100 million Americans will be subjected to new vaccine regulations.

President Joe Biden talks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington on Thursday, September 9, 2021. In an all-out effort to promote COVID-19 vaccines and prevent the growing delta variant, Biden is introducing sweeping new federal vaccine mandates that could affect up to 100 million Americans. (Andrew Harnik/AP Photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – President Joe Biden issued sweeping new federal vaccine mandates for as many as 100 million Americans on Thursday, including private-sector employees, health-care professionals, and federal contractors, in an all-out effort to halt the spread of the COVID-19 delta strain.

Despite months of availability and incentives, tens of millions of Americans have not yet been vaccinated, according to Biden, who spoke at the White House.

“We've waited patiently. But our patience is becoming thin, and your refusal has cost us all,” he added, his words almost gnawing at him. The unvaccinated minority “can and do inflict a lot of harm.”

Biden went too far in trying to bully private companies and workers, according to Republican leaders — and some union bosses, too, indicating that legal challenges are on the way.

“Biden and the radical Democrats (have) thumbed their noses at the Constitution,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement, while American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley insisted that “changes like this should be negotiated with our bargaining units where appropriate.”

The American Medical Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Business Roundtable, on the other hand, all praised Biden's efforts to get the country vaccinated, albeit there was no mention of his mandate for private enterprises.

The laws required that all firms with more than 100 employees be vaccinated or tested for the virus on a weekly basis, affecting around 80 million Americans. In addition, the roughly 17 million workers who receive federal Medicare or Medicaid will be required to be completely vaccinated.

Employees of the executive branch and contractors who do business with the federal government will also be required to be vaccinated, with no choice to opt out. Several million more people are covered by this.

In a Thursday afternoon address from the White House, Biden revealed the new restrictions as part of a new "action plan" to address the recent surge in coronavirus cases and the slow pace of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Biden announced the country's "independence" from the virus just two months ago. Despite the fact that more than 208 million Americans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, the United States is experiencing almost 300 percent more new COVID-19 infections every day, nearly twice as many hospitalizations, and nearly twice as many deaths than at the same time last year. There are an estimated 80 million people who have not been vaccinated.

“We are in a difficult period, and it may persist for a long time,” Biden remarked.

After months of promoting vaccinations, Biden is taking a tougher stance, blaming people who have not yet had injections for the rapid increase in infections, which are killing over 1,000 people per day and jeopardizing the fragile economic recovery.

In addition to the immunization restrictions, Biden proposed doubling government fines for airline customers who refuse to wear masks on flights or follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for face covering on federal property.

He stated that the government will try to enhance the supply of virus tests, and that the White House has obtained concessions from retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger to begin selling at-home testing kits at cost this week.

Additionally, the administration is sending additional government support, including additional funds for testing, to help schools operate safely. Large entertainment venues and arenas, according to Biden, should demand vaccines or confirmation of a negative test for admittance.

A future rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will require large employers to demand vaccines or weekly testing for employees, with penalties of $14,000 per infraction, according to an administration official.

Large corporations will be required to grant paid time off for vaccinations under the rule.

Meanwhile, the Clinics for Medicare & Medicaid Services will expand a vaccination requirement for nursing home personnel that was implemented earlier this summer to include hospitals, home health agencies, and dialysis centers.

Separately, the Department of Health and Human Services will require vaccines in Head Start Programs, as well as Department of Defense and Bureau of Indian Education schools, affecting around 300,000 personnel.

According to press secretary Jen Psaki, Biden's order for executive branch employees and contractors provides provisions for anyone seeking religious or medical exemptions from immunization. Noncompliant federal employees will be referred to their agencies' human resources departments for counseling and disciplinary action, which could include termination.

According to an AP-NORC study conducted in August, 55 percent of Americans support requiring government workers to be completely vaccinated, while only 21% oppose it. Vaccine mandates for health care professionals, teachers in K-12 schools, and individuals who deal with the public, such as in restaurants and stores, were also endorsed by similar majorities.

In institutions like schools, businesses, and university campuses, Biden has pushed for COVID-19 vaccine requirements. The Los Angeles Board of Education voted on Thursday to require all children 12 and older in the nation's second-largest school system to be fully vaccinated.

Walmart, the country's largest private employer, said in late July that all employees at its Bentonville, Arkansas, headquarters, as well as its supervisors who travel within the United States, must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. However, the corporation had refrained from demanding vaccinations for its front-line employees.

In late August, CVS Health announced that certain personnel who interface with patients would be required to be completely vaccinated by the end of October. Nurses, care managers, and pharmacists are among those who fall into this category.

Several federal agencies, notably those in healthcare responsibilities like the Department of Veterans Affairs, have previously announced vaccine mandates for much of their workforce, and the Pentagon moved last month to require all servicemembers to get vaccinated. The White House believes that these rules will affect 2.5 million Americans. Nearly 2 million additional federal employees and potentially millions of contractors are expected to be affected by Thursday's decree.

Biden's actions should help, but what's really needed, according to Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, deputy dean of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, is a shift in thinking for many people.

“There is now an aspect to it that has to do with our country being so divided,” Sharfstein explained. “This has become so political that people are unable to recognize the significance of a vaccine that could save their lives. We can't stop a pandemic because of our own divisions.”

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 177 million Americans are completely vaccinated against the coronavirus, yet confirmed cases have risen to an average of nearly 140,000 per day in recent weeks, with an average of around 1,000 deaths.

The vast majority of cases of serious sickness and death are among people who have not yet been properly vaccinated. In vaccinated persons, so-called breakthrough infections sometimes occur, although they are usually much less serious.

Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services are going forward with plans to begin delivering mRNA vaccine booster doses to increase protection against the more transmissible delta version. Biden announced intentions to make them available on Sept. 20 last month, but only the Pfizer vaccine is expected to have gotten regulatory approval for a third dose by then.

The booster doses will be given roughly eight months following the second dose of the two-dose immunizations, according to officials.

The organization of the union official in the fifth paragraph is corrected in this tale.

Anne D'Innocenzio, Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, and Hannah Fingerhut of the Associated Press contributed to this story.

The oldest WWII veteran in the United States celebrates his 112th birthday.

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2019 file photo, World War II veteran Lawrence Brooks holds a photo of him taken in 1943, as he celebrates his 110th birthday at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.  Brooks celebrated his 112th birthday, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 with a drive-by party at his New Orleans home hosted by the National War War II Museum.   Drafted in 1940, Brooks was a private in the Army’s mostly Black 91st Engineer Battalion.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Lawrence Brooks, a World War II soldier, displays a portrait of himself taken in 1943 as he celebrates his 110th birthday at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on Sept. 12, 2019. Brooks' 112th birthday was marked with a drive-by celebration at his New Orleans home held by the National War War II Museum on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. Brooks was a private in the Army's primarily Black 91st Engineer Battalion when he was drafted in 1940. (Gerald Herbert/AP Photo/File)

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AP) – The oldest living World War II veteran in the United States, a Louisiana man, has turned 112 years old.

The National World War II Museum threw a drive-by party at Lawrence Brooks' New Orleans house on Sunday, according to The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. “Mr. Brooks, the entire state of Louisiana appreciates you for your service and we all wish you a joyous birthday,” said Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards in a tweet.

Brooks has previously thrown parties at the museum, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, such gatherings have been reduced to drive-by festivities for the past two years.

A Jeep parade, a live performance by the museum vocal trio, and entertainment by New Orleans musicians were among the highlights of this year's activities. Brooks' birthday was also commemorated with an official proclamation by the city.

Brooks, who was born in 1909 in Norwood, Louisiana, has lived in New Orleans since 1929. He was a private in the Army's 91st Engineer Battalion, which was stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines and developed infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and airstrips. He was drafted in 1940.

Brooks also told how he was transporting a cargo of barbed wire to the front when one of the engines on the C-47 he was flying in went out in an oral history about his service aired on YouTube.

He made his way to the cockpit after they dropped the barbed wire to save weight. He told the pilot and co-pilot that because they were the only ones with parachutes, he would grab one of them if they had to jump for it.

He laughed as he continued, "We made it though." “That made us laugh hysterically.”

Five young children, including a newborn, were orphaned after a California couple died of Covid 19 weeks apart.

With their four children, Daniel and Davy Macias Following both parents' hospitalization for Covid-19, a fifth child, a female, was born.

They cleaned down surfaces, washed after work, and even had their groceries delivered, but the virus still infected them.

Davy Macias, a labor and delivery nurse from Southern California, was seven months pregnant with her fifth child when she was admitted to the hospital with Covid-19 in early August. Daniel Macias was infected with the virus as well.

Doctors assisted Davy Macias, 37, in delivering the baby via Cesarean section while she was intubated, but she died before she could meet her child.

When Daniel Macias, 38, learnt of his daughter's birth, he was being treated at the same hospital. Nurses handed him pictures of the infant before he died of the viral complications less than two weeks later, leaving the newborn girl without parents or a name.

Terry Macias, the grandmother who is currently caring for the five children, told the hospital when they asked for the baby's name: "I'll wait for my son to name her."

Her name has yet to be revealed. For the time being, the family refers to her as Baby Girl, as did the hospital.

The little children's grandmother explains death to them.

According to Macias, the couple was unvaccinated and died on August 26 and September 9, leaving behind children ranging in age from 3 weeks to 8 years old.

She explained, "It wasn't that they didn't want to be vaccinated; they had planned on it." She was adamant that this was a personal decision, and each of them wanted to learn more about the vaccine's safety before getting it.

Terry Macias, a retired kindergarten teacher, believes her son and daughter-in-law became infected with the coronavirus following a recent family vacation to an indoor water park as a last hurrah before returning to school.

Macias was in charge of informing her grandkids after learning of their deaths. Macias said the 8-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl recognized their parents were gone, but she's not sure they realize they'll never see them again.

The couple's 3-year-old daughter told Macias she had a dream her father was coming home from the hospital when she awoke Thursday, but she later found that her father had died.

When she got the news, the toddler burst into sobs, reminding her grandmother of her dream.

"I know, sweetie," Macias responded, "but our dreams don't always come true."

Before the epidemic, a couple sold their home.

Davy and Daniel Macias sold their home shortly before the epidemic struck, and the family was forced to live with Daniel Macias' parents.

Terry Macias praised her daughter-in-law as "creative and artistic." She enjoyed keeping the kids active with crafts and games, and she frequently invited the kids from the neighborhood to join them outside.

Her son, a middle school math teacher, was "the perfect one," she said. As seen by the outpouring of support, particularly from his school community, Macias said he always had a smile on his face and was liked by everyone.

"I always felt he was the perfect boy in my heart. Seeing that others are feeling the same way is reassuring "she stated "They adored their children above all else."

The Macias family is still reeling over the loss of Davy and Daniel.

Terry Macias cried as he remarked, "We didn't see it coming." "Covid is a non-discriminatory company. It's a matter of chance, and it might happen to anyone."

Beauty Sleep's Advantages

Skin that heals more quickly

The concept of "beauty sleep" is real. Sleep allows your skin to repair itself from the day's harm. Your skin has a chance to improve as you drift off. That's why you might look bright and pink when you get up.

There are fewer breakouts.

Sleep more, and your skin will be clearer. Even in adults, a lack of sleep can create stress, which can result in pimples and blackheads. Experts discovered that when college students were worried, such as at exam time, they had higher breakouts, according to one study.

Brighter Vision

Do you want eyes that glisten? Allowing dark circles to grab the attention is not a good idea. Dark circles run in families, but if you don't get enough sleep, they might get even darker. Apply a little coating of eye cream as a primer to hide them. Then dab a dot of concealer one to two shades lighter than your skin tone on top and mix it in.

Skin Tone Harmony

An all-nighter might cause your complexion to appear pale and blotchy. Sleep promotes proper blood flow to the skin. Apply foundation if your skin is uneven when you wake up. Use a translucent powder to set it (or green-tinted powder to balance out redness).

You have a "Better" appearance!

Sure, you may not realize that you're running on fumes, but your friends, family, and coworkers will. Researchers in Sweden asked a research group to compare photos of sleep-deprived adults to those who had gotten eight hours of sleep. People who were well-rested appeared to be healthier, less fatigued, and more beautiful.

Defeat Puffiness

When your head is flat on the bed, fluid builds around your eyes, and you wake up with puffy eyes. Solution: Use a pair of pillows to prop your head over your heart during night. Do you still have bags under your eyes? In the morning, apply a cold cloth to the affected area for a minute or two.

Leave the salt out.

Reach for a slice of fruit if you're a night owl in need of a snack. Salty snacks might leave you with a puffy face the next day. Because high-salt foods lead you to retain fluid, resulting in puffiness, you should avoid them.

Make Water Your Bedtime Drink

While a glass of wine may feel relaxing, the next day you're more likely to notice dried-out skin and huge, visible pores in the mirror. Reduce your overnight drinking and replace it with plenty of water. Use a toner with zinc sulfate or aluminum in the morning to make pores appear smaller.

A Fantastic Afternoon Skin Care Routine

Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove grit, grime, and makeup. After that, apply a moisturizer. Doctors recommend using a glycerin-based eye cream and a petrolatum-based lip balm to keep delicate areas nourished overnight.

Taking a Hot Bath

One of the most effective methods for putting yourself to sleep can also benefit your skin. Before bed, take a warm bath with all the trimmings, such as bubbles, oils, and body scrubs, to raise your body temperature a little. When your body temperature drops, such as after a bath, you become tired.

Retinoids are most effective at night.

When it comes to wrinkle smoothing, retinoids (vitamin A-based skin creams) are the gold standard. Because they can make your skin more sensitive, use them at night. Using a retinol during the day can reduce your tolerance to sunlight, resulting in redness and skin marks.

Sleeping with your face up reduces wrinkles.

Do you have a pal with a flawless face? It's possible that they sleep on their back. Lines and creases in the skin are common while sleeping with your face straight on the pillow. They have the potential to become permanent over time. If you're having trouble sleeping on your stomach, try switching to satin bedding (or at least satin pillow cases). This could help you avoid wrinkles caused by lack of sleep.

Count Your Toes and Fingers!

Even if your evening regimen focuses on your face, don't forget about your fingers and toes. Apply a moisturizing shea butter lotion or a healing ointment to your hands and feet at night, according to dermatologists. Wear socks to bed to assist the lotion absorb into your feet.

Top Cellulite Treatments and Fixes

Daniel Day/Iconica

Smooth Transitions

Cellulite can be found on most women's thighs, bottoms, and bellies. It's common, but if it bothers you, there are certain things you can do to make it less obvious.

Smart Exercise

Lisa Spindler Photography Inc. / The Image Bank

Get your feet moving. It is one of the most effective treatments. Strong muscles under lumpy areas can help your skin look more even, but it won't make your cellulite go away. Try a three-part strategy: a nutritious diet, brisk exercise, and muscle-toning movements.

Consume More Raw Foods

Maximilian Stock Ltd. / Photographer’s Choice

Instead of "empty"-calorie items, eat more fiber, which may be found in whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. Calories are added by simple or "refined" carbs present in many breads, confectionery, and soft drinks. This causes fat to form, especially in places prone to cellulite.

Lose a Couple of Pounds

Tetra Images

Cellulite can affect everyone, whether they are thin or fat. However, being overweight makes it more obvious. The greatest way to lose weight if you're overweight is to lose a few pounds. However, try to lose weight gradually. Cellulite can be exacerbated by yo-yo dieting. It's possible that if you've dropped a lot of weight, it'll show up in regions where your skin is loose. Inquire with your doctor about treatment options.

Get Rid of the Habit

Every puff has an effect on your skin's blood supply. It becomes thinner and more prone to sagging. Cellulite on your arms, thighs, and bottom will be more evident as a result of this. Consult your doctor to determine which way of quitting smoking is best for you.

The Dimpled Zone should be massaged.

Give these areas a good rubdown every day for a few minutes.

When you're in the shower or applying lotion, give it a shot. Massage increases blood flow and eliminates extra fluid, making dimples less evident for a short time.

Put Products to the Test Run

Plant extract creams may temporarily improve the appearance of your skin. Caffeine-based treatments, for example, can help tighten your skin swiftly. But, would a massage or your regular moisturizer suffice? Make a test. Also, before slathering on a new product, test a small dab to see how your skin reacts.

Make Retinol Cream a Part of Your Daily Routine

Look for the phrase retinol in advertisements for firming creams. Nothing will help you get rid of cellulite. It can, however, improve the appearance and texture of your skin. The best retinol product is one that contains 0.3 percent retinol. To observe results, you must utilize it for at least 6 months. It should help hide rough spots beneath the surface of your skin by thickening the outer layer.

On a "Bottle Tan," be smooth.

A self-tanner may be beneficial if you have fair skin. On darker skin, dimpled patches are less evident. Begin by exfoliating your skin gently, then apply a self-tanning lotion to the cellulite-prone regions only. After that, spritz a tanning spray all over your body. Don't get a true tan. It will harm your skin and exacerbate the appearance of cellulite.

Support Stockings.

Support hosiery today aren't like the heavy, droopy ones your grandmother wore. Because they assist prevent cellulite from collecting fluid, if you wear them frequently, your skin should appear smoother. Your doctor or pharmacist can assist you in selecting the appropriate grade. The catch is that it may take a year or more!

Allow yourself to be pampered with a body wrap.

Visit a spa! For a short time, a body wrap can tighten and smooth your skin. The effects persist for about a day, and the price varies. A body shaper or an elastic bandage wrapped over your cellulite zones could offer you spa-like results for a fraction of the price of a spa visit.

Massage and suction work together.

Lipomassage gathers and massages your skin using a rolling suction device. Although the treatment is FDA-approved, it is also costly. It may also take a few sessions to see effects. Unless you repeat the process, the benefits are likely to fade.

Bring the Heat With Lasers and RF Lasers and radiofrequency (RF) heat your skin while also massaging and suctioning it. The treatments can make your bumps look smoother for up to 6 months in some situations. They aren't painful, but they can be costly, and you may need multiple visits.

Cellulaze Exhibits Potential

Cellulite is zapped at the source with this FDA-approved surgery. A laser is inserted beneath your skin by the doctor to decrease fat cells, cut the stiff bands that produce lumps, and thicken your skin. The effects should continue at least a year, but the long-term consequences remain uncertain. Make sure you have this operation done by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. If you're very heavy or have a lot of cellulite, it could not work for you. Consult your doctor for advice.

Success of a Single Treatment

Another FDA-approved therapy, Cellfina, claims to remove cellulite in just one session. After numbing the area, your doctor will inject a needle-sized device into your skin. They'll cut through the lumps and bumps caused by cellulite-causing bands under your skin. The modifications should persist for roughly two years. If you have loose skin or so-called "orange peel" cellulite, Cellfina won't help you.

Sources;

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1)         Daniel Day/Iconica

2)         Lisa Spindler Photography Inc. / The Image Bank

3)         Maximilian Stock Ltd. / Photographer’s Choice

4)         Tetra Images

5)         Nacivet / Photographer’s Choice

6)         Axel Leschinski / age fotostock

7)         StockFood / Colin Cooke

8)         Mirko Iannace / age fotostock

9)         Lucenet Patrice / Phototeque Oredia

10)        mana productions inc.

11)        Claudio Beduschi/Photolibrary

12)        BSIP/Phototake

13)        altrendo images / Stockbyte

14)        Tetra Images

15)        Getty Images

REFERENCES:

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: "Cellulite: An Update," "Fat Reduction: Aminophylline Cream -- ASAPS Position," "Aesthetic Surgeons Sort through Data and Hype on New and Upcoming Fat Treatments," "American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Warns Patients to Steer Clear of Injection Fat Loss Treatments," "Wise-woman's Guide to Cellulite Treatments."
Barbosa, Victoria, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Chicago.
Cellulaze: "You Have Questions, We Have Answers."
Green, J.B. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, September 2015.
International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology: "Tanning Beds."
Misbah Kahn, MD, FAAD, dermatologist; clinical assistant professor of dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College; New York.
Khan, M. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology March 2010.
Lupi, O. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007.
Medscape Education: "Topical Treatments for Fat Reduction -- Do They Work? A Best Evidence Review."
News Release, FDA
Smalls, L. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, August 2006.
U.S. Federal Trade Commission Staff Report: "Deception in Weight Loss Advertising Workshop: Seizing Opportunities and Building Partnerships to Stop Weight Loss Fraud," December 2003.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: "FDA Warns About Lipodissolve Product Claims," April 7, 2010.
University of New Mexico: "Cellulite: A Review of Its Anatomy, Physiology and Treatment."
Wanner, W. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology April 2008.
West Country Plastic Surgeons of Washington University: “Cellfina In St. Louis.”

Stretch Marks: What Causes Them and How to Get Rid of Them

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Scars Are Stretch Marks

The elastic fibers in your skin can rip if they are stretched more than they are used to in a short period of time, such as during pregnancy or a childhood growth spurt. Stretch marks are long, thin scars that appear on injured skin. They can appear in the form of pink, red, or purple streaks.

How Do You Get Them?

Stretch marks will not appear on your face, hands, or feet, but they can appear virtually everywhere else. Your belly, hips, thighs, breasts, and buttocks are the most likely places in your body to retain fat. You might also notice them on the backs of your arms or your lower back. Stretch marks may be influenced by genetics. If your mother got them on her thighs while pregnant, you're more likely to get them there as well.

They're available to anyone.

Photo by Maria Paula Vieira from Pexels

They are seen in 50 percent to 90 percent of women, but they can also be found in men. Stretch marks on the breasts, thighs, hips, or buttocks are also frequent in teen females (breasts, thighs, hips, or buttocks) and boys (lower backs or hips) during growth spurts.

They Aren't Going Away

Stretch marks, like other scars, are permanent. They fade and become a little lighter than the rest of your skin over time, and they may appear white or silvery. Remember that more than half of adults have them if you're self-conscious about them.

Weight Gain is the root of the problem.

When you're young and your body is evolving rapidly, you can get stretch marks. Stretch marks are more likely to appear the more weight you acquire and the faster you gain it. They can also be caused by rapidly gaining a lot of muscle mass, like bodybuilders do.

Pregnancy is the caUSE

During and after your sixth month, they're the most common. Stretch marks are caused by your body expanding as your baby grows, but this isn't the sole cause. Hormonal changes during pregnancy might damage your skin and make it more prone to "tearing."

Medication is to blame.

Some medications can induce weight gain, swelling, bloating, or other bodily changes that cause your skin to stretch and result in stretch marks. Hormones (such as birth control pills) and corticosteroids (which relieve inflammation in the body) are two examples. If you're worried about stretch marks because you're on a medication, talk to your doctor about what you can do.

Medical Conditions are to blame.

Stretch marks can be caused by any health condition that causes weight gain, rapid growth, or skin concerns. Physical changes caused by some medical disorders can trigger them. Problems with the adrenal glands, such as Cushing's illness, and rare conditions like Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (which alter the tissues that connect body components), for example, can increase your chances of getting them.

Can You Stop Them?

Stretch marks are thought to be influenced by heredity, but just because your parents had them doesn't imply you will. Maintaining a stable weight is one of the greatest methods to avoid them. When your skin stretches, drinking plenty of water can help prevent harm. Additionally, items that promote good skin health may reduce your chances. Consume zinc-rich foods, such as nuts and seafood, as well as foods high in vitamins A, C, and D, such as citrus, milk, and sweet potatoes.

Make an appointment with a dermatologist.

The best person to talk to regarding skin issues, including stretch marks, is a board-certified dermatologist. They can advise you on the best treatments for your skin type as well as strategies to reduce your chances of developing more. Tell them about all of your medications (including vitamins and over-the-counter meds) and any other health issues you've experienced.

Retinol products may be of assistance.

Stretch marks may be less visible with the use of retinol, a vitamin A derivative. It causes your skin cells to shed (or "turn over") more quickly and may also cause new skin to grow more quickly. The hitch is that it only works if you start using it shortly after stretch marks appear and continue to use it on a regular basis. Furthermore, the form of retinol that has been demonstrated to be effective (tretinoin) is only accessible with a prescription. Consult your dermatologist to see if it's something you should try.

Laser Therapy could be beneficial.

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, stretch marks can be made less obvious with laser or light therapy since light causes skin changes that help stretch marks blend in. They're most effective on skin with a medium tone, according to research. Laser treatments can be costly, and results can take up to 20 sessions. If you decide to go with laser treatment, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has experience with your skin tone.

Self-tanning products could be beneficial.

These creams and sprays will darken your stretch marks and level out your overall skin tone. This can make them less noticeable, especially if they're white or light-colored. It's possible that you'll have to experiment with numerous products and tints before settling on one that works best for you.

Exfoliating Ads for exfoliating treatments may claim that they reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Scrubs, buffs, and microdermabrasion (which uses a tool to remove the top layer of skin) can all help to smooth your skin. However, there is no evidence that any of these treatments work, and some physicians believe that microdermabrasion may make stretch marks worse.

Most lotions and creams are unlikely to help.

Many skin care products claim to help you get rid of stretch marks. However, there is no evidence that over-the-counter medications can repair broken elastic fibers, which are the root of the problem. Experts are also unsure whether rubbing oils or cocoa butter products can help avoid stretch marks during pregnancy. They may, however, make your stretching skin less irritating, making you more comfortable.

What Are the Health Benefits of Dried Foods?

 Is it Beneficial to Dry Food?

Jerky, fruits, and other dry foods are delicious and simple to store and consume. One of the oldest methods of food preservation is drying or dehydrating. It extends their shelf life and ensures that they are safe to eat. Food nutrition is largely unchanged, while the drying process can damage vitamins A and C. Furthermore, as food shrinks and nutrients become more concentrated, the calorie count can climb.

Jerky made from beef

The word "jerky" is derived from the Spanish word "charqui," which meaning "dried meat strips." It can be made with nearly any lean meat cut, such as beef, hog, or turkey. With roughly 9 grams of protein per ounce, beef jerky is a high-protein snack. It's low in carbs and abundant in zinc, B12, and iron, among other minerals. It contains a lot of sodium. An ounce of water provides over 22% of your daily needs. In addition, one ounce contains around 14 mg of cholesterol.

Jerky made with turkey

Turkey jerky is a high-protein snack. The weight of a 1-ounce chunk is around 11 grams. But it's also high in sodium, with roughly 11% of the daily recommended intake. Per ounce, it contains roughly 10 mg of cholesterol. Turkey jerky often has less fat, particularly saturated fat, than beef jerky. White flesh turkey jerky has less fat than dark meat, so look for it.

Jerky made from pork

Pork jerky has roughly 10 grams of protein per ounce, as well as other important elements including magnesium, iron, and folate. It also provides roughly 15% of your daily salt requirements.

Jerky made with salmon

Salmon jerky has 11 grams of protein per ounce, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help prevent heart disease and stroke. However, the picture isn't entirely rosy. It also contains roughly 21% of your recommended sodium as well as 25 milligrams of cholesterol.

Raisins

Raisins are grapes that have been dried. They're high in antioxidants, which help your cells stay healthy. In addition, they're high in fiber, iron, and potassium. During the drying process, raisins lose water and shrink, concentrating the sugar and calories that remain. Furthermore, some brands have additional sugar. There are 17 grams of sugar in a large bunch (1 ounce) of 60 raisins.

Apricots Dried apricots contain more nutrients than fresh apricots in most cases. The fiber content of a serving of 5-6 dried apricots is more than four times that of a whole fresh apricot. Fiber can help you avoid heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Dried apricots have more potassium, iron, and calcium than fresh apricots. However, they have a substantially higher calorie and sugar content. Moreover, during the drying process, they lose the majority of their vitamin A and C.

Prunes

Prunes are plums that have been dried. Except for a few vitamins, prunes are superior to plums in terms of nutrient content. Potassium, iron, fiber, and vitamin K, as well as antioxidants, are abundant in them. They are high in calories and sugar, just like other dried fruits. Prunes can also help with constipation.

Berries that have been dried

Dried berries are frequently greater in nutrients than fresh fruits, such as fiber, iron, and potassium. When the water is removed, though, the sugar and calories increase. Blueberries are noted for their antioxidant content. When they are dried, however, they lose up to half of their potent ingredients.

Vegetables that have been dried

Most veggies, from broccoli to squash, can be dried as snacks or for later use in soups or other meals. Dried vegetables, like fruit, can retain more nutrients than their fresh counterparts. However, they, too, might lose vitamins A and C as a result of drying.

Making Use of an Oven

If you don't set the temperature to 140 degrees, your food will cook rather than dry. Allow damp air to escape by leaving the door open a few inches. Put a fan outside the oven door if possible to help move the air within. You can use special trays or wrap your oven racks with muslin or cheesecloth to make trays. Items should be spread out in a single layer and turned every few hours. It will take several hours for the food to dry.

Making Use of a Dehydrator

Dehydrators save time and energy as compared to ovens. To prevent bacteria and provide the finest flavor, most vegetables should be blanched in boiling water first. Place the pieces in a single layer on a tray that has been preheated to 140 degrees. Rotate the trays midway through the drying process from top to bottom rack to let the food dry evenly. The duration varies, but it will take several hours.

In the sun to dry

Sun drying is only effective in regions where the humidity is low and the temperature is high for the most of the day. It's also solely useful for drying fruit. Cover slices with netting, cheesecloth, or another screen and place on clean racks or screens. Set up a fan to circulate air between the racks. Sun drying necessitates regular exposure to the sun and can take several days. Make sure the food is brought inside at night.

Jerky-Making Instructions

To make your own jerky, finely slice lean meat that has been virtually frozen into strips. Prepare the strips by marinating them. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for meat and 165 degrees Fahrenheit for poultry. Dehydrators rarely reach temperatures high enough to kill microorganisms. Heat the dried strips in an oven set to 275 degrees for enhanced safety. When you bend strips and they crack but don't break, they're ready. It should take a few of hours. The jerky will last for two months in the refrigerator.