I've had acne since I was about 11 (so, for about 12 years), and have tried a myriad of different treatments. For me, the most vital concepts in fighting acne are
1) follow treatment instructions to the letter
2) stop touching affected areas and picking (this is REALLY hard)
3) know how and when to experiment with different treatments, and how long you should continue a treatment before you judge its overall efficacy
When I was in my early years of severe cystic acne, I was quite young and didn't follow the directions for Retin-A as I should have (primarily, "allow skin to dry for 30 minutes before applying the gel"). My skin became extremely raw, and the pain was exacerbated by my other prescribed topical medication (benzoyl peroxide, which dries out skin). It was very red and painful, and swimming in the salty ocean on a beach vacation was probably the most physically painful event of my life. I gave up the Retin-a, but about a year ago my doctor prescribed it as part of regimen and I gave it another shot after talking to my doctor about my use of it in the past. It hasn't been a miracle treatment, but I have found it works pretty well when used properly.
Something else to add to this. PBS is adding two new channels that most state PBS systems will be broadcasting when the DTV switch is done. One is called "Create" the other is "World". Create looks to be the craft, home, food type content only more of it all the time. The "World" one is science, current affairs and history including documentaries. So even our in State PBS will have 3 channels OTA. Watching it on cable or dish we will still get one channel only.
Since we live near the borders of 3 other states OTA we can get Iowa (4 channels) MN (4 channels) SD (3 channels). If we can find a way to get Nebraska that is another 4. Granted two of the channels on each are duplicates of Create and World. We then also have at least three other channels with unique programming that is the traditional mix of shows and BBC reruns.
We also had someone give us a free to air sat dish. We need to buy a computer card and an aiming motor for it. This will get us the Nebraska channels, national PBS and some other channels.
Hey, this is an awesome article. Great news. I'm also try to see which plans is the cheapest . When you have a moment check out my Cheapest Cell Phone Plans project. Thanks.
I would rather state a strenght that is also a weakness because its more simple, less confusing, and easier to get rid of the negative aspects of a weakness. Its easier to switch to the positive aspects, and you can actually be honest.
Sorry for the double comment but i've heard online where some people literally solder a Digital (ATSC) tuner in place of the Analog (NTSC) tuner module into an older TV (cheap, too, for those with experience with a soldering iron and have parts) and make it a DTV and saving $100 off the price of a brand new DTV (which is really a digital version of a crappy cheap-o 13" TV and doesn't even have the EPG and other features of the converter boxes let alone the same picture quality)
I got the first DTV converter a few months ago, but it was a short-lived deal. it was a RCA DTA800, but it never quite worked right out of the box. it failed to hold a good signal (even on my Winegard roof aerial + 12db booster amplifier) for more than a few minutes to a half-hour. PBS was the only one it'd get reliably, and then shortly after (try 30-days after purchase, ironically) the box started doing like my laptop and crashing and freezing, then it wouldn't pull in channels at all, it would for a few seconds then all of a sudden drop to '0%'. the signal meter also stopped working in the menu and eventually it stopped powering on. unfortunately the trailer park i live in, even though i have my own unit number, is considered a business so i couldn't get a coupon so i had to shell out full-price for the plastic paperweight.
I then decided to get my living room TV with the program, and tried a Zenith box, and even with a cheap-o indoor antenna i got almost 98% on all channels available, perfect picture quality and a signal that holds its own. it's like watching satellite TV but without the problems with Dishes in bad weather. plus the 'multicasting' feature that doubles the lousy 5 locals that are full-time football now (which i am not the kind who wants to see that 24/7) so i got about 15 channels, including one called 'RTN' which is a local version of TV-Land, plays old classic shows like Knight Rider and Get Smart.
Lastly i decided to fix the original issue and chucked the RCA box in the bedroom TV for a Digital Stream brand i got at RadioShack. it blew the Zenith away in terms of reliable signal and even got more channels. the best thing about the latter two boxes (the Zenith and Digi-Stream) is that if you use an older TV that has no remote (knobs, or small portable model) it has a 'Mute' button that works through the receiver itself so you don't have to get up to turn the volume down if an annoying commercial plays, and it even has a built-in volume adjustment through the remote too, so you can turn on the TV and use the mute/vol button on the remote to compensate for the lack of such features on the TV. both my TVs were dumpster freebies so they are too old to have such features so it's wonderful. the picture looks like DVD-quality, and unlike the RCA DTA800, when/if the signal goes (if you bump the antenna or a t-storm comes through) there's no studdering like you'd get with a bad CD, it just goes blank then recovers really well once the condition is corrected.
Bottom line, i don't recommend the RCA DTA800, due to apparently a ton of faulty failures and tuners that are inferior for far-away locations like where my mobile home sits. apparently there's a lot of complaints about it online.
I recommend the Digital Stream and Zenith models, they seem to have very high-gain tuners and don't get hot when in use (which i think cripples the cheaper boxes) they're about $10 more but the extra $$$ is really worth it. plus the built-in volume/mute is nice for those using older TVs with no remote.
BTW the Digital Stream sports a full-program guide, so unlike a lot of boxes where you see what's on now and the next show coming up, you get a program guide that can view up to 12-24 hours in advance, too.
Interestingly, I've suffered from moderate acne from an early age, and it actually did clear up (as advertised) while I was taking Ortho Tricylen.
I then switched to the the birth control patch and things stayed pretty clear. But shortly thereafter I had an "adverse medical event" (read: blood clots and pulmonary embolism) that has put me on the black list for ever taking hormonal BC of any form ever again. As soon as I stopped taking hormonal BC, my acne flared up with a VENGEANCE. That was a couple years ago, and it's settled down a little, but it's still there.
So the moral of the story is--hormones are definitely a factor, but for some women, going on BC (and specifically ortho tricyclen or its generic) or switching formulations may help (the different types/regimines of synthetic estrogens and progestins can make a difference in your response).
Stories like these really touch my heart, and in a sad way, I am sorry to say. I suffered with horrific cystic acne from the time I was 12. My family was only able to afford over-the-counter treatments (Clearasil, any one? Tar soap?) I can honestly say to this day that the poor decisions I made as a teenager (drugs, alcohol, bad boyfriends), were solely based on my incredibly low self-esteem due to my skin condition, this is no exaggeration. I beg anyone with teenagers who have severe skin problems, do not waste any time, get them the medical help they need. I still had heavy acne, not to mention scars, into my mid thirties. I finally saw a dermatologist who attacked my problems with the heavy artillary (Accutane, steroids, laser) and after a lot of time and money, I finally felt like I could face the world without the world wondering why I didn't do something about the sores on my face. A lot of time wasted, that is for sure. Don't waste your time like I did. Sorry for the long rant, but this is something I feel strongly about. If you need help, get it now.
I agree with Myscha - I really wish I had had this knowledge years ago! My two cents: after years of wasted money and frazzled skin, I've come to depend on tea tree oil to kill the bacteria that causes both my cystic and nodule breakouts. That and witch hazel are the only treatments I need. Of course, I never skip cleansing and using an oil-free, cell-turnover-increasing moisturizer. All I can say is that this routine works for me. :)
I started having acne problems only once I was well into my 20s. I'm 30 now and still struggle. I've never been to a dermatologist, but may go soon based on your suggestions!
I've been on birth control pills since 19, and never even considered them to be the culprit! I've had my GYN suggest to mess with my prescription several times because she couldn't figure out why I was breaking out so bad on pills that were 'supposed' to clear up acne. I'd also been told by several doctors that your body goes through a huge hormone surge in your mid-late 20s that is just as bad (or worse) as puberty. Kind of your body saying "hello, I'm ready to make babies now....for REAL!"
I also know that my issues have a lot to do with genes as well. Both of my parents, even now in their 60s have problems with constant breakouts!
As soon as my new health insurance kicks in next month, I'll be looking into visiting a dermatologist as well as trying to find a different/convenient method of contraception!
This is a fantastic service article, Andrea. I still have problems from time to time, but back in the day when I had horrific acne, I would have LOVED to know that there were multiple kinds of acne, and as such different treatments for each. I'm sure this will help a TON of people.
Apple Cider Vinegar (and I'm sure other vinegars) got rid of itching from head lice and chigger bites that I so kindly acquired from a motel. It also removed the nits and lice nymphs (young lice) from my head. I tried the Nix shampoo, spraying perfume on my head, and using African American hair grease and wrapping my hair in a plastic bag overnight before using the vinegar method. They did smother out a louse here and there, but the vinegar wiped out the most difficult parts of having head lice, being the nits and itching.
I would like to add vinegar does not kill chiggers, but an equal part soak of bathwater and vinegar helps combat the itching. It is said that taking a hot bath or shower will kill any chiggers that are present on your skin, and wash your clothing and bedding with hot water to prevent re-infestation of both lice and chiggers.
Thanks so much for the info and link for coax cables. I have a 31 year old B & W Sears and I can't see parting with a TV that's going strong for a new one that might last 7 years. I actually brought an LCD TV yesterday. When I got got home, I discovered it needs an antenna that might not improve the current reception I have. (I can't get CBS and for some strange reason, I can only get NBC if I unplug my computer and printer.) So, I'm going to return the TV and get a converter box. Thanks for all the input on the various boxes.
Were planning for a wedding on a tight buget, we recently moved in together and have everything we need so money would be the best gift but dont want to ask for cash gifts
Simply Amazing.....I have been paying up to $6 for each hearing aid battery for my grandmother, this is a perfect solution! Thanks for the wonderful post.
I am one of those people who is happy in their job. I could go higher, there are plenty of opportunities in the company I work at, but those opportunities don't appeal to me.
Some of the reasons they don't appeal are, I don't want to be a manager, work longer hours, and have more stress.
It's never been a priority for me. Now Internet access is a different story, I may give up food and water before I give up my pipeline. An Internet connection is a much more entertaining option than cable TV.
It's going to be fascinating to see how the different forms of media survive the digital age, my bet is that newspapers and cable TV are going to suffer.
I agree. All the goals and expenses add up to, in your words, one lump sum. As the first comment noted though, thinking about it this way does require self discipline. If your "lump sum" isn't going to be big enough, which category(ies) get cut first?
I get a very similar response when people find out how much time I spend reading or going to the movies. "Well I haven't read a book in years, I wish I had that kind of time." I used to try and explain that we both had 24 hours per day and were both spending that time on activities that were priorities to us. If you don't read it's not a lack of time, it's the fact that reading simply isn't very important to you. I've pretty much given up and just smile and nod. Some people will never realize that they have choices.
I'd love to win this. I am the only girl, with three brothers who are much more at ease with all that tech stuff. I could level the playing field and maybe impress them-and my son!-with this book.
I've had acne since I was about 11 (so, for about 12 years), and have tried a myriad of different treatments. For me, the most vital concepts in fighting acne are
1) follow treatment instructions to the letter
2) stop touching affected areas and picking (this is REALLY hard)
3) know how and when to experiment with different treatments, and how long you should continue a treatment before you judge its overall efficacy
When I was in my early years of severe cystic acne, I was quite young and didn't follow the directions for Retin-A as I should have (primarily, "allow skin to dry for 30 minutes before applying the gel"). My skin became extremely raw, and the pain was exacerbated by my other prescribed topical medication (benzoyl peroxide, which dries out skin). It was very red and painful, and swimming in the salty ocean on a beach vacation was probably the most physically painful event of my life. I gave up the Retin-a, but about a year ago my doctor prescribed it as part of regimen and I gave it another shot after talking to my doctor about my use of it in the past. It hasn't been a miracle treatment, but I have found it works pretty well when used properly.
Something else to add to this. PBS is adding two new channels that most state PBS systems will be broadcasting when the DTV switch is done. One is called "Create" the other is "World". Create looks to be the craft, home, food type content only more of it all the time. The "World" one is science, current affairs and history including documentaries. So even our in State PBS will have 3 channels OTA. Watching it on cable or dish we will still get one channel only.
Since we live near the borders of 3 other states OTA we can get Iowa (4 channels) MN (4 channels) SD (3 channels). If we can find a way to get Nebraska that is another 4. Granted two of the channels on each are duplicates of Create and World. We then also have at least three other channels with unique programming that is the traditional mix of shows and BBC reruns.
We also had someone give us a free to air sat dish. We need to buy a computer card and an aiming motor for it. This will get us the Nebraska channels, national PBS and some other channels.
Hey, this is an awesome article. Great news. I'm also try to see which plans is the cheapest . When you have a moment check out my Cheapest Cell Phone Plans project. Thanks.
I would rather state a strenght that is also a weakness because its more simple, less confusing, and easier to get rid of the negative aspects of a weakness. Its easier to switch to the positive aspects, and you can actually be honest.
This will be a great money saver!! Thanks for sharing! :)
Sorry for the double comment but i've heard online where some people literally solder a Digital (ATSC) tuner in place of the Analog (NTSC) tuner module into an older TV (cheap, too, for those with experience with a soldering iron and have parts) and make it a DTV and saving $100 off the price of a brand new DTV (which is really a digital version of a crappy cheap-o 13" TV and doesn't even have the EPG and other features of the converter boxes let alone the same picture quality)
I got the first DTV converter a few months ago, but it was a short-lived deal. it was a RCA DTA800, but it never quite worked right out of the box. it failed to hold a good signal (even on my Winegard roof aerial + 12db booster amplifier) for more than a few minutes to a half-hour. PBS was the only one it'd get reliably, and then shortly after (try 30-days after purchase, ironically) the box started doing like my laptop and crashing and freezing, then it wouldn't pull in channels at all, it would for a few seconds then all of a sudden drop to '0%'. the signal meter also stopped working in the menu and eventually it stopped powering on. unfortunately the trailer park i live in, even though i have my own unit number, is considered a business so i couldn't get a coupon so i had to shell out full-price for the plastic paperweight.
I then decided to get my living room TV with the program, and tried a Zenith box, and even with a cheap-o indoor antenna i got almost 98% on all channels available, perfect picture quality and a signal that holds its own. it's like watching satellite TV but without the problems with Dishes in bad weather. plus the 'multicasting' feature that doubles the lousy 5 locals that are full-time football now (which i am not the kind who wants to see that 24/7) so i got about 15 channels, including one called 'RTN' which is a local version of TV-Land, plays old classic shows like Knight Rider and Get Smart.
Lastly i decided to fix the original issue and chucked the RCA box in the bedroom TV for a Digital Stream brand i got at RadioShack. it blew the Zenith away in terms of reliable signal and even got more channels. the best thing about the latter two boxes (the Zenith and Digi-Stream) is that if you use an older TV that has no remote (knobs, or small portable model) it has a 'Mute' button that works through the receiver itself so you don't have to get up to turn the volume down if an annoying commercial plays, and it even has a built-in volume adjustment through the remote too, so you can turn on the TV and use the mute/vol button on the remote to compensate for the lack of such features on the TV. both my TVs were dumpster freebies so they are too old to have such features so it's wonderful. the picture looks like DVD-quality, and unlike the RCA DTA800, when/if the signal goes (if you bump the antenna or a t-storm comes through) there's no studdering like you'd get with a bad CD, it just goes blank then recovers really well once the condition is corrected.
Bottom line, i don't recommend the RCA DTA800, due to apparently a ton of faulty failures and tuners that are inferior for far-away locations like where my mobile home sits. apparently there's a lot of complaints about it online.
I recommend the Digital Stream and Zenith models, they seem to have very high-gain tuners and don't get hot when in use (which i think cripples the cheaper boxes) they're about $10 more but the extra $$$ is really worth it. plus the built-in volume/mute is nice for those using older TVs with no remote.
BTW the Digital Stream sports a full-program guide, so unlike a lot of boxes where you see what's on now and the next show coming up, you get a program guide that can view up to 12-24 hours in advance, too.
Interestingly, I've suffered from moderate acne from an early age, and it actually did clear up (as advertised) while I was taking Ortho Tricylen.
I then switched to the the birth control patch and things stayed pretty clear. But shortly thereafter I had an "adverse medical event" (read: blood clots and pulmonary embolism) that has put me on the black list for ever taking hormonal BC of any form ever again. As soon as I stopped taking hormonal BC, my acne flared up with a VENGEANCE. That was a couple years ago, and it's settled down a little, but it's still there.
So the moral of the story is--hormones are definitely a factor, but for some women, going on BC (and specifically ortho tricyclen or its generic) or switching formulations may help (the different types/regimines of synthetic estrogens and progestins can make a difference in your response).
Stories like these really touch my heart, and in a sad way, I am sorry to say. I suffered with horrific cystic acne from the time I was 12. My family was only able to afford over-the-counter treatments (Clearasil, any one? Tar soap?) I can honestly say to this day that the poor decisions I made as a teenager (drugs, alcohol, bad boyfriends), were solely based on my incredibly low self-esteem due to my skin condition, this is no exaggeration. I beg anyone with teenagers who have severe skin problems, do not waste any time, get them the medical help they need. I still had heavy acne, not to mention scars, into my mid thirties. I finally saw a dermatologist who attacked my problems with the heavy artillary (Accutane, steroids, laser) and after a lot of time and money, I finally felt like I could face the world without the world wondering why I didn't do something about the sores on my face. A lot of time wasted, that is for sure. Don't waste your time like I did. Sorry for the long rant, but this is something I feel strongly about. If you need help, get it now.
I agree with Myscha - I really wish I had had this knowledge years ago! My two cents: after years of wasted money and frazzled skin, I've come to depend on tea tree oil to kill the bacteria that causes both my cystic and nodule breakouts. That and witch hazel are the only treatments I need. Of course, I never skip cleansing and using an oil-free, cell-turnover-increasing moisturizer. All I can say is that this routine works for me. :)
I started having acne problems only once I was well into my 20s. I'm 30 now and still struggle. I've never been to a dermatologist, but may go soon based on your suggestions!
I've been on birth control pills since 19, and never even considered them to be the culprit! I've had my GYN suggest to mess with my prescription several times because she couldn't figure out why I was breaking out so bad on pills that were 'supposed' to clear up acne. I'd also been told by several doctors that your body goes through a huge hormone surge in your mid-late 20s that is just as bad (or worse) as puberty. Kind of your body saying "hello, I'm ready to make babies now....for REAL!"
I also know that my issues have a lot to do with genes as well. Both of my parents, even now in their 60s have problems with constant breakouts!
As soon as my new health insurance kicks in next month, I'll be looking into visiting a dermatologist as well as trying to find a different/convenient method of contraception!
This is a fantastic service article, Andrea. I still have problems from time to time, but back in the day when I had horrific acne, I would have LOVED to know that there were multiple kinds of acne, and as such different treatments for each. I'm sure this will help a TON of people.
Apple Cider Vinegar (and I'm sure other vinegars) got rid of itching from head lice and chigger bites that I so kindly acquired from a motel. It also removed the nits and lice nymphs (young lice) from my head. I tried the Nix shampoo, spraying perfume on my head, and using African American hair grease and wrapping my hair in a plastic bag overnight before using the vinegar method. They did smother out a louse here and there, but the vinegar wiped out the most difficult parts of having head lice, being the nits and itching.
I would like to add vinegar does not kill chiggers, but an equal part soak of bathwater and vinegar helps combat the itching. It is said that taking a hot bath or shower will kill any chiggers that are present on your skin, and wash your clothing and bedding with hot water to prevent re-infestation of both lice and chiggers.
Thanks so much for the info and link for coax cables. I have a 31 year old B & W Sears and I can't see parting with a TV that's going strong for a new one that might last 7 years. I actually brought an LCD TV yesterday. When I got got home, I discovered it needs an antenna that might not improve the current reception I have. (I can't get CBS and for some strange reason, I can only get NBC if I unplug my computer and printer.) So, I'm going to return the TV and get a converter box. Thanks for all the input on the various boxes.
Were planning for a wedding on a tight buget, we recently moved in together and have everything we need so money would be the best gift but dont want to ask for cash gifts
I have tons of Cd's that need some help.....guess I will get to work, thanks for the solution!
Simply Amazing.....I have been paying up to $6 for each hearing aid battery for my grandmother, this is a perfect solution! Thanks for the wonderful post.
Bottled Water is a prime example of the power of Marketing.
I am one of those people who is happy in their job. I could go higher, there are plenty of opportunities in the company I work at, but those opportunities don't appeal to me.
Some of the reasons they don't appeal are, I don't want to be a manager, work longer hours, and have more stress.
My motto is 'Work to live, not live to work.'
I've never had cable and I think I never will.
It's never been a priority for me. Now Internet access is a different story, I may give up food and water before I give up my pipeline. An Internet connection is a much more entertaining option than cable TV.
It's going to be fascinating to see how the different forms of media survive the digital age, my bet is that newspapers and cable TV are going to suffer.
I agree. All the goals and expenses add up to, in your words, one lump sum. As the first comment noted though, thinking about it this way does require self discipline. If your "lump sum" isn't going to be big enough, which category(ies) get cut first?
Cheers,
Ken
I get a very similar response when people find out how much time I spend reading or going to the movies. "Well I haven't read a book in years, I wish I had that kind of time." I used to try and explain that we both had 24 hours per day and were both spending that time on activities that were priorities to us. If you don't read it's not a lack of time, it's the fact that reading simply isn't very important to you. I've pretty much given up and just smile and nod. Some people will never realize that they have choices.
I really need this book. My husband works in IT and alot of the time I have no idea what he's talking about when he talks about work. Thanks!
I'd love to win this. I am the only girl, with three brothers who are much more at ease with all that tech stuff. I could level the playing field and maybe impress them-and my son!-with this book.
Nah. I disagree completely.