon and Spa stylists there say there take on the trendiest summer looks is any version of the bob, however with more people coming into the salon for color too
"Chunky highlights and the flip are out," several stylists note in unison.

Indeed, the message seems to be the same as Danielle Arnett, co-owner at Elixir Salon & Spa concurs, "Soft blocks of color instead like lighter color falling over a dark color underneath. Very classy color palettes of blondes. Wispy, soft bobs."

Again, she says chunks and flat irons are out. "Summertime is blonde time. Our guests want that summer glow and it is easy to add a sunkissed look to hair with highlights."
Of course, television shows influence the reason that many people decide to change their look, no matter the season.

"All television shows are influencing hair right now," Woods explains. "There are so many styles that are in, long or short. People need to wear a style that is most flattering for their face shape; a good stylist should be able to direct them. Women over 40 need to stay away from long hair. The 'Desperate Housewives' look is out!"

And for men, they can have fun too.

"Men's hair can be short or shaggy, just keep it a little messy - no parts," Woods concludes.

"We’re starting to see a longer bang on men," Arnett adds. "Short sides and back with length on top and a little more free and easy, but not shaggy."

One final word to those men and women going for a new summer style, "When choosing a new style be realistic about your hair," Arnett notes. "Have a conversation with your stylist about the thickness, texture and health of your hair and what length works best. Bring pictures, but understand that hair models and celebrities all have different hair types too! "

Summer Color Trends
Straight from the Runway:

Versatile with almost anything going, but noticeable was the dirty blonde look or the platinum and even a bit of natural and feminine. Think a soft fusion of tones and look for the most subtle shading since colors that are only slightly different indeed blend harmoniously together adding both just the right depth, but the right texture too.

Cuts from the Cat Walk:

Bob was back again with strong graphic outlines. Added curves and sharp lines with a touch of asymmetry and some even wore that one side longer look or raised in the back and lower in the front. Mix lengths, add some volume by adding layers soften with wisps.
Afraid of Fringe, not the girls on the cat walk. Fringe adds elegance and makes a bold statement indeed, but soft and wispy fringes are even better. The choppy edges and strong bold lines are also hot so go for it full length or mid-length and have some fun.
Lots of Layers and it complements just about any look. There were lengths of layers with casual textures or a natural look that is free moving and subtly high lighted hair.

Crop Crazy, but keep it natural looking with movement and volume. From short unregimented lengths adding textures and bounce to the cut or broken edges and textures that use the natural flow of your own hair.

The Masculine Look for those who want to see and be seen. Called the retro 50's male rockabilly-do and of course the short & spiky punk style is fun too.

Is snoring more than a nuisance?
By Staff Writer

Loud snoring can be more than a nuisance. Snoring may be an indication of a serious health condition.

Almost half of all adults snore. Snoring occurs when air flows in a constricted airway, causing the tissues in your throat to vibrate. This vibration creates the sound of snoring.
Snoring can be a sign of a serious sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is when your airway closes while you sleep preventing you from breathing. People with sleep apnea stop breathing for more than 10 seconds. Some may even stop for over 60 seconds. These episodes occur throughout the night with some patients experiencing 40 to 400 such events per night.

This reduces blood oxygen levels. Lack of oxygen causes a brief awakening, which allows breathing to resume. These awakenings are imperceptible yet they still disrupt sleep. This is why people with sleep apnea can't get a good night's sleep, even though they may sleep eight hours each night. They wake up feeling unrested.

Medical problems associated with sleep apnea include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory problems, irritability, weight gain, and impotency. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to poor job performance and motor vehicle accidents.

According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep apnea is as common as adult diabetes, and affects more than 12 million Americans. Risk factors include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty. The vast majority of people with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed and untreated. Fortunately sleep apnea is easy to diagnose with an overnight sleep test and treatment options exist.

Treatment depends on whether you have simple snoring or snoring with sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, then treatment will also depend on the severity of your sleep apnea.

The following are treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea:

• Weight loss is important as this decreases the tissue that causes the obstruction in the throat.
• Avoid sleeping on your back. This reduces airway obstruction due to gravity.
• Avoid alcohol, muscle relaxants, and sedatives several hours before bed as they relax the muscles of the throat.
• Oral appliances custom-made by a dentist are effective in treating snoring and sleep apnea. The appliances are similar to a sports mouth guard and are worn during sleep. They keep the airway open by moving the lower jaw forward.
• Continuous positive airway pressure? CPAP is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It provides a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open as you sleep.
• Surgery may be an option if other treatments fail to improve your snoring or sleep apnea. There are many types of nasal, throat and jaw surgeries. Surgeries are used most often when a physical abnormality obstructs your breathing.
  Answering "yes" to the following questions may be an indication that you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea:
• Do you wake up every few hours during the night?
• Do you ever wake up gasping for air?
• Has your bed partner noticed that you snore loudly and that you stop breathing while you sleep?
• Do you wake up feeling tired even though you slept for 7-8 hours?
• Do you experience daytime fatigue, especially when involved in quiet activities such as driving or listening to a lecture?
• Do you have a difficult time concentrating and remembering information?
• Are morning headaches a regular occurrence? Lack of oxygen can cause headaches to be more frequent and significant upon awakening.
• Do you have high blood pressure? Half of all patients who have sleep apnea also have high blood pressure.
  

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that has a profound effect on your health and quality of life. If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea or if your snoring is affecting the quality of sleep of your bed partner speak with your health care professional.

Dr. Yaara Berdan is a dentist in Tarzana who specializes in treating patients suffering from snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliances. She can be reached at 818-881-3802. For more information you can visit her website at www.berdandds.com.